scorsesefan
Veteran
Trying to decide between monopod with fluid/pivot base like Manfrotto 562b or one with traditional head. Canon C100 run n gun work mostly. Anyone have any thoughts/experiences?
Thanks
Thanks
Fluid base vs monopod with head
- Thread starter scorsesefan
- Start date
Sol M.
Veteran
Why not both? Benro's S4 monopod has a smooth articulating foot and a fully-fledged fluid video head that can pan and tilt, unlike Manfrotto's video monopod (which cannot pan, nor can it be removed).
scorsesefan
Veteran
HOw is the quality of the Benro, Sol? I've heard mixed reviews...
ozmorphasis
Well-known member
I have the S6 Benro. It's great so far, but I've only owned it for 3 months.
I also have the smaller Manfrotto with the fluid base. It's ok, but mine is the one with very thin tube sections, so it's too wobbly.
I also have the smaller Manfrotto with the fluid base. It's ok, but mine is the one with very thin tube sections, so it's too wobbly.
doubledark
Well-known member
check out the CheesyCam review on monopods; he's quite emphatic as to which one to get
Bern Caughey
Veteran
Been thru a number of monopods, & prefer simple versions without extendable feet.
The feet get mucked up in mud, sand, slush, etc, & don't feel they improve panning enough (if at all) to warrant the extra weight.
The feet get mucked up in mud, sand, slush, etc, & don't feel they improve panning enough (if at all) to warrant the extra weight.
i bought this Benro monopod awhile ago.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1083921-REG/benro_a48fds4_video_monopod_kit.html
it very nice and this is coming from someone that used to high quality Vinten heads and legs plus the Miller CF sticks.
so, the Benro seems like ultra budget but i was very impressed when using it just the same. I've played with several of their full tripod kits and have been equally impressed for the money they are asking. id buy Benro quicker than id ever pay again for anything Manfrotto because the Benro i find very smooth and fairly finessed especially considering the modest price tag.
with all of that said I'm not sure that they would hold up with heavy use. i don't have proof but its my gut feeling.
david
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1083921-REG/benro_a48fds4_video_monopod_kit.html
it very nice and this is coming from someone that used to high quality Vinten heads and legs plus the Miller CF sticks.
so, the Benro seems like ultra budget but i was very impressed when using it just the same. I've played with several of their full tripod kits and have been equally impressed for the money they are asking. id buy Benro quicker than id ever pay again for anything Manfrotto because the Benro i find very smooth and fairly finessed especially considering the modest price tag.
with all of that said I'm not sure that they would hold up with heavy use. i don't have proof but its my gut feeling.
david
Sol M.
Veteran
You may want to adjust the foot's tension to your liking, as some prefer it looser, while others like some resistance to work with. Aside from that, it's been quite good.
Let me know if there are any specific issues you've heard about and I'd be glad to share any related experiences I've had.
scorsesefan
Veteran
Thanks, guys. I'll check out the Benro. Any issues I'll ask...
Jim Feeley
Veteran
Have had good luck with the Manfrotto MVM500A. US$280 or so. Mainly on RED Weapon/Dragon, Canon C300, and similar-sized cameras. Only come across Benro a couple times, haven't had trouble with the Manfrotto base in dirt, dust, etc. Haven't tried mud. 
https://www.manfrotto.us/manfrotto-mvm500a-aluminum-fluid-monopod-with-500-head
At NAB, Manfrotto was showing updated video monopods. A month or so ago, Manfrotto said (in reply to an email from me) that those will be out in Oct or so (IIRC).
Since you're in Queens, maybe swing by one of the big NYC stores with your camera and try out a few different brands and see which works better for you?
https://www.manfrotto.us/manfrotto-mvm500a-aluminum-fluid-monopod-with-500-head
At NAB, Manfrotto was showing updated video monopods. A month or so ago, Manfrotto said (in reply to an email from me) that those will be out in Oct or so (IIRC).
Since you're in Queens, maybe swing by one of the big NYC stores with your camera and try out a few different brands and see which works better for you?
scorsesefan
Veteran
Have had good luck with the Manfrotto MVM500A. US$280 or so. Mainly on RED Weapon/Dragon, Canon C300, and similar-sized cameras. Only come across Benro a couple times, haven't had trouble with the Manfrotto base in dirt, dust, etc. Haven't tried mud.
https://www.manfrotto.us/manfrotto-mvm500a-aluminum-fluid-monopod-with-500-head
At NAB, Manfrotto was showing updated video monopods. A month or so ago, Manfrotto said (in reply to an email from me) that those will be out in Oct or so (IIRC).
Since you're in Queens, maybe swing by one of the big NYC stores with your camera and try out a few different brands and see which works better for you?
Thanks, Jim. Ordered a MVM500a. Haven't gotten a chance to go down to BH with my cam but I have a feeling it should be good with the C100...