karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

I am getting ready to purchase a mono pod. They are cheap to expensive. What should I really be looking for?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Good quality clamps, the least number of sections, high enough to get the viewfinder to your eye when standing, a ,padded grip so you don't freeze your hand in cold weather, a wrist strap, and a diameter that's comfortable in your hand.
Those are good starting points anyway. I recommend the Manfrotto 679 in silver or the 679B in black, they are excellent monopods. The 681 and 681B are heavier duty, but will likely be too large a diameter for a womans hands. (I am guessing you are a woman from the avatar.)

karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

Thanks MT. Yes I am a woman and will go and look at those models. Thanks again.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I would just make sure that whatever you get, has a reversible stud bolt on top. Both 1/4 and 3/8, that will allow you to use any ballhead made.
As long as they hold fast, they are pretty simple. Some small compact models will fit Inside a backpack or luggage for travel.
Good luck. SS

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I think the next one I get will be the Delkin Fat Gecko Carbon Fiber Monopod, 30lbs Load Capacity is one reason...the other is the height when its closed up...at 16 inch's I can get much closer to the ground.

karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

I just watched the video of it. Wonder about the stability of the leg with its whip out process. Kind of interesting though. Should a person get one with a ball head or similar?

karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

Any thoughts on this model?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463064-REG/Giottos_MM9780_MM_9780_5_Section_Monopod.html#ReviewHeader

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

5 sections will be far less stable than 3 or even 4 sections, each joint is an opportunity for wobble.
Weight ratings need to be determined by what kind of lens you will be using with it. Heavier load ratings are not always dependable numbers, especially from Asian manufacturers because they have no safety factor built into their load ratings.

karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

Thank you. That makes sense.

Dave Johnson Loc: Grand Rapids, Michigan

I've got a Benro A38F Monopod. It's a good solid monopod for about $65.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Well....now that Iv'e also watched that demo....think I'm gonna keep shopping...heavy duty and shot.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

For me I expect a monopod that extends to eye level from a foot below you're standing since if you're on a hill you may start the pod lower than yourself.

I'd look for quick latches for locking the legs. There's nothing more frustrating than seeing a picture get away while you're setting up.

I'd want to see a ball head on the top. Monopods can be very frustrating since there's no adjustment other than height, so the ball head eliminates that problem.

I'd like to see a quick release plate so that I don't have to leave the camera mounted on it all the time and yet can mount the camera in a second or two.

I'd like a comfortable top handle, I like to use my monopod as a walking stick too when I'm in the bush.

Rigid throughout its length to handle twenty or more pounds. As a walking stick twenty to thirty pound capacity is practical, but only supporting the camera twenty pounds is probably fine for most applications.

In terms of the number of sections, the more you have the less stable it will likely be. While I prefer the monopod as small as possible, I grudgingly settle for a three section one. It's longer to store but more solid to use.

A wrist strap at the top handle is handy especially if you use it as a walking stick too.

Monopods usually come with a rubber foot. An optional spike is very handy too.

Hope this helps.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

For a monopod, I figure it needs to be light, quick to set up and easy to use. I don't need the major stability of a good tripod, so I got a nice, compact, light monopod in disguise......

In the Walmart sporting goods section is a Rifle/Shotgun Rest.....
Really a monopod with a plastic "V" to rest the long barrel in, has a foam grip and wrist strap.... $10 !!! I added a small ball-head for another $10. VERY light, quite sturdy (but not as stiff as a $60+ one). I can rest the lens barrel in the "V" or unscrew the "V" and put the camera directly on it!! Plus it is short enough when 'folded' up that I can tuck it against my belt without fully extending.... Works great for me!!

olcoach Loc: Oregon

I have the Manfrotto 680B and my ball head is a Manfrotto 498RC2. I don't know if the monopod would work for you but I shoot a lot of sports with some big lens and the ball head works well. Good luck,and have fun.

karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

Thanks to all that have given responses. I think I am going back and forth between the Manfrotto 679B and the Carbon Fiber Oben listed at the attached link. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/687346-REG/Oben_CTM_2400_CTM_2400_4_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

So many people talk about loving the carbon fiber and this particular one is quite a bit lighter, and breaks down like 6 inches smaller. Both things I really like. I don't know much about the Oben brand and was wondering if anyone has used something similar. I know it is twice as much money, but I only want to do this once, (hopefully) and the CF price is at least affordable. Opinion welcome and then I will just have to make up my mind and let this thread rest. Thanks again to all.