I'm going to try and use my Monopod a bit more later this summer when hiking in Tuscany. Previously I've always lugged the Tripod around in favour of the not 100% stable Monopod but it does tend to get a bit heavy after a while when a 10km hike unexpectedly turns into a 20km trek. Having recently read an article on the various ways of using a Monopod (article here if anyone else is interested http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3 ) and having put one or two methods into practice I now find that stability to be a lot improved. One of the draw backs to increased stability is that the camera is now no longer level so I have been considering fitting and using a ball head on the Monopod. This ball head would have to satisfy three criteria though: (a) be able to carry the weight of my 40D with a 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM fitted - I normally have the 17-40mm fitted but want to cover both eventualities, (b) not weigh a ton for obvious reasons and finally (c) a reasonable cost.

So the questions are: does anyone hike with their camera using perhaps a Leki walking pole fitted with camera connection or indeed any other type of Monopod and can offer alternative suggestions in using it that is not one of the methods contained in the above link? Alternatively, can any non hikers/non users of Monopods possibly suggest a strong but stable ball head that would fit onto the standard screw fitting?

Hi Alan, can't help with the monopod as I use a Manfrotto 790B monopod (£29) but it wouldn't be suitable for using as a trekking pole.  When hiking I hand hold, although am considering a Leki for my longer treks.

As for the ball head though, the Giotto MH1302-652 gets a good write up in this months ProTog.  400g, load 8kg, list price £70 (but they are always excessive so expect you can find one for £50.  If I was after a ball head then I would be going for this one.