Posted by Nathan Lovas on January 6, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I am purchasing a Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR and would like to get a monopod to go along with it. I have never used one before and was hoping for suggestions. All my tripods are Gitzo carbion fiber, but was wondering if that might me a little overkill for a monopod. Would love to hear anyones thoughts, ramblings, etc....Thanks! Nate.
I agree that carbon fiber may be overkill. I'm using one of the Manfrotto aluminum, 3 section monopods. Around 50 bucks. Doubles as a hiking pole and I don't worry about whacking rocks or small annoying dogs with it now and then.
Posted by Brent Reid on January 6, 2008 at 1:30 PM
The expense of CF for a monopod to save an ounce or two isn't worth it to me. I've been using a medium weight Manfrotto aluminum 'pod with the "RRS solution" for years, and feel no need to upgrade.
Here's the link to a very fluid and effective quick release system for monopods:
RRS has just added a heavy-duty monopod head to its catalog, the MH-01. Quite pricey at $150, but it will hold any lens on the market securely, with maximum maneuverablility.
I use the Manfrotto 680B with the Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead for my medium-weight and heavier lenses. The monopod is strong enough to put my vehicle on (well, OK, not quite), and the ballhead swaps out between my tripod and monopod. Normally one doesn't need a balhead on a monopod, but I use it that way because of the quick-release plate on the head. Pops right off if I need to handhold without warning. Total cost about $120.
Discussion
4 repliesHere's the link to a very fluid and effective quick release system for monopods:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/03.html