Monopod & Head recommendation
Sep 8, 2019 11:08:55 #
I use a Nikon D750 with a 24-70 and a 70-200 and i would like to get your recommendations on a monopod and head.
Sep 8, 2019 11:29:02 #
Where have you looked and what have you looked at so far? Have you tried one?
Sep 8, 2019 11:42:48 #
bsprague wrote:
Where have you looked and what have you looked at so far? Have you tried one?
I have not looked at anything yet, just started to look, would like to hear what others are using.
Sep 8, 2019 12:09:29 #
Monopods are very simple sticks with a screw on top. It is hard to get one that won't work.
Choices include:
Weight: Carbon fiber costs more but is lighter.
Length: Do you need it to raise the camera eyepiece to your eye. (Are you tall?)
Ballhead, tilthead or none: A ballhead allows you to use a stick in creative ways. Kept short, you can use a monopod stuck under your arm, in a pants pocket or behind your belt. A tilthead makes it easier for some. Many use nothing.
Retraction length: How do you want to pack and carry it?
Here is one that ticks off most of the boxes and does not take much of an investment: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1296071-REG/manfrotto_mmelea5bk_element_aluminum_monopod_black.html
Choices include:
Weight: Carbon fiber costs more but is lighter.
Length: Do you need it to raise the camera eyepiece to your eye. (Are you tall?)
Ballhead, tilthead or none: A ballhead allows you to use a stick in creative ways. Kept short, you can use a monopod stuck under your arm, in a pants pocket or behind your belt. A tilthead makes it easier for some. Many use nothing.
Retraction length: How do you want to pack and carry it?
Here is one that ticks off most of the boxes and does not take much of an investment: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1296071-REG/manfrotto_mmelea5bk_element_aluminum_monopod_black.html
Sep 8, 2019 12:17:16 #
irish17 wrote:
I use a Nikon D750 with a 24-70 and a 70-200 and i would like to get your recommendations on a monopod and head.
You should do a search on this site. There has been a recent and many pages discussion on this topic.
Sep 8, 2019 12:21:26 #
I use a Manfrotto with one of their grip handle ball heads. I won't get another ball head grip like that though. I like it and it has done it's job, but it's hard for me to use. I have small hands and grabbing the grip to change the placement of my camera is hard for me to do. I would suggest going to the Manfrotto website and taking a look at their monopods and the interchangable heads they have to go with them.
Sep 8, 2019 14:28:27 #
bsprague wrote:
Monopods are very simple sticks with a screw on to... (show quote)
Good post. You hit the highlights. How short you need it to go is something that is often missed. Three sections, four, five?
Sep 8, 2019 14:49:44 #
i use an altura monopod w slik detachable ball head - i steady it in my camera bag so never expand beyond the second section - about $30 total on amazon
Sep 8, 2019 15:04:09 #
cascoly wrote:
i use an altura monopod w slik detachable ball head - i steady it in my camera bag so never expand beyond the second section - about $30 total on amazon
Slik ballheads are REALLY slik... I have used one on my Monopod for 20 years.
Sep 8, 2019 15:45:01 #
irish17 wrote:
I use a Nikon D750 with a 24-70 and a 70-200 and i would like to get your recommendations on a monopod and head.
One somewhat controversial issue is the type of head to use with a monopod: tilt head or ball head. You might find this UHH thread of interest:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-554722-1.html
Sep 9, 2019 06:17:12 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
irish17 wrote:
I use a Nikon D750 with a 24-70 and a 70-200 and i would like to get your recommendations on a monopod and head.
I cannot comment on commercial monopods, I use an aluminum 2-section tripod center column, which extends from about 0.86 to 1.5m. The upper tube is 25mm diameter, bottom tube 29mm, weight about 740g. Fully extended, it’s plenty stable enough for my Nikon F5 and 250 f/4.0 Leitz Telyt-R. I use it for still subjects whenever a tripod is impractical.
On fairly flat ground I like a tilt head. For rough terrain I find a ball head to be more versatile - no matter the monopod’s angle I can nearly always set the head for what I need.
Sep 9, 2019 08:39:38 #
Long lenses with a 'foot' work very well with a gimbal head on a monopod. Try one and you will never use anything else.
Sep 9, 2019 09:15:04 #
Not a recommendation on which to buy rather where to buy. Ebay. Once you’ve decided on a model, check to see if someone is selling it on ebay. I just picked up a like new, unused Manfrotto monopod that normally sells retail for more than $200. I paid $65 for it and it came with a good Manfrotto ball head. There were even several others of the same to choose from around the same price. With ebay, patience is key. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, check back daily. It will show up eventually. But if it’s a well regarded name brand chances are that there will be at least several to choose from.
Sep 9, 2019 09:43:06 #
For monopods, I especially like the kinds with flip-out levers to loosen & tighten the joints, rather than the twist knobs. Levers are much faster and they are easier on your wrist and finger joints.
For heads, I don't have much experience. But many say that the tilt heads are preferred for monopods. Ball heads provide a range of motion that is not needed, and with more possibilities for motion you have more ways for the camera to tilt when you don't want it to.
For heads, I don't have much experience. But many say that the tilt heads are preferred for monopods. Ball heads provide a range of motion that is not needed, and with more possibilities for motion you have more ways for the camera to tilt when you don't want it to.
Sep 9, 2019 10:26:44 #
My preference is either a Gitzo or Really Right Stuff monopod with an RRS monopod head. Expensive, but will handle anything and last forever. Best of luck.
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