I wouldnt say the tripod is huge. Good tripod can last a lifetime, I'd personally invest in a more solid tripod. But compact tripod comes in handy once in awhile when you dont wanna lug a hefty tripod out.

Monopod is no substitute for tripod for even with the add-on legs, so if you didn't have a tripod at the first place, getting a tripod first is anytime a better choice than getting a monopod. My 680 + 322rc2 already cost 550RM and btw, you don't need quick release if you plan to use a head with the monopod unless the head you are getting doesnt come with a quick release....

It's simple, don't buy the cheapest, but pool the money you'd spend on a release plate + cheapest head for something better. If you need to buy a quick release plate, and a ball head that doesnt have quick release....you end up having your ball head stuck on yout camera/lens even after you released it, which makes little sense to have a quick release yet a ball head stuck at the bottom of the camera/lens, obstructing normal usage. With RM300 (quick release plate, and cheap ball head) you can already get a fairly good, if not very good, head with quick release.

I bought my 322 for 110usd shipped....it was actually 100usd..+ $10 shipping....a little over RM300. This sucker is so convenient and robust, it's gonna last me a very very long time. My philosophy in buying things is go for the optimum thing that you can get out of your $$, it doesn't need to be the best (and best in photography, espeically lens, is subjective and subtle with the pro leses, but the price is VAST!), but you sure as hell don't wanna get the cheapest/worst. If you can't afford the optimum stuff, don't buy it...save up, and come back later. I always try to get the most juice out of my money

Master in spending....maybe I buy most of my stuff from the states and have them shipped over here by my friend. If i had to buy it from Canada...it will cost alot more than what you guys pay in Msia.