I need help purchasing a monopod

[vanessa]

I currently shoot with a Canon XTI and just purchased a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for shooting youth sports (should be arriving any day!!!!). I can't affort the IS feature, so I'm settling for a monopod to help with camera shake issues. I am amazed at the range in price for a monopod! For capturing youth sports, can someone suggest a monopod that will meet my needs, but not waste my money???

[Mhudson]

Congrats on your new purchase. I picked up a Slik Pro Poc 381 Carbon Fiber monopod this past winter. I put Bogen/Manfrotto 3229 Swivel Tilt head with the quick release on it and I'm very happy with this set up. I haven't used it for sports yet (this weekend) but for what I have used it for, I'm very happy with it. Nice and light, very sturdy for shooting with a heavy lens. and tall enough that I don't have to bend over to use it if I'm standing up.