Manfrotto MMC3-01 Compact 5 Section Aluminum Monopod for Cameras (Black)

This monopod is great, for what it is. If you're thinking about one of the $15 generic branded monopods (Dolica, Vivitar, Opteka, etc), I'd purchase this instead (and hey, I did!). It is small and compact. Great for traveling. While that means you can't abuse it like you could some other models (I'm looking at you, beefy Manfrotto 680B ), it is sufficient for almost any DSLR and lens combination, with the possible exception of the 300mm 2.8 primes (and larger). But you don't have those lenses, because you're a normal human being, with a finite budget. Yes, the smallest section is thin. You may find that you don't need to extend it. And don't lean on it sideways, because if you tried, you could damage it. But use it like a normal person, and it'll be fine for far more than the rated 3.3 pounds. It holds my Nikon D300 and 80-200mm 2.8 lens just fine (maybe 6 pounds?), and could safely hold a bit more. It also, with an accessory attachment ( this one is awesome!), makes a pretty good flash holder/extension pole thingie. Mount a speedlight on it, and use this light monopod to perfectly position the light for portraits (granted, it helps if you have an assistant for this). Note that the tripod screw it comes with is a 1/4" thread, not 3/8". That means that you can either mount a compatible ballhead on it, like the Professional Mini Ball Head Camera Mount , or get an adapter that will change it to a 3/8" thread (I'd recommend the Manfrotto 088LBP Adapter 1/4-Inch- 20 to 3/8-Inch with flange , though there are plenty others that will work). Oh, and you can always just screw the monopod into your camera. That works too, though it makes taking portrait-oriented images a bit tricky (note: same of ANY monopod without a head, not a criticism of this one). Anyway, it's small, it's light, it'll fit in your bag better than anything else out there, and it'll stabilize your camera and lens. Unless you intend to be rough with your gear (on the sidelines of football games, maybe?), it'll be fine. If you need something beefier, get that other one I mentioned (the Manfrotto 680B ). It's much stronger, much heavier, and extends more than this one. It's a beast, but it's pretty much indestructible).

My wife wanted a compact monopod to carry into the field while birding. This one is perfect and she leaves it connected to the camera most of the time. It's two inches short for me with our Nikon D5100 mounted directly to the monopod. I'm 5'11" and I have to bend down a little with it fully extended. I don't have a problem with that because I mostly use the electronic viewfinder rather than the optical one. For my wife, it's perfect. It's her camera and she's happy so I'm happy. Operationally, the flip levers are easy to operate for both locking and unlocking. It can be deployed or collapsed in 15 seconds or less. It's not fumbly at all. Since the telescoping leg is not a round cylinder it can't rotate. And that means the lock levers are always lined up. This is a good design point. With the camera attached, I added 10 lbs or so of additional downwards pressure on the grip and the leg locks didn't slip. The weight limit must be some legal liability issue. It doesn't feel weak in any way at the leg locks or the attachment point. It's a nice backpacking or hiking monopod. If you're looking for one that's lightweight and compact when collapsed it's perfect if it's not too short for you.

I only wish this had something to hold on in grass or similar surfaces. Aside fron that it is a nice and compact monopod. Also very lightweight!

Bought this for a trip to Seattle where we spent time at Pike Place market, and many museums. Handy tip- one, you are better off with a tripod when you can use one, but many crowed places will NOT allow you to use one for a simple reason- people who are in these places aren't looking at you, they are looking at the exhibits. They will trip over the extended tripod legs, possibly injuring themselves and damaging your equipment. Places that wouldn't allow a tripod had no problem with the monopd. If someone is going to run into it, they have to run into you. Its also easier to quickly adjust it to odd angles with a ballhead- I added a very inexpensive Giotto mini ballhead, which was only $12.95 here on Amazon and worked great! The combo was super easy, very lightweight and compact and quick to set up. Oval leg sections mean no torque movement. Stongly recommend if you travel and want something of good quality, light weight, and very reasonable cost.

It's indeed a very good product. The only problem is you will need a ball head to realize it's full potential.

Product is good. Little bit flimsy, when you extend the last piece of leg. I am using it only by opening first three extensions. You will require a ball head, without which you will be able to shoot only the objects in eye level. This is because; most of the monopod use methods are to lean against a support, which will tilt the monopod. To compensate this tilt, you require a ball head.

Nothing great. It is not as sturdy as they claim on the website. I have used it on many occasions and have not had problems but when you hold it in one's hand, it does not give you confidence that it would hold to the ground.