Bogen 3231 Professional Monopod with Deatchable Legs

by Bogen

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00007E7IL
• Item model number: 3231
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 3, 2002

Product Description

All the features of the 681B Professional Monopod with the handy addition of three retractable legs. The 682 is a black anodized aluminum three-section monopod featuring sure rubber grip, wrist carrying strap, quick action lever leg lock system with 45° flip, large 2.3" camera/head platform with plastic cover and dual 1/4-20" - 3/8" camera screw.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to your camera support equipment., November 14, 2005

By 

L. T. Beasimer "www.LBphoto.net" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bogen 3231 Professional Monopod with Deatchable Legs (Electronics)

Bogen/Manfrotto products are high quality professional gear and this monopod is no exception. The monopod is an important addition to every photographer's support equipment. Next to the tripod, the monopod is the best way to brace a camera when space is limited, or where weight may be a concern.

This monopod is comprised of three sections with quick action lever locks. The top screw fits my basic 3D junior head, but has a retractable sheath allowing the camera to easily attach. The top is padded for a comfortable grip and includes a strap. The base has a rubber foot to prevent slippage. The base also twists off to reveal a cavity containing three retractable legs for a tripod effect. Place the legs in the notches of the base and screw the base back onto the monopod and you now have a free standing monopod.

I first used this monopod on a trip to Rome as recommended by a well known camera shop in NY. I have to say they were right on the mark. I was surprised to see signs stating "No Tripods" at the sights yet I walked in with my monopod without any issues. The legs came in handy while standing on the top of a wall to get the perfect low light shot. And while walking through the ruins of Pompeii, I must admit I used it as a walking stick.

On a recent trip to Budapest, I decided to take the tripod instead. There were no tight spaces for me to be worried about, so the tripod worked well. However I noticed a big difference between carrying around the monopod and the tripod in terms of comfort and weight.

I have also noticed that the legs do not have the same stability of a tripod. When using the legs, I recommend weighting down the legs or staying near enough to grab a hold if needed. I use a Canon 20D and have quite a few L lenses making for a top heavy set up. I can see where a good gust of wind could easily topple this monopod with legs over. Another use for this monopod is as a stand for your off camera flash.

PROS:
Lighter than a tripod
Easy and quick to use
High quality

CONS:
Rattling legs
Not as stable as a tripod when using the legs

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good start, October 8, 2003

By 

Frank R Peterson (San Diego, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bogen 3231 Professional Monopod with Deatchable Legs (Electronics)

Not bad for a monopod, but legs could be secured better when stowed. It tends to rattle, so you'll have to use rubber bands to subdue the clunkiness. A shorter overall length, sturdier legs, and lighter weight would be ideal. Otherwise, a great device for not having to carry a much bulkier tripod. I highly recommend it if you're in the market for a high-end monopod.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars bad tripod mode, November 28, 2007

By 

unumshopper "unumshopper" (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bogen 3231 Professional Monopod with Deatchable Legs (Electronics)

I tried both this Bogen 3231 and Trekpod Go. The Trekpod Go won out.
- Inconvenient detachable legs: I have to remove/install everytime I want to convert to tripod/monopod mode. With trekpod, I can just collapse/expand the leg.
- Unstable legs: The legs are so small -> very unstable. The Trekpod legs are much bigger and are built-in -> much more stable.