Manfrotto 682B Self-Standing Pro Monopod, Black Anodized with with 234 Quick Release Swivel Tilt Head.

2016-12-29T11:46:52

To be frank the Mono Pod was a gift for my photographer son who is much more into these things than am I, but I was impressed by its novelty and the quality of its' manufacture. My only negative is its' weight but I will assume that the more expensive versions are lighter. I think it is a good value and a useful tool for any photographer who needs a platform more stable than his arms but who does not want to hump a heavy tripod all over the place!!!

ROBERT M.

2016-11-14T04:53:59

First time I tried to use it, I almost dropped my 300mm 2.8! Joints are not reliable. The monopod collapsed the first time I used it. Locks are not strong enough for big glass. Sending back. Don't know if it's just mine, but do not trust now.

John R.

2016-10-10T08:31:11

This monopod will be perfect for our trip to Africa. Moderate weight, sturdy enough for my size camera, good Manfrotto quality.

Jeff H.

2016-10-05T10:54:23

I shoot lots of sports with big lens. The is by far the better monopod you can buy.

RON C.

2016-09-29T10:11:00

I highly recommend this particular monopod and the brand Manfrotto. It never fails because I still using my existing 680B which still functioning for all my purpose as a photographer. As an additional monopod, the self stand helps and strong.

Jorge C.

2016-08-29T13:11:51

I have been to several locations were tripods are not allowed. I needed a stable base and was looking for a monopod that would provide assistance. I noticed the self-standing addition to this momopod so I quickly ordered it to use. I have used it on several occasions and am happy with the results. This needs to be used on a flat surface when using the extension legs.

BILL N.

2016-08-26T11:12:18

I like this product very much. It's light weight but sturdy, works well with my camera, and is very portable around my studio and on location. I have another, much heftier tripod for landscapes, but this is great for portraitures.

Jill R.

2016-08-22T10:22:13

This is my 2nd purchase of this self-standing monopod. This one goes to my daughter. I use my pod on uneven marshy ground where a tripod is not suitable. The pod is well built and very sturdy, also easy to carry and set up. No regrets, buy one!

philip t.

2013-05-12T21:00:00

I have found many uses for this handy self standing mono-pod. We carry several of them and not always for cameras. I've found them useful for holding speed lights off camera for adding accent lights in larger spaces for events such as parties or receptions. Battery packs hang from the strap and the base of the SB-910 unit remains on the monopod during break down and storage. This results in very quick setup and takedown. Leaving the cold shoe also allows me to use pocket wizards on them. I place them in corners out of traffic areas and velcro strap them to other vertical stanchions for added stability. They are HEAVY and this is a plus for stability. As an unexpected bonus, I was doing a video and had to grab and move the camera to a new location during a ceremony- the weight of the mono-pod kept the camera unit stable, upright and acted as a makeshift steady-cam unit. I just held my hand on the mono-pod about 1/4 of the way down from the top and this resulted in fluid movements and stable shots, then when I was in a good vantage point, I simply lowered the mono-pod with video camera to the legs and it was perfect. Two things had to be overcome- When using a video camera that doesn't have sound isolation with the microphone, when lifting the mono-pod with the legs extended, they vibrate and transmit noise through the unit to the microphone and ruin the audio. I now lace rubber bands over and under each leg to dampen out this movement/vibration and it's now flawless for a small mobile video stand. Second problem was that the legs don't firm right up when the insert is screwed back into the base... you have to screw them in, put weight on the unit and then screw them in some more. I also take the rubber bands and wrap the legs together when placing them back inside the mono-pod for storage or when using as a true mono-pod. This eliminates any interior movement or noise... a velcro strap works nicely also if you don't have rubber bands handy. I'm writing this review as I've returned for a fourth purchase of this mono-pod today. I vote with my dollars and this unit gets my vote hands down. Yes, I would certainly recommend it to a friend... Versatile, handy and inexpensive.

FREDERICK D.

2013-02-12T19:00:00

I bought it for my husband as a gift. He's a professional photographer and he loves it! He's excited about using it.

KAREN M.

2012-12-12T19:00:00

Good monopod, but don't let it stand alone with a camera on top and trust the little triarms. The tripod legs held stablize it as you push down to shoot.

Thomas K.

2012-09-30T21:00:00

This unit works great in small spaces, packs easy and most of all, it holds my Canon 5D2 well loaded while giving me hands-free ability to do something else without tying me holding it all the time like a regular monopod. A bit heavy but I got a nice shoulder bag for it. This is a great buy.

Sfteve

2012-06-17T21:00:00

This is a well made mono pod with feet which is an excellent alternative when a tripod can't be used. Easy to use, quick setup and take down.

FRANK F.

2012-06-03T21:00:00

I purchased this because I wanted a mobile tripod (so to speak). It work s great, my biggest gripe is that the tripod les are noisy when they are screwed inside and you're using it as a monopod. However, if you wrap a piece of tape around the legs and then store them, that cuts down on the noise a bit. Also, I wish it was a bit more sturdy as a tripod but it will work for my needs. Still a great buy.

Reginald W.

2012-05-06T21:00:00

I thought this would be a good alternative to pack in my suitcase for travel, but just as heavy as my full size carbon fiber tripod and of course, not as stable. Takes up less space, yes, but really not worth the trade off.

Aprilmo

2011-09-04T21:00:00

I've been using the tripod mainly for taking pictures of butterflies.

Philip

2011-03-13T21:00:00

This monopod is compact enough to put in the suitcase while traveling.It's a well made and sturdy monopod, but too heavy with 3 standing legs.

PING C.

2010-11-20T19:00:00

I know this was going to be a little long but it is very long and very heavy. The feet are not easy to get out or put on. One reviewer said you get use to it but why should you? Great idea just needs to be engineered better for use. I bought another tripod,carbon fiber, and much happier. However, much poorer.

Linda S.

2009-09-01T21:00:00

Sometimes you need to stabilize your camera just a little and a monopod is a great tool. This one adds tripod legs that aren't as stable as my reliable, heavy tripod, but with a careful set-up I can get macro shots that would not be possible with a simple, lightweight monopod. Fits in my suitcase on trips and is always in my car.

William F.

2009-05-03T21:00:00

Great product especially if you need a tripod but are in tight quarters such as an indoor botanical garden where there are many people and a regular tripod would only be in the way. A bit heavy but needs to be for support.

ljgent

2009-03-29T21:00:00

Had cheaper tripod and monopod, gave them away and got this. So far it has exceeded expectations, do a fair amount of walking in the woods and on the beach. Wanted something that kinda hit halfway. Some far, so good...

bayoubooger

2008-12-29T19:00:00

I use this monopod for my daughter's soccer games. It provides excellent stability. The tripod foot is great for when I want to leave it in one spot without laying it down, although it restricts typical monopod freedom, especially on uneven ground. Highly recommended.

sls

2008-12-28T19:00:00

This product is very good and functional in most cases but with the legs engaged it moves (sways) making it difficult to obtain a steady picture, so the functionality of the legs is very limited.

HJ

2008-11-20T19:00:00

I bought this because I couldn't find a tripod I wanted to lug around. The ones that were heavy duty enough to hold my D300 + 80-400 zoom were simply too heavy to carry, while the ones that were light enough to carry were not stable enough. This fits both requirements. Also, when shooting animals or birds, I didnt' have enough time to set up the tripod, position the camera, set the exposure, record the image, etc. Monopods don't require that degree of effort. Its really not that heavy. I've carried it all day long through the zoo and Desert Museum fully loaded with camera and lens. I've carried it over semi-tough terrain again fully loaded. Its going to seem heavier if your carry it from place to place fully extended. But, being a monopod it only requires extending one set of legs -- i.e., that's one-third the time. Its not as stable as a tripod -- the legs do not provide that degree of support, of course, it wasn't designed for that purpose. BUT, the legs will support the unit such that a cable release or other remote can be used. I put on the 486RC2 ball head because it is equally compact and works well particularly when the legs are extended on semi uneven ground. This product does what it was designed to do and is a very good value.

Sunshine J.

2008-06-20T21:00:00

I have owned this high quality product for several years, and have used it in many different applications. For example, chasing thru fields and woods photographing Civil War re-enactors from Gettysburg to Antietam to Harpers Ferry to New Market to Appomattox, etc. I added a longer strap so the monopod can be worn over my shoulder. I also recommend adding one of the Manfrotto Quick Release adapters like 3229 the to your monopod.

PhotogNut

2008-03-05T19:00:00

When hiking in the woods it is a good piece when used with the spike attachment. It allows you to use the camera in remote mode when set up as tripod.

Jim

2007-12-29T19:00:00

Have used It in the field, at festivals and family gatherings. On several cameras all with great results. Even loned it out for prom and graduation. A bit heavy, but a stable platform.

ranger650

2007-09-25T21:00:00

Light enough for treks. Frees up both hands for manipulating the lens and the camera. The self standing feature is only useful for a stand alone flash. I gave it a 4 cause the legs rattle when collapsed (a source of irritation/distraction while trekking).

VIJAY L.

2007-07-31T21:00:00

Bought this monopod at Adorama in September 2006 and added a Manfrotto ball head. I mainly use with with a compact p&s digital camera. I use it (monopod) mainly for added stability in low-light street shooting. I rigged a strap to it and carry it across my back like a sling. It's light (but stable) and much less obvious and cumbersome than using a tripod. I've also used it with the legs for self-portraits and longer exposures. Additionally, with the legs extended, it's held my film SLR's with no problem, and my SLR's are all big, heavy cameras. No, you probably can't mount a 400mm lens on it, nor would I shoot exposures longer than a couple of seconds, but for everyday shooting (for me) it beats carrying around a tripod.

Iron H.

2007-06-30T21:00:00

In a short time I have owned it, I have used it to replace heavier tripod 95% of time. As a "tripod", I have also used this Made in Italy (a surprise) monopod to properly position my external&remotely controled (by a master flash) Nikon speed lights. Wonderful piece of metal.

miroslavD