Benro monopod

[Boz Mon]

I asked for a monopod for christmas, and santa brought me a Benro A38F. I am now in search of a head for it, and I have no idea where to start. I plan on using it mostly for still photography, and I would like the head to have the removable clip for easy on and off. Can anyone steer me in a general direction?

 

[table1349]

Why do you think you need a head for it. At most you need a QR clamp and a QR plate for your camera and/or lenses.

This works great: B2-Pro II Quick-Release Clamp

 

[Boz Mon]

Well it didn't come with a head. Only this weird screw with the plate

 

[Boz Mon]

Why do you think you need a head for it. At most you need a QR clamp and a QR plate for your camera and/or lenses.

This works great: B2-Pro II Quick-Release Clamp

After some further reading, I think i want a ball head for it. Are all heads pretty much universal or do I have to buy a certain brand?

 

[table1349]

The problem with a ballhead on a monopod is one of stability. Unlike a tripod that has three legs providing stability, a monopod obviously has one. The photographer does not provide as much stability as two other legs would on a tripod. Part of the stability of a monopod is to keep the camera/lens over the center of the monopod. This is easy if you shoot in landscape mode. However if you shoot in portrait mode, with a ball head you flop it over to one side thereby loosing some of your stability.

With a QR plate such as I linked to you keep your gear over the monopod. To shoot in portrait mode you need either a lens with a collar an L bracket on your camera or a camera rotation head such as this. Digital PRO-SV - Camera Flash Brackets - Products - Custom Brackets
A tilt head is popular, however I have found that I am more stable tilting if I use proper monopod technique instead of a tilt head on a vertical stick. One of the advantages of using a arca-swiss type QR like I linked to in the earlier post is the ability to center the weight of a long lens and camera over the monopod, or tripod for that matter. Long lenses usually have collars and the QR foot is also usually quite long. Just another boost for stability when using a monopod.

 

[Boz Mon]

So the qr plate that you linked to will work with my monopod?

 

[table1349]

I would think that it would but can't say for sure. I use Manfrotto and Gitzo Monopods and have no problem with RRS QR plates on them. The best thing to do is to E-Mail RRS, tell them the monopod you have and ask them. You will need to be able to use the 1/4 X 20 screw for most of their QR Plates. Not being familiar with that monopod I don't know if you can get rid of the 3/8 in screw or not.

FYI. I posted the wrong link for the QR head I use on my pods. This is the correct link. B2-Pro/L: 80mm Screw-knob clamp The one I originally posted is what I use on my tripod ball heads.


One other thing to consider. If you go this direction, it will be more expensive than a simple ball head. Check out the costs for all that you need first and decide. There are cheaper options. For me I chose the expense as my cameras and lenses will mount to either of my monopods or my tripods. They will last a lifetime so the up front expense pays for itself over that long span of time.

 

[Boz Mon]

I must be missing something or I don't completely understand. The plate in the link you posted costs $87. Some of the ball heads that I was looking at cost over $200.

 

[Rick58]

I'm trying to picture how you would use a ball head on a monopod. Are you going to purposely tilt the monopod then level it with the ball head

 

[Boz Mon]

I dont understand how someone could use a non moveable head on a monopod. Having a head that doesnt move, pretty much limits you to keeping the monopod straight up and down for shooting. I have seen several people make a "tripod" situation with the monopod and your legs for example.

 

[BillM]

Ball heads can go much higher than $200.

There are cheaper options out there, what is your budget ?

I agree with what has already been mentioned, you really don't want to use a ball head on a monopod. A quick release clamp and quick release plate does a great job. But if cost is an issue just screw the monopod into the tripod mount on the bottom of your camera.

 

[table1349]

I must be missing something or I don't completely understand. The plate in the link you posted costs $87. Some of the ball heads that I was looking at cost over $200.

That's just the QR head. Add to that an L plate for your camera to mount it on the QR head. This is what allows you to shoot in landscape or portrait mode with short lenses. Since I don't know what body you use I choose the one for a 5D MkIII. As you can see it is pricey. If you have a lens that has a tripod mounting ring a foot like this is needed. This is the replacement foot I put on my 400mm f2.8. I also have a 300f2.8 and a 200 f2.0 that have replacement feet. As you can see the costs add up.

 

[table1349]

I dont understand how someone could use a non moveable head on a monopod. Having a head that doesnt move, pretty much limits you to keeping the monopod straight up and down for shooting. I have seen several people make a "tripod" situation with the monopod and your legs for example.

How to Use a Monopod
How to Hold a Monopod | Photography Mad
How to Use a Monopod

 

[table1349]

I'm trying to picture how you would use a ball head on a monopod. Are you going to purposely tilt the monopod then level it with the ball head

Something like this can be useful. MH-02 Pro Monopod Head It is expensive and personally I have never found a need for a tilt head. If you were shooting in extreme conditions I could see where someone might want one. A friend of mine that is a wedding/portrait photographer does use a Custom Bracket Pro SV that I linked to above on his monopod. But he is shooting lots of short glass with no lens ring mount.

 

[Boz Mon]

I dont understand how someone could use a non moveable head on a monopod. Having a head that doesnt move, pretty much limits you to keeping the monopod straight up and down for shooting. I have seen several people make a "tripod" situation with the monopod and your legs for example.

How to Use a Monopod
How to Hold a Monopod | Photography Mad
How to Use a Monopod

Method 2: braced against your foot. This would cause the camera to aim at the ground unless you had a moveable head.

Method 3: between the legs. Same as above

I was starting to think I didnt know how to use this magical stick so I did some digging. I actually came across the exact video in the 3rd link. If you watch that video he actually makes reference to the issue at hand and recommends using a ball head at one point. I dont know, maybe I'm over thinking the whole situation.