Sports Photography Forum

Share your sports photos and discuss sports photography techniques and issues. This forum is moderated by SmartWombat.
Featured Photo
Photo by Tumber

by Tumber
Featured Photo Archive >>
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    38

    Question Ball Head for Monopod

    I have a Slik Pro Pod 382CF monopod & am in need of a recommendation for a ball head. The head will support up to a maximum weight of 5 lbs. And since the reason I bought the 382CF monopod was for it's light weight, I am looking for a ball head that is lightweight as well.

    Thank you for any recommendations. I appreciate it.

  2. #2
    Nikonowhore zerodog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Posts
    339

    Re: Ball Head for Monopod

    To some this will sound dumb. But check out the new joby ball head made for the big gorillapods. It is Arca Swiss compatible and small and light. It seems pretty nice too. It is also about $60.

  3. #3
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Mineral Point, WI, USA
    Posts
    7,561

    Re: Ball Head for Monopod

    I have a Slik Pro Pod 381CF, and like you, I wanted a head that was functional, but wouldn't add a lot of weight. I went with the Manfrotto 3229 head. It's not a true ball head, but it's a swivel tilt head. I didn't see the need for a full ball head since you are able to pan left and right simply using the monopod as your pivot point. I think the 3229 head may have been discontinued but there is now the Manfrotto 234 and the Manfrotto 234RC that comes with a quick release plate. Both will support up to 5.5 pounds and weigh 9.5 oz.
    Mike

    My website
    Twitter
    Blog


    "I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters' paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."
    Aldo Leopold

  4. #4
    Senior Member AgingEyes's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    3,103

    Re: Ball Head for Monopod

    I 2nd zerodog's suggestion. The joby's head is worth a look especially if you don't need it for heavy lenses.

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    38

    Re: Ball Head for Monopod

    Quote Originally Posted by mjs1973
    I have a Slik Pro Pod 381CF, and like you, I wanted a head that was functional, but wouldn't add a lot of weight. I went with the Manfrotto 3229 head. It's not a true ball head, but it's a swivel tilt head. I didn't see the need for a full ball head since you are able to pan left and right simply using the monopod as your pivot point. I think the 3229 head may have been discontinued but there is now the Manfrotto 234 and the Manfrotto 234RC that comes with a quick release plate. Both will support up to 5.5 pounds and weigh 9.5 oz.
    Thanks, Mike. Since I already have a Manfrotto tripod/ball head, I am quite pleased with the brand. I will check your suggestions.

  6. #6
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Mineral Point, WI, USA
    Posts
    7,561

    Re: Ball Head for Monopod

    Quote Originally Posted by kitjv
    Thanks, Mike. Since I already have a Manfrotto tripod/ball head, I am quite pleased with the brand. I will check your suggestions.

    One thing I didn't mention that I should have. When I'm using my monopod, it is with a long lens with a tripod collar. The tripod collar lets me switch from horizontal to vertical shooting without needing the full movement of a ball head or an expensive L bracket. It also keeps the weight centered above the monopod and not off to one side like a ball head would.

    If you are shooting with a lens that doesn't have a tripod collar, then a ball head may be a better option for switching from horizontal to vertical.
    Mike

    My website
    Twitter
    Blog


    "I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters' paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."
    Aldo Leopold

  7. #7
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    308

    Re: Ball Head for Monopod

    If you are using a tripod collar on the lens you might want a pan / tilt head instead of a ball head. I think a ball would just get annoying unless it's a really good one.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Telos ball head?
    By Frog in forum Help Files
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 07-10-2008, 11:15 AM
  2. Will a Bogen 3265 Ball Head Hold 4.5 lbs?
    By Overexposed in forum Digital Cameras - General
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-28-2007, 08:37 AM
  3. Tripod head Q. - ball head or 3 way !?
    By EastCoastHucker in forum Help Files
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 01-20-2007, 09:11 PM
  4. Gimbal tripod/monopod head.
    By Jaedon in forum Sports Photography
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 01-03-2007, 06:12 PM
  5. ball head
    By 92135011 in forum Help Files
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 01-03-2005, 04:32 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •