Monopod - Manfrotto 689B

[Steep]

I just wanted to say, if you haven't seen one before... FLIPPIN ECK!

My old slik monopod seems a bit frail under the 500mm lens so I decided to buy something sturdier and after reading a few posts on here and looking about I settled on the 689B, got it 'as new' off ebay.
I'm not sure what I expected even having read up on it (the slik is about 1.5cm diameter at it's widest) when I took it out of the box I couldn't believe the size of it, it's a good fistful at the top and even the thinnest part is way thicker than the old slik. I was worried that the Kood ball head I bought would look stupidly big on it but it fits very well, the two together are a pretty hefty weight though, perfect for fending off over enthusiastic PCOs

I'm 6ft and have to lower the height of the pod+ball head 2 or 3 inches to take the camera down to eyeheight so plenty of leeway.

 

[frank]

If its anything like the 679b then its also good for wannabe muggers, that'll leave a lump or two on their head :bonk:

 

[George]

I just bought a 694 for the dreaded 500, but I'm not planning on getting a head, you guys think it's really necessary?

 

[Steep]

Not necessary maybe but it gives you more options, like adjusting for verticals, shooting in portrait orientation, angling the camera up when shooting something in the sky.

 

[George]

Yea, only really planning to use that one with the larger telephoto/500 so will have a bash then see if I need one.

 

[mho]

Ive not got a head as such on mine, just a long quick release plate, I tapped the centre fixing hole out for 3/8-16" and lock tighted the plate to the monopod with studlock, so I can mount the lens straight from the gimbal to the monopod without having to screw it in first, also makes getting a balance point easier. And its quicker to mount / remove.

With the plate on it makes it nice for belting people who may want to nick your gear.

 

[h4rri]

Ive not got a head as such on mine, just a long quick release plate, I tapped the centre fixing hole out for 3/8-16" and lock tighted the plate to the monopod with studlock, so I can mount the lens straight from the gimbal to the monopod without having to screw it in first, also makes getting a balance point easier. And its quicker to mount / remove.

With the plate on it makes it nice for belting people who may want to nick your gear.

Which quick release plate did you use? Looking at the Wimberley system and it looks good. Haven't seen anyone else do them. Where did you source it from?

 

[mho]

Which quick release plate did you use? Looking at the Wimberley system and it looks good. Haven't seen anyone else do them. Where did you source it from?

I use Jobu designs - Long Quick Release Plate its 4" long

I just happen to have a new one for sale in these forums (A left over from an un-started project), to use it on a monopod it just needs tapping out 3/8"-16 Thread (AKA, 3/8" UNC, it can be done 3/8" BSW but the thread pitch is slightly different, wont make any difference though)

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=71318