I think I want to take a monopod with me on my Galapagos trip, and since I don't have one, I think I should invest in one. Now, all of my will power is currently busy keeping me from buying the 1DsMKIII, so I have none to spare to help in this decision.

Is a monopod something I should "go cheap" or should I stick to my Gitzo guns and get a Gitzo? I've been eying the Gitzo GM2560T 6x Carbon Traveler, but at $250, seems to be quite a lot for what is basically a stick with a screw in it. Any thoughts on the subject?

 

i have the cheapie bogen/manfrotto 680B. it's very sturdy and doubles as a decent weapon when shooting in the 'hood' and its only $50.

i had considered something lighter, but noticed that the lighter you go the more flex you get - unless theyre made of exotic materials, but then theyre $$$$.

have you ever tried the string mono? i find that this works very well for me when im on holiday and dont feel like lugging support gear.

 

I have 2 bogen/manfrotto 682/3230 monopods. They are what travels with me the most. They are indispensible. They have removable feet contained in the bottom which make them function as somewhat a tripod. No they will not give the stabilty and stillness that a tripod will give. But they offer a trade off between the two. The feet are containe din the body of the monopod and are removed/replaced with a simple unscrewing of the foot of the monopod. the feet are attached to the bottom cap so there is no danger of losing a foot etc. Best part is being aboe to place it down on the feet and not have to hold it all the time, it gives the hands a break. Just dont let go of it in high wind it is not designed for no hands in those situations. Also if you go to a sporting event/play/function your more likey to be admitted with a monopod than a tripod.

The weight is 2 lbs 7 ounces according to my scale I just weighed one for you.

Since I have bought these I dont think I have taken a tripod out of the studio as I can adapt my technique as to where the monopod suits me just fine. Im more of a handheld shooter anyhow.

For $100 or under its the best money I have spent in a long time on a piece of equipment I can honestly say gets fair use.

Just ask yourself $ for weight is the gitzo worth another $150 to save 1lbs 15 ounces?

It all depends on what the weight is worth to you and the gitzo does not have stabilizing feet which would make it a no purchase for me.

Another thing, the gitzo only supports 9.9 lbs and the bogen supports 24+ lbs, the gitzo goes to 57 inches the bogen goes to 67 inches.

A 1DS MKIII weighs about 3 pounds with a battery and no lens. Your going to be pushing the weight bearing limit of the gitzo with any decent long lens attached to it.



Now you have more to think about

 

I agree with everyone else, stick to $100 or less for the monopod. I have the 680B as well (though now I wish I had the 682). I'm definitely glad I didn't spend so much on it.

 

I have the older 676B Bogen and it gets the job done fine. I only use it with my 300mm at the track these days. It is simply something that helps my arm from tiring on long shoots where I don't want to use a tripod.

On my next ship-board photography trip I will take a monopod solely to give my arm some resting time when chasing whales if I take a 500mm. Or I may just extend a leg or two on my tripod which I did on my last trip 1 time. The Endeavour has walking sticks that are built to be used as monopods, so just use one of those and save your money....and packing space.

 

I have a Manfrotto, light and handy as walking stick too.

 

I'm thinking of getting one as well. I have a Benro CF tripod currently and I'm very happy with it.

I saw this from Benro - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4980...rbon_Fiber.html

Can someone tell me what the support legs are for?

Thanks
Jim

 

Support legs essentially give you the stability of a tripod...less sway. They are NOT to be used as tripod legs though.

 

Feisol has some GREAT prices on monopods. .. I can only comment on how GREAT their CF tripod legs are!

 

Buy the expensive one and keep it for the rest of your life. You should never need to replace it. I'd go CF Gitzo and never look back.