I'm using the manfrotto 681 Jeremy, and its very sturdy and would easily support your 500mm without any flexing or strain on the locks, and i think it is everything that is needed in a monopod.
I recently bought a CF monopod for travelling on public transport, as it collapsed short enough to fit inside my rucksac {my 681 has to be strapped on the outside}, but i'm not as confident with it, even though it easily supports the weight of my 400/3.5, and any weight savings of CF are a non-issue with monopods anyway.
Personally i would rule out the added expence of CF pods, and just get a decent basic model.
Thanks for your suggestions. John, if the Manfrotto can support your weight, I guess it can easily manage my camera gear! By the way, has anyone had any problems with the plastic leg-locks breaking on the Manfrotto? They kept cracking on my Manfrotto CF tripod, and I had to send off to Italy for spares, which took months.
Alan, out of interest, what CF monopod did you buy? Like you, I use public transport quite a bit, and want to keep the weight and size down.
Cheers,
I really don't like it, as it is a 5 section version, but it was the only model i could find that would fit inside my favourite rucksack, and therefore not advertise to the general public that i may be carrying valuable gear.
It actually is surprisingly stable when fully extended, considering the number of sections, but it does flex, and the bottom section is so thin {about 1/2 inch dia.} that it tends to sink in softish ground.
Unfortunately i feel it is the only option for me for inconspicuous travel, and a reasonable option for my occasional excursions further afield.
i broke off the plastic leg locks a few times on my manfrotto and gave up on it. They don't take impact very well so watch where u toss your pod. the first time, i hit mine against a curb and it cracked. if i'm not mistaken manfrotto doesn't sell just one lock but the whole set and with postage, costs close to the price of a new pod as i recall. I went for a metal gitzo after a while. A bit heavier, but more than useful for late nights walking home from the station.
Discussion
9 repliesCan anyone recommend a good lightweight monopod strong enough to support a 500mm f/4.5 lens plus camera, flash, TCs, etc.?
Thanks!
I recently bought a CF monopod for travelling on public transport, as it collapsed short enough to fit inside my rucksac {my 681 has to be strapped on the outside}, but i'm not as confident with it, even though it easily supports the weight of my 400/3.5, and any weight savings of CF are a non-issue with monopods anyway.
Personally i would rule out the added expence of CF pods, and just get a decent basic model.
Alan
When I use a monopod it's also a Manfrotto - it carries the weight easily.
Adrian
681 is what I used when I had the 500/4.5, it now supports a 400/2.8.
I think someone took a shot of it supporting me a while ago...........
Alan, out of interest, what CF monopod did you buy? Like you, I use public transport quite a bit, and want to keep the weight and size down.
Cheers,
I bought the magfibre 695.
I really don't like it, as it is a 5 section version, but it was the only model i could find that would fit inside my favourite rucksack, and therefore not advertise to the general public that i may be carrying valuable gear.
It actually is surprisingly stable when fully extended, considering the number of sections, but it does flex, and the bottom section is so thin {about 1/2 inch dia.} that it tends to sink in softish ground.
Unfortunately i feel it is the only option for me for inconspicuous travel, and a reasonable option for my occasional excursions further afield.
Alan