Opteka CFM200 58" 5 Section 8x Carbon Fiber Monopod

by Opteka

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 16.9 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• ASIN: B003TP39QA
• Item model number: OPTCFM200
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #75 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Monopods
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 23, 2010

Product Description

Opteka carbon fiber monopods are significantly lighter than standard aluminum models without compromising performance. Its 8x technology features eight layers of carbon designed to provide maximum strength and stability while keeping the monopod's weight to a minimum. These are the perfect camera support for hiking and travel. Each monopod features both a 1/4" and 3/8" threaded mount to accommodate any camera or head.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Carbon Fiber Bargain, March 31, 2011

By 

Dr John Ficarro "Dr John" (Hollywood, SC USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka CFM200 58" 5 Section 8x Carbon Fiber Monopod (Electronics)

My prior experience has been with carbn fiber tripods. Compared to other materials it is exceptionally strong and lighter in weigh than aluminum or other metals. I wanted to get a carbon fiber monopod, but I couldn't justify the higher price since most of my work is done on a tripod. When I came across this one, I couldn't believe the price. I ordered it immediately along with a mini ball head. I've used it with my smaller cameras (Canon G12 and Panasonic Experio 670 camcorder). I turn off the anti shake feature and I've been really happy with the results. I was particularly pleased when I used it with my camcorder at high telephoto settings.

This is so light weight, that I don't mind including it when I'm hiking or doing a lot of walking when I travel. I don't know how this would work with heavier equipment. I still just use a tripod on my heavy duty equipment. But for compact cameras or camcorders, it really does the job. This is a real bargain. Look at some of the other carbon fiber monopads, and you will rush back and order this one. I highly recommend this. (I also discoverd accidently that a museum I weht to wouldn't allow tripods. But they had no policy on monopods, so I was able to shoot with it).

I can't really come up with any "cons". It is light, compact, and does what it is supposed to do.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No bad, not bad at all., January 15, 2011

By 

Zhou Yu "SL Trojan" (Murray, Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka CFM200 58" 5 Section 8x Carbon Fiber Monopod (Electronics)

Reasons for buying this: I recently lost my Bogen aluminum monopod and tried to look for an alternative. I am not a frequent user of monopods, so I am looking for value and lightweight. Looked around for a while and decided to take a risk buying this one. There was no review then. So for, buying this monopod has been a pretty good decision.

Like: lightweight, pretty well made (not as good as my old Bogen), not as cold for holding as my Bogen in real cold weather.

Dislike: a bit thin, shaking a bit when fully extended, the rotating release is not as good or convenient as the one on my old Bogen.

All in all, despite some minor concerns, I like this more than my old Bogen for its lightweight and for its relatively short folding length. It is very affordable.

NEW UPDATE:

Used for a while and fount more problems:
1. the rubber cushion on the bottom starts rotting and melting, even though I have not used it much.
2. customer service is a joke. Emailed my concern and got back a telephone number to call. But I has never been able to get someone to talk to. The telephone number seems to be a wrong one. Emailed again and got no more answers from the company.
3. the shaking is pretty noticeable when fully extended. Recently bought a Benro, which is similar in size but more robust. Certainly Benro is more expensive and significantly better built.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars why pay more when this works flawlessly, May 13, 2011

By 

BWL Cocoyo (HUMBLE, TX, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka CFM200 58" 5 Section 8x Carbon Fiber Monopod (Electronics)

A Carbon fiber monopod at this price is a bargain. Holds a 7D with 70-200mm f2.8 with no issues. Tested also with canon 100-400mm no problems. Do get a ball head like the inexpensive ones they sell on amazon, otherwise your movement is limited. Great product.

I dont understand why some people pay 200 for a monopod......