Good Monopod Head?

[Pilot Dane]

I am looking for a quality head to use on my monopod. I tend to have my 50D and 100-400L. I often hike with the monopod on my shoulder so the camera is hanging on the end of the monopod behind me so I am looking for something very secure.

I have found the Manfrotto 234 and 234RC which has a quick release plate. How secure is the quick release plate? I am concerned about my camera somehow coming loose.

Are there any other brands or types of head I should consider for a monopod?

[SkipD]

I am looking for a quality head to use on my monopod. I tend to have my 50D and 100-400L. I often hike with the monopod on my shoulder so the camera is hanging on the end of the monopod behind me so I am looking for something very secure.

I have found the Manfrotto 234 and 234RC which has a quick release plate. How secure is the quick release plate? I am concerned about my camera somehow coming loose.

Are there any other brands or types of head I should consider for a monopod?What do you use for a head on a tripod?

How do you plan to use your monopod? I, for example, use mine in many ways - while standing, while seated on a chair, while seated on the ground, leaning up against a tree, etc. Because I use my monpod in many ways and with lenses that may or may not have a tripod ring, I use a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head on my monopod.

I use a Manfrotto 488RC2 and a couple other heads with their ...RC2 quick release system on my tripods. Thus, I don't have to swap quick release plates on my bodies and lenses when I use either a tripod or my monopod.

[Pilot Dane]

I generally use the monopod while hiking/walking and my shots are split between standing, kneeling and sitting on the ground. Mostly I am shooting wildlife so I often have to move quickly and quietly.

I am currently looking for a tripod and ball head so I am not tied to any brand or mounting system yet. I was trying to avoid a ball head since up/down is the only axis I need when using the monopod. I also am not sure about managing a bigish rig (50D & dust pump) in one hand, loosening and adjusting the ball head and positioning the monopod. It seems like an awful lot of things in motion. (I have a new Gitzo G1178M ball head that I am thinking of returning. I suspect it would be a bit small for supporting my rig while slung over my shoulder though I have never tried it).

[SkipD]

I generally use the monopod while hiking/walking and my shots are split between standing, kneeling and sitting on the ground. Mostly I am shooting wildlife so I often have to move quickly and quietly.

I am currently looking for a tripod and ball head so I am not tied to any brand or mounting system yet. I was trying to avoid a ball head since up/down is the only axis I need when using the monopod. I also am not sure about managing a bigish rig (50D & dust pump) in one hand, loosening and adjusting the ball head and positioning the monopod. It seems like an awful lot of things in motion. (I have a new Gitzo G1178M ball head that I am thinking of returning. I suspect it would be a bit small for supporting my rig while slung over my shoulder though I have never tried it).I often use my 20D and 70-200 f/2.8L IS (heavier than the "dust pump") on my monopod. It is extremely easy to adjust the angle. One does not need to completely loosen the tension on a ball head. Just loosen the knob enough to be able to move the ball but with friction on it. When you've found an appropriate position, re-tighten the main knob.

If you use no lenses that do not have a tripod ring, a single-axis head for your monopod will work. However, the ball head gives you the position versatility with a camera that has a lens with no tripod ring on it.

[jhom]

Have you considered the Manfrotto 3232 or RRS monopod head? These are tilt heads that provide you the movement you want.

[ccookdo]

I would go with the RRS heavy duty head- you will always want something with better capacity. I had the Manfrotto but I did not like the QR plate system. Get something that uses the Arca system.

[Pilot Dane]

Isn't the Manfroto 3232 a car window clamp?

Thanks for the heads-up on RRS. I never thought to check them for a monopod head. I like the look of their MH-01 monopod head with a B2 Pro II clamp. When I am hiking through the brush with my monopod on my shoulder and camera hanging off the back I really do not want to be worrying about something letting go.

RRS is having some problems with the shopping side of their website right now. I am not able to check pricing. Worst case I'll give them a call tomorrow.

[Grentz]

Isn't the Manfroto 3232 a car window clamp?

Thanks for the heads-up on RRS. I never thought to check them for a monopod head. I like the look of their MH-01 monopod head with a B2 Pro II clamp. When I am hiking through the brush with my monopod on my shoulder and camera hanging off the back I really do not want to be worrying about something letting go.

RRS is having some problems with the shopping side of their website right now. I am not able to check pricing. Worst case I'll give them a call tomorrow.

No, the 3232 is a tilt head for monopods. The 3229 is the QR version of it. These are the old model numbers for the now 234 and 234RC. Personally I love the 3229 on my monopod ;)

The MH-01 monopod head with a B2 Pro II clamp is a $226 kit from them, nuts IMO for a monopod head setup. The 3229 is the same thing really, just not as nice of a QR (but you can get the 3232 and put a RRS QR plate on it http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/03.html) and is $35.

The stupid thing is that the manfrottos are only rated to 6lbs, but in reality they can hold LOTS more than that easily. RRS uses this to their advantage in their marketing saying how the 3232 is only rated to 6lbs and theirs is to 75lbs, in reality they are both probably about the same though as both use solid metal parts with a single large bolt through the middle. RRS even used to say themselves how the 3232 + their QR setup could hold way more than 6lbs, but has since taken that down now that they sell their own "high capacity" version and now call the manfrotto setup "wimpy" and "low capacity". Clever marketing eh? ;)

Still, use your own judgement with regard to weight. The RRS is a beautiful piece, just not worth $150 (for the head alone, no QR), IMO!

[Pilot Dane]

I ended up purchasing the Manfrotto 234 and I have taken a couple day hikes through the woods and I love it. It is surprisingly sturdy and can hold my 50D w/ 100-400L at any angle. It also adds a couple inches height to my monopod rig which is a big help when taking photos overhead. An incredible deal for less than $20.

The Really Right Stuff (RRS) webpage mentions that you need to order a new threaded stud to mount the 234 onto a Gitzo monopod without the round platform. I just removed the 1/4-20 reduction insert from the base of the 234 which left the 3/8-16 threads and it tightened down perfectly on top of my monopod without the big round platform, giving a sleeker look while shedding a couple uneeded ounces.

[Actionphoto]

I use a manfrotto 234rc2 with my manfrotto monopod. It supports my 50D and 100-400 nicely. However I did stiften up the freeplay when purchased by inserting a fibre washers to take up some of the play. Works great now. I mainly use it for panning and position the swivel so that the lens can be tilted up and down to follow track motor bike action, whereas the tilt action on the 234 is mainly designed to allow you to shoot in portrait format.
Providing the brass safety lock lever is in the lock position I have had no problems with the QR coming loose.
Cheers,
Bob.

[iacas]

The stupid thing is that the manfrottos are only rated to 6lbs, but in reality they can hold LOTS more than that easily. RRS uses this to their advantage in their marketing saying how the 3232 is only rated to 6lbs and theirs is to 75lbs, in reality they are both probably about the same though as both use solid metal parts with a single large bolt through the middle. RRS even used to say themselves how the 3232 + their QR setup could hold way more than 6lbs, but has since taken that down now that they sell their own "high capacity" version and now call the manfrotto setup "wimpy" and "low capacity". Clever marketing eh? ;)

I didn't experience any problems with the 3232 and a 70-200/2.8LIS, but had a fair amount of slipping with the 300/2.8L. So while six pounds might be a bit low, I don't think it's great with much more.

All of the slipping occurred while I was carrying the whole rig over my shoulder, of course.

Call it clever marketing, but these are my experiences. I've since ordered an RRS MH-01 with a B2-Pro II, sold the 3232 and the B2-Pro, and couldn't be happier.

As others have said, it's a $30 part, and I'm just not comfortable keeping a $5k on top of a $30 part, especially with the slipping.

[jr_senator]

...while seated on the ground...

Skip, you can still get on the ground and back up again? Do it while you can.:eek:

[ed rader]

I didn't experience any problems with the 3232 and a 70-200/2.8LIS, but had a fair amount of slipping with the 300/2.8L. So while six pounds might be a bit low, I don't think it's great with much more.

All of the slipping occurred while I was carrying the whole rig over my shoulder, of course.

Call it clever marketing, but these are my experiences. I've since ordered an RRS MH-01 with a B2-Pro II, sold the 3232 and the B2-Pro, and couldn't be happier.

As others have said, it's a $30 part, and I'm just not comfortable keeping a $5k on top of a $30 part, especially with the slipping.


so what was slipping .... the QR plate? i use the 3232 topped with a kirk QR and also have a fitted kirk QR plate mounted on the tripod ring foot of my 100-400L.

i'd also use this rig with a 300L f2.8 but i probably wouldn't sling my camera over my shoulder because my rule is to wear the neckstrap whenever a camera is in my hands :D.

i previously used a manfrotto tilt head (predecessor to 3232) with manfrotto QR.

i actually liked that system alot. the only thing i didn't like was that the plate would rotate at times. but other than that i like the way the QR snaps into place and locks very quickly.

i used this set-up on safari in africa and it was very quick and effective.

the kirk QR takes more time to attach to lens and more time to tighten down. but other than that it works great too.....and doesn't "slip" :D.

ed rader

[iacas]

so what was slipping .... the QR plate? i use the 3232 topped with a kirk QR and also have a fitted kirk QR plate mounted on the tripod ring foot of my 100-400L.

The QR plate was a RRS screw clamp. It didn't budge. The 3232 slipped - it was perpendicular to the monopod, and after carrying it around, I'd get to my next shooting spot and it might have moved 10 or 15 degrees.

So no, not the QR plate. The actual head: the 3232.

[2new]

I didn't experience any problems with the 3232 and a 70-200/2.8LIS, but had a fair amount of slipping with the 300/2.8L. So while six pounds might be a bit low, I don't think it's great with much more.

All of the slipping occurred while I was carrying the whole rig over my shoulder, of course.

Call it clever marketing, but these are my experiences. I've since ordered an RRS MH-01 with a B2-Pro II, sold the 3232 and the B2-Pro, and couldn't be happier.

As others have said, it's a $30 part, and I'm just not comfortable keeping a $5k on top of a $30 part, especially with the slipping

I had the exact same experierience as Erik only worse. My 300 2.8 cam crashing to the ground while shooting a sporting event. Soon after I Made the switch to the MH-01. It is far better for the heavier glass. No question.

Michael

[Grentz]

Probably with those very heavy lenses the RRS head is better. Either way I would not sling it over my shoulder though, even with the most expensive tripod I am not comfortable carrying expensive gear that way.

[jr_senator]

...I would not sling it over my shoulder though, even with the most expensive tripod I am not comfortable carrying expensive gear that way.

indeed

[iacas]

Either way I would not sling it over my shoulder though, even with the most expensive tripod I am not comfortable carrying expensive gear that way.

You're in a small minority from what I can tell. The pros carry their monopods like this all the time (the times I've seen them).

The weight rests more on the lens, anyway. The lens collar and the lens itself rest over the shoulder.

It's not like you're resting the middle of the monopod on your shoulder and the lens and head a foot out in space behind you. The lens "drapes" over your shoulder and down your back. You've gotta balance it - which is roughly where the lens collar foot is anyway.

It's really only when lifting it off of or onto your shoulder that you might put a lot of stress on the monopod head.

[Grentz]

You're in a small minority from what I can tell. The pros carry their monopods like this all the time (the times I've seen them).

I know I am, I still wouldn't do it.

The forces on the connecting parts of the tripod/monopod and head are huge with larger glass and while many do it fine, there have been plenty of stories of failures and gear ending up on the ground. You are putting huge leverage on the many times single bolts that hold things together, even when you drape it over your shoulder.

I much prefer a quick connect plate and then carrying the two separately.

[iacas]

The forces on the connecting parts of the tripod/monopod and head are huge with larger glass and while many do it fine, there have been plenty of stories of failures and gear ending up on the ground. You are putting huge leverage on the many times single bolts that hold things together, even when you drape it over your shoulder.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that. I see most of the force being put on the foot/collar.

I've seen and heard of things breaking, but rarely when carrying. Most - IIRC - seem to be when people are moving the monopod around.

When my 300 is on my monopod, the foot and lens body rest on my shoulder - the monopod head is "hanging" there and not supporting any weight. I just checked. And from what I've seen of pros carrying longer lenses, same thing. And even when they do support a little weight, it's not like the lens is free hanging - it can't move far before the person's shoulder would stop/cushion the movement.

[Grentz]

We'll have to agree to disagree on that. I see most of the force being put on the foot/collar.


What is the foot/collar connected to! :p

Anyways, I know not everyone agrees with my idea on this. Just like protective filters, some use them, some dont.

[iacas]

What is the foot/collar connected to!

The lens. The head is, when I carry it, simply supporting the weight of the monopod.

Anyways, I know not everyone agrees with my idea on this. Just like protective filters, some use them, some dont.

I also don't. And none of the pros I've ever seen use them.