What do you recommend? The Canon VL-3 is the perfect price, and I saw was a recommended accessory for the xl2, but is it compatible with the xl1s? (if its not what other light would you recommend at a similar price point?) after looking some more I saw on this board its incompatible, but other companys said it was... I beilive this board.

What about the Canon VL-10LI is that compatible?

Next I’m looking for a cheap monopod, I mean, it’s just a stick right; why pay 300 dollars for it?

what’s the cheapest monopod you can recommend, There is a lot of selection and I’m really not sure what to look for other than maximum weight, how strong does a monopod need to be to hold up an xl1s with the xlr adaptor and a wireless mic

I’m looking here, but I’m a little overwhelmed

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Tripods&cat2=Monopods&sf=Price

The VL-3 light is not compatible with the XL1 or XL1S. However, the VL-10i is compatible.

With monopods, you get what you pay for. The cheap lightweight plastic ones are not going to hold up well underneath an XL1. Your best bet is to go to a local photo/camera store and pick one out that will do the job. It's a much better way to select something like this, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Good monopods are surprisingly inexpensive. You shouldn't have to spend anywhere near $300.

I use my XL1s on a Bogen 680B with a Tiltall video head all available from B&H. It's probaably aaa $160 rig altogether. The head is the minimum I'd recommend for an XL1s. It's the same one used on the Matthews and Bescor 3 stage tripods (also at B&H). There are better heads but I like mounting the plate on my cameras once and having the same heads on all my "legs". I'm high on the pod, lukewarm on the head.

I like the cushioned grip and sturdy build of the Bogen over my first pod (a $40 Vangard).

I was actualy looking at that monopod, but just for clarification. Do I need the head to make the monopod useable? (is it like a tripod) Or is that just if you want tilt and pan?

(Thanks for everyones help already) :)

Usually you don't need a head with a monopod, because if you need to tilt or pan, you can simply tilt or pan the monopod itself.

;-)

I am an advanced hobbiest. I am not a professional. In my opinion and experience, you should use a head. With a head you get a handle for another piece of equipment I wouldn't do without. That would be a lens controller such as the canon ZR-1000, Varizoom or others. If you are right handed it works like this: Left hand on the pod, right hand on the handle, thumb on the controller, face in the eyepiece. I get tight with my equipment to get tight with my subject. All together, I'm pleased wth my results.

Great, then I'm buying that monopod monday, and maybe pick up a head down the road

Its right in my budget and will be great for getting steady shots off my tripod, at the reception, and outdoors.

Just wondering, which would you choose?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5251&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=5535&is=REG


Fairly similar except one holds 3 sections and 26 pounds, the other is 4 sections and 22 pounds, and compact size isnt a terribly big issue.