Monopod Heads

[dan_bgblue]

I have a Manfrotto 488RC2 head that I use on a 055XPROB tripod. Does Manfrotto make a monopod that will allow me to use the same ball head on both?

Thanks

[ed rader]

I have a Manfrotto 488RC2 head that I use on a 055XPROB tripod. Does Manfrotto make a monopod that will allow me to use the same ball head on both?

Thanks


yes. but i would recommend a manfrotto tilt head for the monopod.

ed rader

[MS-18E]

Why would a ball head not be advisable for use on a monopod?

[ed rader]

Why would a ball head not be advisable for use on a monopod?

first off for most types of shooting a ballhead wouldn't be necessary and in fact would be a hindrance. also a ballhead would add weight and increase the chance of of your gear flopping over.

i've seen lots of monopods in use and have only seen one guy use a ballhead...and that's my buddy who uses a ballhead with a handgrip for shooting macro. most guys use a tilt head or no head.

i've used a tilt head for years.

ed rader

[Jon]

Well, if you use the monopod with a lens with tripod mounting ring, the tilt head is plenty. If you use it with lenses that don't have tripod mounting rings, you'll want a ball head to get full freedom of motion. But Manfrotto's monopods have a 1/4-20 thread screw which accepts a 3/8-16 bushing so you can use any independent head (tilt, ball, or pan-tilt) on your monopod too. The 488 is overkill for a monopod; you don't need the separate pan action and can use the less expensive and less bulky 486RC2.

[SBK1]

yes. but i would recommend a manfrotto tilt head for the monopod.

ed rader

+1
FWIW: I tried a 488 on my mono, it was nasty and useless. Took it off about 30 seconds later. Using a full movement ball will just feel awkward and not give you any confidence in your work. In theory, a ball head sounds just like the ticket but in reality, it's a ticket to trouble.

[Lowner]

I use a Manfrotto 486 on my monopod. It was unsatisfactory in it's original role on my tripod, but has proved to be ideal in its current role.

Some users prefer to mount cameras on monopods without any form of adjustable head, others use the tilt head arrangement, but I find I need the full flexibility of a proper ball head. It depends to some extent on what the subject matter is but mainly on personal preference and how you use the monopod.

[RPCrowe]

I don't use the Manfrotto ball heads on my monopod - but, then I would not use an unmodified Manfrotto ball head on my tripod either.

I far prefer a head with an Arca Compatible quick release system. I use the Kirk BDA-1 swivel head (which is a Manfrotto swivel modified with an A/C quick release) so I can take advantage of the L-bracket from Really Right Stuff,

The L-bracket or L-plate keeps the center of gravity of the camera directly over the monopod leg and you don't have to hang a non tripod ring equipped camera/lens cantilevered over to the side as you do with standard non-A/C ball heads.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

I have two tripods and a monopod. Each is equipped with an A/C quick release system and my camera and lens plates are interchangeable among the three supports. Arca compatible systems are fairly expensive but, well worth it.