Monopods

[Freako]

Sorry if this is on the wrong forum, newbie you see. Anyone recommend a half decent monopod not too exspensive?

[Nigel Addecott]

I looked at a number of 'budget' monopods and to be honest none were all that good,of the cheapies a Jessops (can't rememberwhich one) was ok,I ended up with a Slik propod 600,a bit heavy,but rock solid,I paid £21 on a certain auction site & its is brand new!!.

[Roy C]

I use a Manfrotto 680B Monopod with 234RC head with my 400mm f5.6 - great combo :t:

[RAH]

I agree with Roy, that's a good combination. I think that the Manfrotto 679B is better (I switched from a 680 to a 679 awhile ago). The difference is that the 680 is more compact when it is fully collapsed (they both are about the same in max height). But the 680 is fatter, heavier, and slower to deploy because of this - it has 4 tube sections instead of 3. The 679, with just 3 sections, is quite long when it is collapsed, but I find that this doesn't really matter, and the lower weight is worth the extra carrying length. But either one is very good, and the 234RC head is real fine.

Both will seem pretty robust compared to some of the cheaper skinny monopods like the Slik Easypod and the like, but to use a monopod properly you have to kind of lean on it and put pressure on it, so I think it is better to have a fairly sturdy one.

[Roy C]

but to use a monopod properly you have to kind of lean on it and put pressure on it, so I think it is better to have a fairly sturdy one.
I would agree with this - I try to press down on the lens over the pod mounting point, it certainly helps.

[studh]

I use a cheap Monopod when travelling really 'light'.
Otherwise I use a Manfrotto 680B Monopod with 234RC Head.
See here .......
http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~5459~categoryid~213.html
They're just over £60 but it's worth paying that bit extra.

[gochasco]

I I use a Manfrotto 680B Monopod with 234RC Head.
See here .......
http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~5459~categoryid~213.html
They're just over £60 but it's worth paying that bit extra.
I splashed out on the head with a kirk quick release clamp. See here https://www.photoproshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/25/products_id/426
Well worth the extra as I can use it with my lenses, all of which have wimberley plates.

[stu78]

I like to take shots with at least 1/1500 shutter speed and a recent trip to the woods gave me 1/500 at best even with ISO 800. How many stops can I realistically hope to gain with a good quality monopod like the one mentioned in this thread?
I am using the Canon 400 f5.6 lens so no IS.
Cheers,
Stu

[Roy C]

I like to take shots with at least 1/1500 shutter speed and a recent trip to the woods gave me 1/500 at best even with ISO 800. How many stops can I realistically hope to gain with a good quality monopod like the one mentioned in this thread?
I am using the Canon 400 f5.6 lens so no IS.
Cheers,
Stu
I also use the 400mm f5.6 with a monopod on occasions and can get sharp shots down to 1/125 sec. But then again I can get sharp shots hand held at 1/500 sec so I guess it is down to the individual. With good monopod technique I reckon it is worth 2 stops.
I mostly hand hold the lens but do use a monopod when I have a 1.4tc attached.

[RAH]

Here is a link to an excellent article on monopod technique. I prefer option 3. As you can see, it requires putting sideways pressure on the monopod, which requires a pretty sturdy monopod. I agree that you can pick about about 2 stops. A monopod is also useful just as a support for the camera, instead of having to hold all the weight yourself.

http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

[David Smith]

Here is a link to an excellent article on monopod technique. I prefer option 3. As you can see, it requires putting sideways pressure on the monopod, which requires a pretty sturdy monopod. I agree that you can pick about about 2 stops. A monopod is also useful just as a support for the camera, instead of having to hold all the weight yourself.

http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

Nice one Rah-It's a good site, I have saved it to favourites for some reading. Most is basic/obvious but much is helpful.

[mrmarklin]

Sorry if this is on the wrong forum, newbie you see. Anyone recommend a half decent monopod not too exspensive?

No I can't. But then I don't know your definition of inexpensive.o:D

You can't do better IMHO than the Manfrotto Neotec 685B. This is super easy to use in the field with a pistol grip and no fiddly knobs.

My only complaint would be that it folds up fairly longish.

[condyk]

Yeah, the Neotec is great design and very fast, but long and heavy and that's why I got rid of it. The manfrotto 680 is also very good and a safe buy. But I just picked up a Slik Pro 600 that someone else mantioned above: nice weight, goes small so easy to pack, rigid, strong, easy to put up and take down. Very happy and it is cheap too ;-)