For a head, give the Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal a shot. It's small and light and allows you to easily tilt up and down or lock in place. I use it with my EF 600II and R5 on a Gitzo monopod.
That's the sidekick I used and stated that it causes a bow with large lenses with this monopod. The video clip when I talk about it shows the sidekick (m-100). This monopod is a very light one hence the side load is a bit much for it. top down along tubes its good though.
@WILDALASKA Yup, went back and saw that clip, didnt realize the first time watching. The Sirui does have a lot of cool features that my Gtizo doesn't, but I've fortunately not had issues using the Wimberly with the Gitzo.
Steadycam makes a really interesting monopod that has a has strut. There's a foot lever that you can step on to raise the monopod. It's a game changer for me. No more bending over and mess with knobs. Instantly raise and lower with just your feet.
Because sometimes you have to wait for to the bird to appear, and that wait can be quite long. Having a tripod means that your hands can rest while you wait. But when you use the monopod, you will almost always have to hold on to the monopod to avoid the risk of your long telephoto lens with body crashing to the ground.
I use a monopod often for wildlife photography but was a bit disappointed when I started videos with a long lens. One with feet like yours will be better, I will try it out!
Great instructional video on using a monopod. I purchased the Sirui SUP204SR in Nov. 2020. I tried it out once. It wasn't for me, but now I see there are better ways to use it based on your tutorial. I never thought to use a gimbal with it. I'm going to look into a Sirui one. I think my entire rig only weighs 6.5 lbs, so using the monopod would be perfect. Thanks, Scott!
Without doubt the best explanation surrounding monopods vs tripods etc. Now subscribed. Great rundown on the flexibility of the Sirui. Just so happens was looking at this and the iFootage cobra series. Like the FS for its compact storage size and intend on using with hybrid type (Half) gimble mounted to ball head. My "rig" only weighs around 3Kg ~ about 6 pounds. I'm just a bit torn between the FS & FL version. My height 5'11" ~ The FS with gimble comes upto my height near enough. On the other hand the the FL could do the same without gimble attached. Both around the same price. Great review well done. ✊
The footage cobra is probably one of the best monopods on the market. The Sirui is great also. Always get the larger tripod/monopod as you can go overboard but if you go under you will feel it (weight limits)
The tripod though a bit heavier, can be more versatile! Pull out all three legs, keep them together when needing a monopod, and spread them out the moment you need a tripod! Keep the legs together again the moment you need a monopod!
@@WILDALASKA went out to camerahouse locally here today and purchased a similar rig to the one you showcased 20kg max weight and a swivel fluid base as per your video. Thanks again I run a 500mm f4 prime with an eos R7. We will be in the ‘great sandy straits’ for the next 4 days plenty of pelagic seabirds.
Very thorough review. Thanks for sharing. A question unrelated to the monopod. I"m curious about your preference to mount the camera/lens so that the upright of the gimbal is along the left side of the lens rather than the right. What do you find is better by mounting it that way? I've always mounted the camera on a gimbal so the upright is on the right so that I don't have any interference when putting my left hand on the lens, either to steady the rig or access controls, which are typically mostly on the left of the lens.
I think its due to the controls I use are on the right. just feels more natural to swivel, loosen, tighten with the gimbal on the left hand. plus that is usually the short side of the camera
When you sling it over your shoulder. With the 500mm aren't you scared the blue quickrelease will accidentally let go when you rub it on your shoulder?
One use that I forgot about that I do off and on is what is called "Architectural" photography. Indoors of homes, buildings etc. Ever go to a town or city with old mansions that let you tour? Well it is very hard to set up tripods is many areas but this monopod is great for it, you can do Bracketing shots or even do the new Sony multi pixel shots all steady. This monopod will allow you to place it in a tight corner then use a off camera infrared shutter control on a 2 sec delay so no one will be in the room. Why? you may ask bracketing, for the out the windows to get the trees, flowers or even a night landscape!
This does look like a real nice monopod. It seems to be reasonably light and flexible. Being able to carry one device that can be used several ways would be nice. Right now when I know I will be low I carry a ground skimmer and a yoga mat. When you throw the rig over your shoulder do you use a safety strap? I think I would be quite worried. Arca-Swiss are nice plates but there isn't a safety catch like other plates, that unfortunately don't work with gimbal heads, at least not as I have found.
Scott, fantastic channel! Watched your R7 settings video and have subscribed and been an avid follower ever since. I just purchased a Canon 600/4 III and looking for a monopod solution to go with it. I do have a great Gitzo tripod but as you indicate, it’s not always convenient to lug a tripod around. One question - would you say that the 325FS would be sufficient for the 600mm beastie or should I consider the 424FS which has a slightly higher load rating but is also 3 inches longer folded down and $40 more expensive? Thanks!
I might check out the iFootage Cobra monopod also. its will hold the sidekick also. Need to review that monopod also. it has all the same stuff the sirui has but is different tube integration that will hold the 600 on a sidekick. that 600 is little over 6lbs if I remember correctly. VERY nice lens. grats
It's not well put together as the monopod maybe carbon fiber but the joiners are plastic. I was bending down to fix the leg and had hold of the mono pod but the wind hit the camera and the mono pod plastic broke into. Guess, I only had it raised my height 5'7. Now what do I do?
@@WILDALASKA looks like the top one is not down inside the tube as the other ones slide up and down. Contacted the manufacture and will update on what they say. Like the options with it and may look up the other one if things go wrong.
Its actually 10Kg or 22 lbs bottom of product page here www.siruiusa.com/index/photographic/p325vh10.html your reading the combo of monopod plus vh-10 at 6kg.
@@WILDALASKA Thanks for the clarification, I got my stats from Amazon Uk...so I guess the error is on the vendor's scriblings. It's good news that this mono pod is man enough to handle mk 1 Big Whites. I use a ef 400 2.8 LIS and it's a heafty beast...but the optics are so impressive.
