The best monopod for sports photography

[@RobSambles]

So who prefers the twist locks versus the lever style?

[@burnetr1]

Rob Sambles Photo I have both and feel the flip lock is faster considering my backpack tripod is carbon fiber 5 section the twist lock takes time, my Manfrotto CF 190 Pro has flip lock and I love it..

[@rustyjones6189]

Twist lock here. Had Bogen lever style previously. At the point years later that the twist comes second nature now....

[@matthewwalters1175]

Levers,faster and I know by looking if they’re locked.

[@drumbatter100]

Definately twist lock.

[@jameshyde149]

Twist for sure. My Gitzo and ProMediaGear only require like a quarter turn to loosen and retighten. The other style can loosen and require a tool to retighten pinch your finger and need replacing after time.

[@mtbguidebook1132]

I’ve got the twist lock and clip and the clip lock is superior in three regards. 1: in one motion I can release all segments and extend the monopod. 2. With the camera mounted it’s easier to one hand adjust the height. 3. No second guessing if the leg is properly locked out. Is the latch closed? Then it’s locked. I’ve had twist locks slip on me and it’s annoying.

[@timnichols3582]

I like twist locks because they are easier to put into and pull out of a caring case without snagging.

[@90sbtf]

Hello! Do you have a video showing the correct way to use a monopod with large lenses when you're sitting on the grass? I feel like it's a bit complicated. Sometimes I have to sit on the grass during soccer matches. Thanks, your videos are great.

[@Chickboom34]

Helpful pro tips. thank you.

[@okpaulsue6639]

how do i secure big lens to monopod to stop lens falling?

[@ath3263]

I have 3 monopods and have a 3 legged Thing Alan with Docx foot. Gitzo carbon fiber GM 4562 plus manfrotto 680b

[@GeoffCooper]

Interesting stuff - just got 'fed' this by YT having looked at a few videos on monopods... I've recently unearthed by ancient aluminium monopod for use with my big 400mm because setting it up with the gimbal head and tripod is just too cumbersome out and about. I've ended up with a clamp on the top because it allows me to slide the foot of the lens back and forth and get a nicer balance with the kit, especially when swapping a teleconverter in, which makes it feel quite far off if I just use the mounting hole in the foot... Twist locks all the way btw - I find they're quicker to operate and gather less crud in them...

[@MLeeMedia]

The fact you managed to make a video 12m long about monopods is amazing :D I use a twistable monopod as well, but very rarely, as my lenses are quite manageable hand-held, and the IS works wonders. If I'm lazy or tired then the monopod comes on. The one I have is actually a removable leg from my tripod (Manfrotto Elements), so it's very handy, it's like a 2 in 1. I don't use a ball head either. The tennis racket tape thing is a great idea Rob.

[@RobSambles]

Thanks. Yeah handheld is ok, especially with IS but when it's turned off (like with sport) then a monopod is necessary.

[@graemewhite9087]

Thanks Rob .. excellent info .. especially with the lens collar keeping free to rotate.. love that idea.

[@SeanyBoodwah]

tennis grip tape on the handle of the monopod? edit - you answered it

[@RobSambles]

Haha yep - genius level comfort

[@trevorwilkinson244]

Twist lock for me Rob... Great video blog again. I use the SIRUI's PS 204S monopod, lightweight, extremely compact and ideal to use. Especially for photographers, the PS series offers a real alternative to larger tripods. I mount my 400 mil straight to it like you and it's solid. The 4 sections can be fixed using twist locks to ensure secure support. This monopod also has a spreader with integrated stabilising feet. I don't usually spread the feet but they are there if needed. The spreader can also be detached and used as a floor tripod. The monopod can also be used without the spreader, for which purpose it is supplied with a rubber foot and twist-out metal spike. A 360° system ensures smooth and soft movement and panning. The ball joint allows it to tilt by up to 20° in all directions. A wrist strap is a SIRUI standard as is a cold weather grip made from soft and grippy foam rubber. The P-204S monopod is made from high quality aluminium. - High quality aluminium in 4 sections - 360° panning system for smooth movement and panning - Ball joint for 20° tilting on all sides - 3 folding aluminium and rubber feet - Sealed twist locks for secure support - Comfortable wrist strap and soft cold weather grip - Reversible 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch screw for tripod heads or camera - Completely removable spreader - can be used as a floor or table tripod

[@RobSambles]

Sounds like you're selling them 😎

[@trevorwilkinson244]

Rob Sambles Photo well I do work in sales as well lol 😂

[@7352tommy]

Hi Rob. Just watched the video. I use a SIRUI model number P-424SR-EU, it’s carbon fibre with twist locks. It does have some removable feet that can be used as a table top tripod, I have removed these. It’s a fantastic monopod.

[@michaeldow3220]

Great video Rob! I just shot my first MLS game last night and boy are my arms tired! Definitely need to get a monopod before the next match. Excellent explanation of types and features to look for, very informative. Thanks!

[@RobSambles]

Thank you

[@chrise4835]

Thanks for the video. Can I ask, with a big white like a 300 2.8, to get everything mounted up would you stand the lens on the lens hood then screw the monopod in and finally attach the camera to the lens to prevent stress to the mount and to have everything stable while mounting

[@burnetr1]

I use a Manfrotto pro monopod with their monopod tilt head, quite often I am in the stands photographing my grandkids football games and need the ability to tilt the camera down.

[@RobSambles]

Yeah sounds useful in that situation

[@SteveChick02]

Perfect timing. I don't have a monopod at the moment as up to now my longest lens was a 70-200mm f2.8 but Ihave just got a sigma 100-300mm F4 lens which I think will be a bit heavy for hand holding. I have the twist locks on my Manfrotto tripod and so will probably go with the same locks on my monopod. Thanks for the tips.

[@RobSambles]

Thank you for commenting

[@carlosdias1940]

I have an old one (aluminum) w/ a clip lock and currently looking for another model e.g. manfroto that has twist lock. As I plan to shoot on the beach...meaning pictures ;) just wondering what will be more practical to clean\avoid sand. One of the key points referred at local store is the brand of your choice have always parts available. Again great video, and helping me make my way through photography. Cheers!

[@RobSambles]

Thanks Carlos. Sand is always a nightmare, you just have to try and clean up as best you can

[@grahamclark2299]

Interesting vid Rob, thanks. I'm using a Gitzo 4 series with twist locks. It's fitted with RRS Lever Style QR Clamps to swap between 300mm f/2.8 and 400mm f/2.8, also find an RRS Monopod Head useful for "up/down" movement.

[@RobSambles]

Thank you

[@TheGray01974]

I use a manfroto with the clip locks

[@pascalkesselmark7529]

Got a HAMA aluminum twist lock tripod. Next month I’m in Shanghai and will get a good quality carbon monopod. I don’t know which brand, but got good experience with my Chinese Benro carbon tripod. But it will be a twist lock version for sure.

[@RobSambles]

Sounds great

[@royottaway9434]

I've got a Gitzo GM5561T which I purchased when went through two , Manfrottos good while they lasted , but I found they would slowly creep with the weight of the 300 2.8 . The Gitzo is carbon so light to use , so I use as a light stick too . .....LIKE ROB

[@RobSambles]

I've heard good things about Gitzo

[@royottaway9434]

@leicanoct Must have been one of them things , but I still prefer the Gitzo ... cheers

[@tmr2757]

Waterproof?

[@titaferrera4412]

What the name monopods?

[@RobSambles]

It's like a tripod with one leg 🦩

[@timnichols3582]

I have the surui p-326

[@mikewalsh4849]

Where could i get one monopod like yours?

[@RobSambles]

First link in the description

[@rustyjones6189]

Induro GIM505...love it. 10 year warranty. Solid as a rock. 66lb weight bearing. Worth every penny to put big glass on. Don’t understand putting $10k plus glass on a $50 monopod and having any faith in it.

[@RobSambles]

Sounds decent

[@TheFlowMind]

I’d like to get one. I’m going to photograph ISU skating competition in a few weeks. I used to borrow my boyfriend Manfrotto but it’s heavy and not very manageable. I was looking at the Gitzo or Sirui but they’re pricy. Not sure how much invest.

[@RobSambles]

Check the links I put in the description for some varied price options. It depends how much you think you'll use it going forwards

[@TheFlowMind]

Rob Sambles Photo thanks! Am almost sold of the Sirui 326 but I’m not sure you can mount a gimbal head on that for heavier lens.

[@davidrichter4989]

An old one but a good one.

[@tom_nuyts]

nice t shirt;-)

[@christopherhowell3209]

Lot of talk and no substance at all!!!

[@RobSambles]

You're welcome