Monopod Suggestion?

I just bought a Sony Z1U...And, I'm looking for a good Monopod to work with. I have a Glidecam, But, I can barely lift it with the Camcorder & Counter Weights attached. So I think a monopod would be a better option until I get my hands on some human growth hormones.

Any suggestions on a good complete video monopod kit for less than $100.

Thanks,
JN

Hi JenniferNorth,

Check out the Bogen/Manfrotto units at B&H.

PM me for Pics of the mods I've made to my units, if interested.

They might give you some ideas.

Harold

I can't help you with specific models but I can give you some info about how to use a monopod to get the best results. This link is for still photography but the ideas are still the same: http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

Good luck.

Dennis

I'm looking for a really compact monopod. I want one that has a folded or compacted length of about 5 or 6 inches for use with an equally compact camcorder (Panasonic SDR-S10). Most of the monopods I have found have a folded length of about 18 to 21 inches, which is too long. I want to hold it like pistol grip when compacted, which is why I'm looking for one so small.

I'm open to suggestions here. I know some monopods are really expensive, so please consider I'm trying to solve this problem with about $30 or less.

Thanks for your help,
Tropheus

$30? I doubt you'll find one... At 6-inches (NOT COUNTING THE HEAD) you have only about 4" of space for extensions... Since most good monopods extend to at least 60 inches, you would need a FIFTEEN SECTION monopod. (I do have a shorter one, at full extension, only two section, but its a hybrid monopod/hiking stick -- and it's about 30 inches collapsed)

This would either be near 4" in diameter if the innermost section is of any sturdiness at all, or the innermost section will have all the stability of a automobile antenna whip. (assume wall thickness of 1/8", each section would add 1/4", and assume a 1/4" innermost section -- 1/4" + 14/4" => 3.75"... You'd be holding a monopod that, collapsed, looked like a Starbucks coffee cup (and probably weighs twice that).

Oh, and with 15 sections, where are the section locks going to fit? About the only type that would work would be umbrella locks -- meaning your choice would be fully extended/locked, or fully retracted.

And the extended position will likely be less stable than the 2-section umbrella <G>

Thank you Wulfraed for the detailed explanation. Your absolutely right. I now see how illogical my previous post must have seemed. Its obvious I need to look for something completely different.

I find more stuff here among this group of camcorder enthusiasts and video professionals than I ever knew existed. I'm trying to be optimistic. Although, if the device I want cant realistically be telescoping, the perhaps someone has an alternate suggestion?

Thanks in advance!

I have this Velbon monopod (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/141696-REG/Velbon_UP4DXII_UP_4DXII_4_Section_Unipod.html). The thing I like about it is that it has a tilt head (it says fluid but I'm not sure I believe that) and a quick release plate. Be sure you look at video monopods. Yes, there is actually a difference, mainly the tilt head. This Velbon folds down to only 22" so you'll have to decide if that's good enough.

Bogen also makes a whole line of monopods that look very nice. I don't know how short they fold down. You'll have to read the specs to find out.

Good luck.

Dennis