Solid monopod for sports at an affordable price?

[trevor_s1]

Hey all,

 

Im looking at a solid monopod for shooting sports, at the moment I have a 29.95$ one from circuit city

that buckles under the weight of my D80 and Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. So I was looking to get one thats a

little stronger and can support the weight.

 

Currently im looking at the Bogen 680B seen here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5535-REG/

Bogen_Manfrotto_680B_680B_4_Section_Compact_Monopod.html

 

Its reasonably priced, i don't want to shell out 100$+ for a carbon fiber one, one concern I have is im 6

feet tall so its gotta be tall enough while I am standing, which the one I currently have isn't. I will have to

buy a seperate ball head, which is like 31$ so it would come out close to 100$ but i'll have the entire

setup.

 

Anyway, was just hoping to get some input from the sports photographers on here, and what your

thoughts were on this one, or if there is just as good a one at a better price.

 

Thanks for any feedback, its appreciated.

 

Trevor

[andy_blagbrough]

I use a Kennet monopod with a rubber head for easy panning and find it is rigid enough.

The Benbo trekker monopod id lighter and should be OK.

 

Andy B

[mharris]

I use this: http://www.adorama.com/SLEZP.html even though it says video it works perfect for my cameras. It has a quick release fine height adjustment so you don't have to reach down to the leg to adjust. It's that orange push button thing in the photo.

[robert_hooper1]

Don't buy a piece of junk just because you think you can't afford the real thing. If you don't

have the cash for a suitable Gitzo, the Feisol CM-1471 carbon fiber monopod is an

unbelievable value at $100.00.

 

http://www.feisol.com/

[Peter_in_PA]

I've used a few monos, and to me, the best monopod is a cheap monopod.

[bill_keane2]

There are some on the B&H site by SLIK that could also do the trick. You're right to get one with a ball-head. The Bogen arrangement should be more than sufficient.

[bsd230]

I've been very happy with my Manfrotto. It's very sturdy and very reasonably price. I bought mine from a local camera shot for $55.00. It doesn't have a ball head but it has never been a hindrance.

[andyjonesphotography]

I use a Manfrotto 681, no flex at all and very solid. You don't need a ball-head. Checkout

<a href="http://www.sportsshooter.com/funpix_view.html?id=6760">www.sportsshooter.com/funpix</a> and see how many pro's use ball-heads.<br><br>

 

Andy

[dan_k6]

Don't need to go expensive or carbon fiber for a monopod. I have a Manfrotto 681B which is great.

 

The Gitzo 1564 aluminum monopod is nice because it has the twist locks which I like but I think it might be overkill at about $150 for an aluminum model.

 

Be sure to buy the $20 swivel head for you monopod.

 

Stay away from no names. Manfrotto = great value, reasonable price.

[mybokeh]

Bogen 676B Digi Monopod (B&H $33.95) + 3229 Swivel Tilt Monopod Head with Quick Release (B&H $33.95). Pretty light weight and sturdy.

[mark newcombe www.mcnphoto]

A mono pod is essentially a stick, get one that has good locks so it doesn't sink down and most importantly get one that is high enough so you don't have to slouch, your back will appreciate it after long days on the sidelines. Don't get caught up in branding here there are heaps of cheap chinese monos that work really well, lock solidly and are a good height. Tripods on the other hand are a totally different story.

[mybokeh]

I went to a cycling race 2 days ago and a guy locked himself out of his car with the passenger side window about 1-1/2 inches opened. So, guess what ... I used my Bogen 676B (fully extended) to unlock the driver side door for him. Saved him $50 from a lock smith.

[bob_camarena]

My Bogen 680B has performed very well for me. I'd suggest getting the 3229 Swivel Tilt Head with Quick Release head along with it. I prefer the tilt head to a ball head on a monopod since you can easily tilt the monopod for the in-between and multi-dimensional angles. I find the tilt head to be less fiddley, quicker and more secure.