Manfrotto Monopod Head

hark

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When it comes to monopod heads, there are only a couple of choices for the quick release plates. Either they are Manfrotto or Arca Swiss. I happen to prefer my Manfrotto tripod head, but their monopod head isn't rated for too much weight. When I bought my Manfrotto 234RC Tilt Head, it was initially rated for around a 4 pound weight limit. That number has been updated to support 5.5 pounds. But that's still rather paltry especially when it comes to heavier lenses.

So I came across a Studio Assets Magnesium Tilt Head that looks very similar to Manfrotto's except it is supposed to hold up to 12 pounds. Both Amazon and B&H sell this, but there aren't any reviews. And the only place where I could find the weight limit was through their web site. It says it is compatible with Manfrotto's 200PL Quick Release Plate. Has anyone tried this head?


Magnesium Tilt Head for Monopods

sa1426_800px-800px.jpg
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
I'm sitting here looking at that and my Manfrotto monopod head... and I sure don't see a difference Cindy... Like you, I'm leery of the Manfrotto head... but to be honest, I'm more leery of the Manfrotto plate design than the materials... I've never had one "let go"... but then again, I've never tested fate by hanging a heavy lens off of it either... ;) As such, I probably don't use my monopod as much as I should...

I'll be watching this thread for a better solution...
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
... but to be honest, I'm more leery of the Manfrotto plate design than the materials... I've never had one "let go"...
Well I have. Twice in fact; and neither incident involved a heavy lens. We "dodged a bullet" the first time, the second dented a lens. No functional damage but that was enough for me... We're 100% Arca-Swiss in my house now.

Just my proverbial two-cent's.
 

hark

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I'm sitting here looking at that and my Manfrotto monopod head... and I sure don't see a difference Cindy... Like you, I'm leery of the Manfrotto head... but to be honest, I'm more leery of the Manfrotto plate design than the materials... I've never had one "let go"... but then again, I've never tested fate by hanging a heavy lens off of it either... ;) As such, I probably don't use my monopod as much as I should...

I'll be watching this thread for a better solution...

Two years ago I posted this thread talking about converting a monopod head. I'm wondering if I find a supportive Arca Swiss monopod head that holds more than 5.5 pounds, would it be able to be converted to a different Manfrotto head.

https://nikonites.com/other-photography-equipment/34884-monopod-head-modification.html#axzz58EBLKSlE

Here is the video I posted in the other thread showing how to convert a head.


I still have a Bogen Manfrotto tripod with a very heavy Bogen Manfrotto head that uses this type of plate. The Manfrotto adapter is available to buy via B&H. It's their older style quick release plate. I do find it to be sturdy. Wish I had ordered this adapter when I first saw it. I think it was around $65. Now it's pushing $80. :(

Manfrotto_625_625_3296_RC0_Hexagonal_1232714748000_269979.jpg


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/269979-REG/Manfrotto_625_625_3296_RC0_Hexagonal.html
 
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hark

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Well I have. Twice in fact; and neither incident involved a heavy lens. We "dodged a bullet" the first time, the second dented a lens. No functional damage but that was enough for me... We're 100% Arca-Swiss in my house now.

Just my proverbial two-cent's.

I'm still looking for other options. Please see what I just posted above with a different Manfrotto quick release plate.
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
manfrotto 322rc2 an $$$ option that works for me. Rated at 11 lbs. I have used my 150-600 on it with no problem. When moving i do carry by holding onto the head when 150-600 mounted. I got very lucky after buying and using my first one, found 2 used for $35 ea. :))1-750_7192.jpg
 

Roy1961

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i bought a new Benro CF monopod with a gimbal head, S120 and $100 if memory serves me, used it a few times for my 50-500 and i like it.
 

hark

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For my Manfrotto tripod I use the Manfrotto pistol grip and love it. For my Manfrotto monopod I use a Gimbal head for my D750 and 150-600 That combo is perfect for me.

i bought a new Benro CF monopod with a gimbal head, S120 and $100 if memory serves me, used it a few times for my 50-500 and i like it.

But don't Gimbal heads have Arca Swiss plates? I need to see if any are made with other types of quick release plates--maybe there are some out there. Thanks. :)
 

hark

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I returned the Studio Assets monopod head. It was a knockoff of the Manfrotto head--not machined nearly as well as the Manfrotto head (edges not as smooth) but seemed like it would be durable. I never even tried it simply because I'm not a fan of copy cats. I also bought a Benro monopod head but do not care for the safety lock. It seems like it could easily be unlocked by accident.

So now I'm considering an Arca Swiss type monopod head. Does anyone have suggestions? Sunwayfoto has a couple monopod heads. Sirui has one as does Induro. The Induro head is around 4" tall so I'm not sure I'd want to go with anything that big.

Would prefer not to go over $125.
 

Mark F

Senior Member
I returned the Studio Assets monopod head. It was a knockoff of the Manfrotto head--not machined nearly as well as the Manfrotto head (edges not as smooth) but seemed like it would be durable. I never even tried it simply because I'm not a fan of copy cats. I also bought a Benro monopod head but do not care for the safety lock. It seems like it could easily be unlocked by accident.

So now I'm considering an Arca Swiss type monopod head. Does anyone have suggestions? Sunwayfoto has a couple monopod heads. Sirui has one as does Induro. The Induro head is around 4" tall so I'm not sure I'd want to go with anything that big.

Would prefer not to go over $125.

I bought a Benro DJ90 for 55.00 and B&H It works good with my monopod which is an older style MogoPod
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157933-REG/benro_dj90_monopod_head_with.html
benro_dj90_monopod_head_with_1433866019000_1157933.jpgimages.jpeg
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I returned the Studio Assets monopod head. It was a knockoff of the Manfrotto head--not machined nearly as well as the Manfrotto head (edges not as smooth) but seemed like it would be durable. I never even tried it simply because I'm not a fan of copy cats. I also bought a Benro monopod head but do not care for the safety lock. It seems like it could easily be unlocked by accident.

So now I'm considering an Arca Swiss type monopod head. Does anyone have suggestions? Sunwayfoto has a couple monopod heads. Sirui has one as does Induro. The Induro head is around 4" tall so I'm not sure I'd want to go with anything that big.

Would prefer not to go over $125.
The Sirui L-10 is really nice but it measures 3" or so I'd guess.
 
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