Manfrotto 685B Monopod a winner! (1 Viewer)

[Gary Clark]

I bought the Manfrotto 685B monopod early in the summer, and have used it heavily for birds and other wildlife ever since (typically with Canon 20D/500mm IS). It is a relatively new design, the unique feature of which is extremely rapid deployment. When the bird appears, you just pull the leg down, plant it, and shoot. To fine-tune the height or collapse, squeeze the grip. I got many shots that would not have been possible if I had had to rotate locking collars to deploy or adjust height.

The only reservations I have are that a free-floating plastic foot is easily lost in field conditions, and it needs a little more height for shooting steeply up into the canopy. 6" more would do. I found the foot once after losing it temporarily, but the second time was hopeless. Fortunately it works just fine without it, and I don't intend to seek a replacement.

Highly recommended. Any piece of equipment that allows me to get the shot I'd have otherwise missed is a good piece of equipment, IMHO.

 

[Andy Webb]

I agree with your assessment about this monopod it is fantastically versatile. I use it with my Nikon ED50 and for digiscoping and find it very easy to use and excellent for travelling. I too have lost the plastic foot and didn't bother to replace it.

I liked it so much, when my main tripod packed in, I replaced it with the Manfrotto 458B Neotec - the 3-legged version. I love this tripod too - I'm always the first to set up my telescope and always first to pack it away if birding in a group.

Andy

 

[OBXGuide]

I've revived this old link because of the lost 685B monopod foot mentioned in both posts. I don't suppose this would help replace the lost feet, but for forum goers with this NeoTec monopod who come across this post, I have a link here to my web page with instructions on a modification that should end anyone else loosing the foot from the 685B. Hope it helps.

http://naturephotography.fredhurteau.com/footcable.htm