ball head advise

[dennisatmph]

Hi there

I saw a photographer use the 484 rc2 on his neotec monopod. I wondered how about the grip ones, like below.

Any one with any experience, would you stick to the 484 rc2 ( I want to use it with a neotec monopod which I will buy) or buy one of the grip ones below.

Kindly please share your experience with me



1. 484RC2 Mini Ballhead with Rapid Connect 2 (Quick Release) - Supports 8.80 lb (4 kg)
2. BOGEN 3265 GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD WITH QUICK RELEASE PLATE
3. Vanguard SBH-100 Small Magnesium Alloy Ballhead with Two Onboard Bubble Levels
4. Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N) - Manfrotto

[SkipD]

I use a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head on my monopod. I would NOT recommend the 484RC2 if you're going to use any heavy lenses, as it has a rather small ball and tends to creep under load.

I also would strongly suggest you stay away from any of the grip type heads on a monopod. You need both hands on the camera when using a monopod. Typically, if you're using a ball head, you will make one adjustment and leave that setting for the session. When you change your position (standing to sitting, for example), then you may want to change the head's position.

[dennisatmph]

I use a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head on my monopod. I would NOT recommend the 484RC2 if you're going to use any heavy lenses, as it has a rather small ball and tends to creep under load.

I also would strongly suggest you stay away from any of the grip type heads on a monopod. You need both hands on the camera when using a monopod. Typically, if you're using a ball head, you will make one adjustment and leave that setting for the session. When you change your position (standing to sitting, for example), then you may want to change the head's position.

Thanks SkipD.
I have canon 5dm2 and 50L and grip. Is that too heavy for the 484 rc2 version?

[SkipD]

Thanks SkipD.
I have canon 5dm2 and 50L and grip. Is that too heavy for the 484 rc2 version?It's getting there. If left straight up (or close to it), it would probably work. However, if you were to flop the rig off to the side for a "portrait mode" shot it would be likely to creep.

The 484 is a rather wimpy ball head when compared with the 486 or 488. The 488 is overkill for a monopod, but is perfect for tripod use.

There are several quick release systems in the Manfrotto line. Of those, the RC2 is the only one that is really sized appropriately for the EOS line of cameras and associated lenses. Therefore, the three ball heads in the series worth looking at are the 484RC2, 486RC2, and 488RC2. I own all three, by the way.

[dennisatmph]

It's getting there. If left straight up (or close to it), it would probably work. However, if you were to flop the rig off to the side for a "portrait mode" shot it would be likely to creep.

The 484 is a rather wimpy ball head when compared with the 486 or 488. The 488 is overkill for a monopod, but is perfect for tripod use.

There are several quick release systems in the Manfrotto line. Of those, the RC2 is the only one that is really sized appropriately for the EOS line of cameras and associated lenses. Therefore, the three ball heads in the series worth looking at are the 484RC2, 486RC2, and 488RC2. I own all three, by the way.

Thanks SkipD, I also forgot to mention I have canon 580ex2. am i pushing the limit to use the 484 on the neotec monopod?

[Jon]

I wouldn't use either a 484 or one of the "grip" heads with a monopod. I have the 322RC2 and hardly ever even use it on my tripod. It's good for fine adjustment if you're going to leave the camera there but if you're changing the camera around much it's a real pain in the forearm muscles. Think of using a grip strengthener. Go for a 486RC2 on a monopod - holds a reasonable load without being too heavy.