Monopod advice.

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Technofreak

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#243489 13-Dec-2018 21:53

I'm looking for a Monopod. We already have a tripod but it's to clumsy for some of the stuff I want to do.

At this stage all I want it for is to fit my Canon SX720HS to, though I'll probably use it for my SLR at some stage.

My requirements are something to be as compact as possible when folded up and extend to about 60 inches when extended. One with tripod style feet would be a nice to have but not have to have unless the base can be removed and used as a small desk or table style tripod.

How important is it to have a fluid head? Initially I figured I could get what I wanted out of the monopod by fitting the camera directly to the monopod. Having watched a few videos I've started to wonder that a fluid head might be a good idea.

I don't think I need anything too flash (expensive) but want something that's not a cheap poorly made item and if a fluid head is pat of the package one that is smooth to operate.

Suggestions/opinions appreciated. Thanks

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Technofreak

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#2146828 18-Dec-2018 08:45

Bump.

Anyone have any feedback?

Thanks

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SirHumphreyAppleby

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#2146832 18-Dec-2018 09:02

I have a Sirui P‐204S, which I believe ticks all your boxes. It comes without a head. There is also the EP‐204S, which is very similar. IIRC, the main differences were the locking mechanism and feet. I was actually sent the wrong one, but decided to keep the P‐204S. These are both priced around $200.

I purchased a cheaper fluid head from AliExpress. It's never going to compete with a high end unit, but it has worked fine for the few videos I've used it for.

timmmay

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#2146979 18-Dec-2018 11:02

I have a monopod. I've used it about 3 times, I've found them really impractical for event photography. It may by in a bag, I may have sold it.

Why do you need one?

Camden

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#2146988 18-Dec-2018 11:22

I have been using a monopod for years both for still and video photography. Mine is so old, about 50 years old, was quite cheap when purchased and has fold out feet in the bottom section so you can use it as a desk stand if needed.

Mine has a small swivel locking base that attaches to the camera. For stills that is all you need and when taking video if you really must pan the the camera, you swivel your body round in an arc. Like wise to do a tilt shot, lean back or forward. I think that if you put a fluid head on a monopod that would be to clumbersome to use use properly. I could be proven wrong though!

Have a look at the Manfrotto web site. Look at the still camera tripods and in that section they have a model XPRO 3 that looks like it would suit you purpose. I have a Manfrotto tripod with fluid head and it is really good quality wise. You should be able to get one at specialty camera stores but Noel Leeming have an account with the importer and they ordered in my tripod for me.

Have you though about getting a gyro gimble instead. I have not done much research but I believe they are available for under $1000. I have a DJI drone fitted with a gimble and the footage is rock steady. You tube has lots of demo videos worth having a look at. My toy account has had a thrashing lately but when it builds up again, I am seriously going to look at buying one.

Technofreak

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#2146992 18-Dec-2018 11:35

timmmay:

I have a monopod. I've used it about 3 times, I've found them really impractical for event photography. It may by in a bag, I may have sold it.

Why do you need one?

I need a way to steady the camera for shots where I'm using a high zoom level. I'm regularly trying to get pictures of various birds, mainly Tuis, in the trees in our garden. There are other situations I would use it as well. A Monopod gives me flexibility of movement that a tripod doesn't but still provides stability.

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Technofreak

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#2146994 18-Dec-2018 11:44

SirHumphreyAppleby:

I have a Sirui P‐204S, which I believe ticks all your boxes. It comes without a head. There is also the EP‐204S, which is very similar. IIRC, the main differences were the locking mechanism and feet. I was actually sent the wrong one, but decided to keep the P‐204S. These are both priced around $200.

I purchased a cheaper fluid head from AliExpress. It's never going to compete with a high end unit, but it has worked fine for the few videos I've used it for.

They both look like what I'm looking for. Other than the difference in the way the extension locking system works what is the main difference between the two of them do you know?

EDIT: I see you already stated the main differences. Thanks

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Technofreak

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#2147033 18-Dec-2018 11:59

Camden:

I have been using a monopod for years both for still and video photography. Mine is so old, about 50 years old, was quite cheap when purchased and has fold out feet in the bottom section so you can use it as a desk stand if needed.

Mine has a small swivel locking base that attaches to the camera. For stills that is all you need and when taking video if you really must pan the the camera, you swivel your body round in an arc. Like wise to do a tilt shot, lean back or forward. I think that if you put a fluid head on a monopod that would be to clumbersome to use use properly. I could be proven wrong though!

Have a look at the Manfrotto web site. Look at the still camera tripods and in that section they have a model XPRO 3 that looks like it would suit you purpose. I have a Manfrotto tripod with fluid head and it is really good quality wise. You should be able to get one at specialty camera stores but Noel Leeming have an account with the importer and they ordered in my tripod for me.

Have you though about getting a gyro gimble instead. I have not done much research but I believe they are available for under $1000. I have a DJI drone fitted with a gimble and the footage is rock steady. You tube has lots of demo videos worth having a look at. My toy account has had a thrashing lately but when it builds up again, I am seriously going to look at buying one.

Thanks for the feedback on the fluid head, makes sense. I'll look at the Manfrotto site.

We have a DJI Osmo, it's a pretty cool bit of kit. I'm not sure It'll work with my camera since you need the Osmo app on the camera device to control the camera. This isn't an option for my camera. Though I can control the camera remotely from my tablet so there's a possibility I could use both the Osmo and my tablet though it would be clumsy. Also you need to balance the camera in the correct position on the Osmo and the extension/contractions of the lense as you zoom in and out will probably upset this balance. I'll have a play if only to see if I can make it work but I don't see it doing what I need from a Monopod.

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SirHumphreyAppleby

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#2147055 18-Dec-2018 12:27

Technofreak:

They both look like what I'm looking for. Other than the difference in the way the extension locking system works what is the main difference between the two of them do you know?

Here is a review of the EP-204S. I've linked to where it starts discussing the differences between the two.

The EP-204S is shorter when collapsed and lighter. I'm not too concerned with portability and weight, but the reason I decided to go with the P-204S in the end was actually due to the feet. These are flat on the P, and round on the EP. The flat feet allow you to comfortably rest your foot on the tripod if you need a little extra stability.

Technofreak

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#2147056 18-Dec-2018 12:31

SirHumphreyAppleby:

Technofreak:

They both look like what I'm looking for. Other than the difference in the way the extension locking system works what is the main difference between the two of them do you know?

Here is a review of the EP-204S. I've linked to where it starts discussing the differences between the two.

The EP-204S is shorter when collapsed and lighter. I'm not too concerned with portability and weight, but the reason I decided to go with the P-204S in the end was actually due to the feet. These are flat on the P, and round on the EP. The flat feet allow you to comfortably rest your foot on the tripod if you need a little extra stability.

Thank you very much for that information.

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DonH

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#2147061 18-Dec-2018 12:48

With birds, you don't often get much time to frame and shoot. The problem with a point'n'shoot on a fluid head on a monopod is that you ideally need 3 hands - one to hold the monopod, one to operate the head and one to operate the camera. What worked for me was a tilt head with adjustable friction (Manfrotto 234 or similar) and an L handle (such as "Kaiser Folding Metal "L" Flash Bracket"). If you mount it with the handle close to the camera, you can probably reach the shutter button with an outstretched finger.

You wanted a pod as compact as possible. I note the Manfrotto MMCOMPACT is $50-60. It extends to 57.5 inches which might be a little short, but by the time you add a tilt head will be about 60 inches.

Technofreak

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#2147242 18-Dec-2018 17:34

DonH:

With birds, you don't often get much time to frame and shoot. The problem with a point'n'shoot on a fluid head on a monopod is that you ideally need 3 hands - one to hold the monopod, one to operate the head and one to operate the camera. What worked for me was a tilt head with adjustable friction (Manfrotto 234 or similar) and an L handle (such as "Kaiser Folding Metal "L" Flash Bracket"). If you mount it with the handle close to the camera, you can probably reach the shutter button with an outstretched finger.

You wanted a pod as compact as possible. I note the Manfrotto MMCOMPACT is $50-60. It extends to 57.5 inches which might be a little short, but by the time you add a tilt head will be about 60 inches.

I've also been considering the Manfrotto Compact because of it's small size. The tilt head looks like a good idea, especially since it adds a couple of inches to the height. I'd been wondering if I might find 57 inches to be on the short side.

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