Best monopod shorty: Looking to buy a monopod but really need it to collapse to a really short unit so I can carry it attached to my camera without killing anybody I walk by

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Best monopod shorty

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Sep 27, 2015 17:02:44 #

Photobear Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Looking to buy a monopod but really need it to collapse to a really short unit so I can carry it attached to my camera without killing anybody I walk by - I recently was shooting on the Oregon coast and found that I could have used some help holding the camera steady - thought of a monopod because I thought it would be fairly quick to use but I also think that if I don't have it attached to the camera that I would not use it due to the time to get it out, attached and in use - I like to walk and shoot and use a lot of zoom - hence the camera shake!!! - I have a tripod but I don't like to use it do to the hassle of setting it up. Need the monopod to extend around 5 ft - 6 ft - I tried search but everything seemed old news and I was hoping for new info - also want clip tabs instead if screw legs. Any help ? Also don't know about the monopods with the 3 legs at the end - gizmo or not seems like more stuff to mess with?

Sep 27, 2015 20:13:58 #

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

B&H carries the Mefoto line of monopods & tripods. The WalkAbout extends to just over 59" & collapses to about 18". It does have screw legs though. I have a Vanguard tripod which has clip tabs which work very well. I like the screw legs in this case because they're not as likely to hang up on anything. Put a good ball head on it & you'll be set. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/994901-REG/mefoto_a35wk_walkabout_monopod_black.html

Sep 27, 2015 20:55:28 #

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I have a Manfrotto 679B and I've been pretty happy with it. It's 63.39 inches extended and collapses to 25.59 inches.
It's made out of aluminum and is rated for 22 lbs.

Check out Printers and Color Printing Forum section of our forum.

Sep 27, 2015 21:10:11 #

Photobear Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Thanks I will check it out! I think that I really want the clip though!

Sep 27, 2015 21:10:42 #

Photobear Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Erik_H wrote:

I have a Manfrotto 679B and I've been pretty happy with it. It's 63.39 inches extended and collapses to 25.59 inches.
It's made out of aluminum and is rated for 22 lbs.

I will check it out Thanks!

Sep 27, 2015 21:56:38 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Photobear wrote:

Looking to buy a monopod but really need it to col... (show quote)

Be aware that flip-locks are prone to snag on about anything, and unless they are metal they can break. Twist-locks have a smooth profile and are nearly foolproof. Just an opinion, based on experience.

Sep 27, 2015 23:14:49 #

Photobear Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

RWR wrote:

Thanks! I guess I just want to try the flip lock ones as I can't stand the screw kind.

Check out Film Photography section of our forum.

Sep 28, 2015 00:01:10 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Photobear wrote:

Thanks! I guess I just want to try the flip lock ones as I can't stand the screw kind.

It's a matter of personal preference. I have both, and only use the flip-lock in open country. I haven't checked the monopods, but Manfrotto recently improved their tripod flip-locks.

Sep 28, 2015 05:26:15 #

Hammer Loc: London UK

Photobear wrote:

Looking to buy a monopod but really need it to col... (show quote)

I have the Sirui traveller which is good quality build and collapses to very small . It also has spikes built into the
bottom of the legs which can be covered by a built in
rubber cover . Some monopods require that spike are bought separately and they cannot be conveniently and quickly covered or accessed.

Sep 28, 2015 08:07:46 #

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I'm thinking of purchasing this one in the near future unless some one tells me their is something wrong with it. Carbon fiber so it's light, extends to 65 inches and shrinks to 18 inches with an 18lb weight rating. Don't know if it will be heavy enough for you but it comes with legs that are removable. For me the legs wee just a bonus, don't know if I'll ever use them.

http://www.amazon.com/Koolehaoda-Professional-65-inch-Monopod-Folding/dp/B00M1VRV4O/ref=sr_1_4?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1443441575&sr=1-4&keywords=koolehaoda+monopod

Sep 28, 2015 08:10:26 #

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

By the way I own one of their carbon fiber tripods and really like it. Not meant for heavy video use but for my Nikons it's great and very light, which at my age I really need as I do most of my shooting outdoors.

Check out Professional and Advanced Portraiture section of our forum.

Sep 28, 2015 09:01:48 #

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Photobear wrote:

Looking to buy a monopod but really need it to col... (show quote)

I used the Manfrotto 680B and love it ..........
Was about $80

Sep 28, 2015 09:39:27 #

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

Photobear wrote:

Thanks I will check it out! I think that I really want the clip though!

I've had a Slik EZ-pod for around 40 years and I've not seen another mono-pod that I thought looked like an improvement on it - except possibly for it's weight. It weighs 1.5 lb., a bit on the heavy side in comparisons; I think I can put up with that. It does have the clip style adjustments and I like that.

However, yesterday I found that the top section slipped while I was shooting. On inspection I noticed a crack in that collar and later I noticed a small piece of plastic had broken off on the other side. Well, it is 40 years old...

What surprised me was to find out that this mono-pod is still in production. It now sells for $79 (not the roughly $20 I paid 40years ago) so I may just order a new one. I want to look around at the competition first though.

Sep 28, 2015 11:27:53 #

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

[quote=Photobear]Looking to buy a monopod but really need it to collapse to a really short unit so I can carry it attached to my camera without killing anybody I walk by - I
I said I would never spend $1oo on a monopod, but took a chance due to the easy return policy from Amazon.

I tried the SIRUI Ball heads, and fell in love. I now have the K20 and the K30 (20 for the monopod, 30 for my tripod)

I have a back problem so I wanted a Mono that I could use as a walking stick, and one that was light and folded up small. And...of course one that would be STRONG AND QUIET.

I bought this SIRUI carbon fiber.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QC6VAG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

You could not pry it from my hands, and if I had any idea that it was this good...I would pay even more for it than I did. As far as it staying attached to the camera most of the time, you will love this stick.

Try one...if you aren't happy...send it back. But I KNOW YOU WILL KEEP IT! Thanks, Boone.
8-)

Sep 28, 2015 11:44:14 #

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

I "walkabout" sometimes with a cheap-o Vivitar aluminum monopod. Is a viable alternative to schlepping tripods, so long as you understand it is *not* a tripod. I use it mostly for macro quickies. Chances are if you strap a long lens on, your results will be better than handheld, but not great. Has 3-section snap-operation, 67-inch full extension / 21-inches collapsed. Comes with a zippered sheath. Amazon - about $15-$20 delivered.

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