Do I need a monopod?

I just added a Tamron 150-600 lens to my collection. Is a monopod recommended for shooting birds and other wildlife?If yes, do I need a ballhead for the monopod?

thanks!

If you do go with a monopod, there are specific heads that are made for a monopod. A ballhead is not practical on a monopod. RRS, Kirk and Manfrotto are some that make monopod heads.  Check out the NatureScapes Store and the manufacturers sites. I will post a couple of links for you in a while. There have been a couple of other threads here, as well. I'll look for them, too.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Monopod-Heads/

http://www.kirkphoto.com/Monopod-Heads.html

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/manfr ... lease.html

http://www.naturescapes.net/forums/view ... 7&t=241389

http://www.naturescapes.net/forums/view ... 7&t=237599

Joe

SantaFeJoe wrote:If you do go with a monopod, there are specific heads that are made for a monopod. A ballhead is not practical on a monopod. RRS, Kirk and Manfrotto are some that make monopod heads.  Check out the NatureScapes Store and the manufacturers sites. I will post a couple of links for you in a while. There have been a couple of other threads here, as well. I'll look for them, too.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Monopod-Heads/

http://www.kirkphoto.com/Monopod-Heads.html

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/manfr ... lease.html


Joe

Thanks Joe. I checked with the store, but being 6'5" tall, I didn't see any monopods that would extend beyond 65-67 inches.

Here's a couple of them:

http://www.gitzo.us/series-3-carbon-6x- ... ith-g-lock

http://www.gitzo.us/series-3-aluminum-m ... ith-g-lock

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/gitzo ... m3550.html

NatureScapes can order you one and may have it in stock.

Joe

SantaFeJoe wrote:Here's a couple of them:

http://www.gitzo.us/series-3-carbon-6x- ... ith-g-lock

http://www.gitzo.us/series-3-aluminum-m ... ith-g-lock

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/gitzo ... m3550.html

NatureScapes can order you one and may have it in stock.

Joe

Thank you Joe. Can Naturescape order me a under $200 carbon fiber monopod with a max height of at least 72"?

I can't answer for them, but here is something that can be used with shorter monopods to make them work for a tall person:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... Pouch.html

Joe

Here's one:

http://www.adorama.com/VNGEOPODN84.html#specs

Joe

For under $100, here is the pro-quality monopod I bought that is for tall people. I hunted for a while for a monopod that was for tall people. The platform is 74.5 inches.    Add your camera and this rig is probably up around 6'8".  Also, you have to remember that when you are on a hill shooting downslope, everyone needs a monopod that is extra long.

I like this Giottos 3290B and have no intentions of ever replacing it.  I like its folding (snap) locks over the screw, threaded collar locks.  Its folding locks are also adjustable via a provided Allen wrench....so they never get too loose.  This is a very smart, pro mono for tall folks.  I just do not think that people know about it. 

Gitzo priced itself too far away from me.  I have had Gitzo.  I do not think I will chose it again, simply because I won't pay the prices they want for them.  I may change my mind down the road and go back to a Gitzo.

.  In the end, I chose Induro (tripod) and this Giottos.  The build-quality of these are every bit as good as any Gitzo.  Ok, my mono is aluminum.  I just wear gloves.  My Induro tripod is carbon fiber and I love it.  I believe the NSN store does carry Induro tripods if you ever need one.  I bought this Giottos 3290B from B and H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... minum.html

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1536& ... ttos+3290B

Robert King

Steve Cirone wrote:

Monopod or selfie-pole??

Here are two more for you to consider. The Induro one looks like it can handle anything. I have a Giotto monopod similar to the one in the link. Mine is a six section model but not as tall. I love that you can add screw in feet accessories to it.If you want a monopod with a tripod foot, check out the tall ones from Siuri.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1 ... 55_8x.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... Fiber.html

Joe Smith