A couple weeks ago I shot some Tball and took my Manfrotto 680B monopod with a Manfrotto 234RC monopod tilt head. The combo is great, but because I am still dealing with trigger thumb (and trigger finger of my middle finger just started up today), I decided to look for something with twist locks. Twist locks are much easier for me to operate than flip locks.
So I came across the Sirui P-224C Carbon Fiber monopod--it just arrived a short time ago. It's taller than my Manfrotto monopod and made out of carbon fiber so it's slightly lighter in weight. The only thing I'm not so fond of is how the strap is fastened onto the leg. The piece of metal that holds the strap rotates 360 degrees so the monopod can twist. The thing that connects the strap on the Manfrotto is secured to the leg. Not a biggie. I might be able to find a washer to insert underneath in hopes of not allowing it to swivel freely. Other than that, it's a great monopod. This one also has a retractable spike in the bottom that my Manfrotto lacks. The Sirui also has an Allen Wrench screw to secure the monopod head. The Manfrotto doesn't offer that feature.
I just went back to B&H to get the link and see the monopod is now discontinued!
Maybe I got the last one, but at $89.99, it's a terrific carbon fiber monopod for the price. Newer monopods tend to be shorter when closed to be allowable as carry-on for flights. Since I don't fly, that isn't an issue for me.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1064378-REG/sirui_bsrp224c_p_224c_carbon_fiber_monopod.html
I ordered a different monopod tilt head which hasn't yet arrived. B&H doesn't carry them in stock so there is a wait before it ships. The head I ordered is one I've asked about in the past. Supposedly the plate is interchangeable with Manfrotto's quick release plate...and I definitely want to stick with having the same plates. In the past I tried Arca Swiss, but it isn't for me. The advantage of this Studio Assets tilt head is the weight capacity is at least twice the capacity of the Manfrotto monopod head. I had to search online to find its weight limit (12 pounds) since the info isn't available on B&H's site--found the info on the manufacturer's site. After it arrives, I will comment whether or not this head is as good, better, or worse than the Monopod tilt head.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1326801-REG/studio_assets_sa1426_magnesium_tilt_head_for.html
A year or so ago, I bought a new old stock Gitzo aluminum monopod, but it cost more than this carbon fiber monopod. I figured since I will be around kids, I'd rather have something that I won't be so choice of. I don't think Gitzo makes aluminum monopods anymore.
