Height - that depends on your height. I like a monopod that allows me to shoot without severely bending over..

Weight capacity - depends on the maximum weight camera/lens you will use it with. Obviously, you need a sturdier monopod to support a full frame camera and a 500mm lens than you would to support a smaller 1.6x camera and a 17-55mm IS lens..

Adjustment ease and stability - I want a monopod that adjusts easily and RETAINS the adjustment. I place some pressure on the camera/lens in order to stabilize the rig. I don't want the monopod collapsing under the pressure..

Weight - There are large differences between the weights of various monopods. The importance of weight depends on your willingness to carry the monopod. The best monopod will not support your camera if you consider it too heavy to carry and leave it at home. Carbon fiber monopods are sturdy and light weight. They are also pretty expensive..

Tube width - I like a tube that has a wide enough diameter for me to get a decent hand hold on. You can, if desired, wrap a smaller tube with the type of tape used on tennis racket handles to increase the diameter of the monopod tube..

Accessories.

- Heads - I like some sort of head on my monopod in order to straighten horizons or to angle the camera/lens up or down, because I like to keep the monopod perpendicular to the ground. A small ball head or the Manfrotto Monopod head will work. I like a quick release incorporated into the head also. The head needs to be relatively sturdy because I will often carry the camera/lens attached to the monopod..

- Tripod feet - some monopods pods have small feet which are to stabilize the monopod even more. I have not used these..

- Shoulder stock - Manfrotto distributes a small folding shoulder stock that fits between the camera and the monopod. I have one (purchased on eBay for a fraction of the cost of a new one) and it does improve the stability of the rig without adding too much additional weight. However, it is pretty difficult to use if you need to shoot up or down at an acute angle..

Price - Price is always a concern and I won't even make any suggestions here. What may be a good price for one photographer is too high for another. At one time, there were some good monopod values on ebay. I have not checked recently..

Finally - I like to have some type of strap attached to the monopod so that if I am not shooting with the monopod, I can sling it over my shoulder to get it out of the way..

Retired Navy Master Chief Photographer's Mate. I was a Combat Cameraman, Motion Picture Director, and a Naval Aircrewman. I also had experience in reconnaissance and intelligence photography. I have had considerable commercial photo experience in weddings and advertising photography. I am fully retired now although I dabble occasionally in dog portraiture. I presently use Canon DSLR cameras...

Thank you for your reply.

I once saw a monopod which has a small attachment at the lower end..

It appears that you can place your foot on it.

What is this thing and is there a best way to use it?..

The Indian PhotoGrapher wrote:.

I once saw a monopod which has a small attachment at the lower end..

It appears that you can place your foot on it.

What is this thing and is there a best way to use it?.

If that's what you want, forget the stick, just build yourself a tension monopod:.

Http://www.xs4all.nl/~wiskerke/artikelen/string.html.

Seen in a fortune cookie:Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed..

I think you misunderstood me.

Please see the picture at:.

Http://www.microcenter.com/image.phtml?id=0238948&sku=376558.

There is a small attachment at the lower end of the monopod. I was wondering what that is. My best guess is that one can keep a foot on top of it, or maybe one can ledge it in a home or somewhere to give the monopod more stability?.

Not sure what that is!..

The Indian PhotoGrapher wrote:.

I think you misunderstood me.

I understood. If you are using a normal monopod, there is no need for a foot brace. the earth tends to be strong enough, you simply push down..

If you want to pull up, save yourself a lot of weight and simply use a bootlace..

Seen in a fortune cookie:Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed..

I would not "step" on a monopod "foot" even if I had one incorporated on my monopod..

I always have my two feet planted apart about 18-24" or so. The monopod stick becomes the third leg of my "monopod-tripod". I try to keep the monopod perpendicular to the ground or floor..

I will place the hand-strap of the monopod around left my wrist (I shoot right-handed) hold the monopod with that hand and put some pressure down - I will also place some pressure down with my right hand as I am shooting..

This seems to work for me, however different strokes (or different positions) for different people. Whatever is solid and comfortable for you is O.K.!.

I use Option #1 below:.

Http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3.

Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.

Retired Navy Master Chief Photographer's Mate. I was a Combat Cameraman, Motion Picture Director, and a Naval Aircrewman. I also had experience in reconnaissance and intelligence photography. I have had considerable commercial photo experience in weddings and advertising photography. I am fully retired now although I dabble occasionally in dog portraiture. I presently use Canon DSLR cameras...

I bought a hiking staff from REI that can double as a monopod. It's pretty convenient for the great outdoors. These cost about $50-$60 on the cheap end..

My hiking staff/monopod is similar to this model:.

Http://www.rei.com/product/745686..

I would not "step" on a monopod "foot" even if I had one incorporated on my monopod..

Why not?..

Frumpysf wrote:.

I bought a hiking staff from REI that can double as a monopod. It'spretty convenient for the great outdoors. These cost about $50-$60 onthe cheap end..

My hiking staff/monopod is similar to this model:.

Http://www.rei.com/product/745686.

I checked out the link.This is a hiking staff..

I checked the specs, it does not say anywhere where it says that it can be used as a Monopod..

I was wondering if you have done some changes to the hiking staff? ? Like drill a hole and put in a screw which will allow you to attach a camera?.

I once saw a DIY to do the same on a Walking Stick! (Useful for musuems etc where they do not allow you to take a monopod, tripod)..

The Indian PhotoGrapher wrote:.

Frumpysf wrote:.

Http://www.rei.com/product/745686.

I checked the specs, it does not say anywhere where it says that itcan be used as a Monopod..

Read it again. Or just search with your web browser....

"cork knob unscrews to create a monopod camera mount".

Seen in a fortune cookie:Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed..

You are right!.

Foam grip and wide, padded wrist loop ensure a comfortable and secure hold; cork knob unscrews to create a monopod camera mount.

I guess, I should stop expecting trees and mountains and light when reading a web page :o)..