Ballhead mistake for monopod??

[namasste]

Just got my Amvona ATH-A02 ballhead and man this thing is built solid! Thing is, now that I have shot a few games on the monopod, I'm starting to think I don't really need a head on it at all. It only came with the 1/4" screw so I'd need to get an adapter but before I do, what do you all think? Head or no head on the monopod?

[cdubya]

I only have a tilt head for my monopod,

[SHULTSIE!!!]

I use a tilt, but wish I spent the cash on a ball head...

[Dannydoo]

I found no need for head on monopod. Though I have a tilt head, only reason why I got was for the quick release. But thats just me.

[dicktay]

Three reasons:
(1) Give it a bit more height - if need be.
(2) Quick rlese plate.
(3) Allow the camera to be quicly moved to the portrait mode.

[StealthLude]

Ball head on a monopod isnt a mistake, its a good idea if you are going to use it.

I bought a monopod with a RC2 bogen quick release plate... I had both the same plates on my tripod and monopod and extra plates on all my lenses and cameras. Its so great since everything is compatible.

[SkipD]

Whether or not a ball head will give you any advantages on a monopod depends totally on how you use (or anticipate using) the monopod. If you do nothing with it other than stand erect with the monopod essentially vertical in front of you, a ball head won't offer you much. However, if you use your monopod like I do - various body and monopod positions and angles including, for example, sitting with the monopod at a fairly steep angle to the ground - then a ball head will allow you to work in these ways.

[Jon]

If you're shooting on the level, no, you probably don't need one. Many of us shoot at assorted angles and find one essential. Horses for courses . . .

[Sasquatch41]

I prefer a tilt head with a qr2 release plate to match my tripods. Never have to take the plates off of any of the cameras that way.

[Sp00ks]

I used my monopod without a ball head at first and I'm glad I have one now. There will be some point in time where you wish you had it.

[SHULTSIE!!!]

I love my Manfrotto 234RC Quick Release, but it is an inconvenience having to turn the quick release plate everytime I want to change the angle in elevation or portrait to landscape...

[namasste]

Awesome responses all, thanks. I should have given more info too. I use the mono for sports only right now. Mostly the standing/level position so the ballhead seems redundant on some level. I do shoot non sporting stuff too though and my plan is to use the mono instead of a tripod (since it's often not practical to use a tripod in my shooting environments) and thus the BH might come in quite handy.

On a side note, I am finding that I dislike the monopod for low perspectives shooting sports (although I love the low perpsective). Maybe the monopod will cure this a bit as well if I let it pan?

[nutsnbolts]

A quick release with the ballhead is very useful.

[DaveG]

Just got my Amvona ATH-A02 ballhead and man this thing is built solid! Thing is, now that I have shot a few games on the monopod, I'm starting to think I don't really need a head on it at all. It only came with the 1/4" screw so I'd need to get an adapter but before I do, what do you all think? Head or no head on the monopod?

I don't use a ball head on my monopod and that's because BOTH of the lenses that I do use on a monopod have a tripod collar. With a tripod collar a ball head becomes less than useful, and merely includes what I refer to as a "bad knee". That is, another needless joint.

With a tripod collar and your 70-200 (& I know that it has one) you can flip from horizontal to vertical in seconds AND you keep ALL of the weight directly over the 'pod, without hanging it off to one side. The camera/lens is as stable as you can get on a monopod and I don't see the slightest reason to use a ball head here at all. In fact after you've been using a monopod and a tripod collered lens for just a few minutes, you'll wish that ALL of your lenses had tripod collars!

One thing that I should explain. I don't consider a monopod a replacement for a tripod. I think of it as a replacement for hand holding. With a camera body, and a big heavy lens like a 70-200 or a 300 f2.8 I don't want the weight on my arms. It may look cool to handhold a 300 f2.8 but I can assure you that it won't last for more than seconds, and that the images aren't nearly as good as they could be. With shorter lenses the weight isn't as much of a problem so hand holding is more of a solution. Then when it's possible, I use a tripod for everything, and THEN a ball head has a lot of utility.

[JWright]

I love my Manfrotto 234RC Quick Release, but it is an inconvenience having to turn the quick release plate everytime I want to change the angle in elevation or portrait to landscape...

I use the same setup on my monopods, which I have converted to an Arca-Swiss clamp. I only use the pods on my 100-400 so switching to portrait orientation is done with the tripod collar. I don't look upon a monopod as a way to gain stability, but as a lighter and more compact alternative to using a tripod to support the weight of a heavy lens. Recently, I've spent more time handholding the 100-400 than supporting it on the monopod.

[jemann]

I use the 234RC tilt head on my monopod and the 322RC2 ball head on my tripod.

They both use the same plate, which is handy.

For me, a ball head on the monopod would have been pointless.

[Killjoy]

I have a ballhead on my monopod, and I do appreciate the flexability it affords me.
Even when shooting sports. I was at a soccer game, and switching to portrait mode let me focus on a player, as opposed to a play.

[asysin2leads]

I will mount the 70-200 f/2.8 IS w/ 2x converter to the monopod. Yes, I am manly enough to handhold it, but after 16 years in the fire service, I've learned one thing....work smarter, not harder. I have the Giottos MM5580 P-Pod w/ tilt head. However, I don't use it. I use the tripod ring on the 70-200 for what it's there for. I will loosen the tripod ring and rotate the camera into portrait mode as needed. Like others have said. It depends on what you're going to use it for. I don't feel the need for it, but that's just me.

[gcogger]

A ballhead is needed if you intend to get the maximum benefit from a monopod, rather than just using it to support weight. I find I use the thing at all sorts of strange angles depending on the circumstances. Here's a useful page with some ideas:

How to use a monopod (http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3)

I also use whatever is nearby to steady a monopod, e.g. a wall, fence, or furniture - in these cases you may not be able to use a tilt-only head.

Of course, one of the benfits of a monopd is the weight and adding a ballhead erodes that benefit. I use one of the ultra-light Velbon heads (well under 200g) which is strong enough for quite heavy lenses, although not the smoothest in use.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It depends on what goes on the monopod.
For "normal" camera and lens size, a Ballhead will do no particular harm, and adds the portrait option among other flexibilities.

If you are using the 'pod for large lens work, a ball head actually can create problems..
For this I use only a tilt head. Panning is of no use on a monopod, as the pod turns just fine.

Don't add a ballhead just for a QR.. a QR can be attached direct to a 'pod, or on a tilt head.

In essence, there are two strong opposing schools of thought

1. Ballhead good
2. Ballhead bad.

The two camps are not separated merely by opinion or experience, the preference has got a lot more to do with how the monopod is being used and with what equipment.

A sports shooter in a restricted area at an event with limited room, a 16 pound 400mmf/2.8 - 1D combo, that will never be tilting but only panning would only find a ballhead a hindrance and liability.

[JWright]

Next time you attend an NFL game or watch one on TV, take a look at what the pros are using. You'll notice most aren't using any kind of head on their monopods. All they are doing is using the pod to support the weight of the big, fast telephoto lenses necessary for that kind of shooting.

[nutsnbolts]

Next time you attend an NFL game or watch one on TV, take a look at what the pros are using. You'll notice most aren't using any kind of head on their monopods. All they are doing is using the pod to support the weight of the big, fast telephoto lenses necessary for that kind of shooting.

Well this isn't really a good suggestion. WE are not pro's and the use of our monopods (in a non-pro situation) leads us to better ourselves by allowing us to use our monopods for more than just support. They most likely use their monopods to support the weight but I'm pretty sure that 75% of us who gets a monopod in this forum doesn't have the lens that you see the "pro's" are using in the NFL game or any game for that matter.

Unless you are a sports photographer can this suggestion be applied to you. So in my opinion, a ballhead on a monopod is helpful.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Again, for both of the above posts, there is no right answer.

It depends entirely on the application and yes, the rest of the equipment involved.
Its' more than just sports, that was one example I used, and it's also apperently where JWright is focused.. but as another example, I often take my 500mm prime on birding hikes with a monopod as opposed to tripod... and again due to weight etc.. I find a Ballhead to be a poor choice. (although I have actually used a gimble head on a monopod! )

[nutsnbolts]

Here, let's put an end to this, get yourself a nice ballhead and if you need it, you have it. If not, you can remove the ballhead and you're still good to go.

[JWright]

Next time you attend an NFL game or watch one on TV, take a look at what the pros are using. You'll notice most aren't using any kind of head on their monopods. All they are doing is using the pod to support the weight of the big, fast telephoto lenses necessary for that kind of shooting.

Well this isn't really a good suggestion. WE are not pro's and the use of our monopods (in a non-pro situation) leads us to better ourselves by allowing us to use our monopods for more than just support. They most likely use their monopods to support the weight but I'm pretty sure that 75% of us who gets a monopod in this forum doesn't have the lens that you see the "pro's" are using in the NFL game or any game for that matter.

Unless you are a sports photographer can this suggestion be applied to you. So in my opinion, a ballhead on a monopod is helpful.

I think the point I was trying to make is that a lot of beginning photographers look upon a monopod as an inexpensive substitute for a tripod, which it isn't. A monopod, even under the best of conditions, is only marginally steadier than handholding and nowhere near as steady or stable as a good tripod.

[nutsnbolts]

I think the point I was trying to make is that a lot of beginning photographers look upon a monopod as an inexpensive substitute for a tripod, which it isn't. A monopd, even under the best of conditions, is only marginally steadier than handholding and nowhere near as steady or stable as a good tripod.

That's a point I can agree with!

[Tapeman]

I have a monopod with a built in tilt head. BTW I think a monopod is minimum 2 stops better than hand holding.