Is a Pan/tilt head necessary? I have learned more from you folks than I would have if I just read all the manuals out there. As far I'm concerned nothing beats hands on experience. I...

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

I have learned more from you folks than I would have if I just read all the manuals out there. As far I'm concerned nothing beats hands on experience.
I have a Canon 7d MK II. The largest lens I'll be using is a Tamron 150-600 G2. I mainly shoot my granddaughter playing softball and not much else (So far). I also have a Sirui P-204 SR monopod. So here is my question: Since this monopod has the ability to tilt, and swivel would I need a head for it? I'm retiring in February and just want to get what I need before then.

I'm trying to keep the cost to around $125 max and the selection is huge.

Thanks for your help.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Cookie223 wrote:

I have learned more from you folks than I would ha... (show quote)

A mono-pod is just a support (no tree, no wall to lean upon, anything). You can do whatever you want and attach anything to it, it will never replace a tripod. The tilt, and swivel you are talking about is not quite the same as using a ball head.

The tripod footing, just prevents the mono-pod to slip. It does not do anything else. Tilt? Good luck with that. Try to capture a scene in portrait mode - You will need to lie down on the ground. Swivel? Good luck to your back, unless you are a contortionist.

I have a Sirui and a Velbon mono-pod. I added a ball head. I keep the ball head tightened only so much as to use it as a fluid head. They both use the same ball head.

david vt Loc: Vermont

Actually, I have been pondering the exact same question. I mainly shoot teen sports. One comment I am puzzling over is that I often switch to vertical format as I am looking for tight shots and this format seems to fill the frame more so less PP cropping.

So, think about if you need to switch between horizontal or vertical frequently. That may sway your decision.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Rongnongno wrote:

A mono-pod is just a support (no tree, no wall to lean upon, anything). You can do whatever you want and attach anything to it, it will never replace a tripod. The tilt, and swivel you are talking about is not quite the same as using a ball head.

I added a ball head. I I keep the ball head tightened only so much as to use it as a fluid head. I have a Sirius and a Velbon mono-pod. They both use the same ball head.

Thanks. This is why I post on this site you folks have never steered me wrong. Obviously you haven't had any issues using the ball, based on what I've been reading the ball is not as stable as the pan. I guess if you don't tighten either on enough a mishap will happen.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Ron,
That looks exactly like the one I have.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Cookie223 wrote:

Thanks. This is why I post on this site you folks have never steered me wrong. Obviously you haven't had any issues using the ball, based on what I've been reading the ball is not as stable as the pan. I guess if you don't tighten either on enough a mishap will happen.

You keep the camera tight onto the base and the base tight on the mono-pod.

To use the ball head as a fluid head you do not tighten, just enough so that the camera stays in place and can tilt/swivel as you desire.

Note that all ball heads are not created equal and to use a ball head this way you need one of great quality so more expensive.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Cookie223 wrote:

I have learned more from you folks than I would ha... (show quote)

Cookie, I shoot my granddaughters Basketball games with a monopod and a Really Right stuff head. It enables me to Go from Vertical to horizontal in less than a second. Built solid.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&O=&Q=&ap=y&c3api=1876%2C%7Bcreative%7D%2C%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=CjwKCAiA07PRBRBJEiwAS20SIHh0us5dZzLISGF9fZiZELLlpwahTpDOrs2FWxqtk7-xHX7cipKxWhoCTgQQAvD_BwE&is=REG&m=Y&sku=1301064

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

They can also be used as portable speedlight stands...

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I use a ball head on my monopod for ease of changing to portrait mode.
I have a tilt/pan head on my tripod.
Just make sure that the head will support the (anticipated) weight.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have a ball head. It is quite versatile in being able to aim the camera for stills. However, I am now interested in a pan/tilt because the ball does NOT lend itself to making videos. Of course, these are for a tripod. I just got a monopod and haven't used it enough to give advice.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

PixelStan77 wrote:

Cookie, I shoot my granddaughters Basketball games with a monopod and a Really Right stuff head. It enables me to Go from Vertical to horizontal in less than a second. Built solid.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&O=&Q=&ap=y&c3api=1876%2C%7Bcreative%7D%2C%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=CjwKCAiA07PRBRBJEiwAS20SIHh0us5dZzLISGF9fZiZELLlpwahTpDOrs2FWxqtk7-xHX7cipKxWhoCTgQQAvD_BwE&is=REG&m=Y&sku=1301064

Thanks Stan, that looks like a great ball head. like the saying goes 'You get what you pay for".

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

rmorrison1116 wrote:

They can also be used as portable speedlight stands...

Thanks!

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Longshadow wrote:

I use a ball head on my monopod for ease of changing to portrait mode.
I have a tilt/pan head on my tripod.
Just make sure that the head will support the (anticipated) weight.

I've been looking at heads that are rated 17 lbs. & up.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

PHRubin wrote:

I have a ball head. It is quite versatile in being able to aim the camera for stills. However, I am now interested in a pan/tilt because the ball does NOT lend itself to making videos. Of course, these are for a tripod. I just got a monopod and haven't used it enough to give advice.

I've been using the monopod all along without any head, but with the new and heavier lens I feel that either a ball or a pan head will be an added tool.
Thanks

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

PHRubin wrote:

I have a ball head. It is quite versatile in being able to aim the camera for stills. However, I am now interested in a pan/tilt because the ball does NOT lend itself to making videos. Of course, these are for a tripod. I just got a monopod and haven't used it enough to give advice.

Take a look at the Manfrotto MH804-3W. (I just ordered one.)