Any suggestions on Monopod + Head for shooting with 500mm, F/4 ?

I have been researching for a good combination of monopod +/- head to use with Nikon 500mm F/4 +/- TC1.7 for bird photography. I like moving around and hike a little bit to photograph as I’m also a birder, so a tripod setup is just too inconvenient.

I found threads discussing this issue, but I still cannot make up my mind. However, I want to go for a Manfrotto aluminium monopod. Gitzo CF is out of the games, since it’s too pricey and I don’t believe it will make much difference in weight. These are all my choices:

1. Manfrotto 685B NeoTec + RRS MH-01
2. Manfrotto 680B + RRS MH-01
3. Manfrotto 680B + ball head (like Markins Q3)
4. Manfrotto 680B + no head (attaching directly with a QR clamp)

#1 choice seems very attractive because it’d be ideal to be able to adjust the height of the monopod instantly on the field especially when we tilt the lens up and down to track a bird (based on this http://naturephotography.fredhurteau.com/podtechnique.htm) and the RRS MH-01 should do the job. But it’s just too long when folded (29.3”). Will it pass the security check point when I travel?

#2 choice will get rid of the length issue and it’s cheaper ($59 vs. $169).

#3 choice: someone said good things about using a ball head on a monopod (http://www.nikonians.org/monopods/what_monopod_2.html). It costs more $$. Is it just unnecessary?

#4 choice also came to mind as someone like RRS also said “there's usually not much need for up/down swivel for with 400mm lenses and larger…” (http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/03.html). This way we can just put the QR clamp and plate on and that’s it.

What’s else? ….. Someone claimed Manfrotto 234 tilt head is an alternative, but I don’t want to take risk with that lens. Gimbel head is just too big for me on a monopod.<O:p</O:p

Anyone has any suggestions? I would really appreciate your input.

I have the 500 mm Canon but have not used it on the following set up, I have used the 300 mm f/2.8 on it and it works well.

head is
http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Item...-01-Pro&eq=&Tp

and monopod Gitzo( MK2 Carbon Fiber Monopod GIG1578L )

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc....html#features

Bill

I can tell you that the RRS monopod head is a solid and well-engineered piece of equipment. It operates very smoothly. It is certainly not cheap, but I am glad I bought it. I have used this head on a monopod with a 300mm f2.8L IS lens + 2X TC and this combination is fairly easy to hike with. I have not yet tried this with the 500mm f4L IS. In my limited experience shooting birds off of a monopod, you do need to have the up and down swivel capability. I also think a ballhead on a monopod for shooting birds would be too cumbersome to position quickly.

I frequently use the Gitzo GM5541 with my 500 and love it, I have also used it a few times in good light with my 800 but I would hesitate to recomend that combo unless you regularly attend the Gym, I find my wife's shoulder safer when used with a small bean bag followed by a good meal for her at a great restaurant.

This is not a cheap Mono but like most things you get what you pay for.

P.S. Another advantage of the wife is she can also carry things for me.:(

http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/de...zo&tab=2#specs

I use an old bogen monopod with the RRS head when I used my Nikon 200-400 f4. The combo fits in my large LLB rolling dufflebag which I also use for all my clothes without and problem

I use manfrotto monopod - costed me less than CAD 80 brand new - with RRS monopod head without problem. You do not need a costly gitzo monopod, IMO.

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You do not need a costly gitzo monopod, IMO.

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Quite right Desmond ESPECIALLY if your wife goes through your credit card statements and you hear her scream "And its only got one ********** leg". Much more sensible and safer to go with the cheaper option.:D

I have the Manfrotto 680B and upgraded to the Gitzo CF GM3550, much more rigid and less wobbly at the joints.

As for head, I had the Manfrotto 234 for the 100-400, but it really is very weak for any long lens. I toyed with buying the RRS MH-01 but instead tried and now use my Mongoose 3.6 - works great with my Canon 500 f/4. You can lock it at the pan lock (swivel the monopod instead) and can point up and down and lock as required.

Also another tip I've discovered. Mount the Mongoose base on a QR plate of your choice and but a QR clamp base on both tripod and monopod. Easy to attach and detach the Mongoose and if the clamp and plate is a good one it's very secure.

Can recommend the RRS head for the monopod !!! Has worked well !!

I have a Manfrotto monopod that I've had for years and I added the RRS MH-01 when I purchased a 500mm f4. I find the ability to swivel up/down is needed, therefore I would not recommend your option #4. Similar to other posters I think the MH-01 is very good -- no regrets at all.

Paul Evans

Thanks everyone for all your comments.

I've kinda made up my mind that I will go for RRS MH-01 for the head. As Jim suggested, Mongoose 3.6 head looks very versatile, but it's $$$$.

For the leg, alloy Manfrotto should be good enough, but nobody seems to have experience with the Manfrotto NeoTec 685B. So if anybody know something about it, I'll really appreciate your input. Thanks again

i use the RRS MH-1 with my 600mm. works great.

I have combo #2 as stated in the original post and plan to use it with the 500/4 I have incoming next week. I have complete confidence it will work very well in situations where a tripod can't be used.