I am looking to buy my first monopod soon, but I need some advise from the folks who have used them. The tallest one I can find, is only 5'8" yet I stand 6'4". Will this be a problem? I'm afraid that if I have to stoop over to use it, not only will I be uncomfortable, but I won't be able to hold it as steady. How do I determine what would be the best height for me? Does anyone make a Monopod designed for tall people?
Posted by David Bostedo on August 15, 2007 at 9:15 AM
Well, I haven't used one, but there are certainly taller ones out there. For instance, this one. And don't forget that the head and camera itself could easily add more than 6". Good luck.
Hi Tim,
I purchased a Gitzo GM2540 monopod from Really Right Stuff. It opens to the same height as the one David mentioned. RRS also shows their way of setting it up with a great head. I bought their reccommended head together with their B2 LR II clamp. The setup works great with my Canon eos 1d mark iii. The height is fine. I'm 6'2" tall.
Gene
I have a Manfrotto carbon fiber monopod that has a magnesium head with three small pads. The pads kept coming off and being a real pain. I called Manfrotto and had unsatisfactory customer service. They suggested that I buy a supply of pads from them so I could replace them as they fell off! I finally resolved the problem by getting quick release plates and clamps for my cameras, tripods, and this monopod, but, I believe the product uses a defective design as sold.
Posted by Lloyd Tribley on August 17, 2007 at 12:22 AM
Hi Tim ~ I have to reinforce Eugene's comments. I would explore the current Gitzo range. I've used a Gitzo 1568 Mk2 carbon pod for a few years now. Rather than use a ball head (I have a Gitzo G1077M for light work), I use a Manfrotto 3229 w/quick release for field work with long, heavier lenses. This set up is very similar to the one recommended by the folks at the Really Right Stuff. And yes, check out the RRS's Monopod solutions pdf. This set up is light, simple, indestructible - lets you focus on your images - and will withstand the test of time.
Lloyd...
Posted by Tim Behle on August 26, 2007 at 11:45 PM
I got to looking at the Gitzo product line, and decided that the Gitzo G1564L Mk2 Studex XL Monopod would fit my needs. But I'd like to add a ball head and Quick release to it, any suggestions?
Really Right Stuff used to recommend a cheaper alternative to a ball head for monopods. I don't know if they still do, but the idea is that you really don't need all the movement a ballhead allows when you're shooting from a monopod. I agree and have used a Bogen swivel head on my monopod for years. I put an Arca-Swiss clamp on it and I'm happy.
Discussion
6 repliesI purchased a Gitzo GM2540 monopod from Really Right Stuff. It opens to the same height as the one David mentioned. RRS also shows their way of setting it up with a great head. I bought their reccommended head together with their B2 LR II clamp. The setup works great with my Canon eos 1d mark iii. The height is fine. I'm 6'2" tall.
Gene
Lloyd...
Pete D.