howardm4 wrote:
I would think that using the clamp directly on the tripod would be fairly limiting.
Me, too, although if you've got a tripod with a leveling base, that would give you a bit more flexibility. I can't imaging using a tripod without a ballhead.
I use a RRS BP-Pro dual mount clamp (screw knob) on my tripod head (Manfrotto 468MG with screw top). I could easily put it on my monopod head, but I already have a MH-01 monopod head with its own RRS QR base (same as yours with the screw-down attachment, but mine has the screw knob, not lever). Using the QR base directly on the monopod is fine for shooting field sports from field level, but really limits your options for many other situations, where tilt is useful.
I don't have anything bigger than the 400mm f5.6 on the 1d2, and am thinking of replacing the ballhead with the lighter RRS bh-40.
However, I like the uniqueness of the Arca-swiss ball head and don't want to give up yet.