Cheaper carbon fiber monopods?

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GregT943

GregT943

Well-known member
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I would love a Gitzo, but I can't drop $400 on a monopod right now. I'm not looking for a bottom of the barrel budget monopod, just a good one that doesn't have the Gitzo or RRS price tag. I'm looking for a cheaper carbon fiber monopod that can easily support the weight of my Nikon Z8 with the hopefully soon to be arriving 180-600. It will be paired with a Wimberley MH-100. Maybe some day I will have a 800 PF, but the Z8 and 180-600 will be the heaviest it will need to support for a long time. If the day ever comes where I can afford a 400 or 600 TC prime, I'll be able to afford to replace this with a Gitzo. It needs twist locks, preferably 3-5 leg sections. Does anyone use a Leofoto MP-346C? This one caught my eye, and everything else I have used from Leofoto has been good quality, but there aren't a lot of reviews for it. The Benro MSD46C also caught my eye, but I'm not sure how I feel about the first lock being a flip lock. Anyone have any other recommendations? Thanks for the help

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I bought a Gitzo monopod on sale from B&H for $220. Timing is everything. I haven’t seen that price before the sale (only a couple of weeks ago).
 
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Don't buy more than you really need. A 3-section is going to cost less than a 3-section monopod. Aluminum is only a few ounces heavier than a CF with a monopod. If all you need is to support a 6 lb lens and 2 lb camera then a monopod with a 15 lb load capacity is all that is needed.

I have two CF monopods that I have used as monopods and light poles over the years. I added a iFootage Cobra 2 telescopic monopod A150S that cost $147 and has a 17 lb load capacity. I added it as it has two special features. It has a monopod foot end or a mini tripod foot that can be used by itself as a ground tripod. It also has a quick release so the height can be increased with one hand which is important for me to be able to use it with a heavy lens like the 800mm PF.

B&H Photo is a good resource as you can filter for cost and load capacity and price and then read the reviews of customers.

Technology has improved to the point where one gains nothing by paying premium prices for a RRS or Gitzo product and in particular with Gitzo get a more reliable product with far better customer support.
 
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I don't buy Leofoto due to their IP infringement in the past but you are on the right track with a 34MM. I also suggest you get a long one. If you look at the ProMediaGear video on how to use their tilt head you will see why. As others have said, there are number of great choices and BH has good filtering.

Now here is hack for you to consider in how to carry it. I use a tactical belt with a Peak Capture clip for the camera and this for the monopod.

Spider tool carrier
 
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I’ve had the Sirui P326 for a couple of years. I don’t use it a lot as I mostly hand hold, but when I have it‘s worked great. Very lightweight but stable. Carbon fiber. I used it the other day with a Z9 and 500PF, on the Wimberley MH-100. The Wimberley is a good match for it. Currently $82 at B&H, which is less than I paid for it.
 
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Calson said:
Technology has improved to the point where one gains nothing by paying premium prices for a RRS or Gitzo product and in particular with Gitzo get a more reliable product with far better customer support.
Click to expand...
I agree with this comment 100%.. thumbs down on the Gitzo crappy customer service. There is NO customer service from Gitzo.
B-H has their store brand, Robus.. check it out.
 
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GregT943 said:
I would love a Gitzo, but I can't drop $400 on a monopod right now. I'm not looking for a bottom of the barrel budget monopod, just a good one that doesn't have the Gitzo or RRS price tag. I'm looking for a cheaper carbon fiber monopod that can easily support the weight of my Nikon Z8 with the hopefully soon to be arriving 180-600. It will be paired with a Wimberley MH-100. Maybe some day I will have a 800 PF, but the Z8 and 180-600 will be the heaviest it will need to support for a long time. If the day ever comes where I can afford a 400 or 600 TC prime, I'll be able to afford to replace this with a Gitzo. It needs twist locks, preferably 3-5 leg sections. Does anyone use a Leofoto MP-346C? This one caught my eye, and everything else I have used from Leofoto has been good quality, but there aren't a lot of reviews for it. The Benro MSD46C also caught my eye, but I'm not sure how I feel about the first lock being a flip lock. Anyone have any other recommendations? Thanks for the help

​

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I use a Sirui with an MH100, a Z9 and a 500mmf/4e, teleconverter, and adapter. It's light and relatively inexpensive. I put a pipe insulation sleeve on the top part so the rig doesn't wear a hole in my shoulder. I use it a lot.
 
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Fishboy1952 said:
I’ve had the Sirui P326 for a couple of years. I don’t use it a lot as I mostly hand hold, but when I have it‘s worked great. Very lightweight but stable. Carbon fiber. I used it the other day with a Z9 and 500PF, on the Wimberley MH-100. The Wimberley is a good match for it. Currently $82 at B&H, which is less than I paid for it.
Click to expand...
Yep.

SIRUI Camera Monopod AM-326M​

The answer. $82. on Amazon
 
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The Sirui looks good, I just really don't want a 6 section monopod. I think it will be between the Robus RCM-439 and Leofoto MP-364C. Both seem to be exactly what I'm looking for and both have good reviews. I'm sure I'll continue to be indecisive all weekend long. Thanks for all the help
 
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I do have the Benro MSD46C and use it with an MH-100 with my Z8 + 400 f2.8E and lighter lenses (like 500 pf).
The top section being a flip lock proved extremely useful for me in practice: it allows to adjust the height with a single hand, which is more cumbersome with twist locks. You grab the top section, flip it open with your pinky, adjust, then close it down with your palm. Aside from the extreme height the pod provides (useful in hilly terrain), to me this feature sets it apart from most other monopods.
 
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I use the iFootage Cobra 2 for every hike, or in the zoo wherever, or if it takes longer.
Version 3 has also been released in the meantime.

www.ifootagegear.com

iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Monopod

Super lightweight, carbon fiber, four part modular design monopod. Quick release system, adjustable feet and lock and friction control. Extends to a huge 180cm – perfect for when you need to get above the crowd. What you get: 1 x carbon fiber monopod with feet (180cm fully extended)1 x carry...
www.ifootagegear.com www.ifootagegear.com

www.ifootagegear.com

Cobra 3 - Original Version

COBRA 3 MONOPOD ORIGINAL EDITION Take your creativity full throttle Watch Video × BUY NOW 90 Degree Tilt One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle Lock Edition Twist Lock Edition Versatile Modular Design 90 Degree Tilt One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle Lock...
www.ifootagegear.com www.ifootagegear.com

It is so flexible, easy to use, and the function of using only the foot as a ground tripod is unbeatable.
When I go to the lake in the castle park, I only have the foot with me.
It has been my constant companion for almost 2 years now and another one would have a hard time keeping up.
 
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RubberduckMark said:
I use the iFootage Cobra 2 for every hike in the zoo wherever it takes longer.
Version 3 has also been released in the meantime.

www.ifootagegear.com

iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Monopod

Super lightweight, carbon fiber, four part modular design monopod. Quick release system, adjustable feet and lock and friction control. Extends to a huge 180cm – perfect for when you need to get above the crowd. What you get: 1 x carbon fiber monopod with feet (180cm fully extended)1 x carry...
www.ifootagegear.com www.ifootagegear.com

www.ifootagegear.com

Cobra 3 - Original Version

COBRA 3 MONOPOD ORIGINAL EDITION Take your creativity full throttle Watch Video × BUY NOW 90 Degree Tilt One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle Lock Edition Twist Lock Edition Versatile Modular Design 90 Degree Tilt One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle Lock...
www.ifootagegear.com www.ifootagegear.com

It is so flexible, easy to use, and the function of using only the foot as a ground tripod is unbeatable.
When I go to the lake in the castle park, I only have the foot with me.
It has been my constant companion for almost 2 years now and another one would have a hard time keeping up.
Click to expand...

Me too. This is the best monopod I've had.
 
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For a monopod, I'd look on the web for a used one from a source with a good reputation and return policy. (But be wary of this market, there are used items in online actions that list for more than you can purchase them new from other sources. Do detailed research before you purchase! ) Last year, I got Gitzo GM4532 for a bit over $200, but had to be patient for the deal to come along. It was in perfect condition and works like it should. I already had a head to use with it, so that was in my favor.

And like mentioned before, strongly consider an aluminum (Al) one. Is there really enough weight and performance advantage to carbon fiber over Al?

You can also save some weight and money by not over buying; i.e., not buying one that holds thirty pounds when you only need one to hold twenty pounds. However, if you go that route, you may regret it later if you need more capacity.

Good luck.
 
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hummm...I use a saguaro rib taller than I am, that I can stab into the ground at an angle which eliminates some of the circular rotational movement. I grab the top of the stick with my off hand and support the camera lens with thumb and forefinger. When Im done shooting it acts as a staff to be used against aggressive underbrush, snakes and people, if need be. It's interesting looking, free, and I can fashion it the way I want it. Of course it doesn't have to be a saguaro rib but the ribs of the saguaro are light and strong...could be any stick. Better that the top is slightly wide for easier gripping, and that it naturally falls to a flat comfortable spot. Put leather around it dead center for balance and carrying, heck, carve ruins in it and make it interesting. Wearing a glove on your off hand makes it easier. Carbon fibers got nothing on nature. Just a radical thought.
 
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I have been satisfied using a Sirui 426 6 section carbon monopod for quite a few years. I particularly chose the 6 section model because the 4 section version is too tall at minimum height for use in a boat or safari vehicle. It has been very sturdy and durable with a D500, 200-500mm, Wimberley Sidekick and Monopod heads setup, with capacity for heavier rigs. If the minimum height isn't an issue for you, I'd advice the 424 4 section version. I notice on B&H it is a newer version with flip type locks rather than the screw type I have.
 
I use this one from Brunton. They are big in field geology and survey equipment. Not carbon fiber but lightweight and plenty sturdy.


www.brunton.com

Collapsible Jacob's Staff | Brunton | Made in USA

A trekking pole, monopod, and Jacob's Staff all in one! Compatible with the Brunton OmniSlope or with any Brunton transit through the Ball & Socket Transit Mount.
www.brunton.com www.brunton.com
 
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GregT943 said:
I would love a Gitzo, but I can't drop $400 on a monopod right now. I'm not looking for a bottom of the barrel budget monopod, just a good one that doesn't have the Gitzo or RRS price tag. I'm looking for a cheaper carbon fiber monopod that can easily support the weight of my Nikon Z8 with the hopefully soon to be arriving 180-600. It will be paired with a Wimberley MH-100. Maybe some day I will have a 800 PF, but the Z8 and 180-600 will be the heaviest it will need to support for a long time. If the day ever comes where I can afford a 400 or 600 TC prime, I'll be able to afford to replace this with a Gitzo. It needs twist locks, preferably 3-5 leg sections. Does anyone use a Leofoto MP-346C? This one caught my eye, and everything else I have used from Leofoto has been good quality, but there aren't a lot of reviews for it. The Benro MSD46C also caught my eye, but I'm not sure how I feel about the first lock being a flip lock. Anyone have any other recommendations? Thanks for the help

​

Click to expand...
I have a lot of Gitzo tripods and 3 ways, ball heads that literately someone paid thousands for new,
heads that cost $800 new $150 - $200 used, tripods that coast $1800 20 years ago $200-$300 used.

My Carbon fiber mono pod is like many brands just a generic Chinese clone rebranded one $150 AUD new, $40 used and does the job perfectly now for 10 years happily.

Unless you are using your gear every day all year round to make a living with you don't need expensive higher end even new gear, been there done all that.

Only an opinion
 
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