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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Monopods $$$?
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 05/27/2006 07:27:35 AM · #1
If any of you use a monopod please let me know what you think of them.

It seems to me like I don't need to spend much money on one if the basic build meets the requirements of being sturdy. Any opinions on that?

I of course use the D200 and just purchased the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED which weights over 3lbs, so things are getting heavy.

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 07:28:53.
 05/27/2006 07:50:31 AM · #2
I have a pod similar to this Slik . I mount my 100-400L on it (3.1 lb. lens) and carry it around the zoo. With this combination I can shoot for hours. Without the monopod my arms would get tired much more quickly. The slik I have is very sturdy (been across the country, in mountains and desert) and is in perfect condition after 6 years. Can't say that about my tripod. :) Advantage is less pieces to break. THe mobility you have over a tripod is amazing. And you can use it as a walking stick. :)
05/27/2006 07:51:17 AM · #3
Love my mono. When I'm out & about I always take it (it straps to the side of my camera bag). I carry it like a club when I'm out & about alone!! :P

I have a Velbon ($45) body with a manfrotto mono head ($40). You can get one for less $$s, but the locking manfrotto head is a great feature.

I STRONGLY suggest you read up on them a bit before or at very least after purchase as MOST photographers use the mono incorrectly - according to the information I read. Its not meant to stand up vertically, but instead to create the 3rd leg to your own natural tripod...no jokes guys!! :P
 05/27/2006 07:56:38 AM · #4
Originally posted by idnic:
I STRONGLY suggest you read up on them a bit before or at very least after purchase as MOST photographers use the mono incorrectly


A quick monopod tutorial for the masses.

I like my monopod but usually wind up lugging the tripod around.
 05/27/2006 07:59:42 AM · #5
Originally posted by idnic:
Love my mono. When I'm out & about I always take it (it straps to the side of my camera bag). I carry it like a club when I'm out & about alone!! :P

I have a Velbon ($45) body with a manfrotto mono head ($40). You can get one for less $$s, but the locking manfrotto head is a great feature.

I STRONGLY suggest you read up on them a bit before or at very least after purchase as MOST photographers use the mono incorrectly - according to the information I read. Its not meant to stand up vertically, but instead to create the 3rd leg to your own natural tripod...no jokes guys!! :P


So...a fourth leg?
Couldn't resist...thanx for the advice. I'll go handheld today to see what it feels like but I still welcome any/all advice or recommendations.

Great tutorial JP Alfresco, tnx

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 08:04:06.
 05/27/2006 09:45:44 PM · #6
<>I'm getting a monopod tomorrow at B&H. Any of you night peeps have any suggestions as what to get? Money's a no real object (kinda) but if I don't need to spend an arm and a leg...I won't.
 05/27/2006 09:53:08 PM · #7
Manfrotto 680 is what I have. It works, it's sturdy, you could jack up a car with it.
 05/27/2006 10:04:57 PM · #8
I have the 694 MagFiber with this Head alfresco is right it will jack up a car. I use it with my 80-200 AF-S and I love it!
 05/27/2006 10:14:29 PM · #9
I use a Giottos P-Pod I've never tried it with the feet when upright but do use it as a macro tripod. It has a swivel head so no need to purchase a seperate one.
 05/27/2006 10:19:23 PM · #10
bogen 3216 (679B)
 05/27/2006 10:20:28 PM · #11
Originally posted by deapee:
bogen 3216 (679B)


I saw that on B&h - one can be had with a head for $72. It's on my list...but right about now i'm ready to go Nikon.

Yeah, tough day out there.
 05/27/2006 10:31:18 PM · #12
You don't want a head unless you're under 5 pounds...and in which case, I wouldn't use a monopod anyway.

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 22:31:29.
 06/17/2006 08:46:41 PM · #13
Originally posted by pawdrix:
<>I'm getting a monopod tomorrow at B&H. Any of you night peeps have any suggestions as what to get? Money's a no real object (kinda) but if I don't need to spend an arm and a leg...I won't.


Which one did you end up purchasing? Anyone else have anything to add?

Message edited by author 2006-06-17 20:49:29.
 06/17/2006 10:02:15 PM · #14
Originally posted by alfresco:
Manfrotto 680 is what I have. It works, it's sturdy, you could jack up a car with it.


That's the one I have, light weight and strong. I went for a mountain hike with my dad who needs a cane to balance. He forgot his so I pulled out the Manfrotto 680 and he used it. Heck for less than $60 it makes a great cane too.
 06/17/2006 10:44:27 PM · #15
Has anyone ever tried this one? The
Bogan 3245 Automatic monopod

Just curious if it works as well as the description entails...

06/17/2006 10:54:04 PM · #16
So what did you end up buying? I'm curious since I'm also in the market for one.

Anyone else like their mono???
 06/19/2006 10:52:06 PM · #17
Anymore mono opinions?
 06/20/2006 12:36:31 AM · #18
I have the 681B w/ 3229 swivel/tilt head with quick release that fits my Manfrotto tripod too, so this allows me to easily interchange if I want to move to the tripod. Or just carrying the camera around my neck and quickly sticking it on the monopod is nice too.

The tilt is nice to have, it let's you keep the foot of the monopod in a secure position without sticking it way out in front to shoot up at an angle (or vice versa) if that makes sense.
 06/20/2006 01:15:58 AM · #19
Originally posted by pawdrix:

So...a fourth leg?
Couldn't resist...thanx for the advice. I'll go handheld today to see what it feels like but I still welcome any/all advice or recommendations.


LOL, the thing about going handheld is that it usually feels about the same everytime... sorry buddy, you left it hangin'.
 06/20/2006 01:48:51 AM · #20
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by pawdrix:

So...a fourth leg?
Couldn't resist...thanx for the advice. I'll go handheld today to see what it feels like but I still welcome any/all advice or recommendations.


LOL, the thing about going handheld is that it usually feels about the same everytime... sorry buddy, you left it hangin'.


you know this by experience?
 06/20/2006 01:50:22 AM · #21
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by pawdrix:

So...a fourth leg?
Couldn't resist...thanx for the advice. I'll go handheld today to see what it feels like but I still welcome any/all advice or recommendations.


LOL, the thing about going handheld is that it usually feels about the same everytime... sorry buddy, you left it hangin'.


you know this by experience?


Both first-hand and second-hand experience :-P
 06/20/2006 01:51:50 AM · #22
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Originally posted by pawdrix:

So...a fourth leg?
Couldn't resist...thanx for the advice. I'll go handheld today to see what it feels like but I still welcome any/all advice or recommendations.


LOL, the thing about going handheld is that it usually feels about the same everytime... sorry buddy, you left it hangin'.


you know this by experience?


Both first-hand and second-hand experience :-P


so you can do this 2 handedly?
 06/20/2006 02:49:31 AM · #23
So back to the topic "at hand" ;O)

I use a Giottos MM5580 (the P-Pod that Ecce referred to), and it rocks. Extremely versatile, and can be used as a normal tripod or low-level tripod in pinch. Very solid construction.

Example here -
//cgi.ebay.com/The-Most-Versatile-Monopod-Giottos-P-Pod-MM5580_W0QQitemZ7630485883QQihZ017QQcategoryZ30092QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
06/20/2006 08:54:41 AM · #24
So what is the difference on these two, the diffeerence that matters - as in , which should i get?

going on vacation and might as well get one!
this one

or

this one?

Both Bogen, both black, same heads...one is 2" taller, $9 more, folds to 1" bigger and weights 1/2 pound more...i don't want the extra weight, so why does bogen have 2 nearly identical ones?
 06/20/2006 09:23:56 AM · #25
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
So what is the difference on these two, the diffeerence that matters - as in , which should i get?


I was wondering the same thing when I got mine (681B). I got it online so I didn't hold both of them first-hand to tell the difference between them, but my guess would be a little stronger or durable tubing in the 681. 2 inches shouldn't make 1/2 pound difference if the tubes are exactly the same.
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