Monopod recommendation: Hello, everyone. I plan on getting a monopod to use with my camera . It'll be used primarily to photograph my grandsons soccer games .I'm using my r7 with a...

Pokey Loc: Virginia

Hello, everyone. I plan on getting a monopod to use with my camera . It'll be used primarily to photograph my grandsons soccer games .I'm using my r7 with a canon 70- 200 2.8 mk 2. I'm not a young guy anymore and this setup gets heavy quick. I'm 6 ft tall and I'd like to get one that's tall enough so I won't have to lean over any to use it. I would also like to keep the cost under $ 100.00. Anybody know of one that would work well for me?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I like this Leofoto because it is high quality and collapses to be short. More important is the head you will use - I like small video fluid heads on monopods today but most have to be adapted to accept Arca/Swiss plates.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/314379305028?itmmeta=01HWT7X9PJYJ1Z2A3M2FSQGQGP&hash=item4932778044:g:tF0AAOSwEixkSDK3&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4ASgHftTlOn%2B9nTxRj83NpTjx9O%2BT%2F3%2FnDuca1XwL2qJLMkYeEwDmbGyN1TS8pthubDTOZ1vWaf5LpTrBG4kJ1nQcFbxxXdnhPXvXca1UwkiPlfr%2BcnJ2plgCnJc2BZeMs1XKDazOWTBOZ2DSS2dh6NKH2s9smosTgXmuXwIP54FFK%2B%2BHKs%2FBoMRos6uSCHdjBZeP4kkVBmC%2FACHq%2Fy%2BlBlzQu5S9uWwIXSXzhoB3PNgzmtRHbIySKkOa%2FI8TEDq4WCOK749vbzZGC2%2FgKgHfr7ARlbxJQ%2BVKHxUsIAp7vZl%7Ctkp%3ABFBMrpv1x-Zj

Yes, it is POSSIBLE to NOT use a head on a monopod - especially with a 70-200 ....but just not recommended for serious work ....

Canisdirus

My recommendation is around 200...so no.

photoman43

I would search for a used aluminum monopod that has three leg extensions that will allow you to use it at 6 ft or slightly higher. Why used and aluminum? To keep your costs down.

If your lens has a tripod collar mount, consider getting a Wimberley monopod head for the monopod. I use a Quick Release clamp on my monopod. And I attach the Wimberley head to it. See manual for it for more info and ideas.

https://www.tripodhead.com/products/Instructions-mh-100.pdf

I prefer monopods with a 3/8 inch post (not 1/4 inch).

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Leofoto has some excellent sales going on “right now.” Check them out. Get on their mailing list and get a consistent minimum 10% off plus free shipping and no sales tax charged.
https://leofotousa.com/products/leofoto-mpq-404c-mpq-405c-carbon-fiber-monopod-with-case

I bought a Leofoto LS Ranger tripod a few weeks ago and am really pleased with it as well as the company.

jlocke Loc: Austin, TX

I use an E-Image MA600 monopod with my Z8 and Nikkor 180-600mm lens at my grandson's baseball games. The monopod has 3 little feet that give the whole thing a little more stability. I have a K&F Concept KF-28 ball head on the monopod.

The monopod was about $130 and I think the ball head was around $40; over your limit, I know, but it's what I use.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I spent $20 on an Optecha (sp?) carbon fiber monopod years ago. I put a spare ball head on it and have never wished for more. Monopods are so simple in function that getting elaborate isn't necessarily needed.

Consider looking at hiking sticks. Many have a top knob handle that removes to revel a 1/4-20 camera mount.

One example near $20 is this: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-WT1003-67-Inch-Monopod/dp/B00FAYL1YU/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OSJFNZIP3QZG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P1CNWul-XFsR_eMDjrIwVYPTD96zFbIpM5GVBUdQuAjz2NjHAq1NapLVf8sI9StU8AiCq39Z8-nu0tDp4SWMZ159usIKQjyu-Mtu7cNFo3JdojTB78Y21IXIu8IjrPlG5DKdSAdeGGah3Yn8bmkocE6r2qk2SO4AkxFIelfOG6lXMrwvdDnCqk4rWy2R-fQ-GwoyvisjJ2to06dBWcsIWzZDBc2-sf-hkV7LBIZ-tPgdloGoK8MqQwteOXp8pGxTmciNwxvpGQui-s8OZW3K3mrIN-Qb9kx4v3a74qevoL4.v9dvBAaeE-dz0tD5lJCCtikzawWhjSdqh1ldb6RHi9E&dib_tag=se&keywords=monopod&nav_sdd=aps&qid=1714574980&refinements=p_36%3A1253503011&rnid=386442011&s=electronics&sprefix=monopod&sr=1-2&th=1

photoman43

If you were getting a new one, something like this: The leg sections needed depends on your height and the length of the collapsed monopod. Some of the older three section monopods are loner when collapsed.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1291111-REG/manfrotto_mpmxproa4us_aluminum_xpro_monopod.html/reviews

terpfan Loc: central coast, California

My situation is the same as yours, I'm in my 70's and shoot my grandkids baseball. I use a Sirui P-426 S, no longer sold and a Jobu Jr gimbal head. This would be well over $100, but you might find them used. The gimbal head is really nice as it suspends the lens so you don't need to worry about it tipping over. Good luck. Enjoy the grand kids.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I second the suggestion for the Wimberly monogimbal but it alone is more than the $100 you want to stay under.

MJPerini

Look for height first, Measure your comfortable standing Eye height, that is the ball park height you need.
I realize that the camera viewfinder height to base plate could be subtracted from your eye height, but then you have no extra extension for situations where there is a slight hill, or extending the monopod out in front of you a bit because when you do that, your two legs form a tripod with the monopod.
Having to constantly bend is very tiring.
Lastly avoid the skinny 'curtain rod' small sections that some cheaper Monopods have.
You can save money by buying an aluminum one vs carbon fiber, because the extra few OZ. is only an issue for packing and carrying, and you are not backpacking, you are shooting sports (Drive there /drive home)
I won't recommend a brand, but only say that a sturdy Monopod of that height, might be difficult to find at $100 bucks.
Good Luck

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

SuperflyTNT wrote:

I second the suggestion for the Wimberly monogimbal but it alone is more than the $100 you want to stay under.

The Wimberley MH-100 is a must for me.

I have carried the mono with this head over my shoulder like a pick-ax with a D850/ big lens effortlessly. Many miles!

Basil_O Loc: Minneapolis, MN

If you are not adverse to using Ebay, there are several good quality used ones there right now. I picked up a Manfrotto 681b a few years ago that has since been replaced by a carbon fiber Sirui. I may be willing to part with it. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

imagemeister wrote:

I like this Leofoto because it is high quality and... (show quote)

I like this monopod BUT it is too short "as is." At 6' (72") my eye level is approximately 68" above the ground, this monopod is maxed at 62". I have not found one I can use without modification. There are adaptors/links available to screw into the bottom thread, some with three "feet." That worked for me until I saw a bird in a tree.

OldCADuser Loc: Irvine, CA

Pokey wrote:

Hello, everyone. I plan on getting a monopod to use with my camera . It'll be used primarily to photograph my grandsons soccer games .I'm using my r7 with a canon 70- 200 2.8 mk 2. I'm not a young guy anymore and this setup gets heavy quick. I'm 6 ft tall and I'd like to get one that's tall enough so I won't have to lean over any to use it. I would also like to keep the cost under $ 100.00. Anybody know of one that would work well for me?

I'm more than satisfied with my AmazonBasics Carbon Fiber Monopod, that I purchased six-years ago for $69. Now it might a bit short for your needs as it's only 61-inches high, but being only 5'-10", with a camera mounted, I only have to lean down a bit when standing up. That being said, I've used it mostly sitting down, like when shooting pictures at the high school graduations of our last three granddaughters.

It's very compact, collapsing to less than 18 inches and it weighs just about a pound, even with an Arca Swiss Clamp Tripod Mount Adapter which I added to the rig: