In a perfect world, I'd say always use a tripod with that lens, but if you have a specific need for amonopod, I'd suggest a Gitzo 5 series carbon fiber monopod, then attach a Quick release attachment for the top --- no head.
Thanks Ben. I plan on using a tripod most of the time, but wanted to take the lens hiking sometimes and did not want to carry the tripod and gimbal head while hiking, so was looking for a monopod setup. Any suggestions on the quick release attachment?
Ben Horne wrote:
then attach a Quick release attachment for the top --- no head.
+1
For the monopod, definitely go for a carbon fiber model. I started with a cheaper model initially for my 600mm and it warped and nearly broke on me. I prefer the monopods with the clasps you can flip up/down to extend/retract, and others prefer the ones you twist. It comes down to personal preference.
There is little need for a head on the monopod though. I use an arca swiss quick release adapter on the top of my monopod. I can hike with my 600mm over my shoulder and have no fear of the lens falling off.
If I have to use a mono-pod with super-telephoto's I still use my Wimberly with the mono-pod.
Being able to tilt up and down with out leaning the stick is a huge plus.
Being able to tilt the Camera/lens for transport over the shoulder is also very nice if your walking any sort of distance.
I just bought a manfrotto 681 and combined with my Wimberly it's a workable solution with super telephoto's. I find the way this mono-pod changes levels with the levers is much easier one handed than the twisting method of my last one.
I still think using a mon pod is a less than perfect solution with focal length's over 300 mm, but having the right mono-pod with the Wimberly makes it tolerable.
Nikkor 800 5.6 IF-ED AI-S on D2H on Mono-pod and Wimberly
That is the set up to get - I shoot with that set up on their large monopod with the 400mm, 600mm and the 800mm when needed. THe manfrotto monopods do not hold up as well (680/681etc) been there done that. If you use the plates then it is easy to mount on wither the MH-01 or the wimberly gimbal
. Check it out: 