Monopod recommendations
Jan 23, 2019 01:50:54 #
rb61
Loc: Maple Grove, MN
I am new to birding, etc and would like to know if it is possible to buy a basic sturdy monopod for less than $100? Nothing fancy but would like to be able to add accessories later. I want to visit our local zoo aviary during subzero weather and practice working with long lens. A tripod could be dangerous to people walking by and possibly my camera.
Thanks
Thanks
Jan 23, 2019 01:58:06 #
I have a pair of older Manfrotto aluminium monopods (680 & 681B) and they are ok.
Around $50 at B&H should get one.
Just make sure they are high enough, because if they are not it can be a literal pain in the neck.
Around $50 at B&H should get one.
Just make sure they are high enough, because if they are not it can be a literal pain in the neck.
Jan 23, 2019 02:14:40 #
I have a Manfrotto 680 and it's performed well, a bit on the chunky side but it's solid.
Jan 23, 2019 03:42:06 #
Agreed. Manfrotto 681B with a tilt head has served me well for years. Very sturdy and a bit heavy.
PS - I just checked and they are discontinued, but you can still find them elsewhere. They have a Manfrotto model called "The Element" that looks interesting which has good ratings for $50 (without tilt head).
PS - I just checked and they are discontinued, but you can still find them elsewhere. They have a Manfrotto model called "The Element" that looks interesting which has good ratings for $50 (without tilt head).
Jan 23, 2019 05:09:17 #
I have a few monopods and the most versatile one, darn, I can't remember what make it is. It's currently in my car and it's dark and cold outside. The reason I like it so much is, it's made of aluminum so it's quite light, it has three fold out legs, not the stubby little short ones but substantial sturdy, well sturdy for a monopod, legs. It is sturdy enough to be used as a light stand for a speedlight, which I use it for often. It also doubles for a walking stick. I'll get it out of the car after the sun comes up. I also have a Shur-Line telescoping paint stick that I modified; I put a small swivel head on one end for mounting a camera and a plastic plug on the other end for a foot. It's light and strong and fairly inexpensive, but no legs.
Shur-Line
Shur-Line
Jan 23, 2019 05:21:53 #
Sirui EP-224S Carbon Fiber Multi-Function Photo/Video Monopod. It is great, I especially like the feet that you can use or not.
Jan 23, 2019 05:52:50 #
I have several monopods acquired over the years. My favorite is a Mefoto Walkabout. B&H has them for $24.00 currently. I added an Oben ball head & quick release set. At about 60" fully extended, it's not very tall but, then neither am I. It will handle a 22 pound load.
Jan 23, 2019 06:33:02 #
Sirui p326 Monopod. Carbon fiber, extends to (I think) 6 feet, carbide tip screws out of rubber-base/foot.
Can be used with or without head. I've used it with the Sirui L10 head, a D7200, and a 70-300 lens. It was very stable and convenient. The monopod was about $100.00, and the k10 head was around $80 - 100.00.
Can be used with or without head. I've used it with the Sirui L10 head, a D7200, and a 70-300 lens. It was very stable and convenient. The monopod was about $100.00, and the k10 head was around $80 - 100.00.
Jan 23, 2019 07:09:20 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
rb61 wrote:
I am new to birding, etc and would like to know if it is possible to buy a basic sturdy monopod for less than $100? Nothing fancy but would like to be able to add accessories later. I want to visit our local zoo aviary during subzero weather and practice working with long lens. A tripod could be dangerous to people walking by and possibly my camera.
Thanks
Thanks
I have never been a fan of a monopod. If you plan to shoot birds in flight, it is worthless or worse. Hand holding beats it every time. If you are shooting a stationary bird, for a long period, it's OK. But you have to tilt the camera to shoot up or tilt forward to shoot down, unless you get a tilting head for the top of the monopod.
I shoot birds in flight and I still get a kick out of a few folks who show up with a monopod. After about an hour they are either putting it back in their car or are carrying it around with on hand and the camera in the other hand.
But, if you insist, this is a best seller at B&H and a very good value. And, fits in your budget. Please DO NOT buy one with feet, they are even worse.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1296071-REG/manfrotto_mmelea5bk_element_aluminum_monopod_black.html
Jan 23, 2019 08:01:33 #
tommy2
Loc: Fort Worth, Texas
The Manfrotto Element at $50 gets my vote. I've used several different brands and the twist locks to adjust the height is the real winner considering every thing else equal here. Seems like the little levers used in the snap lock systems get caught on many things in and out of my backpack.
A tilt head is good but about the only time I use the support is when shooting my grandson's football games because they are moving around on a level platform so the added head is just extra weight 99% of the time.
The tilt head is next to useless when shooting objects moving quickly about in 3D space.
KISS is the gold standard here - handheld with a good auto AF lens!
But hey, most everyone has found (or will find) what works best for them, you will too. Experimenting is part of the fun.
A tilt head is good but about the only time I use the support is when shooting my grandson's football games because they are moving around on a level platform so the added head is just extra weight 99% of the time.
The tilt head is next to useless when shooting objects moving quickly about in 3D space.
KISS is the gold standard here - handheld with a good auto AF lens!
But hey, most everyone has found (or will find) what works best for them, you will too. Experimenting is part of the fun.
Jan 24, 2019 03:39:39 #
Me again. I checked in my car and I appear to have misplaced my favorite monopod. It must be around here somewhere. Anyway I did find 2 other monopods in the car. My ProMaster 1100 is aluminum with a padded handle and 3 variable expandable sections. It's very light, could be used as a walking stick and they cost around $30 USD. It's a really nice inexpensive monopod and a 3 way head for it costs around $30 USD. My second favorite monopod is my MoGoPod MK III. This should be my favorite monopod but it doesn't have built in legs. I do have the optional legs for it but I like the built in legs on the monopod I apparently have misplaced. I also have a small ball head on it. One really nice feature of the MoGoPod MK III is, you can attach it to a regular tripod and use it as a variable length boom. It's actually a really cool monopod, quite versatile. Anyone in the market for a monopod should check it out.
Jan 24, 2019 03:48:32 #
billnikon wrote:
I have never been a fan of a monopod. If you plan ... (show quote)
If you have the right monopod and know how to use it then its not as worthless as you believe. I'll agree, there are many situations while photographing birds in flight a monopod, or any other support device, is a hinderance or detriment, and hand held shooting is needed, but, one is more than likely shooting at a fairly fast shutter speed and a camera support other than your arms and hands is not necessary.
Jan 24, 2019 05:59:42 #
Hi ,
I use a Sirui. Had it for a few years now and been really good , no issues with the quality . Understand that they are based in Canada.
One really good thing is that there is a built in spike at the bottom that is easily exposed/covered up by a twist fitting on the base.
Libec also make monopods with a built in base that can be snapped down with a foot action , making it easier to rest equip. on . Will even stand on its own . Again really good quality but it is heavy compared to the Sirui
I use a Sirui. Had it for a few years now and been really good , no issues with the quality . Understand that they are based in Canada.
One really good thing is that there is a built in spike at the bottom that is easily exposed/covered up by a twist fitting on the base.
Libec also make monopods with a built in base that can be snapped down with a foot action , making it easier to rest equip. on . Will even stand on its own . Again really good quality but it is heavy compared to the Sirui
Jan 24, 2019 08:07:12 #
Jan 24, 2019 08:24:51 #
Sirui carbon fiber is around $100 and is very nice for the money. I used one for a while but then went to a Gitzo.
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