sinderone

I want to get a quick release for my monopod and see that they are all over the place price wise. Amazon has one from Neewer that is $15 and has good reviews. Am I better off with a Gittos or other name brand or are they all basically the same. I don't care about brand names but want decent quality. It will be attached to a 7100 with an 18-200. I am not interested is a ball head because of weight and length. This is for a trip to China

DigitalDon Loc: Calgary, Alberta

I would NOT go without a ball head. It would be next to impossible for at least half you pics.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

A quick release adapter like you reference simply locks the camera solid on top of the mono with no tilting allowed. The better choice would be a "Pivot head", especially one with its own quick release plate like the Manfrotto 234RC model. Take a look at them.

sinderone

This is all about weight and length. A pivot head makes the unit too long

Kristoes

I personally agree with your logic!

I purchased an extremely lightweight quick-release 180 swivel from Manfrotto (234RC) very well made in Italy (I love the safety locking pin). I think the price range is about the same. I have it mounted on top of a Manfrotto 290 monopod, the combination is very lightweight, quick & excellent height adjustment, and good enough stability to do bracketed HDR.

The key to remember is that you simply mount the camera "sideways" to shoot in portraiture, so it covers everything.

Results have been better than what I had hoped for. My wife uses the combination as a walking staff on our hikes and loves the foam grip with strap.

Have a great trip!
Kristoes

Kristoes

Understood, but the Manfrotto 234RC model has no handle, just the tightener on the side. It's the smallest quality head I've seen; about 3x3x2 inches. Extremely lightweight casting.

Go to the site and check it out.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I shoot from a sitting position on a scooter, so I use a monopod , I screw it into the camera or the lens collar and tilt it as needed. I have had so much trouble with the ball head even with the tripod that I consider them useless.

amehta Loc: Boston

You can take the pivot head off packing in your luggage, and attach it when it's time to shoot. Without it, you have no way to shoot vertical shots when you mount the camera to the monopod, unless you get an L-plate. An L-plate and Arca-Swiss compatible clamp would cost between $150 and $250. The tilt-swivel head MT Shooter suggested is $45 (Manfrotto 234RC, B&H link)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

For quick release, I have this combination on all my cameras and tripods. No matter what I'm using, I can do a quick connect/disconnect.

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-323-Connect-Adapter-200PL-14/dp/B001ASU1QO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1397646305&sr=8-7&keywords=Manfrotto+qr

jcboy3

If you want just a QR plate, then I suggest that you get one with a common form factor for other mounts. You don't mention whether you already have a ball head, but if you do then look at QR plates for that brand.

I recommend the "Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate" for $33 on Amazon. The Manfrotto mount is very sturdy, releases quickly, but has a safety lock to avoid accidental release. This will work if the diameter of your monopod mount plate is about 2" or less, otherwise you would need to use an adapter. This is a robust mount, and the QR plate is compatible with the Manfrotto 234RC pivot head as well as many Manfrotto ball heads if you decide to add to your equipment.

Or, you can look at an Arca Swiss clamp. This is a standardized mechanism that a lot of companies support, compatible with L-plates, ball heads, gimbal heads, etc. I recommend the "Desmond DAC-01 50mm QR Clamp 3/8-inch w 1/4-inch Adapter Arca Compatible for Tripod Head" for $25 and the "Desmond P-50 50mm QR Lens / Camera Body Plate Arca Compatible and D-Ring P50 DP-50" for $10

As you can see, the recommended solutions all run about $35, but provide a more robust and flexible solution. You can go the cheaper route, but there are two things to think about:
1. You have an expensive camera, and you don't want to drop it because it's mounted on a cheap clamp.
2. You can invest in a system that provides expansion and consistency.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Are you aware of how to use a monopod? I had never thought of this, but it makes sense.

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Monopod

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KfR8mM4dtI

http://www.lightstalking.com/when-and-how-to-use-a-monopod-instead-of-a-tripod

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

If it's too long to fit in your travel bag, why don't you install it on monopod after you get to your destination? Pivot heads with QR's are so handy. JMHO.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Do not go with a Ball head on a monopod. Too hard to control. A quick release adaptor is ideal. Tilt the pod in the direction you want to go once the height is adjusted.

This works for all my pods. Its easy to get the camera in and out of the adaptor, not like on some that snap in place and shock the camera.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

One bit of advice I can offer... if you do use a QR adaptor and plate, when attaching the camera, check, then check again to make sure the lever is snapped all the way shut and the camera is securely in place.

I've seen cameras tumble right off the end of a tripod (or monopod) when somebody was in a hurry or even just a bit lazy and did not make absolutely sure the camera plate was in there nice and snug.

It's not a pretty sound or sight when somebody's camera and lens crashes to the ground.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very good point. Easy on and easy off can sometimes mean it comes off unexpectedly. That Manfrotto has a regular locking mechanism and another locking lever. I use them both.

Also, make sure the plates are firmly attached to tripod and camera