Hank Radt

Not exactly sure who you're responding to, but a couple of thoughts:

1. Agree that the trekking poles don't have feet, like some of the other pure monopods, but I find that is not an insurmountable problem in the field depending, of course, on what the major purpose of my hike is. If I'm out primarily for the hike, then I use the trekking pole - with one firm support (the pole) I generally find I can find a second support of some king - tree, rock, etc - for pretty good stability if I need it. But, if I'm out primarily to take photographs, then I strap the tripod on my backback (and still use the trekking pole for its primary purpose) - no monopod of any kind has the capability of a good tripod with an appropriate mount.

2. There are some pod mounts with a 1/4" female mount (same as the camera) that can fit onto the trekking pole: here is one example: https://www.amazon.com/Eggsnow-Tripod-Bracket-Holder-Ballhead/dp/B00L23XN9O. Will it support a FF with a long heavy lens? Probably not, but for heavy duty long range photography with tilt / pan capability, you're going to want a tripod with the appropriate camera support (ball, tilt/pan, gimbal). Note: tried to find how much weight this mini-ball head would support, but not successful in cursory searches; perhaps a note to the manufacturer, if you're really interested...?

3. Agree that you have to decide what your primary use is - any choice is going to be a compromise in some form.

Hank Radt

Final thought on the Leki, which I neglected to mention earlier: I really like the wooden cap - particularly when descending - I can put downward pressure on it with my hand for support. With a pure monopod, this is sometimes doable, but more difficult. Again, the choice really depends on how you're most likely to use it.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Too many good ones out there. What you need to do is go to a big camera store and try them out. Picking one for me is like trying on shoes. I tried more than 20 before a grabbed the one that felt right. And for you, I cannot recommend, it is an individual type decision.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Which use is most important? I've had good luck with a hiking stick and bracing the camera on top with my hand if the stick is the most important, I have an adjustable walking stick/ shooting stick from a outdoor supplier, comes with a rifle rest that holds a camera quite well , and I have a real monopod, to be honest the real monopod gets the least use , it's the least convenient or useful, the rifle shooting stick gets the most, YMMV, Bob.

clickety

Most tools don't perform two functions well and this is one of those times. Monopods are not meant to be used as serious walking sticks because they only have to stabilize a camera and lens (with your hand/hands still on the camera). Conversely I expect a walking stick to prevent my falling which could possible require supporting at least twenty five times that amount of weight when climbing or descending. In addition there are the additional stresses induced by leverage that's applied to a walking stick which a tripod is not designed for. I don't trust my monopod to offer serious support when walking or hiking.

Tonym2s Loc: Florida

Go to amazon and check out the SLIK line of monopods. Have had one for decades an love it.

nytexano

The Leki pole looks ideal. The logic of a trekking pole which serves as a monopod rather than vice versa is unassailable. Thanks for the info.

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

I just got this a couple of days ago. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it seems sturdy enough to use as a walking stick, too.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I have a Manfrotto monopod. It has little feet that open out to help stabilize it (or me sometimes). They're not perfect, but they do help.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I have one. The wood hand knob srews off revealing a camera threaded screw. Named "Tracks" by Cascades Designs, Seattle, WA 98134. Have had it for over 10 years, so not sure if they still exist. It has a sticker on it that reads "National Audubon Society Proudly Recommends Tracks." Got mine at Superior Trading Post in Grand Marais, MN. They no longer have it in stock as of last August. I have used it a lot.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

While I've seen walking sticks that have a threaded bolt on top (often hidden under a cap) to be usable as a monopod...

Virtually any monopod can be used as a walking stick. Simple extend it to a comfortable length and "go take a hike".

I've got a couple aluminum Manfrotto monopods that I use that way at times. They have a padded grip and a hand strap, are plenty strong for either purpose, and are more adjustable for height that some trekking poles with camera fittings that I've seen. I don't have, need or want those little extendable "feet" on a monopod (let alone a walking stick). Mine both have a simple, single rubber foot on them (easily replaceable from any hardware store). One has a small ballhead mounted on it and they both have Arca-compatible quick release platforms. A little on the heavy side for an extended trek, either would probably serve to fend off a bear if needed. In fact, the one with the ballhead might have been useful to Roman gladiators in the arena. It would make a pretty nasty weapon!

Oh, and I do have a couple actual walking sticks... One I carved myself out of an interesting, twisted and gnarly branch. The other is an antique with a small brass bust of Pres. William McKinley finishing it off on top, which I inherited from my grandfather who was born during the first term of his presidency and was named after him.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Two days ago I bought a Siuri model P-326 carbon fiber monopod for my D800 after trying my camera on several different monopods with a wide range of price and quality. It is strong (22 pound rating) and weighs less than a pound (0.9 pounds). It has five sections and fully extended is 60" high and collapsed is only 15". Like all monopods with multiple sections, if you fully extend the legs, it will buckle somewhat at one of the joints. If, however, you lock each section about 1" from their fully extended position, it will be solid as a rock and will make a good walking stick. It cost me $99.95 at Samy's Camera in Santa Ana, California, but you can get it on line at Adorama or B&H for $84.99 at either website.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I purchased a MeFoto monopod / walking stick at my local camera dealer. It collapses to a convenient side, and when extended does both jobs just fine for me

Ray and JoJo Loc: Florida--Tenneessee

A $12.00 monopod w/ball from drape rod department

willyfarr

I picked up a Mountainsmith Trekker FX Monopod Hiking Staff at Sierra Trading Post (Rei has had them too). Paid about $20.00 and I love it. I actually have 2 of them. The knob on top unscrews revealing a 1/4 20 bolt. I have used this many times when shooting weddings if there is a lot of running around in parks, arboretums and such. It weighs .6 lbs and can be rigged with a strap to carry over your shoulder. Amazon has them for $20.96. It's worth looking into. The only drawback is a weight limit of 3 lbs. I have used it with a Nikon D800, D700 and D 750 with a 70~200 and 80~400. I'm sure these combinations exceed 3 lbs. but I've had great results nonetheless.