Looking for monopod and maybe a ball

[maria_agu]

My fianc饠is a beginner in photography. He uses the Canon EOS Rebel XT with

two lenses (an 18-55 and 50-300). I would like to get him a monopod for X-mas.

I would like recommendations on something that is lightweight (for use in

travel) but will sustain the weight of these lenses and is not too expensive (I

have a tight budget). Also, should I get some type of ball to go with it (in

case the larger lens is too heavy or we want to take vertical shots), and if so

which one? Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated. This is all new

to me. Thanks!

 

Maria

[alex_h2]

Hi Maria,

 

I have a Manfrotto 681 aluminum monopod with a manfrotto 468RC2 quick release ball head. It's a light and very sturdy combination I use with a 30D. Costs are reasonable for the quality, coming in at about $160 CDN for both. That's about $140 USD.

[g_canazzi]

I would agree with Alex on that. You lightest ones would be Carbon Fibre by Gitzo or Bogen but they are very spendy.

 

By the way I currently have that ball head Alex spoke about currently listed on PhotoNet Classified. Here is the link -

http://www.photo.net/gc/edit-ad-3?classified_ad_id=666189

[andrew duncan]

Maria,

 

The <a href="http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2366?livid=103|113&idx=115">Manfrotto 679 monopod</a> is a little lighter (and cheaper) than the <a href="http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2370?livid=103|113&idx=115">681</a>, but extends to the same height. It is solid enough for a Rebel XT + 300mm lens.

 

I didn't go for a ball head. I have the <a href="http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2375?livid=103|113&idx=114">Manfrotto 234 tilt head</a>. It is also available as with a quick release plate (<a href="http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2376?livid=103|113&idx=114">234 RC</a>). I find the tilt head good for switching from horizontal to vertical shots.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Andrew

[steve_solomon2]

Greetings!

As a part-time sports/band photographer, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Gitzo Studex 1564 with a Manfrotto 3229 Quick-Release swinging head. IMHO, you don't need a "ballhead" on a monopod, since you can easily pan with it. However, this outfit will set you back about $180, which is worth every penny! The Gitzo is extremely solid, as is the Manfrotto QR head. Plus, the Quick-Release feature of this combination allows you to attach/detach the camera in seconds, should you need the speed.

Good luck!

Steve

BTW, I'd steer clear of Giottos...had a nice ballhead and monopod for about a year, and then the ballhead literally popped off the top of the monopod! (Luckily I was holding the camera strap at the time.) I taped the head back on (still holding that camera strap!), until I found my current setup, which feels as though it could hold a view camera...well, maybe a 'Blad and a 500mm lens (I wish)! :-)

[leopoldstotch]

Just as an alternative, Manfrotto does have $50 aluminum monopod. These are 3 section monopod, and not quite as good as the more expensive versions, but its still very good quality, and is great for a tight budget.

[andrew duncan]

The Manfrotto 3229 head that Steve is talking about, is the same as the Manfrotto 234RC head. It depends on what part of the world you are in. I think Manfrotto use the Bogen name in the USA and Manfrotto in the rest of the world.

 

Bogen 3229 tilt head is the same as the Manfrotto 234RC head

 

Bogen 3232 tilt head is the same as the Manfrotto 234 head

 

Andrew

[andrew duncan]

Leopold,

 

That is the Bogen/Manfrotto 679 (3016) monopod that I was talking about. $42 from B&H if you are in the USA. The black one is the same price [bogen/Manfrotto 679B (3216)]. The 234 (Bogen 3232) head is $20, the 234RC (3229) is $31.

 

Andrew

[maria_agu]

Thank you all for your responses. I will check your recommendations out further. They all sound like great options. I am very excited to get something for my fiancee that he will really enjoy. Thanks again!

[yakim_peled1]

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00DBPt

 

HTH.

 

Happy shooting,

Yakim.

[john_macpherson]

There are also collapsible walking poles with a screw-off knob on top that reveals a tripod screw so you can use it for walking and then when you need a monopod just pop your camera on top. Very light, very strong, very practical, and also very cheap too!