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Monpod Comparison -- Bogen .vs. Gitzo
ian408
Administrators Posts: 21,919 moderator
I'm currently shooting with a Bogen 3249 monopod. After a couple of
years of use, the foot wore out and the pod is filled with sand. Taking
that as a very weak clue, I decided to look at monopods. What I ended
up with was a Gitzo G1564L.
I chose the L because I wanted to get more height as I found myself
stooping for many of my BIF shots.
Aside from the obvious difference in length (extends to almost 79 inches
compared to 60 for the 3249 (also called the 680), other differences
include weight (over 2lbs for the gitz and 1.5lbs for the Bogen) and
leg lock mechanism. The Bogen uses a lever locking mechanism that's
easy to trigger and adjust. The Gitzo uses a twist lock.
I shoot without any sort of head. The Bogen's advantage in this regard
is that it allows you to use either 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 without making any
changes to the threaded post. The Gitzo supports both as well but you
must flip the post. The Bogen also excels because the plate is fixed to
the monopod. When you thread it on the camera, it's on and when you
thread it off, it comes off--the Gitzo threads on easily but will occassionally
require the user to remove the pod and the stud separately--a PITA.
I don't see any real difference between the leg locking mechanisms
though you will need to get used to the Gitzo's twist lock.
Finally, the Bogen is USD$53 and the Gitzo USD$145. Overall, the Bogen
is a much better value for most shooters looking for a good monopod.
Where the Gitzo shines is the additional height and for me, that was
important.
Cheers,
Ian
years of use, the foot wore out and the pod is filled with sand. Taking
that as a very weak clue, I decided to look at monopods. What I ended
up with was a Gitzo G1564L.
I chose the L because I wanted to get more height as I found myself
stooping for many of my BIF shots.
Aside from the obvious difference in length (extends to almost 79 inches
compared to 60 for the 3249 (also called the 680), other differences
include weight (over 2lbs for the gitz and 1.5lbs for the Bogen) and
leg lock mechanism. The Bogen uses a lever locking mechanism that's
easy to trigger and adjust. The Gitzo uses a twist lock.
I shoot without any sort of head. The Bogen's advantage in this regard
is that it allows you to use either 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 without making any
changes to the threaded post. The Gitzo supports both as well but you
must flip the post. The Bogen also excels because the plate is fixed to
the monopod. When you thread it on the camera, it's on and when you
thread it off, it comes off--the Gitzo threads on easily but will occassionally
require the user to remove the pod and the stud separately--a PITA.
I don't see any real difference between the leg locking mechanisms
though you will need to get used to the Gitzo's twist lock.
Finally, the Bogen is USD$53 and the Gitzo USD$145. Overall, the Bogen
is a much better value for most shooters looking for a good monopod.
Where the Gitzo shines is the additional height and for me, that was
important.
Cheers,
Ian
Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
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clothes when walking by. It also makes packing easier because the
locks just slide into any bag beautifully smooth. And last but not
least, they last longer and dont wear out if you dont overtighten
them.
Some ppl btw use a Bogen 1-way (tilt) head (~20$) or directly an
arca swiss mounting plate. The later seems to be the most convinient
way if one wants to quickly get the camera/lens off the pod.
I also have the 1564L Mk2 from Gitzo, while I never use it fully
extended, I dont feel its really heavy. Lighter would only be
welcome if I get the same amount of stability as I have with the Gitzo.
Very nice comparison Ian
― Edward Weston