Manfrotto 679B Three Section Black Monopod with 234 Swivel Tilt Head by Manfrotto
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Digital camera reviews of Manfrotto 679B Three Section Black Monopod with 234 Swivel Tilt Head
Digital camera Review: Bogen-Manfrotto 3232 Monopod
Summary: 5 Stars
I had a lesser brand of mono pod. The ball bearings on the smaller sections were so hard to keep extended. When I wanted to wanted to capture them inside of the larger parts of the shaft, it pinched my fingers, the Bogen is a terrific solution to this and much more sturdy. It has snap/Flip locks to keep the monopod extended and make it easy to collapse. I take a lot of outdoor action sports shots, and it makes taking the actions shots so much more easier, especially with a long lens and shooting sessions that last for several hours. The price on Amazon was great also, it was easy to find the lower price and compare prices versus prices and shipping and handling fees. A great addition for any photographer that wants steady clear shots.Digital camera Review: Bogen-Manfrotto is the way to go!
Summary: 5 Stars
I initially purchased a cheap, lower quality monopod for $25 and let me tell you... I was not at all satisfied with it. While it was compact, it was flimsy and one of the locking levers for the legs promptly snapped off, not to mention the fact that it didn't have a swivel-tilt head, which made it very difficult to use.
After reading the reviews on this Bogen-Manfrotto model, I decided to give it a try. I'd have to say that I agree with all of these positive reviews about the product. The only down-side to this product is that it is a tad longer than some cheaper models and a little heavier, but I can't deny that this thing is built tough! The locking levers are beefy and really lock the sections tightly into position, when extended, with no worries of them slipping. They hold the sections so tight, you could even use this thing as a walking stick on a hiking trip, if you wanted to. The swivel-tilt head is big and solid, as well. The thumb-wheel for the camera screw (comes with both 1/4" and 3/8" size screws) is large, which makes it quick and easy to screw to the camera, as well as allowing you to really torque the camera down to the base. I have a Canon EOS XTI with a large 300mm lens and the swivel-tilt head held solid as a rock. I'm sure you could use it with a larger / heavier camera with no problems.
I guess the moral of the story is that you get what you pay for. Sure, this is a little more expensive than some other models, but if you want a sturdy monopod that will last, this is a model you should really consider.
Digital camera Review: Decent for the price.
Summary: 3 Stars
This tripod seems sturdy and is not too heavy. For an amateur photographer this is a good product.Digital camera Review: Great for those with the shakes, like me
Summary: 5 Stars
I have Essential Tremor and have trouble holding a camera still. Even with the new image stabilizing technology, photos still show signs of camera movement at times. This monopod has taken my photos to a new level. I no longer worry about the camera moving. When collapsed, it can be carried on cruises, hikes, etc. Construction is much heavier (but not heavy to carry)than I expected and the tilt head makes photos of things on the ground possible, too. Well worth the price.Digital camera Review: Make Mine Manfrotto!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Manfrotto makes hi-end tripods and monopods, and ball heads... and foot spikes... and, well, you get the idea. Though this monopod isn't the most expensive out there, it's certainly high-quality and quite handsome-looking. it's not carbon fiber, but it's not too heavy, either. right out of the box, you can tell it's well-made. it has one main shaft and two telescoping sections. fully extended with tilt head attached, it comes up to my chin--i'm 6/2"--and the quick-release locks don't wobble at all, but appear quite sturdy.
How sturdy? Well it's sturdy enough to be used as a walking stick in alpine conditions, as i recently found out when i shot a snowboard event in lake tahoe. i took the gondola to the top of a hill at northstar, and had to walk downhill to where the event was taking place. the slope was a bit steep, and without the manfrotto, it would have been much more difficult, if not suicidal; with it, i could poke into the snow and see how deep it was before stepping forward. the adjustable handle strap was designed for gear-lashing but comfortably and securely will fit around a gloved hand, while the padded grip not only offers comfort but insulates in cold climates. i suspect it'd be just as useful hiking in non-alpine conditions as well. and it could even be a lifesaver in urban or travel situations too, since it makes for a mean cudgel or staff if someone tries to punk you for your camera.
in many ways, the monopod makes more sense than a tripod since it's easier to carry and more collapsable. who wants to lug a tripod in their backpack? the downside vs. a tripod is obvious: it's not great for really long exposures (since you still have to hold it) unless you have a remote or cable and/or can brace it against something, but then manfrotto does offer some add-on support extensions if this is a big concern. it comes with a tilt head, basic yet solid, which appears to be sturdier than just the screw on the base of the 'pod. i know, it's not a ball head, but you can always upgrade, right? not much more to say about it other than it's not overpriced considering what you get for the money. for outdoorsy photographers the 'pod is a must, and this manfrotto doesn't dishonor their rep.