Monopod?

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Chris H

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I'm looking for a monopod for my D500 with a Nikon 200-500. I don't care how small or light it is, I want one that is rigid enough and will last. It'll be used for wildlife and BIF. I'll be putting a Wimberley MH-100 head on it. I'm 5'11" so I'm thinking I'll need something taller than most to angle the pod and not have to be hunched over? The 2 I've narrowed it down to so far are the Sirui P326 and the Gitzo 4552L. I know, quite the difference... Any recommendations or input? I'm just an amateur but I don't mind spending the money if it's really worth it but don't want to if I don't have to if ya know what I mean.

Thanks
Chris
 
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I have the manfrotto XPRO 4 section alloy that I use with my big primes. Goes to 180cm, very solid and not to expensive... but not the lightest.

www.manfrotto.com

XPRO 4-Section photo monopod, aluminum with Quick power lock

The new 4-section XPRO Monopod is a professional photo camera monopod made to satisfy photographers who leverage the height of their monopod to get above crowds and to achieve a wide range of shooting angles. These state-of-the-art Manfrotto legs have inherited the perfect combination of...
www.manfrotto.com www.manfrotto.com
 
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Been using the Gitzo for years now and love it. Built like a tank and rock solid, used in some quite rough environments and its held up really well. Mainly using it on a 300mm f/2.8 and 500mm f/4.

Copied the idea from @Steve of having an RRS Clamp attached, can quickly swap between the Wimberley MonoGimbal and the RRS Monopod Head as needed.
 
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If you want / need more height for shooting overhead maybe consider a more conventional gimbal head like an Induro GHB1 or a GHBA / Wimberley sidekick with a suitable head. I was using an Acratech gimbal head and was pretty happy until I tried a sidekick on top. I find it better with the weight centred over the monopod. Steve has a video where he has done something similar.
 
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Use my 600mm f4.0 on top of my Gitzo most of the time. I do own and use a couple other makes including two Manfrotto monopods which I often use with my 200-500mm . But for quality, strength and reliability I trust my Gitzo. I think it is important to check the rated loading and stick to well below it if you are hanging a lot of money on the end.
 
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Chris H said:
I'm looking for a monopod for my D500 with a Nikon 200-500. I don't care how small or light it is, I want one that is rigid enough and will last. It'll be used for wildlife and BIF. I'll be putting a Wimberley MH-100 head on it. I'm 5'11" so I'm thinking I'll need something taller than most to angle the pod and not have to be hunched over? The 2 I've narrowed it down to so far are the Sirui P326 and the Gitzo 4552L. I know, quite the difference... Any recommendations or input? I'm just an amateur but I don't mind spending the money if it's really worth it but don't want to if I don't have to if ya know what I mean.

Thanks
Chris
Click to expand...
You are on the right path with the L version Gitzo. For birds in flight or anything requiring shooting upwards having a Monopod that requires you to stoop down, soon becomes a pain in the arse.
 
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I have a Really Right Stuff monopod and an older Manfrotto monopod. Both are carbon fiber and work well. The RRS has twisting locks; the Manfrotto has levers -- both seem to work well. The RRS has more weight capacity (they make several models, so you have a choice) and was bought for a trip to Botswana last year that ended up cancelled, so I have not used it as much as I expected so far. RRS is more expensive for most things. If you get one, the head you use is important. RRS has a couple of nice monopod heads. But I like the Wimberley monopod gimbal head. Steve did an article and/or video on that you might want to see.
 
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I use a MeFoto Rpad Trip. A solid tripod for the price and one leg can be detached along with the ball head to use as a monopod. Works for me!
 
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I have the Gitzo 4552L since 3 years now and I’ve never been happier. It’s not s as heavy, very rigid, opens and closed in seconds.. and my sharpness increased since I use it with my D7500 + 200-500 f5.6. I highly recommend it.

I have a tripod from Manfrotto.. it’s cheaper but I can tell the difference in quality and hence the price..
 
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I own an aluminum Manfrotto with no head. Monopods are not heavy, so no need for price of carbon fiber, I say. I tried a head, did not get the hang of using a head on a monopod.
 
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I have had a Sirui P 326 for 3 or 4 years. It's one of their carbon fiber models. The biggest rig I've used it with is a D500 and 80-400. I have no complaints. I feel that rigidity in a mono pod is not as important as it is with a tripod simply because if you're even breathing, you're moving the whole rig in the first place. If I need rigidity a tripod will always be better.
 
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Apparently, Kingjoy make tripods and monopods for huge number of tripod/monopod 'manuafcturers'.

They use Kingjoy as their own brand which are cheaper than the household names.

All Products - Camera Photo Tripods|Tripods heads|Kingjoy Tripod Legs for Photos and Video|Tripod Heads|Ball|Fluid Heads|Camera Tripods with Heads|Photo Accessories|tripod manufacture - KINGJOY

KINGJOY has a broad range of products to meet the needs, the budgets for both professional and amateur photographers Tripods | Heads| Monopods | Stabilizers | Sliders | Jib Cranes |Balance Stable System | Dolly | Selfie sticks | Gimbal Accessories | Hand-held Stabilizers | Time Lapse Head |...
www.kingjoyusa.com
 
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Charles Loy said:
I own an aluminum Manfrotto with no head. Monopods are not heavy, so no need for price of carbon fiber, I say. I tried a head, did not get the hang of using a head on a monopod.
Click to expand...

The advantages of a carbon monopod is less vibration and it doesn’t get as cold in winter (in addition to the lighter weight).

a tilt-head was the best head for a Monopod (see Steve’s video). Are use the one from RRS and I find it great.
 
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As you build your kit, my suggestion is to spend your money on good glass rather than a high-end monopod. I have have a Manfrotto that is more than adequate and not expensive. I wouldn't worry about height because you are using a gimbal with the monopod. If your usage case includes birds in flight, a tripod might be a better investment.
 
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I strongly suggest that you look at second hand gear, but be diligent in your search. I've used Bogen/Manfrotto tripods and monopods for years, currently owning two of each. The monopods and one of the tripods, as well as the Gitzo tripod that I own were purchased second hand, both from a store and from ebay. The Gitzo tripod is worth every penny I paid for it; pricey, but it has the features that I want.

My criteria for monopods and tripods is that they must be tall enough for me to use at my height (5'10") and not be fully extended, as well as be load rated for much more than I plan to use them for. The lowest/smallest section of the leg tends to be the achilles heel, unless you get a poor camera mount. Neither is a good thing. I also use a basic tilt head with a quick release plate on my monopods; it gives a bit of extra height to the rig and also adds flexibilityfor different camera angles when needed.

Wayne
 
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The monopod I use for my 500mm f5.6 pf and the Wimberley monopod head is an all metal monopod mage by Giotto. I picked it because I can add different feet to it as needed. Metal and not carbon fiber because it costs less and handles bangs and dings better and it is easier to clean. The brand is not as important as its features. They come with lever leg locks or twist locks. (Both have their pros and cons.)
 
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I bought the Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65" from b&h a few months ago. Less than half the price of the Gitzo. Time will tell, but it seems pretty well built. I run it with a RRS mono gimbal. I am only 5 foot 4 so the height works well for me.
 
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Only owned a few months. I invested in Gitzo mono with Wimberley side kick. I absolutely love it.
I owned a cheap mono before, it did what I wanted but after an accident the cheap mono could not hide my new shake, the Gitzo does, just amazing.
I mostly use 200-500mm lens on mono
Did have to invest in new collar for that lens.
 
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