topic Re: Monopod recommendations - 1DX Mark 3 + 400mm f2.8 IS II in Gear Guide

Monopod recommendations - 1DX Mark 3 + 400mm f2.8 IS II

Ravanelli — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:59:39 GMT

Hi all. Just managed to secure a used 1DX mark 3 over here in the UK, with only 5000 shutter activations. I was shooting with a 5D4 until last week. I plan on getting a 400mm 2.8 IS version 2 very shortly. 100% shoot military aviation. Was thinking a monopod might come in handy. Anyone use this set up hand held?

Re: Monopod recommendations - 1DX Mark 3 + 400mm f2.8 IS II

Waddizzle — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 03:28:13 GMT

You want a monopod that’s at least as tall as you are. This makes angling the camera skyward easier. I use a Benro alloy 75-inch monopod. I am tall. The weight savings with carbon fiber are small. The savings are insignificant once you factor in the weight of the gear. Not fully extending the sections increases strength.

I use a Kirk tilt head, MPA-2. This head has excellent strength and friction control. You can partly tighten it down and not worry about gear flopping around. Having the tilt head makes it MUCH easier to change your aim from horizontal to near vertical. No leaning or moving your feet.

This is my rig.

Re: Monopod recommendations - 1DX Mark 3 + 400mm f2.8 IS II

Waddizzle — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 03:53:48 GMT

Note the weight capacity of the monopod head. It’s 80 pounds. With a 1Dx Series and a 400mm f/2.8, yes you will need and appreciate something that strong. It takes several full rotations of the control knob to go from fully open to fully locked down.

I am on the road, so I can’t pull it out and check it. I wast to say 4-5 full rotations. Most heads have locking knob that needs about a full rotation range of motion. The Kirk head has a full blown friction control. Highly recommended! 10 out of 10.

Be wary of monopods that have three small legs or feet. The are to stand erect and stable until you mount your gear. Now it turns into a balancing act. The rig is terribly top heavy.

Re: Monopod recommendations - 1DX Mark 3 + 400mm f2.8 IS II

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:40:25 GMT

I think your set-up will get heavy quickly, I use the RF400 and R1 and even that's to heavy for handholding for longer periods on a fixed object, although fine when panning. Monopod itself doesn't matter to much imo(if it's tall enough) but use a good head, I use the Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal head, works a treat.