Tripod Head on a Monopod
Aug 20, 2019 11:14:02 #
All the porno photographers I know in Las Vegas Use a ball head on top of their mono pod. Helps them work Faster
Aug 20, 2019 11:31:20 #
scubadoc
Loc: Sarasota, FL
rcarol wrote:
When you say, "It is not recommended to put a ball head on a monopod." who does not recommend it? You? Others? From personal experience, I do recommend using a ball head on a monopod. It allows the camera to be quickly moved from landscape to portrait position.
Using an L plate on the camera body to switch to portrait mode keeps the camera centered over the axis of the monopod or tripod, and is actually quicker than using the ball head to change orientation. I think a monopod head on a monopod is more secure, more efficient, and faster than using a ball head on a monopod. Those who recommend a monopod head likely realize this and that is why they recommend it. That being said, if you think a ball head on a monopod makes it faster to follow action than using a monopod head, more power to you.
Aug 20, 2019 12:43:41 #
jcboy3 wrote:
It is not recommended to put a ball head on a mono... (show quote)
Well, this isn't right. Ball heads and monopods were made for each other. A pan/tilt head is fine for a tripod but is not needed on a monopod. I don't know who recommended to you not to use a ball head but a ball head lives on my monopod and seems very happy there.
...Cam
Aug 20, 2019 12:48:58 #
SS319 wrote:
For those that use a head with a monopod, do you always maintain the pod shaft vertical or do you combine the 2-pi motion of the monopod with the 2-pi motion of the tripod head.
My monopod (with ball head) is often raked at a steep angle. Sitting in an auditorium with a fast lens on the pod, anchored with my feet, pulled back for stabilization. You really need a ball head for panning when the monopod is steeply tilted.
...Cam
Aug 20, 2019 12:56:16 #
doclrb wrote:
Obviously many opinions here. The Kirk tilt head provides for any angle I might need beyond simply tilting the monopod. It’s great. The additional degrees of freedom provided by the ball head simply contribute to instability. So I would say, if you’re going to undermine the stability of the monopod with a ball head, leave the monopod at home and carry a tripod.
doclrb
doclrb
Don't believe this. My ball head does not "undermine the stability" of my monopod. If you leave the knobs on your Kirk tilt head loose, its going to flop around too. You may prefer a tilt head but don't denigrate ball head users. It's all about what works for you. A tripod wouldn't be cool on the sideline of a football game or sitting in a theatre and shooting the stage.
...Cam
Aug 20, 2019 13:02:10 #
scubadoc wrote:
Sport photographers at professional sporting event... (show quote)
My two ball heads are not "to bulky" and add much, often needed functionality to my monopod. I wonder where people get these bad thoughts about ball heads when mine have been such a perfect match for my monopods for forty years. Don't give in to the dark side.
...Cam
Aug 20, 2019 13:34:14 #
I use a "monopod" tilt head from RRS. Have used it with up to a 600mm lens, but it is much better with the 180-400mm or lighter. It really helps to 'steady' the bigger lenses and you can pan with it when needed.
Aug 20, 2019 13:35:34 #
Longshadow wrote:
I have a small tilt head for my monopod.
Me too.
Monopod Tilt HeadYou have three axes of rotation with the monopod but if you have to look up or down it's kind of awkward. The tilt head allows you to keep the monopod more nearly vertical.
Aug 20, 2019 13:40:07 #
nadelewitz
Loc: Ithaca NY
Seems like making head adjustments on a monopod would be cumbersome and risky....trying to hold the monopod steady while using two hands to make adjustments? How do you do that?
Aug 20, 2019 13:40:28 #
DirtFarmer wrote:
Me too.
Monopod Tilt Head
You have three axes of rotation with the monopod but if you have to look up or down it's kind of awkward. The tilt head allows you to keep the monopod more nearly vertical.
Monopod Tilt HeadYou have three axes of rotation with the monopod but if you have to look up or down it's kind of awkward. The tilt head allows you to keep the monopod more nearly vertical.
I bought one of these but discovered you can't pan unless the monopod is vertical. At an angle the lens will tilt up or down. I have seen a version, somewhat like this, that has the pan axis built in somehow. Looked like a possible solution but I already have enough heads.
...Cam
Aug 20, 2019 14:14:14 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
scubadoc wrote:
Sport photographers at professional sporting events are required to use a monopod, tripods generally not allowed. Their subjects are moving, not stationary, and they use their bodies to pan and the monopod head will provide the tilt function. Ball heads are too bulky and do not provide any added function to a photographer who knows how to properly use a monopod and monopod head.
Sports photographers don’t normally work among rocks, boulders and fallen trees where I use a ball head.
Aug 20, 2019 14:36:25 #
George II
Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia
digit-up wrote:
I believe you to be “incorrect” on this. I use a RRS ball on my carbon fiber MONO-POD, consistently. The combination is great. A ball on a mono-pod allows for a vast variety of situations & positions for stability. One simply has to be familiar with ones’ equipment, and shooting with a ball on a mono-pod is JUST “equipment to be handy with”. Give it some thought! RJM
I do the same as you....I also wrap my camera strap around my wrist or over my neck...
Just Sayin...the “G”
Aug 20, 2019 14:52:40 #
CamB wrote:
I bought one of these but discovered you can't pan unless the monopod is vertical. At an angle the lens will tilt up or down. I have seen a version, somewhat like this, that has the pan axis built in somehow. Looked like a possible solution but I already have enough heads.
...Cam
...Cam
I don't use the monopod that much and never tried panning with it.
I actually consider that it doesn't have much value for my way of shooting.
Generally I can lean against something or just try to hold still.
I don't do video much.
Aug 20, 2019 15:37:48 #
bleirer wrote:
Since I hike a lot I got a tilt head with a quick release plate for my photo walking stick. On and off in a snap. With IS though it isn't usually necessary.
Yes, I do the same except I always have the camera strap around my neck. I have a Manfroto 234RC tilting head, cost $39.00 on Amazon. This sits on a carbon fiber twist lock monopod that extends to 68 inches with a hiking hand strap and rubber pad/spike on the end. The quick disconnect plate is very handy, allows me to use the monopod as a hiking staff, and a quick attachment when using the camera. Very solid system. Works all the way up to the bazooka Tamron 150-600mm lens. Hope this helps.
Aug 20, 2019 17:38:07 #
The crux of the matter is big heavy lenses (the BEST reason for using a monopod) do not play well with ball heads - smaller lenses/cameras play better - another reason being Most people with big lenses are trying to follow action. Just the laws of physics. You want to fight the laws of physics ? - more power to you 8-)
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