Ballhead for Monopod ? I have a Panasonic FZ200 camera and just received a Velbon Ultra Stick L50 Alum. Monopod.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

I have a Panasonic FZ200 camera and just received a Velbon Ultra Stick L50 Alum. Monopod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=velbon+ultra+stick+l50&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta

I believe adding a ball head to this would be a advantage in shooting. I am looking at the Joby Ball head. Did not find to much in search for monopods and ballheads.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/621302-REG/Joby_BH1_01EN_BH1_01EN_Ballhead_for_the.html

Any thoughts or suggestions for this combo?
Thanks,
Ron

amehta Loc: Boston

A ball head is not very convenient with a monopod. But you probably need something between the monopod and the camera, unless the monopod has a 1/4" screw (as opposed to a 3/8" screw). In that case, the Joby should be fine.

The problem with a ball head on a monopod is that you basically need 3 hands to adjust it: one to hold the camera, a second for the monopod, and the third to unlock/lock the ball head. You don't need to hold a tripod, so the ball head works better with that.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

I have a tripod and adjustment is fine with that. For shooting down or up I felt that a ball head would help. If I hold the camera, which is not very heavy I thought that I could loosen the ball head and adjust the camera then tighten the ballhead. The camera will be attached to the ballhead with a 1/4" thread. Thanks for your input.

amehta Loc: Boston

Orca wrote:

I have a tripod and adjustment is fine with that. For shooting down or up I felt that a ball head would help. If I hold the camera, which is not very heavy I thought that I could loosen the ball head and adjust the camera then tighten the ballhead. The camera will be attached to the ballhead with a 1/4" thread. Thanks for your input.

Yes, with the size of your camera, it shouldn't be too bad. Just be careful. :-)

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I would just add a quick release to the monopod and skip the ball head.

TNmike Loc: NW TN

A ball head on a mono didn't work for me. This is what I ended up using. May not be for everyone but works fine for my needs. TNmike

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554098-REG/Manfrotto_234RC_234RC_Swivel_Tilt_Head_for.html

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

TNmike wrote:

A ball head on a mono didn't work for me. This is what I ended up using. May not be for everyone but works fine for my needs. TNmike

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554098-REG/Manfrotto_234RC_234RC_Swivel_Tilt_Head_for.html

Now that looks interesting. Thanks for the link.
Ron

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

TNmike wrote:

A ball head on a mono didn't work for me. This is what I ended up using. May not be for everyone but works fine for my needs. TNmike

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554098-REG/Manfrotto_234RC_234RC_Swivel_Tilt_Head_for.html

That's what I use, although I was fortunate to get mine several years ago without the quick release. I attached my own sliding QR. Works great, especially when using the monopod in "tripod" stance.

Lunkerbass6 Loc: Monterey, CA

TNmike wrote:

A ball head on a mono didn't work for me. This is what I ended up using. May not be for everyone but works fine for my needs. TNmike

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554098-REG/Manfrotto_234RC_234RC_Swivel_Tilt_Head_for.html

I'm another devotee of the Manfrotto 234RC head for my monopod. Since I often like to shoot in the vertical format, I've added a Manfrotto L-bracket between the 234RC head and my camera. That makes it very easy to switch between horizontal and vertical formats.

jlrivera Loc: Round Lake, Illinois

amehta wrote:

A ball head is not very convenient with a monopod.... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

AlanK Loc: No. Califorina

Orca wrote:

Now that looks interesting. Thanks for the link.
Ron

After owning a Gitzo carbon fibre monopod for the past 25+ years, and NOT using it because of the way it would lean either side to side or front to back I found this monopod head at Kirk Enterprises. http://www.kirkphoto.com/Kirk_MPA-2_Monopod_Head.html

I now use the monopod daily, with a Nikon D800, 70-200mm 2.8 VR II (turned on Active) and a Nikon TC-1.7E II teleconverter. I'm amazed at the images I get from the approximate 340mm lens. More money than Manfroto but works great and the tension adjusts like a ball head. Love it.
Alan

Redron Loc: Fairfield. California

I have a monopod with a ball head and love it. I shoot a lot of macro flowers and leaning in on a hill to get a good shot can't be done any other way Using two hands is fine. I'm doing mostly hand held. I do have a monopod that converts to a tripod also.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

Am I glad that I asked the members here this question. Never using a monopod and very little experience with a tripod, I am getting your expertise with what work best. Thanks for your responses.

geolaval Loc: Laval, Quebec

I also have a Manfrotto monopod with an identical swivel head. I find it sufficient for most of my needs. Tilts from 0 to 90 degrees vertical, has quick release (very handy when removing camera from monopod) and allow easy panning just by rotating the monopod. You might want to think about purchasing a spare quick release plate that attaches to your camera...if ever you lose it and can't find a replacement, your monopod is next to useless. This product is also much less expensive than a ballhead.

TNmike wrote:

A ball head on a mono didn't work for me. This is what I ended up using. May not be for everyone but works fine for my needs. TNmike

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554098-REG/Manfrotto_234RC_234RC_Swivel_Tilt_Head_for.html

psurg Loc: illinois

Ron,your best bet for control of the camera on a monopod is a
PISTOL grip.There is a ball head with a grip which would
ease up the camera for composing.