Is there a right/wrong Monopod?

john t

john t

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John
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Just purchased a 70-200 f2.8, (non IS) which has prompted the need for a monopod. Any recommendations of which one or things to look out for.

thanks in advance
 
Most are up to the basic job but you may have some extra needs. As long as it's tall enough and can hold the weight of the kit atop it, it should be OK. Extend the leg fully and put some weight on it by pushing down, if the clamps allow slippage, I would look elsewhere! Personally, I have a Manfrotto Aluminium one with one of their 234 heads on it which gives me the same QR platform as all my other supports.
 
+1 on being tall enough. If it is not tall enough it can be a real pain in the neck.
Also being able to adjust it when the monopod is wet or your hands are wet helps a lot (Lever locks instead of twist locks).
I use a Manforotto 679B or 680B without heads.
 
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I don`t understand why people use heads on monopods,anyone care to enlighten me?

Both mine have a QR adapter on that Hoppy uk linked for me. Basically just a plate that screws on so the you can use arca type plates. Why the need for a ballhead on a monopod?
 
I use a head for a couple of reasons. Primarily because it allows a little flexibility as far as the angle goes, as well as allowing me to switch orientation when using lenses without collars. Also since the cost of the head C/W QR platform & plate was little more than a platform & plate. I also use the monopod as a height and reach extension and the head allows shots that simply screwing the camera onto the 'pod wouldn't.
 
I use a Manfrotto monopod - one of the aluminium range, which I find helpful on occasions when I need support, but I can't pan with it as you see some people doing, I find it very restrictive in this case...
 
Why do you think you need a monopod? In all honesty, something as light as the 70-200 2.8 non-IS should easily be handholdable.

I didn't pick up my first monopod until I bought the 400mm 2.8, and trust me you need some support with that monster!

If you're certain you need a monopod/want to try one, buy a very cheap one and try it out. If you get on with it, update/upgrade, if you don't use it you've not wasted too much.

In terms of head, I simply use an RRS clamp attached to the top of my monopod which clamps on to the RRS Arca style foot on the 400mm.
 
You really don't need to spend much on a monopod, they're nothing like tripods in that respect - £30-40 max. Spending a lot more on a carbon jobbie is a waste of money IMHO as the difference in weight is tiny.

Consider the height, and if you go birding or shoot aircraft, you'll need one that can put the camera above your head. You can do without a head very well if your the main use is for maybe panning sport/action with the camera horizontal, or are just using the monopod to take the weight of a heavy lens. But for shooting at an angle up or down, and for switching to vertical framing, you'll need some way of doing that. Some people like ball-heads for this, others go for a custom monopod head.
 
There's 3 types, extending stick, which is 99% of em
Mogostick or mogopod, by carry speed that's a bit fancy
And manfrotto one that feet and a ball joint at bottom, which is very good
Benro might do ball n feet too
 
Guys
The reason for the monopod was for low light situation e.g church. I've only just got the lens, so perhaps I can see what the limitations are without the monopod before committing to anythings.

Thanks for all your advice
John
 
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