Monopod suggestions?

I've just returned from a week in the Lakes during which my Manfrotto 790B took a bit of stick and has decided to fall apart..I'm looking for a more robust alternative but really need a monopod that can be used quite close to the ground, the 790B measures 15inches when collapsed, would welcome any suggestions

thanks

Simon

I use a Gitzo GM2541 and love it because it is so light, but still strong (Carbon Fibre). Not as short as your Manfrotto, though. However, I use it with a ball-head and lean it when I need to get lower (I use mine mostly for insect and plant macros). It's forever stuck in sand, mud, water and hasn't seized once. Pricey, mind.

I use a Velbon Neo Pod 7 (carbon fibre) with a Slik AF2100 pistol grip and like it for the same reasons that Chirpy likes his Manfrotto

Both items also pricey unless you hunt around for a bargain.

I use the Giottos MM5580 which has a fluid head and has a unique method of getting really low down. link

I know this isn't stircly what you were thinking, but calumet do a minipod.

link

Although the suggestion that you could use this on a car bonnet seems a little odd!

Actually this would have been great for my bear pictures. The car between me and the bear and some support for the Bigma!

I use the center column of my Giotto's MTL9351B tripod to which I add a Manfrotto bench clamp and rubber ferrule on the base. This serves as a short monopod or nature reserve hide use. It can also be clamped to a number of different objects.

The giottos P-pod is ace.It doubles as a tripod and is also good for macro work

link

MM55 model

Thanks for the info everyone, I'm also looking at the offering from Redsnapper, I own one of their tripods I am very impressed with it

http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/tripod-monopod.html

simon