lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Buy expensive quality, buy once.
Buy bargains, buy 3 times.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Fewest sections possible with tight non slip locks or latches. Round legs as opposed to shaped (rectangular or oval). Again less wobble along the length.

A three section monopod is less wobbly or limber than a 4 or 5 section monopod when extended. Shorter when folded up. may be easier to carry, but a limp 5 section monopod fully open offers less stability.

Personally, I shoot a Olympus PEN Mirrorless and went back to an old solution.

The String Pod. Rolls up in my pocket. Has a threaded end that screws into the tripod socket on the camera and has a loop on the other end.

Put the loop over my foot (I'm ambidextrous feetwise, using either equally well). The length is set to allow holding the camera to eye level or lcd level, while holding upward tension on the camera and also using the camera IS to stabilize.

Works for me as good as a monopod, whereas I do usually use a Tripod for best stability, and it's usually in my car.

Ball Heads On A Monopod....

Requires hiring of a Sherpa... to carry the added weight and the extra hands necessary to help position and tighten the ball unit. Very sloppy indeed, and makes a Monopod quite top heavy in field use. At least that's my opinion on the heavier ball heads. I opt for the simpler small ball using hold and adjust the camera, tighten the one screw, units.

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

That's the exact monopod my research has led me to. Just trying to decide on a ball head, and I am considering the Induro BHL2 which although expensive is light and apparently very high quality.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I started with similar unit from Cabella's. $20 each.

Then I saw another photog using a Manfrotto 3245 (replaced by the 334B). I bought one as soon as I could.

Only 2 adjustments. One for gross height, and a squeeze trigger for finer adjustments. That means, while shooting, I can adjust the height in a second or two, without taking my hand away from the grip. Wouldn't give it up for love nor money.

TonyB Loc: Cornwall UK

I recommend the Manfrotto MM294 for entry level DSLRs and bridge cameras. It is very stiff and yet fairly light weight compared with the MM680 which would be better for big cameras and heavy lens'.

TonyB Loc: Cornwall UK

I recommend the Manfrotto MM294 for entry level DSLRs and bridge cameras. It is very stiff and yet fairly light weight compared with the MM680 which would be better for big cameras and heavy lens'.

TonyB Loc: Cornwall UK

Oops sorry for double entry.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 385b has 1 single handed adjustment for total height - but is $50 to $60 more than the 334b - but worth it IMHO.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Do you mean 685B????

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

I have the Manfrotto 680B with the Manfrotto 234 tilt head with quick release. Collapsed with head the total length is about 23". Three section extensions.. Weight 2lbs 7oz. I am 5ft 9inches tall. Fully extended the tilt head is above my eye level. This unit is sturdy enough to hold my Canon T3i plus Sigma 150-500mm. I did not see much use for a ball head. I do have a Manfrotto 3265 pistol grip ballhead but haven't had a need for it yet.

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

Esther you are right about a ball head unless you have a strong wrist. I don't think they are much good with a long heavy lens. I'm probably one of the few that likes a light weight gimbal on a monopod. I secure the swivel and only use the tilt. They are fast to lock in place if need be but I usually don't. A tilt is much better than a ball head if a person has weak wrists but a gimbal is smooth. Good for birds high up or on the ground and all raptors. Probably other things too. :idea:

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The #3265 ( AKA #222) in conjuction with the 234rc provides the ultimate in speed and coverage. In addition, the 3265 provides much needed height to do high-angle shots such as birds up in a tree. The 234rc is the course adjustment and the 3265 is the high speed fine adjustment if you choose to lock the 234. The 234rc works well by itself - but the 3265 adds another desireable dimension. see below....

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

As with a gimbal head, it is important to have the camera/lens you are using BALANCED at the pivot point/mounting.

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Tony, do you think that would be sufficient for a setup sporting a Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L USM IS lens which is a reasonably heavy lens?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sorry, Yes I do mean 685b ! - ( it's hell to get old ...)