p.1 #1 · Sports photogs...Recommendations on ball head for shooting on monopod?
I'm considering a new Sigma 300-600 for the upcoming youth/highschool baseball and soccer seasons. Currently, the largest lens I own is the Sony 200-600. I have no problem handholding this throughout a game, but obviously the Sigma is a much larger lens. I'm not quite sure if it's practical to shoot handheld, so I'm considering monopod options.
I currently have a Benro B2 ballhead that I would use on the Benro 2-Series aluminum tripod (one leg detaches for use as a monopod). Is this a solid option for my use, or should I look for something different?
Alternatively, would it make more sense to ditch the ballhead all together and just screw the monopod directly into the tripod collar?
p.1 #4 · Sports photogs...Recommendations on ball head for shooting on monopod?
I've shot sports for 40 years, never used a head on a monopod. Just screwed it right to the lens. I would certainly not use a ball head. Tilting a few degrees by pushing forward or pulling back has always worked. If something very odd happened I would pick up the whole setup to point very high or low, hand-hold for a very short time.
I have both of those. For ground level (human) sports there is not a lot of tilting needed at longer focal length distances so your body can handle it most of the time. I use the RRS MH-1 or Leophoto VH-10S more for birds, the latter being more compact. I think Kirk has one also.
I shoot soccer games for our local soccer league. I tried using a monopod without a ball head, which I find works fine. However, it's a bit difficult if I want to "rest" my hands as I have to leave the gear lying on the ground.
I eventually used a side-mount gimbal with a swing arm, as I thought that be easier with the slight up/down motions. I eventually got the Jobu Jr 3 Dlx kit gimbal. Works great for 360 deg motion and I can rest my hands without fear of my gear falling. They offer a more heavy duty version, if your gear needs it.
p.1 #7 · Sports photogs...Recommendations on ball head for shooting on monopod?
The Jobu Jr.3 Dlx works well on a monopod; I use that for birds and other species with lenses up to 200-600. I use the HD4 for a 600/4 prime. It's not that the Jr.3 Dlx cannot hold it, but for greater clearance and stability, perhaps less important at higher shutter speeds. I expect that you would want a larger head like the HD4 for the bulky and heavier 300-600/4 if using a gimbal a monopod. At that point the additional weight may be a problem.
p.1 #8 · Sports photogs...Recommendations on ball head for shooting on monopod?
I've shot soccer professionally for many years with a directly attached monopod on a 400 2.8. The lens ring is set to be completely loose. This allows left/right sway while keeping the view level. Forward is just a minor lean. No need for any head.
p.1 #9 · Sports photogs...Recommendations on ball head for shooting on monopod?
MMP wrote:
I'm considering a new Sigma 300-600 for the upcoming youth/highschool baseball and soccer seasons. Currently, the largest lens I own is the Sony 200-600. I have no problem handholding this throughout a game, but obviously the Sigma is a much larger lens. I'm not quite sure if it's practical to shoot handheld, so I'm considering monopod options.
I currently have a Benro B2 ballhead that I would use on the Benro 2-Series aluminum tripod (one leg detaches for use as a monopod). Is this a solid option for my use, or should I look for something different?
Alternatively, would it make more sense to ditch the ballhead all together and just screw the monopod directly into the tripod collar?...Show more →
~30 years of shooting from the sidelines and I never liked anything but directly connecting the monopod to the lens. With field sports you're rarely angling the lens more than 5-10˚ off level and IMO there is no need for a ball head, or a tilt head. If you're shooting airshows, that might be a different matter...
The risk with a ball head is that you accidentally loosen a knob and suddenly the whole thing loosens uncontrollably right when you don't expect it. If you really, really feel you need to have some adjustment, a tilt head would be a better option.
