monopod recommendations

[rickp1]

hey guys and gals,
I'm looking for some monopod recommendations.
I would like something out of carbon so it can go in the water and not corrode, also for the weight.

I went to my local photo shop and saw a good manfrotto model and a gitzo model too. One was made out of aluminum and the other out of carbon and the weight difference was negligible to be honest.
The manfrotto had a snap like locking system while the gitzo had a rotating ring which I like a bit more. Is there a preference out there for one or the other locking system?
The price range that I would be willing to pay is no more than 150 to 200 at the most.

The manfrotto model I say was $60, it was made out of aluminum. The carbon was $150 and weighted the same as the aluminum. Both had the snap locking system.

The Gitzo that I saw and like the most was made out of carbon 6x had the ring locking system, was not much lighter than the manfrotto but cost $300. Which sucks to be honest, but the story of my life.LOL!!!!

So what do you guys think??

R.

[ddr]

apparently CF is much less prone to vibrations and won't be cold to the touch in the cold

there's also the trek pod one that can double as a tripod when needed

[rickp1]

Originally Posted by ddr

apparently CF is much less prone to vibrations and won't be cold to the touch in the cold

there's also the trek pod one that can double as a tripod when needed

ddr,
do you have a link to that monopod? Really, I didn't know about the vibrations.

Thanks for the feedback.

R.

[RichardTaylor]

Some things to consider.

(1) How high is the mono pod? It is a real pain (in the neck) if you have to bend your neck to look through your camera's viewfinder.
It can be extend by adding a head however that will increase the weight and folded height

(2) If your hands or the monopod are wet it is very difficult to grip a twist lock to tighten or loosen the leg. I have used a monopd like this in the past.

(3) Rubber or black foam grips solve the problem of cold metal.

(4) How short does the mono pod fold up to? This may make it easier to carry.

I use monopods extensively when shooting motor sport or when birding. Not so much for stability but to take the weight of heavy lenses when shooting for long periods of time.

I use Manfrotto monopods (flip lock leg) without a head (I use a Canon tripod ring that comes with some lenses & is optional with others to attach the lens.