p.51 #5 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread
EeyoreSadFace wrote:
Recently took my 180-600 and my Z6III to an airshow. Question for those of you using them with the lens, any monopod and head recommendations? My wrists got a workout after 4 hours of tracking and shooting the various planes.
https://i.imgur.com/ddzl89m.jpg
I agree with Gary (sum1sgrampa) about the Wimberley MH-1oo head. I use it on my monopod and it works great. Initially didn't think I would like it, but I was wrong. It now stays on the pod 100% of the time.
p.51 #8 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread
bs kite wrote:
From my perspective, this is a great question you asked. I have been using the 200-500 for years and the 180-600 is my next lens. In past years shooting my 200-500 was easy. But now there is too much muscle fatigue ...... especially when waiting for the subject to fly, so I can catch some frames or a short vid clip.
*I have been doing a lot of research on monopod set-ups*
Firstly, I have two high-end gimbal heads that have been sitting unused for several years now. That's because they offer no dampening of movement.
I use the Manfrotto MVH500AH with its fluid drag system *for all stills and video*. It never comes off my tripod. I no longer use the long stick handle; after using it for many months I decided it just gets in the way and I believe I can pan as smoothly without it. The shortest video I found on this head:
I should clarify that to-date I have only used this head on my Inburo carbon fiber tripod (15 years of flawless service). For me, a tripod does have its place (long video maybe?), but in most of my situations, the tripod is awkward to work with vs a monopod.
Following is what I have learned about monopods so far.
The one in the following link is incredibly innovative and flagged as the best monopod in the world. It probably is.
However, I am going to stick with my Giottos MML3290B. But two alterations must happen to my Giottos: I will be adding a 3 legged or 4 legged foot with a universal ball joint at the base. I do not want the monopod to rotate *at all*. when I pan or recompose laterally/horizontally. Not sure what head I will use but I am quite it will not be a gimble. My opinions/suggestions.
Hmmm... Far be it from me to question your choices Bruce but that Cobra 3 seems like it totally defeats the advantage of using a monopod. Just seems way too bulky and unnecessarily complex. That's why I really like the Wimberly. Extremely well made, light, small, simple. Just does the job and nothing gets in the way. The head controls the lateral movement of the lens and panning is done naturally as the monopod spins freely on the ground. Couldn't be easier
p.51 #10 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread
Another shot with this lens. As a longtime portrait photographer this is a bit different than anytime I'm used to. Animals are so unpredictable. This lens is a TON of FUN!
p.51 #11 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread
sum1sgrampa wrote:
Hmmm... Far be it from me to question your choices Bruce but that Cobra 3 seems like it totally defeats the advantage of using a monopod. Just seems way too bulky and unnecessarily complex. That's why I really like the Wimberly. Extremely well made, light, small, simple. Just does the job and nothing gets in the way. The head controls the lateral movement of the lens and panning is done naturally as the monopod spins freely on the ground. Couldn't be easier
Gary,
In my response to the OP's request I did not endorse the Cobra 3. I included the video only to show the OP his choices. I don't believe I would ever own the Cobra. It's needlessly expensive and probably too heavy.
While working with the critters in my wildflower garden through last season, I got tired of working with a tripod and I developed a clear picture of what I want in a monopod.
I do video and stills. The reason I do not favor my gimbals is that they are not fluid dampened. And I do not favor my side-mounted gimbal because I want the camera/lens weight to push directly down through the monopod axis, not to have the weight to the side.
And perhaps the most important feature for me is a 3-4 legged foot.
There are bunch of them on the internet.
Ricky Simpson used a monopod a lot. Once I got tired of adjusting my tripod while at the edge of the garden I began experimenting with the monopod I have. Surprisingly, this monopod thing developed into an adventure. I am not done yet and will do more experimenting next spring
p.51 #12 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread
sum1sgrampa wrote:
Hmmm... Far be it from me to question your choices Bruce but that Cobra 3 seems like it totally defeats the advantage of using a monopod. Just seems way too bulky and unnecessarily complex. That's why I really like the Wimberly. Extremely well made, light, small, simple. Just does the job and nothing gets in the way. The head controls the lateral movement of the lens and panning is done naturally as the monopod spins freely on the ground. Couldn't be easier
You must be replying to Robert, not Bruce...
I don't use monopods... I'm either on a tripod or shoot handheld
. Hope to see more images of this hawk. 
