RRS & Monopod - Which Clamp?

I just picked up a RRS ballhead for my tripod and stupidly forgot that I would also have to change the attachment on my monopod. I'm going to go for the Bogen 3232 tilt head with an RRS clamp, but which one? What I'm wondering is whether folks go more for the lever release clamp or the screw lock type clamp. I'm leaning towards the lever release because I can top load it and won't have to take the safety stops off the plate for my 70-200mm. What are other folks experience with this?

LR II QR lever clamp.

I used to use screw clamps on my monopods, but I've been using lever ones for two years with zero problems and much less fooling around.

The lever is better because you know if it is in. If you orient it so the lever is under the lens, you are never going to inadvertently release it. If you have to shoot with gloves on, the lever is much easier to use.

Highly recommend the lever and I've done both. I shoot a ton of sports - soccer and alpine skiing, have 4 monopods, and I'm a pure lever guy now.

J.

Thanks John. The LR II is what I bought for the tripod also. I've been thinking that the benefits of the lever QR will outweigh the added cost.

RRS recomend a screw clamp for the use on monopods.

Yes, I saw that. They recommend the screw type because it's less expensive and doesn't have the spirit level, which is useless on a monopod. OTOH, they say to use the lever style clamp if you would rather take advantage of the top loading and not have to remove the safety screws on your plate. So, I'm looking for people's experience using either method. It's too expensive to do trial and error with RRS.

rfreschner wrote in post #5270298
Yes, I saw that. They recommend the screw type because it's less expensive and doesn't have the spirit level, which is useless on a monopod. OTOH, they say to use the lever style clamp if you would rather take advantage of the top loading and not have to remove the safety screws on your plate. So, I'm looking for people's experience using either method. It's too expensive to do trial and error with RRS.

The issue about screw being safer on a monopod is way, way, way overrated and I think on the order of a photographic urban legend.

In general, what this also allows, is for you take off the camera from the monopod much faster. There is less tendency to try and sling the whole thing over your shoulder with the camera mounted (not a great idea anyhow) because you can take it off and put it back on so fast.

J

JohnJ80 wrote in post #5270556
The issue about screw being safer on a monopod is way, way, way overrated and I think on the order of a photographic urban legend.

Yeah, I never thought it would be safer, just cheaper. And, as you alluded to, more of a pain in the neck because of having to slide it in.

rfreschner wrote in post #5271659
Yeah, I never thought it would be safer, just cheaper. And, as you alluded to, more of a pain in the neck because of having to slide it in.

Shooting with gloves, the thing (screw) frustrated me so much I wanted to throw the thing. It is also harder to put in while holding camera, monopod and trying to twist the knob. This is sort of a 3 handed job and it is hard to do quickly.


J.

Thanks John! Exactly the kind of real-life usage feedback I'm looking for.