Bobcat87

I bought a Manfrotto monopod (Model MM294A4) at a garage sale yesterday. I have never used a monopod, but thought I have nothing to lose for $12.00. I have a couple of questions for those of you who have experience with them. To start with, I am an enthusiastic beginner learning to use my Nikon D5600 with the 18-55 and 70-200 kit lenses. I like to take pictures of nature (landscapes, birds) and architecture. My budget is $60.00 or less. First question: do you have a preference for the 2-way type of head, or the type that can also pan, and why? I have found 2 heads--one by Manfrotto that gets mixed reviews, and one by Coocheer which gets good reviews (both with panning capability and level). I have also found a 2-way without level or panning capability which is "frequently bought" with my model monopod. All of the aforementioned heads have the quick release feature as well. Second question: do you recommend a specialized "foot" for it? Based on the photos I have seen for my monopod, they don't appear to come with one when sold new. Any other monopod wisdom is welcome. Thanks, hoggers, for your help!

pjarbit Loc: Detroit, Michigan

There is no reason to "Pan" with a monopod. You just "sweep" the entire monopod.... no pan head necessary. This is the head I prefer, I switch it back and forth from my tripod to my monopod.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/homeA=details&O=&Q=&ap=y&c3api=1876%2C%7Bcreative%7D%2C%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm9vPBRCQARIsABAIQYd7mKuIPhuSyA4khD3hvT6LEW7MOzt3lT_FPy-x1QSBrpLy1zucIgAaAgt-EALw_wcB&is=REG&m=Y&sku=1326798

It is 89.00 but worth the extra few $$ for ease of use.

pjarbit Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Sorry, for some reason, the link didn't work. Here is a description for you to search at B&H.

Studio Assets Magnesium Pistol Grip Ball Head

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I use the Manfrotto camera plate and QR plate for tripods and monopods. If I have to move the camera, the monopod moves, too.

https://smile.amazon.com/Manfrotto-Connect-Adapter-200PL-14-Release/dp/B01H2CGS4U/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1509361352&sr=8-11&keywords=manfrotto+camera+plates

pjarbit Loc: Detroit, Michigan

The Head I put above also comes with the same quick release plate... as written by jerryc41

jonfrei

I use a tilt head on my monopod. There is no need for pan capability, as you simply rotate the entire staff. Here they are:


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175947-REG
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554098-REG

The other thing I did was remove (after it disintegrated on its first hike) the rubber cap on the tip and replaced it with an end section from a Lekki tracking pole. This gave me a “real” tip I could actually hike with, complete with a carbide spike and a good rubber tip for indoor work. Lekki makes 2 sizes (besides carbon fiber), and the smaller diameter “lightweight” model was a perfect fit in the ID of the Manfrotto monopod.

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

Look for a tilt head for a monopod... Side to side you do with your body and pivoting the monopod.
Personally I am not sure I would bother with a monopod for those small lenses unless you have an issue that prevents you from supporting the weight.
The monopod may just slow you down with those lenses versus handholding.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

I would also suggest only using a tilt head with quick disconnect plate. Manfrotto offers one with their connect plates and Benro and others offer tilt head with Arca Plates. Check out this link for how to use the monopod. https://m.wikihow.com/Use-a-Monopod

Bobcat87

Thanks so much, all of you!

Kuzano

String Pod.... parts less than $5 at any hardware store. I prefer my String Pod to be made from Ace Hardware parts. Fits in my pocket.

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

Tell me again why you absolutely need to have a tripod head on a monopod? I frequently use mine directly attached to the camera.

hankswan

You might want to check eBay for quick release plates. I purchased PL200 type for about $6 each (Manfrotto charges $17.50 each + shipping) I bought 3 for $18.00 with free shipping and no sales tax. The plate looks exactly like the Manfrotto same color, same controls, etc. If you lay them out side by side with the Manfrotto you cannot tell the difference and they all work in exactly the way.
Check it out.