70-200 VR f2.8 with Bogen Monopod Head

[danpak]

Just got the lens and the monopod/head.

A question on how to use the lens tripod collar foot and the quick release plate from Bogen monopod head...

Are you supposed to take the tripod collar foot off the lens and mount the quick release plate from the monopod head on the rotating collar, OR leave the tripod collar foot then mount the quick release plate? I would think mounting the quick release plate directly on the collar without the foot would be more secure...

Thanks for your help!

[Mr. Pickles]

I would mount the quick release plate to the tripod collar. Not sure about the foot part in the last sentence.

Some have two quick release plates (you buy extras)...or more. You'd mount one on the tripod collar, one of the body, etc. Then if you need to swap lenses or whatever, you can 'quickly" remove the camera/lens combo, and swap lenses, and snap the camera body to the swivel head.

I would be really careful with the head you linked to if using on the 70-200 VR f/2.8 with a body like the D200 or D300 because that whole combo would be getting close to the 6 pound "capacity" of the head...

[danpak]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

I would mount the quick release plate to the tripod collar. Not sure about the foot part in the last sentence.

To be crystal clear... You're recommending - taking off the tripod foot off the collar and mount the quick release plate directly on the rotating collar?

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

I would be really careful with the head you linked to if using on the 70-200 VR f/2.8 with a body like the D200 or D300 because that whole combo would be getting close to the 6 pound "capacity" of the head...

I just got the D300 last night so this will be the combination. I will be using it to take sports shots outdoors. Do you have other recommendations on the monopod head? I also considered not using the head. However, I thought I need the vertical movement to follow the action.

Thanks for your input!

[cyclohexane]

I used to use the non-quick release version of that head. The Bogen quick release plates just aren't anywhere near secure enough, so I got the screw-on version and attached an Acra-Swiss type clamp to the top; I have a long Really Right Stuff replacement foot on my 300mm f/2.8, and I would clamp that down tight using the clamp I screwed onto the top of the head.

The head turned out to be more trouble than it was worth. It would hold the 300mm f/2.8 with a D2H (and even a TC) just fine while shooting, but after a while it started to move if I slung the lens over my shoulder so I could move around with the monopod still attached.

Eventually I ended up binning the head. It moved a little even with just a 70-200mm f/2.8, which I don't use with a monopod.

I would mount the quick release plate to the tripod collar. Not sure about the foot part in the last sentence.

Pickles, this is what he's talking about:

The 70-200mm has two 1/4" threaded holes on a removable foot that attaches to the rotating tripod collar, which is fixed permanently to the lens. The collar itself also has a 1/4" threaded hole under where the foot slides on.

[John at the Beach]

DanPak.....
I have the 70-200 and screw the monopod right to the lens ring...This gives you pretty close to a balanced camera and lens...Don't screw it to the camera because you will have to much weight on the camera screw and might pull it out...I have to ask, why would you even use a tripod head on a monopod?...The purpose of the monopod over the tripod is flexibility and movement without the need for a ball head or swivel head...

[danpak]

Originally Posted by John at the Beach

DanPak.....
I have the 70-200 and screw the monopod right to the lens ring...This gives you pretty close to a balanced camera and lens...Don't screw it to the camera because you will have to much weight on the camera screw and might pull it out...I have to ask, why would you even use a tripod head on a monopod?...The purpose of the monopod over the tripod is flexibility and movement without the need for a ball head or swivel head...

Thanks for your response. I am not using a tripod head. As my title says, this is a monopod head. Question for you... How do you handle quick vertical movement? Do you "tilt" the monopod? As you can guess, I've never used a monopod before.

Thanks!

[danpak]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

Eventually I ended up binning the head. It moved a little even with just a 70-200mm f/2.8, which I don't use with a monopod.

Thanks for your response. I am thinking I will just return the head and attach the monopod directly on the lens collar ring. However, I am not sure if this will allow enough quick vertical movement of the lens...
Thanks!

[wingspar]

For a lens with a collar on it, a monopod head is not necessary. In fact, you would probably find the combination clumsy. Just attach the monopod directly to the lens collar foot. Now then, if you think you will using the monopod with a lens that does not have a collar, then you might want to hang onto that head, as you won’t be able to rotate the camera into portrait mode without a head. When you actually have the opportunity to use the equipment, what I’ve said, and what others have said, will fall into place rather quickly.

[cyclohexane]

How do you handle quick vertical movement? Do you "tilt" the monopod? As you can guess, I've never used a monopod before.

You can tilt the monopod, or if you want to switch to portrait orientation, just leave the collar loosened and turn the camera to portrait orientation.

[John at the Beach]

Dan.....I have not had a problem going vertical or any other position with the monopod...I either lean it back or pick it up and point the camera upward...Make sure your not in a crowd if you pick it up and point...(ouch)...You will learn your limits...I hate tripods...To bulky for what I do....