I have acquired a Gitzo GM2560T monopod (six-section, carbon fiber) which fits nicely inside my camera bag. I have read and learned a lot from many of the hundreds of comments on various ballhead-to-camera connections. I hope there are folks out there willing, yet again, to offer suggestions to a ballhead neophyte.
For the immediate future, I will use the monopod to steady a Ds1M2 with 24-70 2.8 lens for photos inside dimly lit buildings. My Gitzo may be well at the edge of its capability for this camera/lens combo, but so be it.
My questions are:
1. Do I need a ballhead at all for a monopod, or will a quality quick release be enough? Someone on this forum has suggested, rather than a ballhead, an RRS MH-01 (a tilt only mechanism), plus a B2ASII clamp. I can't find these on the RRS site, tho I have not yet called them.
2. A ballhead may be a better choice for the long term, however. Still, since I'm going on a long slog, I want the lightest and strongest (don't we all?) suitable for my camera/lens weight. I'm impressed by people's comments on the Kirk BH3, linked with the RRS QR LRII clamp, or maybe the longer LLRII. I worry about overstressing the camera's baseplate if the contact area of the clamp+plate is too small for the load.
And now Gitzo has a new(?) magnesium ballhead, GH1780QR, that's rated for 22 lb. But seems like folks on these forums aren't impressed by Gitzo's ballheads.
So there it is. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you-all may have.
Jack
