BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Best Camera Tripods

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Best Monopod

I'm going on a hiking trip to Utah in a couple of weeks and am considering buying a monopod that can be used for a hiking stick as well as a monopod for my camera. I would like a quick release. Any suggestions?

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August 31, 2007

- Craig m. Zacarelli

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Any pod should work. Just also buy a ball head with a mounting plate, and you'll have your quick release... I use a Manfrotto mini ball head. Depending on your camera and lens combo weight, you might be able to buy the micro ball head instead of the mini ... it is really small but strong.
As for the pod, they are basically all the same. I'd go for an aluminum one or a carbon fiber ... but honestly, I had an $18.00 aluminum one I got off eBay that was great! To me, it's all about the head.

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September 01, 2007

John P. Sandstedt

One with three legs. You can actually get one (I think it's made by Manfrotto) with "pop-out legs.

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September 01, 2007

John H. Siskin

Try this instead of a monopod. It weighs less and costs less. The simplest and best piece of photo equipment you can build is the chainpod. It works like a monopod, weighs a couple of ounces and fits in your pocket. To build, it drill a small hole in 1/2 inch 1/4X20 (that is a thread size) thumbscrew. Attach about 6 feet of chain to the hole (more if you are really tall). Next, put a nut onto the thumbscrew and position it so that the screw can’t go too deep into you tripod socket and glue it in place. To use attach the thumbscrew to the base of your camera drop the chain and step on it. Now pull up against the chain. Steady!

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September 01, 2007

- Ken Smith

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I also have the ball head with mounting plate - Manfrotto 322RC2. I can quickly release it from the monopod and place on my tripod, and vice versa. The ball head gives you quick flexibility for moving it around ... no more fooling around with several knobs. I've never used my monopod as a walking stick, but I guess I could...

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September 01, 2007

Philip Frederiksen

The Manfrotto 682 has the pop-out legs.

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September 01, 2007

dennis w. mcclain

check out the trekpod. its a pretty nifty looking device
http://www.trek-tech.com/

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September 11, 2007

Tom P. Clausen

Gitzo GM2540 6x doubles as a walking stick. tom clausen

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September 12, 2007

William Schuette

I love my Gitzo carbon fiber monopod. It is light but strong enough to stabilize a heavy DSLR lens combination.

Bill

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September 15, 2007

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