Using A Gimbal Head On A Monopod

[@joelcrow]

The most helpful photographer on KZbin, period! Not one spec sheet in his hand, no flames or stupid childish pictures trying to get our attention, just helpful advice on how to be better. We need to push this guy up into a million followers fast... you know there are millions of photographers who would benefit so much from this real-world info!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks Joel! Ironically, I think my lack of flashy graphics and clickbait is probably why I don't have the million subs yet. Hopefully people will tell their friends - and I truly appreciate your comments :) Have a great day!

[@Cali62825]

Steve, if you’re still around at 5 years later…many thanks for your concise video. It told me EVERYTHING I WANTED TO KNOW about getting a gimbal head.

[@backcountrygallery]

Yup, I still see the comments in my feed and thanks for the kind words :) However, since this video, Wimberely came out with the Mono Gimbal. I have a review on it and that's what I use with my monopod now.

[@chrislj2890]

Awesome idea, and the shot of that little hummer at 2:53 was beautiful.

[@raybohn7]

3 minutes ago I wondered if this was feasible. Did a search without much hope. WOW! Your video popped up. It was a great help and I don't feel embarrassed anymore about even thinking about this combination .

[@tonyenticknap2670]

Sorry Steve, I don't want to hijack all the comments, but I've just been reading the notes I had on my website which reminded me of another big plus point for this set up. If you use the Gitzo compact 6-section travel monopod I mentioned (not cheap mind you) it's only 41.5cm long. Not only can you drop the height of a monopod three-times faster than you could adjust the legs on your tripod, this set up puts the centre of your lens just 45cm off the ground, which in my opinion is a very good minimum workable height without lying down and removing the camera and lens. Within two or three seconds you can go from working at full height down to one knee - very useful. I promise I won't say any more on the subject :)

[@backcountrygallery]

Hey, no worries, chime in all you want - you have some great ideas!

[@wcsdiaries]

@@backcountrygallery Great video! Is it possible to use a non internal zoom lens on these? I want to use the sigma 60-600 but i bet that would throw the balance off too much right?

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

I got the gitzo tripod from your previous video and the same gimbal head and WOW what a difference it’s made in my photography!! Thank you for your helpful videos!

[@daviddowling9830]

Ordered mine,no idea when it will ship and I too look to the pros reviews,probably should have waited but why.

[@saxon1177]

Steve, I've been using a "ball head" on my monopod and it works pretty good but like you said, it gets tiring having to loosen the knob constantly and it has caused a few missed shots as well so your words are true. I'll be shopping on amazon here in a few minutes for a decent gimbal to use on my monopod. Thanks, Bud!

[@GBB70]

Just replaced the RRS MH-01 head with the Wimberly gimbal. Best move ever. I cannot tell you how many times I forget to tension down the knob on the MH-01 when moving quickly to another location. My hands thank you!

[@randyfox5317]

I can't believe I am just discovering this! I have a pretty decent monopod but haven't been using it because the standard head IS a pain in the rear when birding. I will now go out and pick up a gimble head and try this. It just makes sense. Thanks, Steve!

[@garyadams5201]

Another great video Mr. Perry. Clear, concise and no nonsense. Only good info. Keep them coming!

[@bikefreek]

You should do a little video of how all your gear is packed for travel.

[@tonyenticknap2670]

Good idea.

[@ChrrZ]

thats a great tip, i just got my gimbal head this week and i´m loving it, it works so well on my 200-600mm, no more fighting. i also will try it out for macrophotography where im having the same issue, chasing insects requires a loose and flexible camera but with support, i needed to ordered a longer baseplate to make it work, can wait to try it on on the first shooting! thank you very much steve!

[@pudd1964]

Yet another great tip and advice... Many thanks

[@johnstenglein9097]

Excellent demo! Just left what would have been a terribly long verbose video on this topic. Steve, you always cut to the chase in your videos. Years ago I got into the back button focusing described by you and it dramatically changed my approach to photographing birds. Many thanks to you for revealing so many useful photography techniques for amateurs like me.

[@lylecameron5578]

Another great video! About a year ago, I decided to experiment with gimbal head on top of a monopod bec/I was photographing (an Indian PowWow) from (bleacher) stands that would have been very awkward with usual gimbal head and tripod. Also, with a heavy lens (Nikkor 70-200FL), I wanted to use the gimbal head. Wow, just as you stated in this great video, it worked GREAT. BTW, just downloaded your "Nikon D850 Quick Start Guide". I'll be reading it this evening.

[@photoapeal]

I've been using a monopod with my wimberley WH-200 like you've described & really like it. However in an effort to reduce weight I recently purchased a Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal Head for Monopods, hopefully I'll like it.

[@veist2930]

Yet another great video. Up to the point! With some monopods you can mount a mini-foot at the bottom which stabilizes the monopod.

[@clixofnature1677]

This is really great Steve. I do this too and seeing you demonstrating it here helps me feel like a "less weird" person. LOL. Personally I don't find using a tripod practical because I walk and shoot bird photos. So when walking, by the time I see a bird and try to set up a tripod the bird is gone. Due to this I shoot hand held most of the time. To give me more stability to get sharpers images, I started to use the monopod but then hated the ball head thingie (just like you demonstrated). A friend who has been insisting on me using a tripod had sold me a Jobu head that I wasnt using so I decided to try it on the monopod...and voila I was happy with the set up....yes its still a little more bulk than hand help but Its a great middle ground. I am surprised more people are not doing this. I walk freely with the lens and monopod on my shoulders like what you guys do with the tripod on your shoulder......and when there is action.....I am instantly ready. I think tripod is for planned set ups and I hardly if ever shoot bird photos like that. Maybe when I go on some planned trip somewhere I will use the tripod......or maybe not.....because I have travelled with my monopod and gimbal head already overseas too. Its a really quick setup that does the job in my opinion. Thanks for this Steve. Great channel you teach us a lot of stuff which I appreciate like back button focus and you help me "fully" understand auto ISO in the different modes. Keep up the great work and sorry for the long epistle here. Haha.

[@rcrogers6]

This is a great video because you are so relaxed and you are speaking more softly and slowly. Watch yourself and contrast it with your other videos. All have excellent content, but this one stands out for its presentation.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you. The other videos we use a script and teleprompter so I don't forget anything I want to say (and I don't go off on a babbling tangent). For shorter stuff though, I'll be sticking with this format - WAY faster and it allows me to put out more videos without them taking weeks to get done.

[@rcrogers6]

{;*)) Slow the teleprompter a little. When indoors, you and Tony Northrup approach machinegun speed.

[@tonyenticknap2670]

Nicely done Steve. I've been using a similar set up for a number of years so I'd like to add some further information. Firstly, apart from normal day to day use as you describe think about the advantages of using it where space is limited, such as in a boat or in a safari vehicle. It works, believe me. Secondly, it is a lighter combination to travel with. Couple a lighter weight gimbal like the Jobu BWG-J3KDLX with the Gitzo GT5561T Series 5 compact 6-section travel monopod and you have a system that can easily be broken down and packed, and that works really well with lenses up to 500mm (possibly even 600mm). And, if you add the large diameter Gitzo swivel foot plate you can use it almost anywhere - on mud or sand, or on rocky shores as the bigger foot plate gives you better support - and it allows you to twist and turn far more smoothly than just using the standard small footplate.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the info :) I've seen one of the Jobu gimbals and was VERY impressed with it. I love the wh-200, but it is heavy.

[@raybohn7]

Since it is well below 0 F around here quite often, I plan to head to the zoo aviary for practice. The monopod will be less of an obstruction for anyone around me and it won't get kicked accidentally.

[@loganhall5580]

2:00 When you twist the lens in the tripod collar, is it a smooth action? On my Nikon 200-500 when I try this it clicks as if passing the groove that would allow me to slide the collar off the lens... Maybe I'm doing something wrong here... It's a brand new lens and there's nothing wrong with the collar so I'm either chaulking it up to user error, or simply this particular lens and collar isn't designed for this type of rotation while on a gimbal. Great video! You've convinced me to switch from ball-head to gimbal for my monopod.

[@pimnauta3840]

I used this combination during soccer matches in The Netherlands. It works very well with the 400mm f/2.8 (sold this lens and got a 600mm f/4.0) I give it a try with the 600mm attached if I get out on the field again, probably after the COVID 19. I'll also try it soon when going out in nature shooting interesting subjects.

[@CarstenBruhn]

Great video. This is exactly the combo i use, works great for me, i want to be hiking lightweight with my 600mm. TIP: if you want to alter the height of the camera, just sway back or forward to shoot either level when monopod is tilted or high when vertical - adjusting of monopod lenght thus not needed !

[@Themeshoots]

Always great advice. Your book on the Nikon AF system was a game changer for me. Thanks.

[@EGlideKid]

I use something similar to this, but I have a Monfrotto monopod and an Induro gimbal head. It's a combo that works well for both the monopod and my tripod, but one day I'd like to invest more in the system. This is a good tip for those who've never thought of it. And by the way, there are some really inexpensive options for attaching a gimbal head to a monopod, but I would say one of the most important factors is buying a setup that more than compensates for the weight you'll be mounting on it, lens and body in total. You never want to risk any lens/body combo with support hardware that won't adequately protect it. Nothing worse than your support equipment breaking on you and ruining your photo trip! Thanks, Steve! Really like your channel!

[@backcountrygallery]

I agree. I use RRS clamps and plates for attachment. They are pricy, but reliable.

[@markusstiller9882]

Hi Steve, the video and the idea is great. I also love to use a Gitzo fluid gimbal head on my monopod. But as a compromise for traveling you can also use the one way head as shown in your video and just add the Wimberley sidekick. I recommend this for traveling. Looking forward to your next video and your new book..

[@krishchandran4125]

Steve, when I watched you demonstrate this on the video I was skeptical. Then I tried it. Its fantastic. I experienced the functionality of a monopod with the stability and ease of use of a Gimbal. I agree. Its a game changer!! It works and is now a serious planning consideration when I go birding. Thanks !!

[@christosphillips3568]

When I read the title of this upload on my mobile notifications I thought ok Steven has lost it altogether 😂😂 After watching it though I cannot wait to go out and try it. Man you really are full of tricks..... thanks and have fun out there.

[@backcountrygallery]

LOL thanks Chris!

[@dvdrobinson]

What an excellent instructional video! Do you have a video or article in which you recommend particular monopods or offer advice about choosing one?

[@DavidL5star]

I have been using a gimbal head on a monopod for a number of years now. It really does work very well. I do a fair bit of wildlife photography in the African bush from safari vehicles and it is really useful.

[@TheAsce8]

Steve you are the best!! I can not wait to see your review of the new 500 pf! Come on nikon !!

[@JohnRavolta]

Not gonna lie, stumbled across this title and thought you were insane (like a few comments...) but wow. That actually makes a lot of sense! Thanks!!!

[@allenl6831]

Great tip and advice. I have a gimbal head and a monopod and this combo make sense to me. Thanks.

[@nelderaabreu1262]

Good afternoon, Steve! Your videos are always very good. With this could not be different. Learning a lot here. Congratulations on the beautiful work. Thanks!

[@TonghoPhotography]

Great video. I've been using this similar setup for years!

[@simonjpierce]

Thanks Steve, great to hear these snippets of wisdom!

[@jean-pierrenadeau4007]

Again something that I needed to know. Thanks Steve!

[@russellmurphy7109]

Hi Steve. Love all your videos & information sharing. I have same RRS monopod head mounted on my benro carbon monopod & want to try mounting my gimbal, but cannot for the life of me, work out how to get it off!! Is it a reverse thread? Can you let me know how you did it? Thanks a lot from downunder Oz!

[@backcountrygallery]

I've not seen one with a reverse thread - sometimes there's another lock or set screw though.

[@vartanarakelian4643]

Always my good teacher.❤

[@johnsholian4318]

Good stuff as always Steve!

[@tinakouskoutis9383]

Hi Steve, I so very much enjoy your videos - you are extremely informative and gracious with your advice. How would you set this up with a Wemberley Sidekick and monopod? Which RRS ball head would you use with a 200-500mm lens? Thanks!

[@enoeline]

Would love to join you on one of your workshops one day. You're like a qualified KZbin tutor.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

I would never have considered this. Amazing tip!

[@ThomasSielaff]

Just recently purchased a monopod and Gimble head. Now all I need is some wildlife. Winter in Michigan can make that quite a hit or miss thing.

[@backcountrygallery]

LOL, I hear ya - OH ain't much better!!

[@blheron]

Fascinating, I have been thinking about doing this. I have a different question. I notice that you set your gimbal up on the right. I have using my Wimberley 200 for about 5 or 6 years and I find it more comfortable to set up on the left. I have adopted your freehand barrel technique and the left side setup does not present a problem. Do you think it makes any difference? I see many pros doing either and wonder what your take is.

[@josephledon2102]

Im getting a mono-pod now!!! Thanks steve

[@scottabergermd]

Amazing concept. Thanks Steve!

[@perpetualcaustic]

I don't know if you still get notifications on this video? I use the sony 200-600 usually w/ a tripod for the stability. I saw someone at sporting event that used a non-gimbal tilt head to lean his monopod towards him and back up to raise/lower the lens inches up and down in his shots and I assume it adds some amount of stability. I am sure this is painfully obvious... can I do this lean back and forward while remaining level w/ a gimbal or would a standard tilt head work for a monopod? I don't know if I am making sense? TIA

[@1209jayt]

Nice video! What gimbal head is that that u used? Any recommendations? Thanks!

[@ninoliberatore1491]

thanks Steve once again ,cant wait to try it

[@yousifalmadani6610]

steve i want to use the gimbal head for long time....but after seeing you video i think i like the idea thank you very much

[@joeymac2563]

Really helpful video! Any suggestions please how to mount easily & safely a big lens like 600mm f4 to gimbal bracket when it attached to monopod? With tilt head installed to the monopod I laid it down flat on the ground with protective materials like towel and angle the head facing up to install the lens but I can't do the same with the gimbal. Thank you in advance!

[@backcountrygallery]

There's no safe and easy way I know of other than like you say, putting things down on the ground. Although, the same applies anytime you're mounting a big lens to a monopod.

[@joeymac2563]

@@backcountrygallery thank you very much for your reply Mr. Steve really appreciated it, feels good to know that I am not the only one having difficulty with it and to hear from you that there is no other way of doing that (for now) , in case in the future you came up with some ingenious idea please let us the community know. Now subscribe to your channel. Be blessed and be a blessing!

[@lylecameron5578]

Great video; thanks! Question: Do you ever use a L Bracket on your battery grip if using your camera with grip on a monopod or tripod with a shorter lens, i.e. a lens that does not have its own foot like the big boy lens in this video. Or, if using a short lens on tripod, you simply remove the battery and add a bracket to bottom of camera. Again, thanks!

[@leswhalley9991]

If your looking for a gimbal head try the Neewer on Amazon, I have one and I'm really happy with it. And I use it on a monopod.

[@dinwa276]

Hi Steve, what type of monopod foot do you recommend for dirt, rocky soil etc? Some monopods only have a glued on rounded rubber foot and others have more options such as screw on spikes and rubber feet.

[@jonathanbayliss9016]

Great vid. Do you switch vr off when you’re on a mono pod and tripod with a gimbal

[@thunderjosh15]

Hey Steve, any monopod make/model recommendations for an amateur just getting started? Thanks!

[@photogl]

Good info as always. I just bought a monopod with feet at the bottom. Haven’t tried it yet, but it may not work like your video info. It’s always something, huh ???? Keep up the good work…..

[@tracyrobertson565]

I thought I was alone in my like for this set up.

[@samant-baduge3324]

Steve, your ideas are awesome and I love it. Saman

[@antonoat]

Wishy washy, lol. Cool video Steve, have a great trip. cheers from the UK.

[@kevins8575]

I'm going to try this tomorrow!

[@MrDennisk4]

Steve thanks for the video 'and would like to know if you still have stabilizer on when using a Gimbal-head on a monopod?

[@backcountrygallery]

Depends on the shutter speed. I talk about it in one of my podcasts: backcountrygallery.com/category/podcasts/ (Listen to podcast #3 for the scoop)

[@Yatie1969]

que monopie me recomiendas?? tengo una %D mark y un tele de 150-600 de sigma. y estoy por comprar el el neeweer cabezal de tripode cardan de aluminio placa de liberacion rapida GM101 para camaras dslr de hasta 30 lb

[@skakdosmer]

I have a Manfotto 393 gimbal head. I didn't see anything about monopods when I bought it, but now they're saying it's “Developed for use with very long lenses on monopods”. I'm using it on a tripod, and I'm not hanging the lens like they show in the pictures, so I'm probably doing it all wrong. But I like it a lot anyway.

[@anitarogers7102]

Do you balance the gimbal head on a tripod and then use these lengths/heights for the monopod? If not please tell me how to balance the setup on a monopod.

[@smkunder1]

Very cool , now to find a gimbal head I can afford

[@roblawrence3325]

What I did was get a Sevenoak gimble.... remove the attachment platform and replace it with a RRS lever attachment platform I needed to ("stretch") the platform slightly to fit on the vertical grooves of the gimble but it works Use care. if you flub up the stretch on the RRS platform you are stuffed

[@ozmid40scouple]

Check out Benro, reasonably priced and great quality, I have been using the aluminium model GH2 but I think they might have stopped seeling that in favour of their new Carbon Fibre model....

[@TheClosedpalm]

Neewer gimbal is only $40 and works just fine.

[@mikeregas3342]

Thanks Steve this is helpful! for sports do you use the gimbal head or just attach to a standard monopod head, since there isn't a lot of up and down so to speak. Also, if you are not using something like the big primes (300, 400, 500, 600) would you suggest a gimbal or the Wimberly monopod head for something like a Nikon 200-500 or Tamron 150-600?

[@backcountrygallery]

The problem with the lenses you mention + gimbal heads is less about the gimbal and more about the lenses. With an external zoom, the balance changes as you zoom in and out, pretty much cancelling any advantage you had with the gimbal.

[@mikeregas3342]

@@backcountrygallery that is super helpful, most helpful reply I have seen in regards to the gimbals. So it sounds like the Wimberly MH100 is a better choice for the external zoom?

[@backcountrygallery]

@@mikeregas3342 Sadly, that one won't balance either. About the only thing you can do with external zooms and gimbals is to balance them where you think you'll be zoomed and live with varying degrees of "unbalance" at other zoom settings.

[@richcower]

Steve, great video. noticed the RRS clamp on the pod. Curious why it’s there.

[@richcower]

Just found the other video on swapping heads. Thanks

[@backcountrygallery]

I was just about to point you that direction :)

[@PatrickOSullivanAUS]

The ease of transporting a monopod versus a tripod stands out too.

[@backcountrygallery]

Very true - but you still gotta pick the right tool for the job. I prefer tripods when I can and monopods when I need to :)

[@peiter8467]

Nice! Perfect Timing since i´m Looking for a new tripod/monopod head Right now!

[@greggorter]

Awesome Steve wonderful advice, I’ll definitely be trying that ! ✌️🤓✌️

[@gelderman1]

Steve, what monopod should I use?

[@cujoman21]

Which Monopod are you using in this video, thank you

[@phooesnax]

Great tip Steve

[@robhurley5258]

Great video. Sorry, maybe I missed it but what model gimbal and monopod were you using?

[@pascaljacobs8979]

Hi Steve, I have a Sevenoak cheap gimball. Which longer plate do you recomend for mounting my Canon 1Dx mk2 with a Simga 150-600 sports lens? Thanks for the great idea? As I watched your video How to setup your gear on a gimball I think the standard plate which comes with the gimball is to small. Thanks

[@denischasse3567]

Merci Steve! 🎥🎥🎥

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Love it. Didn't realise you were a heavy monopod user (in fact, I am not sure I ever saw a pro nature photographer use a monopod, always thought that was an 'amateur thing' - not that it matters). I won't be trying this*, but think it's a neat idea and think it's dope you are taking viewer suggestions and adding them to your daily work flow. *I am selling my longest/heaviest lens in the 300/4 atm so I have no need for a monpod, let alone a gimbal that would probably cost as much as the lens itself haha.

[@backcountrygallery]

Actually, I am heavy tripod user, but it depends on my location. I find myself using monopods in cramped spaces or when I need to quickly change height. In Costa Rica, you're often faced with shooting through little "windows" of vegetation and you need to adjust height quickly to get the shot. With a tripod, the process is often too slow and whatever was in the little window is gone before you reset the height. Since I'm down here 2-3 months a year, the monopod is seeing some use, however, when I can I still prefer a tripod. A monopod is good, but a tripod is the best way to go for stability. Just a matter of picking the right tool for the task at hand. :)

[@scriptosaurusrex]

@@backcountrygallery aye, that's the experience I have made speaking to other pros. Full tripod is preferred, or in the rare occasion that its a 'walk around' day its a matter of 'just handhold the damn thing' and use the tripod lug for a strap. But what you say makes sense. Sometimes that's the only option!

[@piotrwielki6962]

Wimberly released while ago monopoly gimbal head. I use it for few months now and absolutely love it.

[@backcountrygallery]

This video was published well before that release. I actually did do a review on the mono gimbal and it's really a great monopod head - I use it all the time.

[@trjnsd6874]

Seems like a great little gadget. Would it work on a tripod as well, instead of a large regular gamble?

[@backcountrygallery]

It's very low slung so I think it - or the camera / lens - would hit against the tripod all the time.

[@colleenmcintier]

I will give this a try. Thanks

[@alexabadi7458]

Thank you !

[@tobiensam]

Thanks for this, how would come up with this.. Never thought of this combi

[@crestonburks2141]

Hi Steve. Love your videos. Which model monopod are you using in this video? Looks like a Gitzo, but which model? Thanks ALSO: Glad to see you've recovered from the covid.

[@backcountrygallery]

It's a 4 series, the tall one. 4552L is the model number

[@crestonburks2141]

@@backcountrygallery Thank you

[@siddhartharoy2773]

Wonderful... I do it ... gimble head on my monopod.... works fine

Opa Vou experimentar meu gimbal oben com monopé manfroto e ver o resultado. ótima dica.

[@telkirton]

Excellent idea thanks.

[@buc71x24]

Do use VR on or off on the monopod? Enjoyed!

[@backcountrygallery]

Depends. For under 1/500th, yes, for faster, usually not.

[@lrb05131963]

Which mono pod and which gimbal is that

[@bubbadahut9639]

Steve, you started making the "how to make your gimbal actually work correctly" videos right before my gimbal had arrived.. (perfect timing!) however one more gimbal video that others might find useful is for people with short glass or varifocal glass / short varifocal --- people like me :) I have mostly figured it out by now but there is not many gimbal instructions for this marginally inappropriate use of a gimbal.. for the sake of putting my cookies where my mouth is... its a combination of the balancing the gimbal like the first video suggest and starting out (varifocal) with somewhere around mid-range of your expected focus distance... at least its less likely to flop about *extremely* violently when you change zoom levels -- still gonna flop fast but less fast than balancing wide or tight... i haven't yet tested short snub-lens balancing yet but i believe there might be some forward counter-weighting if you're using an L-bracket adapter. i know this is a little less wildlife orientated, but still useful for some out there that don't yet have long primes :)

[@hcp0scratch]

Geat info!

[@patrickhoran2675]

I was using this set up today,i find the weight of the gimbal head steady's the len's and body also.my 2 cent's.

[@FredBGG]

Thanks, nice video!

[@kylescally5752]

Oh that's smart. So you can just keep the gimbal off because it's still balanced?

[@JerzyRaven]

how much your lens, coz im jst startin photoghrapy

[@buc71x24]

Thank you, appreciate!

[@lutracanadensis101]

Can share make and model of gimbal you are using?

[@backcountrygallery]

It's a Wimberley WH 200 - really great.

[@lutracanadensis101]

@@backcountrygallery Thank you, Steve.

[@fionnmcoscar2428]

What gimbal are you using for this please? Thanks

[@backcountrygallery]

It's a wimberley WH-200 - wonderful gimbal :)

[@erikalpizar]

How good that you are in Costa Rica. I would love to say hello.