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

This monopod has to be the most compact full-size monopod I've ever seen. I have two other monopods, one a  Manfrotto 680B , and the other a  Leupold Trek Pod II , but neither is as compact (both in width and length) when fully retracted (The Manfrotto 680B is in fact about 3 times the width and quite a bit longer). Depending on the weight of your camera setup (body + lens) and whether you'll be using a ballhead (both issues addressed under "Camera Setup" and "Use of a Ballhead," respectively), this monopod may or may not be the ideal choice.Camera Setup------------This monopod is of course made for a specific market, namely users of lightweight cameras/camcorders. If you need a monopod for a lightweight camera (either a compact camera or one of those smaller compact camera/DSLR hybrids) or a compact camcorder, this monopod is a good choice.When retracted, the length of the monopod is 15-1/2" (just slightly longer than a 12-inch Subway sandwich). When fully extended, it measures 57-1/2". The largest section is 1" in width (not counting the grip, which is a tad larger at 1-5/16"). Note: the cross section of the monopod is oval, not round, which helps to make the monopod relatively flat for wedging it in tight spaces in a backpack.The 3-lb weight rating from the specifications for this monopod is somewhat of an overestimation. Don't get me wrong, this monopod will hold 3-lb -- or more. But if you mount a heavier (2 or more lbs) camera on the monopod and lean your body weight slightly into the monopod to plant it firmly into the ground for extra stability, the sections will start to bend a little.A word about the use of a monopod: After doing quite a bit of googling and youtubing, I find the most stable way to use a monopod is to use the bottom end of the monopod as a pivot and angle the monopod towards you (vs. placing the monopod vertically) and then lean your body slightly into the monopod to firmly plant the bottom end of the monopod into the ground. Next, adjust the ballhead (sold separately) accordingly to level out the camera.With that said, if you're getting a monopod for a bigger camera (such as a Canon 5D or 7D) AND you're leaning into the monopod, you're better off with a sturdier monopod, like the  Manfrotto 680B Monopod  (which when coupled with the  Manfrotto 678 Folding Base  turns the 680B monopod into both a monopod AND a tripod -- nifty!). I use the 680B for my 7D and use this monopod only for my compact  Sony Cybershot  and  camcorder .Use of a Ballhead-----------------This monopod comes with a 1/4" (20 threads per inch) to 3/8" (16 threads per inch) adapter (the 1/4" diameter is for mounting the camera directly onto the tripod while the 3/8" diameter is for mounting a ballhead). There are a couple of problems:(1) When unscrewing the ballhead, the adapter sometimes comes off the monopod and remains screwed into ballhead (this problem is intrinsic to 1/4" to 3/8" adapters).(2) It's easy to screw the adapter on too tightly. I did so, and had to use a pair to pliers to unscrew it from the monopod (the adapter left a permanent depression at the base of the screw atop the monopod). I suspect this problem would not have occurred if the material at the base of the screw had been high density rubber.I would have preferred if this monopod had used an adapter much like the one on the 680B. On the 680B, the 3/8" adapter is a retractable sleeve permanently affixed over the 1/4" screw -- a much better design (and an ingenious one at that).Quality-------Last, the monopod is made in China (the 680B is made in Italy), but the quality is really quite good. The sections retract and extend very smoothly. There is barely any friction between sections, so the monopod can be extended or retracted very quickly. Overall, the monopod is well-built and looks polished (it doesn't look cheap to be sure).---I have no other complaints about the monopod (other than the overrated weight limit and problems with the 1/4" to 3/8" adapter). Recommended for lightweight compact cameras and camcorders.

This is great for traveling since it is so lightweight and easy to fit into luggage. Measuring my bags compared to most of the other popular tripods on Amazon, those others would have been a very close squeeze. I was able to slide this monopod into my  Lowepro Photo Hatchback 16L Camera Backpack - Daypack Style Backpack For DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras  without a problem. It is less than a pound but when using with my Canon Rebel and 70-300mm lens the monopod would be a little bendy, kind of defeating the purpose of a monopod but still probably better than trying to handhold the camera with lens extended. I am 6' tall and even at full extension I had to hunch over a bit. Fine for snapping a couple of shots while on a hike, but could get old if I was trying to photograph a soccer game or something like that. It is well made as I have come to expect from Manfrotto and while I did end up picking up a cheap min-ball head mount I found that I didn't really need it.Bottom Line: Recommended if you are looking for a travel monopod

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).

Truth be told what I like most about this monopod is its price. We have others that suit our needs better so this one will probably not see much use. The biggest problem, for us, is that the bottom tip of this monopod does not fit into any of the tripod bases that we own and when writing to Manfrotto asking for advice on what we might be able to buy to fit this monopod into a tripod base they were NOT at all helpful. we expected more from Manfrotto. Big disappointment writing to them for advice. We got nothing useful from them at all.

This mono-pod has proven to be very useful for my JVC Everio video cam and my Canon SX40 still camera. I looked at quite a few mono-pods trying to find one that collapses this short and extends taller than the walking stick type. This does all, it is very light and compact and has quick action cam clamps. I find that I would like to add the attachment for using my still camera in the vertical position.

It's ridiculously small and compact, but very useful and with the Manfrotto quality finish. I've been using it for a month now to shoot MLS games here in Montreal. The weight limit has to be some kind of liability, because I've been using with my Canon 7D, with grip and a 70-200 f4 (non IS) and the thing won't move, no "creep". At full extent it feels a little flimsy, it even "vibrates", but locks hold up perfectly.Height could be a problem for many, though I use it while seated most of the time. I'm 1,73 mts and at full extent my viewfinder is at just perfect height. Someone taller could be in trouble.I completely recommend it

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.

Very good construction and design. Lightweight and strong. Perfect for light traveling

This is a full size monopod but it can fold short enough to fit in my regular backpack, sturdy and light, very satisfied.