Help: Need advice on MonoPod purchase. Gitzo... Induro?

[hassiman]

Has anyone here used either the 6 section Gitzo GM2561T or 4 section GM2541 Monopods ?

I like the compact size of the 6 section GM2561T but I am dubious as to how sturdy it would be with its pencil-thin final section... it is only 14-34 closed. The 4 section version is 20-3.4 closed but it seems like it would be more sturdy and even good enough to do duty as a walking stick.

I will be using mostly a 5D MII and a 24-105

Anyone here used either of these? Thoughts?

Someone also mentioned Induro as an option... I have always been a Gitzo user... should I consider an Induro Monopod?

[jmwscot]

The use of a monopod with this lens would be ineffective. The image stabilisation will do a better job than any monopod. I've done exhaustive tests using the 1Ds MKIII with that lens and the 70-200 IS F2.8. The monopod was no benefit. The monopod comes into its own on heavy lenses where it primarily is a support to allieviate the weight hand holding. With up to date stabilisation the monopod helps little with camera shake. I do a lot of low light photography at slow shutter speeds and can get good results at the 105mm end at 1/50. If I take multiple exposures I can get away with 1/30th. At the wide angle end 1/15-1/6.

My Manfrotto monopod is carbon fibre, 22 ins long and has 4 sections. It's as sturdy as you would want. I am reluctant to sell it and it is used now to support an off camera flash.

Hope this helps.

John

[Scott O.]

Were I to purchase a monopod at present, it would be the new Really Right Stuff pod with their monopod head.  The monopod is top quality and the head expands the usefulness of the setup.

[stever]

i agree that a monopod will be pretty useless with the 24-105

i tried using a monopod for panos and i'd rather handhold

from my experience, a monopod is useful for holding up something you can't handhold like a 400 2.8, and not much else

[Canon Bob]

Has anyone here used either the 6 section Gitzo GM2561T or 4 section GM2541 Monopods ?

I actually have both options although my 6 section is a 2560T (previous version).  I exclusively use the G2541 when I need a monopod and only carry the G2560 when I might need one.....it's simply not stable enough for heavier lenses (300/2.8 size) or 1srs bodies (Canon) for regular use.....ie, it's my emergency monopod only.

Can't help with whether the G2560 would be okay for a 24-105....I haven't used either with shorter lenses (except macro).

Bob