Monopod recommendations (Page 2): I have both a Manfrotto 681B ( 3 section flip locks) and a carbon fiber 3 Legged Thing ( 5 section twist locks) monopod. The 3 Legged thing is taller...

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I have both a Manfrotto 681B ( 3 section flip locks) and a carbon fiber 3 Legged Thing ( 5 section twist locks) monopod. The 3 Legged thing is taller than me when fully extended, but I don't see a name or model number on it ( just found the name, Bob, from my B& H order back in 2015). Then I have an Oben tilt head (VH-R2) that I use on them... Better than using a ball or any other type of head...

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

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

What camera and lens are you using and what animals are you thinking about shooting?

Zoos tend to be fairly well lit. Depending on your body and lens combination, you should be able to handhold at a zoo. In fact, since you will be shooting mostly live animals, your shutter speed is likely to be high enough to make a mono-pod unnecessary.

Zooman 1

I use a monopod frequently and would also recommend getting one that is tall enough, and one with fold out feet! It will not be the same as using a good tripod, but when weight is a concern they can be helpful.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Zooman 1 wrote:

I use a monopod frequently and would also recommend getting one that is tall enough, and one with fold out feet! It will not be the same as using a good tripod, but when weight is a concern they can be helpful.

Those fold out feet can be purchased separately. That reminds me, I have an old Miida monopod from the 70's that has those "feet". They should only be used to stand on to increase stability though as they are not meant to support anything unaided...

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

I got this Benro Monopod for Christmas and love it...the 3 feet help me hold it steady...I added a d&f aluminum tripod head head almost immediately...it was only $25

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O469EGM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00O469EGM&linkCode=as2&tag=247familyshopp&linkId=2f0a9680ed99c29eded4280738dea823

Goldyrock

I have the same monopod. The only things that I added were a GkGk G06s Pan Head and a small piece of black foam pipe insulation from Home Depot for about $3. This keeps it warm for winter shooting. Doesn't look bad either.

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

I currently use a Sirui p326 most of the time, have several Manfrotto of different sizes they are all good but my all time favorite is a Benbo trekker which I leave in Michigan and use when I return there in the summer. It is only 2 sections so it doesn't fold to a compact size but the adjustment knob is just the right height and I can use it in water or sandy environment and not worry about about getting stuff in the joints. Don't know if it is still available or not.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

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

I am impressed by your acknowledging the danger of tripods !

As mentioned, you will want one that goes HIGH. I like the Manfro 685b one hand adjustable from the TOP for speed and ergonomics. I have modified mine with a PVC "T" at the bottom for added stability. I also make my own monopods that adjust from the TOP. Here is the head that I recommend that pans at the TOP - https://www.ebay.com/itm/VH-10-2-Way-Fluid-Video-Tilt-Head-360-Panoramic-Ball-Head-For-Tripod-Monopod/322655168431?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

For BIF, nothing beats handheld. Second best IMO, is using my bodypod -https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-269999-1.html

For all else, a monopod works really well for me. PM me for answers to questions you may have .

..

My DIY pod with PVC "T" and panning tilt head

(Download)

tomad Loc: North Carolina

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

This one is sturdy and very cheap... read the reviews. I think it will serve your purpose for well under $100. Maybe you can find a decent head for $80 and you will have the whole thing for your budget.

https://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Monopod-Digital-Cameras-Camcorders/dp/B003LYKX0E

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

Echoing Manfrotto. They seem to be able to build a solid piece of gear for a reasonable Price. I have an older aluminum T-pod. Works just fine. Was about $90 a few years ago.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

duplicate post... please delete

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I have a couple old Bogen/Manfrotto aluminum monopods that work just fine, many years later. One I have fitted with an old ballhead that's been modified to accommodate Arca-Swiss quick release plates. The other is fitted with a simple Arca-Swiss platform.

If I were buying today, I'd probably get the Sirui "basic" monopod that's selling for $40 right now (at B&H and possibly elsewhere). It uses twist locks, which I prefer over levers.

I'd spend the remaining money for an Arca-Swiss quick release compatible monopod head, such as the Desmond (DMH-2... $60) or Benro (DJ90.... $48). That's a handy accessory for birding, in particular, and I use Arca-Swiss QR on everything now (it's the most widely used & universal form of QR). A monopod head only needs to provide a tilt axis (panning can be done simply by turning the entire monopod).

Even in aluminum, a monopod is lightweight. I don't see the need to spend extra for one in carbon fiber (on the other hand, I do use several carbon fiber tripods).

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I bought a VELBON monopole at a club auction for a tenner. Sufficiently impressed to consider better quality but would like one with a decent footplate and maybe a ball head for a little flexibility.

They're not everyone's cup of tea, so maybe scour the pre-loved market (or secondhand as we like to call it).

niteman3d Loc: South Central Pennsylvania, USA

I forget the MeFoto as it's pretty permanently attached to my point & shoot, but it's also great for about as little as you'll pay for a monopod. The Manfrotto has flip clamps on each segment which I prefer, but the MeFoto is fine once you're used to it. It requires a turning motion to tighten or loosen and needs to be twisted pretty firmly to get it really tight if you're going to put much load on it, but it works quite well once you're used to it. I got a Benro ball head to go with it and the total was $40 for both as the monopod was a "today's deal" for $20. It's ideal for my long zoom P610 as it's light and quite shaky at 60x and the whole thing only weighs 2.7 pounds... great for long walks and such. With any camera, if you practice you can develop a pretty good pan by pivoting on the stick and keeping the head snug but not tight so as to be able to follow up and down as well while still achieving better stability. So... either the Manfrotto or MeFoto get a thumbs up from me for a cheap but decent quality solution with both being under your $100 limit.

OleMe Loc: Montgomery Co., MD

I have used an REI walking stick with a standard camera mount built into the grip, which screws off to reveal the mounting screw. Works great. And, the telescope nicely. Lighter than a Monforto, which I have done without since I left it on an airplane! Mine even has a carbide tip which is good to keep it from slipping on a rock.

REI has a similar model to what i bought for $29+. View it here:

https://www.rei.com/product/116388/mountainsmith-fxpedition-monopod-single

/Roger