I'm looking for recommendations for a sturdy monopod and head for an up coming vacation. I will be using it with a Canon 1D2 and 300 f2.8 is the heaviest lens. I am 6 ft tall so I probably need something that gets to at least 63". What is the best bang for the buck? It does not need to be super lightweight.
Hmmm. That's a tough one - IMO, there really are not that many good monopods to choose from.
I'd recommend a Gitzo 1588 for sure - you've got some weight there. I'd add a RRS screw clamp to the top mounted straight on the top.
I have a manfrotto 695 which would be too flimsy and I don't like the flip locks on a monopod. I also have a manfrotto neotec, but I think it is too heavy and too long when collapsed.
I asked for the same type of advice several weeks ago and I believe I got some very good tips. I purchased a Feisol carbon fiber monopod – model # CM 1471. I am a little over 6’ and the height is fine. The unit comes with a nice padded case and the products look super. The cost was $99 plus shipping – almost too good to be true but I now have a great monopod in my opinion. The unit was ordered at the same time I ordered a Manfrotto 3229 tilt head from B&H – the Feisol arrived a couple of days before the tilt head.
The unit is very well constructed and the sections fit so well that you could almost use it for an air pump! I use it with a 20D and an EF100-400 that is quite heavy also – no problems at all. Ask others about their experiences with the Feisol products.
Check out: http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm
I recently collected a bunch of comparative monopod info here. The net result of it all was that I bought a Feisol 1471, which I like very well. That post includes a mini-review of that pod, comparing it to the 3x cost Gitzo 1588.
Thanks for all the great feedback. The Gitzo is more than I want to spend. The Feisol 1471and M/B 682 are both in my price range. Nill, the chart and mini review were both very helpful. I think I will skip the head for now and just go with one of the pods.
It's an animal and will last you the rest of your life.