What monopod should I buy? Please help me!

T

tom1597530

Active member
Hello. I was wondering if I could by a monopod. But I have no idea which one to choose, 'cause there are many of 'em.

So maybe if I'd write down what expectations I have and you could tell me which model is the best for me. So here we go...

- I want to use the monopod for filmmaking purposes
- I want to use it as a cheaper solution for image stabilization (I know that I won't get the results as from stabilizers like Flycam, Steadicam...)
- I want to use it for partial static shots (I also own a tripod so the monopod doesn't have to have support legs - I mean those three small legs on the bottom of the monopod)


And also, I would be very thankful if you'd help me to buy a monopod head or tripod head (I don't know the proper name) - so I could be doing pan shots also (IT HAS TO HAVE A HANDLE). The head should do fluid movements (I was wondering the GIOTTOS VH6011-657 but if it's not good, tell me another one, please).

And one basic thing - the cost of both monopod and the head SHOULDN'T EXCEED $160 (if it would exceed it by few dollars - I don't care)

Could you please recommend me some monopod and some head for it? BIG BIG THANKS FOR EVERYONE THAT WILL HELP :))
 
kgimedia said:
FROM AN OLD POST: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...on-a-Monopod&p=2385482&highlight=#post2385482

I love love love the Manfrotto 682B with my T2i.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5495-REG/Manfrotto_682B_682B_Self_Standing_Monopod.html

The 701 HDV did not exist when I started using it years ago with my DVX100. I use the 701RC2 but the HDV version seems like a good upgrade. I highly recommend the Manfrotto 080 Monopod Belt Pouch.
Click to expand...

and is it good also for stabilizing the footage?
 
I have a gh1 with manfrotto 560b-1 with 234rc head. the monopod is really good but I am searching for another head for it . 701RC2 maybe , so I can use the 234rc in my Focus35 dolly tracker and will be easy to put the camera on the skater dolly cos they will share the same plate...
 
Well I was searching the internet a lot and I am deciding to choose from these three...

1. Manfrotto 560B-1
2. Manfrotto 685B
3. Manfrotto 682B

so could you please tell me which one of them is the best one that you'd recommend me for videomaking purposes? Thank you.
 
The major advantage of the Manfrotto 682B is you can leave it to stand by itself. The major disadvantage is it does take more time then the others to go from monopod to legs out. Depending on the weight and dimensions of your rig this may be a non-issue. Which ever way you go I can not recommend enough the Manfrotto Belt pouch. You will get some funny looks and you may forget to take it off and get even stranger looks at the bar after your shoot, but worth way more then they charge for the pouch.
 
kgimedia said:
The major advantage of the Manfrotto 682B is you can leave it to stand by itself. The major disadvantage is it does take more time then the others to go from monopod to legs out. Depending on the weight and dimensions of your rig this may be a non-issue. Which ever way you go I can not recommend enough the Manfrotto Belt pouch. You will get some funny looks and you may forget to take it off and get even stranger looks at the bar after your shoot, but worth way more then they charge for the pouch.
Click to expand...

Thank you. So which one would you recommend me the most?
 
this reminds to break my mono pod in thirty pieces! I just finished an indy feature and looking at some of the footage that was shot with the monopod is a real problem. Leave the mono pod home ( or keep it for stills) and take yer tri-pod for filmmaking. Just my opinion of course. The slight shake it causes is just so un-organic. Anyway - I think you get my drift.
 
I agree with Kevin. You should either leave it home or practice your technique so it is an option if it is need to tell your story.
 
OK then, thank you. But I was wondering a shoulder rig, but in my country (Slovakia) there aren't very much rigs. I was wondering buying one on ebay. Do you know any shoulder rig, that is cheap and reduces the shake as much as it's possible? Thanks
 
almost all monopods are the same, so you need to find your criteria to sort.
1) length when closed (some are very short, nice for stabilizing and transport) some are long. And when opened, some are very tall (higher than many people, other are barely over your chest). If you travel a lot, the width of your wallet cound be the decisive factor for example.
2) the way the tube are fixed, some have round tube and you screw a ring, some have clips you just open or close, some can be used only with segments fully closed or opened
without in between length.
3) weight supported. usually all monopods are ok up to 6 pounds, that's a lot for a still camera, could be a bit light for an heavy video setup.
4) head . some monopod have a screw at top allowing to put almost any head, some have the head fixed, so you cannot change.

Personally, i see the monopod like the help for occasion where tripod is not possible.
- crowded place were it is impossible to deploy a tripod
- must move fast , so transporting a tripod will be too bulky
- light, where tripod is too heavy.
- fast setup, where a tripod is too slow to setup or does not offer the added feature of monopod.
- must be cheap.

For example, i go to ski with my tripod, it make an excellent stabilizer to shoot kids while skiing.
i use it on travel, so i can put it on the back pack and forget about it until i need
Use it as crane or stick, so you can shoot trough a windows, over a balcony etc.. tripods are great for this, but you need a light one with few medium length elements. There number of segment is important in that case. Usually the less segments, the bigger when closed but also less joints so more rigid leg
and the easier setup (only 3 clips to open/close).

Using on crowded place to shoot over heads (i am not particularly toll) so i choosed one that goes very high.
use clips to close leg, so i can deploy in 3 seconds and at any length.
and finally , low price, cost was 20$, so it was ok.

the head is plastic, but i use it only with my small cameras (no need to have a lightweight monopod if i have to take my heavy Ex1), so i use it with my t2i or Nx3d1.
for the pan and tilt, i admit it is really not ok, but i discovered that it is much easier to turn the full monopod (need only one hand) than panning the head (need two hands, one to block
the monopod, another to control the head handle, and finally you still got shaky shots).

So, probably your needs are differents, so make a list why you would not use a tripod in some situation so you can find what you would expect from the monopod.
 
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I've been through a number of monopods, & my preferred model is Manfrotto's 680B due to it's short length when colapsed, & wide tubing. I also prefer it's "quick action lever leg lock system" to the twist versions.

I also use Manfrotto's 701HDV head, & Acratech leveling base (for dutching).

http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=3&cat=2&page=1

I own monopods with feet but never found them practical, & they collect mud/sand/etc.

I'd never consider a monopod a substitute for sticks, but still use them regularly. Both live in a rolling TuffPak, along with a pair of SteadyBag(s), & the whole package weighs less than 50 lb so doesn't incur overweight fees during air travel.
 
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