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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Monopods? Anyone use or can review them!
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01/24/2005 07:31:51 AM · #1
I'm thinking about getting a monopod for tripping around. Anyone use one of these and give me some feedback on if they are worth buying?

Thanks
01/24/2005 07:36:58 AM · #2
I have a Bogen/Manfrotto 680B with a 486RC2 head modified with a RSS plate. Love it.
01/24/2005 07:37:15 AM · #3
some tips & hints How To Use The Monopod & The Multi-Purpose Tripod
01/24/2005 07:37:44 AM · #4
Got a top of the range Manfrotto. Never used it.

01/24/2005 07:44:06 AM · #5
Originally posted by jonpink:

Got a top of the range Manfrotto. Never used it.


Why is that? Wanna sell that heap of junk cheap? ;)
01/24/2005 07:52:52 AM · #6
Originally posted by Gurilla:

Originally posted by jonpink:

Got a top of the range Manfrotto. Never used it.


Why is that? Wanna sell that heap of junk cheap? ;)


Just never been in a position where I need it. Need to shoot sport or animals I guess"

01/24/2005 07:53:14 AM · #7
I have a $35 Bogen/Manfrotto monopod that I did not use much until I put this monopod head on it.

I still only use it infrequently, but it is a lot better with the tilt head on it and worth having in the kit for only $50 or so.
01/24/2005 08:52:17 AM · #8
Manfrotto - 680

With

GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD W/QUICK RELEASE PLATE - Product Code: 222 - Bogen code (USA only): 3265

I wanted something that's a Quick Rotate Head because if I'm doing any candid shots and/or sports, well anything really I wanted to be able to rotage the camera quickly with one hand and not have to worry about how I'm going to hold the Monopod and adjust the camera head.

I've used it quite a bit and it's very handy, just leave it in the car.
01/24/2005 09:21:01 AM · #9
Has anyone used the Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ballhead on a monopod. I just got a new Manfrotto tripod with the 3265 and love the single-handed operation, but was just wondering how it would work on a monopod. Thanks.
01/24/2005 09:26:19 AM · #10
Originally posted by jonpink:

Got a top of the range Manfrotto. Never used it.

Almost the same here. I did take mine with me on a hike through the woods once, since it was easier to lug than my tripod. So far I find it difficult to get used to - it's easier just to lean against a tree (or my wife...).
01/24/2005 09:27:18 AM · #11
Originally posted by Moose101:

Manfrotto - 680

With

GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD W/QUICK RELEASE PLATE - Product Code: 222 - Bogen code (USA only): 3265

I wanted something that's a Quick Rotate Head because if I'm doing any candid shots and/or sports, well anything really I wanted to be able to rotage the camera quickly with one hand and not have to worry about how I'm going to hold the Monopod and adjust the camera head.

I've used it quite a bit and it's very handy, just leave it in the car.


I started my post and got distracted and came back and finished it only to see yours. That answers my question, thanks.
01/24/2005 09:30:31 AM · #12
I use the Slik Pro Pod 381 Carbon Fiber Monopod. It is lightweight. I keep this in my truck at all times. I also have a tripod in my truck so I don't use the monopod all that much when I am driving around.

It does come in handy when I travel. That is when it pays for itself well, because you just never know what you might run into half a world a way from home. It makes and excellent walking stick when extended. It folds down to 20" and hangs on my hand as a baton, the presence of which may have dicouraged potential thieves. I even use it sometimes to steady my camera. Quite the handy travel companion.

I don't use a head on mine. Never could understand how one would of much help on a monopod. If I need to tilt or rotate the camera I simply tilt or rotate the monopod, right? I think having a head on one would slow me down and defeat the purpose of having something small, lightweight and ready to use hanging from my wrist or folded up in my daybag.

Message edited by author 2005-01-24 09:36:42.
01/24/2005 09:32:48 AM · #13
Originally posted by Telehubbie:

Has anyone used the Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ballhead on a monopod. I just got a new Manfrotto tripod with the 3265 and love the single-handed operation, but was just wondering how it would work on a monopod. Thanks.


Everyone is different but I for one just love the thing. You can't beat a one hand operation, when you only have a one hand to use ;-) (Something has to hold the monopod in place and that's usually the other hand). I also purchased this 3265 Head because it's interchangeable with the Product Code: 055PRO - Bogen code (USA only): 3021PRO
But it also give me a few extra inches due to it's height.

Anyways, it's not the cheapest head but with a 5 year warranty and the convenience I would not buy anything else, especially when we are talking about using it with a monopod.
01/24/2005 06:01:45 PM · #14
I use the Bogen Manfrotto 680 monopod (nearly like Dr. Nick's except aluminum instead of black) and a 3229 head (similar to richterrell's but w/ a quick release plate). On a monopod, I have no need for my head to do anything except rotate from landscape to portrait. I feel that a ball head on a monopod is excess.

As richterrell mentioned....for 50 bucks it is nice to have. I never leave home without it. It can be a multi-use tool.
01/24/2005 06:29:35 PM · #15
I bought one about 3 weeks back and it is totally fantastic.

I took photos at the deaflympics here in Melbourne and I got some fabulous photos that would have been blurred if hand held. I love it and I totally recommend getting one to anyone that goes out and about. Its a lot easier and more compact then a tripod.
01/24/2005 07:00:26 PM · #16
I'll simply issue a warning ....

I was given a cheap monopod for my birthday. With the weight of the 20D and a decent lens on it is slips (i.e. self shortens) as it can't handle the weight.

Love the idea of the monopod but hadly use the one I have due to this problem. When I get around to buying a replacement (have to carefully lose this one first as my kid got it for me) I'll replace it with a Manfrotto.
01/25/2005 08:22:48 AM · #17
Thanks for the replies.

There is one on ebay right now but I can't find any information on the monopod? It must be discontinued or something anyway its at $AU76.00 and I'm not sure if its worth going higher on the bid.
The Manfrotto monopod is a model 134B fitted with a Manfrotto #352 ball and socket head.
01/25/2005 06:30:12 PM · #18
Gurilla,

If you think that this the route for you, then please give serious consideration to the 680. Whether aluminum or black, it is a 4 section monopod with solid section locks. The 4 sections means it is more compact. Fits easily into a saddlebag.

Manfrotto also has 3 section mono's which are a bit smaller in diameter and a couple dollars less. Very nice as well, just a bit longer. I had one from Quantaray for years before I finally upgraded to the manfrotto 680. The quantaray was used on many a hiking trip as a walking staff, but over time just wore out the leg locks. The 680 is as solid as I've seen.

For your consideration.
01/25/2005 06:36:30 PM · #19
Originally posted by Gurilla:

Thanks for the replies.

There is one on ebay right now but I can't find any information on the monopod? It must be discontinued or something anyway its at $AU76.00 and I'm not sure if its worth going higher on the bid.
The Manfrotto monopod is a model 134B fitted with a Manfrotto #352 ball and socket head.


Hey Gurilla, I found the same brand monopod at JB-HiFi for only $69. You should go there as at least you can have a look at it and it is cheaper plus no postage.

The one I bought a few weeks back is excellent.

This one is a 676B though.

Message edited by author 2005-01-25 18:38:11.
01/25/2005 06:44:23 PM · #20
I've been thinking about getting a monopod, simply because there are some places were you can't use a tripod. For instance, the Japanese Gardens here in Portland will allow you to use a monopod, but no tripods are allowed. I really like the Bogen/Manfrotto 322RC2 grip action head on my tripod, so I'll probably get another one for any monopod that I buy.


01/25/2005 07:53:21 PM · #21

I find they are very useful for fighting off snakes and muggers.
01/25/2005 08:45:25 PM · #22
Monopods are great. They work much better than a tripod for hiking. It's a bit harder though to use the self timer and include yourself in the picture. You have to be really really fast. ;)

I just have the slik slim pod monopod. It's great. Lightweight, sturdy, nice swivel head though it only moves in one axis, so it's not good for taking potrait mode shots (you can swivel the camera, but then you are not using the monopod correctly since it would be vertical). But I've found it very useful for hiking, and I can even hook it to my Lowepro Off Trail hip bag if I'm not using it.
01/25/2005 09:42:00 PM · #23
I bought a monopod and I have used it once on a trip to the zoo. I shoot a lot of sports and find it cumbersome and useless for that. If I was shooting golf or croquet or some other slow moving sport, I would probably use it more.
01/25/2005 10:53:35 PM · #24
Monopods are pretty good if you need to cudgel someone, but they won't let you on a plane with one. As far as using one as a hiking staff, if you want a hiking staff, buy a hiking staff, I have one from the nature center that I got for $5. It also makes a decent cudgel, and I could probably fashion a pretty wicked spear out of it too. It also has a threaded stud on the top of the handle for a camera. it's not adjustable height, but works reasonably well as a camera support. Makes a damn good hiking staff too. I suppose it should, being sold as such. I haven't tried, but I doubt I could bring it on a plane either.
01/26/2005 01:31:21 AM · #25
Originally posted by loz1:

Hey Gurilla, I found the same brand monopod at JB-HiFi for only $69. You should go there as at least you can have a look at it and it is cheaper plus no postage.

The one I bought a few weeks back is excellent.

This one is a 676B though.


:( No JB Hi fi around here.
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