Got a budget monopod from Jessops for xmas. However when attaching the 20D and 70-200 F2.8, it does not feel very rigid. I would like to be able to sling the camera and lens over my shoulder with the monopod attached. I do not trust the plastic mount or locking mechanism on the Jessops model.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

I don't know the monopod you mention, but if its a budget model I wouldn't expect it to be the most solid in the world, but it should easily work with the 20D and 70-200 as its not the weightiest combination in the world.

When you mention the locking mechanism I assume you are refering to the leg locks, rather than the camera mount ? - if so the only problem you are likely to get is the camera slowly sliding as the legs 'collapse' - not too serious, but undesirable - but unlikely given the weight of the camera lens combo.

As regards the plastic mount, then that could be more of a problem if the camera and monopod part company, especially if you carry the setup by the monopod with the camera over the top of your shoulder - which is the way I carry my kit - as any failure will result in a close encounter with the ground.

Does the monopod have a tilt head, or a straight bolt to screw into the tripod mount ? The latter is the best option as there is less to fail, and you don't need a tilt head with the tripod ring on the 70-200 f2.8 (canon I presume).

If you let me know the monopod number Ill have a look on the Jessops website and probably have a better idea.
Gareth

Manfrotto one with suitable head. Much stronger. More expensive but cheaper than messing about replacing broken lenses.

Agree with Pumpkin - just looked at the Jessops website, only 2 Jessops monopods there and personally I'd exchange it for a Manfrotto version - more expensive, but better quality - and you don't need a 3 way head on a monopod with the tripod ring on the 70-200 - or at least can do without one.

Just bought a Benro CF tripod and the quality is fantastic, much better than my Manfrotto 055.

Value is also excellent, found this one on eBay: Benro MC-91 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BENRO-Monopod-MC-91-n6-Carbon-Fiber-Monopods-Tripod-UK_W0QQitemZ250068832647QQihZ015QQcategoryZ3325QQr dZ1QQssPageNameZWD3VQQcmdZViewItem) :)

Thanks for the comments.

The issue I have is with the plastic mount. Even though the body and lens is not the heaviest it appears flimsy. Although I don't know what I am expecting for the price. I think it cost around £20.

I think I have chucked the box like a complete prat so will have to write this one off I think, may get a couple of quid on ebay.

I have one of these and found that my 350D + Sigma 100-300 f4 is quite study. I carry it over my shoulder but always hold the neck strap as a precaution (just in case).

I use the bigger of the two Jessops monopod, and it has a pan and tilt head. The QR plate is plastic, but mine feels safe enough.

Monfrotto, for sure. I spend a full day at a time with mine crashing into things and its never collasped

I have the 330 with the three way quick release head. It is the plastic plate that I guess I am most concernced about and the plastic locking arm. I have taken a second look at it this lunch time and I just do not have confidence in it. Looks like it is going on Ebay.

I don't like QR heads on monopods, there is always the possiblity its not fixed properly, and by their very nature you tend to be more mobile with a monopod than a tripod, so the possibility for damage is greater.

When being used with long telephotos/zooms the monopod is most likely be attached to the lens, rather than the camera body, so a QR is unnecessary as you just remove the body and replace a different lens.

That's a good point GarethE. I am attaching using the tripod ring on the lens rather than the camera body. I will probably buy the manfrotto model (not the carbon fibre) that simply screws to the collar.

Why buy a Manfrotto when a Benro is better quality AND cheaper? :nono:

Only trying to help!

Just had a look at the warehouse express site, they have Benbo monpods, is that what you are referring to.

Take your Jessops monopod, fill it with lead, and keep it under your pillow/passenger seat ;)

Then get a Manfrotto 684B with Monopod 234 tilt-top head (with or without quick-release). Monopods can be hard to use without some kind of up-down tilt mechanism but regular ball-socket heads are just too wobbly for monopods IMHO.

Richard.

I have a Manfrotto 055 I think with a ball head (can't remember which number) and it suits me fine, I have the ball loosened off slightly when in use for the movement and tightened up when moving around.
I didn't want anything particularly rock steady though, I just wanted something flexible that would take the weight. Added benefit is mine has legs tucked inside so is cabable of standing on it's own as long as the lens isn't too big or the extension too high.
I had the jessops one and chucked it out.

LOL at HS ;) Uses a ball-head and takes some of the best pics I've seen. Shows what I know :rolleyes: (I'm serious - listen to the guys that actually use this kind of kit in anger.)

The monopod I think he means is a Manfrotto 682B which has a neat fold-away tripod base. It can also be bought separately and fitted to various Manfrotto monopods (check model though). There's a girl on Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ (http://www.dpreview.com) (Daniella sp?) who uses just this monopod to shoot some amazing natural history (birds) with huge lenses. Pin sharp. I guess talent has something to do with it :D

Richard.

Just had a look at the warehouse express site, they have Benbo monpods, is that what you are referring to.

No, Benro are completely different to Benbo. They are basically top quality rip-offs of Gitzo tripods and monopods. Have a look at the one in my link in post number 5 above. There are plenty of good reviews of Benro on Photography-on-the-Net, don't just take my word for it.

The one in the link is top of the range, there are plenty of others in aluminium as well as carbon fibre. You are better off buying from eBay direct from HK or China if you want the really cheap prices.

Here is a link to the Benro website: Benro (http://www.benro.cn)

Embarrassed on two fronts now -
The nice words about the pics (thank you)
Someone in the community knowing my gear better than me (again, thanks!)

It IS a 628 and pound for pound, the best purchase I've made. I've got a slight tremor and holding a 400mm upright for 1500 plus pics really exaggerates the problem so as I said, my requirement was for something to take the weight but still offer flexibility of movement.
Wimberley head was considered but it's not really for a monopod and tripod doesn't have the flexibility for humphing round circuits. You also pee people of less with a monopod in a crowd.
The feet also mean you can take your hands off to do stuff in your bag without propping the pod anywhere precarious.
The head is a 486 and even though I mostly use it loose, it holds a 400mm lens no problems on the tripod (055 - I knew it came in somewhere!!) but if I did more tripod stuff I'd go for a geared head for it rather than share the one I've got.


And just so we're clear - as far as my stuff is concerned, it's not so much talent as good gear and the law of averages :D If it's not a car or a small child, I haven't got a clue!

Thanks again for all of the replies. I was posting at work earlier and the internet proxy is quite tight so could not get to most of the links posted.

I will have a look at more posts at both of the forums mentioned and do a bit more research.

Not sure about filling the Jessops Monopod with lead, however on looking at it a bit more closely it will take with minor adjustment a flash mop head to clean the windows with.

Another vote for Manfrotto - I use mine either straight onto the lens mounting (it's not ideal but it did the job when I couldn't bed my right arm to reach the shutter release and had to rely on a monopod and cable release) or with a Manfrotto GK06 mini tripod head attached...

SB

Yet another vote here for Manfrotto, i use the 694 Magfibre variant, does exactly what it says on the tin, very, very light, excellent pod at about a £100:)


Paul:)

My Manfrotto get's used and abused, and never lets me down. Built to last and a rock solid support:thumb:
Even the cheap £30odd quid manfrotto 679 from jessops seems to be quite robust. My friends was run over at TOTB and survived! Try that with a cheapo jessops own!:lol1: