camera lens monopod recommendation?

[Tuffcity]

Any recommendations on a monopod for a big a$$ camera lens? I need to support a Nikon VR 200-400 that weighs about 7 lbs.

thanks,
RC

[lineofsight]

7lbs - that the F4 then?

Researched them a fair bit, decided on a Gitzo (Manfrotto close second).

Carbon fibre ones certainly lighter and sometimes offer more height, personally I liked the little extra weight of the aluminium ones.

Good results with 70-200 f2.8 (but not with VR set to "active" as recommended by Nikon - experiment for yourself with this).

Cheers

[troutseeker]

I use a Manfrotto, it's aluminium fairly light adn very sturdy.

[Tuffcity]

Thanks on that.

L of S: ya, it's the F4. Used the 70-200 (2.8 ) but I found I needed to reach out a bit more and even with a doubler it wasn't quite there. Ran the VR mostly in the "on" position but I had to make sure it was focused on what I wanted.

So far I like the lens but, damn, it's a heavy unit! And I'm not much of a sit and focus with the tripod type of guy. Thought I'd try a monopod for better mobility.

Which model of Gitzo/Manfrotto did you guys go with?

RC