Question for those with super-teles

When using this lens on a monopod, do you use a head of any sort? I currently have a Wimberley plate on my 500L. Gimbal head on my 3541 sticks and Arca head on my monopod. I was wondering if others use heads or just attach the monopod right to the lens? I'm sure you can also just buy a quick release for the monopod to fit the plate in to.

Just wondering what others do?

I only have a baby super-tele (the 400 F/5.6). I did have a tilt head on mine and want one again - I had the manfrotto one but now have arca-swiss and haven't got around to getting an appropriate tilt head for it.

A lot of sports shooters don't use heads on them. Some birding photographers will if they're likely to be pointing up significantly into a tree rather than across a wetland etc.

I've only got a 400 but tend to hand hold for most of my shots when using it.

Not that it's a super-tele, but I have the 100-400 on a monopod with the Really Right Stuff high capacity mono-pod head. I bought it in part because I hope to get (maybe dream about getting, more like fantasize about getting) a 500mm or a 600mm one day.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …-Hi-Capacity-Monopod-Head

TaDa wrote in post #12277325
When using this lens on a monopod, do you use a head of any sort? I'm sure you can also just buy a quick release for the monopod to fit the plate in to.

Just wondering what others do?

Here ya go for those times you need to tilt up or down, and it is pretty popular and economical plus comes with a quick release plate:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Swivel_Tilt_Hea​d_for.html

Works just fine on a monopod.

Regards,

This is rated for only 6lbs may not be adequate for 500L?

Silverfox1 wrote in post #12277890
Here ya go for those times you need to tilt up or down, and it is pretty popular and economical plus comes with a quick release plate:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Swivel_Tilt_Hea​d_for.html

Works just fine on a monopod.

Regards,

I use the RRS MH-01 w/ lever with the 500mm and have been very pleased with it. I use this combo much more than my tripod. Good customer service as well.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …onopod-Head-with-B2-AS-II

Well, it sounds like folks use a head of some sort on their pods. I am quite happy using the B1 on the monopod. Good ballhead gives me full range of motion with just a small turn of the knob. I don't see any reason to drop more coin on a tilt head that restricts the movement to up and down. Main reason I was asking was because you see all the sports shooters that just have the monopod stuck right to their lens, but makes sense as they're usually just shooting straight ahead.

I use the Wimberley on my 3530LSV but just attach the lens straight to my monopod when I am using it. I don't feel I need a head for the way I shoot

Neil

The one i posted was really for the member that mentioned the lighter teles like the 100-400L, 400/f5.6, & the Sigma Bigmos lenses.

For the 500L you could consider the below:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_3_Way_Pan_Tilt​_Head.html

Regards,

I guess it also depends on the type of shooting you do and what you put the set up through. I have hiked dozens of miles over rough terrain with the the 500mm slung over my shoulder attached to the RRS. It is rated for 75 lbs where the above is rated for 17. My combo is approx 12 lbs so I like a little more insurance.

^^^

I agree when you pay the price for the 500/f4 IS i would too ! Whats another $300 to $400 !

I use the Manfrotto 234RC head that Silverfox1 mentioned.

I use the acratech long lens head with a 500mm f4 IS lens

I use the wimberly head only on a tripod when shooting airshows and wildlife. For sports shootong I use the monopod directly attached to the 400/2.8. It' more convenient as I' m shooting in one plane only.