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Product Description
All the features of the professional Monopod 681 with a handy addition of three retractable legs. Dual 1/4” - 3/8” coaxial camera fixing screw. This replaces the Bogen Manfrotto 682.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
53 of 54 people found the following review helpful
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This is a beast of a monopod that will last a lifetime. If you are waffling between the carbon fiber monopods (Manfrotto 694CX Carbon Fiber 4 Section Monopod (Black) or the Manfrotto 695CX Carbon Fiber 5 Section Monopod (Black)) and this one, this monopod is way heavier than you might imagine. The big difference, weight capacity - the carbon fibers will hold eleven pounds and this one will hold over twenty five pounds. If I were a more casual non-sports photographer and not considering some heavy photography equipment, I'd go with the carbon fiber (your back and arms will thank you later).
The other key on this monopod, even folded up, it is long. The full extension is over six feet; completely closed it is around two and a half feet. The top end is outstanding - I'm six feet two and will be able to shoot verticals at full extension.
These two elements don't seem like much taken alone, but they do add up to a beast of a monopod.
There have been recommendations to use this without a head; I'm not in that camp at all. I think this requires a head. The problem with using the screw included, once you've screwed the camera in and tightened it, the camera is fixed to the monopod; no ability to rotate it, tilt it, or loosen the camera quickly. That screw is fixed solidly to the monopod body.
In my mind there were really only two choices for heads, Manfrotto 234RC Monopod Head Quick Release - Replaces 3229, or the less expensive but lighter without the quick release, Manfrotto 234 Monopod Tilt Head (Replaces 3232). I chose the quick release, I've used enough tripods and monopods without quick releases to know I personally need this feature.
This monopod, capped with the tilt head is a formidable camera device. The tilt allows very fast switching between horizontal and vertical framing - amazing how fast and simple that movement is. Adjustment up and down is silky smooth, the latches are firm and positive. The grip is massive; I have a large hand and appreciate a large grip. The hand loop is a bit odd, I'm sure I'll get used to using that.
The triangle legs are a nice addition. When it starts raining and I need to pull the monsoon cover over my camera, those three little legs will be a lifesaver. They are also excellent rest for this heavy monopod.
I use monopods mostly at sporting events, football. During play, I will likely not use the tripod legs; they will get in the way. However, between quarters, those will come out to rest my arms. My camera equipment is not horribly heavy, a Canon XTi and 75 to 300mm Tamron zoom. I'm going to upgrade to a 7D and maybe a much larger telephoto - therefore I opted for this beast of a monopod. My previous monopod was a freebie that came with an old Tamron telephoto. It was light weight and not very satisfying to use.
The tripod legs screw off the bottom of the monopod. The threading is a bit complicated and easy to cross thread. The legs flop around a ton while you are messing with this attachment. The whole leg assembly is attached by three Allen set screws. Manfrotto supplies an Allen wrench to remove the whole assembly.
When not using the tripod legs, there is a nice rubber tip that will work well on floors and will dig into turf reasonably well.
I'm used to the beefiness of Manfrotto and Bogen - I have a massive old Bogen tripod that will never ever die. Everything about these two companies is solid silky smooth construction.
My biggest problem with Manfrotto was sorting through all the options, there are just way too many. They have monopods at virtually every price point, and then monkey around with combination monopods. They are a bit like buying a car, sometimes a model up gets you more for less money. This monopod with the swivel head was exactly the money I wanted to spend and got the ruggedness I was hoping for.
If you will put a video camera on one of these, this is a similar monopod, but with a fluid head at a very nice price point, Manfrotto 560B Fluid Video Monopod with 234RC Head (Black).
I fully expect to get run into by a football player this season (I got kicked last season). I also fully expect this monopod will come out unhurt. If you register on line, the warranty is extended to five years, but doesn't cover being run over.
The other key on this monopod, even folded up, it is long. The full extension is over six feet; completely closed it is around two and a half feet. The top end is outstanding - I'm six feet two and will be able to shoot verticals at full extension.
These two elements don't seem like much taken alone, but they do add up to a beast of a monopod.
There have been recommendations to use this without a head; I'm not in that camp at all. I think this requires a head. The problem with using the screw included, once you've screwed the camera in and tightened it, the camera is fixed to the monopod; no ability to rotate it, tilt it, or loosen the camera quickly. That screw is fixed solidly to the monopod body.
In my mind there were really only two choices for heads, Manfrotto 234RC Monopod Head Quick Release - Replaces 3229, or the less expensive but lighter without the quick release, Manfrotto 234 Monopod Tilt Head (Replaces 3232). I chose the quick release, I've used enough tripods and monopods without quick releases to know I personally need this feature.
This monopod, capped with the tilt head is a formidable camera device. The tilt allows very fast switching between horizontal and vertical framing - amazing how fast and simple that movement is. Adjustment up and down is silky smooth, the latches are firm and positive. The grip is massive; I have a large hand and appreciate a large grip. The hand loop is a bit odd, I'm sure I'll get used to using that.
The triangle legs are a nice addition. When it starts raining and I need to pull the monsoon cover over my camera, those three little legs will be a lifesaver. They are also excellent rest for this heavy monopod.
I use monopods mostly at sporting events, football. During play, I will likely not use the tripod legs; they will get in the way. However, between quarters, those will come out to rest my arms. My camera equipment is not horribly heavy, a Canon XTi and 75 to 300mm Tamron zoom. I'm going to upgrade to a 7D and maybe a much larger telephoto - therefore I opted for this beast of a monopod. My previous monopod was a freebie that came with an old Tamron telephoto. It was light weight and not very satisfying to use.
The tripod legs screw off the bottom of the monopod. The threading is a bit complicated and easy to cross thread. The legs flop around a ton while you are messing with this attachment. The whole leg assembly is attached by three Allen set screws. Manfrotto supplies an Allen wrench to remove the whole assembly.
When not using the tripod legs, there is a nice rubber tip that will work well on floors and will dig into turf reasonably well.
I'm used to the beefiness of Manfrotto and Bogen - I have a massive old Bogen tripod that will never ever die. Everything about these two companies is solid silky smooth construction.
My biggest problem with Manfrotto was sorting through all the options, there are just way too many. They have monopods at virtually every price point, and then monkey around with combination monopods. They are a bit like buying a car, sometimes a model up gets you more for less money. This monopod with the swivel head was exactly the money I wanted to spend and got the ruggedness I was hoping for.
If you will put a video camera on one of these, this is a similar monopod, but with a fluid head at a very nice price point, Manfrotto 560B Fluid Video Monopod with 234RC Head (Black).
I fully expect to get run into by a football player this season (I got kicked last season). I also fully expect this monopod will come out unhurt. If you register on line, the warranty is extended to five years, but doesn't cover being run over.
87 of 93 people found the following review helpful
I got this monopod because not every place allows tripods. Many museums and other places you may want to go to take photos don't want you bringing in a huge tripod and setting up in front of a piece of artwork (that is if they even allow photos). I have found that many places will allow monopods. I shoot a Canon 40D with the battery pack. I am able to use the 28-135mm f/3.5 USM with no problem in stability. I have not tried it with the 70-200mm f/2.8L USM but that is a lot of weight so I might not get that brave.
The camera will screw right onto the monopod without a head and you can raise or lower it quickly. To stabalize the shot while using as a monopod I suggest placing your hand in (not all the way through)the provided strap so that your hand pulls down on the strap and gripping the well cushioned top section of the monopod. Another added benefit of using this piece is that it makes you look more professional and people will stay out of your way while you get the shot. For wedding/event photography, this is a must have.
The light weight makes it easy to carry around and the quick setup will help when there is nothing to lean on to stabalize yourself. You will need to practice screwing the camera to the monopod if you don't intend on leaving it attached since the first few times it is a little difficult to begin threading the screw in. After a while you'll be an old pro at it.
To muffle the sound the legs make while stored inside the monopod, try some rubber bands wrapped around the top and middle of the legs. If you want to get real fancy, you can buy velcro straps as well. You may have to cut them to length to make sure they fit inside with the legs.
Happy shooting.
The camera will screw right onto the monopod without a head and you can raise or lower it quickly. To stabalize the shot while using as a monopod I suggest placing your hand in (not all the way through)the provided strap so that your hand pulls down on the strap and gripping the well cushioned top section of the monopod. Another added benefit of using this piece is that it makes you look more professional and people will stay out of your way while you get the shot. For wedding/event photography, this is a must have.
The light weight makes it easy to carry around and the quick setup will help when there is nothing to lean on to stabalize yourself. You will need to practice screwing the camera to the monopod if you don't intend on leaving it attached since the first few times it is a little difficult to begin threading the screw in. After a while you'll be an old pro at it.
To muffle the sound the legs make while stored inside the monopod, try some rubber bands wrapped around the top and middle of the legs. If you want to get real fancy, you can buy velcro straps as well. You may have to cut them to length to make sure they fit inside with the legs.
Happy shooting.
38 of 41 people found the following review helpful
By E. Post
I really like the fact that this product can be used as a mono or tri pod. Sturdy stand. Tripod legs are metal and small in diameter so if on rough ground can be "stuck" into ground to make sturdy. Only complaint is that the tripod legs rattle inside the pole when hiking.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Works well with my equipment.
I use this monopod for my DSLRs and camcorders. In fact, I liked it so much I purchased two of them. 4 stars instead of 5 because the tripod legs rattle when stored in the unit.
Published 27 days ago by A.J. Nunez
5.0 out of 5 stars
I really love this monopod
This is a heavy duty monopod that can also act like a tripod. Very sturdy and reliable. I highly recommend this.
Published 1 month ago by Solarbears
4.0 out of 5 stars
Useful
Light, versatile. The bottom stand can come unscrewed if you are not paying attention but that is easily avoided. Please with the purchase.
Published 2 months ago by P. Rattue
5.0 out of 5 stars
Monopod Plus
This is a very well constructed monopod being of heavier weight metal. The plus is a set of feet cleverly stored within the cylinder. Read more
Published 4 months ago by SanPa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Love this product. I have a manfrotto tripod which I really love but sometimes you just need a monopod especially when you can't afford the bulky tripod. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Jerome N. Gonzales
5.0 out of 5 stars
great job
Does the job and it gets better the bottom is rubber giving me the ability to do cool shots..................
:)
:)
Published 5 months ago by David
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rock solid monopod
Heavy and long, but this thing is ROCK solid. I used it in concert with a Manfrotto 393 head for a 400mm lens and I was extremely impressed with it and very glad I made this... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Thomas Feist
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Sturdy Monopod
I purchased this monopod to replace carrying a tripod on hikes in the mountains where the extra weight wore me down. Read more
Published 5 months ago by LoN
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poor design, DO NOT BUY IT!
I as write this review, I am getting ready to go to the post office to return this monopod. I bought it because it sound great. It was self standing! Read more
Published 8 months ago by Marx Lives
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great functionality, but it's heavy and needs a video head
I bought this monopod for use in shooting stills/video. I shoot sports, and there's a fair bit of run-and-gun style shooting, so this works better than a large tripod. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Marlo Stanfield
