Monopod advice

[gt6jim]

I'm looking at the Manfrotto 679 Mono as a cheap, light alternative to my tripod when I'm O&A.

Does anyone like/dislike this mono?

Do I need a seperate head too? or does the camera bolt straight on?

Input appreciated

 

[ozarkshome]

Kirk makes a QR head for monopods I believe. At least that is where I got the one I use.

 

[fks]

hi jim-

it's a solid monopod, but a bit on the heavy side. i haven't had any problems with mine, and i've used it to carry a 300mm f/2.8MF and D2H.

your camera or lenses will mount directly to the tripod (it takes both 3/8" and 1/4"). for a little more flexibility, you might want to get a 3232 head for a little more flexibility (check out http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html).

ricky

 

[Rich Gibson]

Mounting the camera/lens directly to the top will cause lots of headaches (and back aches!). A two degree of freedom mini head is best. A ball head will tend to flop all over; it gives you too many degrees of freedom.

Rich

 

[jaymc]

I've got a 680B, similar to the 679, but is 4 section rather than 3. Both have a dual 1/4" - 3/8" camera fixing screw so it will take both a ball head w/camera or a camera by itself.
I use mine for football/soccer games and it works fine for me.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site...MAIN:AC:SUB1:AK:SUB2:AX&idx=119&livid=107|117

- Jay

 

[two slow]

I had one. It was a great monopod. I used the Bogen 3232 head on it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=398&A=details&Q=&sku=5498&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

 

[gt6jim]

Thanks for the advice,

I've found the 234 and 234RC.
The Bogen 3232 looks almost identical to them?!?

I calculate about 800 grammes for the whole monopod and head, which isn't too bad for £60/$120 - especially as my Tripod comes it at over 4Kg!!

 

[MParker]

I like the Manfrotto 685B Neotec ... automatic, tall, strong, and very versatile. I use a 3232 or 3229 (I forget which) tilt-swivel head with a Wimberley C-10 clamp attached to it.

 

[natelam]

I use the bogen 682B with the swivel head it came with. many people use that along with the QR plate from RRS or Kirk.

 

[fks]

hi jim-

yup, looks like the same thing, but i can't find a bogen-to-manfrotto translator :biggrin:

ricky

I've found the 234 and 234RC.
The Bogen 3232 looks almost identical to them?!?

 

[gt6jim]

hi jim-

yup, looks like the same thing, but i can't find a bogen-to-manfrotto translator :biggrin:

ricky

Me thinks me could have a Nikon/Fujifilm situation here :wink:

Cheers, Jim

 

[alanhill]

I use a Manfrotto 681, which slightly heavier duty than the 679. I wouldn't be without it, particularly with my 300mm f/4. I strongly recommend the Manfrotto tilting head 234 (or 234RC with quick release) which is easy to use and works very well.

Alan

 

[simonramsden]

I use a Manfrotto 681, which slightly heavier duty than the 679. I wouldn't be without it, particularly with my 300mm f/4. I strongly recommend the Manfrotto tilting head 234 (or 234RC with quick release) which is easy to use and works very well.

Alan

Good choice - I use the 680B with the 234RC and a few luggage straps tied round it (for tying onto railings, lamp-posts etc). Spent 2 weeks in the USA with it this month instead of taking my tripod. I reckon I only missed 2 shots (out of 800) through lack of support.