Choosing a monopod and head is similar to choosing a tripod: evaluate your needs based on how big your load is, then build from the ground up. Choose a monopod that is robust enough for the load, and then decide whether you truly need a head on your monopod. For years Really Right Stuff has favored simple tilt heads for monopod use. While we consider a ballhead the perfect head for tripod use, using a ballhead on a monopod can be a bit fussy. A ballhead offers an almost infinite range of motion and this can actually be difficult to control on a monopod. After all, since you can rotate your gear left/right freely on the single leg of a monopod, all you truly need is a head that delivers up/down tilt. Our MH-01 monopod head is the solution.
MH-01 High Capacity Monopod Head
Click to go to product detail page. This is our MH-01 Monopod Head with Screw-Knob style clamp.
Click to go to product detail page. This is our MH-01 Monopod Head with Lever-Release style clamp.
Our customers begged us to develop a robust, well machined and smooth operating monopod head to use with their largest telephoto lenses. The MH-01 High Capacity Monopod Head is the answer.
We conservatively rate this monopod head at 75 pounds; more than you will ever possibly require. Yet the MH-01 is only 8.8 ounces and compact enough to fit in a smaller lens compartment in your camera bag.
It features an RRS-compatible dovetail on the foot to add versatility. Carry it along for use with your gimbal head when you need to switch to a non-tripod-collared lens without having to completely remove (and then subsequently replace) the gimbal head from/to the tripod. The MH-01 allows you to conveniently tilt the camera left/right while using the gimbal head for up down tilting.
All current generation Really Right Stuff full-size clamps can be installed on the MH-01. But use B2-Pro II, B2 AS II, or B2-40 LR clamps for dual orientation either parallel or perpendicular to the tilt. The “+” groove on the bottom of these clamps nests securely with bosses on the MH-01. Use included hex key to loosen mounting screw and change clamp orientation. Other full-size clamps can also be mounted on the MH-01, but can only be oriented parallel to the tilt.
Our MH-01 head handles your biggest telephoto lenses with ease. Smooth tilt action and large locking knob delivers robust performance. This combo also works great with all of your short lenses.
The Low Capacity Solution
When our MH-01 Monopod Head is more than you need, consider the Manfrotto 234 Tilt Head (formerly known as the Manfrotto 3232). Really Right Stuff no longer sells this head, but we recommended it for years. Great for light loads, this simple and inexpensive tilt head is only rated for 5.5 pounds. Mount our B2-Pro clamp directly to the Manfrotto head and you have a reasonably robust tilt head with quick-release capabilties.
Click to buy this product from B&H Photo.
Install our B2-Pro clamp directly to the Manfrotto 234 Tilt Head.
In Summary...
Monopod users generally fall into one of three scenarios:
Scenario 1: Shooting with big artillery lenses and you don't need any tilt at all.
Install our B2-Pro/L clamp directly to the top of your monopod.
Scenario 2: Shooting with big artillery lenses and you do need robust tilt.
Install our MH-01 Pro monopod head.
Scenario 3: Shooting with short telephotos or small zooms.
Consider our Low-Capacity Solution using the Manfrotto 234 tilt head and our B2-Pro clamp.
