Economical ballhead for a monopod (Page 2): I also tend toward tilt heads for mono-pods for reasons stated by others. The only exception is monopods for birds in flight where a gimbal...

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

broncomaniac wrote:

Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an econom... (show quote)

I also tend toward tilt heads for mono-pods for reasons stated by others. The only exception is monopods for birds in flight where a gimbal head is very useful.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

Thank you to all. I have opted for a tilt head. Much appreciation for sharing your experience!

CaptainEd

Gene51 wrote:

Sirui K30X is pretty decent. And it won't fall apa... (show quote)

I took a quick look at these, and liked them. What about them makes them specifically designed for a monopod as some are marketed? I have both a monopod and a couple of tripods that I would like to have one solution for as I rarely have them out together.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

broncomaniac wrote:

Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an econom... (show quote)

This forum is one of the best place for suggestions, etc. but my advice is do research on your computer and you should come out with something in line with what you want. I did my research and found a ballhead that suits me real fine for $9. On a monopod, the ballhead need not be fancy if you need one at all.

casyjones3 Loc: Bronx NY

I would look at the Sirui L-20s. It was designed for monopod use. It is a pan/tilt head.

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1182201-REG/sirui_bsrl20s_l_20s_2_way_pan_tilt_head.html

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

ballsafire wrote:

but my advice is do research on your computer and you should come out with something in line with what you want.

That's the problem I had. I found dozens upon dozens of options...

Turns out what suits me is an arca-swiss compatible TILT head.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

casyjones3 wrote:

I would look at the Sirui L-20s. It was designed for monopod use. It is a pan/tilt head.

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1182201-REG/sirui_bsrl20s_l_20s_2_way_pan_tilt_head.html

Real good looking piece of equipment there.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

One solution for monopod and tripod might be a Gimbal. Steve Perry recently published some info on using a gimbal on a monopod. It is not a traditional monopod solution but he raised some good points...

CaptainEd wrote:

I took a quick look at these, and liked them. What about them makes them specifically designed for a monopod as some are marketed? I have both a monopod and a couple of tripods that I would like to have one solution for as I rarely have them out together.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

I see the tilt headers group got up early today and managed to sway your opinion. Resist. Ball heads and monopods are a perfect match for reasons I have mentioned here many times. My ball heads are heavier and more expensive than what you want, but a decent tilt head will be too. Go with your instincts. Find that ball head that works for you and you will be happy for years to come.
...Cam

broncomaniac wrote:

Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an econom... (show quote)

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I have a pistol grip (a squeeze grip) on my monopod and it works grate. Go tome store with your camera and try it.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

CamB wrote:

I see the tilt headers group got up early today and managed to sway your opinion. Resist. Ball heads and monopods are a perfect match for reasons I have mentioned here many times. My ball heads are heavier and more expensive than what you want, but a decent tilt head will be too. Go with your instincts. Find that ball head that works for you and you will be happy for years to come.
...Cam

Thank you for your input, Cam.

I have a very good Acratech ballhead on my tripod and I love it. I was looking for a ballhead with similar attributes but not nearly as expensive or complicated. I mostly would be using it stationary with occasional tilting (so I needn't lean.) I have balance issues that make hand holding my video gear difficult and having a monopod without a head forces me to lean sometimes in order to keep my subject centered. Tilt is a must.

Additionally, an arca swiss QR would enable me to use both my camera and camcorder on my monopod without a hassle, which is what I do with my tripod. Having cut my teeth on a ballhead, I was naturally inclined to want one for my monopod. Up until some replies in this thread, I hadn't realized there were good tilt heads that would also meet my needs.

Craig

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

broncomaniac wrote:

Hi folks. I'm soliciting suggestions for an econom... (show quote)

Hi Craig...

Don't get a ballhead. Get a monopod head instead. The difference is that monopod heads have only one axis of movement (tilt). They don't need to rotate since it's simpler to just rotate the entire monopod, when needed.

Monopod heads are simpler, lighter, smaller and less expensive than many ballheads, too (though there are some pricey monopod heads, too!)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7c0&sortType=default&ci=398&fct=fct_accessory-type_3438%7cheads&srtclk=sort&N=4075788737&ntt=arca

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

Thank you for posting, amfoto1. That third, side to side axis is what has swayed me toward tilt. Looking at the designs of the tilt heads in the links posted in this thread, I can see that there is no side to side play, only tilt and rotation, the latter of which I do with my wrist. As long as I'M level, my subjects would be level.

Benro has a great reputation and that price is perfectly acceptable. Looks nice too. Thanks for the link.

Craig

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

Picture Taker wrote:

I have a pistol grip (a squeeze grip) on my monopod and it works grate. Go tome store with your camera and try it.

Sage advice, Picture Taker. Thank you.

Craig

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Don't do this. The very problem with 'monopod heads' is that they only do one axis. This is fine if the monopod is always straight up and down but a disaster if the monopod is tilted, say if you were sitting down with the monopod between your feet but pulled back towards you to follow action on a stage. I bought a monopod (make that tilt only) head once, thinking it looked nice and light, but it's restricted movements have turned it into a paperweight.
...Cam

amfoto1 wrote:

Hi Craig... br br Don't get a ballhead. Get a mon... (show quote)