I carry two Canon AE1's. They weigh a tonne but the pics are pretty good. Never used a Mono Pod but the pics I used to get published were alright. I also used to get paid by the drivers. So the cameras have actually cost me nothing. Had to sell the 500mm Zoom to finance a race car. Now only got 75-300mm and 75-210 plus the obligatory wide angle, 135 telephoto and 50mm lens'.
Still get some good shots though.
