Monopod recommendations

[h4rri]

I am looking at a new monopod, since upgrading to the 5D my old one simply wasn't up to the task. Now with the 1D and some heavy glass it just doesn't stand a chance and I miss having one available to me.

So looking hard at the 'Gitzo GM5540 4 Section' but is there anything you can recommend which is comparable. Not overly concerned with the price but at £210 it's a bit much for a true impulse buy [or I would have bought it by now] and more of a considered purchase.

I need twist lock legs, sturdy [10Kg+ capabilities] and ideally compact.

[TarMoo]

The Gitzo 5540 has been superceded by the 5541 -- see here.

The Gitzo GM 5541 Mountaineer 6X ALR G-LOCK Carbon Fiber is a four section monopod that weights a mere 2 lbs, yet is designed to accept a load of 55 lbs!

You can mount any lens and pro body on it.
This is the most substantial monopod we have ever tested, yet light and fast to deploy.

It replaces the previous GM5540 model

Gitzo monopods continue to set the standard for professionals and advanced amateurs. The carbon fiber range has been completely revised with new features and materials in order to offer lighter, faster and more stable products. ALR, 6X tubes and G-Lock are now standard features on all Gitzo carbon fiber monopods.

The new Anti Leg Rotation (ALR) system, means the leg sections can be extended in less than 5 seconds. Simply loosen all the twist locks at the same time, then pull the leg down and tighten the locks individually.

G-Lock is the new Gitzo leg locking system. The locking mechanism has been completely redesigned in order to achieve a 20% increase in rigidity, faster operation and stronger, safer locking. G-Lock’s special design also provides a “gravity lock” effect: the higher the load applied vertically to the leg, the stronger the lock.

The 6X manufacturing process ensures stiff, light tubes resistant to bending, absorbs vibration, and withstands fatigue better than other carbon fiber tube processes.

It has a wrist strap. A cushioned handgrip, 1/4-20" or 3/8" mounting screw and twist lock grips prevent any slippage.

The Nikonians Monopod FAQ is quite interesting.

[Tobers]

I got a Giottos one for £40 from London Camera Exchange. It takes the 1D and 100-300 with ease.

I'd recommend clip lock legs not twist lock. Clip-lock is much easier and faster, and you'll change the length a lot in the course of a shoot. Doing the polo stuff I constantly go from sitting to kneeling to standing and the clips are v.fast to adjust. Also, you can open all the clips simultaneously to extend the monopod from its fully compressed mode, making that extremely fast. With twist lock you'd have to undo every one - very boring.

Get the biggest diameter you can. Mine is nice & chunky so holds the weight of the camera well.

Get a quick release head attachment. I have a quick release plate on the bottom of the camera, and another on the ring on my 100-300 lens. Clipping on & off is very fast & simple.

4 section is better than 3 section as it packs up smaller.

I dont have a tilt head - the camera just clips straight onto the mount on the top of the monopod. Swivel is obviously very easy. I dont need to tilt much during polo matches and can get the up.down range I need just moving the pod.

Dont pay £200+!!! Get the same as mine for £40 and you'll be quite happy I'm sure.

[Beech]

I'm in a similar predicament, but looking for a travel tripod for a 450D.

I'm hoping to get some of those great New York night time sky lines!

The Modo 785 looks favourite at the moment.

Thanks

[jonnypb]

I have a velbon tripod with the twist lock and they're very quick to open and close. you only need to twist at one point and not each section so it makes it faster than clips. Might be worth checking the velbon range of monopods if you want a twist lock

There's a Giottos monopod here for £35 delivered and takes upto 15kg

[h4rri]

Originally Posted by Tobers

Dont pay £200+!!! Get the same as mine for £40 and you'll be quite happy I'm sure.

Give us a clue which one you have then

I prefer twists, I find clips harder to use but then I'm used to twisties.


Thanks for all the comments guys

[Tobers]

I think it is this one. Not totally sure as I dont have it to hand to check the model number, but it looks about right.

[theo cupier]

Whilst we're expanding this out to a general tripods/monopods thread (sorry), can anyone recommend a quick release mechanism to go with a Manfrotto 190B Tripod and the 115 Head ?

Cheers.

[johnaalex]

Originally Posted by Tobers

I think it is this one. Not totally sure as I dont have it to hand to check the model number, but it looks about right.

That one looks like, and is similar cost to the Manfrotto 680B which is what I have and I am happy with.

[teejay38]

Manfrotto 682B is only £40, is sturdy enough for heavy glass/camera combinations and has legs built into the bottom for occasional use. Not twist grip but big clip grips which don't slide under weight, unlike the Benbo monopod which I once had.

Tom

[JohnG]

I'm thinking about getting a monopod as well so will join this thread if the OP doesn't mind
Are any of these monopods suitable for use as a bit of a walking stick whilst out in the hills ? I probably don't mean walking stick, more like those ski poles that people use for just a bit of support on steep bits !

[denno75uk]

Originally Posted by JohnG

I'm thinking about getting a monopod as well so will join this thread if the OP doesn't mind
Are any of these monopods suitable for use as a bit of a walking stick whilst out in the hills ? I probably don't mean walking stick, more like those ski poles that people use for just a bit of support on steep bits !

I remember reading something about this somewhere not long ago but I can't find it now. From what i could find, there are quite a few of the walking poles that will support a camera. I found this. I assume the nob screws off to reveal a standard thread for attaching a camera, but it doesn't go into too much detail. Hopefully it gives you a starting point for a search/enquiry though.