> Okay, I tried Bruce Dayton's monopod on recent NorCal PDML > outing. I won't > say I was SOLD, but I was intrigued. I think, being a woman > with less upper body > strength than some males, a monopod might suit me more than a > tripod.
I think what matters more is what you're going to use it for. I am a small woman too. I have two tripods and a monopod. My workhorse tripod is a Slik 444-Sport, which is a travel tripod that weighs 4lbs. They don't make it anymore but I think they have something comparable. I've carried it on quite a few hikes without too much of a problem. I either carry it over my shoulder or by its carrying strap. This summer I decided it was finally time to get a monopod so my setup time would be shorter. I was worried that it wouldn't be stable enough. Turns out the thing is perfect for shooting sporting events in close quarters because you don't have three legs sticking out, and it's easy to rotate quickly with it. I kept one hand on the body of the camera and one hand on the barrel of the zoom and I was set. I got the Bogen / Manfrotto 3006B for $35.50 at Adorama. It's in 4-sections and it weighs a pound. However, I still keep my tripods for shooting at night, and because I need one for my large 400mm lens. (And because I like to shoot birds and I think a tripod is better for that). My next 'pod purchase will be a walking stick with a tripod screw under the grip. Eastern Mountain Sports carries an no-frills one for around $40. Amita
