p.1 #1 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
I am looking for a Monopod for my 300 2.8 1.4x and 30D to shoot sports. Manfrotto has 680 and 681. They look almost similar, except one is 4 section and the other 3. Plus a slight weight difference.
Looking for suggestions here from those who are using monopods. This will be my first monopod.
p.1 #2 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
Some people use a swivel on the top of the monopod, and some recommend a ballhead, still others recommend arttaching a longer lens directly to the monopod. If you don't know exactly how you plan to set the monopod up I would suggest that you ask a friend to "give you a hand" for a couple of minutes.
Take your camera/lense setup and hold it in a standing shooting position (lens horizontal). Have your friend take a steel tape measure and measure the distance from the bottom of your camera body to the ground. Write this measurement down, and then measure from the bottom of the tripod ring/foot on your lens to the ground. Write this measurement down.
Make sure that what ever monopod you are considering is at least as long as the longer of these two measurements, or you might be spending a lot of time bent over, and your back won't like that.
p.1 #3 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
Thanks Ken,
I am pretty certain I will be attaching the lens's tripod ring to the head. I will most likely be sitting down most of the time and using the lens at a lower height.
My objective is to shoot Cricket games. I might use it for other sports such as Football (aka soccer) later on, but primary purpose is Cricket.
Do you have any experience with the 680 or 681? Does it matter whether it is 3 section or 4?
p.1 #4 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
The 681 has a slightly higher load rating, is slightly taller but is longer when folded which may be a disadvantage when carrying or backpacking. Other than these differences, they're of similar quality. Check the specs here:
p.1 #5 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
For shooting sports, most shooters find that you don't need a head. Just get a QR lead and mount it to the top, put the appropriate plate on your camera or lens foot.
I prefer the RRS QR clamps. I used to use the know ones, but now I'm converting my monopods over to the lever ones.
I typically prefer the 4 section ones since they collapse up shorter than the 3 section ones and therefore are better for carrying in a crowd or on a backpack without snagging stuff.
If you are planning on sitting, you may want to look at this. If the 3 section ones are too high, and if you are sitting on the grass, it may be a factor. The only other issue is that with some of these with more sections, they get to have pretty wimpy bottom feet.
p.1 #6 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
I use the 680B for my 300/2.8 and 500/4. It's a 4-section model, so it's more compact, and plenty of load rating for what I'm putting on it. IMO, it's the best bang for the buck.
p.1 #7 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
You might consider the 682, it is a 681 with the fold out legs that store in the bottom section. Or you could do as I and purchase the legs separate and attach them to a 680 for a more compact package.
The system works very well, not a tripod replacement, but it does allow you to take your hands off it to rest. I would not recommend letting go of it with the 300 2.8 and fully extended, but at sitting height it would be fine.
p.1 #9 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
I've used the 680B with lenses up to and including a 400, and it's worked great. I prefer the 4 section because it breaks down to be smaller for storage and can be made smaller in use (like when sitting).
I played around with ball heads, swivel heads and quick releases, but eventually gave up and now just mount my tripod collar directly to the monopod.
BTW, it has also been my experience that the little legs of the 682 are pretty much useless for lenses longer than a 70-200, but YMMV. Maybe I'm just not coordinated enough...
p.1 #10 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
Dennis,
I appreciate your comments. I too am inclined towards the 680B due to it's lower height. But then how often do you take pics sitting down? I am guessing I will be seating on a chair probably for Cricket since the games tend to be 6-7 hours long.
Also, the 681 has just a little extra height. Not sure how important that is.
Thanks for the info on the 682. I too did not think the legs can hold the weight of the heavy lenses.
Cheers
Ash
PS - I looked at your work, some really great pics
p.1 #11 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
I´m using the 681b. Went for 3 legged section mainly because one lock less is one lock less that will fail on me. It is quite long folded which sometimes is an issue carrying it around attached to the 300 f/2.8 in crowded places after the game. It costs next to nothing so i would say try it out :-)
Apr 13, 2007 at 09:35 AM
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p.1 #12 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
Both those monopods are good for your lens. The 681 have extra height and it's also a little bit more steady because of the 3 leg. I think the 681 or 681B are the best monopods for it's very cheap price. I use two of those for my 300/2,8 IS and 500/4 IS lenses.
p.1 #13 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
eastender wrote:
Dennis,
I appreciate your comments. I too am inclined towards the 680B due to it's lower height. But then how often do you take pics sitting down? I am guessing I will be seating on a chair probably for Cricket since the games tend to be 6-7 hours long.
Also, the 681 has just a little extra height. Not sure how important that is.
Thanks for the info on the 682. I too did not think the legs can hold the weight of the heavy lenses.
Cheers
Ash
PS - I looked at your work, some really great pics
Ash,
Thanks. To answer your question about using a monopod sitting down, actually, relatively frequently. Shooting basketball, I often keep my monopod on my 300. Shooting kids baseball, too, where I'm frequently on my butt to get the lower perspective. But more important is the fact that the 4 section folds to be smaller.
p.1 #14 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
I totally agree with Dennis' comments on monopod height. The long ones when collapsed are just a lot more problems in general from both shooting perspective and logistics.
p.1 #15 · Manfrotto 680 and 681 - What is the difference?
Thanks everyone. After reading Dennis's reasoning to go with a Monopod that has a decent minimum height, I have ordered the 680B. It should be here in 2-3 days, along with my 300mm 2.8 IS which is also on the way..................
