Head for Monopod with a Nikon 600MM F/4

**floridafan2022** · 05-15-2022, 07:46 PM

Hey everyone, I am sorry that I have not yet been able to get any recent pictures from my wife up yet.
That said, I recently purchased (awaiting delivery) of a Nikon 600MM F/4 VR lens, not the newest one but the one just before Nikon's latest version.
My wife has a Nikon D850, and I purchased a Monfrotto 475B Tripod and a decent off label Gimbel mount. Of course this is a very heavy setup. Since the Camera and lens are not overly conducive to handholding and my wife is more accustomed to being on the move I purchased an Opteka M900 Monopod.
My question is, what type of head should I put on the monopod.
This will generally be used for Wildlife Photography with Birds, Alligators, Monkeys and whatever else we see traveling in Florida on foot and on boat.

Thank you!

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**BF Hammer** · 05-15-2022, 08:10 PM

I use a simple tilt-head for my monopod. It can either screw on to the standard head fitting or clamp into a Arca-Swiss mount. Solid aluminum mostly, I think. You can easily pan side-side with a monopod by turning the entire stick (unless you are using one of those kind with the feet on them), and this head allows you to quickly adjust the height angle. Leave the screw a little loose, and it can pan up-down with support from your hand but still bear most of the weight. This one was just an ebay purchase, but you can get from the usual distributors of Chinese items.

Head for Monopod with a Nikon 600MM F/4-wjhuvp5.jpg

Head for Monopod with a Nikon 600MM F/4-vtbmxpa.jpg

**hark** · 05-15-2022, 08:32 PM

For something that heavy, you really need to watch the weight limits of monopod heads. Your best option would be a gimbal. If not that, then I'd suggest some type of a geared head over a ball head. I assume the lens has a collar, and if so, then loosen the collar and rotate the lens inside the collar to switch between vertical and horizontal. Turning any head sideways with that weight will really stress a head.

**floridafan2022** · 05-18-2022, 12:55 AM

Thank you both for your responses! Any more suggestions on a head? I tried to find the Selens online but could only find tripods...

**BF Hammer** · 05-18-2022, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by floridafan2022

Thank you both for your responses! Any more suggestions on a head? I tried to find the Selens online but could only find tripods...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/32237944117...MAAOSwor1aYGJZ

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=monopod+t...&tag=moz-us-20

**hark** · 05-18-2022, 02:08 AM

If I were to get a monopod tilt head for something that heavy, I'd go with a Desmond DMH-2. Last fall I was searching for an Arca Swiss ball head and found stellar reviews for the Desmond Demon DB-44 ball head. It is just as rock solid as the reviews indicate. So based on its quality, that's what I'd try. This monopod head has excellent reviews, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Desmond-DAC-X...-search&sr=8-5

Here are reviews on B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...p.html/reviews

Head for Monopod with a Nikon 600MM F/4-71hnhbuc87l._ac_sl1500_.jpg

**nikonpup** · 05-18-2022, 05:21 PM

I use a Manfrotto 322RC2 on top of my monopod. I have used this with my D610 and Tamron 150-600mm.
I like that I can keep my left hand on the trigger. This allows me to adjust my camera up and down without
letting go of anything. Camera mount has 3 locations it can be attached to the head.