MONOPOD

[Tusker]

I need a good monopod. No, I am not spending 500 bucks on one. What have you used and like? Should be 'quick release', and some where around $100.00 + and maybe a head if need be? Another what? $60.00?? Or so? I only want to do this once. Needs to hold a D80, & battery pack with up to a 80/400 lens. THANKS FOR ANY INPUT on what YOU have used.

[roncgizmo]

I use something like this : Sports Authority - Outdoors: Camping / Hiking: Walking Sticks: Vanguard Walking Stick

They are made to be strong to support you not a camera

[boydaa]

I use a Bogen 680 and a Bogen 486RC2 head. I like the setup with my Canon 40D, even with my 70-200 f4.

[cyclohexane]

Bogen/Manfrotto 681/B with Manfrotto 3229 head will fit your budget and specified needs.

[w7apd]

I use a Bogen 3216 monopod, with a small ballhead on top. Works for a T90 with a 300mm f/2.8 lens, about a 3Kg load.

The only things to worry about on monopod selection, IMO, are the leg locks (must not slip) and the height. Of course, adding a ball head helps with the height.

Other than those things, all monopods are exactly the same, and are nothing more than a stick with a camera mount on one end...

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

Bogen/Manfrotto 681/B with Manfrotto 3229 head will fit your budget and specified needs.

Yep I will second this one. If you need portrait mode and the lens doesn't have tripod collar then look into an L bracket for your body. Much more stable than a ball head flopped on its side.
Bogen / Manfrotto | 341 Jr Elbow Bracket - Change | 341 | B&H

Another option would be to use the Manfrotto 234 Swivel Tilt Monopod Head and put an Arca Swiss QR plate on it. More expensive, but will last a lifetime and the L brackets are nicer than the manfroto.

[cyclohexane]

Manfrotto 234 Swivel Tilt Monopod Head and put an Arca Swiss QR plate on it

The 234 is also found under model number 3232.

I used to use this combination of a 3232 with Arca-Swiss clamp on top, but I ended up binning the head as my gear got much to heavy for it. Really Right Stuff just debuted their own swivel head, but it is very EXPENSIVE.

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

The 234 is also found under model number 3232.

I used to use this combination of a 3232 with Arca-Swiss clamp on top, but I ended up binning the head as my gear got much to heavy for it. Really Right Stuff just debuted their own swivel head, but it is very EXPENSIVE.

The model number 3232 is retired now. Apparently Bogen/Manfrotto is using a single model designation world wide now. 234 is the new number for the same old part. Go figure.
The RRS swivel head is expensive, but it is a dandy if you are using something like the 400 f2.8L.

[cyclohexane]

it is a dandy if you are using something like the 400 f2.8L

I was using a 300 f/2.8, though the 234/3232 would barely hold a 70-200 with teleconverter. I removed the head shortly before I started using a 400 f/2.8.

As nice as the RRS head looks there're other things I can use the money for.

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

I was using a 300 f/2.8, though the 234/3232 would barely hold a 70-200 with teleconverter. I removed the head shortly before I started using a 400 f/2.8.

As nice as the RRS head looks there're other things I can use the money for.

Well, since the 400 f2.8 has pretty much become my everyday walk around lens I can justify the money for it and the replacement foot.
Wimberley Professional Photo Gear - Replacement Feet for Large Lenses

[cyclohexane]

since the 400 f2.8 has pretty much become my everyday walk around lens I can justify the money for it and the replacement foot.

I was about to say I wouldn't call the 400 f/2.8 a "walk around" lens before I realized that I literally carried it to and from class for a month, so I could shoot spring football practice which took place in between two of my classes.

I have a replacement foot on mine already.

I also look for excuses to shoot with a 300 f/2.8 instead of something like a 70-200.

[Tusker]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

I was about to say I wouldn't call the 400 f/2.8 a "walk around" lens before I realized that I literally carried it to and from class for a month, so I could shoot spring football practice which took place in between two of my classes.

I have a replacement foot on mine already.

I also look for excuses to shoot with a 300 f/2.8 instead of something like a 70-200.

Funny, I put my 300 aside for awhile, but of late found it to be quite handy, in some cases.

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

I was about to say I wouldn't call the 400 f/2.8 a "walk around" lens before I realized that I literally carried it to and from class for a month, so I could shoot spring football practice which took place in between two of my classes.

I have a replacement foot on mine already.

I also look for excuses to shoot with a 300 f/2.8 instead of something like a 70-200.

Sports photography is my main focus. It's definately my main walk around lens and the 70-200 f2.8L is on the second body most of the time.

[richardpcrowe]

I use a Manfrotto 681 monopod which is the aluminum colored version of the 681B. It is a tall, sturdy and relatively lightweight monopod that is also reasonably priced (you seldom hear those four parameters describing the same piece of equipment). The only downside is of this pod is that it is still rather long even when retracted completely because it is a 3 section pod. Of course, being 3-section allows it to be a bit sturdier and lighter in weight than a 4-section pod.

When I shoot with heavy weight long tripod ring equipped lenses, I use a Manfrotto Gimbal Head. This is a great performer with either a monopod or a tripod.

Manfrotto 393 Gimbal head* (1) - Nikonians Product Review

If I am shooting with lighter weight lenses or non-tripod ring-equipped lenses; I use the KIRK MPA-1.

Kirk Photo Gitzo Tripods

If I use a non-tripod-ring camera/lens combination, I attach it to the MPA-1 with a Really-Right-Stuff L-Plate. This allows the camera to be centered over the vertical pole of the monopod, even when the camera is in the vertical position. THAT IS ONE GREAT ADVANTAGE IN STABILITY.

Really Right Stuff ... Quick-Release Camera Body L-Plates

[dsteelman]

Bogen Manfrotto 676B with 234RC head....about $70...

[Mr Mikey]

I use the Giottos MM 9160 Monopod, (around 40 bucks) with the Giotto's MH7001 Pro Ball Head with Built-in MH652 Quick Release Plate, Supports 11 lbs (for 60 bucks). I like the rubber foot on the monopod and it is really compact.
For some hiking trips i have a Leki hiking staff that has a removable head and i can screw a ball head on it.

[Eero Makela]

I use the Manfrotto 234 , I did not like the quick release plate it made it too difficult to mount the camera on it. Hence I the 234 instead. Actually I don't use it much no idea why I even bought it. But will use it sometime.

[lowbone]

If you are tall go for the Gitzo Studex.