Do I need a tripod head for my monopod?

When it comes to bird watching, a monopod can be a useful tool to provide added stability and support for binoculars, and even a small spotting scope with a lower magnification. But do you need to add a tripod head onto your monopod as well?

We will explore whether it is possible to do without a tripod head. We also weigh up the advantages of birding with a tripod head on your monopod.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced bird watcher, this article will provide valuable insights on the factors to consider when working out if a tripod head is necessary or beneficial for your monopod.

Can I use binoculars on a monopod without a tripod head?

Yes, it is possible to watch birds through binoculars or even a small spotting scope using a monopod without a tripod head. These optical instruments typically have their own mounting system. So they can be attached directly to the monopod.

To attach binoculars to your monopod without the need for a tripod head you will need to use a binocular adapter. This small device allows you to attach binoculars directly to a monopod.

There are several different types of binocular adapters available on the market. Most work in a similar way by providing a clamp or bracket that can be tightened around the barrels of the binoculars.

You can attach binoculars directly to the monopod

Using a binocular adapter allows you to attach the binoculars directly to the monopod.

Then, while the monopod supports the weight of the binoculars you can move the whole set-up to find or track birds. You can simply move the monopod itself to get the right angle.

In practice this means tilting the monopod vertically or rotating horizontally as needed.

Pros of using a monopod without a tripod head

The advantage of using a monopod without a tripod head is the lighter weight. It will be less cumbersome to tote around.

If you are considering mounting a head on top of the monopod, remember to factor in the added weight and bulk. It may affect the monopod’s portability and ease of use.

Is there any benefit in adding a tripod head to the monopod?

Using a tripod head as the basis for moving the binoculars can reduce the pressure on the mounting screw of the optics. Where the binoculars attach directly to the monopod is a vulnerable stress point.

Having the tripod head mounted does serve to reduce some of that stress. Potentially, it could absorb the pressure in the event of accidental jolts or knocks.

So a monopod using a tripod head protects the stress point where the monopod connects to the binoculars.

How a tripod head and quick release reduces risk

You can attach most tripod heads using a quick-release plate. This makes it a lot easier to attach and detach the binoculars to the monopod set-up.

Because the quick release plate stays fixed to the scope, you don’t have to keep screwing it onto the monopod or head every time you use it.

Otherwise, if you were attaching them straight to the monopod, you’d need to screw and unscrew them each time. That would place even more stress on the thread of that screw.

Therefore using a tripod head with quick release can help to prevent wear and tear on the thread of the connecting screw over time.

Adding a tripod head can also provide greater stability. It would allow you to make fine adjustments to the camera’s position with more precise control.

Depending on which one you choose, a tripod head would add the option to pan and tilt the binoculars or spotting scope.

What kind of tripod head should I use with a monopod?

A video head suits a more stationary tripod very well. But with a monopod, you don’t necessarily need that more complicated two-way head.

This is because the monopod itself is more free-moving than a tripod. You can easily rotate the whole set-up around a vertical axis for horizontal panning.

Indeed, depending on the kind of monopod and the angle at which it is standing, using a two-way video head may cause problems when trying to horizontal pan.

A one-way tilt head is fine

So, to keep things simple, a one-way tilt head would be sufficient. This means the available range of motion using the tripod head is just vertical tilting.

A tilt head makes it easier to view birds that are high above the horizon.

Some birders, however, suggest using a ball head in combination with a monopod. This would allow freer, faster movement. It also means that you do not have to incline the monopod itself.

In this case, it is especially useful if you have already secured and stabilized the monopod – in a hide or against a rock, for example. Or if you are working at an angle that makes inclining the monopod more awkward or uncomfortable.

Ways to make a ball head work

How effective the ball head is can depend on what kind of base you have on the monopod. In other words – how securely (or not!) the feet are able to keep the monopod stationary.

Setting the resistance on the ball head so that the binoculars can be rotated across the horizontal axis only with extra effort can help stabilize the monopod.

Whichever tripod head you use, be sure to check that the adapter for the tilt head is secure. Any looseness or wobble not only interferes with the image quality but also adds wear and tear to the connector screw.

Factors when deciding whether to use monpod plus tripod head

• the type of bird watching that interests you – eg stationary subjects vs fast-moving birds in flight
  the environments in which you go birding – eg hides, long distance hikes
• the weight and size of the binoculars or scope
• your own personal preference and comfort level

How to decide if you need a tripod head for your monopod

Consider the weight and size of your equipment when choosing a tripod head or ball head for your monopod. Make sure it is compatible and can support the weight of your binoculars or other kit.

We have some suggestions of small tripod heads here >>>

Best lightweight compact tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

It is ultimately up to the individual user to determine whether a tripod head is necessary when using a monopod. It depends on factors such as what kind of birding you like to do, how far you need to carry the kit, perhaps whether you already own a tripod head.

By evaluating the benefits and limitations of both options, we hope you feel more informed and ready to make a decision. Will a tripod head on your monopod benefit your bird watching?

If you are already keen to consider the different options available, feel free to take a look at our reviews of these ball head tripod heads – The top 5 ball head tripod heads for birding