mono pod and head for 500 f/4 IS

[arash_hazeghi]

Hi guys,

I am looking for a super light (CF) but very durable monopod and head that can hold a 500 f/4, 7D body and a flash. While I like the Wimberley head on a tripod, it is heavy and bulky so I am looking for something lighter than doesn't get in the way but can support the lens. What are the best choices? I also like grabbing and carrying the lens by its tripod collar as opposed to supporting the monopod with my shoulder, so rapid collapse is a big plus.

Thanks

[Doug Brown]

Go with a Gitzo carbon fiber monopod (GM3551) and the Really Right Stuff heavy duty monopod head (MH-01). A great combination! When I use a monopod, I use it the same way you do.

[William Malacarne]

I have a Gitzo G-1578L Mountaineer Mk2 Monopod at this time and am looking into getting this RRS Head.

The head can be seen here.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Item...01-Pro&eq=&Tp=

Bill

[Jia Liu]

My $40 Bogen 679 has been served me well for last five years, from 300/2.8 to 600/4. If you want to be safer, 681 is also good. They both have flip-lock, so to extend and collapse is very quick. I'm still not convinced by a CF monopod, it costs a lot more but save little weight. As for the head, RRS monopod head is probably the only option, and it's very well made and tight.

[Aravind Krishnaswamy]

Go with a Gitzo carbon fiber monopod (GM3551) and the Really Right Stuff heavy duty monopod head (MH-01). A great combination! When I use a monopod, I use it the same way you do.

Thats exactly what I use and its fantastic.

[Alfred Forns]

Go with a Gitzo carbon fiber monopod (GM3551) and the Really Right Stuff heavy duty monopod head (MH-01). A great combination! When I use a monopod, I use it the same way you do.

... another vote Great combination !!!!

[Andy Wai]

[...] I also like grabbing and carrying the lens by its tripod collar as opposed to supporting the monopod with my shoulder, so rapid collapse is a big plus.

One more vote for Gitzo 3551 and RRS MH-01. If you get the version of MH-01 with flip lever rather than locking knob, the whole monopod can be removed in seconds.

Andy

[DeanNewman]

I echo Doug's recommendation of "Gitzo carbon fiber monopod (GM3551) and the Really Right Stuff heavy duty monopod head (MH-01)" with a significant addition. I add a BushHawk shoulder mount mounted on the MH-01 / GM3551 ( garage modification required) and have excellent stability.

[Pao Dolina]

In a similar boat and if you're planning to go beyond 500 you may want to consider a Gitzo GM5561T and a RRS MH-01 with either a flip or screw type clamp.

[Mike Davies]

I just ordered the MH-01 and the MPR-113 rail for the Canon 500 f4 IS from RRS. Make sure you order the insert for the larger female lens foot screw hole. Their site fails to mention that you need to order it seperately or you only have one attachment point to the foot and they recommend two. I had to call them and order the insert. They covered the shipping which was nice but it should have been listed when you purchase the plate. They told me they will update the site to include this in the future.