Monopod and a head? I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a...

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

A tilt head allows you to angle the monopod forward and backward if necessary.
For panning I just rotate the monopod.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

Check out this video by Steve Perry on the Wimberley Monogimbal Head. If you don't see anything you like about it you probably don't need a head for your monopod. It makes me want to buy a monopod.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

jim quist wrote:

I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?

Watch Steve Perry's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw&t=301s

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

jim quist wrote:

I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?

If you shoot up or down quickly - like birds, airplanes, or shooting nature/wildlife down from boardwalks or on uneven terrain - you need a head and if you are following ACTION you need a very smoooth operating head like a video fluid head. Shooting sports ONLY, you can get away with a very basic head or even no head - if you are brave 8-) - and cheap !
.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

double post

jim quist Loc: Missouri

So you guys convinced me on the Wimberley Monogimbal head. Ordered one along with a 500 f4 to use with it. Thank you.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

jim quist wrote:

I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?

Any additional addition on a monopod makes the monopod less stable. In fact, I never use a monopod.
And it appears you agree, I quote you here, "have never felt the need for a monopod"

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I have a monopod with a RRS Monopod tilt head. Works fine with heavy lens

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

jim quist wrote:

I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?

It’s a personal choice. I have a pod for 20 years and 2 years ago I put a head on it. Much easier to mount /dismount the body, and it looks cool

dave.m

As already mentioned by imagemeister, I use a monopod and tilting head when tracking moving aircraft at typically close range at air shows. I originally tried a ball head but it was no good as when friction set to allow up and down movement (in X forward direction) , it also allowed the camera to move side to side (Y direction).

I use Manfrotto fittings and the 234 is ideal. From advice from a pro photographer, I use a strap around my neck, then extend the monopod well in front, and with feet apart at 10 and 4 oclock'ish the setup is very stable. The neck strap is tensioned for the camera to be pushed forwards, and though counter intuitive at first, the pod and me form a fairly stable, rapidly adjustable 'tripod'.

Because the monopod is extended in front it is easy to elevate the camera for high angle shots with a short step forward and rotate the head. Much easier to do than describe, and helps for fast, high angle tracking shots considerably.

old poet

Just bought a Siuri tilt head. It comes with a quick release plate, bubble level, quality construction. Love it.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

jim quist wrote:

I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?

I would never use one of my monos without a ball head, it's very easy to follow any action and at the same time you're shooting pretty stabilized!

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

Be careful with a ball on a monopod. If it is loose enough to move and you aren't paying attention... everything may rotate fast and in a hurry. Picture lens crashing down into the pod.

I personally just use the pod right to the lens foot. I only shoot sports with it and am mainly panning left to right. I can see tilting for vertical could be helpful.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Watch Steve Perry's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw&t=301s

Monopod/ballhead user for 40yrs, but this video really made me want to try out this side mounted head.
...Cam