I haven't got a monopod and I've never used one. Although I have scanned the Internet, I can't find good solid advice on choosing one. I know that they are relatively simple and even the Manfrotto ones are not too expensive at all, so what sort of price range is fair for a monopod? Do you get more for your money for the dearer ones, or are they simply lighter for example?

Adding the cost of a head can significantly increase the cost, so this is an excellent buy. Clicky

Does anyone have any thoughts- the less obvious things that you've learnt from experience?

This would be ok for a compact camera or similar. If you've got a DSLR, especially with a grip then add a hefty lens (28-135 eg), would you trust that free head you get with the monopod?

I've got this (clicky) and the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head but there again I've got a 100-400 L IS lens to consider as well as the camera and grip.

Al

I bolt my camera straight onto the top of one of these

Edd

There's an excellent point. The monopod is rated at 10kg, but now I've found the head specs, it is only rated at 2.5kg

Ruling out the free head, I can start looking at different models.

It weighs a bit more, but you could use a normal tripod with just one leg extended.

I noticed at the weekend that one of the photo magazines is giving a Manfrotto monopod away to new subscribers. I didnt look into it though so thats as much as I know.

I already have a manfrotto tripod, so a manfrotto monopod would be the obvious choice as I can use the same head. If you have a tripod with a detachable head, may be worth seeing what the manufacturer does in single-legged versions...

I have a Giotto/Manfrotto head/tripod combination (can't remember which is which) so there should be a decent amount of cross compatability. Then again for all I know they could be the same company, but at the end of the day if they are functional, compatable and value then that ticks all of my boxes.

Provided they use standard 3/8" or 1/4" threads (I think they are the correct standard thread sizes) it shouldn't matter which combination of head and tri/monopod you have.
Some manufacturers may provide a few extra bells and whistles if you pair up their own kit but general compatibility shouldn't be affected.

As an aside, what do you use a monopod for (as opposed to a tripod)?
I can it being useful to gain height or see over a wall (using a remote release of some sort). Is that it or are there numerous other uses I'm missing here?

Stability when portability is an issue, or when you need to move whilst taking the shot. Panning during motorsports events, for example.

I've seen a few museums and galleries that say tripods are not allowed to be used. Using a monopod and therefore less floor area, you could get around the ban and still have the stability for no flash photography that these buildings also require.

You might want to try this:

http://www.instructables.com/id/String-Tripod/