Advice for monopod & monopod head.

[Wizmatt]

Hello all,

Later in the year I will be going hiking and taking my canon 450d and sigma 120 - 400mm lens which weighs 2.3kgs. I have looked at tripods, but to support this equipment they are going to be heavy and impractical to carry around for several days. So I have come to the conclusion that a monopod would be best for my needs. The Manfrotto 680b is compact and can support my stuff. But the only heads that they do only support 2.7kg, and I feel that I need a tilt head for ease of panning to shoot moving wildlife.

I would like some advice to weather this is a safe setup for my equipment, or if there are any other solutions such as other tilt heads made by other companies.

Many thanks, Matt.

[Boddie]

Have a look at the Giottos monopod range. Mine is great

[Jonsfotos]

Hi Matt.

The set up I use is as follows.A Gitzo GM 2541 Monopod, this being a 4 section Carbon fibre job which can take loads up to 12kg.The head i use is a Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Ball head complete with the 357 long sliding plate which has 3/8" and 1/4 " fixing screws and this can take up to 16kg in weight.This combo easily supports my Nikon D700 with a 300mm AFS 2.8 Lens.Have a look on Speed Graphic for camera accessories, photographic equipment and materials. for more info.It is a pricey set up unfortunately but it does the job for me.The Manfrotto 680/1 series are also worth considering and are very good value and also the Manfrotto 393 Bracket provides better balance for panning and tilting and is also worth considering. It is advertised as can be used on a monopod but in my opinion i think there would be quite a bit of movement, especially when carrying the assembled combination.I think you would have to hold on to it very carefully.

Jon

[djeyewater]

You might want to have a look at the Manfrotto 682B - it is very similar to the 680/681, but the bottom unscrews to reveal some small legs that aid support. There is also a similar product called the Trekpod, but reviews of this don't seem to be as good as the Manfrotto solution.

It's definitely not as stable as a tripod though.

Dave

[Wizmatt]

Thanks all.

The Giottos and Manfrotto range seem very good. With regard to a head, I have been told that a ball head is not stable enough on a monopod due to the high mobility. Are manfrotto the only brand to make tilt heads? And are the 234 or 234rc likley to support my equipment?

I am aware that there are several other threads on this subject, but they didn't show up on my search. Moderators feel free to lock this post and I'll resume on another thread.

[Gaza]

Originally Posted by Wizmatt

Thanks all.

The Giottos and Manfrotto range seem very good. With regard to a head, I have been told that a ball head is not stable enough on a monopod due to the high mobility. Are manfrotto the only brand to make tilt heads? And are the 234 or 234rc likley to support my equipment?

I am aware that there are several other threads on this subject, but they didn't show up on my search. Moderators feel free to lock this post and I'll resume on another thread.

Hi Wizmatt

It may not be recomended, but I have been using a Manfrotto ball head on a Manfrotto mono, for a Bigmos, for over a year now. I have had no problems.

[DrNickBurton]

Hi,

when using a heavier lens your better off just mounting the tripod collar directly to the monopod, without using an intervening head. A head would just add a weak point to the setup.

The Manfrotto 681B is a great monopod which goes for just £40-ish. It's very solid and robust. If you are willing to pay more, a carbon fibre monopod like the Gitzo GM2541 would be more rigid (the 681B is aluminium), and somewhat lighter to carry around.

[MeadsMan]

I use a Manfrotto Monopod and the 234c tilt head.I did try a heavy duty Benbo Ball and Socket,at first,but it was far from ideal.The 234c head is superb in my opinion,I use it with just enough tention,so it sticks where you put it,but can still manouver it.I use it with a 400mm prime and a 7d,and it`s far better than wrestling with that old Ball and Socket.

[Wizmatt]

Many thanks for the responses.

I think I'll go for the tilt head and see how it goes. As for the monopods, I think I'll go for a manfrotto as they felt more sturdy when I tried them out, probably a 681b or 679b depending on how they feel at the shop.

[Wizmatt]

I have had another look at he monopods and am now considering carbon fiber ones. However, for about 100g is it worth paying all the extra money. Has anyone got a carbon monopod that could offer some advice?

Many thanks, Matt.