Need help selecting a new monopod...

[joellyn23]

I have a D80 and just ordered a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens with teleconverter. I also have a Sigma 170-500mm lens that will need a monopod/tripod.

I mostly take photos at soccer games so I thought a monopod would be a better choice. So far, I've just taking hand held shots using a 70-300mm lens but I walk the sidelines during the game.

I'm 5'4" but my husband is 6'3". I was looking at 2 different monopods...do you have any input on these? Or any other suggestions? I'd like to stay around $50

Bogen Manfrotto 679B

Giotto MM-9170

Thanks once again....I think this may be the last of the new equipment purchases I make for awhile (I hope!)

[woj68]

I take a lot of pics of my son's football and baseball games. I was looking for a good, sturdy tripod to hold my Canon 30D, bat grip, & 70-200 2.8 (with t/c) and it had to be tall (I'm 6'2").

I went with the Bogen-Manfrotto 681B (http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-681B-Professional-Aluminum-Monopod/dp/B0000WKYU4) and I couldn't be happier with it.

Good choice. :thumbsup2

[BorisMD]

I am at work right now, and don't remember which model I have, but it is the Manfrotto with 3 locks (so, 4 sections, I guess). It works very well.

I use it while sitting in the stands at my kid's performances, and telescope it down enough so that I get good stability shooting the choir or theater performances, and it fits right in front of me, ie, no interference with others in the stands.

I also use it while standing for indoor and outdoor sports shots. Very useful piece of equipment. But remember, it's not as stable as a tri...

Regards,

Boris

[joellyn23]

Thanks (both of you) for your replies. I had the Manfrotto 681B on my short list as well.

Do you attach via a tripod collar on the lens (70-200) or do you attach directly to the camera? I'm wondering if I should pick up an extra quick release plate -- one can be "permantly" attached to my 170-500mm lens and the other to the 70-200mm lens.

Boris, I'm used to walking & shooting which is why I'm starting with a tripod. Hopefully that will give me a little more stability without too much hassle. I may be back asking for tripod recommondations!!

Thanks again....I'm thinking it's going to be the Manfrotto....just have to decide between the 3 or 4 section.

[woj68]

Thanks (both of you) for your replies. I had the Manfrotto 681B on my short list as well.

Do you attach via a tripod collar on the lens (70-200) or do you attach directly to the camera? I'm wondering if I should pick up an extra quick release plate -- one can be "permantly" attached to my 170-500mm lens and the other to the 70-200mm lens.

Boris, I'm used to walking & shooting which is why I'm starting with a tripod. Hopefully that will give me a little more stability without too much hassle. I may be back asking for tripod recommondations!!

Thanks again....I'm thinking it's going to be the Manfrotto....just have to decide between the 3 or 4 section.

The quick release plate would actually attach under the collar of the lens and not the camera. I've haven't found the need to invest in a quick release plate probably because I only use the 70-200 mounted on my pod and don't need to change between lenses..

If I were to add another big boy to the collection, like say the 300 2.8 (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-300mm-f-2.8-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx), then I'd reconsider. ;)

[jann1033]

i have the bogen ultralight, from amazon around $30 and it's great, very sturdy. i'm 5' 7 and it is plenty tall enough for me. depending on what i'm going sometimes i use my ball head on it but usually not since you can move the monopod unlike a tripod. it screws on in a second so imo if you are just using the normal attachment, rather than a head, not sure why you want a release
http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-4-Section-Light-Weight-Monopod/dp/B00009R6CO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1201560590&sr=8-4

[AndrewWG]

I have the Manfrotto 680 monopod and have never used it so I can't tell you how good it really is. Seems incredibly sturdy and is high enough for me to look right into the camera (I'm 5'10"). I think it will work great this summer at baseball games. I bought it after the season last year, that's why I haven't used it yet.

[mhutchinson]

I went with the Bogen-Manfrotto 681B (http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-681B-Professional-Aluminum-Monopod/dp/B0000WKYU4) and I couldn't be happier with it.

Good choice. :thumbsup2

I have this same model with the 3229 swivel tilt head and am 6' and it has worked out well for myself also

Michael

[joellyn23]

So I was planning on buying the Manfrotto 681B, but I ended up ordering the Manfrotto 3425 Automatic. I figured we'd both be using it at games (switching between quarters/halves), so it would be nice to have an easier way to adjust height since we're almost a foot apart.

I figure I can't go wrong with a Manfrotto!!

Thanks again :)