Monopod recommendation required

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nitrotech

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#285732 13-May-2021 20:43

Looking for recommendation from someone that's using a monopod rather than just on specs.

So I've got a couple of monopods but got the fright of my life when the QR un-latched with lens and camera attached, fortunately one of my staff was there and caught it but it's now clear that it's not up to the task.

Looking for something sturdy it's got to take the 400mm mk1 which weighs in a little under 6kg plus 1dx11 @ around 1.5 and maybe an extender every so often so a max of around 8kg.

Don't want a QR or any fancy pivoting base, prefer under $200 - anything around that someone that's using one can recommend.

Stu

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#2707198 13-May-2021 21:22

That's quite some weight! I have one if these, but they top out at ~5kg. https://aucklandcamera.co.nz/product/manfrotto-290-aluminum-monopod/.

I have no need to carry ~8kg, but I'd probably look at something like https://www.progear.co.nz/cameras/monopods-benro-mma28c-mach3-carbon-fibre-4-sect-monopod/26717 or https://www.progear.co.nz/cameras/monopods-benro-mma38c-mach3-carbon-fibre-4-sect-monopod/28362 in that price range, if I was looking.

It’s not that I’m agoraphobic, it’s just not safe to go out anymore.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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nitrotech

1285 posts

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#2707202 13-May-2021 21:27

Stu: That's quite some weight! I have one if these, but they top out at ~5kg. https://aucklandcamera.co.nz/product/manfrotto-290-aluminum-monopod/.

I have no need to carry ~8kg, but I'd probably look at something like https://www.progear.co.nz/cameras/monopods-benro-mma28c-mach3-carbon-fibre-4-sect-monopod/26717 or https://www.progear.co.nz/cameras/monopods-benro-mma38c-mach3-carbon-fibre-4-sect-monopod/28362 in that price range, if I was looking.

Thanks for that, yeah have a bit of Manfrotto gear and it's solid, I've looked at the reviews of the Benro stuff and build quality seems to be an issue eg. good for 6 months then something breaks

Stu

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#2707214 13-May-2021 21:49

That $200 mark might be difficult. Monopods with 8-10kg payload capacity, that are of decent quality, seem to be a bit more. How about something like https://www.photowarehouse.co.nz/shop/shop-by-product/tripods-and-supports/monopods/manfrotto-xpro-prime-base-3-section-aluminum-monopod/?

It’s not that I’m agoraphobic, it’s just not safe to go out anymore.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies Backblaze

nitrotech

1285 posts

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#2709246 18-May-2021 20:25

So we have a winner - arrived today and looks OK.

First impressions.

The spring loaded mechanism to change from 3/8 to 1/4 is odd

There is more flex than expected at the joins when each section is extended

Will see how it performs over the weekend.

mudguard

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#2709296 18-May-2021 20:31

I bought a monopod on Thursday actually. Bit more than the target budget but used it for three rounds of golf on the weekend. Main purpose for the monopod is I can shove it in my golf bag between shots!

Oops. IFootage Cobra 2. C180.

nitrotech

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#2709311 18-May-2021 20:58

mudguard:

I bought a monopod on Thursday actually. Bit more than the target budget but used it for three rounds of golf on the weekend. Main purpose for the monopod is I can shove it in my golf bag between shots!

Oops. IFootage Cobra 2. C180.

oooh looks nice, most importantly hope it helps bring the handicap down. My golfing is somewhat challenged - I don't think a decent set of clubs or a monopod could save me.

Stu

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#2709313 18-May-2021 21:03

@nitrotech not a bad price with that load rating. Is the 3/8 to 1/4 setup such that the 1/4 is inside the 3/8 and you have to push the 3/8 down with the camera/lens as you're trying to screw it on?

@mudguard the foot setup looks interesting! I bought my monopod because it was easier to pack as well. Since having a Peak Design Travel Tripod, the monopod hasn't seen the light of day.

(Edit - corrected my imperials)

It’s not that I’m agoraphobic, it’s just not safe to go out anymore.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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nitrotech

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#2709321 18-May-2021 21:18

Stu: @nitrotech not a bad price with that load rating. Is the 3/8 to 1/4 setup such that the 3/8 is inside the 1/4 and you have to push the 1/4 down with the camera/lens as you're trying to screw it on?

the 1/4 sits in the middle and the 3/8 around the outside of it is spring loaded so if you're screwing onto a 1/4 you'd press a bit harder to depress the spring then once the thread takes just screw in as normal. It will be interesting to test both in the weekend as the 1/4 is at the back of the collar foot and 3/8 at the front which will make a small difference in balance so I'll see which I prefer.

mudguard

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#2709322 18-May-2021 21:19

Stu:

@mudguard the foot setup looks interesting! I bought my monopod because it was easier to pack as well. Since having a Peak Design Travel Tripod, the monopod hasn't seen the light of day.

Yeah I seem to do more video of late, golf is nice and easy in a way, but I'm still playing, and if we are walking I needed something stable for zooming in, but also that I could jam back in the bag.

nitrotech:

oooh looks nice, most importantly hope it helps bring the handicap down. My golfing is somewhat challenged - I don't think a decent set of clubs or a monopod could save me.

Ah well it's not so much for me! More just recording us fooling around.

Sadly this wasn't my playing partner, and ignore the smudge from my ND filter 😬

Stu

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#2709327 18-May-2021 21:30

nitrotech:
the 1/4 sits in the middle and the 3/8 around the outside of it is spring loaded so if you're screwing onto a 1/4 you'd press a bit harder to depress the spring then once the thread takes just screw in as normal. It will be interesting to test both in the weekend as the 1/4 is at the back of the collar foot and 3/8 at the front which will make a small difference in balance so I'll see which I prefer.

Yes, I corrected my post. Got my imperials around the wrong way trying to multitask..

That setup is the same on my lighter-weight Manfrotto. Can be annoying if you're rushing and don't line things up properly.

It’s not that I’m agoraphobic, it’s just not safe to go out anymore.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies Backblaze