Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

The first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the construction. You could tell immediately that this was built with quality in mind.

The unit is light and compacts nicely for storage into a roll-a-board for traveling.

Expansion and contraction of the sections is easy and it locks solidly into place. I did notice that you have to make real sure the upper sections are very tight in order to change the lower sections length. I do not really see this as an issue though.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

This compliment very well with my newly aquired Nikkor 70-200mm F/2.8 telephone which weights a ton, and when it's not in used it's light enought for hiking stick.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I would have given this monopod five stars if you had asked me last month. It is very light weight and well made, as far as it goes.My rating has been downgraded to three stars because the Slik 381 CF comes with only a 1/4-20 connector. This will go directly into your camera. However, the day will come when you want to be able to shoot in portrait mode. Then, you will discover that many of the best ball heads, the Bogen-Manfrotto heads included, require a 3/8-16 screw to attach to the monopod/tripod.Get the Flashpoint F-2560 instead which comes with both screws included. No monopod this expensive should be so limited. You're either stuck with landscape mode or committed to a quick connect system you may not want in the long run. [...].

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

As a senior citizen holding a camers with a long lens becomes a problem. Also carrying additional weight is not fun.

The Slik Monopod solves both problems for me. It's light,quick to open and steadys the camera.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I had previously purchased an aluminum Bogen Manfrotto monopod and found it to be very flimsy, granted, I didn't pay that much for it. I decided to move up to a carbon fiber monopod and, after reading reviews on several models, decided on this one, for about 30% more than I paid for the flimsy one. It is so worth it! I can actually lean on this monopod and it doesn't budge, even when fully extended. It's also about 6" taller than the others I was looking at -- right at 6' tall. I also like the strap design on a ring around the head. The strap on the other one kept coming off. Can't think of any cons... a great purchase all around. Now I'm looking at Slik's carbon fiber tripods.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I use this monopod with a D80 and telephoto lenses mainly for shooting sports. It gives me an extra measure of stabilization I find useful at long range even with VR engaged. The monopod is light, sturdy and easy to use.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I got this to perform the image stabilization function for the Olympus E-420 I take with me while on pleasure rides (motorcycles). The camera will fit in my tank bag, and with Rok straps, the monopod secures nicely to my luggage rack.

This is the first monopod I've ever had or used, so I'm not qualified to compare it to any others; for all I know, more experienced and sophisticated monopod users may find fault with it, but I find it quite helpful and worthwhile. I also got a small ballhead for it.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I need a light weight support.. price and features caught my eye.. Glad I got it!

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

Although tripods and monopods seem bulky, there is no good sustitute when you need predictable stability. This monopod fits into my photo needs when I have a sudden need such as in wildlife. portraits, or landscapes especially with telephoto lens. The light weight is really a bonus when you have lot of equipment.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I take pictures of fast moving model planes. With long lenses, the lens weight has been a problem. This monopod with the Bogen 3225 head has made a big difference in ability to stay on target and slow down the shutter speed. I've even used it as a gunstock mount!

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I bought this monopod because it apparently does the same as other comparable monopods for half the price. It does not however come with interchangeable mounting screws. It only has a 1/4" screw. I bought the Bogen / Manfrotto 486RC2 ball-head to use with it as I found the Bogen 3229 head too limiting in its movements, only one axis and does not carry that much weight. The 486RC2 does however not fit. I hope to find an adapter. If not, I will have to return this monopod. If there is no such adapter then I am not so sure I can recommend the Slik 381. Otherwise the top plate and construction is of plastic so it is probably not as durable as a Bogen / Manfrotto monopod. Half price comes at a price...

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

Lightweight, sturdy monopod. No complaints-I use this with a Bogen quick release-works great with D300 and 80-200 2.8.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I use the Slik Pro Pod 381 Carbon Fiber Monopod with my Canon 40D and a 75-300 zoom. When trying to photograph sports stabilization is very helpful. The support is also helpful since your arms can get tired holding up a few pounds of equipment. The thing I like best is the light weight and how compact it is when folded up which makes it easy to carry and stow. This pod also extends taller than many others. That is a big plus so I don't have to bend over to look through the viewfinder when standing on the sidelines.

I put a Bogen 3229 swivel/tilt head on and that makes a sweet combination.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

Just learning how to use a monopod. Learning quickly, I am glad I bough the light weight CF model

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I use the Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod to support a Nikon D200 with a Sigma 50-500mm DG HSM Lens for wildlife photography. The camera body and lens weighs about six pounds all together and the monopod has plenty of strength to support the gear. Yet, this monopod is very light weight and hardly noticable. Additonally, it opens up quite quickly. This is very helpful since most of the times I have to hike in several miles of dense forest and shoot quickly fleeting subjects.

Comments about Slik Slik Pro Pod 381 CF Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I combined my new Slik monopod with a Bogen 3229 head - very happy with the combination. Like other higher-end Slik products this was less expensive than comparable cf monopods from other manufacturers. A great purchase for me.