Monopod Help

[rtronick]

Im looking at the following combo and would like some feedback.

Slik Pro Pod 381CF with a Slik Pro 800 Ball Head w/Quick release.

This monopod is light weight (.85lbs), but the ballhead is almost 4lbs.
The reason I would like to use this ballhead is I already have the quick release plates.
I will be using this setup with my Canon 30D w/ 400 5.6L

Links:
Pro Pod (http://www.amazon.com/381-CF-Carbon-Fiber-Monopod/dp/B00009R6P6)
Pro Ball 800 (http://www.amazon.com/Slik-Ball-800-Head-Release/dp/B00009R6Q2)

Thanks!

Randy T

[Grentz]

The ballhead is actually 2lbs.

Should work fine for what you liket hough, but one thing to consider is that with a 400 you do not need a ball head on a monopod. The tilt/swivel/pan is all done by moving the monopod itself.

Some still like ball heads on monopods, but especially with a long lens like the 400 it usually is not needed, except in select cases (like shooting up a steep hill or something).

[rtronick]

Thanks...I decided to go with the 800 Ball Head. I'm going on a national park tour this September, so I wanted to be prepared. I figured I could also use it on my Slik Pro 700DX if need be. I got the 4lb figure from the Slik website (http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-14-2b.html). You would think they would have the correct specs!

Randy T

[Grentz]

I got it from amazon and BH, so slik might be right, I dunno :p

[donaldjl]

The ballhead is actually 2lbs.

Should work fine for what you like though, but one thing to consider is that with a 400 you do not need a ball head on a monopod. The tilt/swivel/pan is all done by moving the monopod itself.

Some still like ball heads on monopods, but especially with a long lens like the 400 it usually is not needed, except in select cases (like shooting up a steep hill or something).

A true and excellent point. Depending on your lens selection and intended use, you may not need a ballhead.

Another option, lighter and less expensive than a ballhead, would be a swivel head, like the Manfrotto 3229 or 3232, depending on your choice of quick release plates. I'm all RC2, so the 3229 was my choice.