Bogen 322rc2 or the Bogen 222

[Tanglefoot47]

I am looking for a new head for my monopod and have narrowed it down to these two. But I sure would like to figure out which one would be the best to use. I had a 322rc2 many years ago but never used it but it seemed pretty nice. I am wondering if it would be awkward to use versus the 222 joy stick type.

Thanks for any imput you can give me

Mike

[JWright]

Either of these two heads is really overkill on a monopod. The primary purpose of a monopod is to support the weight of a large camera/lens combination. In most cases, the combination is supported by the tripod collar on the lens, allowing it to be rotated to portrait orientation easily. A tilting head with a QR plate is a good setup for a monopod.

http://www.adorama.com/images/large/BG3229.JPG

[SYS]

I agree with John. I use a tilt head with a QR for my monopods and 322RC2 for my studio tripod. I wouldn't use 322RC2 for my monopods.

[SkipD]

Either of the grip type heads would be a very poor choice for a monopod, in my opinion.

I use a ball head on my monopod - a Manfrotto 486RC2 - and it works quite well while still being rather small and not getting in the way. The ball head allows me to use the monopod in many different ways that would be impossible without it.

[RPCrowe]

The Kirk MPA-1 is actually a Manfrotto 3232 monopod swivel head with a Kirk Arca compatible quick release system.

http://www.kirkphoto.com/tripods.html#monopods

When attach the camera to the MPA-1; I use a Really Right Stuff L-Bracket which allows me to keep the camera directly over the Monopod pole when shooting in the vertical or portrait position. This is a LOT MORE STABLE than hanging the camera over on its side with a regular type ball head.

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

The Arca Swiss Compatible Kirk Q.R. system allows me to use my Arca Compatible plates which I use on my tripod.

When I shoot with a tripod ring equipped lens, I use a Kirk or RRS lens plate.

Really Right Stuff also produces two monopod heads. I cannot comment on these since I have no experience with them. However, they do look neat.

A less expensive solution which would allow you to use the standard RC-2 Q.R. equipment is the standard Manfrotto 3232 swivel with a RC-2 Q.R.

Manfrotto also distributes an L-plate which can be used with their RC-2 Q.R. System. It is not quite as neat as the RRS L-plate but, would keep the camera centered over the monopod pole when in the vertical position.

[René Damkot]

Originally Posted by SkipD

Either of the grip type heads would be a very poor choice for a monopod,

Agree 100%