[JMitchell]

Looking to get a stick to put my camera on, and 7dayshop have some good deals, £10 for a bog standard monopod, and £12 for a 'deluxe' with a pan/tilt head.
Just wondering which you think would probably serve better. Leaning towards pan/tilt because I can angle it down for macro etc.

Standard:
7dayshop.com - Online Store

'Deluxe':
7dayshop.com - Online Store

Thanks

[silkstone]

Neither!

Assuming that 7dayshop haven't got their own monopod factory, those look very similar to my Hama Star 8 monopod which is currently lurking at the back of a cupboard. It is a load of dingo's kidneys. Anything slightly heavier than a feather causes it to telescope downwards all by itself, and the catches are not adjustable for grip (unlike the better monopods and tripods).

I can't say for sure that the 7dayshop ones are as bad, but I suspect that you would be disappointed - especially with a heavy-ish camera and lens.

[EKIMIKE]

I think you are right in saying they are Hama. Thats why they have the Special Price, like they do on the '7dayshop' Sensor Klear pen, which is incidently made by Hama if you buy it anywhere but 7dayshop. I don't personally understand monopods as of yet. If anyone can justify buying a 1 legged tripod then enlighten me, quickly.

MiKE

[stepheno]

1 monopod + 2 human legs = 1 tripod. And they are a lot lighter to carry and don't get in other peoples way.

As to Jack's question, both of those would be false econony since you would, fairly soon, be wishing you had bought something more substantial and better quality.

[Markulous]

Just discovered that I've got a Hama (I thought it was a Jessops!). Does me very well - but doesn't look like either of those. It's not very strong but will take the weight of camera + 100-400mm - but not if I lean on it (as some like to do with monpods) - it is very light tho' and I usually take it everywhere (more importantly, I use it!)

Monopod advantages? When you need stability but can't use a tripod, because of too many people (an event, etc) or macro where no time or too fiddly.

[JMitchell]

I was worried about the weight it could take, the D300 with grip is not light in any way. The reviews seemed positive, but all seemed 'noobish', if you see what I mean

[Sonsey]

Originally Posted by EKIMIKE

I don't personally understand monopods as of yet. If anyone can justify buying a 1 legged tripod then enlighten me, quickly.

Hi Mike, read on down from this post for a few reasons

[simpbow]

Practical photography mag giving a free mono-pod when you subscribe with them Jack.

[Dabhand16]

I've just bought a new monopod here.

[fionaB]

well, my friend has a manfrotto mono, i have a hama, i was very very disappointed in the manfrotto one as once it is up to full hieght the very thin leg wobbles and bends as soon as any pressure is applied! My hama doesnt retract itself is sturdy, makes a great hill walking stick as well! and if it breaks its cheap to replace!

[jake]

Hi Fiona,
I have a Manfrotto and a Hama (free gift) and I reach for the Manfrotto every time. Mine is certainly not a very thin stick (30mm top section model 479b) so I must have a different model. When I first got it it did slip sometimes but it is very easy to fix. All you do is slacken the clamp off and tighten the nut up a bit. I use it with a ball and socket head because sometimes I am able to push the 'pod against a fence or a wall to make it solid then you need to be able to point your camera in the right direction.
Tripods give the best stability but has been mentioned before they are not always practical.

[Dabhand16]

Originally Posted by jake

When I first got it it did slip sometimes but it is very easy to fix. All you do is slacken the clamp off and tighten the nut up a bit.

That's interesting. The Manfrottos I looked at were the 679 and 680 and both slipped. The Velbon looks flimsier, but was as solid as a rock.

Should you really have to 'tune' them though? It cost them a sale in this case.