Customer Reviews

Trek-Tech TrekPod GO! Monopod/Tripod/Hiking Staff Multi-Use Tool for Image Stabilization for Digital Camera, Video Recorder and Other Optical Devices

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this Trekpod Go in Oct. The monopod is pretty light and very handy as it can be seperated into parts. However, the tripod cannot handle the weight of SLRs eventhough the manufacturers claim to support upto 9lbs.
I have used this but because of the legs being very thin, it shakes for slightest wind. When mounting an SLR its always good to use cable release.
Its a very good investment and is a good spacesaver while travelling.

It holds your camera with a good grip, and it is easy to walk with. Easy to arm, but don't be too confident as it is not too strong to support yourself. The locks on the telescoping mechanism are not strong enough to support weight)

I recently bought this from Optics Planet through Amazon. When you assemble this product, you do get feel of a solidly built product. I used it on a recent trip to Yosemite. It worked well as both a hiking stick and a tripod. Ofcourse it can not be compared to a real tripod in terms of stability but who wants to carry a tripod up the vernal falls trail.I found couple of areas that could be improved. The ring that screws tripod section to the main staff becomes loose during the hike. I am afraid, if you do not tighten this screw regularly during a hike, it will get damaged. Also if you take pcitures in portrait mode, one needs to use the heavy force magmount and that too can get loose sometimes with a heavy camera.

I'm an amateur photographer who shoots friend's wedding for ... free. I used to carry both tripod and monopod and I ended up using none. Tripod is too bulky and heavy. The monopod is not flexible enough; I hate to remove/install screw mount every time I switch between portrait and landscape.

Pro:
- Multi-purpose Monopod/Tripod/Hiking staff
- MagMount/AR is cool

Cons:
- a little bit expensive but I think it's worth it.
- tripod mode is not as stable as real tripod but I don't take picture in high wind so I'm OK.

I was extremely pleased when I received my "GO" stick. Very impressed with the quality of the product. Everything works like it's supposed to and does it well. A very versatile piece of equipment that has become a valuable part of my camera "stuff". I was tempted to chop off a half star for the stiffer price, but, in reflection, I think it was worth it. I haven't tested it with a heavier DSLR, but it works well with my lighter camera. I was not expecting the Tripod feature to be heavy duty, but it is sturdy enough to be useful. Would like to see a 1/4-20 stud on the lower tripod section so I could mount my camera as a mini tripod; but can't have everything. OEM people at Trek Tech very responsive and helpful with my questions.
Now I have to learn how to use a "hiking stick".

This is the ultimate photgraphers helper! This newest version is great with the capability to pack it in your luggage! The magnetic mount system is perfect! I bought one as a gift and they also love it!

I have just begun to use my tripod/momopod with my new camera and a shoulder-stock. For years I have carried a small,lightweight aluminum tripod on my African photo safaris I have taken and rarely did I ever have room to extend all the legs and use it for anything other than as an awkward monopod. This tripod can be used as a monopod/shooting rest for a heavy lens in conjunction with a shoulder-stock and is fast, and convenient without having to manuever three legs in all directons to set it up. I can also use it as a tripod with care (although my big D300 with the 80-400 Nikon VR lens attached is a bit top-heavy to trust it in a high wind...but that is not the kind of shooting I do anyway). I have the shooting rest attachment and have been taking photos around my house and the park nearby for practice and I am really pleased. I think this is the next best thing to lugging a full-size tripod around attched to the camera like Art Wolfe does. Its versatility, ability to be compacted into a case, and the fact taht it's a wonderfully-balanced hiking stick as well are all worth the price.

I bought a Trekpod two years ago, and have used it on a 16 day trip in Grand Canyon and several hiking trips in the Cascades. It is sturdy and works well as advertized. The feet are relatively stable in adjusting to numerous uneven surfaces. It is generally well designed, but by the standards of people who climb in alpine environments, it is very heavy steel. It would have been much better if they designed it with a strong modern lightweight steel, like Columbus Life. Also, there are numerous threads that are affected by sand, dirt and grit. The magnetic head is great--works fabulously, as long as you do not need to set a SLR in portrait mode--if you do, make sure to use the aluminum retaining brace (which I have now lost because the cheap shock cord broke). If you do not, you will quickly drop your camera. Ouch. The tripod also has many moving parts--too many--so you need to constantly pay attention to the tightness of the head pieces and be careful that you do not lose one, and that one of the many separate pieces does not fall off with your camera attached. I have been fortunate, and have caught loose flanges, etc., but have had too many near misses because screw threads loosened. Two small moveable pieces attach with cheap shock cords,and both have been lost. I asked for replacements within the warranty period, but did not receive them--in fact, Trek ignored my request for replacement parts and has never responded to me. Not very great customer service.

Due to the weight, and because it is inevitable that some pieces will fail due to the numerous moving parts, and some of the design weaknesses, I cannot recommend this product for alpine climbers or those for whom weight and reliability are important.

I did some research on Trek-Tech's Monopod & I noticed a recurring theme in that there was some sort of stability issue. When I received it i thought it might have been the legs but they were not the issue, it was just that the top tube will move a little, but that's just a design issue in that the top tube is thinner than the lower tubes, so i took it outdoors to a park on a very windy day to test it out.

I purchased the Creative Vado HD, Canon A590IS, and the SLIK 504QF-II Video Head to go along with the Monopod and here's what happened at the park...

It was very windy (15 m.p.h) and the Monopod was moving noticeably and the Monopod wrist strap was hitting the top tube constantly (but I didn't notice that until i reviewed my test footage) and I began to worry that the footage i recorded was going to be bad, but it wasn't! All the test footage came out super smooth with the Canon A590 (which has Image Stabilization) and especially the Vado HD which doesn't have (IS). I did use the Mag-Mount that came with the Monopod (for the Vado HD on top of the Slik Video Head), the Canon was a direct mount to the Video Head. If your wary about purchasing this Monopod I suggest you look into getting the SLIK 504 Fluid Video Head..it's inexpensive (under $75), smooth, has 3-way adjustability, and is designed for small camcorders, digi-cams, and DSLR's. I hope this review helps...good luck.


* Look under the products picture 'Customer Images' to see my pictures of the TrekPod. *

This thing is great! Small easy to carry, and great for hiking, but for those beautiful shots that just need the hands free the tripod is there for you!!!