Name: Sony VCT MP1 Multipod Monopod
Brand: Sony
SKU: SOVCTMP1
Price: 212.99 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 3 (6 reviews)

Sony MP1

Sony VCT MP1 Multipod Monopod

Sony

Adorama

Photography

Tripods & Supports

Monopods & Accessories

Monopods

Sony Monopods

Sony MP1 

Buy: Sony VCT MP1 Multipod Monopod Head Type: Tilt Top Head, Load Capacity: 4 lbs, Material: Aluminum, Maximum Height: 60", Weight: 2 lbs

Sony VCT-MP1  Set your Handycam camcorder on an advanced multipod that configures in 4 different ways. Perfect for crowded areas, low angle shooting and long record times. Made of durable aluminum.

From day one the telescoping joints would stick but gave it a while thinking it was just new and needed breaking in. Worked fine after breaking in period but just as soon as warranty ended it continually sticks in open (locked) position and lost its usefulness since it won't fit into luggage or backpack.

Not that great

Although light and ok in the monopod and desktop mode the tripod just does not cut it in my opinion. The legs appear to be too short and even extended does not give the stability you would hope for. The lowest part of the extension is too thin and even indoors the whole setup take time to settle and stop swaying. There is no way it is safe to take 2kg. I am no 7 stone weakling but I have trouble EVERY time I use it in loosening the locks to collapse the system. Nice idea but fails too often and is unreliable, certainly not worth anywhere near the price. I am sure others have positive views but in all honesty I have stopped taking it with me and it sits unused.

Sorry Sony but you got this so wrong.

It's a monopod, a mini tripod, a tripod .. the only thing it isn't, is an IPOD.

If you're a wedding photographer, forget it. If you're a run and gun internet guy, shooting videos where tripods are banned (or require special permits) like NYC ... and you're using light camcorders or dslrs ... this might be for you.

A tripod attracts attention. This doesn't. It extends about 5'. With practice, you can open and close it in a minute (do not practice in the field ... it. Run and gun internet videos are great. Stick your DSLR or a kodak zi8 and the world is at your doorstep. Compared to a tripod, people won't know you're videotaping. Just a lone stick. The local heat won't chase you down.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE ... the first 10 minutes ... the joints stick .. it will be though . you'll think it's broken ... after ... smooth as a baby's ...never mind ... not politically correct. I love it so much, I bought two ... and the in store price is a lot less.

IT's PHENOMENAL - FOR SOME OF US !

This is a great travel monopod - just a bit heavier.

a great multipod

When I decided to upgrade from the Sony RX100 to the Sony RX100/M2 a couple of months ago, I also looked at monopods to improve camera stability for still and video shooting. My good experience with both Sony pocket cameras factored into my decision to buy the Sony VCT MP1, which is a sturdy and versatile accessory IMHO. I've found that most of my in-the-field shooting has been with the minitripod base removed, using the monopod alone as a "third leg" as I move around. It is particularly useful fully extended for normal, eye-level shooting, or partially extended to brace against a bleacher seat or even in the belt pouch. The weight of the monopod with or without the minitripod helps me to stabilize camera movement during video. Between Sony's in-camera image stabilization firmware and the support of this monopod system, I can detect improvements in my shots and in 180 degree automatic panoramas. I'd recommend this product for serious amateurs and enthusiasts who are looking for a cost-effective, sturdy and multi-functional accessory -- it will improve your images and has the added benefit of giving you the appearance of professionalism to subjects you may approach to shoot.

MY THIRD LEG

This is a great idea - combining the versatility of a monopod with the stability of a mini-tripod, in an all-in-one package. However, the implementation has several major problems which render this product a non-starter. One of the extension monopod legs easily gets stuck, and you must attach the extra knob to its side to release it. The mini-tripod attaches to the monopod by screwing it in with the ball-head screw mount. When releasing the legs to "fold" them up. you wind up loosening the mini-tripod accidentally. These two facts make this multi-pod very clumsy to work with. When using such a mechanism in the field, one wants speed and ease of use - this offers neither. This multo-pod is also way to heavy. They need to make a much lighter weight version. For this weight, one might as well take a small carbon fiber tripod, which will be lighter. The carrying case (bag) accommodates the entire, assembled multi-pod, which is nice. But its top lid fastens with a flimsy velcro, and is easy to miss. Then, accidentally lift the symmetric back upside down, and your multi pod will come crashing down out of the bag, scratching up your ball-head.