Looking for a monopad

[sgamuk]

what you guys use for events like graduation day? please name the brand and model. and i was wondering what features should i look for a monopad? my sigma 100-300 f4 is on the way. i'm expecting it sometime next week.

[gryphonslair99]

what you guys use for events like graduation day? please name the brand and model. and i was wondering what features should i look for a monopad? my sigma 100-300 f4 is on the way. i'm expecting it sometime next week.

Manfrotto 680 or 681. Both very sturdy. 680 suppots 22 pounds. 681 supports 26.5 pounds. 680 is a 4 section monopod that colapses shorter thatn the 3 section 681. Both under $75.00.

If price is not a concern. Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 33 lb.or the 694- 695 magfiber series. Both support 11 pounds.

Heads: If you are only going to use leneses with tripod collars the 3229 tilt head with quick release is good. If you are also going to use lenses with out tripod collars then look at the 486rc2 ball head. That way you will be able to change your orientation into portrait mode.

[sgamuk]

thanks much, gryphonsalir99.

[tcrank]

I just picked up the Manfrotto 680B and a Manfrotto484 ball head from Adorama for about $100.00 (US) - they are very well constructed and ergonomically easy to operate.

[Mick F]

I have the Neotec 685B with the 3229 head. It's an excellent combination; very fast to adjust, especially if you're shooting sports. I use it with a 30D c/w grip and 28-200 F2.8L IS, and it can handle the load no problem.

[sgamuk]

thaks guys. i think i'll opt for Manfrotto 680B and a Manfrotto 484 ball head, price wise. hey tcrank, may i asked how come you didn't get the 484RC2 instead? i checked it out and it has a Rapid Connect thingy, whatever that is. my tripod is so old that i thought still serve my purpose that i haven't check the new technology out there regarding pods for a long time until now.

i'm so obsolete about all these ball bearings and rapid connect features. so be patient with me. ;-)

[tcrank]

thaks guys. i think i'll opt for Manfrotto 680B and a Manfrotto 484 ball head, price wise. hey tcrank, may i asked how come you didn't get the 484RC2 instead? i checked it out and it has a Rapid Connect thingy, whatever that is. my tripod is so old that i thought still serve my purpose that i haven't check the new technology out there regarding pods for a long time until now.

Truth be told - I didn't read through the choices far enough when I purchased! I was just thinking today I really need a quick release feature...I too wasn't familiar with ballhead technology - my regular tripod is a 20 year old tiltall - which I'll probably upgrade with a ballhead sometime soon - I'll look at the 484RC2 for that! My last experience with a quick release wasn't too pleasant though - I was aboard a ship when it popped loose, dumping an AE-1 and its sigma telephoto onto the steel deck :cry: a serious owwie! in the last 18 or so years I asume there have been VAST improvements :lol:

[cosworth]

Twist lock. Weight. After that price and if it has a strap are up to you.

I'd buy this nice carbom one down the street but it weighs more than my aluminum one.