Monopod

As a beginner to photograghy. I need some recommendations as to a suitable monopod. I want to use it for nature and sports photography. Obviously I would like to look at ones at the cheaper end of the market. But need a quality product. Maybe you could recommend one you have been using.

Lots about, but dont buy cheap! Look for a good quality one to set off with! Manfrotto or something similar, Sturdy legs and lock off.
DONT buy cheaply!!!!!!!!

Paul

Bought the Manfrotto 680B monopod + Manfrotto 494RC2 ballhead for someone, that set is quite good for the money.

I was thinking of the 680B,, Like the look of it. But the one with the free 243 head,,,why do you suggest this head ? Thanks for the replies guys..all appreciated

The 494RC2 was in the set, it can carry 4kg and it's light, cheap, has a tension knob and comes with a quick release. link

The 243 is a car window head so it won't fit on the monopod i believe.link

redsnapeer are very good, i use it with a siggy 50-500mm os and my d300 and it handles that with no problem, and is really well made.
monopod

link

Also the RedSnapper is not a monopod (and is at the moment on offer with a 3D heads and bag) I too use this as it is light and well mad. The service is second to none and it is ever so light.
Also, you can get this one right to the ground (about 4" high without any head) which is great for pictures with a very long lens and lying down (almost like a sniper) and that the way I most use it.
Jessops got monopods from Manfrotto from £29 upwards incl a cheap and cheerful head but I never found the need for it.
However sports and monopod are nearly a must. Nature is the RedSnapper of greater advantage, but this is only my personal opinion!
Whatever you get see you get it light but sturdy enough to hold the weight of your equipment by a minimum factor of x2.
Kind regards
SmutjeUK

Indeed it's a fish
here is the redsnapper monopod http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RSM_284_Monopod.html

as the link in my previou post.
monopod with head.
http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/Monopod_Mini_Ball_Head.html

I saw your link but funny enough it displays a tripod as the second image, probably a fault on the website.

I don't use one that often but have had no problems with my £20 Veblon. It's solid enough and I shre the head with my Gorillapod. Just a sinle ball type with thumbwheel lock-off.

I suspect this was a typo and stub really meant the 234.

I also have a Manfrotto 680B which I got in a sale a couple of years ago. It does not get used a lot. However it is just about small enough to get in my back-pack but with 4 sections gets up to my chin even without a head.

I think head choice can depend on both what your main usage will be and how much you are prepared to spend. If its going to get used mainly for static subjects then the 234 is a good, cost effective solution. I have a friend who is a semi-retired newspaper sport photographer and this is exactly what he uses for football and cricket matches.

If you are planning to use it mainly for moving subjects, like air-shows, then I guess that a ball head would be desirable.

I have both a 234 and a 484 ball head but I mostly use the 234, mainly because its a 100g lighter .

Glyn

Redesnapper looks ok... Dont really want one with twist grip locks.. I have heard these can be a pain.

Sorry yes typo error..head is the 234