Mike (and the list),
Checking my 3449/449 (carbon) and 3249/249 monopods side-by-side, I find the
3249/249 to be a little stiffer. I'm not surprised, since the 3249/249 has
a 22 pound rating vs. the 3449/449's 11 pound rating. However, in field
use -- most of the time -- you'll be be giving the monopod vertical loads.
Each section of the 3449/449 is about one size smaller in diameter than the
same section of the 3249/249. Sectional diameter will be one factor in
stiffness, but we are comparing tubular metal vs. carbon fiber, so there are
several factors at play.
Looking at the Bogen Photo web site, it looks like the 3249/249 has been
replaced by the 680. The size and load rating appears to be the same, but
it looks like it might have the newer head with the combo DIN & 1/4-20
screw. Also, it looks like there are new style lever leg locks -- similar
to the ones on my 3449/449 -- which I suspect will be much less likely to
snag something.
The 680 weighs 1.8 pounds and the 3449 weighs 1.1 pounds.
Owning both, the 3449 is the one I'll normally be taking into the field.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I flip-flopped the information on my earlier post (bad
Larry!). The 3449 is the taller one, by 9 inches.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Mike
> Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 10:30 PM
>
>
> > In the store I compared the 3449 to a similarly priced Gitzo
> metal monopod
> > (forget the model #). I felt that the Bogen/Manfrotto was
> steadier and less
> > whippy.
> >
> Larry, How does the 3249 compare with the 3449 for stiffness? I like the
> added height of the 3249 and of course the price compared with the 3449
> and the Gitzos. Do you think I would need some kind of ball head or
> maybe one of those rubber flex heads? I know what you mean about the
> twist lock on the Gitzo, they can be a pain on the Studex tripod I now
> use but the lever locks on the Bogen look like they could get in the
> way.
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