Head for monopod? I'm wondering if it's possible/worth getting some kind of head for my monopod. My tripod is for the birds and it's probably not worth fixing

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I'm wondering if it's possible/worth getting some kind of head for my monopod. My tripod is for the birds and it's probably not worth fixing - nut spins around...won't tighten in tilt (got it as part of a package with my camera).

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

A simple tilt/pivot head is all that's needed for a monopod. A ball head is a terrible idea as it moves in way too many ways to properly control on a monopod. The Manfrotto 234RC is probably the most popular pivot head on the market, but is only available in Manfrottos RC2 QR mount. There are ARCA compatible pivot heads on the market if you prefer that QR design, but they are much more expensive.

silveragemarvel Loc: Keller, Texas

Jumping in on this thread....
The Manfrotto 234RC is rated for load of 5.51 pounds. Is there another recommended head with a higher load rating (say for a Nikon D800E with telephoto lens)? Thank you.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

silveragemarvel wrote:

Jumping in on this thread....
The Manfrotto 234RC is rated for load of 5.51 pounds. Is there another recommended head with a higher load rating (say for a Nikon D800E with telephoto lens)? Thank you.

I use the 234RC on a monopod with a D800E and a Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 regularly with no problems at all. This combo is almost 10 pounds and has worked for me for over 2 years. Manfrotto heads are quite under-rated.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I do best screwing the monopod directly to the camera and leaning forward or backward. since I shoot from a seated position, I never extend the leg all the way.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

MT Shooter wrote:

A simple tilt/pivot head is all that's needed for a monopod. A ball head is a terrible idea as it moves in way too many ways to properly control on a monopod. The Manfrotto 234RC is probably the most popular pivot head on the market, but is only available in Manfrottos RC2 QR mount. There are ARCA compatible pivot heads on the market if you prefer that QR design, but they are much more expensive.

Take a look at Really Right Stuff. They have a terrific monopod head that takes an Arca Swiss plate.

lindago Loc: Amelia Island, FL

Check out this head - it is working well for me

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221096-REG/Giottos_MH1004_320_MH_1004_Mini_Ball.html

TJ28012 Loc: Belmont, NC

bull drink water wrote:

I do best screwing the monopod directly to the camera and leaning forward or backward. since I shoot from a seated position, I never extend the leg all the way.

What if you want to shoot vertical/portrait?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

BobHartung wrote:

Take a look at Really Right Stuff. They have a terrific monopod head that takes an Arca Swiss plate.

As well as being ridiculously priced. There are knock-offs of this design from China (Shoot, Neewer, Fancier) for less than 1/4 the price that also work very well if you need to use the ARCA design. The Manfrottos also can easily be converted to ARCA plate system for under $20.

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

Planepixs,I highly recommend you check out www.reallyrightstuff.com for their monopod heads. I've been using the heads that they make for years and have always been more than satisfied. Yes there are cheaper knockoffs but over time you'll be happy you got the quality you wanted and paid for. I use the monopod when traveling (and I do a bunch of traveling) for 500mm f/4 down to a 150-600mm and everything in between. Have fun! Best, J. Goffe

Natgrani Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

MT Shooter wrote:

A simple tilt/pivot head is all that's needed for a monopod. A ball head is a terrible idea as it moves in way too many ways to properly control on a monopod. The Manfrotto 234RC is probably the most popular pivot head on the market, but is only available in Manfrottos RC2 QR mount. There are ARCA compatible pivot heads on the market if you prefer that QR design, but they are much more expensive.

I will follow your advice on the 234RC. My tripod is too cumbersome chasing grand kids around the yard. What monopod would you recommend.? I want one with feet. Thank you in advance.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

the f/stops here wrote:

Planepixs,I highly recommend you check out www.reallyrightstuff.com for their monopod heads. I've been using the heads that they make for years and have always been more than satisfied. Yes there are cheaper knockoffs but over time you'll be happy you got the quality you wanted and paid for. I use the monopod when traveling (and I do a bunch of traveling) for 500mm f/4 down to a 150-600mm and everything in between. Have fun! Best, J. Goffe

I recently got a pm from someone about to sell a rrs head. the link he gave me was one that was over 5x the (likely) cost of my monopod, which I got for Christmas. I might be willing to pay that much for a nice tripod, but I'm unlikely to make any money from photography so it doesn't make sense to me to spend that much just on a head.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Natgrani wrote:

I will follow your advice on the 234RC. My tripod is too cumbersome chasing grand kids around the yard. What monopod would you recommend.? I want one with feet. Thank you in advance.

Any monopod with a tube diameter that is comfortable in your hand will do well. I personally don't like feet on a monopod as they lend themselves to a false sense of security. The first time you think those feet will hold your camera up by themselves, is usually the first time you end up looking for a new camera. My personal favorite current Monopod is the Manfrotto 681B, but the 680B is pretty much just as good, slightly shorter with a smaller diameter tube design.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

planepics wrote:

I recently got a pm from someone about to sell a rrs head. the link he gave me was one that was over 5x the (likely) cost of my monopod, which I got for Christmas. I might be willing to pay that much for a nice tripod, but I'm unlikely to make any money from photography so it doesn't make sense to me to spend that much just on a head.

RRS Monopod heads are priced from $225 to $350 depending on the QR mounts chosen. Their pricing structure is the reason why B&H and Adorama no longer carry them. Kirk makes a very similar design priced at $200. I have used both and they offer nothing in functionality over the sub $100 models out there. I have 1 of the Shoot models in my rental inventory and its still performing flawlessly after almost a year, they are $75 new.
My Manfrotto 234 and Bogen 3216 monopod are now over 20 years old, and they are still working as good as new too.

Saleavitt10 Loc: Maine

MT Shooter wrote:

As well as being ridiculously priced. There are knock-offs of this design from China (Shoot, Neewer, Fancier) for less than 1/4 the price that also work very well if you need to use the ARCA design. The Manfrottos also can easily be converted to ARCA plate system for under $20.

How would one go about converting the 234RC head to an ARCA plate system?