Cheaper carbon fiber monopods?

[ccirelli]

I'm a big fan of Oben tri / monopods. I have the aluminum version of this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1465141-REG/oben_ctm_2600_6_section_carbon_fiber.html

You can bundle it with a tilt head of course too. I got mine as used from B&H for like $35, plus a tilt head. If you really want to save $, go with aluminum. The weight savings between these models is totally negligible (if that's your concern). Tripods, yes I only go for carbon fiber now.

 

[David S.]

Another vote for Feisol. I have the very burly CM-1471 with the Wimberly mono-gimbal.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/848842-REG/FEISOL_CM_1471_CM_1471_Rapid_Monopod.html

 

[GregT943]

I ended up ordering the Robus RCM-439 that was recommended. Good price, good reviews. It has twist locks like I wanted, and only 4 sections like I wanted. Hopefully I made the right choice. If I don't like it, I'll return it and give the Feisol a try. Thanks for all the help and suggestions

 

[SugarDude]

Another vote for the Sirui P-326. I purhcased it 9 years ago and it's still available for <$100 new.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822252-REG/Sirui_BSRP326_P_326_6_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

Here's another vote for Sirui P-326. I've had it for over 4 years now and very happy with it.

 

[EricKlees]

Another recommendation for the Sirui P-326 carbon fiber monopod. 6 section lightweight. Very sturdy for my Z9+800PF lens with the Wimberley MH-100 monogimbal. Cody $82 on Amazon Anna the MH-100 is $180.

I hand hold for stills. But for on the go video, the monopod is very useful

 

[Abinoone]

I ended up ordering the Robus RCM-439 that was recommended. Good price, good reviews. It has twist locks like I wanted, and only 4 sections like I wanted. Hopefully I made the right choice. If I don't like it, I'll return it and give the Feisol a try. Thanks for all the help and suggestions

Once you’ve had the chance to use it a bit, please be sure to post your impression!

 

[EricBowles]

Be patient and look for a used monopod. A lot of people buy monopods and then don't use them. At some point they end up for sale.

I just checked KEH.com. They had just two top of the line monopods - a RRS MC-25 5 section CF monopod for $375 (a modest discount from a new one) and a Gitzo GM5561T for $199 but rated a Bargain in terms of condition. I think the Gitzo monopod might be a good opportunity - and KEH has an excellent return policy if you don't like it.

But I also took notice of the inventory of monopods available at KEH - most likely because the owner did not use it, was unhappy, and because it could not be sold already. Three Legged Thing monopods represented about 40% of the inventory - followed by Sirui at 15%. 40% of the monopods had legs and could stand up independently - possibly an indication that style sounds better than it is in practice.

Monopods take a lot of abuse, so it's probably worth it to get one a little more durable than usual.

Ebay is a good place to look for tripods and monopods.

 

[O]

Be patient and look for a used monopod. A lot of people buy monopods and then don't use them. At some point they end up for sale.

I just checked KEH.com. They had just two top of the line monopods - a RRS MC-25 5 section CF monopod for $375 (a modest discount from a new one) and a Gitzo GM5561T for $199 but rated a Bargain in terms of condition. I think the Gitzo monopod might be a good opportunity - and KEH has an excellent return policy if you don't like it.

But I also took notice of the inventory of monopods available at KEH - most likely because the owner did not use it, was unhappy, and because it could not be sold already. Three Legged Thing monopods represented about 40% of the inventory - followed by Sirui at 15%. 40% of the monopods had legs and could stand up independently - possibly an indication that style sounds better than it is in practice.

Monopods take a lot of abuse, so it's probably worth it to get one a little more durable than usual.

Ebay is a good place to look for tripods and monopods.

Spot on mate unused near new products are in abundance at ridiculous cheap prices.

I picked up a Wemberley 200 Gimble mint $100 AUD or $65 USD still in the box, cant even tell its seen day light, and some camera stores sell their display stock at 70% of sometimes.
I picked up a 100 F2 Ziess RRP $2700, i got it for $1000 new with full warranty.

On;y an opinion

 

[Charles Loy]

I ended up ordering the Robus RCM-439 that was recommended. Good price, good reviews. It has twist locks like I wanted, and only 4 sections like I wanted. Hopefully I made the right choice. If I don't like it, I'll return it and give the Feisol a try. Thanks for all the help and suggestionsIt will please you

It will please you. Great choice

 

[lovegar]

Be patient and look for a used monopod. A lot of people buy monopods and then don't use them. At some point they end up for sale.

I just checked KEH.com. They had just two top of the line monopods - a RRS MC-25 5 section CF monopod for $375 (a modest discount from a new one) and a Gitzo GM5561T for $199 but rated a Bargain in terms of condition. I think the Gitzo monopod might be a good opportunity - and KEH has an excellent return policy if you don't like it.

But I also took notice of the inventory of monopods available at KEH - most likely because the owner did not use it, was unhappy, and because it could not be sold already. Three Legged Thing monopods represented about 40% of the inventory - followed by Sirui at 15%. 40% of the monopods had legs and could stand up independently - possibly an indication that style sounds better than it is in practice.

Monopods take a lot of abuse, so it's probably worth it to get one a little more durable than usual.

Ebay is a good place to look for tripods and monopods.

KEH is a dealer for Three Legged Thing dealer- hence the large percentage. They have them on display in their Atlanta showroom, and if you click on the individual items you will see they are listed as new. I've been checking KEH for a taller monopod the last few months, most of the ones I've seen are short (65" and below)

 

[dabhand16]

I've been checking KEH for a taller monopod the last few months, most of the ones I've seen are short (65" and below)

My iFootage Cobra 2 is 180 cm (a sniff under 6 feet)

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...

eu.ifootagegear.com

The carbon fibre one is rated at 10kg (22lbs)

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

Is anyone in this thread with the iFootage using the tripod base and what do you think of it. I am thinking of getting the base with the quick release for my existing monopod.

 

[dabhand16]

Is anyone in this thread with the iFootage using the tripod base and what do you think of it. I am thinking of getting the base with the quick release for my existing monopod.

I don't use mine a lot, but it is very handy to have and it comes with the monopod so was at no cost. However mine is the earlier mk2 Cobra and you have linked to one of the mk3 feet. The head plugs into the feet on mine by moving a collar and plugging the Cobra head in, so will your monopod fit into it? The Cobra monopod bottom section has the same QR fitting as the head so you can swap them.

There is a further elephant in the room. With the mk3 Cobra monopod there are 2 versions with different feet. The one in your link has the foot pedal, which could be useful when using the monopod but comes with a snag. It does not pivot/angle as much as the one without the foot pedal. This could be inhibiting when used as a mini tripod depending on your usage.

Jordan Drake, who's review of the mk2 led to me buying mine, has reviewed the mk3 and shows these differences. Can't remember now if it was on DP review or Peta Pixel.

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

I don't use mine a lot, but it is very handy to have and it comes with the monopod so was at no cost. However mine is the earlier mk2 Cobra and you have linked to one of the mk3 feet. The head plugs into the feet on mine by moving a collar and plugging the Cobra head in, so will your monopod fit into it? The Cobra monopod bottom section has the same QR fitting as the head so you can swap them.

There is a further elephant in the room. With the mk3 Cobra monopod there are 2 versions with different feet. The one in your link has the foot pedal, which could be useful when using the monopod but comes with a snag. It does not pivot/angle as much as the one without the foot pedal. This could be inhibiting when used as a mini tripod depending on your usage.

Jordan Drake, who's review of the mk2 led to me buying mine, has reviewed the mk3 and shows these differences. Can't remember now if it was on DP review or Peta Pixel.

Thank you @dabhand16 exactly what I was looking for in terms of usage information.
Basically it's arriving today but returnable.
I have a PMG Monopod that has the built in 3/8 spikes. So I just remove that and will screw the monopod into the base screw.
As far as the mini positions go, I am thinking it will be ok but will test that out today as well. I think my main usage will be low level shooting with an ultra wide angle when used without a monopod.

What use case requires the range of motion of the mk2 that the mk3 can't do, if you know?

Thanks. Michael

 

[dabhand16]

I have a PMG Monopod that has the built in 3/8 spikes. So I just remove that and will screw the monopod into the base screw.

The foot does not have a screw. It is a QR system where you have to pull the collar down and insert the bottom of the head/bottom section of the monopod then allow the collar to return which locks it in place.

What use case requires the range of motion of the mk2 that the mk3 can't do, if you know?

If you are on a steep slope you might not be able to get the monopod vertical as it won't go sideways as much as the non foot pedal model.

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

The foot does not have a screw. It is a QR system where you have to pull the collar down and insert the bottom of the head/bottom section of the monopod then allow the collar to return which locks it in place.


If you are on a steep slope you might not be able to get the monopod vertical as it won't go sideways as much as the non foot pedal model.

Ok thanks on both of these, and well if the screw mount is not part of it (see image I posted) it goes right back.

 

[dabhand16]

Ok thanks on both of these, and well if the screw mount is not part of it (see image I posted) it goes right back.

Do you mean the screw in the head? I thought you were referring to the foot.

I see what you are getting at now. If you find the angle that the monopod goes to not enough if they sell this model surely they must sell the other non foot pedal one too?

Found the mk2 one at $49:

iFootage Cobra 2 Minipod

This innovative minipod or hi-hat comes as standard with all of our Cobra 2 Monopods and can also be bought as a stand alone item. It has three adjustable feet which each have three position settings. Like the monopod it has a quick release system at the top and also 360 degree tension...

www.ifootagegear.com

You can change the screw to 1/4 or 3/8 too and the head will go over to 90 degrees.

 

[TomTom]

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

​

I use the Leofoto MP364C with the Wimberley MH100 and am a very happy with this combination.
Holds the Z9 and 180-600 or 500pf very nicely.
The monopod cost £150 when I bought it 2 years ago and I feel it was money well spent.

 

[bigtoxy69]

I don't use mine a lot, but it is very handy to have and it comes with the monopod so was at no cost. However mine is the earlier mk2 Cobra and you have linked to one of the mk3 feet. The head plugs into the feet on mine by moving a collar and plugging the Cobra head in, so will your monopod fit into it? The Cobra monopod bottom section has the same QR fitting as the head so you can swap them.

There is a further elephant in the room. With the mk3 Cobra monopod there are 2 versions with different feet. The one in your link has the foot pedal, which could be useful when using the monopod but comes with a snag. It does not pivot/angle as much as the one without the foot pedal. This could be inhibiting when used as a mini tripod depending on your usage.

Jordan Drake, who's review of the mk2 led to me buying mine, has reviewed the mk3 and shows these differences. Can't remember now if it was on DP review or Peta Pixel.

What I seem too notice is That monopod Manufacturers seem too offer. mostly an Either Or Choice ? Either you can buy a Monopod With A Heavy load Rating and a standard 3/8 x16 rubber foot or Spike ? Or You can get a monopod with A Tripod type Foot such as I footage and Others ? But if you go that route ? you generally lose tge Higher load rating for both The Monopod itself And The tripod Base Foot ? Atleast From What i can See researching online ?
While my heaviest currebn Rig mAx might only go. 10-13 pounds ??? Which any decent Monopod Should be Able Too Support ? Too me It doesn't mske sense too havea Monopod that Will Support 25 Kilos And then add on the tripod Type Foot whichmay only Hold 8 kilis or less. ??? i understand that there-s. such A Thing as Diminshing returns. And making The Monopod Tripod tyoe Foot stronger And bigger Is somewhat defeating the Lighter Weight & maneuverability Aspect of The monopod vs. a Tripod In the1st place ?.. maybe I'm Worrying about nothing ??? it just seems That in general. A Lower Load rated Tripid type Foot on A Higher Load Rated monopod is weak spot in the system?

 

[Calson]

The $45 Sirui P-306 aluminum monopod weighs 1.1 lb whereas the $68 Siruis P-326 carbon fiber monopod weighs 0.9 lb or 3.2 ounces less. I have usually seen this weight difference between aluminum and carbon fiber monopods. The weight savings with carbon fiber is trivial. The Gitzo GM2542 weighs 1.1 lb or the same as the Sirui aluminum monopod. It is true that the Gitzo has a stated load capacity of 77 lbs but who really puts that heavy a camera and lens load on a monopod?

I cannot understand why anyone would throw away $300 to have a Gitzo monopod. I have one remaining Gitzo tripod but it is the 2531LVL that provides a unique quick leveling capability in a 3.5 lb tripod and it is no longer in production. The 3 series Gitzo tripod I purchase several years ago arrived with serious product design and manufacturing defects and the brand is no longer on the same level as tripods from RRS and Feisol.

I like carbon fiber tripods for cold weather as it is kinder to the skin on my hands when not using gloves.

 

[Doug Herr]

deleted

 

[Captain Spaulding]

I need one that suits a freakishly tall person. I currently have a 3 Legged Thing “Lance” in my B&H cart. The plan is to pair it with a Benro tilt head.

 

[Steve W]

This will likely upset a few but…. In its simplest form a monopod is simply a “stick” with a 3/8” or 1/4” threaded rod on the top. A broom handle would suffice. The next evolution is to make it more compact ( multiple sections) and lighter (aluminium, carbon etc).
Unlike a tripod, being that it is free to move in any direction unless supported by the photographer, any question of stability, vibration damping etc isn’t relevant. As long as it is sufficient to hold the weight without undue flexing, it will do the job.
Further refinement is ease of adjustment, padded grips etc. The reality is that $30 Joby or $100 Benro will pretty much do the same job as a $500 Gitzo, RRS etc.
I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with the premium brands but, for most people, are they more than you really need?

 

[dabhand16]

What I seem too notice is That monopod Manufacturers seem too offer. mostly an Either Or Choice ? Either you can buy a Monopod With A Heavy load Rating and a standard 3/8 x16 rubber foot or Spike ? Or You can get a monopod with A Tripod type Foot such as I footage and Others ? But if you go that route ? you generally lose tge Higher load rating for both The Monopod itself And The tripod Base Foot ? Atleast From What i can See researching online ?

My carbon fibre iFootage Cobra 2 is rated to carry 22 pounds weight. It is in the specifications.

 

[dabhand16]

I need one that suits a freakishly tall person. I currently have a 3 Legged Thing “Lance” in my B&H cart. The plan is to pair it with a Benro tilt head.

My iFootage cobra 2 is 180cm/ 6 feet high and I think you can add another centre section to increase it.