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Monopod
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Jan 26, 2020 09:06:26   #
HistoryLover Loc: Landenberg,Pa.
 
I am thinking of getting a monopod to make it easier when traveling. Was wondering if a 600mm lens would be too much for it to handle.

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Jan 26, 2020 09:08:45   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
I have used a good one with a 150-500mm lens without any problems.

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Jan 26, 2020 09:13:09   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Look at the weight rating of the monopod (and/or head) compared to the weight of the lens to see if it will support it properly.

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Jan 26, 2020 09:37:00   #
LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America
 
Longshadow wrote:
Look at the weight rating of the monopod (and/or head) compared to the weight of the lens to see if it will support it properly.


Yep, I like to take DSLR+battery grip+Heaviest lens+monopod+head+at least 5 lbs and get something that matches that weight.

Look for strong leg adjustment clamps.

They are, IMHO, invaluable.

Additional uses are a walking stick and, in a pinch, critter defense.

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Jan 26, 2020 09:37:06   #
ltatko
 
Just bought one from B+H. They have many to chose from. Good$$$



LenT

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Jan 26, 2020 09:38:46   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
HistoryLover wrote:
I am thinking of getting a monopod to make it easier when traveling. Was wondering if a 600mm lens would be too much for it to handle.


I have a “vanguard”carbon fiber mono-pod & use it with my Pentax K-1 and My pentax 150-450mm tele. I also have used it with my Fuji X-T2 with my fuji 100 to 400mm Tele... Absolutely no probs............RJM

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Jan 26, 2020 09:40:19   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
HistoryLover wrote:
I am thinking of getting a monopod to make it easier when traveling. Was wondering if a 600mm lens would be too much for it to handle.


I own a Vanguard Monopod, that can also be used as a walking stick. However, I don't own a 600mm lens either. But, my upper torso weight, on one arm and hand, surely weighs more than a 600mm lens.

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Jan 26, 2020 09:41:06   #
LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America
 
digit-up wrote:
I have a “vanguard”carbon fiber mono-pod & use it with my Pentax K-1 and My pentax 150-450mm tele. I also have used it with my Fuji X-T2 with my fuji 100 to 400mm Tele... Absolutely no probs............RJM


I’ve had my BOGEN for almost 30 years, and might well spring for CF if I ever replace it.

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Jan 26, 2020 09:48:17   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
WHile walking about with my camera and lens on a quick release plate , I was once confronted by a would be THIEF, the little a—hole wanted my STUFF. Since I always have the camera strap around my neck, I quick released it from the extended MONO-POD, and had a formidable CLUB with which to defend myself.. Fully extended the pod gave me room to become OFFENSIVE. The turd took flight.. Get yourself a good mono-pod/weapon!! Have a safe day!!....................................................................................RJM

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Jan 26, 2020 09:54:43   #
LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America
 
digit-up wrote:
WHile walking about with my camera and lens on a quick release plate , I was once confronted by a would be THIEF, the little a—hole wanted my STUFF. Since I always have the camera strap around my neck, I quick released it from the extended MONO-POD, and had a formidable CLUB with which to defend myself.. Fully extended the pod gave me room to become OFFENSIVE. The turd took flight.. Get yourself a good mono-pod/weapon!! Have a safe day!!....................................................................................RJM
WHile walking about with my camera and lens on a q... (show quote)


Perhaps I will check if BOGEN offers a hellfire missile upgrade.

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Jan 26, 2020 09:58:52   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
LWW wrote:
Perhaps I will check if BOGEN offers a hellfire missile upgrade.


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Jan 26, 2020 10:47:39   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
HistoryLover wrote:
I am thinking of getting a monopod to make it easier when traveling. Was wondering if a 600mm lens would be too much for it to handle.


Great idea. A Monopod is invaluable to me with my Carbon Fiber Monopod. The key is the head you get. Look at Really Right Stuff Monopod Heads.

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Jan 26, 2020 11:30:15   #
DaveO Loc: Northeast CT
 
You may like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

Lots of good stuff on Steve Perry's Backcountry Gallery site!

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Jan 26, 2020 11:32:06   #
LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America
 
Longshadow wrote:


If they do, I’m in.

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Jan 26, 2020 14:34:37   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
Yes, a monopod can be a good alternative. One drawback is that you basically have to hold the rig upright all the time while you have camera and lens installed. It's not like a tripod where you can lock the movements and walk away from it.

Monopods come in a variety of materials, weight ratings, more or less leg sections and other features.... similar to tripod options.

Total up the weight of your camera, lens and anything else attached to them, then look for a monopod with around 2X that or more in a weight rating.

I also highly recommend fitting the monopod with a "monopod head". Those are fairly simple, with only a tilt axis. That's all you need, since you can easily rotate the entire rig for a panning action.

I am currently using a couple old Bogen or Manfrotto monopods... aluminum, 3-section legs (less compact), fairly hefty for a monopod but a whole lot lighter than a tripod and head.

I have an old medium duty ballhead I fitted to one of my monopods. I wouldn't normally choose a ballhead, but I already had that one, so decided to use it.

The other monopod I use without a head, with only an Arca-compatible QR platform installed on it. Works fine in most situations... I can do limited downward or upward tilt simply by leaning it all forward or backward.

I've looked at and considered other monopods and heads....

I'd prefer carbon fiber, 3 or 4-section (max) leg, like twist type leg locks, and would want approx. 60" height (head will add some height).

Right now Oben CTM-2400 looks like about the best value with a decent (22 lb.) weight rating. Usually $80, now on sale for $68. At full extension it's an inch shorter than I'd hoped, but I can probably work with that (I'd have to see how much height a monopod head adds). It's also offered with an Oben monopod head, but I wouldn't buy that. The head has too low capacity rating and isn't Arca-QR compatible.

About the best value I've seen in the way of a monopod head is the Desmond DMH-2X1 for $60. It's Arca-compatible and rated for 22 lb. Appears to get good reviews, too.

My largest lens that I'd regularly use on a monopod is an 8 lb. 500mm f/4. That's usually attached to a 2 lb. DSLR (incl. grip, dual batteries). Sometimes I have a flash and flash bracket installed, too. Hence the 22 lb. weight rating is pretty close to the minimum I'd look for.

Figure out what you need and prefer, how much you want to spend, then have fun shopping!

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