Ball Head Purchase Advice
Nov 21, 2012 10:03:00 #
Bob55
Loc: Valhalla NY
I have a question about buying a ball head for my monopod. Amazon has what seems to be good pricing although price is not the main objective.
I have a Canon 7D and bought a Vanguard AP-284 monopod. Now I need to buy a ball head for it and am considering the Vanguard SBH-100 or SBH-250. The description of the SBH-30 seemed a bit light as I have a Canon 15-85 and a 70-300mm My question is whether the SBH-250 is wrong for the monopod and would appreciate any advice all of you would give me. Bob
I have a Canon 7D and bought a Vanguard AP-284 monopod. Now I need to buy a ball head for it and am considering the Vanguard SBH-100 or SBH-250. The description of the SBH-30 seemed a bit light as I have a Canon 15-85 and a 70-300mm My question is whether the SBH-250 is wrong for the monopod and would appreciate any advice all of you would give me. Bob
Nov 21, 2012 10:08:32 #
Camera weight + largest lens weight x 1.5 is the rule I normally go by.
Nov 21, 2012 10:15:49 #
Nov 22, 2012 05:39:04 #
DaveHam
Loc: Reading UK
If you can find one, the Arca Swiss ball head is a very good choice. Been using one for a year now, bought second hand, with lenses up to 600mm on a Vanguard Tracker tripod. An excellent combination!
Nov 22, 2012 06:47:08 #
Whilst in the UK a couple of months back I bought a Manfrotto 695CX Monopod. I asked the sales guy in the shop about a ball head for it. He asked why I wanted one. He said they are ok for a tripod but unnecessary for a monopod.(I wanted to use it with a long lens that has a collar mount). So I purchased the Manfrotto 234 RC Swivel mount. Thus far I have been very happy with it.
Nov 22, 2012 07:47:31 #
Bob55 wrote:
I have a question about buying a ball head for my ... (show quote)
Maybe it's just my narrow perspective, but it seems rather odd to put a ball head on a monopod. Adjusting a camera on a ball head requires two hands (one to hold the camera and one to turn the adjusting knob on the ball head). A very difficult task with an unsteady monopod underneath. Why would you consider this combination? You must have something in mind that I'm missing.
If you need an adapter to change from landscape to portrait, there are much cheaper solutions such as: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Bogen-3232-Swivel-Tilt-Monopod-Head-Review.aspx
Nov 22, 2012 08:35:42 #
The best combo I've used is a monopod with a Slik pistol grip. When the grip releases the ball to float it can be positioned quickly with one hand. A regular ball head and the Vangard pistol grip both require two hands. The larger of the two sizes Slik makes will handle up to a 300mm.
Nov 22, 2012 08:48:42 #
Bob55
Loc: Valhalla NY
I never thought of that, thanks. What plate do you recommend for the Manfroto 234 swivel mount?
Nov 22, 2012 08:49:52 #
Bob55
Loc: Valhalla NY
I cant find the pistol grip Slik on the amazon page. Can you give me the model number?
Nov 22, 2012 09:00:42 #
Nov 22, 2012 09:00:58 #
Nov 22, 2012 09:21:16 #
Bob55 wrote:
I cant find the pistol grip Slik on the amazon page. Can you give me the model number?
Look under B&H. There should be two models, the larger of which is the one you would need.
Nov 22, 2012 11:10:34 #
Bob55 wrote:
I never thought of that, thanks. What plate do you recommend for the Manfroto 234 swivel mount?
Any quick release system will work. For example: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=554141&Q=&is=REG&A=details
But, actually, I prefer the 234 swivel mount without a quick release plate. The large wheel for threading the camera onto the mount makes is easy and quick to take the camera on and off.
Nov 22, 2012 11:26:33 #
I just ordered a monopod so I was looking at heads at the same time. At B&H the Manfrotto 234RC head is $39.95 but the 496RC2 is only $56.67 after the $10 mail in rebate. You get a larger, more versatile head for just a bit more. They both include the rapid connect plate.
Nov 22, 2012 11:41:43 #
saichiez
Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon
I spent way too much on a Ball Head one time. Any amount is too much money if you NEVER use the product. Never made that mistake again.
As it turns out, I became really adept at adjusting the camera with a very good 3 way head.
A ball head is just too floppy in my experience. Since there is no, or very little MFR specified lubrication in the ball, there is a delicate balance in setting the tension from, "Darn,, can't move the camera, all the way to Krap, the thing is all over the place!!!"
And don't make the mistake of lubing the ball. That takes you to pure madness on future use of that particular ball head.
This from Fred Miranda forum:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/890094
I simply did a yahoo search..... should you lubricate a ball head....
Overwhelmingly you get the answer "Not Suggested" to outright no.
As it turns out, I became really adept at adjusting the camera with a very good 3 way head.
A ball head is just too floppy in my experience. Since there is no, or very little MFR specified lubrication in the ball, there is a delicate balance in setting the tension from, "Darn,, can't move the camera, all the way to Krap, the thing is all over the place!!!"
And don't make the mistake of lubing the ball. That takes you to pure madness on future use of that particular ball head.
This from Fred Miranda forum:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/890094
I simply did a yahoo search..... should you lubricate a ball head....
Overwhelmingly you get the answer "Not Suggested" to outright no.
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