Monopod for Wildlife with 3 Side Mount Gimbals
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2021
- A look at why I prefer monopods for bird photography. I also compare my "old" set up to 2 other side-mount gimbal heads to see the benefits of each.
Compared here are the (affiliate links cost you same and help support channel)
Promedia Gear Tomahawk (replaced with newer lighter model!):
promediagear.com/products/gt2...
Wimberly MH-100 - amzn.to/3cpWnj1
Movo GH600 - amzn.to/3xaCVyM
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Thank you for this video. I had planned on shooting another airshow in October. Last year, I had issues with hand-holding my Nikon 200-500 lens mounted on a D850. Apparently, at 74 years, my “guns” have morphed into “derringers.” I found it difficult to focus due to my gear's weight. I placed it on my tripod, but I only had a ball head at the time. This did not allow me the versatility of hand-holding, even though it solved the weight problem. The monopod combined with the ProMediaGear would solve that problem, although I will point out that it costs $399.99 at B&H. I have an older Bogen monopod, but it is heavy-duty. There is an advantage to carrying a sturdy monopod. When traveling out of the country, and sometimes in sketchy areas, a photographer can be a target for theft. Since you are not allowed to carry any type of weapon for defense, having a sturdy monopod can level the playing field. Admittedly, every country is different, but normally, a monopod is not considered a weapon.
Larry from Texas
Definitely needed something comfortable while hiking. I think I know what I need! Thanks Scott!
I just bought the Movo since I am living on disability and am very price-conscious. It is selling for $69. a steal. Thanks for the recommendation.
glad i could help!
One thing that came to light for me recently is that if you’re traveling, or if your pack is close to full, the wimberly is the smallest and lightest to pack, all other styles take huge real estate in the bag. It’s also rated for weight now, up to 50lbs.
I also use mine on a tripod, works great there too! (to pan either on top of a tilt/pan head with the pan screw loose-ish or use a cheap swivel mount)
I got the Movo Photo GH600 for $69 for my monopod after I saw your presentation . I am using it with Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500 ,I am happy with it .Thanks Scott.
Great video. Thanks. I just purchased the MH-100 yesterday before seeing viewing this. It has confirmed my choice is the correct one for me. And yes, you are so right about using a monopod for bird photography. It makes a big difference.
Glad I could help!
Thank you for a helpful video! It would be interesting to hear your thoughts about the choice of monopods as well.
I went from a Wimberley WH-200 mk2 to a Monogimbal then back to the WH-200. I never liked the way the 500m f/4 + 1DX hung sideways off the monogimbal. There's a weight penalty for sure, the WH-200 weighing 1.2kg more, but I value the stability and smoothness of movement more.
Great reviews Scott! Keep 'em coming!
Thanks! Will do!
Just ordered the Movo. Thanks very much!
Iorder another today today lol hope you enjoyed. I now have 2 movo and a promedia gear
Great video Scott! I have a LeoFoto MP364 mono with a LeoFotoVH-105 tilt head. Good products and they work well together. I also have the Wimberley Sidekick. Your video has inspired me to put the Wimberley on the tilt head, and Wala! The trio works well together, and it's all balanced!!! Thanks!!!
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve used the wi berry for a couple of years with good results. Thanks for the information.
Thanks !
Looking forward to this video later today :)
The piece of equipment Brent recommends I have also seen a couple of videos of Arthur Morris giving the thumbs up.
Watch this before you buy. Solid recommendations!
Glad I saw this review. I use the wimbely on my manfroto mono pod. However i use their small plate system since all my tripods have the same system i can switch back and forth if needed. The side mount does take abit of getting use to but i'm liking it.
good to know!
Hey Mr Scott! New subscriber to your channel and I'm addicted!! Super great content and right upy alley!! Have had for about 5 years the PMG Tomahawk and it's always with me! Also mostly a MONOPOD shooter but do own some nice stick sets as well. Have always shied away from the cradle style of traditional gimbals but this MOVO has caught my eye. Too bad I literally can't find one anywhere on the web. Sad me!! Anyways keep the coming and many thanks for all your great work!
Bob Falcone
Thanks Bob!
Excelente video!! Abrazo desde Colombia 🇨🇴. Colombia country of birds. Welcome
thanks for this video! i thought i was stuck having to get a $500 gimbal head, but i really appreciate you showing me that wimberley and the movo gh600, i’m currently trying to decide which one’s pros and cons outweigh the other’s :)
I've put the movo on a cheaper ground pod set up and been using the wimberly a lot. Just seems simple, lighter and hikes better by how it rests on my shoulder to be honest.
I have another option that I use, and prefer to others I have tried. I use a Kirk Monopod head, along with a Wimberley Sidekick. I lay the Kirk head over 90 degrees, put the Sidekick into it, and attach the lens collar to the Sidekick. This gives me a compact system that still puts the centre of the lens over the top of the monopod, not off to the side. A nice thing is that with the Kirk head on there I can fold the sidekick down along the monopod making it easy to carry and store. It works just like a side mount gimbal without the rotation, which you don't need.
feel free to email me a pic skeysimages@gmail.com or on IG DM @skeysimages
I use that method too, works well.
I recently purchased the Movo GH600 gimbal head. I couldn't find it available from any US retailer but Amazon UK has it for sale at approximately $81 when I bought it. I've used it recently for bird and wildflower photography. I really couldn't be happier with it. It's comfortable with my camera and lens attached. It's relatively easy to carry but I wouldn't go on a long hike with it as it wouldn't be comfortable resting on my shoulder. However, it provides a stable, easy to articulate platform for my equipment (Nikon Z 7II/MB-N-11 battery pack with Z 100-400mm lens). Thank you for so much detail in your recommendation!
It's a good "cheap" option and if you upgrade later you can use it as a second set up, like a dedicated low angle or even monopod head
FYI the Move GH600 is now the GH800 and is $199, so decent price increase, and the Promedia Gear is now $399.
The guys from PMG are good guys. They build quality products right here in the USA.
Looking forward to this video. I personally tried a side mount gimbal on a monopod and I absolutely hated it. I put one of my Flexshooter Pro gimbal ballheads on and it was freaking amazing.
you know im googling that as we speak.
@@WildlifeInspired It was seriously a game changer for me. It's nice having the camera in line with the monopod, just seems more stable. I own 3 Flexshooter pros because I like them so much. I keep one on my tripod, 1 on a monopod, and then 1 use on a ground pod/floating blind.
@@BrentCizekPhoto wait these are $500 each?!
@@WildlifeInspired very nice build quality, but yes the price is crazy, especially if you buy from a US distributor. If you buy from Mr Jan Gear from overseas, that seems to be the cheapest option.
I use a Manfrotto 234RC screwed directly on to my Manfrotto monopod. It tilts front to back and I can go from landscape to portrait by rotating my lens loosening the tripod foot on my RF100-500 lens. Very light and versatile.
I also like how I can lock my lens into the mount and not worry about it coming loose.
He takes special care to say that setup sucks.
Great information on the different approaches to hiking with gear. I have the Wimberley and Movo aluminum gimbal. I agree with your assessment of the two items. I am looking at replacing my Movo gimbal to one of the your recommended gimbals between the Katana Jr or Leophoto PG-1. With Leophoto recent discounts it make the their unit very attractive at $330 for the mid range gimbal sub $600! Would you recommend Movo Carbon ($200) as one’s main Gimbal, vs the Katana or Leophoto?
Instead the Wimberly MH-100 the Novoflex "BALL 19P" mini ballhead can be used on a tripod with extended middle column or on a monopod.
This is lighter, *much* cheaper and works up to 3kg. It is small, but precision mechanic and sturdy.
I lubricated the ball and everything moves precise and smooth.
Additional advantage: you get the functionality of ballhead and sidemount gimbal combined in one piece.
I just got a monopod, I typically would only shoot handheld because tripods are too clunky to hike with. So i decided to try a monopod and so far, I do like it. However, I am only using a ball head and that is not the best. I didn’t want to get a dedicated head yet, until I made sure I liked using the monopod. Another photographer was reviewing a ballhead called the “aspen”, made by the Colorado tripod company, and it looked really cool and I was thinking that might work for me, but its $279. After watching your video, that Wimberly really has peaked my interest. I think that may be the best option for my use.
I think ball heads are pretty tough to work off of for wildlife, maybe a friend has a set up you can borrow to experiment with ?
Another option is Leofoto MPG-01 and MPG-01S(lever). However I would be very careful with a lever, which can by accident get caught in clothing and release.
The side mount is clumsy and cumbersome for me to mount a heavy lens on it. I have never tried it the way you do it. I'll need try it but I am not willing to risk a drop! After several near drops, I bought an L bracket and an acra-swiss mounting clamp, to mount to the side mount providing a platform to rest the camera on to secure it.
Scott, Great review on the monopod heads. I was wondering what to expect if I switch to an off center axis mount. ? Does the camera feel like it always wants to fall off to the side, Etc.? Thank you and keep the amazing videos coming. Mike
After an hour you won't even notice. Remember you NEVER let a monopod go, so the fact that is leans a little is not big deal. IF you want to splurge get the PMG Tomahawk 2.
I like your recommendtions and have been looking for the Movo GH600 or something like it. Apparently it isn't available anymore!
I will check it out
Found your site recently and enjoying your views and product observations. Liked the look of your 3rd product, the Movo GH600 and looking on the Amazon UK site, it was the first listed product. At £69.00, it looks a steal. I've ordered one. If you don't hear from me, its doing exactly as your appraisal... 👍Merry Christmas Scott.
Doug B. Nottingham, UK
good luck. With the more "value" products, I always suggest taking a little care. Dont carry it with a heavy body attached for example.
Thanks Scott. Newly purchased Canon R5 and 100mm - 500mm lens, so weight should not be an issue.
Doug B. Nottingham, UK
Thanks for the interesting video! I have two questions. I have been using a Benro full gimbal on my tripod and monopod but during winter have noticed that the main gimbal rotational axis can get pretty stiff in the cold. Just wondering if you have experience with any of these options in below freezing temperatures and how the rotational joints performed?
A second question would be if there is any shift in camera position when the main locking knob is tightened down. Of course, a gimbal is not typically a landscape head but in a pinch if I see a nice landscape or close up shot while I’m birding and that’s all I have with me, I find that locking down the Benro always shifts the final composition by a notable amount so that I can’t easily get the shot as I’ve framed it. Wonder if these heads exhibit that kind of behavior? Thanks for your input.
I don't shoot a ton of extreme cold for long periods of time with my gimbals. My promedia has never seemed to tighten up, I use the side mount with a ball head (feisol) I have a gimbal review coming up, so keep an eye out for that.
Thanks got the movo for 54.95 on sale. Thank you for the video.
great price guessing discontinued at this point. hope you enjoy. you can get an arca swing arm as well and convert to a full gimbal
@@WildlifeInspired Cool. Thank you for that tip.
Benro GH1 is similar to Movo head, seems its production is stopped, but can get in some outlets. It is good.
only used a couple benro products but liked what i saw
I have the Wimberly sidemount- its the bomb! Definitely one of the best on a monopod. I use it with all my lenses
i like it it probably the best out here until i design my own lol
I tried the MH-100. Didn’t like it. I use a Fuji 100-400. Going to start using a monopod instead of hand held because I have a elbow problem. Any newer recommendations below $500? I would need a better ball head too. Thanks.
Do you think having the Wimberley offset effects its use for video much? I wouldn't expect to do panning and tilting shots, more a matter of holding it stable for longer than a photo might require. It looks a bit awkward. Also, do you think the little tripod feet some monopods come with are at all useful? Seems they and their ball heads would get caked with mud pretty quickly.
I don't use monopod feet like you mentioned and for the reason you mentioned. If someone was using a monopod indoors (or sports on turf) the little feet might make more sense. Shooting video on a monopod is actually really tough regardless, its very hard to keep the image stable, as there is almost always some small movements as you try to hold it steady.
Thanks a lot for this awesome video! I have a question, can you help me please? I ordered the Movo GH600 for my Sirui monopod but I also would like to use it with my peak design travel tripod and I'm unsure how to mount it on this tripod. It's an arca swiss plate type but the GH600 has a 3/8" male screw. I looked for an arca plate with a centered 3/8" screw hole but it seems very hard to find this so I assume I'm not looking for the right thing.. ^^' How can you mount the GH600 on a arca type tripod? Thank you for your help! :)
I think you can find the plate, but it seems odd that the tripod has a built in clamp, most have just a 3/8 thread
Is there a quality monopod available that can also function as a walking stick? I ask because I currently use a ski poll as a walking stick due to a balance issue. So far all the monopods seems really heavy for this second purpose.
i use mine as a walking stick sometimes carbon fiber reputable brand with a light weight head i
Have you seen the NEEWER GM39 Gimbal Tripod which seems to compare to the Wimberly?
Im usually a little leery of Neewer for higher end investments. They tend to brand generic components you can find on sites like Temo or alibaba.
Thank you for this video,...
QUESTION: I plan to get the SONY 400mm 2.8, the Wimberly site says I'll need a plate (P-40 or AP-609) for this lens...which should I get?
Dont think you have to stay with Wimberly. All of the replacement feet are good (Kirk, Really Right Stuff are excellent) Each has a different profile. The Wimberly looks super low profile which might be good or bad depending on what you like. Go to the B&H site, and look at all 3 options and youll get a sense of what should work for you. B&H has pretty fair reviews
@@WildlifeInspired thanks much!!
Aside from giving your arms a rest, do they make your images sharper vs stabilization hand held, such as with a Tamron 150-600 with VC? Thanks
It feels much better to me, but situational. Sometimes I hand hold all day on a sling, occasionally tripod, but the monopod seems to give me the best of both worlds. Slight improvement to sharpness at lower shutter speeds. I think at 1/100 on a monopod you can eliminate most movement (if you shoot in bursts), lower than that tripod is probably better, but image stabilization is pretty good for most systems and old rules are being broken
@@WildlifeInspired Thanks. Yeah I currently use a harness. Sometimes I kneel or sit down with my elbow on my knee. It gives me good flexibility to point and shoot at whatever happens. Only problem is the aching arms and motion blur from camera shake. It's why I have VC on mode 3 so it only activates as I take the shot, but even at 1600th sec when I pixel peep the images are less than stellar.
The Lensmaster Monopod Head - RH-M2 is very similar to the Wimberley and can easily handle a 600mm f4
I actually love that design, but I almost never see them in the field. I think they are from the UK?
@@WildlifeInspired yes they are a small UK company that deliver worldwide. I have the RH-M2 and the RH-2 and both are excellent products at a reasonable price.
Great video. I’d like to add that the Katana Jr also works really well on a monopod. I’m using it with the bottom mounted cradle and it seems really balanced and stable. It’s also been comfortable to carry.
Thanks for sharing!
Great video! Do you have a dupe for the Movo GH600 since it's unavailable?
That was a older one and it's been closed out. Not sure if there is another comparable model at that price.
Thanks for responding! Love your videos.
Would you have a link to the monopod itself which you used in this demo? In advance, thank you.
i did a video on monopods, and theres a link to the Fiesol monopod in there. I can say of the 5-6 monopods I have used it is the strongest (not as strong as wimberly but the wimberly is 2-3 times as much)
Hi Scott, for the Tomahawk the subtitle of your video (about 17min) says 2lbs; however ProMediaGears website gives us 0,95lbs. Whats true ?
I Think, I've got it: we deal with an old and a new version.
How much better is the Wimberley MH-100 vs a ballhead in the side mounted position? I get +/- 50 degrees of pitch from my ballhead with the camera mounted in the side notch, and it’s fairly smooth to pitch. Seems like if you already have a ball head you don’t need the MH-100.
as long as it is smooth. I have used ballheads and it is not nearly as smooth. But if it works for, it essentially serves the same purpose.
@@WildlifeInspired thank you.
Hi. I use canon lenses and so for a side mount I need to have an arca-Swiss plate attached to the lens foot as well. And in this case I find that in side mount the connection of the plate and the foot of the lens collar keeps getting loose. Any suggestions to avoid this are highly appreciated! Thanks !
i would look at actually replacing the foot itself. There are usually companies that sell replacements. RRS, Kirk usually make them, then the foot IS the plate.
Noted that. Thanks a ton for replying !
A little loctite on the threads when you are installing the plate.
Great video the only problem i have is that my lens dosen't have an archa plate and attaching a plate to the lens collaris not perfectly secure do you have an idea what to do? Many thanks shlomi
What lens are you using you should be able to get a plate and mount it to the bottom
@@WildlifeInspired 100-500 canon , found one kirk... Hope it is ok
@@WildlifeInspired thanks
That Movo is completely sold out everywhere
not surprised. Sorry
The Movo GH600 is available from amazon UK. There are only a few left in stock there. Can’t find it anywhere else. It’s approximately $80 before shipping cost.
Hi could you let me know what monopod it is that you are using in the video please
sit tight i have a full monopod comparison coming ! 4-5 different ones
What is your feelings on the Leofoto mpg-01? Very similar to the Wimberley but about 20% less in cost. Thank you
haven't used it was thinking about a side by side but my gut tells me one is US and one is China and there probably isn't tons of difference I was surprised the price was that close on the 2 models. For 10-20 bucks more I'd just go Wimberly. If it was 50 bucks less........
@@WildlifeInspired I just ordered the Leofoto MPG-01 from Amazon, was was about $70.00 less than the Wimberley. I figured it's worth a try, if it doesn't measure up I'll send it back and order the Wimberley. Stay tuned....
just so you know, Leofoto came out with a copycat version of the Wimberly MH-100. They make good stuff, I have one of their CF tripods and it's been great, but the problem is... their copy of the MH-100 is only a few bucks cheaper... because of that, I went with the Wimberly... I only had one short outing with it so far, and loving it already.
Can you link it to me, I dont see it on their website
Anything about Monopods? Thank you.
There are monopod reviews and topic just go to the main page and type monopod in search
You need to call Tom at Promediagear let him know i told you to call him I'm an ambassador for them. Get him to send you the all new Tomahawk to test i think you'll find it's Amazing!!! it's super light and based on the katana jr gimbal head vs the old Tomahawk being based on the big heavy katana gimbal. The new one is super nice!!!!!!!
been testing it for a week! lol review to come next week
Why not just a tilt head? I wouldn’t use this that often and I’m choking on the cost of a gimbal
They are top heavy and tend to flop. If you dont use it much, no big deal, but you will find the side mounted ones in the long run are really much more convenient.
Any ball head you already own, kicked over 90 degrees & with a panning clamp attached, will mimic the Wimberley monogimbal completely in function. How about carefully thinking these things through?
I covered this in a video on ballheads. Real world, the ballhead used matters a lot. One of out three ballheads I used worked. Oben (cheap tried not good) Fiesol (better, not great) Robus 1050 worked okay but still wasn't as good as Wimberly or PMG. Do you shoot a ballhead on a monopod personally? I shoot a monopod hundreds of hours a year. Thanks for watching John
Movo is not very light , it is 2.43 pounds, and monogimbal is third of the weght..
there is also a Jobu J3 gimbal which is 1.7 lb, but costs 330$
The pro media head is just a 1/4 20 mount?!
That’s a huge con. I wouldn’t trust my setup to that at all. That’s a no go.
And you’re crazy if you put the movo in the same category as the wimberley in terms of the grip and smoothness.
I don't think I have ever put the movo in the same category, its simply a look at 3 side mounts at various price points. I don't remember saying the Movo is the same? In fact, I purchased the Wimberly (before moving to the superior Promedia Gear Tomahawk GT2) The latter has a 3/8" thread not the 1.4" which was a good move on their part.
@@WildlifeInspired I was referring to your chart of the rankings of the various attributes.
I don’t think you properly account for how the wimberley will be bullet proof for a long life of everyday use, and the movo most likely wouldn’t.
Ps. Like you, I wish there was a version of the sidekick with a simplified non-panning base. I’m working on making my own solution after not finding anything currently on the market. It just doesn’t make sense to have to have a bulky $200-$400 ball head on top of your monopod just to hold the sidekick. And the promedia one isn’t enough of an offset to make the expense and weight worth it, really.
If you know anyone with the Tomahawk give it a try. The offset isn't a big deal at all once you get used to it. I would love to design one, I bet we would have a similar design. Look the the RRS gimbal and envision that vertical arm bent without the horizontal panning element. That would do it for me!
Monopods .. can't even freestand .. so why would you waste money on a product that can't even safely stand alone without the fear of falling over .. destroying your gear
Where'as a tripod is more sturdy ....and no chance of falling over .. unless the person is an idiot
I have a tripod .. I would never waste my time and money on a monopod . If you're at a location that you can't set up against something .. so the camera doesn't get wet / dirty .. especially if you are needing the toilet .. or wanting a drink etc . 98% of my pics are all handheld .. Only times i use a tripod is for moon captures when it's moon is at a certain height in the sky .. Other times i use my ladder . strange as it seems
and you photograph songbirds???? with a tripod??? I think your perspective is narrow and your opinion pretty strong. Feel free to link me to the small birds you have photographed with your tripod set up.
Because with these setups you can hold a 600mm lens all day long and not end up with tired arms! And you’re not limited to whatever walks in front of your tripod!