Last summer my Feisol 1471 monopod along with me glass taxi was stolen in Yellowstone. I am getting around to replacing both now. I was somewhat happy with the Feisol, but the twist locks did not always work. I also have a Gitzo 3540XLS tripod and the new G locks are a joy to use in comparison.
I plan to use the monopod for mostly 300 and 500mm prime lenses so it is more about ease of transport for trips to the Zoo, parks, etc.
Material (CF vs metal) is not a huge deal as the weight differences are not huge. I am looking for a monopod that can handle over 20lbs.
I've looked at several options online:
1. Feisol 1471 - it worked well, had some minimal flex with a 500, but the leg locks were not perfect.
2. Benro MC-96n6 CF monopod. Looks nice, clearly a Gitzo knockoff, but the Feisol is as well.
3. Bogen 680B Metal monopod. Has the latch locks for legs. These may be easier to deploy than the Feisol twist locks
4. Giottos MM9780 Metal monopod.
5. Gitzo 3350
Clearly the Gitzo is the most expensive at ~ 300.00 and has the easiest to use locking mechanism, but the Bogen monopods have a different but very decent locking mechanism that I assume also is fast and easy to use. What are your thoughts? Has Benro or Giottos come up with a knock off of the Gitzo G-lock system? Are they any better locks than what I had on my Feisol?
How about the Gitzo GM5540? I recently moved up to the 5540 after using the Manfrottos. It is a pleasure to use. The g-locks and ALR set the Gitzos in a class by themselves.
You already have experience and pleasure of using the Gitzo locking system. Why settle for something inferior?
as already said by jhom, go with the Gitzo. I recently did the same move from Manfrotto 680B to Gitzo 5540, not a cheap move at all, but it will be the last move for sure. Don't buy cheap - you will buy twice. It's just a joy to work with this monopod.
I have a Bogen 681, and really like the locking mechanism. The tension it takes to lock and unlock them is adjustable, and they adjust very quickly. Personally I don't care for the twist type locking mechanisms.
Rocketball wrote:
I have a Bogen 681, and really like the locking mechanism. The tension it takes to lock and unlock them is adjustable, and they adjust very quickly. Personally I don't care for the twist type locking mechanisms.
I avoided the Gitzo locking system for many years until now. With the new g-locks and ALR, things are much much different. I was a staunch flip lock advocate for years. Once you try out the new Gitzo twist locks you will see the difference.
