Head for Monopod

[psychonaut]

ill probably never use a monopod myself because my mind just doesnt work like that. i have to plan the simplest things forever, a monopod vs a tripod wouldnt make me any faster.

but i think it can make a great present because not everybody has them. the monopod itself i would have no problems picking out, but the head for it im not so sure about.

let me think out loud what a head for monopod i am GUESSING should be like.

1 - light
2 - quick locking mechanism
3 - does NOT need any friction control or panning base ???

and last but definitely not least

4 - have ARCA type clamp

----------------------------

i would like you guys to verify if those points make sense and suggest any ballheads that fit those criteria ?

thanx

:)

[SkipD]

The only reason you'd want an ARCA clamp is if you're using that system for your tripod mount(s). I use the Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 quick release system for almost all my tripod and monopod heads.

The rest of your anticipated specs depend totally on how one would use the monopod. Some folks always use it while standing straight up and have the monopod always nearly vertical with the camera always nearly horizontal (lens axis parallel to the ground). Others, myself included, use a monopod/camera rig at many different angles and with the photographer in many different positions other than standing.

For versatility, I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head on my 680B monopod. It is good to be able to partially loosen the ball so that I can move the camera angle around during shooting. Frequently, I don't use the monopod as a tripod replacement (in other words going for a rigid mount) as much as I do to relieve the weight of the camera/lens from my arms for an extended period while waiting for my subject - typically wildlife - to appear while allowing for camera movement. I may even be seated during this time.

[Scottes]

I use the Bogen 3229 with RC2 QR plate. So it's not an Arca. I *think* you'd have to check with Kirk or Really Right Stuff for an Arca monopod head. There might be others, but I tend to doubt it.

[psychonaut]

The only reason you'd want an ARCA clamp is if you're using that system for your tripod mount(s)

i am. besides i deplore proprietary standards. if there is a good open standard then that is what i want to go with, not something that will lock me into one brand.

but the question remains - should a good monopod head be a small BALLhead ? or some other type ?

[Scottes]

I used a ballhead on my monopod for a long time. Eventually I switched to a Bogen 3229, which just tilts and swivels. I like it much more, since I thought a ballhead gave far too much freedom of movement. But others who use ballheads like them, and they do work well. I'd say that if you already have a ballhead then try it for a while before looking for a monopod-specific head.

[gasrocks]

Many people use a monopod without a head.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I use the Bogen 3229 with RC2 QR plate. So it's not an Arca. I *think* you'd have to check with Kirk or Really Right Stuff for an Arca monopod head.

Ditto.

the 3229/3232 is perfect and is capable of holding even my 500mm with a 1D2 on it.

You can get the 3229 with or the 3232 without the RC2.. I switched to Arca and use a 3232 with an Arca release..
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/media/full_size/monopod_swivel.jpg

(RRS web site even recomends this exact combo,
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html
and sells a perfect Arca clamp for the job)

But if you have no plans to go Arca,. RC2 is the next best choice ;)

[psychonaut]

well, the RRS BH-25 weighs only half as much as the manfrotto tilt head and has higher load rating at the same time.

what do you think ?

[Jon]

I used a ballhead on my monopod for a long time. Eventually I switched to a Bogen 3229, which just tilts and swivels. I like it much more, since I thought a ballhead gave far too much freedom of movement. But others who use ballheads like them, and they do work well. I'd say that if you already have a ballhead then try it for a while before looking for a monopod-specific head.I had the Manfrotto 3229-RC2 and switched to the 486-RC2 since I wanted more flexibility than the 3229 gave me, so it's clearly personal preference. You definitely don't need pan support on a monopod, though.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I enjoy a small ballhead on a monopod on occasion if I'm using light weight lenses,. (no larger than 100-400mm)

A small ballhead becomes out of the question when mated with a really heavy load. It's just dangerous :lol:

As for the weight rating of the Manfroto 3232.. I agree with what RRS says.. totally ignore this very underrated number. I use this head to hold 12 pounds or so regularly.

[condyk]

ill probably never use a monopod myself because my mind just doesnt work like that ...


I have a Manfrotto 488 RC2 and been very happy with it. I won't be changing until I buy CDS's 300-800 Sigma in 12 months. You don't need a panning head but if you have a mono and a tri well it's just easy and cheap to swap the head over and unclamp the panning for the tri. Lightness is relative. ARCA ... you need if you need and otherwise you don't.

[Jon]

I enjoy a small ballhead on a monopod on occasion if I'm using light weight lenses,. (no larger than 100-400mm)

A small ballhead becomes out of the question when mated with a really heavy load. It's just dangerous :lol:

As for the weight rating of the Manfroto 3232.. I agree with what RRS says.. totally ignore this very underrated number. I use this head to hold 12 pounds or so regularly.
Be honest - would you consider trusting your Sigmonster to a monopod, whatever the head?
;{)#

[Todd Jacobsen]

I enjoy a small ballhead on a monopod on occasion if I'm using light weight lenses,. (no larger than 100-400mm)

A small ballhead becomes out of the question when mated with a really heavy load. It's just dangerous :lol:

As for the weight rating of the Manfroto 3232.. I agree with what RRS says.. totally ignore this very underrated number. I use this head to hold 12 pounds or so regularly.

I use my 3232 in the same fashion. I will say that the 3232 does make quite a hefty piece of metal. It is by far, the weightiest part of my carbon monopod.

[Mike K]

A small ballhead becomes out of the question when mated with a really heavy load. It's just dangerous :lol:


For a big lens, 500 or 600 f4 or Sigmonster (300-800) probably any size ball head on a monopod is not appropriate as the whole affair would be top heavy and the ball head may flop over unexpectedly.

The real question is what are you going to use the monopod for? Just as one would use a Wimberly (or other brand) gimbal head for a large heavy lens that might be the answer for a monopod as well. If you are going to shoot sports, just a lateral pan may be the only large movement needed, thus perhaps no head at all is the best, just a clamp. If you are shooting flying birds and need to track their overhead motion, a gimbal head may be the most desireable. Thus the choice depends upon lens size and application, no one size fits all.
Mike K

[psychonaut]

well no, this was kinda the idea that it should be light for use with something light for an edge in mobility so to speak. something you could carry with you and literally forget you're carrying it. pod + head + clamp would only be 1.5 lbs total if i went with a gitzo CF pod and RRS 25mm head ( lever clamp option ).

gimbal head would kinda defeat that particular purpose.

and the arca clamp in that setup would be purely for compatibility ( to eliminate the need to change plates on cameras etc ) not performance.

ye i can imagine how a heavy load on a ballhead on a monopod would become a problem ... but i dont have any such load in mind.

[malla1962]

I have the bogen 3229 and it does what it says on the packet lol,it will support 6LB and at a nice price.:D

[primoz]

It depends what you are shooting but personally it doesn't even come to my mind to mount any kind of head to my monopod. I use it for sport (at least in 99.9% of cases) and even that only with longer lenses (300/2.8 and longer). So for that I got used to have it without any head. And when I think now it would just be to clumsy to have head there. But I do believe someone else would have different preferences.