Monopod recommendation (Page 3): I am 83 and have been using a monopod for several years with heavy lenses and great success. Yes the least expensive is fine. I would however recommend...

TreborLow

I am 83 and have been using a monopod for several years with heavy lenses and great success. Yes the least expensive is fine. I would however recommend getting ONLY a tilting head. Left right is easy and a ball head gives you too much flexibility and is harder to control for moving target. Just up and down in the head. Loosen or tighten as needed. Mine was purchased many years before carbon fiber and works very well. Since it is only downward pressure, the weight limit is not critical, unless you expect to hold it by the bottom for an elevated view.
By the way, I sometimes use it at mid length to lean on a railing or even my one belt buckle.
Good luck and happy shooting.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

MrBob wrote:

Actually once you try it I think you may like it i... (show quote)

If I’m using a monopod it’s with a long lens, usually a zoom, so my left hand will be under the lens on the zoom ring. 98% of the time I shoot handheld. When I don’t I can use the monogimbal and it keeps the camera and long lens balanced and easy to use. A monopod is no substitute for a tripod. A monopod is just for support. A tripod is for stability. As for strapping to a tree or sign or fence post, I have a Platypod for that.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

imagemeister wrote:

He is using a 70-200 - not a 600 f4 ...

Balance and ease of handling is no less important.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

SuperflyTNT wrote:

If I’m using a monopod it’s with a long lens, usually a zoom, so my left hand will be under the lens on the zoom ring. 98% of the time I shoot handheld. When I don’t I can use the monogimbal and it keeps the camera and long lens balanced and easy to use. A monopod is no substitute for a tripod. A monopod is just for support. A tripod is for stability. As for strapping to a tree or sign or fence post, I have a Platypod for that.

Hey, I am just passing on USEFUL info... We all have our favorite setups. But I cannot emphasize enough how well a ballhead works on a monopod. Makes a nice walking stick also...

Canisdirus

MrBob wrote:

Hey, I am just passing on USEFUL info... We all have our favorite setups. But I cannot emphasize enough how well a ballhead works on a monopod. Makes a nice walking stick also...

Yes...in fact it is one of the few times I will use a ball head...for my monopod setup.

Here's an interesting hybrid solution I am thinking of picking up...it allows you a ball head experience via monopod...but allows you to instantly go handheld...and vice versa.

https://colinbrister.co.uk/product/speedigimbal/

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Canisdirus wrote:

Yes...in fact it is one of the few times I will use a ball head...for my monopod setup.

Here's an interesting hybrid solution I am thinking of picking up...it allows you a ball head experience via monopod...but allows you to instantly go handheld...and vice versa.

https://colinbrister.co.uk/product/speedigimbal/

That is a pretty cool gadget... Very easy on/off. Just keep your hand up there on the ball area in case it wants to bounce out. I think there are a lot of different setups for a ball head on a monopod... I have been looking now for about an hour for a pic of my Bogen 3018 lashed to my deck railing with the straps and sporting a 300mm lens... So much for a half arsed filing system.

Canisdirus

MrBob wrote:

That is a pretty cool gadget... Very easy on/off. Just keep your hand up there on the ball area in case it wants to bounce out. I think there are a lot of different setups for a ball head on a monopod... I have been looking now for about an hour for a pic of my Bogen 3018 lashed to my deck railing with the straps and sporting a 300mm lens... So much for a half arsed filing system.

I doubt the setup will be able to jump out of the 'cup' if you have a long lens on.

Of course I never underestimate human error...but for most of us out there...won't be an issue.

I like that you can leave the ball on to shoot handheld...just gives more grip.

Easy on...easy off...and fast. Need to go handheld, just pick up the rig, and the monopod falls away...if you are in that much of a hurry.

I think we have the same filing system...many of us do.

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

Pokey wrote:

Hello, everyone. I plan on getting a monopod to use with my camera . It'll be used primarily to photograph my grandsons soccer games .I'm using my r7 with a canon 70- 200 2.8 mk 2. I'm not a young guy anymore and this setup gets heavy quick. I'm 6 ft tall and I'd like to get one that's tall enough so I won't have to lean over any to use it. I would also like to keep the cost under $ 100.00. Anybody know of one that would work well for me?

Please watch this video before buying any head for your monopod.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

Canisdirus

billnikon wrote:

Please watch this video before buying any head for your monopod.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

Yes, I'm familiar with the product.
If I doubled down and purchased a 600mm prime...I'd get it.

For lighter lenses...a good ball head will get it done.

I use this one...beefy and adjustable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXX8P5JB

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Canisdirus wrote:

Yes, I'm familiar with the product.
If I doubled down and purchased a 600mm prime...I'd get it.

For lighter lenses...a good ball head will get it done.

I use this one...beefy and adjustable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXX8P5JB

or, fluid head

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

Canisdirus wrote:

Yes, I'm familiar with the product.
If I doubled down and purchased a 600mm prime...I'd get it.

For lighter lenses...a good ball head will get it done.

I use this one...beefy and adjustable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXX8P5JB

Ball heads are not good for monopods. They cannot be used in a unlocked position because they are unsteady and not balanced. Ball heads and monopods are like oil and water, they do not mix well.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

billnikon wrote:

Ball heads are not good for monopods. They cannot be used in a unlocked position because they are unsteady and not balanced. Ball heads and monopods are like oil and water, they do not mix well.

TOTALLY untrue statement.... A pistol grip ball head is LOCKED and steady... DOGMATIC statements like these are not useful.

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

MrBob wrote:

TOTALLY untrue statement.... A pistol grip ball head is LOCKED and steady... DOGMATIC statements like these are not useful.

I believe I said UNLOCKED. Please read my post again, and it is not a dogmatic statement. It is a true statement. Ball heads in UNLOCKED positions are not stable and hard to use.
In the LOCKED position they are only good for one direction.
On the other hand, the Wimberly WH-100 is a fluid head type and can be slightly tightened and BALANCED to work in multiple ways that are far superior to what a ball head can do.
If the ball head were fluid filled, it would be better but balancing could still be a problem.
I never said a ball head could not be locked.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The size and weight of the camera/lens in use on a monopod have a STRONG determination on appropriate/optimum head styles ......

Canisdirus

billnikon wrote:

Ball heads are not good for monopods. They cannot be used in a unlocked position because they are unsteady and not balanced. Ball heads and monopods are like oil and water, they do not mix well.

I have not had that experience at all.

I have all sorts of heads...tilt/pan...fluid...ball...gear and gimbal.

Have tried them all with my monopod. Ball head works best and is small.

Balance is more of a consideration on a tripod...and mostly because you may walk away or let go of camera.

A monopod is rarely in balance...it's tilting back and forth...by me. I always have one hand on my lens with a monopod...that's my correction tool.