For macro shooting, you need a tripod. A monopod simply will not do the job. Monopods are for stabilizing long/heavy lenses when you need to be moving around a lot (sports, hiking and shooting wildlife, etc.). Macro exposures can run several seconds, a monopod is not helpful there.


Manfrotto is a good compromise between quality and value. Good construction and stability, much better than el-cheapo brands, not nearly as expensive as Gitzo.


Personally, I have a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 carbon fiber tripod with 488RC2 ballhead - it does a great job for all uses (goes low, and has a 90° adjustable center column). It's compact and light enough to strap to the outside of my camera backpack, and supports a reasonably heavy load (gripped 7D with 100-400mm or 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II - but that's about the heaviest load I'd want put onto it). I also have a Manfrotto 694CXcarbon fiber monopod with 234RC tilt head. That doesn't see nearly as much use as my tripod.