Hey all. Occasionally I've seen some pics of people using a gimbal head on a monopod (with a supertelephoto lens). I'm wondering what your take is on that setup. I've used a gimbal on a tripod as usual, and separately I've used monopod with a monopod tilt head. The largest lens I've used on either setup is the minuscule 400 5.6L. I have no idea what the combo of gimbal/monopod might feel like, but it seems like it would be really difficult to reliably control, especially with big glass like a 500 f4 (not that I've used that lens YET). Please let me know your experience, opinion, etc. Thank you!
A gimbal head such as the Mongoose 3.6 quite effectively doubles as a tilt head on a monopod, just lock the panning base. Then no need to buy another bit of kit.
Thanks Jim. My 500 f4 will be here tomorrow, so I'll test it on the monopod tilt head that I have and see how it feels. If it doesn't work well, I'll look into something like you mentioned.
I have used a gimbal head on a monopod that was mounted on my boat's deck.
Otherwise I prefer the Really Right Stuff Tripod Head. It is the type of head Peter mentioned.
James, thanks for your input. Thanks again to all. --
Below is the monopod head that I current own, which supports up to 33lbs (and I have a beefy monopod paired with it) With the 500 f4, of course, I would not be using the plate shown, but will be locking the Really Right Stuff replacement lens foot directly into the monopod head clamp. I also own a Wimberley WH200 which will most likely stay paired with my tripod. I've never used or even held big glass, so when my 500 f4 arrives tomorrow, I am probably in for a shock. I have done lots of research, measurements, seen pics, etc but still it will probably be something to get used to (compared to 400 f5.6L now).