Opinions on a Monopod

Alfie1

Hi all I am looking to get a monopod for taking some surfing & kayaking pics

I'm thinking of getting this Hama monopod from MyMemory.com , just wondering if anyone has any feedback on it ?

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Tripods/Hama/Hama-Star-78-Monopod


I was also looking at this one but am leaning toward the Hama as it is longer & seems to have more adjustability

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Tripods/Manfrotto/Manfrotto-790B-MODO-MonoPod


I presume either would be capable of supporting a Nikon D90 with a 70-300VR lens with a combined weight of <1.5kgs

All input appreciated

Alfie1

Anyone ?

rymus

id be inclined to get the manfrotto.. the hama one looks like a bulky yoke.. however.. its got a max weight rating of 1kg so you might want to get something that caters for a little more weight.

whyulittle

I bought a cheap one in a hurry at a local camera shop. It sufficed for most of the football season, but only because I was close the ground. Thought that said, even extended very little, you could feel it bend under the weight of approx. 3 kgs.

Replaced it with a Manfrotto 690B, and it is so much more solid. Have used it at full extension without any problems.

rymus

whyulittle wrote: »

Have used it at full extension without any problems.

That's what she said! :eek:

Alfie1

Just a quick question for anyone using a monopod, do you have your camera attached directly to the top of the monopod or are you using a head also

stcstc

i used to use a cheap manfrotto one

it was ok, but not anything fantastic

Last year i bought a gitzo carbon one, which was mental money (something like 250 stg) but the difference is amazing

as for use i have a manfrotto 486 ball head on my monopod, its not light but the extra hieght and support is great


s

njburke

Hi,
I used a borrowed manfrotto 680B for a while, while a little heavy it is sturdy, I used it for a couple of kids soccer games. It has some internal legs which you can drop out and it will freestand, handy if you want to use remote wireless flash.
I tried using a small ball head on it, which was really only useful for shifting the camera into portrait orientation, without the ball head you can easily articulate the cameras axis for distant scenes.

Alfie1

Well I've decided on this one

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Tripods/Giottos/Giottos-ML3290-5-Section-Monopod

I presume I can fit this Manfrotto Monopod Head Quick Release if I want to ?

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Tripods/Manfrotto/Manfrotto-Monopod-Head-Quick-Release--

To be honest the only reason I'm considering a head is for the Quick Release function, if anyone has any other cheaper/better solutions post up

democrates

Alfie1 wrote: »

Well I've decided on this one

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Tripods/Giottos/Giottos-ML3290-5-Section-Monopod

I presume I can fit this Manfrotto Monopod Head Quick Release if I want to ?

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Tripods/Manfrotto/Manfrotto-Monopod-Head-Quick-Release--

To be honest the only reason I'm considering a head is for the Quick Release function, if anyone has any other cheaper/better solutions post up

Might a standalone quick-release plate do? Bottom part stays screwed to the pod and the quick release top plate to the camera, it would keep the weight down but you're stuck with landscape.

Alfie1

I've nothing bought yet & most of the quick release heads I've seen don't seem much cheaper than the adjustable one I'm considering so I'll probably go with that

democrates

By jove you're right, I've just compared the prices, I see a 234RC in my own future now. This forum rocks - and it saves you many pesos!

Pinarello

I got the Manfrotto 680B from Gunns last week.€62.50 Shipping included to me here in Tramore.I was well impressed when i got it.

Alfie1

Alfie1 wrote: »

Well I've decided on this one

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Tripods/Giottos/Giottos-ML3290-5-Section-Monopod

MyMemory won't deliver this to Ireland as it weighs over 0.4Kg
I emailed them to ask if I could pay for the shipping & they said no :rolleyes: