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Monopod Head

stub
Posted 10/11/2010 - 15:47 Link
I am new to photography and need a little advice from the guys in the know...

I have recently purchasede a Giottos mml3270 monopod. Its quite a sturdy rascal... The question i would like to ask, concerns a head for the stick.

1) As I can attach the camera do I really need one ?. Im aware potrait shots would be impossible..

2) Is a balltype the most prefered ?

I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions...
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
prsjnb
Posted 10/11/2010 - 17:10 Link
1) Yes

2) Yes

This would be good if you want a Giotto to match link

or this if your not fussed link

I use the latter with a K20D and Sigma 100-300mm f4 EX DG and have had no problems.

Yes I know they probably cost more than the monopod but either will give many years good service, can be retained if you ever decide to go for a bigger and/or lighter monopod and can be used with a tripod if the need arises.

Best wishes,

Jon
stub
Posted 10/11/2010 - 18:03 Link
Thanks for the comment and links Jon... Was kinda hoping that the solution wouldn't be quite that expensive...lol But I guess these things always are...
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
JohnX
Posted 10/11/2010 - 19:46 Link
Given the nature of a monopod - you have to support it most of the time - I'd suggest you need a really simple head with only a single adjustment, such as this http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/3200/Manfrotto-234RC-Tilt-Monopod-Head.html.

I use one of these, and support the camera with my left hand whilst adjusting the head with my right. The choice is landscape or portrait mode.It's designed to be used with a monopod.

Most of the 'adjusment' associated with the framing of the picture is then actually done by moving the monopod front to back or side to side.

I agree, however, that other heads will be more versatile.
Edited by JohnX: 10/11/2010 - 19:52
prsjnb
Posted 10/11/2010 - 20:06 Link
JohnX said:

Quote:
Given the nature of a monopod - you have to support it most of the time - I'd suggest you need a really simple head with only a single adjustment, such as this http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/3200/Manfrotto-234RC-Tilt-Monopod-Head.html.

If funds are the limiting factor, I would agree with the above suggestion. Better yet, I have a brand new 234RC which is still in the original packaging which you can have for £12.50 plus p&p (whichever service you wish to pay for)

Drop me a line if your interested.

Jon
stub
Posted 10/11/2010 - 22:42 Link
PM sent......
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
puma
Posted 11/11/2010 - 21:45 Link
A monopod is used mainly for sport and wild life photography, But it does come in handy when you are in a crowded area so your not taking up space and bumping into every one or them you! all in all it is a good all rounder.
PPG link
stub
Posted 11/11/2010 - 22:19 Link
Yes, I would agree... It was with a view to sports photography I made the purchase. Although I cant see it doing any harm when used elsewhere, gotta be better than hand held. When you have not got your tripod.
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
Mannesty
Posted 11/11/2010 - 22:47 Link
I always found my 234RC a bit limiting as it only allows movement in one plane and it never seemed to be the right one, which is why I eventually changed it for a 484RC2 ball head.

That said, the 234RC is better than no head at all.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Edited by Mannesty: 11/11/2010 - 22:49
TonyM
Posted 11/11/2010 - 23:16 Link
I have the 234RC and find it very good. You can only move in one plane, but it allows you to plant your monopod forwards of you with your legs splayed to form a tripod shape and then adjust the head to get the right angle.

Tony
simonkit
Posted 12/11/2010 - 11:03 Link
I use the 234RC with a Slik Pro Pod 381CF, I find it works really well but I use it primarily for landscape photos so head flexibility isn't such an issue. I use it whilst hiking around the mountains etc where a tripod can be just too cumbersome/weighty sometimes.

Simon
stub
Posted 12/11/2010 - 14:32 Link
Iam not holding out for images as good as yours Simon....lol
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
stub
Posted 13/11/2010 - 13:35 Link
Purchased the 234rc from prsjnb. Really happy with a sale, which was recieved the next day in first class condition. Many thanks to Jon and all the other contributors to this thread..

Stuart
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..

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