best head for tripod/monopod switching?

[jevidon]

I have a 30D with a new 70-200 L and need a good tripod/monopod setup that's lightweight yet sturdy. Ideally I would like to have a single head that can be interchanged between tripod and monopod legs. I'd like to keep the price range under $400 but I'm open to suggestions beyond there if it's imperative. Thanks guys.

[OdiN1701]

Hmm...I dunno about that. What about having the tripod/monopod heads that both accept the same quick release plate?

I have a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod and also a monopod with swivel/tilt head and both accept the same quick release plate (Bogen 3157N).

The monopod head is a lot smaller. They make 3-way heads for monopods though, or you can get a ballhead.

Here's the tripod legs I recommend:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=217263&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

This is the tripod head that I have:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5263&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[jevidon]

i suppose that makes a lot of sense. I don't have that much experience with high-end tripods...

[OdiN1701]

Also here's the monopod I have:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353309&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[René Damkot]

RRS BH-40?

[jevidon]

yeah i guess a ballhead wouldn't make that much sense on a monopod. i have a really cheap tripod that appears to be doing the trick for me for right now, so maybe I should just focus on the monopod.....so bogen is the way to go then?

[René Damkot]

I have the Manfrotto (Bogen) Carbon One (449)
Quite like it lenght and stability wise, but my next monopod will probabely be a Gitzo: I don't like manfrotto's leg release system. (It's either too loose to hold the legs or too tight to use IMO)
There are certainly instances when a monopod could use a ballhead. (For instance when shooting up or down) For sports and the like, it probabely won't be needed.

[jevidon]

i really like the design of that gitzo monopod. one of my other uses for a monopod would be for mountaneering where a tripod isn't ideal to be lugged around. that gitzo monopod appears to double as a walking stick, if i'm not mistaken.

[jdkeck]

If you are looking for a reasonble priced and light monopod, the Feisol 1401 is a good choice. http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/photo-cm1401.htm . I just got one and happy with the quality. Ordered on Sunday, July 2, and received it on Thursday. It isn't the same level as the Gitzo 1257 tripod, but for what I want to use it for it should work fine. I have a 25mm RRS ballhead and clamp on top of the pod. The small ballhead doesn't lock that well, but I am interested in keeping the weight down and the pod isn't used for long exposures.

Jeff

[SkipD]

I would suggest that you get a Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 for your tripod AND a Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 for the monopod. That way, you don't have to keep swapping heads. You also would have - automatically - two quick release plates to put on your camera(s) and/or lens(es). I do believe you'd be well under your budget as well, even buying both ballheads. I can attest to the fact that they both work extremely on the recommended applications.

[rklepper]

That is exactly the stup I have and I live it. Great set of ballheads.


I would suggest that you get a Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 for your tripod AND a Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 for the monopod. That way, you don't have to keep swapping heads. You also would have - automatically - two quick release plates to put on your camera(s) and/or lens(es). I do believe you'd be well under your budget as well, even buying both ballheads. I can attest to the fact that they both work extremely on the recommended applications.