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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Monopod....monopod
Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 8:05 AM on 11.11.12 |
->> Hi again,
I would like to know, which monopod you people use when shooting in sports? I have one old from Manfrotto but i didn't like much, so i was looking to get another one, but before i buy something i wanted to know what are your opinions/recommendations.
Thanks! |
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Curtis Clegg, Photographer
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Sycamore | IL | USA | Posted: 9:12 AM on 11.11.12 |
| ->> Hi Tareq the answer will depend largely on your height and the body/lens combination you use most often. |
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Peter Buehner, Photographer
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Orono | ME | USA | Posted: 9:16 AM on 11.11.12 |
->> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=5478&Q=&is=REG&A=det...
works great for me. Fast flip lever legs, which I find great when you need to adjust quickly. It holds a 1D body and 300 2.8 easily. I haven't tried with super teles so I cannot attest to that.
$50 and it has held up for years. I have had to tighten the levers once about two years ago when I was getting slippage with the 300 2.8 on it...none since. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 12:40 PM on 11.11.12 |
->> @Curtis: Well, i am almost 170cm. The body is 1D series cameras and the lens is mostly 300mm f2.8L IS, 70-200 is a back up, in the future there is an expectations to get 400 maybe, so i have to be ready for more weight or if i get that new 400 which is very similar weight to the old 300mm f2.8 L IS i have.
@Peter: if i am not mistaken, i have that monopod and i don't like it much, or very similar model, 6xxB i think but i can't remember now, to be honest, i don't want to get another Manfrotto monopod even good one, i was looking at CF monopod only. |
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Nick Lucero, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 2:28 PM on 11.11.12 |
->> The best in the business right here... A little more pricey, but you pay for what you get. And what you get here is, QUALITY - STRENGTH, FUNCTIONALITY, AESTHETICS.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=MC-34&type=4&eq=&desc=MC-...
They also have great customer service (you can actually talk to a human, have you ever tried calling Manfrotto or Gitzo??) and it's American made in the happiest city in the country, San Luis Obispo, CA! |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 2:44 PM on 11.11.12 |
->> @Nick: The monopod looks amazing, but at that amount of money then i was planning to get another monopod, it was pricey in the past but it dropped a little bit to be less than $300, to me that is no brainier then, i know both are at high quality, but i could save few bucks to get something accessories for that.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569172-REG/Gitzo_GM5541_GM5541_6X_Car...
There is a traveler version too, but that also a bit pricey, sure i can afford any of those monopods, but if they are almost in same class with little difference in performance then i can go with cheaper of all above, what do you think? |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 5:45 PM on 11.11.12 |
->> In the late 90s, I bought what was already an ancient Gitzo 4-section monopod (don't know the model number) used on eBay. It's been my trusty standby ever since, handling everything from an F3HP with 50-300/f4.5 (yeah, that old monster) and 500/f4.5 to 300/f2.8's and D1/D2H/D3 bodies, and put up with snow, rain, and mud.
Recently the hand grip has come loose and it slides up and down a bit. I might finally have to cave and retire this thing. But I will tell you I'll be buying another Gitzo. |
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Rodrigo Pena, Photographer
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Beaumont | CA | USA | Posted: 6:52 PM on 11.11.12 |
| ->> I agree the Gitzo is much better than the Manfrotto. I haven't tried the Really Right Stuff monopod. Definitely worth the extra money for the Gitzo. |
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Jeff Gammons, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Destin | Fl | USA | Posted: 8:14 PM on 11.11.12 |
->> Look into Induro
http://www.indurogear.com/main/
They are reasonably priced, and their carbon fiber is made in house, which is impressive.
I have the am-24 and it has preformed flawless for the past 2 years. It can support a 300/2.8 and 400/2.8 no problem. I'm 6' on the nose, and it is easily tall enough. I've had it in sand and saltwater fairly often, I rub it down and clean after and cant tell it from new.
Heads up to students, they have a hefty discount from mac on campus! |
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Robert Deutsch, Photographer
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NY | NY | USA | Posted: 9:01 PM on 11.11.12 |
->> Have you ever tried to unscrew a monopod and have the 1/4-20 threaded post get stuck in the lens mount? and if you grab the thread with a Leatherman, you strip the threads...
The newer Gitzos have a locking post that never have this problem. And the legs locks also don't rotate. GM3551, carbon fiber, tall, light, great. about $269 |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 1:08 AM on 11.12.12 |
| ->> Well, it seems i ended up between that of RRS and the Gitzo series 5 monopod, i more prefer Gitzo one, but that of RRS is remarkable, i may feel regret that if i went with Gitzo then i miss that goodness of RRS, also if i go with RRS then i feel i paid a bit more for no much advantages, in all cases i will use it in sports only to support my heavy gear, even i have Manfrotto but i want to have something better in edge, and i only looked at Gitzo and RRS because i have their products and i am very happy with them, don't want to go or try another brands such as Induro or Feisol and similar. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 1:12 AM on 11.12.12 |
| ->> @Robert: I didn't understand the screw thread issue you pointed about, my problem wasn't about the screw thread with monopod, it was only that i want to replace my old Manfrotto one with better lighter more load capacity performance one, and honestly, i narrowed my options now to Gitzo and RRS, will see which one i will get at the end, the Gitzo traveler is very tempting, also Gitzo series 3 monopod is almost very similar or even almost same as ReallyRightStuff monopod Nick has posted a link of it. |
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Wally Nell, Photographer
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SAN DIEGO | CA | USA | Posted: 2:14 AM on 11.12.12 |
| ->> Ya basha, go for Gitzo. I have never used the RRS monopods, so I can't speak for them; but I used to have Manfrottos, and they always only lasted so long before I would have to replace them. I decided to spend the extra money, got a Gitzo, and have not looked back for 13 years. I am also short, only 173cm, but I got one that opens up to something like 2 meters. You may have times where you have to stand on a step, but have to put your monopod on a step below you. And it carries my heavier lenses with no problems... |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 3:26 AM on 11.12.12 |
->> I sit on the chair mostly when i shoot soccer, so i will be on lower level than standing, means i will not always open the monopod to its full extension, but i have to be ready for situations where i have to stand up for shooting.
Well, i almost decided that i better go with Gitzo, less money even still expensive and great product after all. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 7:30 AM on 11.12.12 |
| ->> Ok, let me add this, say if i got a monopod of whatever above [Gitzo or RRS or whatever], do you use any head on top of it or just direct to the lens? Because i read some use a head with the monopod and some don't, if you use a head, which one is yours? I am thinking about one from RRS, but i read somewhere that Manfrotto has a good head or better one from Arca Swiss. |
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Nick Lucero, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 11:40 AM on 11.12.12 |
->> Tareq, a head is not necessary on a monopod. You do not need that much articulation. I personally don't care for them and when shooting with big lenses the head is at risk of slipping. I, however, shoot with a clamp on my RRS monopod. It adds a miniscule amount of weight and bulk. It gives you the security you need when shooting with a gigantic lens and and you can quick-release your lenses, in case you want to switch lenses on the monopod. No screwing and un-screwing. If you go this route, you would also need to purchase lens plates to mount your lens in the clamp.
Here is the clamp I shoot with on my RRS monopod:
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-Pro&type=0&eq=B2-Pro-0...
They also have a lever release option:
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-LR-II&type=0&eq=&desc=...
One thing I really like about these clamps is that you can top load your lens in. Which is much quicker than trying to slide your lens foot in and fit it into the grooves.
Just my opinion... |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 2:36 PM on 11.12.12 |
->> Agreed on the lack of usefulness of a head...just adds another point of failure IMO. But some who shoot a lot of video claim they're indispensable; I just don't see it.
RRS-style QR clamps are the way to go. Have them on all of my monopods/tripods/Magic Arms and custom plates on all my bodies/lenses. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 6:31 AM on 11.13.12 |
->> Ok, i better get the monopod only first, later i may think if i need a head or not, but if i don't get the head ofcourse this will save my money at the end.
Thank you very much for all feedback and posts. |
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Nik Habicht, Photographer
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Levittown | PA | USA | Posted: 2:31 PM on 11.13.12 |
| ->> The only time I really liked a head on a monopod was when shooting sports from steeply elevated positions. It's much easier to balance the camera/lens package with a straight monopod, than it is with a leaning monopod, in those situations. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 4:04 PM on 11.13.12 |
| ->> @Nik: That will be into consideration, thanks to point that out. |
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Al Diaz, Photographer
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Miami | Fl | USA | Posted: 2:36 PM on 11.15.12 |
| ->> 3LeggedThing is adding a monopod to the line of equipment they manufacture. It's still under wraps but I got a preview of it at PhotoPlus. It's lightweight and compact. Watch for it here http://www.3leggedthing.com/ |
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Michael Chang, Photographer
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Robertsdale | AL | USA | Posted: 3:16 PM on 11.15.12 |
| ->> How much of a difference is a standard Manfrotto monopod vs a carbon fiber one? |
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Tom Gannam, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 4:32 PM on 11.16.12 |
| ->> My two cents....I have used a Gitzo GM5541 for several years now. It is strong enough for the 402.8 as well as tall enough for me at 6'1". It's a little pricey, but for all intents and purposes, it should last pretty much forever. |
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Tom Gannam, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 4:33 PM on 11.16.12 |
| ->> My two cents....I have used a Gitzo GM5541 for several years now. It is strong enough for the 400 2.8 as well as tall enough for me at 6'1". It's a little pricey, but for all intents and purposes, it should last pretty much forever. |
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Svein Ove Ekornesvaag, Photographer
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Aalesund | Møre og Romsdal | Norway | Posted: 5:30 PM on 11.16.12 |
->> The absolutley first thing I look at when bying a monopod is if it has flip lever locks or not. Twist locks is out of the question in sports. Once had one with twist locks, used it a couple of times.
Love my Manfrotto 681b. Built like a tank. Will buy one more Manfrotto in the future, a smaller one for travel. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 7:30 PM on 11.16.12 |
| ->> Well, i have Manfrotto 679B, as i said, it is lightweight, but i don't feel it as sturdy enough, that with 1D + 300 2.8IS, so for sure i will not trust it for 400 2.8 lens, and i don't want to by another Manfrotto higher model such as 681B, i just placed Gitzo GM 5 series in order cart for soon purchase. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 8:16 PM on 11.16.12 |
| ->> I actually like twist locks. I've had flip locks break on me before. Never a twist lock. Gitzo's new twist locks are pretty nice from what I've seen. |
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Brad Barr, Photographer
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Port St. Lucie | FL | USA | Posted: 1:00 PM on 11.17.12 |
| ->> Ahhh, the regular Manfrotto aluminum one is just fine...and 50 bucks +/-. Once you ad the body and big lens...the diff in weight isnt really that big a difference imo. Its a stick...dont really need a fancy expensive stick. Safe and secure, and reliable. Nuff said. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 1:34 PM on 11.17.12 |
| ->> Well, i will buy the new monopod from the budget i get paid from the games i shoot, not much price/budget they give but something better than nothing, i can buy the monopod with this budget and still have some bucks for something else, and we still on the 8th round, the monopod may be useful on something else not just only the sports, i may add heavy gear in the future [i mean a big lens such as 400 or 600]. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 12:37 AM on 01.09.13 |
| ->> An update: I just ordered Gitzo series 5 monopod yesterday, it will be shipping today i hope, can't wait to get it soon, i will use it without any head first then later will see if i need any head to use for a lens in sports. |
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Michael Chang, Photographer
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Robertsdale | AL | USA | Posted: 8:25 PM on 01.15.13 |
->> For what it's worth, I bought the Induro CM-65 (8x Carbon Fiber). Got it today and mounted my 400 on it. With the legs fully extended the monopod wobbles. Not from the carbon fiber flexing, but from the joints. It's almost like the pieces don't fit.
Regardless, I'm returning it and buying the Gitzo Series 5. |
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G.M. Andrews, Photographer
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Irvington | AL | USA | Posted: 3:40 AM on 01.16.13 |
->> Michael --
DId you mean the CM-25 instead?
Try the CM-24, which is what I have, or the CM-34. They both have one less section than the -25, so there's less joints to wobble. My -24 wobbles a little with a 400 attached, but nothing that bad. The -34 has bigger tubes, so it shouldn't wobble at all. Call JD and ask him, he's got a -34. |
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Michael Chang, Photographer
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Robertsdale | AL | USA | Posted: 6:07 AM on 01.16.13 |
| ->> Your right, it's the 34. Not sure where I got 64 from. Either way, I've already shipped it back and ordered the Gitzo. Perhaps I just got a bad one. |
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Tareq Abdulla, Photographer
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Aljurf | Ajman | United Arab Emirates | Posted: 12:22 AM on 01.17.13 |
| ->> Congrats, i didn't use my new monopod yet, but i can say it will be the one for long time. |
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