Monopod advice please

Lesley

Lesley

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Lesley
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I am going on holiday to Rome at the beginning of next month and am contemplating buying a monopod to take with me. Having looked at what is available I am now unsure what to get. Some have quick release swivel heads but are heavier and bulkier to carry which is a key concern for site seeing but is it pointless buying one without? Will a monopod be of any use with the camera screwed directly into the top? As you can tell, I have never used one before and am feeling very ignorant.:thinking: Any advice gratefully recieved.
 
I have a Manfrotto 679 which is pretty lightweight and very well constructed. I use it mainly for Motorsport and Nature, but it doesn't have a swivel head.

Some may say you should look at getting one with a swivel head, others might say not to bother. Me personally think it would be a good idea because you are able to focus on things higher than if you didn't have a swivel head. If you are travelling this might be usefull.

But also, what lenses are you looking to use alongside the monopod? It may become a pain to carry around if you only have say an 18-70mm lens on your body!

They best come into play on lenses over 200mm IMO
 
Thanks for the speedy replies. :)

I mainly use an 18-300 telephoto with my Nikon body so nothing too heavy. I have, however, recently injured my right hand and will only just have come out of the splint by the time we go so am struggling with the weight of the camera a bit.
 
OK, normally I would say there is absolutely no reason to use a monopod, but if you're nursing an injury then this would be an exception. A quick release head however is great and doesn't add too much in terms of weight compared to a normal monopod head.
 
I use this one with a Manfrotto 679B (cheapish) monopod, the head weighs only 270g and will carry up to 2.5kg, certainly does everything I want it for including QR plate. The seller is reliable too and has always given me good service.
 
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I recently ordered a Giottos 3270B and had the dilemma of should I or should I not get a head for it. The monopod is on it's way to me right now without a head, so I'll try that first and see how I get on.

The 3270B gives a maximum working height of 170cm without head/camera, which should be fine for me at 6 foot. They also do a 3290B which gives a maximum working height of 190cm without head/camera. Both have good reviews and are available with free delivery from Amazon.
 
buy a swivel head - it will do your head in not having one especially sight seeing. ideally get one with a QR. Trev4's suggestion looks like a good bet at that price.

also +1 for the 679B (which, if you shop around, comes with a free swivel head)
 
I think that for your current needs it will suffice.

Assuming you are only using it for what you sate and not expecting to purchase a 600 F4 soon..........:D
 
I personally dont use a head on my monopod but if I do its a manfrotto 222 joystick. To me though I find the job of stabilisting the camera is done without a head, admitedly tricker to handle.
 
Just having a look through these monopod threads...

My dilemma is do I buy a head, looking the Manfrotto 679. So at least I can buy one after if I need it.

The use will be motorsport. Nikon D90, 75-300 the old school one!

Found had to use very high shutter speeds just to stop camera shake at 300mm. Mainly though video is just a no go without one really. I could get away with it previously with my d40 and lighter plastic lens and 200mm.

Shooting video I would be static, as it's m/f not easy to follow something around.

I'm off to wsb qualifying at Silverstone at the end of the month, roving pass + paddock pass.

Main worry is it's not quick release without a head, although in reality I would imagine using the pod when I'm static at a corner. Then handheld for padock/closer shots.

Any advice would be welcome.


Thanks


Jon
 
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