Monopod/Head - Seeking Field-Tested Suggestions (Page 2): I use the Manfrotto 680B monopod with a Manfrotto MH054MO-Q2 ball head. The balance is good with this combo. In the field the...

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I use the Manfrotto 680B monopod with a Manfrotto MH054MO-Q2 ball head. The balance is good with this combo. In the field the quick release is very nice, the ball head is solid, you can set the tension for each lens so that panning is solid and smooth. I use up to a Minolta 400mm f4.5 lens without a problem. When in the field I leave the monopod extended with the lens over my shoulder so that I simply put the monopod on the ground to shoot. I have used this unit for over two years and have experienced little problems with it. The inter ball is set into a red plastic for smooth panning.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Thanks for the suggestion, Billnikon. I used a Manfrotto 680B monopod with a Nikon N8008s back in the film era and got great results with a Tamron zoom taking interior architectural shots using only available light. The Manfrotto provided a very solid platform.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I use this (see below). I also have a Manfrotto 681B

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/994936-REG/3_legged_thing_3ltbob_carbon_fiber_monopod.html

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I have a couple Manfrotto monopods. One has a modified Manfrotto ballhead on it... It's a small size that operates with a single lever and I replaced the platform on it with a Kirk Arca-Swiss quick release platform. The other one just has an Arca-Swiss platform on it... no ballhead. I think they are a little longer than 18" though. The ballhead adds about 2.5" to the length of the one.

You didn't mention what weight gear you want to use on it. I've used up to 500/4 and 300/2.8 lenses (the largest about 15" long and 7 or 8 lbs) on both of mine. I'm careful using a big lens on the ballhead, but it's held up over a number of years use.

I wouldn't put a standard pan/tilt head on a monopod. Too bulky. Either a ballhead or one of the tilt-only heads made especially for monopods.

rmw0001 Loc: Lake Mills, WI

I use a Gitzo GM5561T with the Really Right Stuff monopod head and clamp. Collapsed length is 19". It will easily support my D4s w/ 300-400mm f4 lens.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Screamin Scott wrote:

I use this (see below). I also have a Manfrotto 681B
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/994936-REG/3_legged_thing_3ltbob_carbon_fiber_monopod.html

Thanks, Scott. I'll take a look at the 3-legged-thing(s).

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I

amfoto1 wrote:

You didn't mention what weight gear you want to use on it. I've used up to 500/4 and 300/2.8 lenses (the largest about 15" long and 7 or 8 lbs) on both of mine.

Thanks, Amfoto1. I've used a wide range of cameras, mostly during the film era. Currently, I'm using a pair of advanced compacts - Fuji and Nikon. Am expecting to do some street photography as well as flowers, local events (car shows, aircraft fly-ins, small informal concerts and craft shows). As noted above, I have a solid Manfrotto aluminum monopod, but fear it may be larger/heavier than I need for my purpose now.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

rjaywallace wrote:

Considering buying a lightweight monopod for use in street photography as well as some landscape and event settings. Closed length between 15" (preferred) and 18". Will consider carbon fiber or other alloy. Prefer twist-lock vs flip-lock setup. Have used a ball head model before, but will consider a compact pan head. Comments and suggestions welcomed.

At least take a look at Really Right Stuff monopod and monopod head.

pahtspix

I use an Bogen (Manfrotto) # 056 3-D pan/tilt head, with an ARCA type clamp mounted in the head platform. ((Arca type mount clamps and mating plates are the ONLY Connections I use..) I have this head mounted on a now discontinued BOGEN #3018, which is probably the BEST and STURDIEST Monopod ever made. If you can find one of these 3018' somewhere like eBay, and get one of the above mentioned heads, I guarantee you'll be in "MONOPOD HEAVEN"!!.. I use it for wildlife amd sports with either a 70-300 Tamron VC, or a 400mm Tokina AF mounted on my D7000 Nikon.

GC-FineArt Loc: WDC

rjaywallace wrote:

Considering buying a lightweight monopod for use in street photography as well as some landscape and event settings. Closed length between 15" (preferred) and 18". Will consider carbon fiber or other alloy. Prefer twist-lock vs flip-lock setup. Have used a ball head model before, but will consider a compact pan head. Comments and suggestions welcomed.

Heres what I use with my Linhof Super Technika IV 6x9.

--Gitzo GM3860C
--Sunwayfoto Leveling Base DYH-66 (actually a type of ball head)
--Desmond Arca Swiss clamp DLVC-50

Not sure how much it weighs exactly (couple of pounds maybe). Measures 19½ from clamp to tip when fully collapsed.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

BobHartung wrote:

At least take a look at Really Right Stuff monopod and monopod head.

I will definitely do that, Bob. Hod trouble finding RRS on the B&oh or Adorama websites, but maybe I was just looking in the wrong spot.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

GC-FineArt wrote:

Heres what I use with my Linhof Super Technika IV 6x9.
--Gitzo GM3860C
--Sunwayfoto Leveling Base DYH-66 (actually a type of ball head)
--Desmond Arca Swiss clamp DLVC-50
Not sure how much it weighs exactly (couple of pounds maybe). Measures 19½ from clamp to tip when fully collapsed.

Thanks much, GC. A most impressive setup!

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

That Gitzo is no longer available.... it is nice though.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Likely very pricey too

texaseve wrote:

That Gitzo is no longer available.... it is nice though.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

rjaywallace wrote:

Considering buying a lightweight monopod for use in street photography as well as some landscape and event settings. Closed length between 15" (preferred) and 18". Will consider carbon fiber or other alloy. Prefer twist-lock vs flip-lock setup. Have used a ball head model before, but will consider a compact pan head. Comments and suggestions welcomed.

For speed and ergonomics I always recommend the Manfro 685b one hand adjustable from the top monopod - will not close to 18" though - more like 30". I have and use the Manfro #222 grip action ball head for the types of photography you describe on the monopod.