Monopod + Head recommendations?

[FlipsidE]

Since I'm thinkin of shooting a bit of action starting in April or so, I want to make sure I know what I need (mainly monetarily) before I make the commitment to try it.

Anyone have any good monopod + head recommendations (can be in a combo or not...either way)?

Thanks

FlipsidE

[KennyG]

You don't need a head with a monopod. Bogen/Manfrotto, Velbon and Gitzo are all good makes. Just get one that is tall enough, collapses short enough and will take the weight of your equipment plus 30%.

[FlipsidE]

Wow, that seems a tad easier than choosing a tripod!! Thanks for the info!

FlipsidE

[CoolToolGuy]

With all due respect to Kenny G., I disagree. Depending on what you want to use it for, a ballhead on a monopod can be very useful. It allows you to keep the camera level as you move and pan with the action. And if you want to switch to a vertical shot, there is no way you can do that with the camera screwed directly to the monopod.

This is a discussion that comes up almost every time someone asks about a monopod. I'm sure some folks go without them and are very happy with that decision. But there are others (like me) who wouldn't have a monopod without a head. You will have to make up your own mind.

I have Manfrotto, and I use the same quick release system for my tripod and monopod - I can keep the same plate on the camera all the time. I have the carbon fiber monopod to keep the weight down, and I use the 486RC2 head. The 486 can handle the weight of my kit while not adding too much weight to the monopod.

Have Fun,

[FlipsidE]

I could definitely see the need for a ball head for a camera with no tripod ring on the lens. But, for the lenses that have tripod rings, I don't know if it would really be all that necessary, would it? I'm lookin to get my hands on a 100-400L for the action shots, and I *think* (though can't guarantee) that it comes with a tripod ring...at least it's pictured with one on B&H's site.

FlipsidE

[CoolToolGuy]

I guess you'll have to find that out on your own. Everyone has their own requirements.

[wolf]

I agree with cooltool.
I used a headless monopod for a couple weeks and found it quite limiting when panning and titling. I also purchased the 486 head and find it works great for all situations and is built well. I use it with my Bigma all the time.

[LarryB]

I've found the Bogen/Manfrotto 680/680b (680 = chrome....680b = black) to be quite sufficient for shooting sports. It is short enough to use when seated (say...on the sidelines of a basketball court) and can be extended enough to use while standing. I'm 5' 10". I suppose if you are 6' 8" it would not be tall enough.

I do not use a head because all the lenses I use with it have lens collars. I do, however, use the Bogen/Manfrotto quick release system and keep a plate on each lens collar.

Cost for the 'pod is ~$45 without the quick release.

[scottbergerphoto]

I use a SLIK 380 CF, Carbon Fibre monopod with an Acrtech Ultimate Ballhead. The CF monopod is very light yet very durable.
Scott

[blackviolet]

i use the 679b with the 234rc. it has the rc2 plate receiver and it will tilt if i ever use a lens without a collar.

personally, i found any other head too slow and cumbersome for sports use. i could definitely see its use for wildlife or landscapes.

i'm hoping gitzo or manfrotto put out a basalt monopod soon 8)

[KennyG]

i use the 679b with the 234rc. it has the rc2 plate receiver and it will tilt if i ever use a lens without a collar.

personally, i found any other head too slow and cumbersome for sports use. i could definitely see its use for wildlife or landscapes.

i'm hoping gitzo or manfrotto put out a basalt monopod soon 8)

I agree with the 234RC, in fact I have one here and it is ideal where the lens does not have a collar.

All I will say to those supporting the use of a head is, browse through the 'funpix' on Sportsshooter and count up the number of people who use any form of monopod head. I can't comment on its use for landscapes or anything non action as it isn't my scene.

[Scottes]

I found a monopod without a head to be a pain. Originally I used mine with a monster ballhead, but that was too big. Now I have a small tilt-swivel head which is much better, but I think that a small ballhead would be ideal.

I think it really matters what you shoot. If you shoot stuff that's far away and doesn't change altitude (football, cars) then no head is probably fine. You don't need to change the angle of the lens/camera for this stuff. So KennyG and most of the SportsShooters don't need or use one.

But if you're closer, and/or your subjects change altitude, then you're going to want a head so you can easily and quickly change the angle of the camera. Shooting birds or butterflies is difficult without a head - a head gives you far more options.

So if you're planning on shooting close-up volleyball or basketball then you might want a head. But for windsurfers or waterskiers then you could skip the head.

[Cadwell]

I'm with Kenny here. I used to have a Manfrotto ball head on my monopod but after carrying it around for several months and never actually adjusting it I decided it was a waste of time.

What I couldn't do without is my Manfroto 323 quick release assembly. Very useful with the long lenses.

[sGu]

I have a 234 RC2 head for my manfrotto 680 professional monopod, but NEVER used it once, most times I just mount a telephoto lens on it shooting away.

[CoolToolGuy]

I cannot dispute that many professional sports photographers choose to do without a head on their monopod(s), and that can be the right decision based on the type of access they have, the way they must move around with multiple cameras in tow, etc. If that works for them, fine.

I shoot a variety of different subjects, and have benefitted from the ballhead with most of them. I have used it at car races, and while I could have done without the ballhead or even done without the monopod for that matter, I did use it. I have also used it in a theater environment, while sitting in my seat, by running the monopod between my legs and using my feet to secure the bottom end. I assure you I was not there to take pictures of the ceiling, so a head of some sort is required to have the camera pointed in the right direction in that environment. I have used it during night football games, and benefitted from using the ball head with a wide-angle zoom and short telephoto that do not have a tripod mount.

The ballhead is a piece of equipment that is not absolutely required to record an image. There are alternatives. If you take a broomstick and add a 1/4 x 20 stud to the end of it you can have a basic monopod. If that meets your need, so much the better. I, on the other hand prefer something different. There is more than one 'right' answer.

Have Fun,