Help me find a 'pod head

divamum

I've read many of the 'pod/head threads in here, but I'm not sure they really address what I'm looking for.

Here's the backstory: last year I bought myself a Quantaray version of the Trek-tech monopod, the one with the extendable feet (my local Ritz had one onesale). It came with an ordinary Magmount head -not the "Pro" version. While I love the *idea* of the Magmount design, in practice it hasn't been so good - neither magnetic connection or ball head are sturdy enough to hold a gripped dslr+larger lens in place securely - and since I have now managed to lose the clip AND both magnetic plates, I think it's time to concede defeat and replace it with something else.

I use my monopod sometimes as a camera support (ie theater shoots), but rather more often as a makeshift lighstand, via a hotshoe/umbrella adapter.

I'd really like to keep the cost to under $50 (or not much more), and it would be helpful if it works with interchangeable plates so I can have one for camera, and one for the lighting setup. I considered the Magmount Pro, but the reviews I've seen have the same problem with it not fully supporting anything heavier, despite the stronger clip/plate mechanism; I was also looking at the new Gorillapod ball head, but I have a hunch that too may not be strong enough for when I use it with my camera (and the plates look a tad flimsy in the picture). I don't think I need a mondo-huge-amazing head (I don't use it enough to justify that kind of $ investment), but I do need something more secure than the current setup (duct tape is not necessarily a good solution for this one. DAMHIK ) Any suggestions for something simple, but sturdy enough to do the job?

Also, how do I check the thread size I need to attach it to my monopod?

Thanks in advance. I'm pretty clueless on the brands and features in ball heads, so am looking forward to being educated

jeffreaux2

I use the Bogen Manfrotto 486 ballhead http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272449-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_486RC2_486RC2_Compact_Ballhead_w_Rapid.html.


It's claimed to support up to 13 lbs. I have used it with the 50D plus 70-200 F2.8L IS and a flash together with no slipping issues....though that is a far cry from 13lbs. Most often (like you) I am using it to hold a speedlight in the above configuration using the RC2 plate and the plastic "foot" that ships with the canon speedlights. Ive never used an umbrella on my monopod....most often shooting outdoors I doubt it would stand up to the wind.....but the ballhead would hold it Im sure.

It is a tad above your $50 price, but is of excellent build quality, and comes with a quick connect base and plate....and....it's a simple matter to order extrs plates to add to other pieces of gear. The only thing it is really missing when compared to a full size ballhead is a panning knob and capability and a bubble type leveler. Neither of these features are practical on a monopod since.....you pan with the foot of the monopod by spinning the whole rig....and leveling a monopod...well?

-If the threads on your monopod will screw dorectly into the bottom of your camera it is a 1/4-20 thread. If I remember correctly this ballhead came equipped for eith 1/4 20 or 3/8" threaded attatchment......er....but it's been awhile.....so you may need to investigate this better.

gryphonslair99

I'm not a big proponent of ball heads on monopods due to the nature of a lot of photographers to negate the stability of a monopod by misusing the ball head and flopping the body over for portrait mode. My preferred method is a tilt head, mine is from RRS but manfrotto makes a similar cheaper one. For camera orientation I use L brackes on my bodies instead.

For the price you are wanting to spend though, Jeff's suggestion looks like the best bet.

divamum

Thanks Jeff and Gryphon.

I actually went to my local shop for some hands on research - they had the model you use, Jeff, and compared to the flimsy heads I've been using it seemed really solid and chunky! Seems like a nice possibility.

Gryphon, it's interesting that you should mention the tilt-head for the monopod - they had the Manfrotto tilthead for a very reasonable $38 and I was seriously considering it for exactly the reasons you cited. That may be a very viable solution.

Lastly, a long trawl through B&H, Amazon and Adorama turned up this item. Unfortunately, it seems to be out of stock and/or discontinued everywhere! Grr. It seems like it would probably be an ideal all-around support, but I have no idea how or where I'd get hold of it. Only one dealer came up in google listing it as available: Photographer's Warehouse in Illinois. I've not heard of them - anybody here know if they're legit or not?

gryphonslair99

divamum wrote:

Thanks Jeff and Gryphon.

I actually went to my local shop for some hands on research - they had the model you use, Jeff, and compared to the flimsy heads I've been using it seemed really solid and chunky! Seems like a nice possibility.

Gryphon, it's interesting that you should mention the tilt-head for the monopod - they had the Manfrotto tilthead for a very reasonable $38 and I was seriously considering it for exactly the reasons you cited. That may be a very viable solution.

Lastly, a long trawl through B&H, Amazon and Adorama turned up this item. Unfortunately, it seems to be out of stock and/or discontinued everywhere! Grr. It seems like it would probably be an ideal all-around support, but I have no idea how or where I'd get hold of it. Only one dealer came up in google listing it as available: Photographer's Warehouse in Illinois. I've not heard of them - anybody here know if they're legit or not?

You might look around for a Vanguard SBH-100. Very similar. Here is the Vanguard site.

NeilL

I bought the Manfrotto 488RC2, and I have pretty much abandoned it! I find it hard to compose with, partly I think because you lose the basic references of horizontal and vertical. Unless you use it so the weight is centered, with the 40D, grip and a biggish lens (24-70), it sags just a few degrees to make it infuriating, no matter how tightly you screw it up.

I really don't think it is a serious piece of equipment. I reckon pay what is needed for something that truly performs in all the situations you put it, not just promises. It will only be a once in a lifetime cost. I don't think Manfrotto ballhead is the answer.

Neil

divamum

gryphonslair99 wrote:

You might look around for a Vanguard SBH-100. Very similar. Here is the Vanguard site.

Thanks - I'll check it out!

NeilL wrote:

I bought the Manfrotto 488RC2, and I have pretty much abandoned it! I find it hard to compose with, partly I think because you lose the basic references of horizontal and vertical. Unless you use it so the weight is centered, with the 40D, grip and a biggish lens (24-70), it sags just a few degrees to make it infuriating, no matter how tightly you screw it up.

I really don't think it is a serious piece of equipment. I reckon pay what is needed for something that truly performs in all the situations you put it, not just promises. It will only be a once in a lifetime cost. I don't think Manfrotto ballhead is the answer.

Neil

Thanks for the thoughts, Neil. Alas, I can't simply "pay what's needed" to go for the best - $50 is already nearly double what I have available to spend, and the only reason I'm pursuing it now instead of waiting (and saving up) is because I know I"m going to need to use the monopod in ~2 weeks and currently have no useable head at all. Sometimes compromise is an unfortunate necessity!

I'll try the head on my pod with the camera, however - definitely want to feel how it works "for real" before I buy, so I'm glad my local store has some instock, and I'll go back for a second experiment before making a choice.

gryphonslair99

NeilL wrote:

I bought the Manfrotto 488RC2, and I have pretty much abandoned it! I find it hard to compose with, partly I think because you lose the basic references of horizontal and vertical. Unless you use it so the weight is centered, with the 40D, grip and a biggish lens (24-70), it sags just a few degrees to make it infuriating, no matter how tightly you screw it up.

I really don't think it is a serious piece of equipment. I reckon pay what is needed for something that truly performs in all the situations you put it, not just promises. It will only be a once in a lifetime cost. I don't think Manfrotto ballhead is the answer.

Neil

That's why I posted the link to the Vanguard heads. They are not a well known company like Manfrotto, but for the same money you get some features normally found on the better models of ball heads. Giottos also makes some nice heads at reasonable prices. My personal choice is the BH-55 from RRS, for tripod use. But you will pay for it.

jeffreaux2

I much prefer the ball head to a swivel.....but I am restricted mostly to portrait photography. I just dont like being attatched to the monopod with something that doesnt rotate in all directions....to allow ease of framing. Often, I let the ball loose....and use the rig to support the weight of the camera while not binding it from movement......and other times...especially when using it with the 70-200 (which has its own rotating ring and mount) I will tightly lock the ball. ....and the 486 does indeed foimly hold the 50D and 70-200 F2.8IS.

michswiss

Divamum,

I have a 486 RC2 plus a couple of mounting plates I don't use any more. I'm willing to post them to you. My problem was that the 486 is a heavy sucker and I had it married to a nice carbon fiber Manfrotto monopod. Sorta defeated the purpose. The second reason it's not in use is the plating system. I have the Nikon equivalent of your 70-200 2.8. I've found the the friction plating system to the body or mount point on the lens simply isn't robust enough. I've moved to a different ball head system similar to Swiss Arca and RRS with mounting plates that mate to the body and lens semi-permanently

So with those caveats, I'd rather see you save your $50 (my way of supporting the Arts ). If you'd like, I'll happily post them to you. Just PM me with details and I'll get them off.

divamum

michswiss wrote:

Divamum,

I have a 486 RC2 plus a couple of mounting plates I don't use any more. I'm willing to post them to you. My problem was that the 486 is a heavy sucker and I had it married to a nice carbon fiber Manfrotto monopod. Sorta defeated the purpose. The second reason it's not in use is the plating system. I have the Nikon equivalent of your 70-200 2.8. I've found the the friction plating system to the body or mount point on the lens simply isn't robust enough. I've moved to a different ball head system similar to Swiss Arca and RRS with mounting plates that mate to the body and lens semi-permanently

So with those caveats, I'd rather see you save your $50 (my way of supporting the Arts ). If you'd like, I'll happily post them to you. Just PM me with details and I'll get them off.

Holy cow - seriously???!!!? lust You have pm....

::totally and utterly overwhelmed::

jeffreaux2

michswiss wrote:

Divamum,

I have a 486 RC2 plus a couple of mounting plates I don't use any more. I'm willing to post them to you. My problem was that the 486 is a heavy sucker and I had it married to a nice carbon fiber Manfrotto monopod. Sorta defeated the purpose. The second reason it's not in use is the plating system. I have the Nikon equivalent of your 70-200 2.8. I've found the the friction plating system to the body or mount point on the lens simply isn't robust enough. I've moved to a different ball head system similar to Swiss Arca and RRS with mounting plates that mate to the body and lens semi-permanently

So with those caveats, I'd rather see you save your $50 (my way of supporting the Arts ). If you'd like, I'll happily post them to you. Just PM me with details and I'll get them off.

This really pleases me. Diva sent me an old cf card awhile back to put in a friends remote game camera. It's satisfying to see that someone who does a good deed has it returned to her. She is deserving for sure and will no doubt put it to good use.
What an awesome grinner!!!

Scott_Quier

michswiss wrote:

Divamum,

I have a 486 RC2 plus a couple of mounting plates I don't use any more. I'm willing to post them to you. My problem was that the 486 is a heavy sucker and I had it married to a nice carbon fiber Manfrotto monopod. Sorta defeated the purpose. The second reason it's not in use is the plating system. I have the Nikon equivalent of your 70-200 2.8. I've found the the friction plating system to the body or mount point on the lens simply isn't robust enough. I've moved to a different ball head system similar to Swiss Arca and RRS with mounting plates that mate to the body and lens semi-permanently

So with those caveats, I'd rather see you save your $50 (my way of supporting the Arts ). If you'd like, I'll happily post them to you. Just PM me with details and I'll get them off.

This is way cool (do they still say that?) - anyway

divamum

VERY VERY way cool! It arrived yesterday, and just wanted to publicly shout out to Mischswiss for her generosity! ivar

It's the perfect tool for my needs, and I'm beyond grateful. Thanks again!!!

jeffreaux2

divamum wrote:

VERY VERY way cool! It arrived yesterday, and just wanted to publicly shout out to Mischswiss for her generosity! ivar

It's the perfect tool for my needs, and I'm beyond grateful. Thanks again!!!

Yikes Im chasing you around Dgrin asking about the new ballhead....great!


Does it fit the pod?

divamum

jeffreaux2 wrote:

Yikes Im chasing you around Dgrin asking about the new ballhead....great!


Does it fit the pod?

Had to get a little bushing screw adapter so it would fit the 1/4-20 on my 'pod, but with that, it's poifect. And the two plates mean I can keep one on my umbrella adapter and one for the camera. It's awesome!

jeffreaux2

divamum wrote:

Had to get a little bushing screw adapter so it would fit the 1/4-20 on my 'pod, but with that, it's poifect. And the two plates mean I can keep one on my umbrella adapter and one for the camera. It's awesome!

Whew!!! I had remembered using a bushing also but wasnt sure if it had come with my monopod or with the head. Im glad you figured out a solution.

I really like my monopod and head combo. It was my first "pro" quality gear purchase and has withstood a lot of use and abuse...and the "feet" for the pod eventually became usefull. Hope you enjoy!:D

divamum

jeffreaux2 wrote:

Whew!!! I had remembered using a bushing also but wasnt sure if it had come with my monopod or with the head. Im glad you figured out a solution.

I really like my monopod and head combo. It was my first "pro" quality gear purchase and has withstood a lot of use and abuse...and the "feet" for the pod eventually became usefull. Hope you enjoy!:D

My local camera store had one in stock (they're a Manfrotto dealer, so they have all this stuff) - it's a tiny little double-threaded doohicky that just screws into the hole on the head (doesn't look like the one on the manfrotto site/adorama which has a plate as well - it's literally JUST the threaded joining piece). It screwed in tight and all is grand. I'm a very happy bunny indeed! Can't wait to use it as a monopod now - I avoided it much of the time because the other head slipped so badly and it was a nuissance; now I can use this with confidence. Let the 200mm adventures begin!