Originally Posted by
neuroanatomist
I'll second (or third or fourth) the above advice - for your subjects, a monopod is not the answer, you need a tripod. I'd definitely recommend a carbon fiber tripod, Gitzo is excellent and expensive, Manfrotto is very good and mid-priced, and I wouldn't go lower than that. The 055 series is a bit taller and has a higher load capacity, but if you're not a tall person the 190 series will be fine and will support your equipment as long as you get a good ballhead (488 or 322 if you like the handgrip).
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