Economical ballhead for a monopod.
Nov 4, 2018 20:33:04 #
Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an economical ballhead for my monopod. The Barska offerings are reasonably priced but I have no experience with the company. There are so many brands and models to choose from that I that I thought I'd take advantage of this forum and seek advice from ballhead owners. I have an Acratech head on my tripod and don't want anything nearly that complex or expensive because I feel I'll seldom employ the tilt capability of any head I mount to my monopod. The one necessary feature is that the head be arca-swiss style and that it be the knob locking version vs. the lever locking type. My camera is a crop sensor model and my longest lens is a 300mm so weight isn't a tremendous influencing factor. Thanks in advance for any tips.
Craig
Craig
Nov 4, 2018 20:48:26 #
broncomaniac wrote:
Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an econom... (show quote)
What will you be shooting with it ?? and what is your target budget ??
..
Nov 4, 2018 20:54:57 #
imagemeister wrote:
What will you be shooting with it ?? and what is your target budget ??
..
..
Family events mostly. Some landscapes. A bit of video as well. I'd like to stay under $50.
Thanks for replying.
Nov 4, 2018 21:01:58 #
broncomaniac wrote:
Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an econom... (show quote)
Sirui K30X is pretty decent. And it won't fall apart on you. Otherwise, their tilt head purchased along with a rotator/clamp is my preferred solution. It allows you to use a lens with a collar, or rotate the clamp 90° to attach a camera with a standard plate or L-plate.
There is a cheaper version:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Monopod-Tilt-Head-w-58mm-Panoramic-for-Camera-Telephoto-Long-Lens-Bird-Watching/181999669697?_trkparms=aid%3D555017%26algo%3DPL.CASSINI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150817211709%26meid%3D88e319b65fa4402cb156d673279437f5%26pid%3D100506%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26%26itm%3D181999669697&_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226
And even cheaper:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VH-10-2-Way-Fluid-Video-Tilt-Head-360-Panoramic-Ball-Head-For-Tripod-Monopod-New/173269884327?hash=item2857b09da7:g:rRgAAOSwlKRbFpDk:rk:9:pf:0
I wouldn't trust a ball head that you can buy for $50. But a simpler tilt head with a panning clamp may work without failing and risking camera damage.
Nov 4, 2018 21:08:52 #
Gene51 wrote:
Sirui K30X is pretty decent. And it won't fall apa... (show quote)
Thank you kindly for the advice and links.
Nov 4, 2018 21:10:21 #
broncomaniac wrote:
Family events mostly. Some landscapes. A bit of video as well. I'd like to stay under $50.
Thanks for replying.
Thanks for replying.
It is an unusual application for a monopod - but I commend you for it ! - What I am recommending are NOT ballheads tho ....these are tilt heads.
This one rotates on the top and therefore gives great flexibility ! but may seem too complicated and just a bit expensive ...https://www.ebay.com/itm/VH-10-2-Way-Fluid-Video-Tilt-Head-360-Panoramic-Ball-Head-For-Tripod-Monopod/322655168431?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
Her is the simpler/cheaper version - https://www.ebay.com/itm/360-Swivel-Panoramic-Tripod-Monopod-Tilt-Head-Telephoto-Lens-Quick-Release-Plate-/401426962713?oid=202085911816
..
Nov 4, 2018 21:17:10 #
imagemeister wrote:
It is an unusual application for a monopod - but I... (show quote)
I like the look of the first one. Thank you for the links. Nothing complicated about those.
Craig
Nov 5, 2018 06:58:50 #
Sirui is good quality for the money and I owned their ball head in the past. K40x l think it was. I would recommend a tilt head for a monopod application though. Good luck.
Nov 5, 2018 06:59:21 #
Sirui is good quality for the money and I owned their ball head in the past. K40x l think it was. I would recommend a tilt head for a monopod application though. Good luck.
Nov 5, 2018 07:43:58 #
broncomaniac wrote:
Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an econom... (show quote)
This has worked well for me for a LOT of years... Yes, I know it is not popular around these parts but you don't need to spend big money on the Big Boy brands. Instant target acquisition, frees up dominant hand for camera controls and NO sag... What more do you want ?
Nov 5, 2018 07:44:31 #
NCMtnMan
Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC
I tried using my ball head on a mono and I would not recommend it. Trying to adjust and it just wants to go wonky. Go with a tilt head and you and your camera equipment will be happier. I bought a very nice Neewer one on Ebay for less than $50 and am very happy with it.
Nov 5, 2018 07:57:44 #
NCMtnMan wrote:
I tried using my ball head on a mono and I would not recommend it. Trying to adjust and it just wants to go wonky. Go with a tilt head and you and your camera equipment will be happier. I bought a very nice Neewer one on Ebay for less than $50 and am very happy with it.
Not much to go Wonky when you just squeeze and release.... thats the advantage; NO knobs.
Nov 5, 2018 08:27:14 #
imagemeister wrote:
It is an unusual application for a monopod - but I... (show quote)
Ball heads on a mono can be a pain, tilt heads are the way to go.
Nov 5, 2018 08:41:03 #
kdogg
Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV
I use a Manfrotto 3262 on my monopod. Well built and very stout. Found it on eBay for less than $75.00.
Nov 5, 2018 08:55:45 #
runakid
Loc: Shelbyville, TN
Bought something that was not metal. Broke when the monopod fell over. Stick with a name brand ball head.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.