Gimbal Heads on Monopods for Wildlife Photography

[@ChrisWalton-m3z]

I have used a gimbal on a monopod a lot in the past. What I tend to use now is a simple tilt head on the monopod, which seems to offer all the advantages of the gimbal at less weight and less corners to grind into the shoulder or wherever. I have never seen anybody else use or advocate this, and the only tilt head I've found on ARCA is the Kirk one.

[@tinasailorportugal3114]

I was really thinking in using a gimbal head on my monopod haha. Thanks you gave me sure of try it.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Go for it, it's really useful. Thanks for watching and for your comment.

[@MattUlrichs]

Love the channel, the tips and most of all the Foo Fighters gear. 🤘🏼

[@williamgardner2739]

At the beginning of my photography I had a tripod and no monopod, what I did was extend one leg only and hey presto I had a monopod.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi William. That's a nice option to start with, good thinking. Worth getting a monopod (or tripod that you can remove one leg) if you're interested in travelling light. Thanks for watching.

[@Sinnoh-01]

You explained everything perfectly in this video, I really appreciate the good work you've done here, thank you.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thanks very much, I'm glad it was useful.

[@GiuseppeGessa]

I've never thought to use my gimbal on the monopod, so thanks for this tips. Being a bit lazy I tend to keep tha gimbal in the "wildlife" tripod, but maybe I might buy a new gimbal to attach to the monopod 😁

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thanks, you should definitely try it. So much more flexible than a tripod but more stable than hand holding. Thanks for watching again.

[@GiuseppeGessa]

@@WalksOnTheWildSide It's ok 😀

[@josephmasana7403]

Great video Scott. Have just ordered a Cobra monopod and will soon order a gimbal. Many thanks.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Good stuff. I'm sure you'll enjoy using it. Thanks for watching.

[@MarkReese]

Immensely helpful, Walks! Thank you for explaining this in such detail 💯

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thanks for watching.

[@Teeb2023]

I've used a 1DX + 500mm f/4 and an A7III + 200-600mm on a Wimberley wh-200 + monopod for years when out and about. I carry them like a brickie's hod, and I've never known a more convenient way to use these long lenses.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Exactly. It's a very good option. Thanks for watching.

[@febco1]

Hi Scott. Another great video production! Great tips for using a monopod with a gimbal for bird photography. I have used different monopods (Gitzo, Manfrotto, Sirui, and Benro) with a Wimberly MH-100 MonoGimbal and several heads like the RRS Pro Monopod. I have tried different combinations looking for the best setup to photograph birds and wildlife for prolonged periods of time. For the past 2 months I have been using a Benro SupaDupa MSD36C monopod with a ProMediaGear GT2 Tomahawk Gimbal. This combination is really excellent in terms of versatility, very lightweight and made with high quality materials and craftmanship. The Benro monopod has a feature that i really like that allows me to quickly change the monopod height by extending the top section with the use of a flip lock. Very clever design! I added a padded neoprene sleeve to the upper section of the monopod for comfort when carrying the camera on my shoulders. It is an expensive solution but it works wonderfully well for me.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi. Thanks for sharing that - I will check it out. Glad you're enjoying the videos. Thanks for watching.

[@marvinspates924]

Hi Scott this is the second video by you that I have seen! The first was about macro! It seems we have a lot in common. I love bird, landscape, and macro photography. I have the 200-600, and 90mm macro lenses. I just purchased a a9 used for birds, wow I love that camera!!! I use my a7riii for landscape. New subscriber!!!

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi Marvin. Thanks for watching. You made some good choices. I went with Sony because I love Sony lenses and the A9 is a fantastic camera. Good luck - I hope you get some great images with it.

[@RVNmedic]

Very nice. I will certainly try that out. Thanks for the insight.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@CentralFloridaBigfoot]

Good demo! Thanks. I'll probably go to a similar setup.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

It’s definitely worth giving a go. Good luck with it and thanks for watching.

[@Steven-wo2oi]

Great video! Appreciate it! I'll definitely try this combo out as it's the flexibility of the monopod, and the stability and fluidity of the gimbal combined together. Feel like a legendary setup XD

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

It's definitely useful, you won't look back once you've started. Thanks for watching.

[@Steven-wo2oi]

Looking forward to upgrading to the 500PF in the future, a mini gem, haha. I think it beats all zooms from all brands, only the primes can compete with it

[@brianbull6339]

Hi just working my way through some of your other videos and I use a three legged thing monopod with a wimberley copy of a sidekick which cuts down on weight and gives you the mobility for taking stills as you have described in the video for me it’s a win win and also great for a throw over camo cover.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi Brian. I've seen that Wimberley sidekick and it looks like quite a useful bit of kit, but I've never used one. Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@davet3530]

Came across your KZbin channel today. This is a very well explained video and so useful as I have often wondered about taking a monopod out with me instead of the tripod with the Wimberley Head. I can see advantages for using a monopod with a longer lens to photograph butterflies when the lighting isn't so good, and the subject is deep in the undergrowth or foliage. A tripod would be more cumbersome to setup in that situation and risk disturbing the subject whilst being set up. Thanks for the tips!

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thanks Dave, glad it was helpful. It's definitely worth giving a try.

[@Mark-ks9jj]

Great info and I will be applying this to the new monopod I’ve just gotten

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Excellent - I hope you enjoy using it and thanks for watching.

[@SLSaini-fs8nt]

Thank you for sharing wonderful n useful tips

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

I’m glad you found them useful. Thanks for watching.

[@peterviragphoto]

Great video Scott! Thanks for sharing all the valuable pieces of info! * That deer portrait is beautiful!

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thank you Peter

[@ianmiddleton9143]

Interesting presentation, thanks!

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thanks for watching.

[@captureitphotography2352]

Great video!

[@eos4life]

Hello Scott, great video again. I like the stability of a tripod but not the weight and set-up required. Using a monopod + a gimbal makes sense but I still find this kind of set-up a bit big and cumbersome. Much better that a tripod and gimbal thought! I found this review of a product that looks like a great mix of small size, low weight and gimbal specific for monopod. Not sure if you have seen it. Not cheap but not much is lately... Hope this helps!

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi. I think you might be talking about the Wimberley Sidekick. I've seen it and it looks quite interesting, but I've never used it. But it might be something I would consider when I'm ready to replace my current gimbal head. With regard to the setup being cumbersome, it is, I agree. But it's so helpful in getting the shutter speed low, it's a price I'm willing to pay. I've learned to love using it. Thanks for watching again and for your comment.

[@eos4life]

Absolutely, tripod and gimbal over handheld and will help for stability and in the process allow for slower shutter speed especially in low light. Definitely not a critic, but rather passing along some info that might be helpful! 😉 Thanks again for the great vids, keep them coming. Also, it is not the Wimberley sidekick but rather the MonoGimbal.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

@@eos4life Thanks, not heard of that one. I shall look it up.

[@bjp1977]

Man just love the way you explain and make people understand the details so so very easily. Btw I have a nikon D5600 and just got a nikkor 200-500mm lens...is it a good combination for birding and wildlife for someone like me who is a beginner with some basic knowledge?

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi Bhaskarjyoti. Thanks. I'm glad you like the videos. That 's an great combination for a starter. Many people will start off with lesser gear. The best gear is the gear you already have. It's an old expression, but I believe it to be true. Learn how to make the most of your equipment - it will make you a better photographer than by upgrading all the time.

[@gordroberts53]

Brilliant!! Thank you 🙏

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

You're welcome, thanks for watching even more videos Gord.

[@carollemarchand1299]

What do you think of the monopods that come with ' a mini tripod ' at the base for more stability? Do they hinder moving forwards or backwards as you suggested in you video?

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi Carrole. I've never tried one. I often lean in and out when I'm using the monopod, so I would worry that I might snap the legs, or the hinges that the legs are on. But that's purely speculation. So it probably just depends how you use your monopod. If you don't tend to lean much, the monopod legs might be a good option for you. Thanks for watching.

[@daveevans7151]

I just bought the Sirui P-424FL and it is awesome! There is a ball head on the table top that you can loosen/tighten as needed if you want to lean in or out a bit. It’s super quick to deploy and pretty stable. I would not though just leave my camera on it and walk away…def not as stable as a dedicated tripod. The quick connect mounting plate lets you configure your setup quickly and in mult ways. I just got it and have just taken it in the backyard and such, so time will tell. Living in Colorado, this setup is a bit lighter carrying with me in the mountains.

[@ChrrZ]

great video, thank you!

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thank you

[@flemmingmorgan1929]

Hi Scott, thanks for the excellent and useful video. Can you let me know the model of the Kenro gimbal. Is it light? What do you think of the Movo GH-600 which appears good value for money.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi. Glad you found it useful. The gimbal head is the Kenro GH1C (amzn.to/3HXe6gC) I've had it for years and it has been excellent. There are lighter gimbal heads you can pick up now, but you pay much more for them. My Kenro gimbal head is 1.3kg and retails for £220. Probably one of the best on the market is the Benro GH5C, it's 1.1kg but retails for £340. So an extra £120 shaves 0.2kg off the weight. I've never used the Movo GH-600 but it appears to be a Chinese reproduction of the Wimberley Sidekick. It's a lot cheaper than the Wimberley version, but I don't know whether it works so well. The Wimberley has an excellent reputation. It's probably worth reading a few reviews online before deciding whether to buy. Thanks for watching.

[@afti03]

great idea!

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Thanks

[@richardjefferies4340]

Should I keep IS or IBIS on or off when using a gimbal with a monopod, particularly in the 300mm to 600mm lens range?

[@EasternDakotaImages]

Do you leave your image stabilizer turned on in your lens or turn it off when using this kind of set up?

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

I pretty much always have it on always, unless I'm doing something with slow shutter speeds. There is some advice out there saying that you should switch off stabilisation on a tripod (so maybe this applies to monopod too). In my experience with Sony, I just leave in on all the time. I have read that some Canon cameras can detect when they are on a tripod and the stabilisation works differently when this happens. Perhaps this is why some people think stabilisation should be switched off when on a tripod,, but not me. Thanks for your question and for watching.

[@travisarthur9411]

Hi! Gimbal on a monopod, Great idea! How though would you balance it? First on a tripod then transfer it over to the monopod?

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Good question. I only ever use one lens with the gimbal. So the pan and tilt remains balanced all the time. I just have to make sure I place the lens foot correctly when I mount it. So I’ve made a little mark on the foot so I know where to place it. If you are using different lenses with the gimbal it would be best to balance them on a tripod and then transfer to the monopod. Or you could make some marks on the gimbal arm to know where to position it for each lens.

[@travisarthur9411]

@@WalksOnTheWildSide Thanks for the tips. I will be using just one lens. Your advice will be helpful. Success with future videos!

[@eiramorrish8164]

Hi. I have a gimbal head that I use on my tripod. I have tried to put it on my monopod but the threads don't fit. Any suggestions.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi. Normally they’re all use 3/8 inch screws/holes. Which monopod and gimbal do you have?

[@eiramorrish8164]

Hi I have a Vanguard Veo AM 234TR and a Andoer Gimbal head

[@marieta.s]

What are your feelings towards monopod heads? Are they worth it or should I get a gimbal head instead?

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

Hi Marieta. To be honest I'm not keen on monopod heads, I don't think they're much better than using a ball head. But I know there are many people that like them. Certainly, I wouldn't go back to a mono head ever since I tried using my gimbal head on the monopod. But the gimbal head is heavier. I think a gimbal head is a worthwhile investment. Even if you end up just using it on a tripod. There is nothing else as good for tracking a moving subject like a bird in flight or a deer running. Thanks for the question and for watching.

[@marieta.s]

@@WalksOnTheWildSide thank you very much for your reply. I am actually contemplating getting a gimbal head to use either on my tripod or the monopod. It does sound like the better choice.