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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Monopod for 2.8L 400 IS
Kevin Krows, Photographer
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Forsyth | IL | USA | Posted: 5:51 PM on 05.03.09 |
->> Currently using a Gitzo Mountaineer and the leg extension rings are driving me nuts. Any suggestions on a high quality CF monopod with legs that extend/retract easily?
Thanks |
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Andrew Knapik, Photographer, Assistant
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Lincoln Park | MI | USA | Posted: 6:25 PM on 05.03.09 |
| ->> Look at the Induro line. Great quality at a great price. I know that B&H has them. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 8:17 PM on 05.03.09 |
->> Bogen/Manfrotto 680B
Best monopod I've used and its only $40 or so. It has very nice click locks (better than the painful pinchers on some earlier Bogen stuff I've had) that are very quick and easy to use. So much nicer than those twist style rings on Gitzo's which are so annoying when your hands are slippery.
Its holds a 400 2.8, its tall enough for me at 5' 11" and as I said, it was very cheap.
I had a Gitzo 1588 at one point and that thing cost about 7 times as much and wasn't any better.
I love CF for tripods but personally think your throwing your money away using it for a monopod. Reason being that while yes CF is lighter than aluminum, we are only talking about 3 or 4 sections, not 12+ sections like on a tripod. Your only saving an ounce or two and the overall weight isn't really even that reduced because the leg locks, platform on the top etc are going to weigh the same regardless of CF or not.
Definatly check out a 680B, its everything I've ever wanted in a monopod and dirt cheap. Cheap enough in fact that I keep a spare one in my trunk just in case I forgot. |
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Clay Begrin, Photographer
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Petaluma | Ca | USA | Posted: 8:50 PM on 05.03.09 |
| ->> Kevin, I've been very happy the past few years using a Gitzo 1564L. That has been discontinued but the 1564 is available at about $135. Obvisously more $$ than some others but you're looking for opinions. The 1564 supports 17.6 lbs and the 400 2.8 is 11.7 lbs, then add your camera at about 3-4 lbs. leaves 2 lbs by spec's. |
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Clay Begrin, Photographer
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Petaluma | Ca | USA | Posted: 8:56 PM on 05.03.09 |
| ->> Ok Kevin, my bad...I read your thread as looking for thoughts on a monopod, not soaking in that you're already using a Gitzo and also looking for a CF monopod. |
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Joel Strickland, Photographer
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Melbourne | Victoria | Australia | Posted: 11:06 PM on 05.03.09 |
| ->> Can't go past the Velbon Pro Pod Series, i swear by mine |
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Aaron Nagata, Photographer
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KEALAKEKUA | HI | USA | Posted: 3:50 AM on 05.04.09 |
->> I've got the Monfrotto 680 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=monfrotto+682&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit
and the 679B. Both are great and quick to extend and retract. Can't go wrong with either of the two. |
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Adam Bettcher, Photographer
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Bloomington | MN | USA | Posted: 11:18 AM on 05.04.09 |
| ->> I use a Bogen 694 magfiber monopod for all of my NFL shooting. It's light, small and holds the lens up without any issues. The fliplock leg extensions are so easy to use (especially when its wet.) I previously used a Gitzo 1564L till I couldn't handle the rings anymore. Let me know if you have any questions. |
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Michael McNamara, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Phoenix | AZ | USA | Posted: 11:31 AM on 05.04.09 |
| ->> If you don't want to shell out money for a new monopod, call Gitzo and tell them you need new shims for the monopod you have. With Gitzo's design, they eventually wear out, and that is why it can be incredibly hard to tighten and loosen the legs. The last time I replaced mine, it cost about $10....that's a lot less than the cost of a new monopod. |
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Ivan Pierre Aguirre, Student/Intern, Assistant
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El Paso | TX | United States | Posted: 5:10 PM on 08.23.09 |
->> Adam,
Do you use that 694 monopod with a 400 2.8? I ask because I have the same monopod but as you know the specs on it says that it can hold up to 11 pounds. BUT a 400 with a camera is about 15 pounds. Have you had any issues? I know carbon fiber is supposed to be really strong but still. Not sure if I want to risk it or buy a new monopod.
And speaking of monopods/400mm...... Do you guys use any type of heads so to rotate up or down while shooting? Hope you get what I mean. |
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Richard Heathcote, Photographer
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London | . | UK | Posted: 5:52 PM on 08.23.09 |
| ->> +1 on the Velbon Pro Pod, I have 2 different sizes (one that fits lengthways in a 1510 peli case) and the largest one, both excellent monopods and they have the larger screw thread which is a must IMO |
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Jim Slosiarek, Photographer
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Cedar Rapids | IA | USA | Posted: 10:07 PM on 08.23.09 |
->> ->> I've said it before and I'll say it again. The best monopod out there is a Velbon MUP-4. I've had the same one for almost 15 years and it's still going like the Energizer Bunny. The price is around $100 for the original (quite inexpensive compared to Gitzo) and there is a carbon fiber variation also. The Neopod 6 and 7. The only difference is the max. height. Somewhere around $130.
The twist locks are really solid and easy to tighten and loosen. Even when wet. The Gitzo I have isn't as trouble free. Its broken twist locks are gaffer-taped in place and it's been relegated to the basketball court because it no longer extends to standing height. Even then it rarely sees daylight.
Don't get me started on Bogen. They make great super clamps and variable friction arms but countless instances of levers not staying tight really turned me off to the brand. In a pinch I'll reach for one but the Velbon is my favorite.
The only thing I've had to do to my Velbon is to replace the rubber foot with some feet for walking canes I bought from the pharmacy because they wore out. |
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William Maner, Photographer
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Biloxi | MS | USA | Posted: 12:45 AM on 08.24.09 |
->> I've got an aluminum Bogen 3018. I've had it over 20 years. Rock solid.. I don't know how the newer Bogen/Manfrotto models compare, but the 3018 was solid, solid, solid.. I think the maximum support weight for it is around 27 pounds.
The only "problem" that I've had with the 3018 is that it's not that "compact"..you can't sit flat on your rear and look through the viewfinder without raising up a bit. The 3018's minimum height is just over 26".. The extended height is 64 inches.
I don't know if you'll ever use a monopod like I do, but you you might do well to check for a monopod that is shorter when folded up.. That would mean a four or five section monopod. |
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Ken Shelton, Photographer
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Wyckoff | NJ | USA | Posted: 8:08 AM on 08.24.09 |
->> >>>And speaking of monopods/400mm...... Do you guys use any type of heads so to rotate up or down while shooting? Hope you get what I mean.
Do you mean something like this?
http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/04.html |
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Daniel Putz, Photographer
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Jefferson | MD | USA | Posted: 9:16 AM on 08.24.09 |
| ->> I just use the flat mounting head. Any head that can move or rotate is bad, because if it slips it can throw off the balance and your camera and expensive lens will meet the floor. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 9:42 AM on 08.24.09 |
->> Great products, well-made and a lot less expensive than comparable brands:
http://www.indurogear.com/main/
I have a couple of their carbon fiber products ...love 'em! |
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Marcell van Aswegen, Photographer
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Pretoria | GP | South Africa | Posted: 5:43 PM on 08.24.09 |
| ->> ill second the 694 MF! But i dont use it fully retracted, i use it in a belt pouch. so extended only about 20cm/8". So its more than adequite for my 1d3 and 400 f2.8 is |
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Ivan Pierre Aguirre, Student/Intern, Assistant
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El Paso | TX | United States | Posted: 7:15 PM on 08.24.09 |
| ->> I spent a couple of hours doing some research last night and I was looking at those Induro monopods. Never heard of them before Robert Hanashiro mentioned them. Looks like it is the best choice. A carbon fiber gitzo that can hold a good amount of weight (+25lbs) is too much $$! A aluminum Bogen/Manfrotto has a nice price BUT not enough max height for me and its aluminum. Nada wrong with that but if carbon is out there, why not get it. The Induro has a great price for all that it offers: carbon fiber, length and most importantly it has the load capacity that I NEED. So all in all. If you do some comparing the Induro seems to be the better choice. Thanks Robert for the tip! |
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David Eulitt, Photographer
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Kansas City | MO | USA | Posted: 9:10 PM on 08.24.09 |
| ->> Robert, I have a Gitzo carbon fiber monopod which I invested a lot of cash in and while I like it, the rings do stick and it's pretty irritating, plus the foam padding rubs black gunk on your hands. Is the Induro carbon fiber one any better with those two things? |
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Randy Abrams, Photographer
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Bath | NY | US | Posted: 10:32 PM on 08.25.09 |
| ->> I use the Gitzo GM3551 with my 400/2.8. Works well. It is very lightweight. The best two features for me is that it extends high enough for my 6'3" frame, but also goes short enough that I can sit on the ground while having the 400 on it. I also have the Manfrotto 685B which is great for adjusting the height, but it doesn't go short enough to sit on the ground and also felt a little squirrelly with the 400 on it. It works great with my 300/2.8 though. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 11:37 PM on 08.25.09 |
->> Dave --- I have three Gitzo monopods of varying sizes and all of them eventually had problems with the leg locking thingys. They are all several year old...
The Induro I've had for over two years and there has been no problem with the locking or padding (I don't have one of those padded things on the Induro).
I like it and it is my primary monopod for long lens use.
(Note: The Induro is a carbon fiber model, the Gitzos are not.) |
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Jordan Murph, Photographer, Assistant
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Carlsbad & Honolulu | CA/HI | USA | Posted: 12:24 AM on 08.26.09 |
| ->> The Induros are great. VERY light and easy to pack. Shaves a few pounds off on shipping weight which is perfect for checking for the airlines..built in pad is a lot better than the gitzos'...the screw has a locking nut and comes with a wrench to lock down the screw, the mounting plate and the screw ALWAYS come undon on Gitzos, or they get so tight that you can never remove/replace it...did I mention they are light? They're great. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 1:49 AM on 08.26.09 |
->> Bogen/Manfrotto 680 or 679B (depends if you want 3 or 4 sections)
Best monopod I've ever had and also the cheapest. The snap locks are so much quicker and easier to use to make quick adjustments on the fly than the twist lock style.
I had a Gitzo 1588 that cost as much as about six or seven 679B's and it wasn't any sturdier or lighter and the twist locks were a real pain, especially when my hands were wet or sweaty.
The Bogen will hold 22lbs and is under $50. Weights 1.3lbs as well. No point spending several times more on carbon fiber when its only going to shave an ounce at best.
I prefer the 4 segment model myself as it folds shorter for travel. I'm 5' 11" and its tall enough for me but if you a little taller you might want the 679 3 section model. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 4:12 AM on 08.26.09 |
->> Thanks Jordan! Forgot to mention the most important reason on getting a carbon fiber model: Cutting down on weight!
See ya at the game in a while! |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 12:17 PM on 08.26.09 |
->> Bert, have to respectfully disagree with you a bit on the issue of weight when it comes to a CF vs aluminum monopod.
Carbon Fiber is cool stuff, and I like to see as many things made out of it as possible, but it comes at great expense and often with very diminishing returns for your money if any at all.
As a case in point, the Induro MCX45 CF monopod, which supports a rated 22lbs, and weights 1.8lbs. The Bogen 679B also is rated at 22lbs and weights 1.69 lbs even though its aluminum alloy and 1/4th the price. Its 4 vs 5 leg sections and even though CF is fractionally lighter, the weight of the added sections and locks often the weight savings.
It might of been better to use the MCX44 which I also owned in that its a lighter 1.6lbs and still rated from 22lbs however I just did not feel it was that solid, much like some of the newer Gitzo which are such a skinny diameter. They can support the vertical load but have a bit bounce and bend in them and just dont feel like as stable of platform as the heavy/thicker models like the MCx45, Bogen 677/680B, Gitzo 1588 etc. Those you can extend and lock and they feel like a solid shaft that doesn't bend at all.
Back to the point though, while there is nothing wrong with CF, its just marginally lighter than aluminum alloy, say 1oz per leg segment, using Induro's own CF vs alloy monopods as a guide, where the CF version is 5oz lighter.
Really it comes down to the fact that regardless of if your using CF or some other material, half the weight or more is coming from the lock mechanisms, foot, base plate and grip, so even though your using an advanced material to lighten one aspect, the rest doesn't change and as a net result your only saving half a pound at best. Now in the case of a tripod, I do like CF, because that saving of each half pound per leg segment is multiplied by 3 and then 2 or maybe even 3lbs does become substantial.
Shaving ounces on a racing bike regardless the cost makes sense, doing the same on a monopod doesn't, IMHO.
Nothing wrong with CF monopods by any means, they look cool, they do get a little bit less cold in the winter, but they just don't have any real advantages over alloy in terms of strength or weight for the added expense. I think they are frankly more of a fashion statement than anything.
My Gitzo 1588 CF monopod with a red Canon pad on it looked darn cool. Really enhanced the beauty of the 400 2.8 lol. But despite the fact I paid way too much for it, it honestly didn't hold my camera any better or save me any weight. In fact due to its twist locks it would annoy and pinch me all game.
Point though is CF alone isn't always going to be the lighter or more stable choice. It is however always going to be the more expensive choice. I went through a ton of monopods over the years trying to find the "best" and lots of those were several hundred dollars. I was so surprised to try the 679/680 Bogens at a local shop. It was very light weight but so stable and the improved locking mechanism was so easy to use. I was expecting $200 or more for the thing and was amazed when they told me it was only $37 (prices have gone up in the past few years to $47 now). I actually bought 2 of them and keep one in my trunk at all times just in case I happen to forget mine, which I'm embarrassed to say has happened.
I'm obviously very passionate about perhaps somewhat silly photographic tool, but it really is one of the best photographic purchases I've ever made. Typically we always have to spend a ton of money to get something that truly works well, "the best", but in this case I really do believe the best choice is one of the very cheapest. |
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Michael Pina, Photographer
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SF Bay Area | ca | usa | Posted: 12:48 PM on 08.26.09 |
| ->> Kevin I second the Bogen 694 magfiber monopod. I have been hauling it all over place with a 400, 500, and even 600 attached and have not had any major issues. The one time i had to tighten the legs a bit, but not an issue. They even supply you with the tool to do so (t handle phillips). At the time when i purchased it, i was not concerned about the max load. 4 years later still going strong. Expensive but you get what you pay for! |
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Kevin Seale, Photographer
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Crawfordsville | IN | United States | Posted: 12:55 PM on 08.26.09 |
| ->> One thing to consider if you mount flashes, brackets, etc. to the monopod is that while carbon fiber is very strong lengthwise, you can pretty easily crush/crack it with a clamp. |
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Jordan Murph, Photographer, Assistant
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Carlsbad & Honolulu | CA/HI | USA | Posted: 3:26 PM on 09.21.09 |
| ->> Jeff, shaving a few ounces off the weight of a monopod is big deal when you travel. Certain models are significantly lighter than others. Two lenses and a body with two monopods in a shipping case was 48 pounds at SLC yesterday. It would have been overweight with the old Gitzos. Airport scales are different everywhere you go, a few ounces is the difference between excess baggage fees or not. Over the course of a few seasons that's literally thousands of dollars saved. |
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