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Mount for 500mm on a monopod

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Kowenjr

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I just got my new Canon 500mm lens for my 30D. I have a tripod but also enjoy using a monopod for wildlife hikes. In the past I have used my ball head (gitzo 1277) on my monopod for my 100-400. I just don't feel as comfortable using that with my 500mm due to the weight. Would it be better to mount a quick release plate right to the monopod and forget the ball head? Any ideas would be appreciated.
 
I use the 500 on a monopod often, no head, no quick relase plate. Screw the monopod into the foot of the 500. Keep the tripod collar loose while shooting so you can "level" the pix even when moving the thing around.
 
I use the Manfrotto 234 RC swivel head with my 500/4 L IS on the 20D. The quick release plate is handy for when I need to change to the 120-300/2.8. Personally I don't like a ball head on a monopod, too cumbersome, pinched fingers if you're not careful, bulky. Works for me for the past 18 months already.
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simondp
 
On a monopod, the only thing that I have is a quick release clamp on it. I like to keep the lens setup with a quick release plate to go back and forth between the monopod and the tripod. On the tripod, I use a full wimberley.

--
Brian
 
I have tried a ball head on a monopod and found it to be a pane. They make simple tilt heads for monopods which may be a better choice. The lenses I use on a monopod all have a Lens collar. I just use the monopod screw into these and use the collar for tilting. Of corse nothing beats a full gimbal head on a tripod. I bought one and sometimes even use it on hikes with my 300mm F2.8. I bought it with the 500mm in mind but now I just don't know if I'll be able to handle the bulk and weight of the 500mm, tripod and head. So if I part with the $5.5K for a 500mm f4it looks like a momopod may be my only option for hikeing.
--
JJMack
 
Ballhead + sidekic, lock the panning base.

This alows you to pivot the lens vertivally about the horzontal sidekick axis and pivot the lens horizontally about the tripod foot. All balanced so there is little likelhood of an accident.

Gene

--
Gene (aka hawkman) - Walk softly and carry a big lens

Please visit my wildlife galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com
http://hawkman.smugmug.com/gallery/1414279

 
Agree that a monopod makes this lens much more handy than using a tripod.

Eduardo
Kowenjr said:
I just got my new Canon 500mm lens for my 30D. I have a tripod but
also enjoy using a monopod for wildlife hikes. In the past I have
used my ball head (gitzo 1277) on my monopod for my 100-400. I just
don't feel as comfortable using that with my 500mm due to the
weight. Would it be better to mount a quick release plate right to
the monopod and forget the ball head? Any ideas would be
appreciated.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.delsolar.org:82/
 
Thanks for all the responses. I walked for quite a bit the other day through the woods and would have to say the monopod seems to be a much easier way to move about looking for targets of opportunity. If I was setting up at a specific locale, I would bring my tripod. Hawkman mentioned the sidekick. I have one but did not try using it yet. It just seemed like to many places to forget to tighten something, but if the ease and results are there I'll give it a try. Anbody else experience this set up?
 
I'm with "gasrocks" on this one,

I use my 400 2.8 IS (which is heavier than the 500) on a monopod all the time with the pod screwed directly into the lens collar mount - no heads or plates to come loose. You have to practise using these big lenses on a monopod and you will get used to tilting and panning the whole oufit quickly and accurately. Hope you get on okay and make sure the monopod you use can handle the weight.

Best Wishes from Scotland

Charlie
http://www.charliephillipsimages.co.uk
--
May The Light Always Be Where You Want It.....
 
Kowenjr said:
Thanks for all the responses. I walked for quite a bit the other
day through the woods and would have to say the monopod seems to be
a much easier way to move about looking for targets of opportunity.
Click to expand...
Agreed! Portability was a main factor in deciding for the 500/600mm lens, using a monopod given my style was a prerequisite.
Kowenjr said:
If I was setting up at a specific locale, I would bring my tripod.
Hawkman mentioned the sidekick. I have one but did not try using it
yet. It just seemed like to many places to forget to tighten
something, but if the ease and results are there I'll give it a
try.
Click to expand...
I use the sidekick and never had a problem with it. One good way to ensure safety is to terrorize yourself to the belief that you will destroy your $5000 investment if you fail to lock it properly. The fear or terror factor works for me (visualize your glass shattering into 5000 pieces as you lock it) but you should try a strategy that works for you. :-)

Eduardo

Anbody else experience this set up?

--
http://www.delsolar.org:82/
 
Me too. I now always use a ballhead (light weight Acratech I had lying around) and the Sidekick with my 500. I can't believe how convenient that is to use when its balanced on my monopod.
 
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