Shooting with a monopod gives you quick and easy portability. Manfrotto makes two of my favorite monopods and here they are in a side by side comparison so you can see what each has to offer. Also shown are two smaller monopods by Velbon
and Sunpak
. These smaller Monopods are great when traveling light, but may not reach required eye level for some. To compensate you can combine these short lightweight monopods with a simple Monopod Belt Pouch (found here)..
Moving on to some serious stabilizing gear, are two Manfrotto Monpods. These are very similar in design, with the main differences being fluidity, minimum folded height, and maximum extended height. The larger version comes with a fluid head similar to the popular 701HDV but without the panning cartridge. Instead the 561BHDV uses a fluid pan cartridge at the base. If you look closely at the video you can see that the Monopod can balance on it’s own, even with the Varavon armor cage + camera while not holding the monopod (not suggested).
The Manfrotto 560B Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release
is a portable solution for smooth shooting with small cameras in confined spaces. The 560B maximum height is 65.5″, its folded length is 26″, the 560B supports a load capacity of 4.4 lb. This unique monopod incorporates a fluid cartridge in the base for smooth pans and has 3 mini supports at the base for firm footing on uneven ground. This is a 4 section monopod that comes with a 1/4 screw and weighs in at 1.87 lbs.
The Manfrotto 561BHDV Fluid Video Monopod W/Head
. The best of the list, but also the largest. This monopod has a maximum height of 6.56′ and a minimum height of 2.5′ and supports a load capacity up to 8.8 lbs. Included with it is a compact, lightweight fluid head. The 561BHDV is a 4-section aluminum monopod that gives you a ton of versatility. The three mini supports at the base bring added stability. The ergonomic pan-bar allows smooth panning and tilting movements. This is a true fluid head as it has internal fluid cartridges. The bigger sliding plate optimizes the position of the camera or spotting scope relative to its center of gravity. Comes with 1/4 and 3/8 screws and a bubble level. The monopod itself is 4.2 lbs.
Tags: DSLR,
fluid head,
Manfrotto,
Manfrotto 560B,
Manfrotto 561B,
monopod,
photography,
quick release,
sunpak,
Velbon,
video
You’ve said there is no point to save money buying in separate 701HDV head and 560B. But what if I want to use 701HDV head on a tripod too? This is actually saves a lot, cause as I understand using head from 561BHDV on a tripod is not a good idea because it doesn’t had a pan feature.
So – what about buying 560B and 701HDV, to use it on a tripod too?
Or is it better to go with 562B-1 (which is the same monopod as 561BHDV) and 701HDV?
If you plan to move the head around and serve multiple purpose, then buying a head separately would be a good idea.
Will 701HDV (or 700RC2) will work on 560B as good as 561BHDV itself? Except that it cannot be so high.
Yes, it will absolutely work just as well. You will actually have an extra pan feature since you’re using the 701HDV, as the 561B doesn’t have pan on the fluid head. The base acts as the pan feature with the fluid cartridge.
Great, thank you!
So the only decision left I have now is 701HDV or 700RC2.
Couldn’t he get the fancier wf717 for only 70-80 dollars? That’d be the real cheap way to do it. Not too big of a gap in quality between those and the manfrottos.
Thanks Olivia, I was about to ask the exact same question.
Too bad you can’t get the FC-02 head with a flat base, it’s such a nice head. I’m guessing you’ve seen my review of the 270A? Emm posted it some months ago.
In the description, you mention that the 560B has a 1/4 screw… The 701HDV has a 3/8 screw hole… You’ll need to get that adapter. just something to take into consideration. I already have two 701HDVs which I used with my tripod and IGUS slider set up… I didn’t really want a third head to lug around so I opted not to get the 561B.
by the way, I got the 560B-1 in the mail last week and even though it has a 1/4 male screw, there’s also a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter so you don’t need to buy a separate adapter anymore.
Frank, that’s great, thank you for sharing!
good review, i am also thinking of buying them seperately to have the versitility of using a full pan head elsewhere, but didn’t realise how much more substantial the 561 is next to the 560. would you say that the fluid base on the 560b coupled with a fluid pan head on a 701 would give an even smoother pan, or would the two together make things maybe a little too loose?
also – what is the set up you have on the dslr with the front handle?
thanks.
The 560B coupled with the 701 is wonderful, just depends on what equipment you have and what you’re looking for. The two together are not too lose at all, there is enough friction. That is Varavon’s mini Armor.
Hi !
brilliant review,
just one thing:
Does the 701 fluid head fits on top of the 560B monopod? doesn’t look like it does on the review images.
thanks!!
Sam
Sam, the 701 does in fact fit on the 560B
Thanks for this review .
I just ordered the 560b for my GH1 . I have 2 lenses . The 14-140 mm and the 20 mm pancake . Do you think I need this head ? Again …thanks
labalbi, using a fluid head on a monopod adds more movement. I suggest using one when possible. There are a few good cheap fluid heads on the market.
Hey, thanks Olivia,
bought the 560b-1 and used my old Velbon PH-368 fluid head which works great!! and much cheaper option ( only £89) i love this monopod i can get awesome shots and i don’t feel so tired carrying that gini rig on my shoulder!!!!!
thanks.
I have a GH1 with 14-140mm lens and the 20 mm pancake. Dont intend to buy any longer lenses. What head do you think will be a good companion for 560b ? For vídeos , of course . thanks
The 701RC2 is a great fluid head, the 391RC2 would be sufficient as well though for your setup.
Look at the fancier wf717. I’m telling you, great head! And it’s only 80 bucks.
Way better than spending 120+ dollars on the manfrotto.
In the beginning, I got the 560B and a 701HDV to save money but also cause it’s lighter.
But now that the 561B is out, I’m upgrading. I think it’s worth it.
I know it doesn’t pan at all (since the base cartridge does that), but does the 560B’s head do a smooth tilt? Or does it just lock in place?
It does a very smooth tilt and is able to lock in where you want it to.
Hi Olivia,
I saw this just now. I really need your feedback since I’ve yet to get any from the other websites that featured the same.
I’m a total noob so I was wondering if you can get the same fluid shots with a monopod that doesn’t have the feet or ball joint at the bottom but used with a Manfrotto 701HDV head?
I really hope to hear from you soon, I’m near desperate. Thanks.
@Camille What monopod are you looking to use with the 701HDV? Have you seen ALZO’s Smoothy Pod? I like the gimbaled foot, it was really easy to use. Also, A really solid option for an affordable monopod is the MogoPod by Carry Speed, however it is currently sold out. I will reach out and see when they should be getting more in.
Well I asked because I don’t have a tripod yet and I was looking at the Sirui N-1004 which had a leg that converts to a monopod but I’m guessing that won’t be any good for video? Thanks for showing me those other options Olivia, you’re awesome!
I think I might go for the Alzo Smoothy Pod since I’m just starting out and it would be great if I can get a stabilizer as well for that price. And also I’ll just get a solid lightweight tripod. Again, thanks Olivia! I really appreciate it. 
@Camille No problem, let me know what you decide on! Also, if you’re looking for a tripod, I can point you to a few. What is your price range?
About $100-250 although I’m looking at the
Sirui T-1205X 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod which is $280.95. It’s really light (1.8 lbs) and folds up really small (13.4 in folded upwards, 15.7 in with the head retracted)! Yet it’s also rated for 22 lbs so I’m assuming that regardless of it’s size it would be able to handle a Manfrotto 701HDV. And I’m only gonna be using a GH2 and 25mm. So I guess I can stretch my budget a little for those considerations. Thank you so much Olivia! I’m looking forward to your suggestions!
@Camille I think that setup will work out just fine for you. Please keep me posted on your experience with it! I would love to get some insight from you as I haven’t tested the Sirui T-1205X out myself. Thank you
Would the Manfrotto 391RC2 Junior Head be suitable to use on the Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod? I use a Canon XA10 for video and will be getting a Canon 5D Mark 3 for both photos & video so would like to be able to take photos in portrait mode without removing my 5D3 from the monopod then return to videoing. (I intend to buy the 24-70mm f2.8 and probably the 135mm f2, probably not the 70-200mm f2.8.)
Also would the 391RC2 be compatible with other brand lightweight tripods?
The only other hybrid photo-video head as far as I know is the Manfrotto 055 Photo-Movie Head which is very expensive, bulky and would be too top-heavy for a monopod. Thank you.
@Lynne Hello, yes, the Manfrotto 391RC2 Junior Head will work on the Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod. My only concern is that the Canon XA10 you are using might be a bit bulky for it. The load capacity on the jr head is 11lbs though, so technically it should work. I’ve only used the 391RC2 with a DSLR. If you’re going to spend more for the investment, I’d just get the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head. Also, the 391RC2 will be compatible with other tripods, yes. It accepts a 3/8″ male thread.