Monopod wanted

cxx666

Evening all, I have a querey for those of you on here into photography and digital cameras.

I've recently got myself a new DSLR camera in the sales for use at racing circuits as I like motorsport. I've seen a lot of people with the bigger cameras at tracks using monopods to help steady the camera, and am planning on buying one of these myself to aid with my photography. (For those of you who don't know, a monopod is essentially a tripod with 1 leg instead of 3).

The problem I have is I don't really know what to look for. I just want something smallish and simple, as my camera is a relatively small one for the kind it is. I've seen them in Jessops and Jacobs starting at about £30, but online the price seems to vary anywhere between £8 and £120.

Can anyone tell me roughly what sort of price I should be looking to pay? I don't have a great deal of money to play with, but equally I don't wanna go getting something cheap which may collapse and break my camera.

Thanks, Craig

brendang_2

hi,i dont know if your interested but i have 2 manfrotto 679B monopods they are 3 section monopods,currently for sale on ebay,if your interested in this type or brand pm me and ill tell you my username and you can check them and maybe do a deal,hope ive not offended you by this post

cxx666

No no of course not, I asked for advise and you have offered some up, no reason to be offended

I've found a few of those kind of monopods on Ebay, I'll PM to see which is yours though

EssexHebridean

Can I ask why you think a monopod will necessarily help you with your photography? If you're using an EOS 1 series, or a lower spec camera with a battery grip, plus a lens like the 70-200 f2.8, then that's the sort of weight of kit that, if you're using it for a full day, you might benefit from some support to take some of the weight from it, but other than that, your more budget approach would be to learn a really good stance and improve your photography that way. (By way of qualification by the way, I have over the past few years regularly used a 30/40d with the lens I mention above, battery grip and flashgun, for 2 - 3 hour stretches at a time at motorsport events, and have never really felt the need for a monopod).

if you're determined to buy, then look for a reputable make, and be sure what you buy is rated to take the weight of your camera. Manfrotto & Giottos are two makes to look at without completely breaking the bank. Remember that to add to the price of the monopod you will also need a head. Try Warehouse Express for browsing, as they have good detailed information on their kit, then use price comparison sites to see where you can get the one you settle on the cheapest.

cxx666

Well the problem I have is if I stand still or only move very little for more than say 10 minutes my back starts to get an uncomfortable ache, so having the monopod to lean the camera on would help to keep my position a little steadier and thus the pictures will hopefully be a bit better

barmonkey

i got myself one of these

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=5992

works well

quoia

Maybe one that converts into a WALKING STICK may help with your back problem when you are not taking photographs

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=110432