What head for a Monopod

[whiteflyer]

I aim to buy a Manfrotto monopod this weekend, but am unsure what type of head I need if I need any at all.

Your input and advice would be much appreciated.

[Jon]

I like the Manfrotto 486RC2 for mine.

[Curtis N]

C'mon, Mark.
You need to provide a bit more info.
What lens(es) will you hang on it? What kind of shooting will you do with it?
The answer depends on several factors in addition to personal preference.
Lots of people don't use any head on their monopod. I'm one of those people.

[Double Negative]

Three options:

1) No head (tilt and turn the stick, lightest weight)
2) Flip head (turn the stick, tilt the head, good weight compromise)
3) Ballhead (infinitely adjustable for awkward positions, heaviest option)

I tend to like having a ballhead. Sure it's a little overkill, but if you're seated for example - you can really tweak out the angles and still have great support.

There's also the quick disconnect option. Some like the stick attached to the camera - I prefer to click 'em together when I'm ready to shoot (e.g. walking around in the woods).

Depends on what you shoot and how fast the action is, really.

[whiteflyer]

Oh there will be nothing too heavy, 30D with no lens bigger than a 70-200, well not let :)

Just general shooting, outdoor sports but nothing that moves too fast it'll be kayak racing, cycling, triathlon and the like.

[Curtis N]

Try it without a head. If you find that limiting, you can always buy a head later.

[René Damkot]

If your subject is mostly at about the same level as you, and you use a tripod ring on your lens, all you need is a quick release....

[rklepper]

I like the Manfrotto 486RC2 for mine.

I have the same one and realy love it. I also have the 488RC2 on my tripod so they are compatible as far as the CR plates.

[Quad]

I like the Leica large ball head on a monopod. Strong, light, slim, locks sure and releases easily. Mine has been around for about 20 years now and has been torture tested. Of course they do cost a wee bit. I have added a Manfrotto quick release plate to mine recently and I like this new feature.

[halfmoonray]

I use a quick release clamp and no head.

[SkipD]

I wouldn't be without my Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head on my 680B monopod.

[Echo63]

i have a manfrotto 679b monopod and a 234rc head
although i like this head i am going to get a 222 or 322 grip head
probably the 222 as i could really do with a slightly taller monopod

[johnlo]

i too are looking to buy the a monopod (the Bogen 678B). Because I have the 308RC ProBall Head (using the 3157 Plate) with my tripod (Bogen 3001).. I am planning to get the Bogen 3229 Swivel Tilt. One of the main reason is because I love using Quick Release and this head (Bogen 3229 Swivel Tilt) uses the same plate as the one for my BallHead. my plate is usually attached to the camera. why have two different plate or even one head uses... and the other doesnt.