Monopod head question - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/22/2005 08:46:49 AM · #1

My son has gotten me the Bogen / Manfrotto 679B (3216) 3 Section Monopod for Christmas. Which head is the best one to get for it?

Here's the monopod:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5478&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Flash

Nikon D700

12/22/2005 08:49:26 AM · #2

Bogen/Manfrotto makes a specific head for monopods. It rotates from Landscape to portrait and is available with their QR (quick release) plate system. I will get the link in a moment.

3229

I have had this head on my monopod's for years. It is very secure and easy to use.

Message edited by author 2005-12-22 08:53:29.

Apple iPhone

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

12/22/2005 08:59:32 AM · #3

The one flash is showing you is the head i have on my monopod, it works perfectly

Message edited by author 2005-12-22 09:00:18.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/22/2005 09:05:23 AM · #4

Great, thanks! I was looking at that one and one other one but the other one didn't have the quick release. I wasn't sure if this was the best one to go with or if there were others out there better/just as good, etc. What do you think of the "legs" accessory? Is that worth the money or something I probably wouldn't use?

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=256973&is=REG

Flash

Nikon D700

12/22/2005 09:11:03 AM · #5

Originally posted by pianomom:

I've never used the legs accessory. I have a Tripod (3021pro) for that need. However some must use it or they wouldn't sell it. I would be suspect of its stability in outdoor use (wind), one reason to refrain from extending the center column on tripods.

12/22/2005 09:16:14 AM · #6

I have a tripod too. I was just looking for something lighter to carry for times when I need a tripod/or monopod and will be doing a lot of walking. It doesn't really say how sturdy it is, does it? Hmmm.....

I think I'll check & see if anyone else on here uses the legs and what they think of them. thanks!

Message edited by author 2005-12-22 09:25:05.

theSaj

12/22/2005 10:31:15 AM · #7

I picked up the 488RC2 ballhead for my Bogen-Manfrotto Monopod.

Though the 3229 meets the need nicely for a reasonable budget.

12/22/2005 11:14:26 AM · #8

Originally posted by theSaj:

I picked up the 488RC2 ballhead for my Bogen-Manfrotto Monopod.

Though the 3229 meets the need nicely for a reasonable budget.

Thanks, I'll look into that one too!

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

12/22/2005 11:18:37 AM · #9

The "best" monopod head in my opinion is the pistol grip here:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=188063&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

This thing ROCKS and adjusts with a quick squeeze and move - very very precise!

12/22/2005 11:22:54 AM · #10

Saj, is this the one you mean?

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272779&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/22/2005 11:27:03 AM · #11

Mavrik, that one looks good too. Both of them mentioned tripods with these. Does that not matter then? Are they all interchangable or only certain ones fit monopods and certain ones fit tripods?

Flash

Nikon D700

12/22/2005 11:47:27 AM · #12

Heads are interchangeable

theSaj

12/22/2005 11:52:08 AM · #13

Yes, both will work with your monopod. (I have the same one except an extra extension...which made it also a bit heavier). That line of monopods by Bogen have a wide head mount (and it should have two scews, one nested inside the other - so it is very compatible will tons of head mounts).

The Manfrotto's pistol grip is very nice as well. And may be a nicer choice for your monopod than the 488RC2. My one question regarding the pistol grip (as I have less hand's on experience). But the unit I played around with for a minute or two did not seem able to easily go horizontal (portrait perspective). It may be capable. I am not sure.

The advantage of the pistol grip is one handed action. I am not sure if it will bear as much weight as the 488RC2. But Manfrotto makes some nice stuff so it should carry a fairly weighty setup.

12/22/2005 12:24:28 PM · #14

ok, thanks!

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/22/2005 01:05:53 PM · #15

Originally posted by theSaj:

But the unit I played around with for a minute or two did not seem able to easily go horizontal (portrait perspective). It may be capable. I am not sure.

There's a notch in the grip - you push the top into the notch and you can swivel it portrait very easily - that's actually why I use it! :) I'd bet it's as quick or quicker than anything else out there for going vert to horizontal or horizontal to vert if you know how to use it - I know it's faster for me than using anything else.

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/22/2005 01:09:56 PM · #16

Originally posted by mavrik:

My hubby uses that one and in many ways I agree that it is terrific.

However, personally I don't like it - mostly because it needs too much squeezing to loosen it, my hands give up after a short while, and I'm pretty strong (perhaps that is adjustable, though - I never really bothered to find out).

Plus it is heavy and long - my ballhead is a bit shorter and doesn't add quite that much length to my monopod (which does matter for carrying it around).

All those heads are interchangeable, but whatever you pick, I would make SURE to get a quick release.

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II