Roy
Well-known member
I'll use a monopod if there is nothing else.
But nothing beats the security of a real tripod...
Can I trust a heavy-duty monopod with a Z9 with 800mm f5.6?
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But nothing beats the security of a real tripod...
It sounds like you've basically gotten your answer and you've moved forward with a monopod and mono gimbal. FWIW, I have been using that setup for several years now. It used to be a D850+800f5.6 and now it's the Z9+800f5.6. I use the gitzo monopod and Wimberley monopod gimbal. I hike with it that way all the time. Though unlike Mike's photo earlier, when I put it over my shoulder I have the lens laying parallel-to and laying across my shoulders. The weight of the rig is distributed across and very little of it is on the monopod head. Also, like an earlier poster mentioned, I often hike with a Glass Limo backpack (sometimes a Kiboko) and when I do that the weight of the lens is primarily sitting on the backpack, which then distributes the weight nicely and makes it even more comfortable.
And as others have alluded to, my biggest concern has been the possibility of something going wrong and the camera+lens falling. So I have a camera strap attached, but that is a bit annoying and I've also run thought experiments about which would be worse - the camera+lens free-falling to the ground or it falling, then getting "caught" by the strap and then swinging somewhat violently into something. So far I've convinced myself that the free-fall would be worse. But it is a little annoying and sometimes a little awkward having the strap. If you keep it short enough to stop/mitigate falling issues, it's hard to get the camera far enough from your face to see the back LCD to review photos (at least with my aging eyes ...) - though that issue is not as much an issue with the Z9 due to the ability to review photos through the EVF.
Anyway, if I have a destination in mind and it's not *too* far, I'll bring the tripod. But often I'm just "going for a walk/hike to see what I can see/find", in which case I use the monopod. So far I've had no issues and this remains my main mode of operation.
All that being said, I'm looking forward to the day I get the 800PF and can do more of my hikes just hand-holding. And if NikonUSA didn't have such an asinine order system/policy I would've had an 800PF a while ago. I ordered one within minutes of the announcement. But several months later, right about the time I estimated I would actually be receiving mine, based on other peoples' orders, my credit-card was compromised and I needed to get it replaced. I called Nikon to change the credit-card on the order and they said the only way to do that would be to cancel the order and re-order. I complained that would mean I'd lose my "place in line" and they said yes, that's unfortunate. They said that maybe, just maybe, if I was super lucky, after I placed the order again with the new card, if I called them, they *might* be able to move me up in the line. But of course by that time they had closed all ordering for the 800PF so I couldn't even place an order. And NikonUSA said they had no way of going around that, and there was no way they could place the order for me. I was furious. And I swore I'd never order from NikonUSA again. But then when the 600TC was released, I decided to order through NikonUSA with a possible/hopeful plan in mind. I ordered within the first hour of its release, with the thought that maybe after placing the order, I could talk them into moving me up in the queue to make up for the 800PF fiasco. Unfortunately that was a no-go. So I'm still waiting on my 600TC. Now I'm just hoping I get the lens before my credit card expires in 2027. But at least I still have my 800f5.6+FTZ. Sorry for the long side-rant .... I'm still really cheesed off about the whole thing.
And as others have alluded to, my biggest concern has been the possibility of something going wrong and the camera+lens falling. So I have a camera strap attached, but that is a bit annoying and I've also run thought experiments about which would be worse - the camera+lens free-falling to the ground or it falling, then getting "caught" by the strap and then swinging somewhat violently into something. So far I've convinced myself that the free-fall would be worse. But it is a little annoying and sometimes a little awkward having the strap. If you keep it short enough to stop/mitigate falling issues, it's hard to get the camera far enough from your face to see the back LCD to review photos (at least with my aging eyes ...) - though that issue is not as much an issue with the Z9 due to the ability to review photos through the EVF.
Anyway, if I have a destination in mind and it's not *too* far, I'll bring the tripod. But often I'm just "going for a walk/hike to see what I can see/find", in which case I use the monopod. So far I've had no issues and this remains my main mode of operation.
All that being said, I'm looking forward to the day I get the 800PF and can do more of my hikes just hand-holding. And if NikonUSA didn't have such an asinine order system/policy I would've had an 800PF a while ago. I ordered one within minutes of the announcement. But several months later, right about the time I estimated I would actually be receiving mine, based on other peoples' orders, my credit-card was compromised and I needed to get it replaced. I called Nikon to change the credit-card on the order and they said the only way to do that would be to cancel the order and re-order. I complained that would mean I'd lose my "place in line" and they said yes, that's unfortunate. They said that maybe, just maybe, if I was super lucky, after I placed the order again with the new card, if I called them, they *might* be able to move me up in the line. But of course by that time they had closed all ordering for the 800PF so I couldn't even place an order. And NikonUSA said they had no way of going around that, and there was no way they could place the order for me. I was furious. And I swore I'd never order from NikonUSA again. But then when the 600TC was released, I decided to order through NikonUSA with a possible/hopeful plan in mind. I ordered within the first hour of its release, with the thought that maybe after placing the order, I could talk them into moving me up in the queue to make up for the 800PF fiasco. Unfortunately that was a no-go. So I'm still waiting on my 600TC. Now I'm just hoping I get the lens before my credit card expires in 2027. But at least I still have my 800f5.6+FTZ. Sorry for the long side-rant .... I'm still really cheesed off about the whole thing.
Recently, I have spent a good deal of time with a Z9 / 800pf combo, on a monopod with a MH-100 mono gimbal. This works well but from an engineering point of view, I an still a little nervous of the side mounting with heavy gear. Putting heavy gear on the MH-100 is a little bit fiddly, compared to resting the weight on a conventional mount. However, as I tend to keep this set up fixed all day, I don't have a problem with it. I tend to walk quite long distances with it over my shoulder.
Question: I have considered wrapping a Kensington lock cable around the head, until there is only a couple of inches spare and fixing into the Kensington lock on the lens mount.
This is only for the extra peace of mind and hopefully will never be tested. Has anyone else tried this? and do they see any problems? These cables and the lens mount are not made for this purpose but it could prevent a Z9 / 800pf crashing to the ground and they are only a few $.
Question: I have considered wrapping a Kensington lock cable around the head, until there is only a couple of inches spare and fixing into the Kensington lock on the lens mount.
This is only for the extra peace of mind and hopefully will never be tested. Has anyone else tried this? and do they see any problems? These cables and the lens mount are not made for this purpose but it could prevent a Z9 / 800pf crashing to the ground and they are only a few $.
agrumpyoldsod
Well-known member
Every sports photographer on the planet has for decades simply screwed in a monopod into the 3/8th inch socket in the lens foot. This is a perfectly sound solution if all one is going to do is to walk about a paddock or pitch with a long lens over your shoulder.
These days many of us fit replacement feet with are arca-swiss compatible (rather than lens plates) and this allows such lenses to be quickly, easily and safely used on compatible gimbals and heads fitted to tripod and monopods.
Many heads have clamps with safety pins which "prevent" the foot from coming off of the head until the clamp is fully opened. This allows the foot to slide a bit and then are stopped. These fittings are a really good idea.
I have to remind those who use QR socket fittings (being those primarily designed for use with slings for carrying rifles/guns) that these ARE not designed for delicate camera gear and can relatively easily release, particularly under dynamic loading (like when a camera is dropped).
I therefore DO NOT use QR socket fittings to carry any of my gear. I replaced these QR sockets with an Acratech Quick Clamp and I have moved to using fittings with Aratech QR lever clamps (not QR sockets).
I use the RRS tilting monopod head with leaver clamps on each of my monopods AND have never had an issue with any of the heaviest of my gear. Most of these I have owned for a very long time.
As alternatives to my gimbal or videohead, I am also using an Acratech Panoramic Head with Locking Lever QR Clamp 1167 together with an Acratech Levelling Base Large 74mm,on a tripod or ground pod or panning plate. AND I use Acratech Swift Clamp on my Sun Sniper and Black Rapid straps.
All can hold my body weight and dynamic loads without releasing.
Robert Sparrow
New member
For a 300mm lens & above I would definately recommend a monopod on the lens bracket rather than the camera, as it relieves the weight off the camera/lens coupling.
Clfull25
New member
I bought this same monopod and when I extended the legs, one came out and would not go back in. When I finally got it back in, then it wouldn't stay locked in place. Maybe I got a bad one and should order another one....of the same exact model. I do have the wimberly head as well.
IainD
Well-known member
I understand your concerns about QR sockets, but I have had two Acratech Swift Clamp failures. One allowed my D3s and 500 f4 to hit the ground.
After the above post, I went on a trip to Australia. I had the same set up, Z9 / 800pf / MH-100. I was talking with two Australian photographers with the set up over my shoulder.
The camera and lens fell off the MH-100 onto firm earth, landing on the lens hood first,the camera sheered off the lens, ripping the mount off the Z9.
Clearly I had not fixed the mount properly but I am very vigilant with this and it still failed. The MH-100 works really well but from an engineering point of view, having all that weight hanging against the mount is not good. Ironically, I had the set up I described above in place, A cable wrapped around the head, with a few inches loose, to attach to the Kensington lock on the lens, but I had not connected it. I always attached this now, (Horse & bolted come to mind!) I realise this is not designed to take that weight but it could avoid the serious damage if I had.
Although not quite as good, I would seriously consider a mono head where the weight sits on top of the head, if I was starting over.
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Sad to hear that one. I will take it as a very timely reminder to continue to do double check about how I set up the MH 100. I have been using it for several years now and I have never dropped the camera but I have noticed that it is possible to not get it attached properly if you hurry or are distracted while mounting the lens foot on the MH100. It can look like it is on but it is only partially in to the Arca Swiss groove on one side. It does mean however that I make a point of ignoring anything being said to me while I set it up. ( I have to apologise, of course, if some does speak to me while I am doing it.)
Take care to double check you have done it correctly before lifting the camera. I also recommend lifting it by the lens first and doing a second check. I have had a disconnect happen to me but it was the monopod which fell not the lens and camera. (Phew!) If you camera is covered by insurance the cost should be just the excess.
Take care to double check you have done it correctly before lifting the camera. I also recommend lifting it by the lens first and doing a second check. I have had a disconnect happen to me but it was the monopod which fell not the lens and camera. (Phew!) If you camera is covered by insurance the cost should be just the excess.
I have handled this monopod at a local retailer's.
I did not regard it as a strong enough monopod for heavy lenses using anything other than the top 3 leg sections.
bcgFollower
Member
You most certainly tried to 36C version, which has leg diameters 18.5 mm - 32 mm
The 46C version has leg diameters 22 mm - 36 mm
I use the latter version together with the MH-100 for my Z8 + 400 2.8E FL (often +TC-20eiii) for over a year now. In this time I never had the slightest worry that the monopod + gimbal would not be up to hold my camera rig well, be it over my shoulder or when taking photos. But as some others have written above: give yourself some time to develop the required techniques to hold and carry this type of rig. For example, always check if the MH-100 comes loose from the monopod, especially when carrying it over the shoulder.
dorthzyx
Active member
I always attach my camera lens combination to the strap on my monopod via carabiner because I am afraid of this happening.
BlackRockArt
Well-known member
Dave, I am really sorry to hear that! I hope the insurance covers the repair.
Personally, I would NEVER attach anything above 500mm onto a monopod; twists/turns/vibrations would lose the heavy rig; in my case, I ride bicycles a lot, the shake is more prominent.
Oliver
I think the 800 will be fine with the right set up. I believe it’s about weight, weight distribution and the set up of the monopod. I use a 500F4G and it is a heavy lens, as I am sure you know. My monopod is a Gitzo but it’s a GM4532. I do check how I use and secure it to take the weight of the lens plus Z9 into account.
Unfortunately bad things happen sometimes. I intend to continue to use it on the monopod as I have done for quite a while now. I do however have a Wimberley C12 ARCA SWISS quick release on top of my monopod. That has 3 mounting grub screws to ensure it cannot rotate. It also gives me the option of a vertical mount when attaching if I leave the MH100 on the lens rather than the monopod.
Unfortunately bad things happen sometimes. I intend to continue to use it on the monopod as I have done for quite a while now. I do however have a Wimberley C12 ARCA SWISS quick release on top of my monopod. That has 3 mounting grub screws to ensure it cannot rotate. It also gives me the option of a vertical mount when attaching if I leave the MH100 on the lens rather than the monopod.
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Steve W
Well-known member
All monopods and tripods will be rated with load vertical to the column. They never give a number for cantilevered loads (load outside centre). They could give a number ie. 20 lbs at 6” but there is other variables, primarily the head. Unless a manufacturer provides both the monopod and head, they will never give you a rating.
All things are built with a safety factor and largely we tend to rely on that. Choose a monopod with an eighty pound load rating and you’ll get a reasonably good cantilevered load capacity. Buy one with a ten pound rating and you shouldn’t expect much.
The Wimberley MH100 produces a cantilevered load where a simple tilt head will keep the load over the centre.
Using a gimbal on a monopod is also a good option. I think Steve had a video about that a while ago.
The biggest question when using a monopod with something like the MH100 is “can you trust yourself”. ie. Loose clamps, not checking everything is engaged properly before you release it.
bcgFollower
Member
The instructions on the MH-100 state "We recommend using a monopod with a 3/8 stud that is rated at 3 times the weight of your setup"
Its also important to note that this cantilevered load usually applies to ANY setup: when on the move, people usually swing the setup over the shoulder or just grab the monopod and let the rig point up or down (I see that almost always at sports events). In that moment you have the same cantilevered load as for the MH-100 (although not permanently). Since I have seen this behavior since forever, I think the monopod makers account for this type of load to some good extend.
100% agreed! Always use the security pins on the plate, and double check everything is tight before lifting the rig up.
I also replaced the clamp of the MH-100 as the factory one can sometimes produce a "fake lock" as others have noted above already.
I really like the MH-100 and it works really well. For me the big issue is the initial locating onto the head. With a normal top loaded mount, such as a regular gimbal, the weight is onto the mount and it naturally tries to locate in the correct way. With the side mount MH-100 and a heavy camera and lens, it is very difficult to locate it properly from the side. For safety, I always lay it down and take extra trouble with the fitting. I tend to use this when I know I am going to leave it fitted all day. It works well but I am sure there will be other failures.
Steve W
Well-known member
A three times safety factor is good and is typically applied to many things. As you also sat, you need to have a clamp that is easy to use and reliable.
I havent read all the responses but you absolutely can use the 800 5.6 on a monopod. I used the setup for years with that lens. Different strokes for different folks but I wanted the best monopod and head for that heavy and very expensive lens. My reasoning......why skimp on a knock off lower quality monopod /head when you are attaching it to a $20,000 lens/body combo. I have used most of the brands including Gitzo but the best is the RRS MC-34 monopod and the RRS MH-01 head. I have a couple of backup of those combos so that I will never do without if an accident happens like a few friday nights ago when the tip of a football players shoulder pad broke the bottom leg of my MC-34 because I failed to pick it up before it was hit. Thankfully it was the monopod instead of my leg. Best wishes with your choice. Btw I have an extra monopod/head I am willing to part with if you want to message me. Best wishes, Ricky
As much as I like the Whimberley mono gimbal, this would be my choice with a big camera lens combo.
Ambler
Active member
Anyone using a Flexshooter with a monopod?
Midway
Well-known member
I use the Wimberley MH-100 with a Z 9 and Z 600 f/4 TC and with the 800 f/5.6 with the mount adapter on you would be supporting around 3 more pounds. I use a long since discontinued Gitzo GM5540 6x Carbon fiber Monopod.
The GM5540 served me well while shooting sports where I didn’t use or want a monopod head but it is thick and heavy for what I use it for now at just under 2 pounds while rated to support 55 pounds.
A current model 4 series Gitzo GM4542 would be thinner, lighter by almost half a pound and rated to support 77 pounds and would be a better option for me but what I have still works as new. If I ever consider a new monopod, I would also consider RRS.
The MH-100 is rated for >100 pounds and I don’t worry about the clamp coming loose but the attachment point to the monopod has worked loose a few times and I need to be diligent to make sure it stays snug. I haven’t used Loctite yet as I can immediately feel when it starts to loosen but I might in the future.
The Monopod with MH-100 head is always on my BackLight 36L. When I hike I rarely bring a tripod. I will occasionally use a flagpole type harness to help support the monopod and weight of the lens while retaining similar mobility to hand holding when walking and the MH-100 is a dream to smoothly change shooting angles from ground to following a bird flying overhead. I’ve gotten comfortable with this type of shooting and it still allows me to easily support the camera and lens on my shoulders and behind my back while walking. My Speed-Shooter Harness has a safety strap I can attach to the lens for added safety.
The GM5540 served me well while shooting sports where I didn’t use or want a monopod head but it is thick and heavy for what I use it for now at just under 2 pounds while rated to support 55 pounds.
A current model 4 series Gitzo GM4542 would be thinner, lighter by almost half a pound and rated to support 77 pounds and would be a better option for me but what I have still works as new. If I ever consider a new monopod, I would also consider RRS.
The MH-100 is rated for >100 pounds and I don’t worry about the clamp coming loose but the attachment point to the monopod has worked loose a few times and I need to be diligent to make sure it stays snug. I haven’t used Loctite yet as I can immediately feel when it starts to loosen but I might in the future.
The Monopod with MH-100 head is always on my BackLight 36L. When I hike I rarely bring a tripod. I will occasionally use a flagpole type harness to help support the monopod and weight of the lens while retaining similar mobility to hand holding when walking and the MH-100 is a dream to smoothly change shooting angles from ground to following a bird flying overhead. I’ve gotten comfortable with this type of shooting and it still allows me to easily support the camera and lens on my shoulders and behind my back while walking. My Speed-Shooter Harness has a safety strap I can attach to the lens for added safety.
I’ve got a Manfroto mono with the WH 100…former is good for 44 pounds and applying the 3x safety factor 15 pounds is still way more than any body and lens I’m willing to carry. I like the head, but TBH wish I would have gotten a rotating lock model instead of the lever model because I can’t tell you how many times I have pinched my finger. And Loctite is the answer.