Monopod head question

[turbotoes]

I think I'm about to splurge on a canon 100-400 or a sigma 150-500 os (still dithering between the two :bang
BUT, one thing is for sure, I'm going to need a monopod. I'm thinking of this combination, Manfroto 680B monopod and a 484RC2 ball head.
Am I right in thinking this gives me all I need to "quick release" clamp/screw the tripod support thing (that comes with the lens) on to the monopod? or do I need something else too?
OR do I need something all together bigger/stronger ??? Not, a tripod as we have one of those and NO way would I take that walkabout with me
Thanks

Tara

 

[Agger]

Get the 393 head it says it's for monopods but it's a steal for £100, I use mine with the Canon 500mm f4 and switch the head between a monopod and my tripod (which is where it currently and usually sits)

 

[Nod]

IIRC, the "RC2" bit of the Manfrotto part number refers to the fact that it's a QR model. It should come with a QR plate to screw to the bottom of the lens/camera. As a monopod head, I use the simple 234RC2 Manfrotto head that allows tilting from landscape to portrait orientation. For up and down tilt, I move backwards and forwards.

 

[Hacker]

I must admit I don't think I'd use a monopod with a ball head on, I've tried it in the past with an Arca-Swiss type plate and whilst this is supposed to give the ultimate 'lockability' it just didn't feel right. To my way of thinking you are introducing at least an extra three points of failure:

1. The QR plate could come undone sending your expensive combo to the floor;

2. The ball part of the ball head might not be properly secured causing your combo to move suddenly, this could happen if you are moving about and forget to lock it down (it can happen but I managed to catch it in time );

3. The extra leverage the ball head and combo puts on the threaded nut built into the monopod could cause a failure if you have it over your shoulder.

I use my monopod all the time and screw it straight into the lens foot, if I'm panning I slacken off the lens collar to allow movement, it works fine and has done for a while.

Just my opinions gained from my own experiences but I'm sure others will disagree.

 

[turbotoes]

Thanks guys, Hacker you have brought up a point that did concern me, I must admit. Can you get a quick release plate that fits directly on to the monopod then? I don't think I want to give up that option as I do tend to spend a lot of time groveling on the ground with my camera (no, not begging the gods to give me a little talent!, allthough it's probably the only way I'll ever get any!!)

Tara