Monopod advice.

[MeadsMan]

Hello all,I have a few questions regarding monopods.I assume most people use a ball and socket or simular head on there monopods,is the ball and socket the best option ? Do you still need to lock the head up before taking your shot,or is it supposed to act as a fluid support ? I did read somewhere that you should not carry your camera attached to a monopod in a brick layers hod carrying fashion, Why ? And how should you carry it on the monopod ?

With thanks Mark.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by MeadsMan

Hello all,I have a few questions regarding monopods.I assume most people use a ball and socket or simular head on there monopods,is the ball and socket the best option ? Do you still need to lock the head up before taking your shot,or is it supposed to act as a fluid support ? I did read somewhere that you should not carry your camera attached to a monopod in a brick layers hod carrying fashion, Why ? And how should you carry it on the monopod ?

With thanks Mark.

I use a manfrotto 222 joystick head - which is a ball and socket with a squeeze release on the grip. You should lock the head before taking pictures unless you are panning with your subject in which case the camera will be moving so you need the head unlocked.

re the hod thing - the reason you shouldnt carry it like this is that the screw attaching pod to camera or lend can work loose dropping your camera onto the ground (if you must carry it like this put the camera strap round your neck or shoulder)

I generally collapse the pod and carry the camera hanging from my shoulder with the pod down by my side - another method is to fold the pod 90 degrees and carry it by the grip with the camera strap wraped round yourhand - the down side of this is that from a distance it looks as though you are carrying a rifle which may not be desirable in some situations.

[MeadsMan]

Thanks ! That Manfotto head sounds the ideal solution for a monopod,but am betting there not cheap ,I`ll look into those.

Thanks again.

[glsammy]

I've got the Manfrotto 694 Magfibre Monopod, with the 234RC Quick Release Tilt top head.
I find this works extremely well, no need to adjust anything. Once you've got the tension just right, you can move the camera easily, and it'll stop as soon as you want it to. It's a very compact head, simplicity itself. I've got the 222 head on a tripod, which is also very good, but I've never felt the need to use it with the Monopod.
I don't walk with the camera attached at least not for long, that's the reason I use the QR head. Camera, slung round my neck, I use the pod as a walking stick. It takes only seconds to click the camera to the head and your ready to go.

[MeadsMan]

Thank you Graham,I will investigate that mount too.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by MeadsMan

Thanks ! That Manfotto head sounds the ideal solution for a monopod,but am betting there not cheap ,I`ll look into those.

Thanks again.

they are about 40 notes for the head , while manfrotto monopods start at 30 ish (the head will fit on other makes with the right thread too - for examply boddie has one on his giottos pod) - check out our review section for pics etc. http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/re...uct/300/cat/34

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by MeadsMan

Thanks ! That Manfotto head sounds the ideal solution for a monopod,but am betting there not cheap ,I`ll look into those.

Thanks again.

I'd be careful of using one that's got a cheap head. I used to use a Jessops, but the Quick release head wasn't strong enough and failed. of course I could have fitted a different head onto the Jessops Monopod which would have been a cheaper option than the Manfrotto one.
If your going to be using a lens larger than the kit lens, I'd advice you to make sure the head is strong enough to support it. The Manfrotto 234RC was £24.95 when I bought it, the Spare Quick release plates were £9.95.

[delros1]

i have just updated my mono pod to the gitzo gm 2340, and the manfrotto 484rc2 mini ball head,with the gitzo long spike,which is a lot easier to take around on a bike. i have used it with the Nikon D200 and the tampon 200-500mm lens,with great results.when walking i carry it by the lens foot and the ball head,withe camera resting in my elbow.