Monopod with 'feet'. Opinions? I've tried the string version, and yes indeed it does pretty good in a pinch....but I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Manfrotto or Benro mono pods...

cosmo54 Loc: Easton, PA but will travel for photos

I've tried the string version, and yes indeed it does pretty good in a pinch....but I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Manfrotto or Benro mono pods with the flip down feet. For using with still camera, not video.

And if yes, what head did/do you use? These monopods look interesting but I think I would also want a ball type head since I'm more into that flexibility than panning. And yes, I know not to think its going to replace my tripod and I won't expect to use it as a free standing device. :-) just looking for more stability

Thanks in advance!

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

I'm using a Tiltall monopod purchased about 25 years ago when I worked in a camera store in Monterey, CA. It came with a ball head and I've added an Oben QR head to it and my Velbon tripod. The most important parts to buying 1 is to make sure you get 1 that isn't too short and is sturdy enough for the equipment you're piling on top. B&H has a good selection of monopods including some made of carbon fiber.

cosmo54 Loc: Easton, PA but will travel for photos

nicksr1125 wrote:

I'm using a Tiltall monopod purchased about 25 years ago when I worked in a camera store in Monterey, CA. It came with a ball head and I've added an Oben QR head to it and my Velbon tripod. The most important parts to buying 1 is to make sure you get 1 that isn't too short and is sturdy enough for the equipment you're piling on top. B&H has a good selection of monopods including some made of carbon fiber.

Thanks Nick. I have looked at B&H and on the Internet and I have a Benro tripod and a monopod. But I'm looking for some real life experience on using one of those monopods with the flip down feet. I've seen some with the feet that telescope out of the bottom of a monopod but they were pretty flimsy

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Flip down feet defeat the entire purpose of a monopod in the first place, IMHO.

cosmo54 Loc: Easton, PA but will travel for photos

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Flip down feet defeat the entire purpose of a monopod in the first place, IMHO.

Uh, not if you are very unsteady. :-) plus it doesn't take up as much room as a tripod....very useful at times

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Haven't tried a monpod with feet. Somebody posted a comment a few days ago about one & I looked at on B&H's website. My only concern with the idea is stability. The short legs don't look sturdy enough to be much good. Again, that's without having played with one.

cosmo54 Loc: Easton, PA but will travel for photos

nicksr1125 wrote:

Haven't tried a monpod with feet. Somebody posted a comment a few days ago about one & I looked at on B&H's website. My only concern with the idea is stability. The short legs don't look sturdy enough to be much good. Again, that's without having played with one.

I'm thinking of using it with my OMD EM-1 micro 4/3 ......

GrayPlayer Loc: Granby, Ct.

First monopod I bought, had a wire foot that folded up, out of the way. You could stand on the "foot" further stabilizing monopod.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have the Manfrotto 560B-1 and I use it and I like it. I also have a Benro A38F, with a Vanguard SBH-250 head, with a large stopper type foot and I like it as well.I use both my monopods. Good luck.

cosmo54 wrote:

I've tried the string version, and yes indeed it d... (show quote)

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

cosmo54 wrote:

I've tried the string version, and yes indeed it d... (show quote)

Try Oben or Benro. Some other companies also make monopods with mini-legs, but make sure the legs are sturdy and lock. Custom Brackets makes a floor shield for Manfrotto monopods, not as big as feet but slip proof.

"Footed" monopods offer one big advantage! Many venues permit monopods, but prohibit tripods; feet help level the playing field.

NOTE: "Footed" monopods will NOT support your camera/lens without help for more than a few seconds at best.

As to heads, I recommend only one, the Manfrotto 234RC. Do NOT attempt to use a ball head unless you're shooting a P&S!

amehta Loc: Boston

cosmo54 wrote:

I've tried the string version, and yes indeed it d... (show quote)

I would not use a ball head with this monopod to shoot vertical shots, since the camera will be offset from the monopod's center axis. I would suggest getting an L-plate for the camera instead, so it can always stay over the monopod.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

amehta wrote:

I would not use a ball head with this monopod to shoot vertical shots, since the camera will be offset from the monopod's center axis. I would suggest getting an L-plate for the camera instead, so it can always stay over the monopod.

Amehta, the problem with a flat plate is that the monopod must be vertical. I always recommend leaning the monopod back like the third leg of a tripod. That is why I use a head that only moves in one plane.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

cosmo54 wrote:

I've tried the string version, and yes indeed it d... (show quote)

I have a Trekpod with the flip down feet. Doubles as a walking stick. With a larger camera, D7000 equipped with an 18-270 lens it is very wobbly. Wouldn't trust it to stand by itself and ALWAYS have the strap around my neck.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

goggle Uni-loc dual pro. I have one and it is very stable . it has a flip down leg with a flat surface that you put your foot on to add stability, it also is thicker at the bottom, thinner at the top which is the reverse of the typical monopod.

If your interested I have one in excellent condition, with a carrying bag that I have used in several years and do a totally different type of work these days, and don't need it anymore

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Look at the Monostat Monopod it has a wide foot and is very stable http://monostat.com/E/index.php