I am finding that a monopod must be used for low shots; it is the only way to get up.

 

OLD ..................!

 

Also useful in certain areas where carrying a baseball bat might be considered provocative...

 

Years back I was questioned by the Police "Why was I carrying it" my manfrotto, they perhaps didn't see the b***** camera round my neck

 

A tripod is even better. I think it also settles the robustness question. If you can put your full weight on it ....

One of the reasons I can't understand "losing" my Manfrotto monopod is indeed its essential use as a stick. I can't conceive that I left it somewhere while I was out and about. If I'd sat down I'd have used it to get up. Maybe it will still turn up somewhere in the house.

 

When I took my old Manfrotto to Austria many years ago I was greeted by cheerful Germanics praising my Alpenstock. First time I thought it was just someone being funny but then I realised that was just what they thought it was!

 

I've only ever taken my monopod abroad once, to Canada, I have absolutely no memory of either using it or bringing it back but it is here with me now.

 

I must confess I use my monopod as much as a walking stick as a camera support. As a result, I never use my monopod anymore. That's not because I don't walk anymore, though. I have substituted it with either a Brasher waling pole with a B&S head for 'light' walks and cameras, or a Gitzo Trek-pole with a monopod head for the more serious stuff and a heavier camera.

I find a walking pole, with its fewer number of sections, much faster to get into photo length from walking length, than a monopod.

 

My remaining monopod is a Benbo. It only has two sections and adjustment is trivial. I just looked and Patterson still sell it. Mine must be all of 40 years old.

 

That's worth knowing - thanks.

My retired monopod had four sections with locking collars, and took an age to adjust.

 

I have one of the older ones with a Benbo ball and socket head. I also have a later one with the elbow and I am less impressed with that.

 

I too have the Benbo 2 piece monopod. Much quicker to use than the Manfrotto (which went to a good home) and lighter as well.