Manfrotto MM294A4 294 Aluminum 4 Section Monopod
I purchased this to use while photographing birds.  I have not used it too much and it is a bit difficult to shoot birds high up in the trees.  It is probably not the fault of the monopod, I just haven't gotten the hang of using it yet.  It is solidly built and fairly lightweight.  Not as light as the carbon fiber, but not as pricey either.  I like the dual thread design that Manfrotto uses for mounting the camera or head to the monopod.  It will accept either a 1/4&#34; or 3/8&#34; thread.  The 1/4&#34; is