Camera Labs

I am thinking about purchasing a Manfrotto Monopod Model #681B in the near future. I have researched the various heads also. My question is this, is the separate head really needed? What advantage do you gain by having one? With this being said the head I was looking at is also a Manfrotto 234RC Swivel/Tilt Head. Is this a good setup? Please shed some light on this for me. I'm just chomping at the bit to order this monopod.

Thanks

Well first of all, you'd need to ensure the top of any legs or monopod had a thread which fitted your camera - and most tripods employ a wider thread for securely mounting heads.

But even if it could be mounted directly on a monopod, the camera would be almost impossible to level without a head - you'd find it really frustrating very quickly (try it in a shop and see). I recommend fitting the best ball head you can afford.

@cabolick

or u could just do like what I did with my 682B ^^ I bought a Giottos Quick Release Clamp "Arca Swiss" style MH-657. Its a really good setup for tele lenses

Its quick and secure! and it also supports Arca Swiss / Wimberly / Really Right Stuff / Foba mounting plates

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http://www.AnderssonPhoto.com
Cameras: Leica M8, Nikon FE-2, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II, 40D
Lenses: Voigtländer Nokton Classic 35mm 1.4, Ultra Wide Heliar 12mm 5.6 ASPH II, Nikkor AI-S 28mm 2.8, Canon 24-70 2.8L, 85mm 1.2L II, 300mm 2.8L IS, TS-E 45mm 2.8, Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro
Canon 1.4x/2X TC II, Canon 580EX II X2, Gitzo + Manfrotto.
Wishlist: Leica Monochrom, Summilux 50 ASPH, Voigtlander 35mm 1.2 ASPH II

Thanks for the input. I did order the Manfrotto head to go with the monopod. I think it may show up here today on the UPS truck. I will be giving it a go this weekend. Thanks again for the inputs.

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Nikon D5000
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX
55-200mm f/4-5.6 AF-S VR DX
Lowepro Slingshot 102
Manfrotto Monopod w/ Manfrotto 234RC Head

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