Carrying Heavy Lens on Monopod?

I bought a 7lb lens that I expect to be using on a monopod. Might have a Sirui 90-degree tilt head on a manfroto monopod. Should I have any concens about the lens breaking off the monopod if I carry the pod on my shoulder with lens pointing to the ground. Just how strong are those little attachment screws.

I do it all the time. I would not worry.

I have a Sirui L-10 tilt head that I pair with a Sirui P-326 monopod. I've often exceeded the recommended weight limit and never had an issue. All the Sirui stuff I own seems to be built like a tank.

I use an 8.47-pound lens on a monopod a lot.

Q1 = no, don't worry
Q2 = very strong in my experience.

My only worry when carrying a big lens over my shoulder (with a mono pod or tripod) is my shoulder!

I also do this all of the time with no problems. However, I will usually rest the weight of the lens on my shoulder as I do so. Not that I am worried about the camera/lens separating from the monopod it's just a bit easier for me to carry the rig that way!

Worry more about...

• any QR system releasing prematurely (bumping the lever/screw lock)
  
• the head's baseplate unscrewing from the monopod, because not held with Locktite (or retaining safety screw) on the 3/8 center thread
  

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I’m mostly concerned about the small screw breaking loose or similar.

After posting I thought it would be a good idea to put a safety cable from the lens’ strap loop to the monopod.

I replaced the Sirui clamp on two L10 tilt heads. It's a big screw (8mm). Both had thread locker. Good thread locker too, I had to drill and extract the first screw.
On the 2nd head I used a hot air gun to soften the thread locker.

I use mine with 14-15 lb load, carried on my shoulder. I would not trust a Manfrotto monopod for that type of use. I have an old Gitzo which has a big chunk of aluminium to anchor the screw that attaches to the L10. I chopped my Manfrotto pod up (after the screws corroded) to see how the top plate is secured.
Seems like a failure waiting to happen to me.

I use Sirui L-20S on my Gitzo monopod for carrying 5DIII with Sigma 150-600C on my shoulder all the time with no issues. I do have a safety tether in the form of BlackRapid shoulder strap just in case, though.

Likewise. I have a Manfrotto 680B. Caution - they do not like sand. I wouldn't use it on a 7# lens - especially with a heavier pro body. I'd be more concerned with the monopod head, if you're not connecting directly. the original Manfrotto 234 monopod head had a very low weight rating - this head was mod'd & resold by Kirk as the MPA-1 (same weight rating, arca-swiss mount).

For a heavier rig, I use an Gitzo 5 series pod w/RRS MH-01 & same clamp as my ballhead.

For lighter rigs, I use a Sirui L-10 head on either the Sirui P-326 (a six section, great light pod!) or it's more pricey video relative, the P-426S. The Manfrotto is now pretty much back-up - after having a very bad beach shoot - where it became a hazard - although since repaired.

Note - I believe Sirui has since released a heavier L-20 monopod head.

I personally might be more concerned about potential camera body lens mount damage. Or the possibility of the monopod unscrewing. Just keep an eye on it. A large enough surface area in contact with the camera base should in theory reduce the possibility of mounting screw breakage.

Consider this head when using a Mono-Pod and Big Heavy lens

Ordered!

vision35 wrote in post #19121824
I personally might be more concerned about potential camera body lens mount damage. Or the possibility of the monopod unscrewing. Just keep an eye on it. A large enough surface area in contact with the camera base should in theory reduce the possibility of mounting screw breakage.

With big lenses, you mount your kit from a lens tripod ring, not from the bottom of the camera.