Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Kit-V on February 13, 2011, 04:32:20 pm
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I have a Slik Pro Pod 382CF monopod & am in need of a recommendation for a ball head. The head will support up to a maximum weight of 5 lbs. And since the reason I bought the 382CF monopod was for it's light weight, I am looking for a ball head that is lightweight as well.
Thank you for any recommendations. I appreciate it.
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Really Right Stuff makes 3 sizes, all of which are excellent. Should be something here for you...
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But consider whether it's really a ballhead you want for your monopod. If you need a head at all, a dedicated monopod head that only operates in two dimensions can have significant advantages over a ballhead that operates (and flops) in three.
At the low end of the two-dimensional scale is the Manfrotto 3232. At the high end is the RRS monopod head.
Nill
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Thanks for the responses. Yeah, a ball head will be beneficial. I plan to use the monopod primarily when traveling. And since I travel with nothing more than can fit in an airplane overhead bin, versatility is important.
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+1 on the RRS head. I would strongly advice against using a multidimensional ballhead on a monopod. A 2-dimensional head is much easier to use, the other dimension can easily be used via tilting the entire monopod somewhat. A ballhead that can flop to all sides I find really akward, especially considering you need at least 1 hand to hold the monopod (or camera)...
I bought a ballhead at first but after that I quickly switched to a 2-dimensional RRS head.
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I agree that a 2 - D head is the way to go after dealing with these issues for quite a few years. I would also incorporate a RRS - L bracket when you need to shoot vertically with an un-collared lens.
Brian
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Has anyone used the Acratech Long Lens Head? It is more expensive (and somewhat heavier - by about 6 ounces) than the RRS Pan and Tilt equivalent...Which one has knobs that are easier to work with? Any advantage of one to the other?
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I'm using the RRS MH-01 head too.
I've used ball head before, but on a monopod it's not easy to adjust the way you want. The RSS monopod head rocks.
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A ball head on a monopod is, at least for me, a PITA. RRS MH-01 or similar head is better.
Steve
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if you have a really good reason for a monopod, then the RRS head is the way to go. if you have not had experience with a monopod, it is not in any way a substitute for a tripod. a monopod can be useful (with experience) for sports photography with long lenses, but i can't think of much else
before you spend money on a RRS head (a ball head is completely useless), consider what you want to accomplish with the monopod
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But consider whether it's really a ballhead you want for your monopod. If you need a head at all, a dedicated monopod head that only operates in two dimensions can have significant advantages over a ballhead that operates (and flops) in three.
At the low end of the two-dimensional scale is the Manfrotto 3232. At the high end is the RRS monopod head.
Nill
Agreed. I hate the all-over slop of a ballhead in any use, but on a monopod (itself moving) it's ungainly and unneeded. A dedicated head like those you've mentioned is a far better choice.