Stupid monopod question.

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Been looking at Manfrotto monopods. From the photos on WE and others, there does not seem to be a `head` or any way to attach the camera, the thread size when stated is too large.

So do monopods have to have a `head` added similar to tripods?
Surely you don`t have to use a tripod head?

There is no mention in description as in `you also will need ????` which you would also expect.

Thanks
 
You can add the camera or lens directly to the monopod, but I prefer to use a head with a QR plate for convenience.

You can get dedicated monopod heads, but I use a ball head.

Manfrotto monopods can take both screw sizes.
 
Yep, needs a head as well!! (more expense!)
 
No, it does not need a head. Most (all?) Manfrotto monopods have a 3/8 and 1/4 inch thread on the top of the pod. If you want to use the 1/4", the 3/8 just retracts into the monopod itself.

Mnafrotto also do a monopod head that tips back and forwards and it about £20.
 
I screw mine directly onto the mounting ring on the lens, I don't see the point of a head on a monopod.
 
You don't strictly speaking need a head you can screw the monopod directly into the camera base or the lens mount. The only problem with that arrangement is that if you want to shoot downwards at something at low level your only option is to lean the monopod, and you don't have to go too far before it becomes dodgy and unstable.

For that reason I use one of the manfrotto monopod heads mentioned by Paul above - just provides tilt and makes the whole thing more usable
 
admirable said:
I screw mine directly onto the mounting ring on the lens, I don't see the point of a head on a monopod.
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What about when you want to do portrait pics?
 
Turn the camera in the lens ring.
 
Kerioak said:
I use one of these and find it ideal for the lenses with a tripod ring as you can easily switch from landscape to portrait as required.
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I use one of these too with a QR plate works well for me
 
Thanks for the replies.

Couldn`t see any mention of a monopod `head` on any of the usual websites. Will have another l;ook.
 
I've a Manfrotto 486 RC2 head on my monopod and don't think I'd go back to no head now :thumbs:
 
Lots interesting replies :) Seems like we're all different.

I find using a monopod naked is well nigh impossible (and it frightens the horses).

That Manfrotto monopod head is not much better. Rotating the lens collar for verticals is not convenient.

Ball head - sorted :thumbs:
 
HoppyUK said:
Lots interesting replies :) Seems like we're all different.

I find using a monopod naked is well nigh impossible (and it frightens the horses).

That Manfrotto monopod head is not much better. Rotating the lens collar for verticals is not convenient.

Ball head - sorted :thumbs:
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:agree:
It's the only way!
 
HoppyUK said:
Rotating the lens collar for verticals is not convenient.:
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You don't rotate the collar you just slacken it off a bit and then rotate the camera/lens, it's designed to do that.
 
admirable said:
You don't rotate the collar you just slacken it off a bit and then rotate the camera/lens, it's designed to do that.
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Well yes. You can't rotate the collar, only the lens within it.

I don't find it very convenient and TBH I don't think it was designed to be used like that. At least not in the way I sometimes switch from vertical to horizontal, and back again after a couple of frames, then back again the other way. It's not meant for that kind of use at all. Ball head does it easy.
 
HoppyUK said:
Well yes. You can't rotate the collar, only the lens within it.

I don't find it very convenient and TBH I don't think it was designed to be used like that. At least not in the way I sometimes switch from vertical to horizontal, and back again after a couple of frames, then back again the other way. It's not meant for that kind of use at all. Ball head does it easy.
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Anyone who uses a gimbal uses it just like that all the while Hoppy. Interestingly, the 500mm and 600mm Canons collars are fixed and can't be removed, but you can still rotate the lens within the collar, so they're obviously meant to be used like that. Even with lenses with detachable collars ther's no sign of any marks on my lenses from using them like that - there are in fact plastic bushes inside the mount to protect the lens body.

Some people who've bought the cheapo 3rd party mounts have experienced marking of the lens barrel though.
 
Just to add my 2p worth, I'd highly recommend the mini ball head that's available from redsnapper. I'm slowly going off their monopod (I think I'd get one with catches rather than twist release - or even one of the automatic monopods) but the mini ball head is an excellent piece of equipment for just £15!
 
markrichardson said:
Just to add my 2p worth, I'd highly recommend the mini ball head that's available from redsnapper. I'm slowly going off their monopod (I think I'd get one with catches rather than twist release - or even one of the automatic monopods) but the mini ball head is an excellent piece of equipment for just £15!
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will it fit a manfrotto monopod?
 
CT said:
Anyone who uses a gimbal uses it just like that all the while Hoppy. Interestingly, the 500mm and 600mm Canons collars are fixed and can't be removed, but you can still rotate the lens within the collar, so they're obviously meant to be used like that. Even with lenses with detachable collars ther's no sign of any marks on my lenses from using them like that - there are in fact plastic bushes inside the mount to protect the lens body.

Some people who've bought the cheapo 3rd party mounts have experienced marking of the lens barrel though.
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Take your point CT. Sometimes you've got no choice, but would you really be happy constantly swivelling the lens back and forth and back all the time if there is a better alternative?

Tripod collar on my 100-400 is quite rough and clunky. Cheapo ebay collar for the 70-200 is just nasty full stop :lol:
 
HoppyUK said:
Take your point CT. Sometimes you've got no choice, but would you really be happy constantly swivelling the lens back and forth and back all the time if there is a better alternative?

Tripod collar on my 100-400 is quite rough and clunky. Cheapo ebay collar for the 70-200 is just nasty full stop :lol:
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LOL serves you right for getting the cheapo - tight git! :D
 
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