Tripods and monopods are often the first accessory that is bought for a camera besides a flash or an additional lens.
Tripod: Manfrotto 055ProB (modified)
Weight of modified version: 2185g, height fully extended: 135cm, collapsed: 60cm
The Manfrotto 055ProB (or the recent 055XProB) is the tripod that everybody recommends when it comes to a solid "first" tripod and for many or most people it is all they ever need. The regular version that you can buy in the shop comes with a center column that offers further extension. I removed the center column to gain additional stability and due to the fact that I don't need further extension due to the high tripod heads that I use.
The conversion was done with a conversion set that can be bought here in Germany via a website which deals with the detailed description of tripods. From time to time a conversion set pops up on ebay, too.
The removal of the center column reduces the weight from 2,4kg to less than 2,2kg and adds stability. Nevertheless I would recommend the tripod only up to focal length of 300mm. At 400mm the tendency for vibrations becomes more obvious.
If you are an average DSLR user with cameras up to a D300/D700 and with lenses of less than 400mm this tripod is recommended even without modification.
Tripod: Berlebach (older model, similar to today's "Reporter 8023")
Weight: 2570g, height fully extended: 143cm, collapsed: 74cm
This nicely-made tripod of east german vintage is the predecessor of today´s Reporter tripod series made by the company Berlebach in Mulda. Further review coming soon.
Monopod: Manfrotto 685B Neotec
Weight: 975g, height fully extended: 170cm, collapsed: 74,5cm
The 685B is a revolutionary design for a monopod which allows rapid height changes. No levers or clamps are to be tightened to extend or collapse the monopod. Manfrotto calls the construction "Neotec".
Right now this monopod and one very expensive tripod is available with this technology. The 685B is already the second incarnation
of this type of monopod, taking care of some lacking details of the predecessor 684B.
The handling of the 685B is a breeze and it solves all the problems I had with the 680B in situations were I needed to change the height of the tripod dynamically. To increase the length of the monopod you simply pull at the end and the two extension sections slide out of the tube. To lower the monopod all you have to do is to unlock the grip at the top with the little finger of the left hand and then depress the grip to release the locking mechanism. As long as the locking mechanism is released it is possible to reduce the height of the monopod by applying downward force. At fist I was sceptic about a monopod that essentially locks itself without the need to tighten any clamp or screw. But the performance of the monopod convinced me that there is no need to worry. Even under high pressure the monopod does not collapse and Manfrotto claims that the locking intensity gets higher the more force is applied.
The load rating of 8kg seems realistic.
All tubes are made of metal, only the pistol grip is made of plastic.
There is no screw in the mounting base to secure a head like on some tripods.
The foot of the 685 is a half-shell like rubber which allows panning and tilting.
The rubber can be screwed back to expose a spike that can be useful on slippery ground.
Some nice changes and additions have been made compared to the
earlier 684B: The foot has now an additional footstep to secure the monopod on the ground. this is extremely useful when you want
to extend the monopod. Simply step on the foot and pull the monopod upwards. The footstep can be tilted upwards to get out of the way.
The locking lever of the pistol grip was also added with this newer model to prevent accidental collapsing.
And as usual: Where's light, there's shadow! Despite
the benefits and the relatively high price tag this monopod comes with there are some downsides which are
related to the Neotec construction. The legs are not secured against rotation which is quite a difference compared to the 680B. When carrying the monopod with
the camera mounted on top I now have to make sure that the top assembly doesn't swivel around uncontrolled. Panning should be done via the monopod foot
only because strangely the monopod looses height when you twist the tubes against each other. It doesn't matter in which direction you turn the
Monopod barrels; in each direction you will notice a downward spiral-like movement. I think this is the biggest weakness of the 685B, but with practice it should become
second nature to do panning via the foot only.
If you are OK with only to be able to change the top portion of the monopod very rapidly check out the Manfrotto 334B. The two lower sections are locked by a screw-mechanism and only the top extension is controlled by a pistol grip. It is quite a bit cheaper and lighter.
Monopod: Manfrotto 680B
Weight: 760g, height fully extended: 153cm, collapsed: 51,4cm
The 680B is a sturdy monopod with a load rating of 10kg which is a bit conservative. The monopod
offers no fancy functions. Due to the construction with 4 tubes it is rather compact when collapsed. The locking is done via traditional quick-release clamps and the legs are secured against rotation. It is an ideal monopod for travelling
with a sturdy construction which leaves nothing to be desired. Alternatively there is also the 681B with offers a higher load rating and higher extension.