Head for Carbon Fibre Monopod

[MrSparks999]

So i am considering investing in a Carbon Fibre Monopod, question is which head would you pair with it? So many to choose from, dont want a big bulky one as that would negate the lightweight monopod.

 

[Bryan Conner]

My first question would be why do you want to have a head on a Monopod? I shot sports for years with a monopod and never had a head on it, and never wanted one. I have a head on my monopod now, but that is because I sometimes like to use it with bird photography.

Here is the one I use: Manfrotto 234RC. It is relatively cheap and works well enough for me. I use Peak Design Dual Plates which can work with both the Manfrotto monopod head as well as with my ArcaSwiss head that is on my tripod.

There are lots of other monopod heads that might be better suited for your use, but we would need more info to make a suggestion.

Which head would depend on what you are going to attach to the head. The weight of the heaviest body/lens/flash combination. Also what is your budget?

 

[Dean Wilson]

I do not use Monopods, but I do have a two tripods from 3-Legged Thing and I have been pleased with the quality. So, if I was in the market for a monopod I would look there first.

3-Legged Thing Monopods

 

[RDM5546]

So i am considering investing in a Carbon Fibre Monopod, question is which head would you pair with it? So many to choose from, dont want a big bulky one as that would negate the lightweight monopod.

I have Manfrotto and also Neewer heads. The Neewer heads work surprisingly well and are cheap!

 

[Grahamk]

Interesting question - I've never considered using a head on my monopod. For the subjects that I sometimes use it with (motor sports & animals/birds) I find that the movement available with the support having only a single leg is sufficient for my needs.

 

[MrSparks999]

Thanks for feedback, hadnt considered not adding a head, but makes perfect sense. So does anyone know if Manfrotto to a plain plate to make mounting onto the monopod easy?

 

[Grahamk]

I just screw my Manfrotto monopod into the camera base, it doesn't take long. Have you tried looking at the Manfrotto website for options?

 

[MrSparks999]

Here is the one I use: Manfrotto 234RC. It is relatively cheap and works well enough for me. I use Peak Design Dual Plates which can work with both the Manfrotto monopod head as well as with my ArcaSwiss head that is on my tripod.

Thanks for that, i looked it up and this looks like the perfect solution. So i will order one when i order the monopod.

 

[VanDyck]

I use a Sirui L-10 tilt head with an Arca Swiss clamp on a Feisol cf monopod.

 

[Grahamk]

Had a look at the Manfrotto 234RC following Bryan’s recommendation. I’ve just bought a pristine secondhand one from Wex. Not sure I really need it, but seemed a worthwhile investment to experiment with for the price (<£20).

 

[MrSparks999]

Yes got it as well and is perfect for a monopod.

 

[Bryan Conner]

Graham and Mark,

Let us know how you like the Manfrotto head. And remember, if you use Arca Swiss style plates for another tripod head, then the Peak Design Dual Plates will fit both Manfrotto and Arca Swiss. That is what I do to avoid having to switch plates on my gear.

 

[SYSO]

What head to get (or no head at all), depends on what you intend to use monopod for. For bird/wildlife photography, which is what I do about 90% of the time, I had Sirui L-20S tilt/pan head on my monopod for a few years until I switched to Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal. I then modified the set up by adding a pan base to MonoGimbal. A pan head or pan base is of course not necessary for monopod use (or any head at all), but there are two advantages of having a pan functionality. One, the pan movement is lot smoother with less "obstructive" feel depending on the ground the monopod is being used. Two, I don't wear out the monopod foot by constant rotation or even losing an accessory twist on foot. Have experienced both. It's a personal preference that I'm happy with.