When I bought my K100D, back in 2006, I picked up an inexpensive tripod and an inexpensive (cheap) Monopod.

Now that I have the K20D with BG-2, it is very evident that I need to upgrade both of them.

Even though it's a bit early, I've shown my wife the Manfrotto Tripod and head that I want and she will, more than likely, give them to me as a Christmas gift. I can wait.

But, the monopod I have is junk. I doesn't even make a good walking stick.

So. I need to invest in a good monopod.

I'd like some suggestions and recommendations. So tell me what you use for a monopod.

TIA

Ed

[WJW]

Well, I use 2 different things. My real monopod is a Bogen 3016 (manfrotto 681) that I use without a head, with a V-head, with a ball head, or with a tilt head. The head is changed depending on the camera, lens and locations. When I'm walking and don't expect to need a monopod I usually have a Tracks walking stick with a Bogen rubber flex head (don't know the number)

[user440]

I think I have the same monopod, and I can not say enough good things about it. I think I could pole vault with the thing if it became necessary.

Thanks,

That looks like a pretty good set up.

Ed

[MrA]

Am curious - what's the smallest/ ultraportable monopod one can get?

Just thinking back to things like old-style portable radio aerials - which can be pretty thin and telescope pretty far. If you accept the monopod is for stability, that the user is assisting with some of the load, presumably they can get pretty tiny? Are there any around that can fit in an ordinary satchel, for instance...

[Geekybiker]

I have a bogen monopod and I can just about lift my weight off the ground with it. That thing is SOLID.

[borno]

Hey Ed, I like my manfrotto 679b w/ 3229 head it helps me get more keepers. I got it for $77 at b&h ;as for a tripod head, those knock-off (india)gimbal mounts look interesting but I don't know if they are any good

[Arpe]

I also have the Manfrotto 681B with a basic quick lock head. I have now found this to be too short, so will probably get the 682B.
The 681 is solid, without being too heavy. Still quite long when at its shortest though.

[tmutchf]

Just recently purchased the Manfrotto 685B neotec monopod with a 3229 quick release head through Amazon. Really like the mechanism - instead of needing two hands and click locks to extend it, this model has a one-hand grip and a little "foot pedal" at the bottom. Simply step on the foot pedal, and with one hand manipulating the grip, you can extend it to just the right height. Nice and solid, too.

The one disadvantage is that it is NOT compact, so if you want one that can collapse to a short length for ease of carrying, this isn't the one for you. For that, you may want to look at the 694 magfiber pod by Manfrotto. I got to look at and handle the 694 (4-section) at a local store and it's lovely. It's a trade off: smaller and lighter or ease of extension and one-hand operation. Either way, I love the quick release head!

[jlp]

Here's some informational reading . . .

Some musings on monopods - Open Photography Forums

and here . . .

Jeffrey Friedl’s Blog Blog Archive My New Monopod

I have researched/evaluated many and bought the Feisol (actually 'listed' Xmas gift)

FEISOL Four-sections Monopod CM-1471

[serendipity]

I use a 'Giotto MM9570' which is a quality piece of kit, but won't break the bank. I am 6'1" and with it fully extended, it's too tall for me! Great for those with bad backs


Serendipity (Mick)

[roy]

i also have the 679b(40usd) and have no probs with it. i use an amvona ball head on it and am very pleased with the combo..