Was wondering if anyone had some particularly good equipment recommendations for using Canon's Super Telephotos (400mm +) on a monopod/head situation? I'm planning on shooting some sports indoors from college gym bleachers where space is limited (by the people sitting next to you) and movement is an inconvienence to others. Add to this, the large tripod mount on Canon's big, pro lenses, I'm not sure which head to properly nest the big glass. I'm sure I want the flexibility of a good ball head, but which one has a big enough lens mount? Any recommendations on specific equipment?

-- Charles (charleshansen@aol.com), March 05, 2002

Answers

I use a Bogen 3231 'pod with the 3232 swivel head. The head is not as important if you use lenses which have a tripod collar on them. If your lens of choice does not have a collar, you'll need a swivel head to perform vertical composition. I love my combo. It's Bogen's tallest model and I put 4 more inches between the top and the head via spacers to make the vertical shots even easier. I'm 6'6" and need something tall.

-- Colin Miller (miller.photos@att.net), March 06, 2002.

I'll second the advice about the Bogen swivel head atop your choice of monopod. I've used that setup for years. It allows easy adjustment in one plane, which basically means you can plant the foot of the 'pod a little ahead of yourself, for instance, instead of being stuck with an invariable 90° between the lens axis and the 'pod shaft. A ball-head is overkill, and if small and cheap, probably won't deal with the mass of a big tele anyway. A good one will, of course, but you don't need, or even want, all that extra flexibility; it's money badly allocated.

If you use mono- and tripods much, I'd consider adding a quick release clamp and plate system to your lenses and support pods, specifically the Arca type as sold by Kirk Enterprises, ReallyRightStuff, maybe others. Here's the deal: forever after, attaching/detaching equipment to support will become fast, secure, and positive. Your 'pods will become your friends. You will be inclined to use them when you should, instead of cursing and avoiding them. They will never wear out. You will be annoyed at the cost until you have used them a few times. Then, you will never go back to trying to securely attach cameras and supports together with a 1/4" X 20 screw. End of story.

-- Jonathan L Barber (jbarber1@nycap.rr.com), March 06, 2002.

Hi Charles,

the really best Monopod comes from MONOSTAT switzerland. They are widely used by professional sports photographers and it is the most convenient, because of its flexible rubber foot. I have mine for years now, after disappoint with Linhof etc. Look on their website monostat.com

Best Regards from Germany Rainer

-- R. Krönke (Rainer.Kroenke@T-Online.de), March 07, 2002.