A new monopod

[24-heures]

I use a D2X with the 200/400 VR F4 lens for motor racing. Could you give me some recommendations as to the best monopod to purchase for this combination? The lighter the better by the way - the gear weighs enough for little me!

[Rageboy]

Check out Fiesol. They sell on eBay and have their own site too. Both the monopod and tripod have worked well for me, and at prices you can afford.

[CJMax]

I put off buying a monopod for over a year and finally bit the bullet.* I bought the Gitzo 1564 Mk. 2, added the Manfrotto Bogen 3232 swivel and a RealllyRightStuff lever quick release.* I'm using it to support a 70-200mm on an SD-10 - not quite as big a unit as you have, but fairly close.

Results?* Great!* I find myself now wondering why I delayed buying it for so long.* It does make a significant difference.* I went with the G1564 as it has only 3 sections - more stable than a 4 section.* I was a wee bit concerned that it might not be tall enough as I'm 6'-3+" tall - it's more than I need by the time the swivel, plate and camera are all mounted.* I've never once needed to use it fully extended.* Now if I were shooting off a ladder it might be different...* I also stayed with the "old fashioned" aluminum or whatever-the-alloy is monopod.* I'd talked with some photogs who had bought carbon fiber and were not pleased with them - not as stable according to them and both went back to the metal monopod.* Both of them made the same comment about "whip" - neither knew each other, so I considered this to be a significant consideration.

IMO, cheap is not the way to go with a monopod.* It's still a royal PITA if one doesn't have a quick disconnect plate system such as RRS.* Others work too and RRS accessories are pricey, but once one tries them, one gets hooked on the quality and performance.

Check eBay for a "buy" unless time and money are not considerations.

Good luck.

[Alice Morrison]

I'm looking for a monopod that's really quick to set up. Does the Gitzo fit the bill?

[cameraguy21773]

Manfrotto Neotec (Model 684B I think). No twist locks or snap locks. It's fast, automatic, tall (if needed), light, sturdy. I've had many over the years, this is the best.

[DMJ]

One thing to think about is whether any monopod you are considering will collapse short enough to fit into the luggage you use.

[badpickev]

just ordered the manfroto 679b with 3232 swivel head. 2 quick locks. and rrs has a mod kit for the head.

[rsprouse]

Very similar to another poster above, I went with a Gitzo 1578L Mk2 with the Bogan/Manfretto 3232 swivel head and RRS lever clamp quick release. This one is carbon fiber, but it is the "oversize" model with a very stout diameter. I am very pleased with this setup.

It is a splurge, but after having purchased a Gitzo 1327 tripod, I couldn't go with anything cheaper.

-- Russ

[Robin Horlock]

Before you buy a head for your monopod check out
the Manfrotto/Bogen 234RC it has a quick release built
in. The Manfrotto 3232 does not have a QR and you will
really want one.

Cheers,
Robin