Monopod for Scarlet and Epic

[Adam Johnson]

You're going to use a follow focus on a monopod? Not saying you can't, just seems, busy. Like a one-armed paper hanger. Sure, you "can" screw the monopod directly into the Easy Riser I suppose, but it's going to work itself loose, count on it. Some form of quick release plate seems better to me.

Yup, I love using Follow Focus on a monopod!

Thanks for the input! I will see if there is some kind of affordable quick release plate solution for use with a monopod.

 

[Adam Johnson]

This is the one I was looking at the other day. I was impressed with its overall stability and make. I prefer the clamps on the Benro to the twist action on the Gitzo. I have heard that Benro is a poorman's Gitzo but I'm sure it would suit my needs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743990-REG/Benro_C48F_C48F_Classic_Carbon_Fiber.html

 

[Justin Chin]

Last month I shot for 5 weeks on the US/Mexico border and this is my main setup for the most of the show.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monsterz3r0/6357205635/

The specs for the monopod (http://www.manfrotto.us/product/8374.76909.76924.0.0/561BHDV-1/_/Fluid_video_monopod_with_head) isn't very robust but I was able to put my Sachtler DV8 on it with a pretty loaded FS100 (with Red Zoom) on it. I was jumping in and out of our production van and in ride alongs with it. The monopod never skipped a beat. So much so that I came back and bought my very one for another production.

http://www.manfrotto.us/product/8374.76909.76914.0.0/685B/_/Neotec_Pro_Photo_Monopod_with_Safety_Lock%3B_Holds_17.6_lbs

I like the new one because it can be raised by stepping on the foot lever and just pulling it up, and lowered with the trigger. It works awesome with my 5D and Sachtler and I hope to use it with my streamlined Epic. For run and gun I want to be able to pick the height without operating x number of stages with locking levers. It's a pain in the ass, having to do that time and time again without an assistant. Nice workout for your legs. The new one is WAY BETTER; step on the foot, pull to height. Lower by just squeezing both pistol triggers. Done. So damn cool. Plus, I use it as a handheld.

Both of these monopods have the 3/8 sleeve that others have warned about. No problems at all, and I was pounding the thing quite a bit, and popping the fluid head off and on almost once a day (while in a speeding van). LOVE IT.

As always YMMV.

 

[Adam Johnson]

Thanks for the input Justin! Looks like a great set-up!

 

[jonathan salas]

Hey guys!

What fluid head would you guys recommend for a light weight / run n' gun setup?? Or should someone just ditch the fluid head and go Ball head? Any advise would be appreciated.