Monopods?

[pam2]

Good Afternoon,

 

I was wondering what type of monopod to buy for my Canon 20D? I want

something without the flipswitches as I understand they tend to

loosen after lots of use. I am looking at a Bogen automatic and

wondered if anyone had experience with one? Also, what quick release

plate goes with it and it is a good idea to get a ballhead for it if

I want to take vertical pictures. I don't know too much about

monopods and have been trying to do my research.

 

Thanks Pam Vasquez

[wagner]

I find I use my Bogen Automatic FAR more than any other monopod I've owned. The reason is because it is so simple to adjust. I use it more and get better shots for it, I think. Also, I get shots I might otherwise miss alltogether because the height can be so easily changed.

 

Understand its limitations however. I wouldnt put a very heavy load on it. I think its rated for 17ish lbs, but I wouldnt put near that much on it. If you're going to shoot a really heavy lens, I'd look at something else.

[mag_miksch]

Ballhead is kinda crazy idea, imagine how to handle it.^^

[michael erlich]

I use a medium size ballhead on my monopod, and I have no problem handling it. The single-axis tilt head I started with was very limiting.

[skipd]

I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 680B monopod with their 486RC2 ball head on top. The ball head really adds to the versatility of the monopod for me.

[gary_watson]

Manfrotto flip locks are usually adjustable--a feature that eliminates concern over "wear." Some find small ballheads useful; others opt for the simpler Manfrotto head that allows for landscape/portrait adjustment only. The RC2 plates should be adequate. If not, then perhaps you should be looking at a tripod.

[rjacksonphoto]

I find the Manfrotto 3216 with the 3265QR grip head (with quick-release) to be a great combination.

[2yellowdogs]

As stated, a ballhead is definitely overkill.

 

I use <a href="http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html">this</a> arrangement and it works wonderfully.

[jordan2240]

Pam,

 

I've only ever owned the Bogen Automatic, so can't compare it to anything, but I can't imagine there is a monopod out there that's more convenient. I generally use it with a 100-300mm or 400mm lens for shooting my kids' sports activities, and since those lenses have a tripod ring on them, the camera can be rotated to the vertical position without use of a ballhead. However, when shooting macro with my 105mm, I will often put a small ballhead on the monopod, and it works just fine. Also, I'm 6' tall, and the Bogen Automatic extends high enough for me to stand straight up when using it.

[dan flanders]

For years I used a home-made combo hiking staff and monopod while wandering around the Alaskan outback. I put a threaded insert in the top of the grip, protruding just enough to secure the camera and covered it while hiking with a rubber crutch tip which was removed to mount the camera. I rarely take vertical pictures so the absence of any adjustments was an asset rather than a hindrance although I did keep a small ball head in my pack. The hiking staff was also used as a wading staff when fishing, secured to my belt by a lanyard. None of the commercial pods I have encountered have been as satisfactory for my purposes as my DIY 'custom'!

[pam2]

Thanks for all of your helpful responses.

 

May sound like a silly question, BUT can you take Vertical shots with a swivel head? I thought you could only do so with a ballhead. I don't want anything that would be a hinderance but I definately need to take vertical shots.

 

I bought a GITZO 1564L...went to a camera store and tried it out and liked it. BUT I still don't know what to do about ballheads and swivels. One of you (don't remember the name off hand..sorry) mentioned another system from Really Right Stuff but it seems a bit complicated to put together. I will spend some more time on that site checking it out. Thanks again!