Monopod and monopod head?

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T09:25:50+0000

Hi,

I'm going on a two week trip soon and will not be taking my tripod. I didn't like the idea of going without some kind of support so splashed out on a 3LT Alana (with legs). Just the start of a slippery slope though.....

I don't like the idea of going without a head so started searching monopod heads. The bees knees seems to be the Wimberly MH100 (£234) but further searching led me to the Neewer GM39 which *appears* to be a cheap copy of the Wimberly but gets good reviews and it is on special offer at the moment. (About £50).

I like the idea of doing long exposure landscapes (in Venice) and some birding in Switzerland on the way back, although I could see myself using it back home as well.

Does anyone have any experience of this set up, or the use of a head on a mono pod generally?

tijuana taxi · 2025-02-21T09:34:57+0000

I had the Sirui L10 Monopod Head Monopod Head
Now use the much simpler Manfrotto 234rc Monopod Head 2

All you need is a tilt mechanism, the monopod positioning does the rest.
Certainly helps provide a bit of stability without the weight and bulk of a tripod
Also many places allow its use, but not that of a tripod.

Don't rely on those little legs to support the camera if the monopod isn't being held or strapped to something like a gate post.
I have something similar and they only work as a bit of additional stability, not a freestanding set up.

swanseamale47 · 2025-02-21T09:49:48+0000

Not tried that combination, I normally go for a ball head for monopods. I agree with Rich on the don't rely on the mini legs though, I've seen people walk away and leave a camera on them, having seen big sturdy tripods blow over, I'd not risk it.

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T09:51:23+0000

tijuana taxi said:
I had the Sirui L10 Monopod Head Monopod Head
Now use the much simpler Manfrotto 234rc Monopod Head 2

All you need is a tilt mechanism, the monopod positioning does the rest.
Certainly helps provide a bit of stability without the weight and bulk of a tripod
Also many places allow its use, but not that of a tripod.

Don't rely on those little legs to support the camera if the monopod isn't being held or strapped to something like a gate post.
I have something similar and they only work as a bit of additional stability, not a freestanding set up.

I was planning to sell the legs actually. They were actually a freebie.

Good point about using a monopod where tripods are forbidden.

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T09:57:43+0000

There is a monopod head comparison here which shows the Wimberly . AFAICS the Neewer is a copy of the Wimberly.

https://shuttermuse.com/best-monopod-head/#in-a-hurry

Does the Neewer look like the same thing?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NEEWER-Mon.../dp/B0D5HQS37C/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pb_opt?ie=UTF8

Peter123 · 2025-02-21T09:58:10+0000

I have the Wimberley mono gimbal and like using it with a long lens. . It is slightly offset but when using it with a long lens it just feels more secure than a straightforward mono head.
It's expensive but there are various alternatives available as you outlined.

A review here by Steve Perry

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

Or just get the manfrotto outlined above by Rich.

Hadge · 2025-02-21T09:59:51+0000

Those legs on the monopod are not good for support. Personallly I don't use a head on my monopod as I have the Gitzo with a ball swivel on the foot which allows a lot of free movemnt but obviously you have to be holding your gear when using it.

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T10:01:18+0000

Peter123 said:
I have the Wimberley mono gimbal and like using it with a long lens. . It is slightly offset but when using it with a long lens it just feels more secure than a straightforward mono head.
It's expensive but there are various alternatives available as you outlined.

A review here by Steve Perry

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

Or just get the manfrotto outlined above by Rich.

Aren't there disadvantages to Manfrotto heads? Like a non standard fitting needing a Manfrotto plate?

Peter123 · 2025-02-21T10:03:19+0000

jerry12953 said:
Aren't there disadvantages to Manfrotto heads? Like a non standard fitting needing a Manfrotto plate?

Perhaps. If you buy the head you get a plate if I remember correctly.

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T10:09:15+0000

Peter123 said:
Perhaps. If you buy the head you get a plate if I remember correctly.

I think I'd prefer an ArcaSwiss plate.

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T10:10:03+0000

Hadge said:
Those legs on the monopod are not good for support. Personallly I don't use a head on my monopod as I have the Gitzo with a ball swivel on the foot which allows a lot of free movemnt but obviously you have to be holding your gear when using it.

I couldn't see myself using the legs......

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T10:11:27+0000

Peter123 said:
I have the Wimberley mono gimbal and like using it with a long lens. . It is slightly offset but when using it with a long lens it just feels more secure than a straightforward mono head.
It's expensive but there are various alternatives available as you outlined.

A review here by Steve Perry

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

Or just get the manfrotto outlined above by Rich.

Yes, I think i read that but couldn't justify the cost of the wimberly.

tijuana taxi · 2025-02-21T10:12:28+0000

jerry12953 said:
I think I'd prefer an ArcaSwiss plate.

I use arca plates for everything else, but the Manfrotto plate is fine when you are just taking the monopod with you.
Its also very secure because it has a separate small lever lock. also easier to locate in the tilt head.
Can be done one handed which is ideal when you are holding the monopod with the other hand.,
Push the plate in one side of the head and its automatically locked then the small brass lever is operated for added security
Have a look at this Manfrotto Head

myotis · 2025-02-21T10:16:13+0000

jerry12953 said:
Hi,

I'm going on a two week trip soon and will not be taking my tripod. I didn't like the idea of going without some kind of support so splashed out on a 3LT Alana (with legs). Just the start of a slippery slope though.....

I don't like the idea of going without a head so started searching monopod heads. The bees knees seems to be the Wimberly MH100 (£234) but further searching led me to the Neewer GM39 which *appears* to be a cheap copy of the Wimberly but gets good reviews and it is on special offer at the moment. (About £50).

I like the idea of doing long exposure landscapes (in Venice) and some birding in Switzerland on the way back, although I could see myself using it back home as well.

Does anyone have any experience of this set up, or the use of a head on a mono pod generally?

I use a monopod a lot.

For birding, I have used the Lensmaster RH-M2 (an equivalent to the Wimberley, which appears to be no longer available). It was just under £150 so a lot cheaper than the Wimberley but works the same way.

The Wimberly got a very good reviews from Steve Perry.

I found it awkward to use because the camera/lens weight is offset from the centre line of the monopod, This means you end up, or at least I did, using the monopod at slight angle, which I never got used to. It also, of course only works if a lens has a tripod collar, or with an L bracket on the camera.

I also have the Manfrotto head described by @tijuana taxi but found it impossible to get the right tension between it being easy to tilt and it feeling sloppy. But a better quality head of similar design would seem a good price/function compromise.

My Acratech Panoramic head (in the long lens version) would be a great head for a monopod https://www.acratech.net/tripod-heads/long-lens-heads/long-lens-head/. It's pricey but there are several lower cost equivalents from people like Leofoto.

Although, people say there is no need for a ball head on. monopod, for "general" use I disagree and my main monopod heads are ether a the FLM 32

CB-32 F II

FLM CB-32 FB tripod head for photography.

english.flm-gmbh.de

or

the Novoflex Magicball "Free"

MagicBall "FREE"

Novoflex create premium, precision engineered, professional photography equipment including lens adapters, macro bellows, ball heads, tripods and more.

novoflex.co.uk

For general use I find it the most stable approach is to make sure the monopod stays vertical and use the ball head to adjust vertical and horizontal tilt. But also, sometimes I feel it useful to "jam" the monopod at an odd angle and the ballhead lets me fully adjust the camera position.

For birding this doesn't work so well as a loose ball head (even one with adjustable friction), while following a flying bird tends to end up all over the place and is difficult to use. The Novoflex head is, for me, the best all round solution, good for general photography and good for birds.

At the moment the FLM lives on my general purpose monopod, and the Novoflex on my heavier birding monopod.

If you would like to try out the Lensmaster head to see how you get on with it, I would happily pop it in the post. It's just sitting here doing nothing. I keep on meaning to give it another try, but never get round to it. If interested feel free to open a personal conversation.

JohnStewart · 2025-02-21T10:16:53+0000

I used the Manfrotto 234rc which was simple and lightweight for a few years (I've still got it in a box somewhere), but after getting a 500mm f4, I opted to fit an arca swiss compatible foot to it, and went for the RRS monopod head which allowed quicker mounting as I didn't need to work out the orientation of the Manfrotto quick release plate onto the bottom of the lens foot. It's very well built and just works, even in cold weather and using gloves. It is noticably heavier than the Manfrotto one though.

myotis · 2025-02-21T10:19:14+0000

jerry12953 said:
Aren't there disadvantages to Manfrotto heads? Like a non standard fitting needing a Manfrotto plate?

You can buy this Manfrotto head with just a standard screw thread, which I have screwed an Arca clamp into.

tijuana taxi · 2025-02-21T10:26:19+0000

myotis said:
You can buy this Manfrotto head with just a standard screw thread, which I have screwed an Arca clamp into.

Never had a problem adjusting my Manfrotto 243RC head, position it and then tighten down
Mine is used for static subjects or occasionally panning, so I don't need it to be "fluid"
Also the screw in version negates the very useful one handed locating method.
Mine is used with a G9 and 12-100/4 lens, don't need anything more expensive or heavy duty.

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T10:36:24+0000

myotis said:
I use a monopod a lot.

For birding, I have used the Lensmaster RH-M2 (an equivalent to the Wimberley, which appears to be no longer available). It was just under £150 so a lot cheaper than the Wimberley but works the same way.

The Wimberly got a very good reviews from Steve Perry.

I found it awkward to use because the camera/lens weight is offset from the centre line of the monopod, This means you end up, or at least I did, using the monopod at slight angle, which I never got used to. It also, of course only works if a lens has a tripod collar, or with an L bracket on the camera.

I also have the Manfrotto head described by @tijuana taxi but found it impossible to get the right tension between it being easy to tilt and it feeling sloppy. But a better quality head of similar design would seem a good price/function compromise.

My Acratech Panoramic head (in the long lens version) would be a great head for a monopod https://www.acratech.net/tripod-heads/long-lens-heads/long-lens-head/. It's pricey but there are several lower cost equivalents from people like Leofoto.

Although, people say there is no need for a ball head on. monopod, for "general" use I disagree and my main monopod heads are ether a the FLM 32

CB-32 F II

FLM CB-32 FB tripod head for photography.

english.flm-gmbh.de

or

the Novoflex Magicball "Free"

MagicBall "FREE"

Novoflex create premium, precision engineered, professional photography equipment including lens adapters, macro bellows, ball heads, tripods and more.

novoflex.co.uk

For general use I find it the most stable approach is to make sure the monopod stays vertical and use the ball head to adjust vertical and horizontal tilt. But also, sometimes I feel it useful to "jam" the monopod at an odd angle and the ballhead lets me fully adjust the camera position.

For birding this doesn't work so well as a loose ball head (even one with adjustable friction), while following a flying bird tends to end up all over the place and is difficult to use. The Novoflex head is, for me, the best all round solution, good for general photography and good for birds.

At the moment the FLM lives on my general purpose monopod, and the Novoflex on my heavier birding monopod.

If you would like to try out the Lensmaster head to see how you get on with it, I would happily pop it in the post. It's just sitting here doing nothing. I keep on meaning to give it another try, but never get round to it. If interested feel free to open a personal conversation.

Looks like a really useful post which i will read in detail later. However I just had to reply now to say that I used to have two Magic Balls ( one standard and one "mini" ) and may still have one or the other somewhere! But the mini definitely wouldn't hold any kind of body+ long lens........

Edit: Yeah, I know that sounds a bit smutty......

myotis · 2025-02-21T10:37:17+0000

tijuana taxi said:
Never had a problem adjusting my Manfrotto 243RC head, position it and then tighten down
Mine is used for static subjects or occasionally panning, so I don't need it to be "fluid"
Also the screw in version negates the very useful one handed locating method.
Mine is used with a G9 and 12-100/4 lens, don't need anything more expensive or heavy duty.

I agree it's fine for static subjects, but with things like flying birds, you need to change the tilt while panning.

I'm not sure what you mean by "one handed locating method"

tijuana taxi · 2025-02-21T10:42:40+0000

myotis said:
I agree it's fine for static subjects, but with things like flying birds, you need to change the tilt while panning.

I'm not sure what you mean by "one handed locating method"

The Manfrotto plate when placed in the clamp pushes on to a round pin which locks it down.
Further security is added when the brass lever is rotated to lock it
See from about 0.35 in this video Locking

myotis · 2025-02-21T10:43:42+0000

jerry12953 said:
Looks like a really useful post which i will read in detail later. However I just had to reply now to say that I used to have two Magic Balls ( one standard and one "mini" ) and may still have one or the other somewhere! But the mini definitely wouldn't hold any kind of body+ long lens........

Edit: Yeah, I know that sounds a bit smutty......

I'm not sure which Magic Ball the Magic Ball "free" is the equivalent to, but I have mainly used t with a Nikon D500+Grip+ 200-500mm f5.6, and feels fine.

But I'm not locking it off and using long exposures. I always have hands-on with the camera and lens because I'm tracking some sort of moving animal.

myotis · 2025-02-21T11:03:38+0000

tijuana taxi said:
The Manfrotto plate when placed in the clamp pushes on to a round pin which locks it down.
Further security is added when the brass lever is rotated to lock it
See from about 0.35 in this video Locking

I had forgotten that the Manfrotto heads did this.

The Arca clamp that I screw onto non-arca heads does a very similar thing.

A pin gets pushed down by the Arca plate as you slot it into the clamp, to lock the clamp, and a pin and lever is used to release it,

Automatic Arca-Compatible Quick Release

Novoflex create premium, precision engineered, professional photography equipment including lens adapters, macro bellows, ball heads, tripods and more.

novoflex.co.uk

I also occasionally use this system, which also screws directly onto a tripod head. It still needs a hand to pull a lever to "open" the clamp, but the camera then drops into the clamp and releasing spring loaded lever holds the clamp in place. It's yet another base plate fitting, but it's very small, and I'm not sure how much I would trust it to keep a hold of the camera if you were slinging the monopod over your shoulder. But it's a very small setup and worked well with my Fuji and Olympus for general purpose photography.

Quick Release Adapter

This NOVOFLEX MiniConnect MR Quick Release Adapter is the manual quick release unit in the MiniConnect family. By eliminating the automatic locking function, an extremely practical, small & inexpensive quick release for the NOVOFLEX MiniConnect coupling pieces has been developed. The MiniConnect...

novoflex.co.uk

orangeframestudio · 2025-02-21T11:04:50+0000

I know you probably have enough suggestions above, but to add one more.... I really like using a sidekick on my monopod, it gives a really good gimbal experience but keeping the weight minimal (and central) but also a good 'handle' to hold right next to the camera, rather than having to hold the monopod a foot lower.
I actually have the Induro version, but notice there is Wimberley one on eBay now.

Sidekick - ebay

with a right angled Arca clamp, and a Arca plate ontop of the monopod, it creates a really convenient way to swap gear around, with little fuss.

Monopod and Head

Afternoon folks Just bought a 200-600 and it's fine generally for hand holding. But... Looking for a monopod and a decent head. Thinking the Wimberley monopod gimbal. Any alternatives? Any suggestions for a monopod? I do want long (unfolded) and short (folded) and light. I know I'll pay...

www.talkphotography.co.uk

turbotoes · 2025-02-21T11:09:46+0000

As a cheaper alternative to the MonoGimbal have a look at this one

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WEYLLAN-PH3-MonoGimbal-Release-Telephoto/dp/B0D62Y2Q3F/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3O3CHQ2I34UZP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Jdv9m_dTib09MTD36Hip6WuqzuE79M8JRB7zOSee5L0.g30IpaLvKaL4d5c_fsiO-xPeN1RYZMfoJFCeseY4AIU&dib_tag=se&keywords=monogimbal&qid=1740135899&sprefix=monogimbal%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

I have both and tbf so far the weyllan one has behaved as well as the wimberley (granted the Wimberley is older and we shall see how long the cheaper one lasts) , the neewer one is more like ballhead thats been slightly modified, I tried it but it wasn't as good at being a gimbal as the weyllan version.

AndrewFlannigan · 2025-02-21T11:42:31+0000

For less critical tasks, a very inexpensive option is to find yourself one of the cheap Chinese made tripods, such as this Atlantic branded thing, which cost me £3 from a charity shop a few years ago...

Atlantic branded lightweight tripod open with insert closed Ixus 70 IMG_4476.jpg

It weighs very little and folds down to not much more than pocket size (as shown by the insert). When open (about four feet) it doesnt inspire much confidence. However, used with a solid camera/lens option that has good image stabilisation, it can gain another 2-3 stops, which might just give you the image you want.

I'm merely saying that there are, sometimes, more ways to relieve a feline of its fur than by using a big, heavy hunting knife...

Gary Rawlins · 2025-02-21T12:24:24+0000

jerry12953 said:
or the use of a head on a mono pod generally?

Hi.

Really Right Stuff MH-01, if you can find one.

My EF 500mm f4 lives on the Really Right Stuff MH-01 and Benro Mach3 MMA38C monopod. I trust the gear and it has never caused me any issues whatsoever. The RRS head is strong and easy to use.

Link here

Swanseajack · 2025-02-21T12:24:49+0000

I had the Sirui L20s monopod head and totally recommended it, but like a fool I sold it. With some of Amazon ones linked above they only hold 4kg so double check your weight of camera and lens.

After changing direction I'm in the market for a new monopod head and I'm liking some of the Leofoto and Sunwayfoto along with the Sirui head I mentioned above. I have watched some of these heads on eBay and I have had offers in the region of £65 > £80 for some of the mentioned brands.

Nod · 2025-02-21T12:58:37+0000

I use a Manfrotto 'pod and head - mainly because I was already using the Manfrotto QR system.

jerry12953 said:
I think I'd prefer an ArcaSwiss plate.

Easy enough to fit an adaptor to the Manfrotto plate to keep using the Arca system - while doubling up on plates can cause stability issues, it's less of a problem on a monopod than a tripod IME.

tijuana taxi · 2025-02-21T15:41:26+0000

Nod said:
I use a Manfrotto 'pod and head - mainly because I was already using the Manfrotto QR system.

Easy enough to fit an adaptor to the Manfrotto plate to keep using the Arca system - while doubling up on plates can cause stability issues, it's less of a problem on a monopod than a tripod IME.

I don't keep a q/r plate on my camera so easy enough to affix whatever one I will need on the day.
All three of my tripod heads are Arca, so just the monopod that isn't, not been an issue though.

jerry12953 · 2025-02-21T17:59:53+0000

myotis said:
I'm not sure which Magic Ball the Magic Ball "free" is the equivalent to, but I have mainly used t with a Nikon D500+Grip+ 200-500mm f5.6, and feels fine.

But I'm not locking it off and using long exposures. I always have hands-on with the camera and lens because I'm tracking some sort of moving animal.

I think I recall seeing an "upside-down" MagicBall but I moved on to standard B&S heads before it was introduced. I found my standard magicball at the back of a cupboard and added it to the monopod. But it's a weighty beast at 620 gm, and I have seen various things online about how it can be quite tricky using a ball head on a monopod.

So I have almost convinced myself to try the Neewer model as it only weighs 265 gms. If it works OK it should be a good match for the Alana.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Brentor · 2025-02-21T18:14:30+0000

jerry12953 said:
So I have almost convinced myself to try the Neewer model as it only weighs 265 gms. If it works OK it should be a good match for the Alana.

You should be able to return it if it doesn't suit.

myotis · 2025-02-21T18:22:36+0000

jerry12953 said:
I think I recall seeing an "upside-down" MagicBall but I moved on to standard B&S heads before it was introduced. I found my standard magicball at the back of a cupboard and added it to the monopod. But it's a weighty beast at 620 gm, and I have seen various things online about how it can be quite tricky using a ball head on a monopod.

So I have almost convinced myself to try the Neewer model as it only weighs 265 gms. If it works OK it should be a good match for the Alana.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

I'm not sure how the standard Magic Ball works in practice, but the "upside down" version works very differently to my FLM ball head. when on a monopod. And I explained in my original post how I found a standard ball head tricky,

If you can get on with the Neewer/wimberley style it is certainly a compact and lightweight design, ide. ally suited for travel It just didn't suit me, hence me no longer using my Lensmaster equivalent..

One last suggestion is the Speedigimbal (sold by a member on here @old git ) No experience of using it but it's smaller, cheaper and lighter than the Novoflex head. But it doesn’t lock in place, and I find being able to lock the head really useful when want to use both hands to make some camera adjustments.

Home - SpeediGimbal

Unlock smooth, professional footage with SpeediGimbal – the ultimate stabiliser for all your adventures. Whether you’re a content creator or a hobbyist,

speedigimbal.co.uk

rd6743 · 2025-02-21T22:15:50+0000

jerry12953 said:
Hi,

I'm going on a two week trip soon and will not be taking my tripod. I didn't like the idea of going without some kind of support so splashed out on a 3LT Alana (with legs). Just the start of a slippery slope though.....

I don't like the idea of going without a head so started searching monopod heads. The bees knees seems to be the Wimberly MH100 (£234) but further searching led me to the Neewer GM39 which *appears* to be a cheap copy of the Wimberly but gets good reviews and it is on special offer at the moment. (About £50).

I like the idea of doing long exposure landscapes (in Venice) and some birding in Switzerland on the way back, although I could see myself using it back home as well.

Does anyone have any experience of this set up, or the use of a head on a mono pod generally?

I don't know if this will apply to the neewer item, but I got a gimbal head possibly neewer or anker (can't remember but probably same factory) but it worked a lot better after being disassembled and removing the really tacky/thick grease they had in it. Went to toolstation and got a tube of loitium grease which is working wonders.

artyman · 2025-02-21T22:58:03+0000

A cheap lightweight solution that fits in your pocket is a piece of string attached to a small block of wood. Place the wood under your foot, wrap the string round the barrel of the lens and pull up to tension it, that with the viewfinder against your eye will keep it steady.

Box Brownie · 2025-02-21T23:02:28+0000

artyman said:
A cheap lightweight solution that fits in your pocket is a piece of string attached to a small block of wood. Place the wood under your foot, wrap the string round the barrel of the lens and pull up to tension it, that with the viewfinder against your eye will keep it steady.

IIRC that would be called a "string pod" the poor photographers version of the 'chainpod'

Monopod and monopod head?

Tootles