Photography is an art, but getting it right and creating a masterpiece will take practice and time. Having the right tools and equipment will go a long way to helping you create your images, so it is crucial to know how to use that equipment. Regarding gimbal heads, a question is if you can use one on a monopod.
You can use a gimbal head on a monopod; in fact, this is something that many photographers will opt to do. Using a gimbal head on a monopod provides substantially more ease of movement and control, particularly if using large lenses, and is fast becoming the norm amongst nature photographers.
We will dive into how to use a gimbal head on a monopod and the best setup when attaching a gimbal head to your monopod. Then we will look at how much easier a gimbal head and monopod is for photography where large lenses are in use and how it differs from the standard monopod head.
Can You Use A Gimbal Head On A Monopod?
For many photographers, attaching a gimbal head to a monopod may seem a bit unusual; even seasoned photographers have been known to raise their eyebrows at the suggestion.
After all, a gimbal head is a pretty sizeable unwieldy piece of equipment, and the standard monopod attachment provides considerable range on its own, providing both vertical to horizontal movement and the ability to swivel from left to right. The monopod head does allow upward and downward movement but only with control of the knob tension.
Trying out a gimbal head just once will change even the most hardened skeptic’s mind; it’s a game changer. Not only do you have the same range of motion as a regular monopod head mount, but you will also have the added stability of the gimbal head that provides a much smoother upwards and downwards movement without the need to change tension constantly.
You can certainly use a gimbal head on a monopod, and not only is it a perfectly viable option, but more and more photographers are also finding it preferable thanks to the ideally smooth range of motion and great control a gimbal head offers.
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Gimbal Head On A Monopod?
Although at first glance, you may not think there is at all that much of an advantage, the benefit is evident in practice. With the average monopod head, you will spend much time tightening and loosening the tension on the knobs to keep your rig secure.
Without high tension on a monopod head, your lens will flop a lot, and then you will spend a lot of time fighting the weight of your lens. It will slow down your reaction time, and when in the field, a split second can be the difference between catching the action and missing it.
There is a significant advantage if you use a gimbal head. Thanks to how a gimbal head works with its pivots that allow the camera to move independently from the support, the weight of the lens becomes negligible, so there is no fear of the lens suddenly falling forward.
With a well-balanced gimbal head, your lens won’t even move, and if you need to change its position, you will be able to do so with the lightest touch, saving precious time and allowing you to get the perfect shot.
How Do You Use A Gimbal Head With A Monopod
When using a gimbal head with a monopod, you should do a few things to ensure that you get the best results for your photography.
Firstly you need to be sure that your gimbal head is balanced correctly. A well-balanced gimbal head ensures that your camera equipment remains perfectly balanced at all times, and it helps to take the weight leaving you with very little to do but point and shoot.
Once your gimbal head is securely fastened to your monopod, we recommend keeping the knob loosened; the camera will remain precisely where you left it and won’t fall downwards, thanks to the gimbal function. This means that your lens will stay pointed at the point you want, and if you need to change its upward or downward motion, it is a simple matter of a slight nudge.
Pros Of Using A Gimbal Head On A Monopod
It may not seem like much, but there are definite pros to using a gimbal head on a monopod.
- Ease of use, there is minimal fussing about tension.
- Increased reaction time and less fuss mean you will always be ready to capture the perfect picture.
Cons Of Using A Gimbal Head On A Monopod
Of course, only some things are perfect, not even a gimbal head on a monopod, and while it does make photo capture a lot easier, it has its downsides too.
- Gimbal heads are large and bulky, which means carrying more equipment.
- The gimbal head is a game changer only if you have balanced it properly; an unbalanced one will not help much.
Types Of Gimbal Heads For A Monopod
You can use the same gimbal head on your tripod on a monopod; just about any gimbal head will work fine. We, of course, recommend keeping that gimbal head well-balanced. This is a great money saver as you won’t need to be getting any additional gear.
It may be a good idea to opt for lighter gimbal heads, but be cautioned although side mounts are more lightweight and less expensive, they don’t offer the same control as cradle mounts.
For your lens to remain in position, a cradle mount is needed, as a side mount will return your lens to horizontal, but at least it won’t be flopping as will happen with a regular monopod head mount.
There is also a MonoGimbal option that works similarly to a regular gimbal; however, as one can just as easily use a standard gimbal head unless you’re looking to save space, it is unnecessary.
Conclusion
A gimbal head is a valuable equipment that can be used on a monopod. Despite its awkward appearance, it does make life a lot easier, particularly when using a large lens, and we can guarantee that once you have tried it, you will love the freedom and convenience it affords.
