I monopod confused and need some help.
I see 3 section units and 4 section units, carbon fibre which looks like the way to go and am totally lost with the head.
Are they sturdy enough to be use as a walking stick while hiking?
Any thughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks and best wishes.
In general, the more sections it has, the shorter it is when "closed". This can be important if you want to travel with it. Carbon fibre pods are nice, as they're relatively light and not so cold to the touch for bare hands. OTOH, a neoprene grip section at the top of the monopod is always welcome. I can't say that I've never used a monopod to help with balance, but I would certainly not use it as a walking stick while hiking.
I highly recommend the Feisol CM-1471 carbon fibre monopod. It's small, light and relatively inexpensive ($128 at B&H). It's great for general purpose use, including travel, and it can easily handle lenses up to and including the 600/4L IS and 800/5.6L IS (which is lighter than the early 600's). Unfortunately, it can't handle the Canon EF 1200/5.6L or Sigma EX 200-500/2.8 APO IF HSM...
Depending on what you're going to do with the monopod, you might also want to consider a monopod head. This lets you point the lens up and down without having to lean the monopod a lot. Note that in order to point a lens up, you need a relatively long monopod, and the head helps a bit with this. For lens weights up to about 1.5 kg, the little Manfrotto 3232 tilt head works fine. For heavier lenses, the RRS MH-01 is the ticket. I have both.
+1 for the Feisol monopod and the two heads mentioned. The 3232 head is sufficient for my longest lens (Canon 300/4L IS) and a Canon 1-series body, using an RRS quick release system.
I just took a Sirui P-326 around the world (Beijing, Tokyo, Kamakura, Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, Budapest and Paris) in a five-week span and I liked it a lot. It travels small and had plenty of stability for me with my D300s and 80-200 f/2.8 (which is pretty hefty)
jcolwell wrote:
For lens weights up to about 1.5 kg, the little Manfrotto 3232 tilt head works fine. For heavier lenses, the RRS MH-01 is the ticket. I have both.
I have 3 'pods that all see their share of action teachin' BIF @ BDA. My hands down favorite is
my Berlebach w/Kirk QR clamp. Love wood, as it's BEST at killin' vibrations (crowded shooting decks/streams/etc.)
I shoot a lot with monopods and have more of them than I really should.
I find that the 3 section ones are too long when collapsed. When attached to a pack they seem to catch on everything especially if you are taking them in and out of cars, boats or planes. For that reason, I like them to be max carryon length (i.e. about 22") which seems to work well. And that usually means a 4 section leg. Don't be afraid to get one that looks thick and beefy. If it's made from CF it still will likely be really light weight.
I like the Gitzo's. They've lasted me through thick and thin, they are nice and light and I've abused them seriously and had no problems. Great product.
