Monopod for Bird photography

[Sam_swfc123]

Hi all,

I am looking for a Monopod because i am finding my tripod to heavy to carry about places.

I use a Canon 20D and Sigma 150-500mm lens, so there is a weight of around 3kgs.

I have got a budget for about £50/£60 pounds.

Please could you tell me what you would recommend and what you use.

Thank you,
Sam Winslow

[Tringa]

Have a look at the Leki range of walking poles.

Some double as a monopod.

Dave

[Geoff F]

Manfrotto also produce monopods Monopods - Tripods & Monopods - Warehouse Express including a carbon fibre version; but that is a bit more than your budget.

I haven't personally used a Manfrotto monopod but their tripods are excellent. I close up my Manfrotto tripod if I want a monopod; but it is heavy.

I suppose the other option is a lighter weight tripod. For occasional general use, I use the Velbon Luxi L which is quite light and will fold up to 14 ins for easy carrying. I use it with my 40D plus the Sigma 150-500; but for serious use I still lug around the Manfrotto 055X PROB.

[colincurry]

I occasionally use a Velbon UP-4DX which is basic, has three sections, and collapses to about 20" in length.

I don't use a special head. The one supplied moves up and down vertically and cn be locked in a vertical position. I simply move the whole thing horizontally to line up in that plane.

It takes a Canon 7D and 100-400 with no trouble.

It cost me around £19 about three years ago.

It is very light and i hang it from one of the straps on my pack.

Also made a good walking stick when my knee was playing up.

Colin

[John D]

Hi Sam,

I use a Manfrotto 679B monopod along with a Manfrotto 234RC head and find this combination to be excellent. The combination can be obtained for well within your budget.
Certainly worth consideration!

John D
Zenfolio | John's Wild World

[Tormentil]

I use a Manfrotto 680B monopod along with a Manfrotto 234RC. It'll certainly take your weight and is well within your budget. Warehouse Express do 'em both for £43.

[Ollie]

Whatever monopod you decide on, like John D and Ben I can fully recommend the 234RC head. It's light but at the same time a sturdy easily used head.

[Sam_swfc123]

Thanks alot everyone. I will probably get a Manfrotto one with that 234rc head.

Thank you very much.

Regards,
Sam Winslow

[johnf3f]

Recently bought the 2 series Gitzo monopod - excellent - roughly half the weight of my Manfrotto and supports my 600 even better! However it's expensive!
So I now have a Manfrotto 679 (aluminium finish - not black) for sale + the Manfrotto head with pl 210 QR plate - Anyone interested?