Episode 35: Top Five Video Monopods For HDSLRs Compared

November 11, 2011

in Gear,Podcast Episodes,Reviews

Monopods are one of the greatest tools a shooter can have. If you do any kind of event or heavy b-roll shooting, you should be seriously considering investing in a monopod. In this episode I take a look at 5 monopod solutions from $30-$300.


Quicktime File.

UPDATE:

I Stand corrected on the Manfrotto 560B. Brent Barrie raised the point that the 560B works great when using other tripod heads. So while its not ready out of the box you could add your own tripod head. So if you are strapped for cash, but you had another tripod head on a slider for example, you could use it on the 560B. Keep in mind by the time you add a decent tripod head you will be closer to the price of the 561. The 701 head on the 561 monopod is the dream team. The quick release tab is super fast when using a DSLR that alone is worth the extra money to me.

So there you go. If you want a great monopod leg and your own tripod head grab the 560B.
If you want a monopod and a killer tripod head and don’t plan on removing it all the time check out the 561.

Monopods on Amazon:

Slik Monopod
Tripod Head I use with the Slik
Velbon Monopod
Acebil MP-60V
Manfrotto 560B-1
Manfrotto 561BHDV-1

Related content:

  1. Episode 42: Accessories From 4 DSLR
  2. Episode 27: CF and SD Card Case
  3. Episode 23: Preparing Photography Lenses for Video
  4. Episode 40: Using a Follow Focus with Magic Arms
  5. Episode 20: How to Make a DSLR Anti-Twist Plate

Tagged as: 560B, 561 BHDV, Manfrotto, Monopod

  • http://twitter.com/CoryHeimann Likable Art

    Thanks for this. Great review. Do you have any thoughts on putting a long lens (something like a 70-200) on a monopod? Could you keep it steady? Could you do any movement?

  • http://twitter.com/FilmBarrie Brent Barrie

    I love how this post comes up right after I purchase a Manfrotto 560b-1.

    It’s definitely one of the most useful things I’ve ever bought. $150 well spent.

    I think you’re too quick to discredit the 560-1b though. No where does it even say that the head is a fluid head in any descriptions of the product. It’s a grand product and it’s a stable, light, and quick way to shoot stabilized video and get around quickly. Not to mention you can change the heads, and use the highly reviewed and recommended $80 fluid head from ePhoto, the 717AH.

    Plus those feet that keep the monopod up are grand; When you leave it static when taking the camera to another tripod, rig, etc. So it doesn’t just lie around on the ground somewhere. It’s standing up and readily available when needed. Even at full hight.

    Not to mention since the Manfrotto head on the 561 doesn’t have a pan feature, thus it’s only useful on the monopod. Nothing else. Unless you just want tilt shots on a tripod, and nothing else.

    I’d love the 561. But I’ve got money going in a million directions right now. It’s still quality, so I don’t think you should just call it “Not worth $150″. It’s still a good option for the price, and it’s easily upgradable.

  • philhoyt

    I wrote a blog about my 15 dollar monopod a little while ago.
    http://blog.philhoyt.com/hdslr/dslr-monopod/
    Major difference in quality!

  • Jh

    What lens is on your 7D?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501987466 Michael Cornett

    Like @twitter-393849272:disqus says, the purpose of this style monopod is to use with your own fluid head, a la 717AH, or other Manfrotto head. If you already have a head, why buy a monopod that includes another one? Understandable if you’re on a crew, or something, but if you’re a one man system and are either using sticks or monopod, then just use the same head to switch between. 

    The 562-B1 is the model to look at. It is priced between the 560 and the 561.

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/757124-REG/Manfrotto_562B_1_Fluid_Video_Aluminum_4_Section.html

  • Matt B.

    I have put a Nikon 70-200 on a D300s w/ battery grip on a monopod similar to the Slik version he reviewed. I used the mounting foot on the lens, and it worked very well.

  • I Am Productions

    Great video Caleb,  One question…. I know this is a video about mono pods but is that an FD lens you’re using?   What lens is it?    Thanks.

  • http://twitter.com/rabonour Rabi Abonour

    I just picked up a 561BHDV last week, and I’m in love with it. I do a lot of run-and-gun news shooting, so I put a lot of value in working fast and with a low profile. The 561 works great for that. Despite the price, I don’t for a second regret picking up this monopod. It’s really fantastic.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Good point. I guess the title here should be changed: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/434422-REG/Manfrotto_560B_1_560B_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod.html

    I Love the feet. I can definitely see the uses now. The bhdv version works best for me just because I am constantly going from tripod monopod so the 701 head on it doesn’t ever come off.

    By the time you add a decent tripod head to the 560-1b you are close if not above the price of the bhdv. But I can see where you could definitely save some cash and use the head on different slider etc.
    I will have to do another ep talking about it. Thanks for the comment.

    - Caleb

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Its a 16mm lens not FD… Video coming soon.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    16mm: http://tinyurl.com/77oqbps podcast ep on it soon.

  • brobesfx

    On the Acebil MP-60V, you mentioned it had built in pan in the head.  But I just wanted to make sure that it was actually smooth also since you kind of skipped over that part?

  • Shaun

    Excellent review!  Thanks for doing your videos in Vimeo, too.  It may sound a little strange, but I subscribe to your blog via RSS.  The embeddable video really makes the difference!

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    The review unit I had was very smooth.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Not strange at all. Thats very encouraging to hear actually. As a huge RSS subscriber myself, I take great pains to make sure everyone can read and watch ALL my content. Can’t tell you how much I hate the one sentence, no media feeds out there.

    I never hear feedback from my subscribers. so thanks so much for letting me know.

  • http://twitter.com/FilmBarrie Brent Barrie

    Thanks for the Reply Caleb.

    I will admit, I would definitely buy the 561 if I could. Even if the head is only tilt, the sheer fact it’s a thicker version and just the feeling of Manfrottos fluid movements is something I can only see makes the best monopod possible. As well as more weight = more stability.

    But it still comes down to price, always does.

    For those on a budget, or non profit. Having a separate fluid head that works in both directions seems more feasible. And like you said, you could take that head to a slider, some other sticks, etc.

    Eventually I’ll move to the 561. But in due time.

    As always, Looking forward to your next episode.

    -Brent

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Yeah it should work fine. Especially on the 561. I’ve put a small rig with a matte box on it with no problem.

  • Qzyxya Ayxyzq

    I already have a fancier wf717 fluid head, and it works nicely, but I’m wondering if I could mount this onto the 560b and have it be like the 561b. Would that work?
    I really don’t have enough budget for the 561.

  • Qzyxya Ayxyzq

    I can see it working for pictures, but video? Will my ef 70-300 work well for video on the 560 with fancier wf717?

  • Qzyxya Ayxyzq

    YES. I love that fluid head. 
    Thank you sooooooo much. :D

  • Qzyxya Ayxyzq

    I have that fluid head, but I can’t figure out weather you can lock the tilt fully. I know I can screw the lock thing in, but even after screwing it in as much as I can, with my 4 foot jib +t2i + 10-24 + 10lb counterweight, it slowly tilts downward.
    Is there some screw somewhere that I am missing, or is it supposed to be like that.

    Also, do you know if (if so, how) you can adjust the panning friction?

  • http://www.franciscogalarraga.com Francisco Galárraga

    Very nice. I think I’m going for the 561. One question. On your B&H links, there is a link for the Mandrotto Video Monopod W/Head, what do you think of that option?

  • http://www.franciscogalarraga.com Francisco Galárraga

    I just saw the product code number and saw that it’s exactly the same version as the 561 but with a more generic name. Awesome stuff then :)

  • http://www.randeedaddona.com/ Randee

    Hi,
    I’m new to your podcasts and really loving them. You speak from the heart, not sounding like a commercial. I’m learning so much, taking note from your reviews.
    I own Canon’s Mark 4 and now want to start using their video features.
    Thank you for putting me on the right track!
    I look forward to many more,
    Randee

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Thank you for the kind words. Welcome aboard!

  • B. J.

    Please I need some fluid head for my monopod and tripod. Is there something fluid but not too expensive? Please can you write me down few tips? Because not everything is avaliable in my country. Thank you very much

  • Camille

    Hi Caleb,

    I saw this just now. I was wondering if you can get or do the same tricks and look on monopods without the ball and socket joint at the bottom as the Manfrottos?

    I hope to hear from you soon, thanks! :)