Fancy Monopods?

**BruceBanner** · 07-23-2018, 06:04 AM

I don't really have a very good or dedicated monopod, I do own just a semi decent tripod (Promaster) and one of their legs screws off and can be used as a MP. I have however used it heaps of times, I put the Arcaswiss plate ball head on the top of it, tighten it to a point so that it provides some resistance but also some flexibility, and I use it often with LV at speaking events in poor light, so that I can nail that focus a little better with magnification. I like to use MF lenses, and I have a poor back, so any kind of gadget that can help me lower the shutter speed, take some weight off the K-1 is a bonus as far as I'm concerned, I am however disheartened by the very two basic adjustments of MPing, namely twist longs or clip locks, neither are very versatile for quick adjusting.

I was wondering if any special kinda monopods exist, perhaps spring loaded so that they can fold down super quick and also extend fast, but not stupidly silly damgerous fast, just something that can help you get the right height adjustments quickly for the shots?

Failing that, I'm just wanting to hear from any other monopod fans and what they've used, what they replaced with, what they're happy with etc.

TIA!

Bruce

EDIT: Just found this; https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387806-REG/Manfrotto_685B_685B_NeoTec...od_Deluxe.html

That looks kinda what I am getting at, something that can go up and down quickly from playing around with triggers and locks etc.

Last edited by BruceBanner; 07-23-2018 at 06:20 AM.

**UncleVanya** · 07-23-2018, 06:22 AM

My dad has a manfrotto that has a sqeeze grip handle (hard to describe) that releases the lower leg section to allow it to slide down and lengthen or slide in and shorten using gravity. The main body still had to be adjusted some with a twist lock to get it right for my height (5' 11"), but the overall effect is helpful since you can make adjustments of 1.5' our more without taking your eye off the scene.

**BruceBanner** · 07-23-2018, 06:26 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

My dad has a manfrotto that has a sqeeze grip handle (hard to describe) that releases the lower leg section to allow it to slide down and lengthen or slide in and shorten using gravity. The main body still had to be adjusted some with a twist lock to get it right for my height (5' 11"), but the overall effect is helpful since you can make adjustments of 1.5' our more without taking your eye off the scene.

Must be that thing I linked above. They seem to be the only company that do this kinda release.

**UncleVanya** · 07-23-2018, 06:26 AM

Just checked, his model is no longer made but this newer model appears to be in the same design space: Manfrotto Neotec Monopod W/Safety Lock : Rocking good time.

**BruceBanner** · 07-23-2018, 06:37 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Just checked, his model is no longer made but this newer model appears to be in the same design space: Manfrotto Neotec Monopod W/Safety Lock : Rocking good time.

I like the idea! I don't like the price or weight...

I guess you really have to decide how much very quick adjustments are important to you at the expense of weight...

My problem is I don't really have a choice of large camera stores with monopods galore to try different ones out. I bet there are some that can adjust super swiftly, and others not so well. I find twist locks a tad infuriating, flip locks seem quicker at least in my hands.

**UncleVanya** · 07-23-2018, 06:46 AM

Look for the older discontinued models without a safety lock. They are cheaper. 334b and 3245 are two of the older models.

Roadboat24 · 07-23-2018, 07:33 AM

Like all photo equipment, it depends on personal preference.

What I use and like is a MeFoto WalkAbout Aluminum monopod. It is a discontinued model, But Amazon still has a few and Adorama has a used one without the compass head. I never used the compass head myself.

https://www.amazon.com/Classic-WalkAbout-Aluminum-Monopod-Walking/dp/B00DRA4...ntaxforums-20&
MeFOTO WalkAbout Monopod/ Orange / SKU1007110
I use a Oben VH-R2 Tilt head on it.

Oben VH-R2 Tilt Head for Monopods VH-R2 B&H Photo Video
Which I hardly ever use the tilt. I just swing the monopod. I find I can wedge the monopod against a fence, stairs, tree, wall or what ever is handy and take quite long exposures. About two or three seconds.

**aslyfox** · 07-23-2018, 07:38 AM - **1 Like**

for those who may not know

forum members have posted their reviews of many things here at the forums

for example:

monopods

Monopods - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

perhaps looking there might be of help ?

**aslyfox** · 07-23-2018, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Look for the older discontinued models without a safety lock. They are cheaper. 334b and 3245 are two of the older models.

apparently one member did not have a good experience with the 334B

https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/manfrotto-334b-automatic-monopod.html

**UncleVanya** · 07-23-2018, 08:41 AM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

apparently one member did not have a good experience with the 334B

Manfrotto 334B automatic monopod reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

Good catch. I (and my dad) haven't ever gotten the one he has wet. I don't know yet which one he has (no answer to my text yet...).

It is older and styled like one of the older versions.

**UncleVanya** · 07-23-2018, 09:44 AM

Dad confirms that his monopod is a 3245 which also has the model 3348/GK18. I have never had problems with the pod collapsing on me but I have had problems getting it to be as smooth releasing and opening as I would like but Dad has had better results.

**BruceBanner** · 07-24-2018, 01:56 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Thankfully good ol' Australia is mostly a dry place, so getting rusty monopods is less likely an issue or concern. But it doesn't bode well for an expensive gizmo to be so easily thwarted :/
I'm more put off by the price tag and weight than the rusting issue tbh. I subscribe to the idea that a monopod should be light, taking weight off the user, not adding to it.

I'm kinda surprised there is only one monopod like this tho, I woulda though a quick adjusting monopod would be in high demand, but like I say perhaps some of the more better twist or flip locks are quicker and easier to adjust.

When I use my own Monopod I use a arca swiss type ballhead on top, and I adjust the tightness to a place that doesn't make the camera loose and floppy, but neither rigid and immovable, a nice happy medium. If the legs could also have a level of tightness that provided the right amount of resistance, enough that I could push down with a bit of gentle force to change the height lower then that might work, tbh I haven't really tried that with my current monopod.
I think I do like the idea of a little foot bit on the bottom that you could place your foot on and loosen the leg and pull to extend further up.

EDIT: Ah! There are more of this kinda MP, don't like that price tag tho! https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1387415-REG/steadicam_steadicam_air_25_monopod.html

reh321 · 07-24-2018, 05:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Roadboat24

Like all photo equipment, it depends on personal preference.

What I use and like is a MeFoto WalkAbout Aluminum monopod. It is a discontinued model, But Amazon still has a few and Adorama has a used one without the compass head. I never used the compass head myself.

That is what I use with my Q-7. I like the walking-stick aspect, and then it is available to help me stabilize my camera - I don't use it as a tripod replacement, just to gain stability with a long lens.

**UncleVanya** · 07-25-2018, 04:57 AM

That manfrotto is very light compared to the model I carry. Lol. I'd look at a carbon tripod with removable leg and flip locks. Maybe the double duty device will be worth it to you.

bdery · 07-25-2018, 05:08 AM

Originally posted by BruceBanner

I was wondering if any special kinda monopods exist, perhaps spring loaded so that they can fold down super quick

That would be clever! Never seen it.

Originally posted by BruceBanner

extend fast

THAT exists. Any monopod or tripod with twist locks will do that.

Originally posted by BruceBanner

Failing that, I'm just wanting to hear from any other monopod fans and what they've used, what they replaced with, what they're happy with etc.

I've used a few cheap ones, not have a good one. What I'd look for:

carbon : you want it light, and carbon really does make a difference.
large diameter : I had one with tiny lower sections and it kept bending, I was worried about its strength.
Good height, but not too much. Too long means heavier, too short means not easy to use downhill.

That's about it. There isn't much to a monopod after all, it's a rod. I use a Sirui model, and love it (just like I love their travel tripod). It's a great product (will have to find the model number if useful, I don't know it by heart). I keep a light Sirui C10X tripod head on it at all times, so I can attach a camera easily.

07-23-2018, 06:04 AM	#1
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,404	Fancy Monopods? I don't really have a very good or dedicated monopod, I do own just a semi decent tripod (Promaster) and one of their legs screws off and can be used as a MP. I have however used it heaps of times, I put the Arcaswiss plate ball head on the top of it, tighten it to a point so that it provides some resistance but also some flexibility, and I use it often with LV at speaking events in poor light, so that I can nail that focus a little better with magnification. I like to use MF lenses, and I have a poor back, so any kind of gadget that can help me lower the shutter speed, take some weight off the K-1 is a bonus as far as I'm concerned, I am however disheartened by the very two basic adjustments of MPing, namely twist longs or clip locks, neither are very versatile for quick adjusting. I was wondering if any special kinda monopods exist, perhaps spring loaded so that they can fold down super quick and also extend fast, but not stupidly silly damgerous fast, just something that can help you get the right height adjustments quickly for the shots? Failing that, I'm just wanting to hear from any other monopod fans and what they've used, what they replaced with, what they're happy with etc. TIA! Bruce EDIT: Just found this; https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387806-REG/Manfrotto_685B_685B_NeoTec...od_Deluxe.html That looks kinda what I am getting at, something that can go up and down quickly from playing around with triggers and locks etc. Last edited by BruceBanner; 07-23-2018 at 06:20 AM.

07-24-2018, 01:56 PM	#12
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,404 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies. Thankfully good ol' Australia is mostly a dry place, so getting rusty monopods is less likely an issue or concern. But it doesn't bode well for an expensive gizmo to be so easily thwarted :/ I'm more put off by the price tag and weight than the rusting issue tbh. I subscribe to the idea that a monopod should be light, taking weight off the user, not adding to it. I'm kinda surprised there is only one monopod like this tho, I woulda though a quick adjusting monopod would be in high demand, but like I say perhaps some of the more better twist or flip locks are quicker and easier to adjust. When I use my own Monopod I use a arca swiss type ballhead on top, and I adjust the tightness to a place that doesn't make the camera loose and floppy, but neither rigid and immovable, a nice happy medium. If the legs could also have a level of tightness that provided the right amount of resistance, enough that I could push down with a bit of gentle force to change the height lower then that might work, tbh I haven't really tried that with my current monopod. I think I do like the idea of a little foot bit on the bottom that you could place your foot on and loosen the leg and pull to extend further up. EDIT: Ah! There are more of this kinda MP, don't like that price tag tho! https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1387415-REG/steadicam_steadicam_air_25_monopod.html Last edited by BruceBanner; 07-24-2018 at 07:27 PM.

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07-23-2018, 06:22 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	My dad has a manfrotto that has a sqeeze grip handle (hard to describe) that releases the lower leg section to allow it to slide down and lengthen or slide in and shorten using gravity. The main body still had to be adjusted some with a twist lock to get it right for my height (5' 11"), but the overall effect is helpful since you can make adjustments of 1.5' our more without taking your eye off the scene.

07-23-2018, 06:26 AM	#3
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,404 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya My dad has a manfrotto that has a sqeeze grip handle (hard to describe) that releases the lower leg section to allow it to slide down and lengthen or slide in and shorten using gravity. The main body still had to be adjusted some with a twist lock to get it right for my height (5' 11"), but the overall effect is helpful since you can make adjustments of 1.5' our more without taking your eye off the scene. Must be that thing I linked above. They seem to be the only company that do this kinda release.

07-23-2018, 06:37 AM	#5
BruceBanner Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,404 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Just checked, his model is no longer made but this newer model appears to be in the same design space: Manfrotto Neotec Monopod W/Safety Lock : Rocking good time. I like the idea! I don't like the price or weight... I guess you really have to decide how much very quick adjustments are important to you at the expense of weight... My problem is I don't really have a choice of large camera stores with monopods galore to try different ones out. I bet there are some that can adjust super swiftly, and others not so well. I find twist locks a tad infuriating, flip locks seem quicker at least in my hands.

07-23-2018, 06:46 AM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Look for the older discontinued models without a safety lock. They are cheaper. 334b and 3245 are two of the older models.

07-23-2018, 07:33 AM	#7
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 486	Like all photo equipment, it depends on personal preference. What I use and like is a MeFoto WalkAbout Aluminum monopod. It is a discontinued model, But Amazon still has a few and Adorama has a used one without the compass head. I never used the compass head myself. https://www.amazon.com/Classic-WalkAbout-Aluminum-Monopod-Walking/dp/B00DRA4...ntaxforums-20& MeFOTO WalkAbout Monopod/ Orange / SKU1007110 I use a Oben VH-R2 Tilt head on it. Oben VH-R2 Tilt Head for Monopods VH-R2 B&H Photo Video Which I hardly ever use the tilt. I just swing the monopod. I find I can wedge the monopod against a fence, stairs, tree, wall or what ever is handy and take quite long exposures. About two or three seconds.

07-23-2018, 07:38 AM - 1 Like	#8
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	for those who may not know forum members have posted their reviews of many things here at the forums for example: monopods Monopods - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database perhaps looking there might be of help ?

07-23-2018, 07:41 AM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by UncleVanya Look for the older discontinued models without a safety lock. They are cheaper. 334b and 3245 are two of the older models. apparently one member did not have a good experience with the 334B https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/manfrotto-334b-automatic-monopod.html

07-23-2018, 08:41 AM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by Aslyfox apparently one member did not have a good experience with the 334B Manfrotto 334B automatic monopod reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database Good catch. I (and my dad) haven't ever gotten the one he has wet. I don't know yet which one he has (no answer to my text yet...). It is older and styled like one of the older versions.

07-23-2018, 09:44 AM	#11
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Dad confirms that his monopod is a 3245 which also has the model 3348/GK18. I have never had problems with the pod collapsing on me but I have had problems getting it to be as smooth releasing and opening as I would like but Dad has had better results.

07-24-2018, 05:17 PM - 1 Like	#13
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by Roadboat24 Like all photo equipment, it depends on personal preference. What I use and like is a MeFoto WalkAbout Aluminum monopod. It is a discontinued model, But Amazon still has a few and Adorama has a used one without the compass head. I never used the compass head myself. That is what I use with my Q-7. I like the walking-stick aspect, and then it is available to help me stabilize my camera - I don't use it as a tripod replacement, just to gain stability with a long lens.

07-25-2018, 04:57 AM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	That manfrotto is very light compared to the model I carry. Lol. I'd look at a carbon tripod with removable leg and flip locks. Maybe the double duty device will be worth it to you.

07-25-2018, 05:08 AM	#15
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by BruceBanner I was wondering if any special kinda monopods exist, perhaps spring loaded so that they can fold down super quick That would be clever! Never seen it. Originally posted by BruceBanner extend fast THAT exists. Any monopod or tripod with twist locks will do that. Originally posted by BruceBanner Failing that, I'm just wanting to hear from any other monopod fans and what they've used, what they replaced with, what they're happy with etc. I've used a few cheap ones, not have a good one. What I'd look for: carbon : you want it light, and carbon really does make a difference. large diameter : I had one with tiny lower sections and it kept bending, I was worried about its strength. Good height, but not too much. Too long means heavier, too short means not easy to use downhill. That's about it. There isn't much to a monopod after all, it's a rod. I use a Sirui model, and love it (just like I love their travel tripod). It's a great product (will have to find the model number if useful, I don't know it by heart). I keep a light Sirui C10X tripod head on it at all times, so I can attach a camera easily.