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Archive 2016 · Recommend a monopod less than $200

  
 
mikeinctown
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


Recently bought a 1Dx and a new Sigma 150-600C and am looking at picking up a sturdy monopod for the combination.

The monopod must be able to support that combination of gear, plus a head as well as a heavier lens in the form of maybe a 120-300 Sigma or a 150-500 Sport. As I would be taking this to motorsport events I'd want to just lug it all around on my shoulder rather than taking everything apart to move to the next corner. Doesn't need to be compact, so a 4 section is fine.

The ones I've tried to research so far include

induro GIM304L. The website is screwed up and they don't give much info. Calling Induro leads to them saying that this monopod is reinforced at the top to handle the shock of people carrying on a shoulder. not sure if this is actually true. Price $190 10 year warranty

induro CLM304L has nearly the same specs as the GLM304L but is $30 cheaper. Not sure how this would hold up 10 year warranty

Sirui P-424 Inexpensive monopod with less rated capacity than the Induro. otherwise near the same dimensions. price $125

Benro MMA38C Nearly the same specs as the Induro CLM model but about $40 cheaper. 5 year warranty

None of my local stores carry any of these models so I will have to have one shipped. I'm hoping everyone here can offer up an opinion as to what they use and if it will suit my needs.



Jul 13, 2016 at 11:15 AM
jmishefske
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I love my Manfrotto 680B Monopod - 4 section aluminum w/ flip levers. It supports my D800e / 600mm f/4 lens (15 pounds) nicely as well as smaller lenses. $60. Have had it for two years with no problems. I occasionally throw a ball-head on it.

Maximum Height 60.0" (152.4 cm)
Folded Length 20.0" (50.8 cm)
Load Capacity 22.00 lb (9.98 kg)
Male Thread Size 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16
Leg Lock Type Flip levers
Weighs 1.83 pounds (.83 kg)
Column tube diameter 28mm



Jul 13, 2016 at 11:57 AM
mikeinctown
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


jmishefske wrote:
I love my Manfrotto 680B Monopod - 4 section aluminum w/ flip levers. It supports my D800e / 600mm f/4 lens (15 pounds) nicely as well as smaller lenses. $60. Have had it for two years with no problems. I occasionally throw a ball-head on it.

Maximum Height 60.0" (152.4 cm)
Folded Length 20.0" (50.8 cm)
Load Capacity 22.00 lb (9.98 kg)
Male Thread Size 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16
Leg Lock Type Flip levers
Weighs 1.83 pounds (.83 kg)
Column tube diameter 28mm


Thank you. According to Manfrotto, the MMXPROA4US replaces the 680B and is $100. Really strange they say the max safe load is like 17 pounds.

Do you carry it over your shoulder with gear attached? I have a Manfrotto tripod and have mixed feelings with the leg locks vs the twist type.



Jul 13, 2016 at 01:29 PM
Paulthelefty
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I bought the Feisol based on price and recommendations by others on this site:

Feisol CM 1471 Rapid: https://www.amazon.com/Feisol-CM-1471-Carbon-Four-Section-Monopod/dp/B00573N7EQ

I have a Kirk monopod head on mine and I added a DIY spike foot. It handles my 300 2.8 easily, and I have used it with a 400 2.8 and 600 f4 as well. I am very satisfied and would buy it again.

Paul



Jul 13, 2016 at 01:30 PM
Gochugogi
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I have an older 680 and it's okay--lives in my car trunk at ready--but find the flip locks fiddley. I'm pretty sure the newer variants have better flip locks. I also have the carbon fiber Sirui and like it a lot more: lighter, more comfy to touch, better looking and the twist locks are buttery smooth compared to my Gitzo gear. Plus I can loosen a couple twists simultaneously, making for fast setup. I normally use a simple AS clamp topside or a small Sunwayfoto ball head if extreme angles are needed (shooting over crowds, video, etc.).


Jul 13, 2016 at 01:49 PM
jmishefske
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


mikeinctown wrote:
Do you carry it over your shoulder with gear attached? I have a Manfrotto tripod and have mixed feelings with the leg locks vs the twist type.



I do. I find I can carry the 600mm f/4 over my shoulder but I do use a padded camera strap so that there is a soft landing spot on my shoulder. The strap functions as my safety line in case I slip or get absent-minded with my expensive lens/camera.



Jul 13, 2016 at 06:20 PM
sjms
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


mikeinctown wrote:
Recently bought a 1Dx and a new Sigma 150-600C and am looking at picking up a sturdy monopod for the combination.

The monopod must be able to support that combination of gear, plus a head as well as a heavier lens in the form of maybe a 120-300 Sigma or a 150-500 Sport. As I would be taking this to motorsport events I'd want to just lug it all around on my shoulder rather than taking everything apart to move to the next corner. Doesn't need to be compact, so a 4 section is fine.

The ones I've tried to research
...Show more

I have the original version of the first Induro model you are referring to. and yes it is reinforced for hard use. It will hold up real well. I regularly used it with a D4and the sig 120-300/2,8. They are extremely robust in build and well finished






Grande Series CMG34 (older model)



Edited on Jul 17, 2016 at 07:43 AM · View previous versions



Jul 13, 2016 at 08:22 PM
Surfnsun
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I've been using a Sirui monopod & it's been fantastic. I used it on a trip to Yellowstone with a D810/150-600 combo with no problems! Highly recommended!


Jul 15, 2016 at 12:41 AM
RobertLynn
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Recommend a monopod less than $200



P224c sirui with 1dx, 300 2.8is.
mikeinctown wrote:
Recently bought a 1Dx and a new Sigma 150-600C and am looking at picking up a sturdy monopod for the combination.

The monopod must be able to support that combination of gear, plus a head as well as a heavier lens in the form of maybe a 120-300 Sigma or a 150-500 Sport. As I would be taking this to motorsport events I'd want to just lug it all around on my shoulder rather than taking everything apart to move to the next corner. Doesn't need to be compact, so a 4 section is fine.

The ones I've tried to research
...Show more








Jul 15, 2016 at 06:45 PM
brian500au
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


i have both the Sirui 326 and the 424. I use the 326 more for when I travel as it packs down fairly small. At a pinch I can use either a 1Dx + 500mm or 200-400 but in truth I feel a little better when I use the 424 with the heavier gear.

I am totally fine using the 326 with the 1Dx + 150-600, 300 or the 100-400.



Jul 18, 2016 at 05:05 AM
danh920
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I will also vouch for the manfrotto 680b, I grabbed 1 lightly used here for $40 and I drape it over my shoulder constantly (gripped d500 with 200-500mm 5.6). Only discomfort is if I'm not paying attention and have the monopod head knob digging into my shoulder


Jul 20, 2016 at 08:34 AM
Denny JetTone
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I haven’t used others so I can’t compare but I really like the Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Pro Photo Monopod with Safety Lock
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387806-REG/Manfrotto_685B_685B_NeoTec_Monopod_Deluxe.html

… and Manfrotto Heavy Telephoto Lens Support with Quick Release

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554099-REG/Manfrotto_393_393_Heavy_Duty_Gimbal.html/?gclid=CjwKEAjw5cG8BRDQj_CNh9nwxTUSJAAHdX3faSkX9S-TRaHLCrnpZR8YhQ8tReDrodscMq8MfAW6ZxoCqDPw_wcB&c3api=0980%2C106232508653

The instantaneous one-hand up and one-hand down operation would be hard to live without. I often go down on a knee to get that angle and then need to be right back up, and I can make each movement as quickly as if I weren’t trying to adjust a monopod. And I have the luxury of making fairly fine height adjustments (instantly) which sometimes make a difference in cleaning up a background or improving a shadow.

Regarding the head, I like having a “grippable” structure on each side of the symmetrical gimbal.

It’s a heavy rig when it’s got an 11½ pound camera/lens attached, but it’s OK for moving around an auditorium or outdoor venue, even slinging another body and shorter zoom on the other shoulder in addition. The only time that I’ve need to trek a bit with it (and camera/lens attached) I rigged up a tripod strap that let me carry it over a shoulder fairly comfortably for as far as I needed to for that chore.

A birding friend with a couple of long and heavy lenses turned me on to the monopod and I turned him on to the head.

And, not expensive.

Denny



Jul 21, 2016 at 04:35 AM
mikeinctown
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


Wanted to give a final update. Wound up buying a Sirui P424 and the same day it was delivered I picked up a used Manfrotto 681B. The Sirui cost me $124 @ B&H and I couldn't be happier. It's a very beefy unit that is plenty tall, easy to use, and lightweight. The Manfrotto was a deal too good to pass up and I'm a fan of the lever lock for certain situations.

I asked for a less than $200 recommendation and wound up with two excellent ones for a total of less than my original max price.



Aug 06, 2016 at 05:38 PM
Michael White
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I have a Manfrotto monopod like described above with the monopod head that pivots in one direction either mount rage camera one way to tilt up and down. Turn the camera 90 degrees and ul can go from horizontal and flip it for vertical


Aug 07, 2016 at 05:48 PM
Darren555
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Recommend a monopod less than $200


I got a Sirui P-326 & an L-10 tilt head recently & have been very impressed with the quality.


Aug 08, 2016 at 06:21 AM





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