REVIEWS - Really Right Stuff Monopod Heads

BACKGROUND

Typically a monopod is attached at the camera’s or lens’ tripod socket, thus creating a fixed, perpendicular configuration. Trying to tilt upwards or downwards is awkward because the monopod has to be leaned one direction or another. Range is limited and the set-up becomes unstable.

An inexpensive solution is the Manfrotto 234RC Tilt Head. The Manfrotto 234RC supports only ~5.5 pounds, uses Manfrotto's own quick release system and the build quality does not inspire confidence.

After some additional searching, I found the Really Right Stuff (RRS) MH-01 - High Capacity Monopod Solution. I purchased a MH-01 bundled with Really Right Stuff's B2 Pro II clamp.

BUILD QUALITY

The MH-01 is beautifully crafted, made of solid aluminum and alloys. The anodized black finish has proven to be robust and scratch resistant. The silver finish on the knobs is not as scratch resistant, and since the knobs poke out, they tend to bear the brunt of any scrapes or rubs.

In use the pivot action and the loosening and tightening of the knobs is smooth with no feeling of wobble or play. The knobs are a captive design, so they will not unscrew and fall to the ground. For those who prefer RRS lever style clamps, those can be used as well.

HANDLING & PERFORMANCE

The Really Right Stuff MH-01 supports up to 75 pounds! The RRS clamps fit standard Arca Swiss plates. I use the MH-01 with the Manfrotto Element Aluminum Monopod - which is pretty inexpensive. My keeper-rate immediately improved with the MH-01 compared to hand-holding, especially with longer lenses in the 200mm and 300mm range.

When waiting for the proverbial decisive moment, the MH-01 monopod set-up makes all the difference. Handholding a heavy set-up for 5-10-15 minutes can be very tiring. Letting the monopod support all that weight instead is much easier. And if standing around for longs periods of time, the monopod is can be a hiking aid of sorts.

With the medium format rigs, the majority of my daylight pictures are taken with the monopod set-up. My Phase One and Leica S set-ups are pretty large, so letting the monopod support the weight instead of my back helps alot. With the camera being relative steady, manual focus is much easier. Without a monopod (or tripod), trying to hold all that weight with the right hand, and focusing with the left hand can be very difficult.

By no means does a monopod replace a tripod set-up. The monopod is just a more nimble option and easier to carry around on long walks or hikes.

REALLY RIGHT STUFF MH-02

The Really Right Stuff MH-02 adds a knob for rotating the QR clamp 360º in 90º increments. With the MH-01 reconfiguring requires a hex key to remove the clamp, rotating and then re-assembling the kit. With the MH-02 this all done via a thumb knob, takes a couple seconds, and while the camera and lens remain attached. The MH-02 is also a big time-saver. The MH-01 is a bit more elegant in its simplicity, but the MH-02 is more practical. Either way, both are great products.

CONCLUSION

Both the MH-01 and MH-02 work great. The MH-02 is more convenient if your camera QR plate and lens QR plate run in opposite directions. But the MH-02 is very pricey at $370 with lever release clamp. Having owned both, I can get by with a MH-01 and prefer its slightly smaller size - and definitely prefer its $240 price tag (at the time of this review's writing).