Monopods etc.

[Alfian]

Thinking about a new monopod to replace my simple cheap serviceable but slightly flimsy Konig style one. Certain members of the family are even, I am told, quizzing about (dare I say it - no) erm  gift ideas. So hunting around I've come across this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Velbon-2287-UP-400DX-UP4DXII-Monopod/dp/B002OUI51U/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1AE3NCQHYYT8AWY28N0N

- which looks OK but reading the blurb under the picture I wondering, as useful as they may be, where on the monopod the "velcro pockets for fast access" might be and all the other bits!

Another item is this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mcoplus-Professional-Aluminium-Universal-Supporting/dp/B00KU9OGR4/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413207298&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=monopod+Mcoplus+-+DX327C

A bit pricey but looks a substantial thing. I like the idea of securing the foot of the monopod to stop it sliding around but its kind of half monopod half tripod (1.5 pod?)

One issue is that the Konig is quite tall 1.78m which is handy - a lot of monopods even some at frightening prices are 1.60 or shorter.

This one looks handy at 1.71m but I'm not over sure its that much better quality than the Konig.

Any suggestions?

[Alfian]

Ooops - the other one i was referring to was this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DynaSun-WT1003-Professional-Aluminium-Lightweight/dp/B001AXFP1A/ref=sr_1_48?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1414083820&sr=1-48&keywords=Monopod

[Digz]

I've got a manfrotto one which has a grip release IIRC (it's currently misplaced) and it works a treat.

Personally I wouldn't get obsessive about height as, in reality, you will probably find you only extend to below eye level, maybe lower. A higher monopod may also mean it's larger when folded down or has more sections to it.

I'm not sure about the ones you've linked to but at a guess, due to their relatively simple nature the should be much of a muchness unless you want ultra compact lightweight varieties.

[scarp15]

I use a Giottos GTMML 329OB, this is a five section (188cm) monopod. I find the flick lock levers very easy to use. I am just under 5' 11'' plenty of height to comfortably use and very portable. Not sure how widely available this particular model is currently, I think I had purchased mine off Amazon. 

[Alfian]

Hi Guys, thanks for comments. Scarp15, you put me on the Giottos trail and initially the 3290B was a bit of a blank - but eventually found it at Park Cameras:

http://www.parkcameras.com/20752/Giottos-MML3290B-5-Section-Pro-Monopod.html?referrer=Froogle&gclid=CjwKEAjwzqKiBRCAydTZzOLi9CISJACm3irW-J4h63_IkncbXKlzeBeKRkl6bdkti26g7uRVvXEwWhoCFoLw_wcB

Given Digz's comments maybe the 3270B would be OK. The Giottos' look good.

Either way it's given me some ideas. Thanks.

[Alfian]

Post Script, this has got me going! Interesting sire at Parks. Nice selection of monopods but then looked at the tripods. Like the look of this one!

http://www.parkcameras.com/25372/Giottos-Silk-Road-GTYTL9283-Aluminium-Tripod.html

I like tripods without the usual spreader - gives them a bit more versatility.

[Damo636]

I also have the Giottos 3290b and would highly recommend it.

[Alfian]

Thanks Damo,  I think that just about clinches it.

[BinocularSky]

Nothing wrong with the Giottos (good kit). I use this Manfrotto one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-679B-Section-Monopod-Black/dp/B000BTCK2G whichI really like.

Whatever you do go for, just make sure that, if it has flick lock levers, they are adjustable, as they do tend to slacken off with use.

[Alfian]

Thanks for that Steve, I'll have a look at it. Good tip about the flick lock levers. The levers on my tripod are like this and though I've only needed to adjust them a couple of times its a valuable facility.