Recommended monopod heads

Yup, I didn't know that about the tilt heads (and assumed they either weren't intended for a bare camera, or you were expected to use a 90 degree clamp adaptor); it makes sense. I hope the cheap ones have that feature too, should anyone have to find out the hard way! Thanks for educating me.

Yup, I didn't know that about the tilt heads (and assumed they either weren't intended for a bare camera, or you were expected to use a 90 degree clamp adaptor); it makes sense. I hope the cheap ones have that feature too, should anyone have to find out the hard way! Thanks for educating me.

 

I must caution about the value of any education coming from the likes of me! ;o)

JDM: Out of interest, I'm imagining you holding the monopod upright by the grip (so you effectively move the camera where you want and let the monopod follow), rather than separately holding the upper section - is that right?

 

Yep.

 

The still-made 322 "pistol" grip also works in both horizontal and vertical mode. I find the 222 grip more 'intuitive'

I mostly use this with my various catadioptric 500mm and up lenses.

I equip all of my cameras with an RRS L-Plate. That keeps the lens (and weight) centered for vertical shots. The Manfrotto "Grip" is offset 6" from center in that position. It won't hold it's position without assistance, unless resting on the stop. The version with a pistol grip is easier to use, but not by much. The only ones I see are used by parents for video on a monopod between their knees in the audience.

The whole idea behind a tilt head is that it is only locked down to the support vertically, and that allows movement similar to hand holding. What is being missed here is that there is more than one way to use a monopod.

Now you mention it, Ed, I like the "between the knees" idea. Or would if I had thinner thighs. :-)

"Combining the fore and aft swivel of the head with monopod rotation keeps me dead on target. I don't want the head to rotate because it's already swiveled..."

 

"The whole idea behind a tilt head is that it is only locked down to the support vertically, and that allows movement similar to hand holding."

 

Hmmm, but if the tilt is slacked off sufficiently for that, then I don't see any advantage over a similarly loosened ballhead. In fact the ballhead allows a smoother pan rotation, because you're not working against the friction of the monopod foot with the ground, and it's easier to keep the monopod rooted.

 

Another good use I find for a monopod is to lift the camera over the heads of a crowd at events. In such use it makes no odds whether a tilt or ballhead is used.

 

In short, I find a ballhead to be totally useable, if not perfect on a monopod. I do have a cheap and very lightweight monopod that came with a fixed tilt/swivel head, and I'd much rather use a ballhead thanks. But whatever works for you.

"Combining the fore and aft swivel of the head with monopod rotation keeps me dead on target. I don't want the head to rotate because it's already swiveled..."

 

"The whole idea behind a tilt head is that it is only locked down to the support vertically, and that allows movement similar to hand holding."

 

Hmmm, but if the tilt is slacked off sufficiently for that, then I don't see any advantage over a similarly loosened ballhead. In fact the ballhead allows a smoother pan rotation, because you're not working against the friction of the monopod foot with the ground, and it's easier to keep the monopod rooted.

 

Another good use I find for a monopod is to lift the camera over the heads of a crowd at events. In such use it makes no odds whether a tilt or ballhead is used.

 

In short, I find a ballhead to be totally useable, if not perfect on a monopod. I do have a cheap and very lightweight monopod that came with a fixed tilt/swivel head, and I'd much rather use a ballhead thanks. But whatever works for you.

 

Great, Joe! That last line says it all.

 

For your consideration, tilt heads have this advantage <

If this is what the RRS video is saying (sorry, no audio at work), then yes - a ball head can flop sideways when a tilt head can't, and with a typical long lens you don't have much torque to get it back in place. Unless you leave the ball head off-centre in its slot, of course, but that leaves you with slightly odd alignment on a monopod. A gimbal (hence the Manfrotto 393 being marketed for monopods) is better still, if you can take the size and cost. Without a big lens, I'd take a ball head for flexibility.

 

I've had the "floppy ball head" problem myself with tripods and long lenses, even though my Triopo will lock solidly for general use. Last time I was in Yellowstone I used my Arca d4 with the, er, "bank" axis locked and the other two free (until I needed to lock them or fine tune) to act like a pan/tilt head. It held up with a 200-500 and I've used it with a 200 f/2; I'd probably take a gimbal for anything bigger. (I've used the 393 with a 500mm f/4, but I'd rather have a proper single-sided gimbal; it's a bit wasted on a zoom.)

New (to me) info shows that the Kirk head employs double start screws to close their clamp, while RRS uses a single start screw in their clamp. Advantage to RRS for the single start screw which is less likely to loosen inadvertently. Kirk claims that they use a "marshmallow" type of grease to help prevent the screw from coming lose, while RRS does not need to do that. RRS has overtaken Kirk with this revelation, but I'll wait for a couple of days before I order in case additional new info changes my mind once more.

Why is that idiot in the video only putting one hand on the camera and lens?

 

You slack off the head slightly - just the once. Then you put both hands back on the camera and lens, like any sensible person would.

 

Does that guy also operate a zoom ring with his nose?

 

See, we can all make up silly scenarios to make a point!

Edited September 11, 2018 by rodeo_joe|1

Why is that idiot in the video only putting one hand on the camera and lens?

 

You slack off the head slightly - just the once. Then you put both hands back on the camera and lens, like any sensible person would.

 

Does that guy also operate a zoom ring with his nose?

 

See, we can all make up silly scenarios to make a point!

 

Maybe you should ask him, but I doubt that he, like many others, would apologize for preferring a tilt head on his monopod.

Another good use I find for a monopod is to lift the camera over the heads of a crowd at events. In such use it makes no odds whether a tilt or ballhead is used.

My monopods stay behind in the closet when traveling. However I rigged a CF boom pole (for sound) with a small ball head for a camera and a holder for an iPhone on the handle for remote viewing and control. The pole extends as much as 9 feet, which gives a point of view just short of a quadcopter without the irritating buzz.

Manfrotto 496RC2 tops my monopod.

Simple compact ball head works very well.

That video is BS.

You simply tension for resistance calibrated to the weight of camera and lens.

No need to continually adjust the tension knob.

Of course one has to use one’s brain and acclimate to knowing the tool.

It’s functionality is proportional to your skill.

Edited October 2, 2018 by Moving On

Additionally, referring back to that video.

How many hands does it take to mount the camera with the arca Swiss vs the RC2 ?

Carl, search for Sirui, Sunwayfoto or Desmond monopod tilt heads - maybe one of them will suit your needs. And no, I have no experience with them though I have considered a Sirui at one point (I don't use monopod anymore). I have in the past use a Manfrotto 322RC joystick head but its incompatibility with Arca-Swiss put me off in the end. Besides, it wasn't working too well considering it's just an upside-down ballhead - and I don't consider a ballhead on a monopod a good thing.

Carl, search for Sirui, Sunwayfoto or Desmond monopod tilt heads - maybe one of them will suit your needs. And no, I have no experience with them though I have considered a Sirui at one point (I don't use monopod anymore). I have in the past use a Manfrotto 322RC joystick head but its incompatibility with Arca-Swiss put me off in the end. Besides, it wasn't working too well considering it's just an upside-down ballhead - and I don't consider a ballhead on a monopod a good thing.

 

Thanks, Dieter, I'm aware of those. The monopod head is on hold for the time being.

For about $50, a Manfrotto Micro ball head actually works pretty well. You forego an Arca clamp, but Arca style plates have a 1/4"-20 threaded hole that will suffice for the type of service a monopod provides outside of a professional sports arena. It is short enough that it would be easy to manage keeping it aligned while adjusting. I have a couple of these for attaching various accessories to cameras and cages.

 

Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head 492 B&H Photo Video

For about $50, a Manfrotto Micro ball head actually works pretty well. You forego an Arca clamp, but Arca style plates have a 1/4"-20 threaded hole that will suffice for the type of service a monopod provides outside of a professional sports arena. It is short enough that it would be easy to manage keeping it aligned while adjusting. I have a couple of these for attaching various accessories to cameras and cages.

 

Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head 492 B&H Photo Video

 

Fine, Ed, but, I insist on Arca compatible, or forget about it. If you guys want to use ball head on a monopod, go for it, but I don't. I've already decided which monopod head I will get, when the time arrives. RRS screw clamp monopod head is my choice.

 

OTOH, I did ask for recommendations, so thank you for your response.

I have two monopods (and a Manfrotto "grip" head) , but haven't used either for nearly two decades. OTOH I carry a heavy tripod nearly everywhere, especially when traveling at home and abroad. I definitely prefer Arca connectors, but suggested in inexpensive device for starters in case a monopod doesn't work out for you. I can't think of another use for a 2-way RRS swivel, except for video de minimus.

Insist away.....

 

Don’t forget the Allen wrench.......

 

Somehow methinks the decision was already made.

 

Filed for future mental reference.

 

Can’t reconcile price aversion for a head with the cost of big glass on a DSLR....hmmmmm

Edited October 4, 2018 by Moving On

I have two monopods (and a Manfrotto "grip" head) , but haven't used either for nearly two decades. OTOH I carry a heavy tripod nearly everywhere, especially when traveling at home and abroad. I definitely prefer Arca connectors, but suggested in inexpensive device for starters in case a monopod doesn't work out for you. I can't think of another use for a 2-way RRS swivel, except for video de minimus.

 

It doesn't mater what you can think of, Ed. In this case it's about what I can thin of. Further this is not a "starter", which you'd know if you read this thread. It was never my intention to do everything the way you do it.

Insist away.....

 

Don’t forget the Allen wrench.......

 

Somehow methinks the decision was already made.

 

Filed for future mental reference.

 

Can’t reconcile price aversion for a head with the cost of big glass on a DSLR....hmmmmm

 

 

I wasn't looking for you into justify what I pay for. If you don't like me using a tilt head on my monopod you'll just have to get over it.

Let me be clear Carl.

I don’t care what you use.

You asked for recommendations, then acted rather rudely dismissive to everyone who made suggestions that weren’t what you’d already decided upon.

You’ve been given good advice from better photographers than I here.

 

I won’t ever waste my time with such an ego excursion with you again.

Enough.