I need a head... which 1 should I get? For my monopod --- which head is better: tilt or ball? NOTE: I seek whichever type of head offers the better combination of: (a) simplicity of...

bellgamin Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii

For my monopod --- which head is better: tilt or ball?

NOTE: I seek whichever type of head offers the better combination of:
(a) simplicity of operation,
&
(b) mechanical advantage for supporting weight.

==>Aloha from Hawaii 😇

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Tilt. You need a stable, fixed platform for a ball head to work. By its very nature, to rotate a monopod, you just turn left or right.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Tilt. You need a stable, fixed platform for a ball head to work. By its very nature, to rotate a monopod, you just turn left or right.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Tilt. You need a stable, fixed platform for a ball head to work. By its very nature, to rotate a monopod, you just turn left or right.

I agree. You can tilt the whole monopod too.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

CHG_CANON wrote:

I agree. You can tilt the whole monopod too.

Yes, but not recommended - especially with heavier lenses.....

jcboy3

bellgamin wrote:

For my monopod --- which head is better: tilt or ball?

NOTE: I seek whichever type of head offers the better combination of:
(a) simplicity of operation,
&
(b) mechanical advantage for supporting weight.

==>Aloha from Hawaii 😇

A tilt head is simpler and provides mechanical advantage to support weight.

It is simpler; it just tilts.

It has mechanical advantage. So it won't flop over if you are holding your camera with one hand.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

imagemeister wrote:

Yes, but not recommended - especially with heavier lenses.....

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

bellgamin wrote:

For my monopod --- which head is better: tilt or ball?

NOTE: I seek whichever type of head offers the better combination of:
(a) simplicity of operation,
&
(b) mechanical advantage for supporting weight.

==>Aloha from Hawaii 😇

Most people use and recommend a TILT only head with a monopod - including me.

If you are trying to follow action, then a video fluid head can help you.

..

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Tilt.
--Bob

bellgamin wrote:

For my monopod --- which head is better: tilt or ball?

NOTE: I seek whichever type of head offers the better combination of:
(a) simplicity of operation,
&
(b) mechanical advantage for supporting weight.

==>Aloha from Hawaii 😇

bellgamin Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii

Tilt it is!!! Thanks to all. 😄😄😄

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

I use a tilt only. I have played around with a ball on a mono at home over carpet just to see what it is like. Too scarey for my taste & just asking for an accident it seemed. Nothing but an arca plate can work but with real limitations.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Definitely a tilt!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

A ball head is more versatile, but a major drawback is that their use requires common sense.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

RWR wrote:

A ball head is more versatile, but a major drawback is that their use requires common sense.

It's really a shame. You probably could have made an excellent case for a ball head. Apparently you use a ball head and could have helped us all learn a lot about using one. I'm sure there are many details that must be considered in the use of a ball head. Perhaps you might have convinced the OP (and others, including me) to use a ball head instead of a tilt head. But you chose to word your comment in such a way as to not only exclude details, button also insinuate that only those with more superior intellect can operate one. But I am not among the elite, so I will have to satisfy myself with the use of a more pedestrian system. I regret that I missed out on your wealth of knowledge.

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

I myself use Manfrotto 681B monopod and switch between a tilt and a ball head. Ball head is a Manfrotto 3262 and tilt head is a Manfrotto 3249. I use the tilt head for sports and the ball head for BIF. When set up correctly the ball head is great for birds, you can keep the horizon level and at the same time tilt and swivel the camera or lower or raise it as needed. Just make sure to keep it adjusted so you can easily move the camera without it getting to loose. I basically shoot as though I am hand holding the camera without any support and I always use a wrist strap. This works well for me and allows me a lot more freedom to frame a shot than with a tilt head. The tilt head works better for me when shooting sports as most sports are ground based and all that is needed is the ability to pan and tilt the camera. In the end it is what works for you!