Feisol CM-1401 Monopod question

I am thinking about purchasing this monopod, but have a question about the head. The carbon fiber ballhead CB-50H looks very nice, but it is extremely expensive. Also it does not include the quick release plate. Does anyone have this setup and is it really worth the $300+ it would cost?

Thanks

a cheap monopod should do the trick, unless you have a really really heavy lens. I use a slik model that was about $20 back when. No advantage to buying anything fancier unless you also want to use it as a weapon. Nothing wrong with the monopod you have now.

You do need something to let you tilt the lens up and down, but a ballhead is (my opinion) overkill as it also lets you pivot and the monopod lets you do that anyways. I use one of these manrotto 3232 swivel head -- does the trick.

You'll also need a quick release system. It should match whatever you have on your tripod, so you can semi-permanently mount the plates on your camera and lenses.

Actually the head on my monopod is the weak point and why I want a new one. Really needs to be heavier duty and more flexible, especially with my 70-200 on it.

I have and love a set of Feisol tripod legs. I also have and do not love the Feisol head. It is constantly coming apart. For a monopod, I second the recommendation for the manrotto 3232 swivel head.

Perhaps I just need to keep the monopod I have and put this head on it?

Any recomendations for a quick release system?

The other issue is weight. The canon monopod is rated at 4.4 and this head is rated at 5.5. With my XT, grip, 70-200, and flash, I think I am above this, or at least very close.

The monopod weight is 0.36Kg and when you pick it up you really notice how light it is. I had a Manfrotto 488 ballhead from my Feisol tripod and I was able to use that quite happily with the mono. I just lock the panning function when used on the mono. An advantage of such a head is you can use it with a tripod when the panning then becomes extremely useful. It has the RC2 QR system which is cheap to buy plates for and highly functional. I thought about the Feisol ballhead and decided against it. It looks less 'fine tuned' than the cheaper Manfrotto, which has now been well proven by many people since its introduction. The Mk 2 version may be a better option should it ever appear. I used to carry my 100-400 IS L over my shoulder fixed to the ballhead and on the end of the mono. No problems and I never thought it was any less than 100% secure. Max. load 7kg. I can't think why anyone would not like this mono.

condyk, so the manfrotto head would support my 70-200 fine. I like my canon, but it is stretched to its capabilities when I load it with the XT + grip, 580EX, and 70-200.

The manfrotto 488 will have no problems holding your 70-200 - it has a load rating up around 17 lbs.

I agree with the guys above re the manfrotto 3232. This is a dedicated monopod head and is not as big and bulky as the 488. You still have the y-axis swivel. Having said that the max weight loading is significantly less than the 488 and you will be at its limits with the 70-200. With this in mind and the extra versatility of the 488 (both tripod and monopod usage) you may find it to be a better solution.

As to whether the monopod is for you is really a matter of preference. There will be other monopods that offer greater stability but that may come at the cost of price and weight. Other things to bear in mind is build quality of the legs, locking system, ease of use etc.

As for the quick release system I've gone down the arca swiss route. A bit of a hassle to get this setup due to the difficulty of getting (living the UK) high quality base plates and QR platforms and the high cost of setup. But once you get around this the system is rock solid and and very quick and it's easy to mount your camera or lens.

Thanks I think I will go with the Feisol with the Manfrotto 488. My current monpod is just stretched to its limits with my equipment.

Really Right Stuff makes some great stuff.
Their L-plates rock because you can change from horizontal to vertical orentation just like that.
I like the quick release clamp because it’s nice and secure and you can’t confuse it with a knob on the head.
They’ve got some interest info on monopods at:
Really Right Stuff...for photography afield