Used Sirui P-426SR + VH-10X Photo/Video Monopod Kit

This collapsible monopod from Sirui features an adjustable-drag ball head, a patented safe-lock mechanism to keep your camera safely mounted, and several other components and factors that make it a must-have for serious videographers and photographers shooting on the go with heavy equipment.

The success of this design starts with what it's made of. The single extendable leg is made of sturdy 10-layer high-modulus carbon fiber, which is both lightweight and incredibly stiff, not to mention highly resistant to being bent out of shape, dented, or otherwise damaged by normal use. In addition to its strength as a structural material, carbon fiber also absorbs vibration in ways that aluminum and steel tubing wouldn't do, making this option advantageous for use on a temporary stage, in grandstands or bleachers, or anywhere the flooring beneath the camera isn't rock-solid. The base of the tripod is another noteworthy feature, with three fold-down feet to provide additional stability. For use on solid surfaces or indoors, there's a rubber foot, and an included spiked version lets you get the grip you need on grass or dirt. The fold-down feet are also detachable entirely, for instances where you just want a pure monopod.

The video head on this unit is perhaps where it stands out the most, providing locking, smooth-panning, free-rotation, and adjustable-drag functions to suit whatever your needs may be. All the head's parts are precision-machined aluminum, and you'll find a telescoping pan handle, a 4.4-pound counter-balance mechanism, a fully-adjustable tilt drag knob, and dual bubble levels for your most crucial alignments.