Could you suggest me a monopod for D700+heavy lens under $50?

I was looking at:
Giottos MV-8250
Giottos MM9750
Bogen-Manfrotto 679B
Manfrotto 776YB

I shoot a 300 2.8 on a d3 and i use a 680B which is the 690 with another section, a search in the general gear section may yield more results

Of the 4 'pods you listed... the B-M 679B. Rigid, simple, inexpensive, lightweight (as is the case with most monopods), and built well.

I have this pod and find it very good. I've used it with D60 plus grip and a 300 f/2.8 and 1.7TE. I used the heavy duty ballhead with it, also very nice for the price. Both the monopod and ballhead are very sturdy and easy to work with. Fast shipping also as they are in the US.

At the link below, I have that monopod but a smaller ballhead. Both will hold more weight than it is listed as rating. They do sell the monopods and ball heads seperately.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Professional-Black-Monopod-with-Premium-Ball-Head_W0QQitemZ350269204792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518dabe938

I always use a Manfrotto 3265 type ballhead. The pistol grip makes it really easy to use.

ishootsports3 wrote:
I shoot a 300 2.8 on a d3 and i use a 680B which is the 690 with another section, a search in the general gear section may yield more results


Another plug for the 680B.

i know some people use heads, but i would advise against it unless you find that you need after using a monopod without

I also have a 680B. There isn't anything fancy about it, but it's plenty for what little I need a monopod for. The heaviest setup I've had on it is D700 with grip and 70-200VR. The pod will easily handle more weight than that. The price is right too.

The Manfrotto 679B is what I use. It's solid as a rock, and for the price, it can't be beat.

679B here also. I have Manfrotto/Bogen pivot (not ball) head on it. Very solid and cheap in price. I think the whole set up cost me under $90.

679B here also - been using (and abusing) it for years without a problem - I generally use it with a 300/2.8... Rock solid and reliable!

I use it without a head, but them I'm only 5'8", if I were taller, I'd probably have some sort of head on it, just to give a bit more length...

You want a cheap and useful monopod/trekking stick?

This is good for trekking so must be strong enough. It is... The top screws off to reveal a 1/4 thread. Add a ball head and you have a very serviceable and inexpensive monopod. http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=1&p=52925&cat=2,40725,45454

Martin

A little over your budget - its $60, but I find the Manfrotto 681B is rock solid for a D700 + 300 f2.8 or 80-400mm 4.5-5.6 VR IS. Lever locks are easy and fast to manipulate too.

Kevin

Don't bother using a head on it - any lens heavy enough to need a monopod should have a rotating tripod collar on it anyway.

Hi

I should have mentioned that the temp guage and compass are crap, but the stick is good.

Martin

I use a Bogen 676B and it gets the job done..

I don't have big boy glass like some of you guys though.

Just my D2H + 80-200/2.8.

When choosing a monopod consider how long it needs to be for when you want to use it while aiming at birds or aircraft that are well above your height, and how short it needs to be when packed up for travelling. Weight is a less significant consideration because your camera gear will weigh a whole lot more by the time you've got a few lenses and accessories in your kit.

A monopod need not be super rigid because you'll be moving anyway - they are after all inherently unstable by design. That's why IS / VR is often recommended with a monopod when it may not be recommended with a tripod. Also it means that unlike a tripod you need not get the "best" you can afford to do a useful job, but do check the weight carrying specs against the camera and lens you might use on it. Chances are that if you get a small ball head or tilt head then that will be the limiting factor in terms of load carrying capacity.

- Alan

i just got one for $30 and about it. I have 400mm AF-I f2.8 on it no problems. to me it is just a stick that not worth spending lots of money on.


just my 2 cents

You can always try this...about $4 for Home Depot. Very solid. Very cheap.

...and has that classic wood vibration dampening