Monopod question

[boydaa]

I currently have a Slik E-Z Pod JR. Video Monopod which is rated to support 8.5lbs. I would like something qa little sturdier and was considering a Bogen 681B with the 3232 swival tilt head. I currently have a Bogen tripod and ball head and I could use the ball head on the monopod and save a few bucks, but think I would rather not use the ball head on the monopod. 2 questions:

1. Will I really notice a big difference in stability over the Slik if I get the Bogen?

2. Should I go ahead and get the 3232 head or use the ball head I have?

Thanks

[cyclohexane]

The Bogen 681 monopods are pretty darn good and stable for the money. I've not compared it directly to the Slik, but I've played with a ton of different monopods at the store and at work, and the Bogen 681 is on the short list of monopods I'd actually buy. Personally, I prefer Gitzo, but the price of the 681 models is much, much better.

The 3232 swivel head stinks unless all the gear you've got on top of it is tiny. It shifts pretty much no matter how tight you tighten it, and doesn't inspire much confidence in operation. If you want something more stable, well, it won't feel more stable. It is a little better than the version with the quick release, but that's not saying much. Your 70-200 f/4 will probably be fine on top of it.

[boydaa]

So maybe I should go with the 681B monopod alone and use my 486RC2 ball head with it. I have read that some don't like a ball head on a monopod though.

[cyclohexane]

I no longer use any additional on a monopod. I used to have the 3232 on my monopod, but it really couldn't hold the kind of equipment I use a monopod with. For one thing, it wasn't designed to; I've seen claims that it supports much more than the rated 5.5 lbs (Really Right Stuff used to say so on their website, but they've since taken that statement down after designing their own swivel head) or whatever, but I'm convinced it supports less. I've found ballheads to be too fiddly on monopods for effective use.

[w7apd]

Originally Posted by boydaa

1. Will I really notice a big difference in stability over the Slik if I get the Bogen?

IMO, no you won't notice much (if any) difference. A monopod is nothing more (or less) than a stick with a camera mount on one end. As long as the leg locks don't slip under the weight of the camera, you don't need a heavier rating.

Originally Posted by boydaa

2. Should I go ahead and get the 3232 head or use the ball head I have?

I personally like a ball head on a monopod. The 3232 tilt head limits your ability to have the monopod tilted away from vertical, while a ball head allows you to angle the monopod in whichever direction provides the best support, then level the camera. YMMV, of course; use what makes you happy. Whichever head you put on top of a monopod won't make the 'pod into anything more than a stick...

[richardpcrowe]

When using a camera and lens combination which doesn't include a tripod ring; I really like an L-Bracket. The L-Bracket allows the photographer to shift from the vertical to the horiontal position while keeping the center of gravity of the camera/lens directly over the monopod shaft or tripod head.

Really Right Stuff produces, IMO, the neatest and easiest to use L-Bracket. However, this bracket requires an Arca Compatible Q.R. System.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

I have an Arca System so I have no problems using the RRS L-Bracket. There is, however, an L-Bracket (of sorts - designated as the Junior L-Bracket 341) distributed by Bogen-Manfrotto for their RC-2 Q.R. System. I have never used this bracket so I cannot comment on its functionality. Although it doesn't seem as slick and neat as the RRS L-Bracket, it looks like it would allow you to keep the center of gravity over the monopod shaft or tripod head.

341 Bogen - Manfrotto Junior Elbow Bracket with 1/4"-20 Camera Mounting Screw, for any Tripod Head that Accepts the 3157N Quick Release Plate.