bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I own and have used a combination walking stick, monopod, shooting stick from a sporting goods store, very convenient, just how much leaning on are you going to do? I usually just steady myself with a walking stick, not a lot of weight. I am considering the shooting stick attachment for use with a telephoto, save the necessity of a tripod mount on the lens, Bob.

Ballangrud Loc: Vermont

I bought a Sirui P-204S Aluminum Photo/Video Monopod earlier this year and took with me to Easter Island and Patagonia. It is well built and it worked well for me. The stick is thicker than some, but no problems for me....I am not a big man.... 5'8" and my hands are medium sized. A very sturdy Monopod with attachable feet when shots require greater stability.

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

I have one of those too. Mine is about 4 years old and the monopod leg just screws to the ball head. Pictures of the new ones look like the entire center column screws to the monopod leg -- giving much higher reach. Am I seeing the photo correctly? If so, that would be a big improvement to an already good product. Mine has traveled extensively and served me well. Just wish the monopod was longer.

mdfenton

I'm curious about how tough the tip is for taking abuse on rough ground. Thanks.

TKT Loc: New Mexico

Hi, I recommend buying a monopod that can be used as a walking stick, not the other way around. I am mobility impaired and normally us a a cane. My photography kit now includes a Sirui carbon fiber monopod (model 424S I think) that serves me very well, in fact let's me keep doing my photography. It's a video rated monopod that can be set to rotate the head for doing panoramas as well as having a controllable for and aft movement that's great for near/far stacked compositions. It can also be broken down for use as a small table top tripod for macro wildflower photography. I use it routinely to help get my butt up off the ground ( I weight ~ 240 #). Quality gear!!

mdfenton

Thanks for valuable information. I am recently disabled and am rethinking everything.

Kuzano

Watch out for lightning with a walking stick, if it's metal.

I once had an aluminum monopod. Used it for hiking. Use to hike the hills and bluffs of Arizona. Lightning storms were occasional, but came up fast. One day, I did not see a lightning storm coming, as it rolled over the ridge behind me. But my aluminum monopod started vibrating. Now most of these lightning strikes in dry heat are Ground Up... the strike starts from the ground and goes to the sky. If you are carrying a simulated "lightning rod" in your hand... look out.

I threw my monopod as far as I could down the hill and headed for the trailhead. After the storm, I went back, but never found my monopod.

This is another reason for not affixing your camera to the monopod and carrying it over your shoulder. It's likely that neither you, nor the camera will survive a strike.

It's even said (urban myth?) that if you have a lot of change in your pocket and it starts vibrating... GET long gone!

Since that event in 1990 near Sedona/Oak Creak AZ...my preferred material for a "walking stick" has been wood. Some nice one's are crafted and sold on the internet, and have a 1/4 thread with a cap on the top, to attach to your tripod socket.

:shock:

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

It's combo's that get you in trouble, if it's only a walking stick wood is the best, but it don't telescope worth a D___, enter aluminum, or carbon (even better lightning rod), I'm always tempted to try a 4 foot wooden monopod, have a walking stick I made that length. Bob.

mdfenton

Thanks. As an X-Arizona field geologist decades ago, I'm familiar with those thunder/lightning storms. :-(

OKsprat Loc: Oklahoma

http://www.amazon.com/Leki-Sierra-Soft-Anti-Shock-Trekking/dp/B001GCUDTE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1431535593&sr=8-5&keywords=leki+walking+cane

I've been using this for 7-8 years and it works fine for me.

jefflantzimages Loc: Seattle

i agree with bob. my Manfrotto has been a perfect tool, plus in some troublesome areas i remove my camera and walk with the pod extended similar to a walking cane or shorten as a club. mine has a loop around the head for stability and to keep hold of it in case of trouble. never been challenged, but have had a few toughs back away. best to go to a good camera store and try it out various types to see how they feel in your hands. mine is the Manfrotto 479-4B/JD22. it fits snugly in my carry-on and i have used it with various cameras from newer Fuji X100s, to Canons, and to Mamiya Medium Format. i also use a Vanguard BBH-200 Ball Head. fantastic combination. good luck jeff

jefflantzimages Loc: Seattle

i agree with bob (Malarz). my Manfrotto has been a perfect tool, plus in some troublesome areas i remove my camera and walk with the pod extended similar to a walking cane or shorten as a club. mine has a loop around the head for stability and to keep hold of it in case of trouble. never been challenged, but have had a few toughs back away. best to go to a good camera store and try it out various types to see how they feel in your hands. mine is the Manfrotto 479-4B/JD22. it fits snugly in my carry-on and i have used it with various cameras from newer Fuji X100s, to Canons, and to Mamiya Medium Format. i also use a Vanguard BBH-200 Ball Head. fantastic combination. good luck jeff

zenpheonix

Mountainsmith TrekkerFX 7075. A telescopic , lightweight trekking pole with camera mount on top. At REI for 29.99. I love mine.

smith934 Loc: Huntsville, Alabama

Looks like the REI version posted by Psergel. The REI one is $10 less expensive.

Cassy Loc: New England

Thanks but I am going to hold off right now. My husband and I both want to get one and we are still looking. I will let you know if I change my mind. Thanks'!