Which monopod for a super telephoto lens?

[Gerrit Laubscher]

The heading basically says it all, but which monopod and head will you suggest for a super telephoto lens? Thanks in advance for the comments.

[Roberto]

Manfrotto 680B or 681B

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Well... how long is a piece of string?

Aluminum or Carbon Fibre? What height do you need?

I personally have the Benro C38T (don't need the monopod to be taller than me) and a Benro DJ90 head (because it uses standard dovetail/arca swiss type mounting plates)

[Gerrit Laubscher]

Maybe it isn't an easy question Sean ... . Plenty view though so looks like I'm not the only one with the question. Had the Manfrott 681B on my list as a posibility because it can carry the big weight of the super telephoto and pro body. The heads is however a different story because the swivel head is probably the most practical for a monopod but none in their range has a high weight spec - the biggest is 2.5 kg's which is far below the 6 kg plus of the equipment.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Maybe it isn't an easy question Sean ... . Plenty view though so looks like I'm not the only one with the question. Had the Manfrott 681B on my list as a posibility because it can carry the big weight of the super telephoto and pro body. The heads is however a different story because the swivel head is probably the most practical for a monopod but none in their range has a high weight spec - the biggest is 2.5 kg's which is far below the 6 kg plus of the equipment.

Due to the nature of the design of a monopod head (one way swivel) and the typical use (loose and unlocked) the actual carry weight doesn't really matter too much, you never need to lock down a head so that it wouldn't "creep" - a monopod is designed to move. I am honestly not sure, but I think it's actual rated carry weight is 12kg and have happily worked with my 5DmkII/7D + battery Grips + 300mm f/2.8 on the DJ90

If you are going to use a ballhead, then it's a different story. You will need to lock down the head to stop it from slipping to a side, so there carry weight is an issue, but even then, I think they start at about 6kg and move up quickly from there to about 20kg for the bigger Benro.

If the Carbon Fibre is a bit too expensive, have a look at the Aluminum version, the A48F (about R900... or the slightly shorter A38F at R800-ish) Still classified as "Heavy Duty" though...

The reason I asked about height... If you are shooting from a hill or bleachers, your monopod foot is actuall a bit below you many times, then you need the extra height. If you are always shooting more or less flat (like me) the shorter monopod is perfect (and slightly lighter)

[Roberto]

I'm not sure how many photographers use heads on monopod's with heavy gear but I certainly don't. With all the moving parts and all its a bit dodge for me. I agree however with Sean though r.e. level of photography. I generally shoot flat however if I must shoot up or down I make a plan.

If I had to single out any head It would probably be the Manfrotto 393 http://www.manfrotto.com/long-lens-monopod-bracket the poor man's Wimberley Apparently Manfrotto did state that this head was designed particularly for monopod's with long heavy lenses.

[SimonDP]

I use the Slik Pro 600 monopod with a Manfrotto 234 head and Wimberly adapter for the Arca-Swiss style mounting plates, also used on my ODP Panning Plate. Mounted to this setup is a 1D series body and 500/4 L IS lens, sometimes with a flash. Occasionally also a 600/4 or 400/2.8 lens, I've yet to experience any form of slippage or failure on this kit. It sees heavy and frequent use. I use it in a belt pouch 80% of the time, which also makes it easy to shoot BiF or Aviation, just extend the pod and comfortable aim at 30 deg + into the sky. Taller than me when extended (I'm 1.87m) a shorter person can use it from the ground into the sky to a certain angle. The swivel head is used mainly for the angle required from the belt pouch. I don't swing the camera around by the monopod, I always support the system as a whole, so no problem really in the weight loading - its more on how you handle the kit than the actual design loads. Agreed there is a limit not to be exceeded, I wouldn't hesitate to use a 600/4 the same way, it will never see more than about 3 kg external leverage force on the mounting.

[Gerrit Laubscher]

I use the Slik Pro 600 monopod with a Manfrotto 234 head and Wimberly adapter for the Arca-Swiss style mounting plates, also used on my ODP Panning Plate. Mounted to this setup is a 1D series body and 500/4 L IS lens, sometimes with a flash. Occasionally also a 600/4 or 400/2.8 lens .....

Thanks everyone for very good response and assistance. Simon I take it that the Wimberly adapter/234 combo is similar to the Kirk Bogen/232 combo sold by Manfrotto.

[Peter Veitch]

I have a heavy duty aluminium Benro monopod which I use in conjunction with the DJ90 head. The DJ90 tends to slip with a heavy combo (7D plus 500f4) unless you lock it in really tightly.

[jaykay]

I use a Manfrotto monopod with a 234 head and Arca adapter with my D3 and 500VR. I tried a ball head, but almost dropped my lens. The combo works quite well and the weight does not seem a problem. It is not like a tripod where rigidity is an absolute.

[DaveK]

I also use DJ 90, but with a Wimberley sidekick, for 1d/500-4: no difficulties at all except when walking long distances!
Dave.

[SimonDP]

@ Gerrit - unsure, not really familiar with that head combo.

[Piet Venter]

I use a Manfrotto 680 monopod with a Manfrotto 234 head and Wimberly adapter for the Arca-Swiss style mounting plates. It takes the weight of my D3 plus 500mm f4 VR II quite comfortably.

[Gerrit Laubscher]

This has been very helpful. I have decided to go with the Manfrotto 680, 234 and plate adapter. The belt pouch will also come in handy I think. Thanks.

[Friedrich von Hörsten]

This has been very helpful. I have decided to go with the Manfrotto 680, 234 and plate adapter. The belt pouch will also come in handy I think. Thanks.

Hi Gerrit -- where do you get the belt pouch?

Thanks and God bless,

Friedrich von Hörsten

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Hi Gerrit -- where do you get the belt pouch?
...

Not directed at me, but I thought I'd answer anyways: most people just make them (Stitch a loop on one side and a pouch on the other) or some prefer a bit more rugged fisherman's pole support "pouch"

[SimonDP]

The 680 is the right choce, it needs to be compact enough that you can use it with a belt pouch if you so wish. The 681 is too long overall even when fully compressed. The belt pouch - Manfrotto makes a canvas pouch which I don't like, the pouch is too deep which means you need to seriously lift the monopod when inserting or removing from the pouch. If you do get one, stitch it closed about 3cm from the mouth end, you just need to rest the tip in there anyway. A fishermans pouch I've found is way to bulky, uncomfortable when wearing it inside a car whilst changing shotting positions, and generally just too bulky when packing, but can be used in a pinch.

[Deon RacePics]

680 is probably right altho I use a much older version which is not round, smaller & more compact. I also dislike the Manfrotto canvas pouch so I bought one from a tackle shop for R50. works much better to my my mind.
With the 234 head it is still good enough for the EF500F4.

If you not going to use a pouch I suggest going to a shop with the equipment and trying it out before buying.

[Jaco de Klerk]

Like the pouch idea. Havnt been to a tackle shop in many years.

Pod: I use a Gitzo GM3551 which stands at 192cm and is rated at 18kg.
Head: My 3rd and best so far is a RRS MH-01 Pro rated at 34kg. Just like the 234 it was designed for monopods and restrict movement to the vertical plane.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...with-B2-Pro-II

Must say, the Manfrotto bracket (link posted by Roberto) also looks - provided it does not interfere with access to lens controls.

[Deneys]

Just for ppl like me that thought u guys was taking about attaching ones camera to the end of a fishing rod. It goes a bit more like this