Does anybody know what the difference between a 561B and 561BHDV is? Seems like the 561BHDV is the newer version but specwise there doesnt seem to be much difference

(found a new 561B for around half the price)

I have both and they are the same monopod. The side knob to control tilt-friction looks different but functions the same as well. The head, feet and post feel the same to me and I use them every weekend.

perfect thanks!

The heads are different. The 561bhdv looks like a 701hdv minus the fluid panning while the 561b looks like small 501 with a 577 adapter on the top. Like Raymond mentioned, their locking mechanisms are different. The 561bhdv has a one like a 501/503 type while the 561b has one like the 577 adapter.

Everything from the below the headis the same.

Pardon my ignorance, but could someone tell me what the benefit of the feet are? Is it just to be able to pan?

The feet help stabilize it and makes it almost as sturdy as a tripod, but much easier to move. Add a fluyid head like a 501 and you've also got tilt and smoother panning.
Bruce Yarock

Yep. Without the feet, the monopod will slip like crazy at the worst possible moments. The difference is night and day.

Thanks guys!

Worth it without the 501?
 

If I can only afford the 561BHDV and not the 501 (or some other head), is it still worth it for shooting a wedding? We'll have two low-to-medium grade Manfrotto tripods and a Merlin for some eye-candy, but for my walkaround workhorse, will the 561BHDV (with a 7D mounted) suffice?

I've also considered renting a should-mount, but this thread and some other articles have convinced me this monopod is the way to go.

Z-Finder necessary?
 

Also, 1 more question. It'll be an outdoor wedding in mid-afternoon (albeit early fall). I've been looking for an excuse to rent a Z-Finder. Would the 561BHDV + Z-Finder be a totally useless/awkward combo?

You don't need a 501 head. We've used the 561bhdv as-is and it works fine. Just spray some wd-40 on the ball base and it pans and tilts like butter :)

The z-finder is an invaluable tool and takes out alot of guessing when it comes to exposing and color in strong daylight. It's worth every penny.

The z-finder will also help with stabilizing your shots by adding an extra point of contact. We've eliminated one tripod due to this fact. Hope this helps David.

Hey Randy, you said you use a 501 head with your monopod? With the already fluid base of the monopod, are you still able to take advantage of the pan/tilt head?

Thanks, Raymond. I just needed a little nudge to go over the edge and make the purchase. I appreciate your input.

Tilt lock/ ball joint lock on 561bhdv?
 

I just purchased the 561bhdv to use with my 7D for use in tight spaces and I wasn't expecting the monopod to tilt so easily (I guess I didn't do enough research!). Is there a way to lock the ball joint so that the monopod doesn't tilt so easily? Or, do you find that you can get steady footage holding the monopod? I did tighten the base using an allen wrench but that's about it so far. Thanks for your input!
Michael

Michael and Tricia Films

Hey Michael - I'm the opposite as you. I try to get my base as loose as possible to allow for maximum flexibility of maneuvering, panning, dips, ect. For me at least, stability is achieved by keeping the camera close to the body; one hand on the focus ring and the other on the monopod handle.

Because the monopod comes shipped so stiff, we've loosened the joint and sprayed wd-40 on the ball to get it nice and smooth.