Monopod

do you have a tripod?
if so, I just extend one leg for mono pod use... the extra weight is good for video as well.

if you don't have a tripod, I'd suggest buying that first, then get a mono pod if you still think you need one.

I would not want to trust a cheap ball head with 3kg of camera and lens. A 680 and 234RC2 is on my list of "things to do", also because the head would remain useable for other things, like light stands....I got to 1kg with my K10D and 50mm lens alone, I think adding the grip and 24-70 takes it to damned near 2kg and suddenly the necessary ballheads get big and heavy and expensive.

Bret

[quote:3496ace15f="GlynM]
4 sections gets up to my chin even without a head.

[/quote]

Made me laugh...

They can be a pain. I've got an old Cullman 741 with twist locks and they can be a bit slow to operate at times. Mind you they do make the monopod more compact and easier to stow in a rucksack.
It also held up my tent one night, when the poles were left behind!

my wife's giotto's tripod makes me nutz... hate those twist locks.

I've the Velbon Sherpa Pro CF or something like that, it's the Velbon carbon fibre monopod now at least you know what i'm talking about
That one also have twist locks and i must say that they have never failed me, they are quick and easy to operate.

Gitzo also use twist locks, at least for their tripods and they seems to preform pretty well.

twist are the only way to go if you're working in snow.... I got snow into my 190B's catches once and that was it - no more adjustment if the 'pod was warm and the snow melts and refreezes. I also had problems with the snow getting packed into the mech when it was cold, so the clip would not shut. Everything has its time and place. I found the twisties on the 055 a pleasant bonus.

Bret

twists for me to, i cat see the problems with it.

Manfrotto, Giottos and Calumet are all worth considering

Any decent walking pole/monopod combinations? Or do they perhaps fall between two stools and do a poor job of both their uses?

Sorry to disagree but I bought a perfectly serviceable monopod from 7Dayshop.com as mentioned in an earlier thread for less than £10 including zip cover and walking stick top.
It holds the camera steady whilst I am out walking .......I really see no point in paying a fortune for a glorified version of the same thing ( mainly `cos I can`t afford to ! ).

It is a nice balance with the K20 when closed up and the three section leg is perfect for my height.
Far better than struggling along with a big heavy tripod - mine`s a Benbo Trekker circa 1992 and handy for the boot of the car.

Tony