Reddit reviews Sirui P-204SR P Series Monopod

Yes, the 18-105 does have some vignetting and distortion on full frame bodies. From what I have heard, it is not actually too bad and easily correctable. You could search google for "sony 18-105 on full frame" to see what others say.

I have heard good things about the Konova K2, just keep in mind it is long and not so portable. If portability is not an issue for you, I'd say it would be a good choice for a slider. Just make sure you also have a good fluid head to go on top. As long as your tripod has a fluid head for panning and tilting and can support plenty of weight, you should be fine. Depending on the video work you do, a monopod may have differing levels of importance. I know wedding videographers and event videographers that say they operate 80-90% on their monopod. I also know corporate videographers that say they almost never use theirs. Up to you. As for options, here is a good cheaper one that has bigger brothers too, both sizes available in flip or twist lock. Here is a slightly more expensive one that is better at standing up on its own and also has bigger brothers and flip lock versions with bigger brothers. Here is the newer manfrotto version with brothers one that stands up on its own. There is also the older manfrotto one with no locking base and different flip locks. For the ones that stand up on their own, I would not recommend leaving them alone but some say it helps in certain situations. Also, most of these monopods have flip vs twist lock versions and aluminum vs carbon fiber versions. For any of your other gear, I can let you know what I think of it if you link to it.

As you describe the videos, I'd recommend using your shotgun mic for the dialogue or a lav mic.

Let me know if I can help more!

Personally, I just use the monopod that's built into my Manfrotto Fotopro C51, which is an okay-ish monopod. But I've heard amazing things about the Sirui, and it'd be my top pick if I were going to buy a proper monopod!

This Sirui Monopod has a detachable base that can quickly convert to a tiny tripod. It's a great Monopod to boot.

In my personal experience a standing video monopod is way less stable than a lighter and more compact tripod, especially if on a soft wooden floor. I use a Sirui monopod for my Rift DK2 camera now, mostly because it fits behind my desk, but then that small footprint also is what makes it less stable than a tripod.

In the end it depends on what balance of height, stability, weight and footprint you want. I have more often brought the tripod with me as it fits in my backpack and only weights 1kg. It ends up about 10cm or so lower than the monopod but that's hardly any difference IMO.

The tripod is older and pretty much out of production which explains the price, I paid about CAD 165 when I got it.

First off, I wouldn't get the mark 1 lens with GH5. Spend the little extra money if you're going for a Panasonic lens and get the mark ii to use in body image stabilization. Basically it would come down to a choice between a cheaper lens and a gimbal or a lens with dual IS. However, the camera + the IS 2 lens would be your budget, and there's certainly lots of other stuff to buy when getting started.

This is a set up I have used with the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera and it works great, fully expect it to look even better with the GH5:

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-LUMIX-LEICA-SUMMILUX-H-X015/dp/B00J8H7H48/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1493994405&sr=8-5&keywords=panasonic+14mm

https://www.amazon.com/Zhiyun-Crane-Brushless-Handheld-Stabilizer/dp/B01I2MWUOG/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1493994394&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=zhiyun+crane&psc=1

That is a lightweight 14mm 1.7 lens (works great in low light) and the most affordable gimbal on the market. I also have access to a Ronin-m at work, and I have to just say, the shots you can get on both are different, but the Zhiyun is soooo much easier to set up and get great shots with. Plus it fits into a small backpack and is far less to lug around. I would also recommend either one of these monopods to use with this system:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=554095&gclid=CLPR1In82NMCFdgKgQod580D0w&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C%7Bcreative%7D%2C%7Bkeyword%7D&A=details&Q=

^ This is a great set up with the Crane. What I do is velcro the included remote to the lower point of the monopod and use it to control the crane manually. I can then extend the pole (even smoothly while filming) and essentially have my own hand held jib anywhere I go.

https://www.amazon.com/Sirui-SUP204SR-Photo-Video-Monopod/dp/B00I5NKCNE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493994900&sr=1-1&keywords=sirui+monopod

^This version is a bit heavier, but also a touch more stable. You can not smoothly lengthen the pole while filming, but this monopod has the added version of feat attached to the bottom. You can set it up at its shortest and it will stand on its own as long as it's not windy. Great for setting up shots in the wild that you would also like to be in. I put a quick release plate between each point of contact (Quick release on the monopod -> crane, and quick release on crane -> camera), and you can just as easily set it down on the feat and detach from camera with no issues.

Now, something to consider is that you could get two GH4's (on ebay, around $700 each) for the price of one GH5. I guess that would depend on if you have others filming with you and whatnot. I think it really depends upon what you're wanting to film. Like for example, what exactly would you do with the drone and how would it help your footage? If you think that you need landscape shots and what not, then it's probably best to jump down a level in camera for a decent drone.

Some other things to consider that you might need:
-External Mic
-Tripod
-Extra batteries
-Fast enough SD card to record 4k (Sandisk Extreme)

Another camera to consider may be the Sony a6500 for around $600 cheaper.

Sirui P-204S.

It's a bit expensive, but:

• The build quality is amazing.
  
• The camera sits right at eye level when fully extended, which is super important for 360°.
  
• The legs are almost invisible at the bottom of the photos/video.
  
• Breaks down into a bunch of different configurations.
  
• Super light for being solid aluminum. Seriously think you could club someone to death with it and it probably wouldn't even bend.
  
  Gear 360 is pretty much permanently attached to mine.