Head for monopod? (Page 2): The rating is of little concern unless you want to take your hands off the camera. I use the 234RC with a Nikon 400mm f/3.5; that's a pretty heavy lens and...

jcboy3

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.

The rating is of little concern unless you want to take your hands off the camera. I use the 234RC with a Nikon 400mm f/3.5; that's a pretty heavy lens and it works very well.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Saleavitt10 wrote:

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

Simply but an aftermarket ARCA compatible mount and screw it onto the Manfrotto. I convert a LOT of Manfrotto ball heads to ARCA in the store for customers using Gimbal heads so they can use the same mounts on both heads for the convenience factor.
The standard Manfrotto 234 head has no quick release plate so it is easier to convert, but the QR plate on the 234RC works in much the same way, you just add the ARCA mount to one Manfrotto QR plate and you still have the Manfrotto QR system as well.

Photo One Loc: Clearwater Florida

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.

Listen to what MT Shooter is saying... You won't go wrong>

jcboy3

MT Shooter wrote:

Simply but an aftermarket ARCA compatible mount an... (show quote)

I have three tilt heads, the Manfrotto 234, Manfrotto 234RC, and an ARCA compatible head.

I use the 234RC most of the time, because it is quicker to attach and release than the others. The 234 has a 1/4" screw mount, which has to be screwed in and out of the camera of lens tripod mount. I never use it for camera or lens; I got it to put on a bracket on my gimbal head to hold and aim a flash with mounted Better Beamer (I use the the camera hot shoe for a red dot sight). ARCA plates require screwing the mount in and out a substantial amount to clear (you could remove the safety screws but then the camera/lens could slip out if the QR is not screwed tightly.

So, the safest and quickest head is the RC version. RC plates have flip up handles to easily mount them (most ARCA plates need a hex or regular screwdriver). I use RC or ARCA for my tripod/ball head, ARCA for my tripod/gimbal head, but it's usually the RC for my monopod.

The exception is my Nikon 400mm f/3.5, which is very front heavy and needs a long ARCA plate to achieve proper balance. If I'm shooting sports, then it goes on a monopod with an ARCA tilt head; otherwise it goes on a tripod with the ARCA gimbal head.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

I looked to see if I could post the link where I got mind and didn't find anything saying I couldn't. Hope I not breaking any rules. If I am please remove.
Check out this head. It works very well for me. Price is right and delivery was 1 week.
I removed the link so I would advise you to check ebay as the place for the Manfrotto 234RC mentioned. It's under $23.00 and free shipping.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Orca wrote:

I looked to see if I could post the link where I got mind and didn't find anything saying I couldn't. Hope I not breaking any rules. If I am please remove.
Check out this head. It works very well for me. Price is right and delivery was 1 week.
I removed the link so I would advise you to check ebay as the place for the Manfrotto 234RC mentioned. It's under $23.00 and free shipping.

I SERIOUSLY advise against getting that sub-$23 head on Ebay. It is NOT made by Manfrotto and is simply a Chinese knock-off of the design. The QR plates will not interchange with the Manfrotto design, and I would never trust a valuable lens to it. Especially when you consider the genuine Manfrotto head is only $45 brand new and comes with an impeccable warranty.

silveragemarvel Loc: Keller, Texas

MT Shooter wrote:

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.

That is great to know MT. I will revisit shopping for the 234RC.

Orca Loc: Little Egg Harbor, NJ USA

MT Shooter wrote:

I SERIOUSLY advise against getting that sub-$23 head on Ebay. It is NOT made by Manfrotto and is simply a Chinese knock-off of the design. The QR plates will not interchange with the Manfrotto design, and I would never trust a valuable lens to it. Especially when you consider the genuine Manfrotto head is only $45 brand new and comes with an impeccable warranty.

A member of our camera club has the Manfrotto and it's identical to mine in every way. Maybe I got a cherry instead of a lemon. In many cases you are correct but I don't agree with you in this one. I took a chance and am quite pleased. If it looks to good to be true___________.

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

planepics wrote:

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).

Manfrotto 234RC. Buy one....then forget looking. Thanks, Boone. :thumbup: