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I'm about to buy a monpod (Manfrotto 679B) and want to attach a swivel/tilt head to it so I can get the quick release benefits (I'm looking at the Manfrotto 234RC). One thing that occurs to me is that when I get a tripod (probably a Gitzo 1227LVL) and a head for it I'd ideally want the QRP (ie the bit that stays attached to the camera body) to be the same with both monopod and tripod so lazy me can just leave it on the camera.

My fear is there may be manufacturing differences and this isn't possible.

Can someone wiser than me resolve this.

TIA

stubbsy wrote:I'm about to buy a monpod (Manfrotto 679B) and want to attach a swivel/tilt head to it so I can get the quick release benefits (I'm looking at the Manfrotto 234RC). One thing that occurs to me is that when I get a tripod (probably a Gitzo 1227LVL) and a head for it I'd ideally want the QRP (ie the bit that stays attached to the camera body) to be the same with both monopod and tripod so lazy me can just leave it on the camera.

My fear is there may be manufacturing differences and this isn't possible.

Can someone wiser than me resolve this.

TIA

Ok here we go:
QRP of the 234RC is the quick released plate can be only using to that head, the head cost around $59.00 from Vanbar. It's the simplest head and only recommend to use with monopod due to it's only ony way turn.
When you have the G1227LVL, then difference head will be acquired to suit the nature and value of the G1227LVL.
To simplified the system and avoid to duplicate your purchase :
1/ looking the ballhead with the QRP Arca Swiss type with dove tail.
2/ purchase a QRP for camera body (Camera plate) with dove tail
3/ purchase a lens foot (plate) for your Bigma with dove tail (Arca Swiss type)
If you have all of them, then you can only use one head for monopod or tripod with difference setup, and also you can mount the camera body or lens(es) in a second. I recommend the L bracket for the body, thus this type will help you set the camera in landscape or portarit mode easier.

Remember, once you would like to mount the Bigma on the monopod, you'll use its foot, it take few minutes to turn the screw and very hassle to take it off and install it on the camera body same as on the tripod. These processes won't stop the lens vibration on the tripod or monopod.

All the QRP from Manfrotto or Gitzo do not have the dove tail style.

Thanks Birddog

So to make sure I get it right (your Bigma references confused me a little):

- Buy a ballhead of the type you mention. This ballhead I fit on both monopod or tripod (depending on which I want to use)
- Buy a QRP to match
- If I give in to lens lust and buy a big lens, buy a foot plate for the lens

You lost me on the L bracket. I know its something that lets me rotate the camera through 90 degrees on the tripod, does it attach between the head and the camera or is instead of the head in cases like vertical panorama shots?

TIA

stubbsy wrote:Thanks Birddog

So to make sure I get it right (your Bigma references confused me a little):

- Buy a ballhead of the type you mention. This ballhead I fit on both monopod or tripod (depending on which I want to use)
- Buy a QRP to match
- If I give in to lens lust and buy a big lens, buy a foot plate for the lens

Yes, exactly! you only buy the lens foot for the new acquired big lens or use the existing foot if it suits, normally the lens foot (plate) type suits to many big zoom lenses and it's interchanged (Not the replacement foot a LCF-10 for 70-200 or LCF-14 for the 200-400).
One ballhead w/ QRP and many lenses to be used with.
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/lens_pl ... index.html
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/lens_pl ... index.html

You lost me on the L bracket. I know its something that lets me rotate the camera through 90 degrees on the tripod, does it attach between the head and the camera or is instead of the head in cases like vertical panorama shots?

The L bracket was designed for the camera body and it attachs to the body for your convenience in rotating the body in landscape or portrait mode, it's also a device protect the body as well. Working with panorama, required shooting in portrait mode, and the good ballhead always come with the index for panorama
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/body_pl ... index.html
You can see this ballhaed have the index for panorama shooting style at the foot of ballheads:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html
Same as the AUB
http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Sc ... t_Code=ubh
or the Markins:
http://www.markins.com/2.0/eng/ballheads.html

Thanks heaps birddog. Crystal clear. You're a legend.

Cheers

Stubbsy