I have a ball head and it really gives you the maneuverability that you might need sports photography.
CamB wrote:
Statements like this come up all the time. Ball heads work fine with all lenses. What to use is just personal choice.
...Cam
Lets just say that it is faster/easier to control the single axis of a tilt head versus the multi-axis of a ball head - especially when left loose following action.
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I don't know who made it or if it's still available, but I have a rubber business that is hourglass shape and has a 1/4-20 stud on one end and a socket on the other. It is flexible, but not floppy, you need to hold the camera firmly to tilt it, but that's good. The beauty is that it needs no adjustment. The ugly is it won't go to vertical. but I always thought that by the time i let go of my camera and tilted a head, the shot was already gone.
CamB wrote:
Statements like this come up all the time. Ball heads work fine with all lenses. What to use is just personal choice.
...Cam
Yes, I agree, but for many it is a recipe that can easily fail according to feedback.
imagemeister wrote:
Lets just say that it is faster/easier to control the single axis of a tilt head versus the multi-axis of a ball head - especially when left loose following action.
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I was careful to say that it works for me and I don't profess to to tell any one else what to do because a certain method works for me. I have seen some great flip-flops with those who are less experienced.
Tried using monopod without head but went back to a tilt head very quickly. In my case, using a home made head with a large lock knob (about four inches in diameter) that also works as a handy handle.
For my mono-pod needs, instead of buying an expensive mono-pod I still have my cheap plastic tripod that I used when i was first learning how to shoot. So, when I need a mono-pod I take my old tripod, tie it together with a bungee chord, extend only one leg, and here I have a mono-pod.
You can see most responders prefer the tilt head AS DO I. I was using a tilt head and then thought a ball head might give me more freedom of movement. WRONG. Very difficult to control a ball head on the monopod so I sold it within weeks of getting it. Frankly I shoot college soccer and actually stopped using the monopod all together as I found more freedom with camera alone. I shoot with a Canon 70-200mmL and find I can handle an entire game by resting the camera occasionally using a neck/shoulder strap. If you need the monopod you will find the tilt head best as most here have said.
CamB
Loc: Juneau, Alaska
hj wrote:
You can see most responders prefer the tilt head AS DO I. I was using a tilt head and then thought a ball head might give me more freedom of movement. WRONG. Very difficult to control a ball head on the monopod so I sold it within weeks of getting it. Frankly I shoot college soccer and actually stopped using the monopod all together as I found more freedom with camera alone. I shoot with a Canon 70-200mmL and find I can handle an entire game by resting the camera occasionally using a neck/shoulder strap. If you need the monopod you will find the tilt head best as most here have said.
You can see most responders prefer the tilt head A... (
show quote)
Looking back I see seven for tilt heads, five for ball heads and two for gimbals. That’s about normal for this discussion. Shows me it’s mostly what works for you, so we are all right.
...Cam
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-MonopodThis link will provide a nice tutorial on monopod usage as well as the function of a head. Personally, I prefer a ball head or a compact type of ball head that enables one handed trigger operation to operate the head. I use two of theses heads. I'll post some pictures of them along with the makes and model numbers.
I have the Slick AT 2100 and the Monfrotto 322RCR. These are well suited for monopod use.
I have a Benro monopod with a swivel foot that works quite well.
MrBob
Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama
aggiedad wrote:
I have a Benro monopod with a swivel foot that works quite well.
Actually this was a reply to Mr. Shapiro's pic of a Slik Ballhead.....Sorry Aggiedad, dumb fingers this AM.
Everyone wants to diss. a pistol grip ballhead on a monopod.... I don't get it !!!! It is the most EFFICIENT head for the pod as it can tilt in any direction, no knobs or levers to fiddle with and allows your left hand to acquire the subject while right hand controls camera functions. GET OUT OF THE TYPICAL BALL HEAD MENTALITY FOR A MONOPOD. My Slik pistol grip has handled everything up to a 300mm FF lens. If you have not tried it then don't knock it folks... Pistol grip ballheads work GREAT on a monopod. Mine has resided on my monopod for 15 years.
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Monopod
This link will provide a nice tutorial on monopod usage as well as the function of a head. Personally, I prefer a ball head or a compact type of ball head that enables one handed trigger operation to operate the head. I use two of theses heads. I'll post some pictures of them along with the makes and model numbers.
I have the Slick AT 2100 and the Monfrotto 322RCR. These are well suited for monopod use.
Yes, I have used the Manfro 222 grip action ballhead with a 300mm f2.8 on a monopod - and while it can be done, I would only really recommend it for smaller/lighter lenses. The automatic grip action feature makes the ball head a more viable head for a monopod IMO.
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Monopods are easily adjusted for roll and yaw, pitch may a little trickier.
But whatever works best for you. It really IS an individual thing, there is no
best way.
joer
Loc: Colorado/Illinois
jzett wrote:
Greetings. Considering purchasing a monopod. I mostly shoot sports - soccer, surfing, lacrosse, etc. Just wondering if a ball head is necessary. My thought is to just mount to to top of monopod as I move about and would use the monopod basically for support. Your though and advice are appreciated. John
You will get all sorts of recommendations most of them will work albeit awkwardly. The tilt head is designed specifically for monopod use. Don't waste your time and money on the alternatives.
Get a quality head that has bearings with smooth action...most of the inexpensive ones do not.
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