Monopod - advice what to purchase

[Eldar]

There is another 'issue' that I need to 'solve' :-\

I have a large number of the Novoflex ARCA-type mounting plates, but I think they are incompatible with the Novoflex plates. I mean this one: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Lever-Release-Clamps/B2-LR-II-Lever-release-clamp.html

My BH-55 has a ball (hehe) with a threaded pin on which you can mount the mounting thingy (e.g. this lever clamp). On this one, I use a manual-screw-in clamp from RRS. However, I have noticed that I need to really tighten the screw or the camera may fall out of the clamp.

1) Are lever-type clamps more reliable and scecure in holding the camera plate onto the tri/monopod?
2) Is it possbible to have a monopod head from RRS with a novoflex-type "top"? (top = the thingy that holds the camera plate)

I have a couple of Novoflex plates and they seem to be smaller than the real Arca Swiss standard.

 

[niels123]

There is another 'issue' that I need to 'solve' :-\

I have a large number of the Novoflex ARCA-type mounting plates, but I think they are incompatible with the Novoflex plates. I mean this one: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Lever-Release-Clamps/B2-LR-II-Lever-release-clamp.html

My BH-55 has a ball (hehe) with a threaded pin on which you can mount the mounting thingy (e.g. this lever clamp). On this one, I use a manual-screw-in clamp from RRS. However, I have noticed that I need to really tighten the screw or the camera may fall out of the clamp.

1) Are lever-type clamps more reliable and scecure in holding the camera plate onto the tri/monopod?
2) Is it possbible to have a monopod head from RRS with a novoflex-type "top"? (top = the thingy that holds the camera plate)

I have a couple of Novoflex plates and they seem to be smaller than the real Arca Swiss standard.

That might be an issue then because I have only novoflex plates and like to stick to a universal system where al my plates fit on all my tripods / monopods to avoid 'trouble'. Can I use a RRS monohead with a novoflex top?
I still have one of these collecting dust: http://dstatic.computeruniverse.net/images/600/90296930AB910837060D4FABA3FDE9BD.jpg
Would be nice if I could use it so I can save some cash.

 

[c.d.embrey]

There is another 'issue' that I need to 'solve' :-\

I have a large number of the Novoflex ARCA-type mounting plates, but I think they are incompatible with the Novoflex plates. I mean this one: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Lever-Release-Clamps/B2-LR-II-Lever-release-clamp.html

1) Are lever-type clamps more reliable and scecure in holding the camera plate onto the tri/monopod?

NO, lever type clamps are no more or no less secure. Some people think that a Lever Type is more convenient. I have Screw Type locking on all my heads, including my Wimberley II Gimbal Head.

2) Is it possbible to have a monopod head from RRS with a novoflex-type "top"? (top = the thingy that holds the camera plate)

These clamps use simple screw-on mounting, either 3/8-16 or 1/4-20. So your Novoflex should work.

You should also be able to use an Acratech Adjustable Lever Clamp http://www.acratech.net/quick-release-clamps/locking-lever-clamp

"The Acratech Quick Release Lever clamp features a locking lever and is fully adjustable so it will fit virtually all Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plates. This clamp has a 3/8-16 thread and a 1/4-20 reducer bushing and will fit most tripod heads.

Back in the Dark-Ages, most Middle and High Schools had various Shop classes. A good way to learn simple mechanics. And most of the questions on this thread can be answered by simple mechanics. i.e. a male 3/8-16 will screw into a female 3/8-16.

 

[niels123]

There is another 'issue' that I need to 'solve' :-\

I have a large number of the Novoflex ARCA-type mounting plates, but I think they are incompatible with the Novoflex plates. I mean this one: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Lever-Release-Clamps/B2-LR-II-Lever-release-clamp.html

1) Are lever-type clamps more reliable and scecure in holding the camera plate onto the tri/monopod?

NO, lever type clamps are no more or no less secure. Some people think that a Lever Type is more convenient. I have Screw Type locking on all my heads, including my Wimberley II Gimbal Head.

2) Is it possbible to have a monopod head from RRS with a novoflex-type "top"? (top = the thingy that holds the camera plate)

These clamps use simple screw-on mounting, either 3/8-16 or 1/4-20. So your Novoflex should work.

You should also be able to use an Acratech Adjustable Lever Clamp http://www.acratech.net/quick-release-clamps/locking-lever-clamp

"The Acratech Quick Release Lever clamp features a locking lever and is fully adjustable so it will fit virtually all Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plates. This clamp has a 3/8-16 thread and a 1/4-20 reducer bushing and will fit most tripod heads.

Back in the Dark-Ages, most Middle and High Schools had various Shop classes. A good way to learn simple mechanics. And most of the questions on this thread can be answered by simple mechanics. i.e. a male 3/8-16 will screw into a female 3/8-16.

Why should I spend $150 on a clamp if I have one laying around? 8)

 

[niels123]

These clamps use simple screw-on mounting, either 3/8-16 or 1/4-20. So your Novoflex should work.

Why should I spend $150 on a clamp if I have one laying around? 8)

I love the lack of reading comprehension you find on the 'net Didn't you see (or maybe you didn't understand) "These clamps use simple screw-on mounting, either 3/8-16 or 1/4-20. So your Novoflex should work" ???

Have a nice day

I did read that However, I had the impression that you suggested to purchase the Acratype because of the lever. I think $150 just on a lever is a bit too much for my pocket if I have a clamp.

Just one question: a simple clamp like the one in the simply screws on. How then do you change orientation to align it properly with the tilt of the monohead?
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Screw-Knob-Clamps/B2-Pro-II-Screw-knob-clamp-with-1-4-20-screw.html

 

[brad-man]

These clamps use simple screw-on mounting, either 3/8-16 or 1/4-20. So your Novoflex should work.

Why should I spend $150 on a clamp if I have one laying around? 8)

I love the lack of reading comprehension you find on the 'net Didn't you see (or maybe you didn't understand) "These clamps use simple screw-on mounting, either 3/8-16 or 1/4-20. So your Novoflex should work" ???

Have a nice day

I did read that However, I had the impression that you suggested to purchase the Acratype because of the lever. I think $150 just on a lever is a bit too much for my pocket if I have a clamp.

Just one question: a simple clamp like the one in the simply screws on. How then do you change orientation to align it properly with the tilt of the monohead?
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Screw-Knob-Clamps/B2-Pro-II-Screw-knob-clamp-with-1-4-20-screw.html

Lever clamps are convenient, but unless you are willing to purchase all of your plates from a single manufacturer, you may have compatibility issues due to varying tolerances. Screw clamps eliminate this inconvenience. By purchasing a mono head with an incorporated clamp, there is no need to worry about alignment.

Abundance of capital: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Monopod-Heads/MH-01-Pro-head-with-standard-screw-knob-clamp.html

The rest of us: http://www.amazon.com/Aluminium-L-10-Monopods-including-Release/dp/B006JZ7QZC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423287727&sr=8-1&keywords=sirui+monopod+head

 

[ScottyP]

You don't need a ball head on a monopod like you need one on a tripod. You can tilt the whole thing as you like. They have arca Swiss compatible clips you can put on the monopod and you keep he arca plate on the camera.

 

[niels123]

You don't need a ball head on a monopod like you need one on a tripod. You can tilt the whole thing as you like. They have arca Swiss compatible clips you can put on the monopod and you keep he arca plate on the camera.

I can see that. The Sirui head (and the MH-01 head) are not suitable for use with a L-plate (from RRS or Novoflex).

This would suggest to buy (the much more expensive) MH-02 instead. However, this one will not accept my novoflex plates (including L-adpater from Novoflex that I have as well). Any solutions to this if I'd like to be able to use it with collard lenses as wel as an L-plate on the body itself?

I have for instance the 200 f/2.8 with a collar, the 100 f/2.8 with a collar, but for my Zeiss 135 f/2 is no collar available.

 

[brad-man]

You don't need a ball head on a monopod like you need one on a tripod. You can tilt the whole thing as you like. They have arca Swiss compatible clips you can put on the monopod and you keep he arca plate on the camera.

I can see that. The Sirui head (and the MH-01 head) are not suitable for use with a L-plate (from RRS or Novoflex).

This would suggest to buy (the much more expensive) MH-02 instead. However, this one will not accept my novoflex plates (including L-adpater from Novoflex that I have as well). Any solutions to this if I'd like to be able to use it with collard lenses as wel as an L-plate on the body itself?

I have for instance the 200 f/2.8 with a collar, the 100 f/2.8 with a collar, but for my Zeiss 135 f/2 is no collar available.

I must have missed that you needed it to accommodate an L bracket. The RRS MH-01 does have a clamp that can be reoriented 90 degrees to allow for camera plate mount and will work for your L bracket. The Sirui does not.

 

[jwilbern]

I Like my Leki Sierra Photo monopod. It has a little shock absorption built in (nice when hiking downhill) and a wooden knob to put on top when the camera is not there.

 

[niels123]

You don't need a ball head on a monopod like you need one on a tripod. You can tilt the whole thing as you like. They have arca Swiss compatible clips you can put on the monopod and you keep he arca plate on the camera.

I can see that. The Sirui head (and the MH-01 head) are not suitable for use with a L-plate (from RRS or Novoflex).

This would suggest to buy (the much more expensive) MH-02 instead. However, this one will not accept my novoflex plates (including L-adpater from Novoflex that I have as well). Any solutions to this if I'd like to be able to use it with collard lenses as wel as an L-plate on the body itself?

I have for instance the 200 f/2.8 with a collar, the 100 f/2.8 with a collar, but for my Zeiss 135 f/2 is no collar available.

I must have missed that you needed it to accommodate an L bracket. The RRS MH-01 does have a clamp that can be reoriented 90 degrees to allow for camera plate mount and will work for your L bracket. The Sirui does not.

I think I will go for the MH-01 without a clamp and use my Novoflex Panorama plate which I have already here

 

[East Wind Photography]

Any good carbon fiber monopod. Must be long enough fully extended to put your camera 8" or more above you. This is needed so you can adequately use on a downhill slope. I fitted mine with an Induro BLH2 Ball head. Super strong enough to use with my 600mm F4L and an arca swiss plate. Great friction clutch that even with the 600 F4 will hold it in place yet easily lets you unlock and reposition the ball with complete control. The ball head is also low profile so only adds about 4" to the overall collapsed length.

I got my monopod from Calumet photo during their going out of business sale. It is Calumet branded but I believe it to be an Induro 8X CF. Since I'm lugging around the 600mm I went for the lightest material I could find as every little savings in weight is helpful on those long hikes.

 

[pwp]

You'll find a higher percentage of professional sports shooters will favour the lever type lock vs twist lock. It's faster. If speed is not important to you then don't worry, both locks are fine. I have a preference for lever locks with two heavy duty Manfrotto monopods. They both have the Manfrotto 234RC monopod head which I find has greater control on a monopod than a ball head which can flop; this can easily result in crushed or bruised fingers. The heavier the lens, the less safe and practical a ball head becomes. There are dedicated monopod heads in existence for good reason. Trust me...get a monopod head. My third monopod is a Miller twist-lock carbon fiber which I use for video work.

The other trap that first-time monopod buyers can fall into is not getting one tall enough. It has to be tall enough for you to be able to stand at full height while looking through the viewfinder. Stooping to see the viewfinder will hurt your back, irritate you and cramp your creativity.

Another useful left-field use for a monopod is holding it in your hand as you walk back to your car after a late night gig. Would be muggers are likely to avoid you.

HTH

-pw

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I am considering to get a monopod for a bit more support when shooting portraits with my new manual focus Zeiss 135 /f2. Especially after holding it for longer and using a Zacuto loupe and liveview I am suffering from lactic acid building up in my muscles The lens is relatively heavy and at a long distance from my eye since I have the Zacuto loup between my eyes and the camera.

I am considering to get a Gitzo monopod (carbon I think), but I also need a (ball) head. What would you choose and what is good enough (but not overkill) for this? Thoughts and ideas appreciated ;D

Thanx,
Niels

As noted above, Gitzo is top of the line for monopods, but not for heads. RRS has a great head for Monopods. I went for a less expensive Reged carbon monopod, its barely 5 ft, but with Manfrotto 234 head, kirk clamp, and camera, it sits more than high enough for me (I'm 6' 2"). I actually measured the distance to my eye, and calculated the total height before deciding that a 5 ft monopod would work.

I would not recommend a ball head for a monopod, since you just turn the entire monopod to pan. You just need the tilt feature. This eliminates a camera flipping over when you loosen the head clamp. You can use a ball head to flip from landscape to portrait, but it gets unbalanced when you do that.