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MF ball head for monopod -- just tell me what to buy!

faneuil

faneuil

Member
I am a very happy user of a gitzo monopod with my P1 camera/p45 back.
This combination has produced great results.

I have a simple one plane of motion swivel mount which I have been meaning to replace with a ball for several years.

Just put me out my misery and tell me which ball mount to get that would be appropriate for the camera weight and for monopod use.

Would like to keep it under $200.

cheers and thanks for the advice.

Eric
 
K

Ken Tanaka

Guest
May I suggest considering the Manfrotto "Joystick" Head? I've been using one with my monopod for several years and find it's one-handed release adjustment particularly good on a monopod.
 
T

tetsrfun

Guest
I found that the "universal" movement of a ball head was a PITA, especially using heavy gear. I found that the RRS MH-01 is a better option.

Steve
 
faneuil

faneuil

Member
yes, I was wondering about really right stuff. A friend swears by it for tripod and 35mm gear.
Just wasn't sure which would be right for MF and monopod.

thanks
Eric
 
faneuil

faneuil

Member
tetsrfun said:
I found that the "universal" movement of a ball head was a PITA, especially using heavy gear. I found that the RRS MH-01 is a better option.

Steve
Click to expand...
I have a manfrotto swivel like that now. Does the RRS mount let you turn 90 degrees to the baseplate mount so you can swivel in the other direction? Right now I have to reattach the quick release plate on my camera.
 
T

tetsrfun

Guest
faneuil said:
I have a manfrotto swivel like that now. Does the RRS mount let you turn 90 degrees to the baseplate mount so you can swivel in the other direction? Right now I have to reattach the quick release plate on my camera.
Click to expand...
An RRS PCL-1 "pano" clamp mounted on the MH-01 will solve that problem but the total cost of an MH-01 and PCL-1 is more than $200.00 USD.

Steve
 
faneuil

faneuil

Member
looks very nice, but yes, it is getting pricey fro the pano clamp and swivel.
It a ball head really that much a PITA?

:)

E
 
T

tetsrfun

Guest
faneuil said:
looks very nice, but yes, it is getting pricey fro the pano clamp and swivel.
It a ball head really that much a PITA?

:)

E
Click to expand...
I guess it depends on how you use it. For my monopod use, I needed additional motion in the vertical axis compared to the direct monopod/camera attachment. I used a ballhead for awhile and in addition to vertical motion, I got universal motion that tended to slew the camera axis in unwanted directions. That's when I did some research and "discovered" the MH-01. An MH-01 + B2-Pro II clamp @ $226 is near your price point but doesn't solve the problem of plate orientation. However, moving the plate may be worth saving $200.00 +.:>).

Steve
 
K

Ken Tanaka

Guest
Greg,
I find this head to be very quick for quick rotation of the camera without translation. That is, being able to tilt the camera without tilting the monopod or having to loosen/tighten a single-axis clutch. The handle, which I've adjusted to the left hand, is also extremely handy for stabilization.

Just personal preferences, but worth a look for someone just assembling a monopod kit.
 
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