Sue
Member
Eric, great idea looking for used monopod. Thank you.
Monopod & Head Recommendations
- Thread starter Sue
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Sue
Member
Thanks for the tip on the Robus RCM439. I'll look into it.
Sue
Member
Thanks for ProMedia 34L tip. I agree I don't need 42mm legs.
Sue
Member
Very interesting!
Dawatm
Member
I use the RRS monopod and Wimberly MH with the Nikon 400 2.8 and 800pf. While I wish it was a lever clamp instead of a knob, it otherwise performs flawlessly. My wife has the RRS monopod head and while well made, it does not function anywhere near as well as the Wimberly MH.
Krümelkraft
Well-known member
I am using a monopod without any head. I found it to be flexible enough. Never missed a head.
arbitrage
Well-known member
I bought into the hype about the MH-100....I regret the purchase. I never use it. It probably does make more sense if your largest lens is a 180-600. But I bought it to use with 400/2.8 and 600/4 and the it is difficult to mount and it is always pulling to one side which requires constant counterbalance pressure to keep the monopod straight.
My recommendation for a head on a monopod is the Jobu Jr. 3 Delux. Lightest weight gimbal you can by and is still fluid/smooth even with my 600/4 on it. My friend used to use it with Canon 600II which is even heavier than my Sony 600/4. Smooth action, easy to mount, easy to balance and as compact and as lightweight as you will get for a gimbal.
www.jobu-design.com
My recommendation for a head on a monopod is the Jobu Jr. 3 Delux. Lightest weight gimbal you can by and is still fluid/smooth even with my 600/4 on it. My friend used to use it with Canon 600II which is even heavier than my Sony 600/4. Smooth action, easy to mount, easy to balance and as compact and as lightweight as you will get for a gimbal.
Jobu Jr. 3 Deluxe Kit | Jobu Design
The Jr.3 Deluxe kit weighs in at 1.5 lbs, 680grams. This is the lightest, best functioning gimbal head on the market, capable of supporting and balancing a 500F4 and Pro body comfortably. We still recommend a bigger HD4 gimbal for daily use, but if weight is your primary concern and you are...
www.jobu-design.com
I’ve been thinking about getting an MH-100, but am reconsidering after using my Jobu Jr yesterday at Conowingo Dam. Although I used it on a tripod, the key takeaway, as @arbitrage observes, the center of gravity is centered. You can also remove the swing arm on the Jobu and attach the mounting plate to the top of the armature. I’m planning to try it out on my Gitzo GM5541 monopod today in Shenandoah Park. (That’s my D850 + 1.4TC III + Nikkor 120-300/2.8 nicely balanced in the photo.
What I did learn for sure is that I need longer glass, though! The only decent shots I got with that combo were with a 500 PF that a fellow shooter let me try out… handheld. Thanks, Chino!
What I did learn for sure is that I need longer glass, though! The only decent shots I got with that combo were with a 500 PF that a fellow shooter let me try out… handheld. Thanks, Chino!
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Thanks for the info I'm seriously considering this. I have a hard time believing people think this is a good idea....My recommendation for a head on a monopod is the Jobu Jr. 3 Delux. Lightest weight gimbal you can by and is still fluid/smooth even with my 600/4 on it. My friend used to use it with Canon 600II which is even heavier than my Sony 600/4. Smooth action, easy to mount, easy to balance and as compact and as lightweight as you will get for a gimbal.
Jobu Jr. 3 Deluxe Kit | Jobu Design
The Jr.3 Deluxe kit weighs in at 1.5 lbs, 680grams. This is the lightest, best functioning gimbal head on the market, capable of supporting and balancing a 500F4 and Pro body comfortably. We still recommend a bigger HD4 gimbal for daily use, but if weight is your primary concern and you are...
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Here’s a video showing how to convert the Jobu Jr. to a side mount:
The most important criteria is that the head is rated to hold the heaviest weight of camera and lens that you will use.
This monopod looked interesting and very beefy. A little more expensive than some but not if you can get 20% off.
I personally do not understand the appeal of the MH-100 (particularly for a larger/heavier lens) because it puts all the weight off-center from the monopod. This seems awkward and unstable to me. I prefer the simplicity of a tilt head, which stays centered over the top of the monopod. The ones with a large tension knob make it very quick to adjust your angle up or down as needed.
Here is a link to the one I use....simple, cheap, and effective. I've used it frequently with my 500 f/4G (which is a heavy rascal) with absolutely no issues whatsoever.
www.bhphotovideo.com
Here is a link to the one I use....simple, cheap, and effective. I've used it frequently with my 500 f/4G (which is a heavy rascal) with absolutely no issues whatsoever.
Desmond DMH-2X1 Monopod Tilt Head
Buy Desmond DMH-2X1 Monopod Tilt Head featuring Load Capacity: 22 lb, Two-Sided 90° Portrait Angle Tilt, Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Clamp, Engraved, Dual 24mm Center Finder Rulers, Built-In Bubble Level, Arca-Type Adaptable Base, Anti-Slip Retaining Screws, Durable, Aluminum Alloy...
www.bhphotovideo.com
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It does de-center the weight…but you get used to it pretty quickly and I just tilt the monopod a little to bring the lens over the base on the ground. The MH-100 makes it a little closer to a gimbal head than just. Tilt head at. Lot less weight than a gimbal.I personally do not understand the appeal of the MH-100 (particularly for a larger/heavier lens) because it puts all the weight off-center from the monopod. This seems awkward and unstable to me. I prefer the simplicity of a tilt head, which stays centered over the top of the monopod. The ones with a large tension knob make it very quick to adjust your angle up or down as needed.
Here is a link to the one I use....simple, cheap, and effective. I've used it frequently with my 500 f/4G (which is a heavy rascal) with absolutely no issues whatsoever.
Desmond DMH-2X1 Monopod Tilt Head
Buy Desmond DMH-2X1 Monopod Tilt Head featuring Load Capacity: 22 lb, Two-Sided 90° Portrait Angle Tilt, Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Clamp, Engraved, Dual 24mm Center Finder Rulers, Built-In Bubble Level, Arca-Type Adaptable Base, Anti-Slip Retaining Screws, Durable, Aluminum Alloy...