>>2939732Yeah, if you only have one near-future project you want a gimbal for, renting one is 100% the smart decision. At least then you can choose to buy or not based on experience.
I have the Manfrotto MVM500A tripod, and it's well-suited to video. Very sturdy, good fluid mechanisms, and hefty enough to really be useful for video. I don't know if I'd take it hiking or whatever unless I was planning to get really bitching footage.
This uses the 501PL plate, which is big and long, so I don't think it'll be compatible with your tripod (I'm still planning to match mine up. When my budget video tripod dies on me I'll do it). It does have a very nice release mechanism, though. You slot one side of the plate in all at once and push the camera down into the head, where it locks against sliding all the way out in either direction. Release is about as easy, too. (Throw the included strap in the trash, though. It kept loosening itself and falling off. I wouldn't trust it.)
That all being said, I've not had much experience with other video monopods; there may be a better option out there for your intentions.
Post back with your findings, I'm always looking for stuff to recommend to people.
