Some help with monopod/Wimberley sidekick

htid

htid

Messages
2,497
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all,

I have a Nikon 300mm f4 and am going to be getting a Sigma 150-600 Sport pretty soon. I currently just have a monopod with a basic quick release head on like this one http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nHENmFHSL._SY300_.jpg

I've been thinking for a while about getting a different head for the monopod as obviouslly having no movement in the head is restricting and have seen a wimberely sidekick come up for sale quite cheap along with an Acratech Universal 'L' Standard Bracket. Trouble is I can't get my head around what else I'll need to attach it to my monopod. I've heard of the brand Kirk and I know there are things like arca swiss plates but I can't understand what I need and how they interact with each other. I don't think the lens comes with a lens collar, would I need one or is that what the Acratech does? I think I'd also need a ball head looking at the wimblerley introduction video.

Any help appreciated! Thanks!
 
•
Chris, if the new lens it is to be used on a monopod, your question
is not the right one and the foreseen solution neither.

Using a monopod, there should be only one articulation, a vertical one
as the second is the lens rotating in its collar.
 
Kodiak is right, adding any kind of ball head or gimball to a monopod is opening up a lot of instability although I am sure someone will post here that it can be done. I had the same dilemma and only found one suitable monopod but I am sure there are others - the Slik Easi pod which is quite hard to get hold of. What monopod do you use?
 
I have had this Giotto mono pod for over 11 years now albeit the 3 section version.
It has a 2 way movement in the head plus has the quick release plate & I have found this to be really useful.

http://www.giottos.com/pro_view2.aspx?nId=8&TypeId=22
20121123150534_3753.png


There is also this version (without the extra spindles which are stowed in the column by way of removing the bottom threaded plug.)
|
|
|
\/
The Giottos MM9570 features 4 leg sections, a 2-way tilt head that enables 180° of movement,
a quick release plate for quick attachment or removal of the camera,
and a foam-rubber sleeve for comfort and grip.
The all-metal monopod extends to a useful 175cm, can support a hefty 15kg load and costs £49.99.

http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/photography-news/new-giottos-aluminium-monopod-34280

Giottos_monopod_95701.jpg


Oh & mine came with a decent carry holdall.
 
Last edited:
Chris, you will need something like this:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DEMO-SUNW...468314?hash=item3ab3bad21a:g:5UQAAOxyzi9SjGdD

though you can get them cheaper, including from this supplier (I recommend them).

Using a gimbal on a monopod can be a bit challenging but it can certainly work, I've used my Winberley full gimbal on one and whilst usable I wouldn't call it ideal as you can find things going wrong from a balance point of view but I guess practice would make perfect :)
 
Thanks for the replies. I see, so that wouldn't be right for a monopod...I thought wimberleys and the like were the crème de la crème for tripods and monopods. So what should I be using because as it stands, I have to tilt the monopod in the direction I want to aim which is annoying if I want to aim high or low!

So what should I use because kodiak and brachyton, you said no ball head and only vertical movement, and gramps, you said a ballhead. So now I'm confused!

@Brachytron sorry I'm not sure which it is and can't access it right now but was going to get a lighter one anyway, not decided which yet as I haven't even started to look.
 
Chris, many people use a Sidekick with ballhead on a monopod - 'convention' says a ballhead isn't used on a monopod but I and many others use one and find it really convenient rather than trying to aim/manipulate the monopod. :)
 
gramps said:
Chris, many people use a Sidekick with ballhead on a monopod - 'convention' says a ballhead isn't used on a monopod but I and many others use one and find it really convenient rather than trying to aim/manipulate the monopod. :)
Click to expand...

Well you come out with some amazing shots so if it works for you, I'm inclined to believe its a good idea! So I need a ball head and then what? Just that and the wimberley? What about the plate and things? It's this thread which I'm looking at:
https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/wimberley-sidekick-acratech-l-bracket
 
htid said:
I thought wimberleys and the like were the crème de la crème for tripods and monopods
Click to expand...
•
When I got my gimbal head, I had no budget limit but, as usual,
I wanted the get the best possible gear.

Quite some research went in this since I know darn well that all
the decision power is mine as long as the money is in my pocket.
I usually buy stuff and don't let anyone sell me just any thing. That
implies doing my homework.

I finally bought a totally new product I didn't know just because, as
I wanted to get the head for my 600 ƒ4, I bought the 200~400 ƒ4
and that product was the only one design for both the prime and the
zoom lenses.

Wimberley was the only producer in a very small market but the market
changed and Wimberley did not. A Canadian based company saw this
as an opportunity and designed the Pro2 Gimbal Head
http://www.jobu-design.com/Jobu-Pro2-Gimbal_p_8.html
and is still designing new solutions.
 
htid said:
Well you come out with some amazing shots so if it works for you, I'm inclined to believe its a good idea!
Click to expand...

I have used it on a monopodChris, though don't misunderstand, I normally I shoot with the Wimberley on my Feisol tripod ... 9 times out of 10 on the monopod I would just use the ballhead, similar to the one I linked above. What I am saying is that the Wimberley will work on a monopod and I and many others have used it ... however my 1st choice would just be a good ballhead when using the monopod.
Sorry if I gave the wrong impression. :)
 
Thanks for the informative posts everybody, been very helpful indeed. I always thought a ballhead was the basic thing to go for and these wimberley type things were the next step up. I thought the centre of gravity thing was meant to be useful and the movement better for BIF. Isn't a ballhead a bit awkward to keep tightening and loosening as and when you need? For example if I'm leaving the monopod up against some rocks, aiming over the top, a gimbal type thing seems to be a better idea, but maybe I'm incorrect.

@gramps I see what you mean now, good to know I should be OK with a cheaper alternative, thanks for the help, saved me some cash!

@Kodiak Qc The jobu doesn't seem to be made anymore, but there seems to be an alternative model that they produce. Trouble is, as good as it looks, £499 is much too expensive for me to justify on a head :/ I wish I could!
 
No question a Wimberley is great on a tripod ... you don't keep tightening and loosening, you adjust for balance and smooth movement in all directions and leave it like that. :)
 
I only ever use a Sirui L-10 (tilt head) on a monopod... ballheads get way out of whack in a hurry unless they are locked down.

The Sigma lens comes with a rotating collar/lens foot.
 
I use a benro GH2 gimbal head on a tripod, although I don't use it on a monopod I can't see a reason behind not using a gimbal style head on a monopod. You can always lock the panning and only use the vertical movement. I've used a ballhead on a monopod and whilst it can be used I disliked the sideways falling movement that can occur, I personally quite a lens/camera staying level. You sports photographer have monopods screwed directly to the lens foot but they are shooting at eye level most of the time and not trying to follow a bird in flight. Another option is the uniqball head, its like a ballhead and gimbal all in one head (except you cant leave the lens at any angle, you need to keep a hand on the camera). Its expensive but a useful all in one head if you only want one lightweight head.

To use a sidekick you will need an arca swiss compatible ballhead, the sidekick and then an arca swiss lens plate to fit to the lens tripod collar so the lens can be attached to the sidekick. You don't necessarily need the L bracket as you can mount the lens collar sideways rather than underneath it.

One thing to remember is with a monopod you have to be holding the monopod and the camera if its slightly loose (unless its a gimbal). You can't take your hands off a monopod like you can with a tripod and kimball head otherwise the camera/lens is on the floor. If you have decided to go down the ballhead route why not using buy a good quality arca swiss compatiable ballhead, see how you get on with it then if needed get a sidekick later.
 
Last edited:
Just buy a gimbal head made for a mono pod :)

Rob.
 
Each to their own it seems with long lenses and monopods, but I've tried most things and the best by far is the Arca-Swiss P0 ball head.

I can't imagine ever wanting a gimbal on a monopod, and I don't much care for dedicated monopod heads either - even the good ones like Custom Brackets, RRS, or SunwayFoto. With both those options, when BIFing for example, the camera can get out of level when tracking.

A ball head is the best solution for me, but most are either not strong enough or a bit fiddly to adjust. The Arca-Swiss P0 is a unique design that gets around both those things. I've used it a lot with a monopod, with lenses up to the Sigma 150-600 S. You can adjust the friction, lock and unlock, and even position the lens/camera with one hand, without shifting your grip. The only way is to try it. I've not used the bigger P1 version, but can only imagine it's even better for heavy kit. P0 here http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/camera...d-socket-p0-with-quickset-classic-device.html
 
I prefer to use the lens collar to move from landscape to portrait mode on a monopod so I tend to use a tilt action head. I did try a ball head but found it clumsy when tilting the camera/lens into portrait mode so went back to a tilt head.
 
HoppyUK said:
Each to their own it seems with long lenses and monopods, but I've tried most things and the best by far is the Arca-Swiss P0 ball head.

I can't imagine ever wanting a gimbal on a monopod, and I don't much care for dedicated monopod heads either - even the good ones like Custom Brackets, RRS, or SunwayFoto. With both those options, when BIFing for example, the camera can get out of level when tracking.

A ball head is the best solution for me, but most are either not strong enough or a bit fiddly to adjust. The Arca-Swiss P0 is a unique design that gets around both those things. I've used it a lot with a monopod, with lenses up to the Sigma 150-600 S. You can adjust the friction, lock and unlock, and even position the lens/camera with one hand, without shifting your grip. The only way is to try it. I've not used the bigger P1 version, but can only imagine it's even better for heavy kit. P0 here http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/camera...d-socket-p0-with-quickset-classic-device.html
Click to expand...

....It is very much as you say: Each To Their Own and the bottom line is which you feel most comfortable with.

I think that following your advice I seriously considered the Arca-Swiss P but Robert White (although only 50 miles away) were not very helpful and wouldn't let me try one in their shop. Also, the Acratech GP-SS has an open ball cage which means that undesirable debris drops out < An important consideration when out there photographing wildlife. Also, the Acratech had the added option of being used on a tripod with my Wimberley Sidekick (now for sale).

Gaz J said:
I prefer to use the lens collar to move from landscape to portrait mode on a monopod so I tend to use a tilt action head. I did try a ball head but found it clumsy when tilting the camera/lens into portrait mode so went back to a tilt head.
Click to expand...

....Agreed - I found a ballhead far too slow to lock down in the right position when on a monopod and not great on a tripod (shooting wildlife) even with a pistol grip. It's not just a ballhead's ability to lock and reliably hold firmly but the time lost finding the position which in practice can be critical when shooting unpredictable wildlife.

I now use a Sirui PH-20 carbon gimbal head on my Gitzo Systematic 3 tripod occasionally but always carry a lightweight carbon Gitzo monopod on my belt with just an Arca-Swiss fit Acratech clamp fitted which very quickly mounts onto the long plate attached to my lens collar foot.
 
Last edited:
RedRobin said:
....It is very much as you say: Each To Their Own and the bottom line is which you feel most comfortable with.

I think that following your advice I seriously considered the Arca-Swiss P but Robert White (although only 50 miles away) were not very helpful and wouldn't let me try one in their shop. Also, the Acratech GP-SS has an open ball cage which means that undesirable debris drops out < An important consideration when out there photographing wildlife. Also, the Acratech would have the added option of being used on a tripod with my Wimberley Sidekick (now for sale).

....Agreed - I found a ballhead far too slow to lock down in the right position when on a monopod and not great on a tripod (shooting wildlife) even with a pistol grip. It's not just a ballhead's ability to lock and reliably hold firmly but the time spent finding the position which in practice is important when shooting unpredictable wildlife.

I now use a Sirui PH-20 carbon gimbal head on my Gitzo Systematic 3 tripod occasionally but always carry a lightweight carbon Gitzo monopod on my belt with just an Arca-Swiss fit Acratech clamp fitted which very quickly mounts onto the long plate attached to my lens collar foot.
Click to expand...

Getting to try anything Arca-Swiss brand is difficult. I had to travel to Robert White's shop down in Poole, after first checking they actually had a demo sample. WEX in Norwich are also stockists. You could always just buy one and return if you don't get on with it, but be warned that it's very difficult to test without marking the clamp in any way - try lining the jaws with paper and be careful! The open design of the Acratech is a nice feature for cleaning, though I've never had a dirt problem with more conventional balls and the Arca-Swiss's upside-down design keeps it clean and dry anyway.

The trick with the P0 is the way you hold it, and lock it. You are actually holding the lens/camera in effect, not just a knob on the head, and it locks with one finger. Friction control is excellent, it's deceptively strong, with zero shift on lock-down. It's quite unlike any other ball head, but you really have to try one to appreciate how it works.
 
HoppyUK said:
Getting to try anything Arca-Swiss brand is difficult. I had to travel to Robert White's shop down in Poole, after first checking they actually had a demo sample. WEX in Norwich are also stockists. You could always just buy one and return if you don't get on with it, but be warned that it's very difficult to test without marking the clamp in any way - try lining the jaws with paper and be careful! The open design of the Acratech is a nice feature for cleaning, though I've never had a dirt problem with more conventional balls and the Arca-Swiss's upside-down design keeps it clean and dry anyway.

The trick with the P0 is the way you hold it, and lock it. You are actually holding the lens/camera in effect, not just a knob on the head, and it locks with one finger. Friction control is excellent, it's deceptively strong, with zero shift on lock-down. It's quite unlike any other ball head, but you really have to try one to appreciate how it works.
Click to expand...

That head does sound good actually, though I'm not sure I can justify £250 on a ballhead! :S Will have to convince myself! What else would I need with that and the monopod? I'm still confused....
 
htid said:
That head does sound good actually, though I'm not sure I can justify £250 on a ballhead! :confused: Will have to convince myself! What else would I need with that and the monopod? I'm still confused....
Click to expand...

Yes, it's quite expensive and you must try it first. These things are very subjective, and that Sigma 150-600 S is a monster, it's vital to get the best possible support, that you're comfortable with, for the lens to show what it can do. I would use the Arca-Swiss P0 without any doubt (as I have done) though a somewhat 'safer' bet is probably one of the better monopod heads (as mentioned above, not the cheaper ones from Manfrotto or Benro - the locking mechs are too weak). Even though I don't like them much, most people do.

Either way, almost all the top quality heads come with an Arca-Swiss type dovetail QR clamp. So you need an A-S rail/plate fitted to the lens or camera. They're £5-20 from Amazon/ebay (no need to spend more). I'd probably go for this one, long and strong http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...&ref_=sr_1_fkmr0_2&s=electronics&sr=1-2-fkmr0
 
@HoppyUK doesn't sound like I'd get chance to try one out though if Robin couldn't even when he visited the shop! I can't really go to Poole just to try it out unfortunately so whatever I buy, I think I'll end up buying blind.
 
htid said:
@HoppyUK doesn't sound like I'd get chance to try one out though if Robin couldn't even when he visited the shop! I can't really go to Poole just to try it out unfortunately so whatever I buy, I think I'll end up buying blind.
Click to expand...

If you can wait for The Photography Show (NEC, 19-22 March) then that's a great opportunity to try stuff you would otherwise have to buy blind. Pretty much everything is there, and Robert White had a stand last year http://www.photographyshow.com/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top