Opteka 72-Inch Photo Video Monopod with Quick Release for Digital SLR Cameras and Camcorders Black

I use this for high-quality real estate photography. It stays on my camera. When I'm doing panoramas, I just plant the rubber foot on one spot and turn it around for however many pictures I need. Keeping it vertical is fairly simple. Easy to pan.Pros:1) it's CHEAP. Not necessarilly poorly made, but inexpensive.2) the little rubber foot works great indoors, the spike works great outdoors. I didn't expect this feature on a dirt cheap monopod.3) the foam rubber grip is large and well padded.4) adjustment levers are positive (though a bit flimsey)Cons:1) the thing stinks somewhat. Not sure what products they have but it has a peculiar odor to it that doesn't go away quickly.2) annoying and useless lanyard ring. I took the handstrap off and used a rasp to file down the little plastic thingy that the ring went through. It kept on chaffing my hand while I carried the camera3) the large plastic plate that goes against the camera turns for the last little bit as you tighten it. I'm worried it'll mark up the bottom of my camera.

This is the best monopod. Period. Light weight, simple, easy to use, inexpensive. In mere seconds, I can have this 'pod out of its case, attached to my camera, extended, and be filming - no fuss, no muss. I enjoy filming live music shows, and getting the perfect shot from within the crowd is almost impossible, but the Opteka makes even the most challenging of shoots simple. If the crowd is thin, I just extend to full and place on the floor for a steady shot at a 6'3" eyeline. If the crowd is dense, I can balance the 'pod on my belt and extend to a functional 9' or so, to catch a nearly drone like shot of the action. (Plus, when fully contracted, it makes and excellent defensive club - but you didn't hear that from me.) Wouldn't go to a show without it!

This is a very nice, inexpensive monopod. It's lightweight but feels very solid and sturdy. The adjustments are easy to use and the sections glide smoothly. The case is simple canvas but it's nice to have a cover. The size also works well. At its smallest, it should be easy to carry with a backpack and extends to 67", which should provide enough height for shooting pictures for most people. It's stable and holds well when taking pictures/video. Keep in mind, this is not like a tripod that can position the camera sideways or at angles (the head does not move). The camera simply attaches to the head of the pole and provides a little stability for your shots. You could certainly hold the pole at an angle but then obviously are losing the stabilization!I like this as a monopod but if you're looking for a unit that doubles as a walking stick, this isn't quite as good as others. The bottom has a rubber piece that can be lowered to cover the bottom pointed piece (to hold the unit steady in different terrains). This works fine but if you're in dirt, mud or sand, it can get into that area and create a cleaning challenge. Also, the screw to attach the camera at the top does not have anything to cover. Again, not a big issue if you're using the case and only pulling this out to use with a camera. Otherwise, use caution so you don't puncture anything with that screw (definitely not a big hazard but just something to be mindful of).I purchased a similar unit at REI that has a removable rubber cap on the bottom that completely covers the pointed foot (no dirt can get in) and also has a top cap that screws on to cover the mounting screw. Again, these are probably not issues unless you want to use this a a walking stick as well.Overall, great price for a sturdy, functional monopod.

If you shoot sports, concerts this is a perfect addition to your arsenal. The 'pod is well made though the locks are plastic, extends to a good height and well supplied (has a retractable spike foot and cool case). For the price you cannot beat it. Period. Unless you are a pro, don't waste money with more expensive brands, this is all you need. Mine is used a few times a year (school sports and concerts).After a couple of years of using it without a head I have recently added a Manfrotto tilt head, which cost more than the pod its self!!! But I wanted a quick release, hence the addition.Highly recommended!!!Update Aug 2013:I have read the negative reviews that others have posted and sympathize with them. However, my piece has been a great buy as it is still in use with no problems. All the leg locks are as tight as the day it came with no slippages, and the pod feels solid. It is lightly built, and one should accept that and not use it with heavy teles etc. However, it is disconcerting to hear that the main screw has sheared etc. Will be careful and vigilant to ensure that I do not run into the same problem.When I bought it I had never used a monopod and did not know if I would want to use one. But over the last few years I have discovered that I can use it quite effectively...for my kids sports events and concerts, mostly with my 70-200VR lens. When it dies I will replace it with a proper Manfrotto, but it seems to not want to die!!!

The top mount near the lever for the camera mount breaks easily. This is the second one that I have purchased that has broken. Disappointed in the durability of this product.

The product is good. The smell is almost unbearable. It smells like oil. I tried ti air it out and does not seems to be working. I will most likely send this back.

Un Lente con mucha nitidez, llego en su caja original sellada, con su funda y parasol. Una Belleza.

Great price and quality, works very well with my Gimbal.

SE VE BUENO PARA LO QUE ES

I've been using it for a couple months now on music videos photoshoots and battles and it being nice and light but not seeming flimsy works amazingly glad I finally got one!

No llego completo, le faltó la pieza adaptador de 1/4