Monopod for heavy lens ??
Nov 3, 2017 17:49:39 #
kdogg wrote:
I use a Manfrotto 681 monopod with a 3262 Manfrotto ball head with my 7D and a 100-300mm canon lens. Both from ebay for less than $150.00. Works very well for me.
A ball head on a mono might be risky with a big lens. Whoops.....
Nov 3, 2017 18:22:17 #
Nov 3, 2017 18:36:03 #
DaveO wrote:
A ball head on a mono might be risky with a big lens. Whoops.....
I don't know why, if you have a decent ball head, then there is no risk!
Nov 3, 2017 18:38:44 #
I use a Pro Master monopod and no ball head. It is also my walking staff, which it is made for with a hand strap and a spike/rubber tip. It extends up to 70 inches (I am 6'2") which makes me bend just slightly when the camera and lens are mounted. Very light weight but extremely strong. Does not have a weight limit stated but has held up this 190 lb body for two years now. It has twist locks, not clips. I would not suggest a ball head on a monopod. Do not cut corners on cost. The monopods with 3 small feet at the bottom are mostly a gimmick so don't waste you money on them unless you do a lot of shooting in very level areas.
Nov 3, 2017 18:44:13 #
speters wrote:
I don't know why, if you have a decent ball head, then there is no risk!
Not everyone has your skills according to past threads on the forum.
Nov 3, 2017 18:45:04 #
There is a risk of the lens and camera flopping to the side or forward unexpectedly in my limited experience of using a ball head. This can even happen on a tripod. I will stick with my tilt head on a monopod...
speters wrote:
I don't know why, if you have a decent ball head, then there is no risk!
Nov 3, 2017 18:46:40 #
And if you put a RRS spike on your monopod it makes a fairly good weapon too... Even a Rock Claw is not bad... 
Bill Munny wrote:
I use a Pro Master monopod and no ball head. It i... (show quote)
Nov 3, 2017 18:48:18 #
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
And if you put a RRS spike on your monopod it makes a fairly good weapon too... Even a Rock Claw is not bad...
Nov 3, 2017 20:22:38 #
Canoe50d wrote:
Would love to hear from those that use a Monopod along with a heavy lens. I'm using a Canon ef 500mm F4 as well just picked up a Sigma 120-300 f2.8 (just as heavy as the Canon). Not sure my ultra light mono will do the trick. I would like to hear what model/brand your using and with or without a head. I have a pistol grip now and love it, but don't think it will hold this weight. Thanks in advance for any feedback (photos would be great as well.)
I have shot with the Canon 300 2.8 and 2X. I really like the speed and handling of the Manfro 685 neotek monopod - but to be honest, I really do not recommend it for a BIG lens. I have used a Manfro #222 grip action ball head with a #234 on top also - and it worked OK for ME - but again, I would not recommend it for a BIG lens.
So, here is what I DO recommend ......I adapted a STEEL cargo stabilizer to be a monopod - no phoney-baloney aluminum or carbon fiber - USA STEEL ! I used a Manfro 3063 video fluid head on it ( I still have it - and would sell it) - but today I prefer a KingJoy video fluid head for following action on a monopod. I use a video camera shoulder pad tucked under my shirt for carrying the rig on my shoulder.
I also recommend using a Bodypod that I make ......PM me for further details ....
I also recommend the Manfro mono brace .....
3063 on steel pod
(Download)
Bodypod
(Download)
KingJoy on Manfro 685
(Download)
Manfro Mono brace
(Download)
Nov 4, 2017 10:13:49 #
They are not cheap (around $80 and up) but google SLIK you'll find them on Amazon. Have had one for decades heavy duty and tough but fairly light weight.
Canoe50d wrote:
Would love to hear from those that use a Monopod along with a heavy lens. I'm using a Canon ef 500mm F4 as well just picked up a Sigma 120-300 f2.8 (just as heavy as the Canon). Not sure my ultra light mono will do the trick. I would like to hear what model/brand your using and with or without a head. I have a pistol grip now and love it, but don't think it will hold this weight. Thanks in advance for any feedback (photos would be great as well.)
Nov 4, 2017 10:22:15 #
I've been using a Sirui P-424R for several years without a head and lover it. I love shooting wildlife with me D7200 with a Tamron 150-600, I also have a tri pod but the mono is much faster to set up.
Nov 4, 2017 13:14:42 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Brucej67 wrote:
Why did you have problems with it? I use the one I mentioned above which can hold 26 LB and use their head rated at 36 LB load capacity, it has feet to steady it and is lighter to carry than my tripod.
It's not the weight, I find it better to actually hand hold the lens. And if the lens is non hold able I would prefer it to be on a winberly head on a tripod. I find the heavy weight ungainly to manage on a monopod. I do primarily birds in flight, I cannot pan well with a monopod, works better on the winberly.
Nov 4, 2017 14:13:56 #
billnikon wrote:
It's not the weight, I find it better to actually hand hold the lens. And if the lens is non hold able I would prefer it to be on a winberly head on a tripod. I find the heavy weight ungainly to manage on a monopod. I do primarily birds in flight, I cannot pan well with a monopod, works better on the winberly.
Tell that to the sideline sports photogs !.....
Nov 4, 2017 14:17:08 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
imagemeister wrote:
Tell that to the sideline sports photogs !.....
Look, it is my personal observation and experience. F--- you.
Nov 4, 2017 14:21:32 #
billnikon wrote:
Look, it is my personal observation and experience. F--- you.
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