Inexpensive Monopod

[MasterOfRoc]

Hi all, i'm after an inexpensive monopod, that could take the weight of my 7D with Sigma 150-500 mm lens.

Anything up to the ballpark of $100, if there's anything out there in that area.

What should I be leaning towards?

[MasterOfRoc]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/08/rajete6u.jpg

[mongo]

One obvious option is to buy a very good used one - that should be less expensive and bring it closer to your ball park.

Before you say no to second hand, remember, a monopod is avery simple device - not a complex VR lens etc. the monopod is easily discernible upon an inspection - so, no mystery or surprises there.

Also try looking at Benro equipment - for great value.

[MasterOfRoc]

Cheers... MasterOfRoc values mongos input

[Mary Anne]

You can get that model from this Sponsors up top, http://www.digitalcameragear.com.au/shop/tripods-monopods/manfrotto-tripods-monopods/manfrotto-680b-compact-monopod plus postage for just under $100 safety load 10kg.

[Cage]

With that monster lens you mention, my best advice is don't go lightweight.

I have a Manfrotto 681B Heavy Duty Pro and can thoroughly recommend it. A quick eBay search shows it can be had for a tad over your budget.

What head were you intending to use on it?

[Wobbles]

+1 for the Manfrotto 680B. I had one before upgrading to CF.. very sturdy, used it with Canon 300 f2.8, 500 & 600L's so it will handle the Bigma no problem. It also folds up small which is handy for travel or resting on car seat to shoot through window.

Cheers
John

[MasterOfRoc]

Previously I haven't used a Head on it, quite like the stability... Should I be?

[MasterOfRoc]

With that monster lens you mention, my best advice is don't go lightweight.

With all the best intentions in the world, my grandmother ccaught wind that I needed a monopod about six months ago... Saw one for well under 50x and thought bargain!

Here it is today...
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/08/e9yvyvy9.jpg

Yes, that is Elastoplast ankle tape...

[mongo]

The others' recommendations are very good. You can also get a Benro new in carbon fibre for about $100 - $115

[Speedway]

I have been using a cheap Ebay monopod for 4 years now, it was under $50 with a ballhead (the one I got a couple of years earlier only had a pan/tilt head but it still holds the weight ok) and carries my gripped 7D with 150-500 siggy or the 70-200 F2.8L is + 2X iii extender without any problems, It gets a lot of use walking through the scrub chasing birds and other wild life, it is also great at the footy or cricket.
Cheers
Keith.

[Cage]

Previously I haven't used a Head on it, quite like the stability... Should I be?

Only if you want to make vertical adjustments. I got caught yesterday when in my haste to get a shot, I mounted my gear on the monopod using the camera plate instead of the plate on the lens foot. I was lucky the bird was still there when I got back outside but it was about 4m above my head so I had to take my shot hand held, monopod and all. Didn't help my shot very much.

[MasterOfRoc]

That's all right then, I'm not really into birding or anything like that

[Speedway]

This one here (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MONOPOD-Tripod-for-Digital-Camera-DSLR-with-bag-/290947968268?pt=AU_TripodsMonopods&hash=item43bdd9ad0c) is the same as mine, they have come down a lot in price. Monopods do not need to be as solid and heavy as tripods as they are only a support not a rigid mount, I have not found mine limited in any way.
Cheers
Keith.

[MasterOfRoc]

The others' recommendations are very good. You can also get a Benro new in carbon fibre for about $100 - $115

That I did!

Thanks all for the input