Really Right Stuff: new Monopod Head!

[b.d.bop]

Really Right Stuff just released their new MH-01 High Capacity Monopod Head (http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=MH-01&eq=&Tp=) <----click

I'm betting this will be a big seller. :D

[gymell]

Yes, I just got their catalog yesterday and saw it. Looks like the perfect thing for using my 500 f/4 on my monopod. I have their pro clamp already, so I will definitely be trying out this head.

[jdizzle]

I saw that too. I will be purchasing one myself. =)

[Double Negative]

That is sweet.

[René Damkot]

Sure looks nice. It's also expensive... Then again, not as ridiculously priced as the one by Acratech (http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=LLH&Category_Code=Ballheads) :p

[sneakerpimp]

yes, quite pricey for what it is, so i'll have to choose a more economical solution.

[LBaldwin]

yes, quite pricey for what it is, so i'll have to choose a more economical solution.

I don't thinks so. The Wimberley is much more expensive and that is what I had planned on getting to solve this issue!

I would like to play with one on my 400 2.8 first just to get a feel for it, but it looks like the right answer.

[chris1911]

Sure looks nice. It's also expensive... Then again, not as ridiculously priced as the one by Acratech (http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=LLH&Category_Code=Ballheads) :p

How about this (http://www.adorama.com/NVBHC5Q.html)

Or this (http://www.adorama.com/AWC1.html):shock:

[Jannie]

That Acratech one looks cool, looks huge, the link above to the RRS one is only the base, you put their special plate adaptor on top, it comes with the thumbscrew or quick release and yes for even more money. http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?Cc=TripodsMono&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

[LBaldwin]

I looked at many of the ball heads and I just don;t like them. I want a device that locks exactly where I put it - no fade- and allows for controlled pan and tilt.

[Jannie]

My brother switched from the Acratech (which I now have) and got the largest RRS on a think a Gitzo 3550 and says it locks solid. I don't know about the vairable tension but I do that with my Acratech sometimes, what you are asking for is a fluid head and they can be iffy, I worked with them shooting motion over the years and always found the best ones were always the heaviest ones made on the heaviest tripods made. Of course the cameras were super heavy too. Even on a camera dolly I'd have the key grip make sure it was tight cause when you make the slightest change back from right to left or whatever, if it isn't tight there will be a little bump in your camera move and it'll be hell when your sitting there the next day viewing the footage.

Granted it may not be quite as critical but I know what you mean, it's one of the first things I noticed when I got reunited with still equipment last year and that is I wanted to move with the subject while on the tripod and shoot as I go just like when hand held.

You could do it but if you've ever complained about setting up a still tripod and the moments that takes get ready to slow down, you gotta plant the legs firmly, my assistant when outside would always step on each foot which has a sidebar to the spike and make sure they were embedden in the ground, maybe putting a sandbag on the foot of each leg...I could go on, stills seem like such a treat equipment wise, and the ability to use flash/strobes or extended exposures, OMGosh it's wonderful, I had so much fun today messing around with some table top shooting using window light, I felt like Rembrant back in the good old days and it was thrilling. Okay, I do go on don't I...

[RPCrowe]

I have in the past tried ball heads on a monopod and I gave up that idea.

I like a ball head for my tripod IF I am not following action.

I use the Kirk MPA-1 (which is basically a Manfrotto monopod head with a Kirk Arca Compatible Q.R.) for a lot of my stuff on a monopod. It is light and handy and does what I want to do with it. I like the Arca Com[patible quick release because I believe that there is no better way to mount a camera to a tripod than the Really Right Stuff L-Plate.

However, if I specifically know that I will be following action such as following a hydroplane; I will use the Manfrotto 3421 long lens support. I use this support with my 400mm f/5.6L lens on a Manfrotto 681 monopod or a Giottos MT-8180 tripod. The 3421 works well on both the tripod and on the monopod.

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html

[dbdors]

Yes, very expensive, $150 plus you still need a clamp!! I prefer the Kirk MPA-1. Or put together your own kit, you can get the Manfrotto/Bogen swivel used on Ebay and even a used clamp. But $91 ain't all that bad.