Choosing a monopod

[joey]

Tripod – is not always needed. Besides, it’s awkward to carry it with you around. Therefore, I’ve opted for a monopod.
Which model and from which trader I should buy one?


Thanks!

[fozzie]

joey - what is your budget, and do you have a preference for aluminium or carbon fibre

fozzie

[joey]

Fozzie,

My budget is around $150.
I have never handled a monopod/tripod made of carbon. I can’t comment.
My preference is for one which is well built and not bulky.

[fozzie]

joey - okay then. Now I would go to Diamond's and Ted's in Rundle Street, and Diamond's in Hutt Street (Formerly Photographic Wholesalers) and see what model suits your height and budget, and purchase on-line or ebay to save a few dollars or buy a better quality for the same cost of budget set.

fozzie

[Killakoala]

You'll need a head for it too. Unless you only shoot subjects completely perpendicular to the ground. If you want to shoot up or down then you will need a head of some sort.

The Manfrotto 234 is an example of what I mean.

http://www.centre.net.au/Manfrotto_234_ ... 006Q5.html
You can find them cheaper than at this website.

Others prefer a pistol grip style.

http://www.centre.net.au/Manfrotto_222_ ... 007XH.html

Some even use a really small ballhead.

http://www.centre.net.au/Hama_38mm_Ball ... 007XH.html

I prefer the first one as it provides a more stable mechanism.

Don't forget the often overlooked part of the monopod, the release mechanism. Gitzo's and Benro's have a twist grip whereas Manfrottos have a quick release clip. I prefer the quick release clip.

Quick release.
http://www.centre.net.au/Manfrotto_680_ ... 007XF.html

Twist release.
http://www.gitzo.com/webdav/site/gitzo/ ... 3_main.jpg

[bwhinnen]

I ended up with a Manfrotto 681B. I didn't bother with a head just yet as I use the 70-200 on it and just loosen the collar up a bit.

The 681B might be a bit heavy for a walk around pod, but I liked the sturdiness for what I do. The 679(B) would be a great choice. Nice and light yet still sturdy enough for most things.

Brett

[Killakoala]

Mine is a Manfrotto 680B with the aforementioned 234 swivel head. As a combination it makes a great defensive weapon. There's a lot of weight in it.

[Jeff]

I also have a Manfrotto 680B monopod which I use with a D200 and 300 lens ,and works fine. I hope this helps.

Jeff

[Yi-P]

Got the 680B + 234 head as well, works well with a 300 lens and a D2H mounted on top with no hassle.

It weights a little bit extra than others, but its so solid that can be a defensive weapon.

Folds down to ~0.5m and extends up to ~1.75m on full. It fits my height just right...

[greencardigan]

Are there any monopods that will fit a lanky 6'4" person.

Or am I destined to keep bending over.

[joey]

Thanks everyone!

680 it will be with 234 head. Or, 681?

[Yi-P]

Thanks everyone!

680 it will be with 234 head. Or, 681?

The 680 folds down with 4 steps. The 681 in 3 steps.

They both I believe extends to about the same height, but the 680 is much more compact. Some people say with 4 steps of height adjustment is just bit annoying and not too stable, and the 3 steps is just right.

I just went for the 680 because I can pack it into my luggage and the 681 is too long to fit.

[joey]

Thanks Yi-P.

Have placed an order with Quality Camera for 680 model and 234 head.

[joey]

Thumbs up for Quality Camera. I placed the order online yesterday. I have received the parcel today.

[adam]

How to choose a monopod based on your height?
I mean, is there a rule of thumb?

[Yi-P]

How to choose a monopod based on your height?
I mean, is there a rule of thumb?

Mount the camera and head on the monopod, extend it fully. If you don't have to bend down to look into the viewfinder, you're fine.

With the test method mentioned above, my monopod+head+camera extends beyond my height... im not tall at all, thats why...

[matt-chops]

Are there any monopods that will fit a lanky 6'4" person.

Or am I destined to keep bending over.

Mate, I'm 6'3 and I use a Manfrotto 681B, without a head on it, and my 400D and its maybe 2-3cm too short. If you had a swivel head, that would just about make up the difference to your height I think. Pretty close anyway.

[Aussqueezer]

Timely thread. Was about to ask the same question