If you spend any time in online photography communities, reading blogs or watching the YouTube channels of respected photographers you have no doubt been told that gear doesn’t matter. Except sometimes it does. I’ve recently added a new monopod and head to my kit bag, the Leofoto MP-364C monopod and the MPG-01 gimbal head. Read on to find out why.

Regular readers of my ramblings will know I’ve recently branched out from landscape and wildlife photography into motorsport photography. When shooting wildlife, I never really noticed the weight of the long lenses. This is because the action is spaced out over a prolonged period. The amount of time I have the lens raised is minimal and there is plenty of recovery time between shooting sequences.

Taking the Strain

Shooting motorsport is much different. The action is constant and can last for hours at a time. Holding a 3kg lens and camera combination at eye level for that period takes its toll over the length of a day. I’ve tried monopods previously but found them restrictive and they interfered with my ability to pan smoothly.

I’ve been using a regular gimbal for my wildlife photography for a while. I have a cheap replica of the Wimberly WH200. It makes a massive difference when shooting wildlife, particularly birds in flight. The problem is that the gimbal itself is metal and weighs around 1kg, It’s also not really designed for use with a monopod.

While looking for ways to improve my motorsport images, I came across the monogimbal. I hadn’t heard of this type of gimbal before, so I was intrigued. While looking online for reviews and information about the monogimbal, I came across a review by Steve Perry of Back Country Gallery.

Those of you who read the ramblings in these posts, or that follow my work will know I’ve recently upgraded my trusty old D850 to a Nikon Z8 and a selection of Nikkor Z zoom lenses. The Nikkor S-Line lenses for the Z8 are heavier than the zoom lenses i have for the D850. This coupled with the duration of shooting at a motorsport event led me to look for some additional support.

MP-364C Monopod

The monopod was an easy choice. I follow Hudson Henry on YouTube and he maintains a list of recommended gear on his website. As we shoot similar subjects, and the Leofoto monopod was the only one listed on his site, I figured it would be suitable for my needs. It was also a significant upgrade on my existing aluminium monopod. Lets take a quick look at the specs.

MP-364C Specifictions

The main things I like about this monopod are the max height, the weight, and the leg diameters. This thing feels rock solid, due to the diameter of the leg sections, but it’s still extremely light. Weight is the most crucial factor to me after the stability. I do a lot of walking around the circuit, and if I’m weighed down with a lot of heavy gear, it’s not much fun.

The monopod comes with a padded case with a detachable shoulder strap. The quick release buckles also make it suitable for attaching to a backpack with similar quick release attachments. The case is also large enough to accommodate the monopod with the MPG-01 attached.

MPG-01 Head

The Leofoto MPG-01 is a side mount monopod head with Arca-Type QR Clamp. It is an innovative and compact head for monopods that provides 360° of rotation in a vertical tilting orientation. Sometimes referred to as a monogimbal, it is a piece of equipment that promises to enhance the way photographers use monopods to shoot fast-moving subjects. It offers a blend of stability, fluidity, and precision. But does it deliver on these promises? I took the MPG-01 and MP-364C for a spin at a recent motorsport event to find out.

Build Quality and Design

The first thing that strikes you about the MPG-01 head is its robust build. Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, it’s clear that durability was a priority in its design. The head feels solid and well-engineered, with a weight that balances portability with the necessary sturdiness to support heavy telephoto lenses.

The design is sleek and functional, with a focus on ease of use. The anodized finish not only adds to its durability but also gives it a professional look. The gimbal head is compact enough to be portable, making it a great choice for photographers who are on the move, which is often the case in motorsport photography.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of the MPG-01 is its intuitive design. Setting it up is straightforward, and it fits seamlessly onto almost any monopod. The base of the head contains a 3/8″ mounting hole to allow you to fit it directly on to a monopod. Alternatively, the base is arca-swiss compatible to allow you to mount it on to a panning head or ball head.

The controls are ergonomically placed, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. This is an essential feature when you’re tracking fast-moving cars on a race track. The tension adjustment knobs offer just the right amount of resistance, giving you precise control over your camera’s movements. This feature is particularly important in motorsport photography, where capturing the perfect panning shot often requires fine-tuning in a split second.

Performance in the Field

In the high-speed world of motorsport photography, the Leofoto MPG-01 truly shines. The gimbal action is incredibly smooth, allowing for effortless panning and tracking. This fluidity is crucial when you’re trying to keep up with a fast moving cars. The head’s ability to balance a heavy lens with ease means you can shoot for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.

I particularly appreciated the stability that the MPG-01 provided. Even when using a large telephoto lens, the head maintained a steady hold, reducing vibrations and ensuring sharp images. This is a significant advantage over traditional ball heads, which can struggle under the weight and movement demands of motorsport photography.

Versatility

While the Leofoto MPG-01 is designed with monopods in mind, it’s versatile enough to be used with tripods as well. This flexibility is a bonus for photographers who work in varying conditions and need a head that can adapt to different setups.

Additionally, the head’s ability to rotate 360 degrees horizontally and tilt +15°/-90° vertically means you have complete freedom to frame your shots as you see fit. Whether you’re shooting from a fixed position or moving along the track, the Leofoto Monogimbal Head adapts to your needs.

Value for Money

When it comes to photography gear, you often get what you pay for, and the MPG-01 is no exception. It’s priced competitively within the gimbal head market, offering professional-level performance at a more accessible price point compared to some of its higher-end competitors.

Given its build quality, ease of use, and outstanding performance, the MPG-01 represents excellent value for money. For motorsport photographers, it’s an investment that will undoubtedly pay off in the quality of your shots.

The Negatives

There aren’t really any negatives, but I did encounter one issue when using the MPG-01. This isn’t a fault with the head itself, but rather the camera and lens combination I was using. Ideally, I would like to have the lens on the left side of the monopod. This makes it easier for me to rest my left hand on top of the lens. With the lenses I have, this makes the camera body sit too close to the monopod head. There isn’t enough room to comfortably wrap my fingers aroung the camera grip.

As I previously stated, this isn’t the fault of the MPG-01. I have replacement collars or feet on my Nikkor lenses. I use ones that are arca swiss compatible to remove the need for tripod plates. These replacements are of a lower profile than the OEM ones. This means the lens sits closer to the tripod or monopod. An unfortunate biproduct of this is that the camera is also closer to the tripod or monopod head.

This isn’t a big issue, but it does mean I do experience an ache in my left shoulder after prolonged use.

Conclusion

The Leofoto MP-364C and MPG-01 are a powerful combination for motorsport photographers who need a reliable, high-performance gimbal head that can keep up with the demands of fast-paced shooting environments. Its combination of smooth operation, sturdy build, and user-friendly design make it an excellent addition to any photographer’s kit.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiast looking to elevate your motorsport or wildlife photography, the Leofoto MPG-01 is a piece of equipment that can help you capture those split-second moments with precision and ease. It’s a game-changer that delivers on its promises, making it a worthy investment for anyone serious about their craft.

I hope you found this information useful, if you have any questions about the Leofoto MP-364C and MPG-01, please leave them below or drop me an email.

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