Head for Monopod

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Hi all,

I'm going to invest in my first monopod to use for things like Motorsport and wildlife, zoos etc.

The monopod I'll probably go for and the one I'm looking at is the Manfrotto MM290C4 Carbon Fibre one. But I'm aware that my composition may be limited or made difficult without the use of a monopod head, therefore which one would you recommend without breaking the bank but one that won't break itself.

I guess I'd need pan and tilt head?
 
Either a Manfrotto 234 or ball head for me. Usually the 234 since it's the one that's grub screwed to the monopod (and is next to useless on a tripod!) I use the Manfrotto RC2 QR system across all my supports, hence me sticking with Manfrotto products. Others prefer the Arca Swiss clamps which are as close to an "industry standard" as you're likely to find.
 
If you want/need a QR system, make sure you order the 234RC2 variant. However, if you're planning on adding an Arca Swiss compatible plate, the "naked" 234 is a few quid cheaper and should do the job.
 
Nod said:
If you want/need a QR system, make sure you order the 234RC2 variant. However, if you're planning on adding an Arca Swiss compatible plate, the "naked" 234 is a few quid cheaper and should do the job.
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Yes agree with this I have been using a 234 with an Arca swiss type clamp on top for some years it works treat.
 
Nod said:
If you want/need a QR system, make sure you order the 234RC2 variant. However, if you're planning on adding an Arca Swiss compatible plate, the "naked" 234 is a few quid cheaper and should do the job.
Click to expand...

what are the advantages of an arca swiss compatible plate? i dont really know anything about what arca swiss is.
 
Arca Swiss is a proprietary QR system. Hopefully @HoppyUK will see this and comment further. I had several supports with the Manfrotto RC2 QR system before I was aware of the Arca system, otherwise I might use that instead!
 
Kirk do an equivalent of the 243 with an Arca Swiss clamp.

While the Manfrotto RC2 plates are quick to lock and release, in my experience, there always tends to be some play whereas the Arca Swiss system has a clamp tightened with a screw from the side giving less movement -- though arguably it is slightly slower to clamp and release. Many Arca plates come with small safety bolts at either end that stops the plate sliding out even if the clamp isn't tightened properly -- with these I'm happy to sling a long lens over my shoulder, something I wouldn't do with an RC2.

You can see the Arca Swiss clamp in the ebay page @gramps posted above.
 
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I would recommend one of these or similar. Sunwayfoto Monopod Head DT-02D50

Available from Camera Gear UK - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT...723692?hash=item4d2268032c:g:AUcAAOxy4t1SizRl

I have two of these and they are excellent quality and not badly priced.

CGUK also offer a range of Arca Swiss style plates from Sunwayfoto so you will be able to find something suitable to attach to your camera or lens foot for use with the head.

Sunwayfoto Monopod Head DT-02D50 by bigbudgie, on Flickr
 
Nod said:
Arca Swiss is a proprietary QR system. Hopefully @HoppyUK will see this and comment further. I had several supports with the Manfrotto RC2 QR system before I was aware of the Arca system, otherwise I might use that instead!
Click to expand...

:)

Arca-Swiss (a French company!) make high quality tripod heads and their dovetail quick-release system has been very widely adopted, even by Manfrotto and Gitzo as an option now.

I prefer a ball head for monopods and the Arca-Swiss P0 works particularly well. The Sunway DB44 linked above is another of my favourite ball heads. For a monopod head, then the Manfrotto 234 is not the best - the friction control is weak. Compare the design to the much better Sunwayfoto - plenty more like that on ebay for about £35.
 
Thanks for the advice all. That P0 looks very nice, but I can't justify spending that much money on a tripod head. I could stretch to £130 though which would cover the other ones mentioned, are they really worth that much more than the Manfrotto though?

Also, would these be fine for tripods as well? I was thinking about going for a tripod + wimberley style head for when shooting wildlife etc. at some point, I guess the advantage of a wimberley type head is that you can leave the lens quickly hands free in any position wheras with a ball head you'd have to make sure its locked in position first?
 
smr said:
Thanks for the advice all. That P0 looks very nice, but I can't justify spending that much money on a tripod head. I could stretch to £130 though which would cover the other ones mentioned, are they really worth that much more than the Manfrotto though?

Also, would these be fine for tripods as well? I was thinking about going for a tripod + wimberley style head for when shooting wildlife etc. at some point, I guess the advantage of a wimberley type head is that you can leave the lens quickly hands free in any position wheras with a ball head you'd have to make sure its locked in position first?
Click to expand...

Your choice of head, and mono pod, will depend very much on what gear you are using. I have the Manfrotto 234 RC2 (make me an offer?) and it's pretty good for the price. However I would not put a large lens on it. The finger pinches were excruciating! For a 70-200 F4 though it would be just the job, though it will cope (just) with the F2.8. For something a little larger, say 70-200 F2.8 to a 300 F2.8, then the Sirui L10 is a better option (this uses the Arca Swiss system. If you are looking at using the big guns then the RRS MH01 is the kiddie - but it's pricey!

None of the Mono pod heads would replace a Wimberley (or similar) on a tripod as the requirements are very different.

What are you using or planning to use? That would give us a better idea of what to suggest.
 
Chaz Photos said:
You only need a tilt head on a Monopod I use the Manfrotto 234RC Tripod head
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Agree with this I find a ball head a pain in the whatsit as the tend to wobble about, many many years ago I was taught to have the monopod angled slightly forward and stand with your legs slightly apart and to lean forward a little making a tripod of your legs and the monopod
with a bit of practice this makes for a very stable platform for your camera, (just read this back and it sounds a bit weird but it works for me).
 
johnf3f said:
Your choice of head, and mono pod, will depend very much on what gear you are using. I have the Manfrotto 234 RC2 (make me an offer?) and it's pretty good for the price. However I would not put a large lens on it. The finger pinches were excruciating! For a 70-200 F4 though it would be just the job, though it will cope (just) with the F2.8. For something a little larger, say 70-200 F2.8 to a 300 F2.8, then the Sirui L10 is a better option (this uses the Arca Swiss system. If you are looking at using the big guns then the RRS MH01 is the kiddie - but it's pricey!

None of the Mono pod heads would replace a Wimberley (or similar) on a tripod as the requirements are very different.

What are you using or planning to use? That would give us a better idea of what to suggest.
Click to expand...

It won't be for the heaviest lens in the world, it'll be for my Sigma 150-600. For wildlife in the field I think I'll go for a good gimbal and a better tripod. At the moment I have a Manfrotto befree travel tripod with a ball head so I can't use that. For zoos etc I think a monopod would probably be better.
 
smr said:
It won't be for the heaviest lens in the world, it'll be for my Sigma 150-600. For wildlife in the field I think I'll go for a good gimbal and a better tripod. At the moment I have a Manfrotto befree travel tripod with a ball head so I can't use that. For zoos etc I think a monopod would probably be better.
Click to expand...

A Manfrotto 234 might be OK - I doubt it. The Sirui L10 should be fine - well mine is with a 300 F2.8 which is a bit heavier.
 
I use the 234 with RC2 QR plate - purely for the quick release system. Otherwise for motorsport I'd just screw directly into the tripod mount. I don't think I've ever used the tilting function of it.
 
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