Suggestions for a first monopod for a 5D3...?

[cayenne]

Hi all,

I've got a tripod coming my way...but I'm thinking I'd like to get a good starter monopod too...both for stills, and maybe even for some video, I have a small concert venue I may be shooting this weekend...small and crowded, no flash...low light and was thinking a nice mono pod might be handy.

Looking for something that will be nice, but not break the bank.

My tripod coming in is a deal I got on a manfrotto:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V7H8R0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

I think this comes with a quick release plate...does the monopod also work with quick release? If so..maybe getting one of the manfrotto ones might make for a good, interchangeable system for me?

But looking for any recommendations....regardless of brand, looking for reasonable noob cost.

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

 

[wickidwombat]

i just picked up one of these, its pretty solid and light

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/220926157059?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

[gjoyce3]

Get a good carbon fiber pod. I used to use a Manfrotto aluminum unit and after upgrading to a Gitzo (GM2541), I realized how much difference a few ounces make on a long hike. You may want to check out the Feisol brand - I have heard good things about them and they are less than half the price of the Gitzo.

Most monopods do not come with a quick release plate, but it is fairly easy to add one. Manfrotto makes a nice tilting monopod head with quick release plate that is actually very nice for the price.

Overall, I would say that having a quick release plate is a necessity, but the tilt feature while nice and adding a lot of convenience, may not be necessary depending on what you are shooting.

Good luck!

 

[cayenne]

Hello all,

Resurrecting this a bit....I just got my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, and WOW...it is heavy.

I'm thinking a long day at a fest (and we have tons of them down here in New Orleans) I would think a good monopod would be good to have when lugging this lens and my 5D3 around all day.

Any other recommendations? I have a manfroto tripod and the quick release plate for that...would anyone recommend a good manfroto monopod model, that might work with the same plate system?

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

 

[Axilrod]

This is without a doubt the best video monopod I've ever used: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/737980-REG/Manfrotto_561BHDV_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod_W_Head.html

 

[Axilrod]

Hello all,

Resurrecting this a bit....I just got my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, and WOW...it is heavy.

I'm thinking a long day at a fest (and we have tons of them down here in New Orleans) I would think a good monopod would be good to have when lugging this lens and my 5D3 around all day.

Any other recommendations? I have a manfroto tripod and the quick release plate for that...would anyone recommend a good manfroto monopod model, that might work with the same plate system?

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

Yeah make sure you mount that 70-200 on the tripod and not the body, you dont want all that weight pulling on the mount.

 

[cayenne]

This is without a doubt the best video monopod I've ever used: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/737980-REG/Manfrotto_561BHDV_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod_W_Head.html

Thank you for the quick reply.

I was trying to figure out the pro/con of a monopod that had 'feet' on them....I mean, I know you'd never leave your camera standing on the feet un-attended....

So, was wondering, are they actually a help for anything? Ever a hindreance?

Is it perm. attached, or something that comes on / off easily?

Thanks in advance!!

cayenne

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Hello all,

Resurrecting this a bit....I just got my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, and WOW...it is heavy.

I'm thinking a long day at a fest (and we have tons of them down here in New Orleans) I would think a good monopod would be good to have when lugging this lens and my 5D3 around all day.

Any other recommendations? I have a manfroto tripod and the quick release plate for that...would anyone recommend a good manfroto monopod model, that might work with the same plate system?

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

Yeah make sure you mount that 70-200 on the tripod and not the body, you dont want all that weight pulling on the mount.

Yes, get a QR plate designed for the lens and keep it in place.

I'd get a monopod that had a simple ball head and the same QR plate as your tripod.
First, consider if you want to switch to the much more universal Arca Swiss style QR plates. Your Manfroto head can be adapted to take them, mine is. Then, in the future only buy heads that accept Arca Swiss compatible plates. That opens you up to a much wider range of options rather than being tied to Manfroto.

 

[Loswr]

Yes, get a QR plate designed for the lens and keep it in place.

I'd get a monopod that had a simple ball head and the same QR plate as your tripod.
First, consider if you want to switch to the much more universal Arca Swiss style QR plates. Your Manfroto head can be adapted to take them, mine is. Then, in the future only buy heads that accept Arca Swiss compatible plates. That opens you up to a much wider range of options rather than being tied to Manfroto.

+1 - I started with the Manfrotto RC2 system, and it was a weak link. There's a bit of play still when the plate is locked, which makes fine positioning on a tripod/ballhead a challenge sometimes.

I had a Manfrotto 694CX monopod with a 234 tilt head. The head is fine for lenses up to your 70-200/2.8 (I used it frequently with a gripped 7D 100-400). The 234 head comes in two flavors, one with an RC2 clamp, the other with just a 1/4"+3/8" reversible stud. I got the latter and put a Wimberley C-12 clamp on it for quick release with Arca-Swiss plates (a Wimberley P-20 on my 70-200/2.8, I now have a mix of Wimberley and RRS plates on all collared lenses).

Also, consider a Blackrapid strap for when you're carrying the lens around all day - much better than a neck strap. Attach the BR strap to the lens plate (if Manfrotto RC2, get the BR FastenR-T1 to replace the Manfrotto D-ring, if using an Arca plate, get a small clamp like the Kirk QRC-1" and connect the BR lug to that).

 

[RustyTheGeek]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387806-REG/Manfrotto_685B_685B_NeoTec_Monopod_Deluxe.html

I have one of these because it will adjust up and down easily. Keep in mind however that it's a bit heavy and it doesn't compress down as small as others. I like it for it's intended purpose though. In your case, I think I might prefer to just go lighter and use my Black Rapid strap. Unless it's going to be super dark, (then you should just use a super fast prime), consider taking a lighter 70-200 f4 telephoto or maybe the 24-105. Or there's the other carbon fiber monopod option! Let us know what you end up doing. Sounds like some fun shooting whatever you decide!

Rusty

 

[cayenne]

Yes, get a QR plate designed for the lens and keep it in place.

I'd get a monopod that had a simple ball head and the same QR plate as your tripod.
First, consider if you want to switch to the much more universal Arca Swiss style QR plates. Your Manfroto head can be adapted to take them, mine is. Then, in the future only buy heads that accept Arca Swiss compatible plates. That opens you up to a much wider range of options rather than being tied to Manfroto.

+1 - I started with the Manfrotto RC2 system, and it was a weak link. There's a bit of play still when the plate is locked, which makes fine positioning on a tripod/ballhead a challenge sometimes.

I had a Manfrotto 694CX monopod with a 234 tilt head. The head is fine for lenses up to your 70-200/2.8 (I used it frequently with a gripped 7D 100-400). The 234 head comes in two flavors, one with an RC2 clamp, the other with just a 1/4"+3/8" reversible stud. I got the latter and put a Wimberley C-12 clamp on it for quick release with Arca-Swiss plates (a Wimberley P-20 on my 70-200/2.8, I now have a mix of Wimberley and RRS plates on all collared lenses).

Also, consider a Blackrapid strap for when you're carrying the lens around all day - much better than a neck strap. Attach the BR strap to the lens plate (if Manfrotto RC2, get the BR FastenR-T1 to replace the Manfrotto D-ring, if using an Arca plate, get a small clamp like the Kirk QRC-1" and connect the BR lug to that).

Hm...well, I'm in a bit of confusion...will have to research more, etc.
Wish there was a really good camera store here locally, so I could see all these different options in person.

I was about to go for that manfrotto earlier in this thread..but with info in this AND my Quick Release plate thread....I need to sit and think where I wanna to.

The ArcaSwiss type seems the way to go, but I can't really do that with that manfrotto monopod which has a different plate system than even the manfrotto tripod I got.....grrrrrrr

So...trying to figure what to do with so many variables....but this is the time to figure it out, before I get in much deeper.

C

 

[titokane]

This is without a doubt the best video monopod I've ever used: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/737980-REG/Manfrotto_561BHDV_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod_W_Head.html

+1 I have this Monopod and it superb + it has the 501PL quick release plate, as I also have the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 701HDV head, I can switch across between them. I'm probably going to get a 055MH05-Q5 Manfrotto ball head after xmas and that also uses the 501 quick-release plate (you can buy extra plates for around 21 euros or <$30, if you wanted to use them for lights, speedlites etc. or if you wish to keep one permanently o your new 70-200 and another on your DSLR)

I can also vouch for the 561BHDV-1. It's really a tremendous thing (though a bit pricey) and it works with the 501 QR system I use on my tripod -- a HUGE benefit. Quick release plates are much more useful when you can change between stabilizers quickly.

Which is why instead of the 561BHDV-1, I'd recommend the 560B-1. It uses the same QR system as your tripod. Only downside is that it doesn't have the video head, but my first monopod didn't either and it was still a fantastic tool for photo and video alike. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/434422-REG/Manfrotto_560B_1_560B_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod.html

I wasn't sure about the feet at first, but the first time you use a monopod with a fluid cartridge and feet your mind is completely blown. Also, I've used the RC2 based monopod with an XH-A1 on top boomed over a crowd and never had any fear about stability. Lock it down tight and you should be ok.

 

[RustyTheGeek]

Not to knock anything so far and maybe I missed it but what light are you shooting in? Night or day? Because I rarely use a monopod anymore, esp if I'm walking around all the time, even at night. (For stills that is.) Are you shooting video per chance or just stills? People on stage perhaps? I can hand hold down to 1/15 - 1/25 if I'm lucky or can find a pole or something to lean against. And even then the rest of the world has to cooperate and be still for me. I'm just trying to imagine the situation where you are walking around an outdoor fair with friends and you're carrying a big camera, big lens and all of it attached to a monopod along with possibly a backpack. Sounds a bit tiring if you ask me. And how are you going to carry your beer and turkey leg???

 

[sagittariansrock]

Hello all,

Resurrecting this a bit....I just got my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, and WOW...it is heavy.

I'm thinking a long day at a fest (and we have tons of them down here in New Orleans) I would think a good monopod would be good to have when lugging this lens and my 5D3 around all day.

Any other recommendations? I have a manfroto tripod and the quick release plate for that...would anyone recommend a good manfroto monopod model, that might work with the same plate system?

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

I was in the same situation- I have the Manfrotto RC2 system and after I bought my 70-200 I also got the BlackRapid Tripod connector (or is it fastener?) exclusively for the lens- so I was also looking for a cheap compatible monopod.
I picked up a used 3216 ( I think it's called the 679B nowadays). I think it costs ~80 with the ballhead (or a tilt-head maybe). It feels sturdy enough, and I don't plan to tax that ballhead much since it's a monopod after all...
I agree with Neuro that the RC2 ballhead has play. The 49X series might be better as they have a friction control knob (first-hand experience, anyone?). Manfrotto is not a permanent solution but I guess it will have to do for now.

 

[bycostello]

anything manfrotto....

 

[dlleno]

lots of choices out there, but depending on your expected utilization consider jumping straight to the gitzo. the quick release system is just, well, what can I say. Also don't forget to consider that actual monopod length needs may be longer than you might think at first glance, and if you are tall that could narrow your choices. it certainly did for me .

1. if you expect to point your camera upward (into trees for example), the monopod needs to be tall enough so that you can look up into the camera viewfinder with lens pointed where you want it.

2. you can acheive greater stablity by putting the monopod behind one foot. that means the monopod has to be about as tall as you are.

heads -- personally I'm not a fan of ballheads on a monopod (too much freedom of movement when you can rotate the monopod itself) but a great many others like it, so consider researching that further. I just prefer the restriction of the two-axis head from RRS. In fact I brought in a modified manfroto 234 head (name escapes me) and sent it right back and ordered the RRS -- which by the way I found to be expensive but wahoo does that piece ever perform on the gitzo.

 

[K3nt]

For cheap and durable I found the Velbon UP-400 hard to beat. It's not very beautifully designed, nor does it weigh very little, but it's sturdy and you can attach a suitable head to it is you so wish, I don't, I just screw it on to the bottom of the camera and pod-away.

 

[revup67]

After weeks of considering about 7 different models I ultimately chose the Gitzo GM3551 for several reasons: it's lightweight (1.4 lbs) carbon fiber, goes above 6 feet - great for when you are amidst crowds or need to get above bushes etc. at 75" inches, lifetime warranty, supports up to 39.6 lbs., when collapsed it's roughly 21 inches (smaller than all others in its range)..I kept thinking lightweight, compact, height were 3 key ingredients when shopping for a monopod. I also considered the Manfrotto 562B-1 and Feisol CM-1473 both of which have legs or feet. I stopped and thought you can pivot a monopod in any direction so thought the feet added to the weight and others complained about the rubber stoppers coming off on the Manfrotto as well as dirt getting into the ball at its base. The feet would also add to the circumference of the entire monopod so when folded upright and positioned in my backpack's external pocket it may not fit and / or may not be suitable for your carrying bag (its another limitation to consider)..thus the Gitzo was the least restricting in this area as well. I've got the AcraTech Ballhead GP-s ballhead (flips as a Gimbal) which is small and compact and can easily support the 5DM3 along with the 400mm 5.6 L lens...so this was the final path I had chosen.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=invoice&A=details&Q=&sku=569171&is=REG
Acratech GP-s Ballhead http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=acratech+gp-s&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta&Top+Nav-Search=

 

[Loswr]

I just prefer the restriction of the two-axis head from RRS. In fact I brought in a modified manfroto 234 head (name escapes me) and sent it right back and ordered the RRS -- which by the way I found to be expensive but wahoo does that piece ever perform on the gitzo.

I've got a RRS MH-02 head on their MC-34 monopod - a truly excellent setup!

 

[dlleno]

I haven't used it a ton because I just got it. But I would definately check out the GITZO GM3551. The max height is 75.6" (192cm) which gives you alot of reach. As for build quality, ... I can definately say its top notch. Feels like you could thwart attackers ... but yet its light.

I also should mention that you have to bring your own ball head to the table as this doesn't come with a head.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569171-REG/Gitzo_GM3551_GM3551_6X_Carbon_Fiber.html

+1. 3551 is what I own (see previous post) and I find it wonderful. Also my suggestion is to be careful or at least consider trying (if not researching thoroughly) the options for a monopod head. the RRS MH-02 head is my personal favorite. Consider, for example, that a body plate and a lens plate are oriented differently, which may become important. A ballhead has too many degrees of freedom

good info here

http://reallyrightstuff.com/websiteinfo.aspx?fc=75

As I mentioned in my previous post, the manfroto 239 (and variants -- I tried the kirk mpa-1 flavor and sent it back) is just not in the same league as the RRS. Preferences abound, to be sure, but this is what I'm using, both in the field and in church, lol. very solid feel, large knobs, etc. this thing just works:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=MH-02-Pro

on edit: Neuro is right; I just hit the send button too soon