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Best head for monopod?
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Mar 2, 2017 10:13:45   #
Dan5000 Loc: New Hampshire
 
I have a 150 - 600 Sigma lens that I want to use on a monopod. What would be a good head to use with this combination. I'm interested in birds and wild life. Thanks.

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Mar 2, 2017 10:25:21   #
RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA
 
Dan5000 wrote:
I have a 150 - 600 Sigma lens that I want to use on a monopod. What would be a good head to use with this combination. I'm interested in birds and wild life. Thanks.

I would opt for a tilt head.

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Mar 2, 2017 10:38:28   #
WayneT Loc: Paris, TN
 
B+H has a few that you may be interested in. I agree with tilt heads on Monopod but personally I would not use my 150-600 Sigma S on a monopod. Just to heavy and out of balance for me. I prefer a heavy duty tripod and a gimbal head. Check here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Monopod-Accessories/ci/398/N/4075788737

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Mar 2, 2017 10:45:50   #
phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York
 
I have an old version of the RRS tilt head. It's expensive but terrific.

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Mar 2, 2017 10:46:33   #
warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA
 
3 way head

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Mar 2, 2017 12:38:08   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
RWR wrote:
I would opt for a tilt head.


Absolutely the BESTĀ option!

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Mar 2, 2017 12:39:31   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Dan5000 wrote:
I have a 150 - 600 Sigma lens that I want to use on a monopod. What would be a good head to use with this combination. I'm interested in birds and wild life. Thanks.


You basically have 2 choices - a nice sturdy ball head or tilt head - not a 3 way on a monopod, btw.

But unless you are shooting in truly awful light, why not hand-hold the lens. I have a Sport 150-600 since September of last year, and I have yet to put it on a tripod/monopod. If you decide to go the monopod route, get a longer rail so you can move the lens to a good balance point. Avoid the Manfrotto tilt or ball heads, because you have to use their proprietary plate - better to get something that is Arca-Swiss compatible.

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Mar 2, 2017 14:37:31   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
Dan5000 wrote:
I have a 150 - 600 Sigma lens that I want to use on a monopod. What would be a good head to use with this combination. I'm interested in birds and wild life. Thanks.
I have ball heads on my monopods, but I do not use any pods for BIF, stationary subjects yes, but then I prefer a tripod (and again, prefer ball heads)!

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Mar 2, 2017 16:13:32   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
You really only need a single-axis, tilt head on a monopod (rotation can be accomplished easily by turning the whole rig).

I'd recommend keep it simple and light with a "monopod head" such as: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1157933&gclid=CMyAyIHcuNICFUJrfgodzFQBTA&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051678762%2C&Q=&A=details

I do use a small ballhead on one of my monopods, but only because I already had it lying around unused. It's a old Manfrotto ballhead that's been modified to accommodate Arca-Swiss quick release plates that I use on everything (some of the newest Manfrotto ballheads and pan/tilt heads are A-S compatible already... but I don't think any of their monopod heads are yet).

That monopod with the medium/small ballhead could be used to fend off or club zombies to death, if ever needed!

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Mar 3, 2017 06:32:46   #
Capn_Dave
 
I use no head

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Mar 3, 2017 06:56:52   #
Safecracker349 Loc: United Kingdom & Belize
 
Really Right Stuff MH-01 or MH-02
the difference is lever or screw release.
I have and prefer the lever, it is faster way to release.
It is Tilt axis only, does everything I need.

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Mar 3, 2017 07:21:25   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
phlash46 wrote:
I have an old version of the RRS tilt head. It's expensive but terrific.


Same here

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Mar 3, 2017 07:25:54   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
Safecracker349 wrote:
Really Right Stuff MH-01 or MH-02
the difference is lever or screw release.
I have and prefer the lever, it is faster way to release.
It is Tilt axis only, does everything I need.


I have the MH-02 and I really love it. Strong and versatile.
I believe the difference from the MH-01 is the plate orientation can be changed with out tools, using a knob release the plate can rotate 90 degrees to the pivot axis. This is useful if you wish to mount a camera plate versus a lens foot or lens foot plate. IIRC the 01 you have to use a hex key to unscrew the mounting screw to rotate the plate.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

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Mar 3, 2017 07:50:28   #
temup Loc: Northern Illinois
 
I use a Manfrotto 222c pistol grip sometimes with my 100-400, on my monopod. I had the quick release plate replace with a conversion kit to arcca swiss. I have no issues with this set up.

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Mar 3, 2017 07:54:40   #
Jaques
 
I use a vanguard handle with two step shutter button. Is handling well an old,full glass and really heavy lens, with a grateful degree of maneuverability, is sturdy and offers me the option to keep shooting, while I keep one hand on the manual settings. It might take some time to get used with it and is not for a small hand, but it offers a good balance for me and I shoot portrait quality in fast pace and continous motion environment. Your comfort and convenience are paramount when you're working long hours and wait between moments of total inactivity and need fast reaction and ready to spring in action to get that image that you don't want to miss. Ask someone who works for national geographic or similar commissions of their respective experience and compare with your own expectations. Good luck !

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