Thanks for the info.

FWIW, I have two monopods. A carbon fiber Gitzo G1568 and a Manfrotto Neotec 685B. Since buying the Neotec, I've never used the Gitzo which seems a waste because it's a fine monopod. However, using a Manfrotto 3229 swivel head on the Neotec, I can tilt the camera and raise and lower the monopod with one hand. This is extraordinarily handy because the length of the camera/lens (attached to swivel head at their combined center of gravity) means the viewfinder of the camera can pivot up and down well over a foot depending on whether I'm shooting up into a tree or down onto the ground. Since the Neotec's height can be changed with its single-handed trigger mechanism, I don't have to stoop down or stand on tiptoes to see through the viewfinder, and I don't have to use both hands to change the height as I have to with the Gitzo. Although the Neotec is handier and lighter than a tripod in the field, that comes at a price: less stability than what a tripod offers. I'm hoping to find a better way to gain monopod stability or by somehow making the tripod arrangement more convenient.

Does anyone have experience with the Manfrotto Shoulder Brace (3248 or 361)? It might be the ticket for the compromise I'm looking for. The Benbo sounds great but I think it's too heavy.