MONOPODS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR? « Videomaker Community Forums

vmorley
Member

Hello!
I want to buy a Monopod, as I shoot a lot of people & animals. What would you recommend? I just want to follow the action squarely, so should I be looking for a head for it as well? What benefits am I getting in the expensive ones that don't feature in the cheaper models?

Would appreciate any advice. Many thanks!

Virginia

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

I shoot a lot of people & animals.

Dick Cheney??? ...is that you???

OK, that probably fell flat in Australia, so I'll move on to your question..

One of this month's video magazines - I think it was Videomaker - featured a new Bogen monopod that actually had extendable legs making it tripod-like, for added stability. It also had a fluid head for pans and tilts.

Posted 5 years ago #
insideragp
Member

I got the Cheney joke...good one!

How about the Flowpod by VariZoom? You get a monopod with benefits.

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

i've got one. the main "benefit" is having to remove the tripod mounting plate, fasten several screws and balance the camera, then reverse the process to get back on the tripod.

Posted 5 years ago #
Endeavor
Member

I bought a really nice monopod once. But it was broken! The darn thing had 3 legs!!!! X-D

kidding.

Posted 5 years ago #
vmorley
Member

I do get the Dick Cheney joke........!

So a Bogen fluid head sounds like the go. I have seen a couple of Manfrotto models (676B & 134B) on ebay, but they are just the 'pod'. Is there any advantage problem to use a cheaper monopod with the better head, or am I asking for trouble?

Thanks!

Virginia

Posted 5 years ago #
Endeavor
Member

Bogen and Manfrotto are the same company ;)

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

Other than weight/features, etc., I think a broomstick would suffice. A good head is always important - both on the stick and on the cameraperson!

Posted 5 years ago #
cfulton
Member

Actually, Bogen and Manfrotto are separate companies. Bogen is Manfrotto's (among other companies) USA distributor. Manfrotto is headquarted in Italy, if memory serves.

Posted 5 years ago #
RB
Member

I bought this one for the quick disconnect, and the construction.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=3953&A=details&Q=&sku=239048&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

It goes along really nice with this one.

and they both fit in the one case.

Posted 5 years ago #
video novice
Member

Thanks, RB.

Since I know nothing about this yet, I will follow your guidelines with both of the Pods you recommend. I did not even know where to start. Everytime I read a post, I have to search for info or terminology. I am on a steep learning curve. Looked all over for a video mag but could not find one locally. So I subscribed to videomaker but it will be awhile before my first issue arrives.

I will have to start filming BB games pretty soon so will also buy the hard case. I tend to throw stuff in the car and a soft case would not be best for me.

But, one question on the tripod. I managed to pick up a new B&H winter catalog from a friend who orders electronic items from B&H. I notice on page 286 where the 503(3460) is listed that beside the 745 they have a 3222WN for less money but seemingly the only diff is the extended hght. I am 6.1, so would I need the additional hgt. I don't understand why it is 50.00 cheaper though. I searched and and the 3222wn comes with the same case, but the case is unpadded for the additional length but surely the padding would not be 50.00. And on the monopod, the 557b is two inches taller, so would this also be better. (it is a couple dollars more than the 558b.which seems more understandable)

I do not mind going first class but I do stretch my bucks. ( I drive a '95 Camry w / 211 K on it)

Thanks to all for your assistance.

Posted 5 years ago #
Endeavor
Member

cfulton Wrote:
Actually, Bogen and Manfrotto are separate companies. Bogen is Manfrotto's (among other companies) USA distributor. Manfrotto is headquarted in Italy, if memory serves.

I just meant the products all come from the same factory.

Posted 5 years ago #