Monopods and Ball Heads

Sarah · Jul 5, 2003

I have been following the thread "Monopod Faves" with great interest, as a monopod is next on my list of purchases. The Bogan 3249/3449 looks like just what I could use. I like the idea of flip locks over twist locks. My question is how many of you are using ball heads on your monopods, and if so, which ball head are you using? The Novoflex Mini Magic Ball Head really looks nice, but it cost almost five times what the Bogan 3249 cost. I guess it would be foolish to put that much in a ball head. I sure could use some guidance on whether a ball head is useful on a monopod, and if so, which one would be a good one to get. Thanks everyone for some feedback on this. Alan in Florida, where it's rained every day for the past month. :-(
--
See my profile....I like Canon

digitaltourist · Jul 5, 2003

The best solution I have seen is this (taken from the Really Right Stuff website) :

You need two parts: A Bogen model #3232 (Manfrotto #234) swivel—it costs about $14—and our own model B2-Pro clamp. Unlike a ballhead, this compact swivel tilts on only one axis, so it’s faster to use; less fussy to control.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html

AlanFla said:
I have been following the thread "Monopod Faves" with great
interest, as a monopod is next on my list of purchases. The Bogan
3249/3449 looks like just what I could use. I like the idea of
flip locks over twist locks. My question is how many of you are
using ball heads on your monopods, and if so, which ball head are
you using? The Novoflex Mini Magic Ball Head really looks nice,
but it cost almost five times what the Bogan 3249 cost. I guess it
would be foolish to put that much in a ball head. I sure could use
some guidance on whether a ball head is useful on a monopod, and
if so, which one would be a good one to get. Thanks everyone for
some feedback on this. Alan in Florida, where it's rained every
day for the past month. :-(
--
See my profile....I like Canon

DavidP #28649 · Jul 5, 2003

Using a monpod without a ballhead is like trying to lift weights with different amounts of weight on each side of the bar.

Sure, it can be done, but it's not efficient.

For the ultimate in monopod usage (with a lens that has a tripod collar), use a ballhead (I use the Arca-Swiss B-1, but that's overkill) along with the Wimberly Sidekick.

Once you've tried it (go to the zoo and use it with a 100-400 with 1.4x TC on it for maximum effect), you'll never adhere to the "bare monopod" theory again.

The most stable position for you monopod in any given situation has a VERY small chance of being compatabile with where you want to point the lens. So why live with the compromise?

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

DavidP #28649 · Jul 5, 2003

Hardy the best solution.

I challenge anybody to take a 100-400 IS with 1.4x TC on a monopod set up like that to the zoo, and then to take it with a ballhead and Wimberly Sidekick put on the monopod.

AFTER they've tried it, then they're qualified to say which is the better solution.

digitaltourist said:
The best solution I have seen is this (taken from the Really Right
Stuff website) :

You need two parts: A Bogen model #3232 (Manfrotto #234) swivel—it
costs about $14—and our own model B2-Pro clamp. Unlike a ballhead,
this compact swivel tilts on only one axis, so it’s faster to use;
less fussy to control.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

Alan Stone · Jul 5, 2003

David:

Good info. If you view the Arca-Swiss B-1 as overkill, what would you think of the AcraTech ball head for such use. It seems to me the key difference between them is the tension capability of the B-1. So, would the AcraTech and a Sidekick on a monopod work well? Anyone?

Alan

DavidP said:
Using a monpod without a ballhead is like trying to lift weights
with different amounts of weight on each side of the bar.

Sure, it can be done, but it's not efficient.

For the ultimate in monopod usage (with a lens that has a tripod
collar), use a ballhead (I use the Arca-Swiss B-1, but that's
overkill) along with the Wimberly Sidekick.

Once you've tried it (go to the zoo and use it with a 100-400 with
1.4x TC on it for maximum effect), you'll never adhere to the "bare
monopod" theory again.

The most stable position for you monopod in any given situation has
a VERY small chance of being compatabile with where you want to
point the lens. So why live with the compromise?

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and
tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

Petteri Sulonen · Jul 5, 2003

AlanFla wrote:
[snip]

I've got a Manfrotto 679 with 484RC2 mini-ballhead. I wouldn't put a 500/5.6 on it, but for human-sized lenses it works extremely well, as long as I tighten the head on the 'pod well enough.

It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it, though, but I've really become a fan. I always take it with me when hiking or going on a long walk with the camera nowadays -- doubles as a walking stick. The rubber tip is wearing through, though, so I need to think of something better to replace that...

Using the 'pod without the head is a Stupid Idea. Feels like driving a car with the steering wheel lock engaged.

Petteri
--
Portfolio: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/index/ ]
Pontification: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/ ]

DavidP #28649 · Jul 5, 2003

The Acratech should work just fine, IMO. It DOES have a tension control, BTW. But, it's not an elliptical ballhead, like the B-1 is.

The only issue I've seen raised is that you can't easily get to "exactly" a 90-degree position with the Acratech (it goes past 90 degrees). Some claim that's an issue. I don't see how it is, though.

I happen to own both of those ballheads. But, I use the Q-top Q/R on the Acratech, mounted on a G2227.

The B-1 is what I used on my G1325, and my G1588 (?) monopod.

Alan Stone said:
Good info. If you view the Arca-Swiss B-1 as overkill, what would
you think of the AcraTech ball head for such use. It seems to me
the key difference between them is the tension capability of the
B-1. So, would the AcraTech and a Sidekick on a monopod work well?

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

Doug Walker · Jul 5, 2003

I've been using the Arca Swiss B1 and Sidekick combination on a monopod for over a year and swear by it. It's just so sweet and effortless to use. Makes your photo session a whole lot more enjoyable. I've been eyeing the Acratech ball head for a while now and can't see why that wouldn't work as well on a monopod. I'd also be lighter.

The well respected nature and bird photographer, Dr. Don Cohen over at dlcphotography.net, has also been using the Arca Swiss/Sidekick/monopod combo for about a year and a half to capture some truely outstanding images (check out his site).

DavidP said:
Using a monpod without a ballhead is like trying to lift weights
with different amounts of weight on each side of the bar.

Sure, it can be done, but it's not efficient.

For the ultimate in monopod usage (with a lens that has a tripod
collar), use a ballhead (I use the Arca-Swiss B-1, but that's
overkill) along with the Wimberly Sidekick.

Once you've tried it (go to the zoo and use it with a 100-400 with
1.4x TC on it for maximum effect), you'll never adhere to the "bare
monopod" theory again.

The most stable position for you monopod in any given situation has
a VERY small chance of being compatabile with where you want to
point the lens. So why live with the compromise?

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and
tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

--
Doug Walker
Check my profile for equipment list.

Shanda Bhasker · Jul 5, 2003

or is there another reason to use the Sidekick with the Arca-Swiss B1?

Shanda

DavidP #28649 · Jul 5, 2003

The Sidekick isn't designed to work with lenses without tripod collars.

I don't see how it could work at all.

For those situations, you should just use a ballhead.

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

digitaltourist · Jul 5, 2003

Hmm, not sure how you know that it is not the best solution for me. I respect your right to your opinion, maybe I can be allowed to have mine?

BTW, how is it that you know how qualified I may or may not be to have an opinion? Also, I guess I missed the part in which it was stated that this monopod was to be used exclusively with a 100-400 IS and 1.4....

DavidP said:
I challenge anybody to take a 100-400 IS with 1.4x TC on a monopod
set up like that to the zoo, and then to take it with a ballhead
and Wimberly Sidekick put on the monopod.

AFTER they've tried it, then they're qualified to say which is the
better solution.

digitaltourist said:

The best solution I have seen is this (taken from the Really Right
Stuff website) :

You need two parts: A Bogen model #3232 (Manfrotto #234) swivel—it
costs about $14—and our own model B2-Pro clamp. Unlike a ballhead,
this compact swivel tilts on only one axis, so it’s faster to use;
less fussy to control.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html

Click to expand...

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and
tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

wacomme · Jul 5, 2003

Petteri Sulonen said:
Using the 'pod without the head is a Stupid Idea. Feels like
driving a car with the steering wheel lock engaged.

I don't understand how using a monopod without a head is s "stupid idea." In other words, I don't see the advantages of using a head. Please enlighten me. Thanks.
--
Michael

David Martin · Jul 5, 2003

Michael Chamberlin said:
Petteri Sulonen said:

Using the 'pod without the head is a Stupid Idea. Feels like
driving a car with the steering wheel lock engaged.

Click to expand...

I don't understand how using a monopod without a head is s "stupid
idea." In other words, I don't see the advantages of using a head.
Please enlighten me. Thanks.
--
Michael

It's darn difficult to compose the shot at all - you need to be able to move the camera around, not to have it fixed in one orientation.
--
Regards,
DaveMart

Please see profile for equipment

DavidP #28649 · Jul 5, 2003

Of course you're entitled to your opinion.

And have you tried the Wimberely Sidekick with this configuration?

Even without a long telephoto on there, I don't want the angle I intend to shoot of the subject dictating how I have to position my monopod. Do you?

I'm sure there may be some who have actually tried the Sidekick and decided that going straight to the monopod is the best way.

But to simply rely on a website like that to make the unqualifed assertion that "you don't need a ballhead" is a bit silly, when plenty of others have had the exact opposite experience.

digitaltourist said:
Hmm, not sure how you know that it is not the best solution for
me. I respect your right to your opinion, maybe I can be allowed
to have mine?

BTW, how is it that you know how qualified I may or may not be to
have an opinion? Also, I guess I missed the part in which it was
stated that this monopod was to be used exclusively with a 100-400
IS and 1.4....

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

DavidP #28649 · Jul 5, 2003

Suppose you're at a zoo. You have a rail in front of you. That rail makes a very nice thing to brace the monopod against for added stability. (Assuming no danged KIDS are bouncing it -- LOL).

Once you've got the best angle set for stability, you can then (with a ballhead -- and preferably the Sidekick for longer lenses) point the lens wherever you want.

If you mount the lens (or tripod ring) directly to the monopod, you're severely restricting the position in whch you can put the monopod for a given shot.

Michael Chamberlin said:
I don't understand how using a monopod without a head is s "stupid
idea." In other words, I don't see the advantages of using a head.
Please enlighten me. Thanks.

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

Maxwell Murphy48569 · Jul 5, 2003

For those looking at the Bogen 3249, would this ball-head then be an aqequate and economical additon? (the Bogen 3055S)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh2/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=149679&is=REG

Comes to just over $76 total at B&H

Petteri Sulonen said:
AlanFla wrote:

[snip]

I've got a Manfrotto 679 with 484RC2 mini-ballhead. I wouldn't put
a 500/5.6 on it, but for human-sized lenses it works extremely
well, as long as I tighten the head on the 'pod well enough.

It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it, though, but I've
really become a fan. I always take it with me when hiking or going
on a long walk with the camera nowadays -- doubles as a walking
stick. The rubber tip is wearing through, though, so I need to
think of something better to replace that...

Using the 'pod without the head is a Stupid Idea. Feels like
driving a car with the steering wheel lock engaged.

Petteri
--
Portfolio: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/index/ ]
Pontification: [ http://www.seittipaja.fi/ ]

DavidP #28649 · Jul 5, 2003

If the specs are correct, it should at least support the weight.

I'm not sure how smooth it'd be, though.

You might try a google search using "Bogen 3055S" and "review" and see what turns up.

Maxwell Murphy said:
For those looking at the Bogen 3249, would this ball-head then be
an aqequate and economical additon? (the Bogen 3055S)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh2/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=149679&is=REG

Comes to just over $76 total at B&H

--
The Lowest Paid Concert Photographer Around
http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/artshow/final.htm
Photography -- just another word for compromise

'Since we can't keep crime in check, why don't we legalize it and tax it out of business?' -- Will Rogers

Doug Warner · Jul 5, 2003

A thought: A tilt bracket / ballhead that locks into position when a downward extending lever is grasped and squeezed against the side of the monopod.

With this, you don't have to "balance" the weithg ot ghe camera and lens on top of the pod while turning the head's locking knob.

With your left hand wrapped around the grip of the pod. it remains steady, while you adjust the camera postion relative to it. When it's at the desired angle, you pull the lever, and it locks. A small trigger releases it when it's time to adjust again.

Actually, this looks quite easy to do with the 2232 head.. Replace the locking knob with a cam lever (Scaled up version of the handles on the leg locks), and it's ready to go.

(Ordering 2232 from B&H)

bimmerman · Jul 5, 2003

I was actually going to head out to get one and thought I'd do a check. Correct me if i'm wrong but the ball head thingy is 400 bucks!!! Good golly!! I'd sell my perfectly good 70-200L and top up for an IS.

Steven Geller · Jul 5, 2003

Isn't that supposed to be the easiest to use?

AlanFla said:
I have been following the thread "Monopod Faves" with great
interest, as a monopod is next on my list of purchases. The Bogan
3249/3449 looks like just what I could use. I like the idea of
flip locks over twist locks. My question is how many of you are
using ball heads on your monopods, and if so, which ball head are
you using? The Novoflex Mini Magic Ball Head really looks nice,
but it cost almost five times what the Bogan 3249 cost. I guess it
would be foolish to put that much in a ball head. I sure could use
some guidance on whether a ball head is useful on a monopod, and
if so, which one would be a good one to get. Thanks everyone for
some feedback on this. Alan in Florida, where it's rained every
day for the past month. :-(
--
See my profile....I like Canon

--
EOS 1D, 28-70 2.8L, 16-35 2.8L, 550EX

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