Ballhead suggestions for monopod

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

12/11/2011 07:22:27 PM · #1

So, I've been perusing monopods, and was also, by extension, needing to look at tripod heads. My requirements are that it has to be Arca Swiss compatible so I can keep all my plates consistent. I'll mostly be using it to stabilize large lenses including my Sigma 50-500, Nikon 80-200, and Sigma 150 for macro work. For my tripod, I use an Acratech GV2, and I love it, but I'm not looking to spend that much again, nor do I feel like swapping it from tripod to monopod repeatedly.

While I will be using heavy setups, am I wrong in my thinking that I don't need as high of a grip strength since I'll be supporting much of the weight anyway?

I'd like to keep the price around $100 or below for the head.

ETA: Also, since this is intended for use with a monopod, I'm trying to keep weight down as best I can.

Message edited by author 2011-12-11 19:33:35.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

12/11/2011 08:02:28 PM · #2

I actually use a very light and flimsy little ballhead on my monopod and it is working fine. Doesn't even use a release plate, I just screw iot right into the extra hole on the QR-4 plate on my hear, that mates with the Manfrotto. When I am using the 'pod with heavy lenses, well they all have collars and I'm still holding the camera, so small and light works fine. I mostly don't even tighten the ball when shooting, just let it swivel so I can adjust easily and rapidly.

R.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

12/11/2011 08:33:10 PM · #3

Okay, so my thinking is in line with reality so far as not being terribly concerned with its strength.
My main thing is that it needs to be compatible with Arca Swiss plates though, so I don't have to unmount/remount them every time I use my monopod. All the lenses I would want to use a monopod with have QR plates that I just leave on them permanently. I also leave the plate on my cameras probably 90% of the time.
I was having trouble finding Arca type QR on cheaper heads. This is the first one I've found but I know nothing about the company....
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586222-REG/Smith_Victor_700337_BH2_Ballhead_with_Arca_Type.html
Price is right though...
Hmm... one reviewer at Adorama says it doesn't fit Arca... sure looks like it should...

Message edited by author 2011-12-11 20:34:16.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

12/11/2011 08:36:37 PM · #4

Doesn't the Arca plate have a screw socket on the bottom so you can screw something in when the plate is mounted on a camera or lens?

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

12/11/2011 09:04:46 PM · #5

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Doesn't the Arca plate have a screw socket on the bottom so you can screw something in when the plate is mounted on a camera or lens?

The ones I have don't. They're made by Acratech and I really like the plates because they have a flange that is placed/sized for particular bodies/lenses, so they engage extremely well on whatever you attach them to and cannot rotate.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

12/11/2011 09:23:46 PM · #6

Well, the Manfrotto plates have an auxiliary socket on the bottom, so they like free up a tripod screw for things that don't USE plates but need to be screwed in, like some flash brackets. Works great for the monopod.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

12/11/2011 09:53:34 PM · #7

I do not use a ball head but this swivel head:

Swivel Head with Quick connect

I find it works fine as you only need to be abole to rotate on one plane with a monopod.

I've used it for a few years with lenses up to 400mm.

Message edited by author 2011-12-11 21:54:19.