Monopods & Quick Release Mounts

[Fishrrman]

Hello all,

I'm looking at monopods with feet on the bottom. I realize that the feet can't be relied upon for just leaving the camera balanced by itself, but I would like them to help "steady things up" a little with the camera "in grasp".

A couple I might consider:
https://www.amazon.com/Koolertron-P...=1497372070&sr=1-9&keywords=monopod+with+feet

https://www.amazon.com/Varizoom-Chi...1497585682&sr=1-15&keywords=monopod+with+feet
(twice as much $$ as first one, but good reviews)

Could folks offer some recommendations? On these or others?

Also interested in a quick-release top assembly. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Kamisafe-KIN..._rd_wg=zFfvg&refRID=P3K9M5709BXE0ZV2EA5V&th=1

Perhaps something "flatter" would be better in real-world use?
Again, some recommendations?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Hello all,

I'm looking at monopods with feet on the bottom. I realize that the feet can't be relied upon for just leaving the camera balanced by itself, but I would like them to help "steady things up" a little with the camera "in grasp".

A couple I might consider:
https://www.amazon.com/Koolertron-P...=1497372070&sr=1-9&keywords=monopod+with+feet

https://www.amazon.com/Varizoom-Chi...1497585682&sr=1-15&keywords=monopod+with+feet
(twice as much $$ as first one, but good reviews)

Could folks offer some recommendations? On these or others?

Also interested in a quick-release top assembly. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Kamisafe-KIN..._rd_wg=zFfvg&refRID=P3K9M5709BXE0ZV2EA5V&th=1

Perhaps something "flatter" would be better in real-world use?
Again, some recommendations?

Ive got a couple of monopods but don't use them all that often. Usually with the 200-500mm.

What are you planning to shoot? I have a a foot that attaches to one of them but generally leave it off as it almost doubles the weight (mine is CF).

 

[Fishrrman]

RE:
"What are you planning to shoot?"

Some landscape shots.
Also for outdoor music festivals. I'd like "steadier support" than from just handheld.

A monopod -- even with small feet on the bottom -- will be easier to move around from shot to shot than would be having a tripod.

 

[monokakata]

RE:
"What are you planning to shoot?"

Some landscape shots.
Also for outdoor music festivals. I'd like "steadier support" than from just handheld.

A monopod -- even with small feet on the bottom -- will be easier to move around from shot to shot than would be having a tripod.

As for the mounting -- I use a less-expensive ballhead (a Sirui model) on my mononpod than I do on my tripod (Arca-Swiss), because I don't expect the rig to stand by itself without my being in control of the camera. Being able to lock down a large rig on a monopod doesn't matter to me; I usually relax the tension on the ball a bit so that I can swing the monopod around its axis as needed, while still keeping the camera level. Even so, I don't think I'd consider a sub-$30 ballhead. Look at some of the Sirui models in the +/- $100 range.

Also, getting a ballhead with an Arca-Swiss compatible plate is wise, especially if you're going to shift the camera between mounts.

I've never tried a monopod with little feet. I use a Gitzo and typically I just shove it into the ground a little. On a hard surface of course that's not going to work. I did have my Gitzo out on a lava field once and it worked fine.

VariZoom is a well-known company (I have some of their equipment). Just guessing, but I suspect they simply put their name on somebody else's design. I don't want to sound like a Sirui shill, but I spent some time with one of their carbon-fiber monopods, and although I didn't think it was as nice as my Gitzo, it was less than half the price and if somebody said to me, "No more Gitzo, you have to use this Sirui now," I wouldn't complain. Well, maybe a little.

 

[admwright]

I did have my Gitzo out on a lava field once and it worked fine.

That would be the Basalt version

 

[Bart Kela]

As for the mounting -- I use a less-expensive ballhead (a Sirui model) on my mononpod than I do on my tripod (Arca-Swiss), because I don't expect the rig to stand by itself without my being in control of the camera. Being able to lock down a large rig on a monopod doesn't matter to me; I usually relax the tension on the ball a bit so that I can swing the monopod around its axis as needed, while still keeping the camera level. Even so, I don't think I'd consider a sub-$30 ballhead. Look at some of the Sirui models in the +/- $100 range.

Also, getting a ballhead with an Arca-Swiss compatible plate is wise, especially if you're going to shift the camera between mounts.

I am also a longtime fan of the Arca-Swiss style plates. I bought mine from Really Right Stuff as well as one of their lightweight ballheads. I have the venerable Arca-Swiss B1 monoball on an ancient Gitzo legset that weighs a ton and never ventures farther than 50 yards from the car.