Velbon Ultra Stick Super 8 Monopod - Black

This monopod helps me take pictures with my super-zoom lensed camera quickly. It is not as steady as a tripod, but I need to take pictures too quickly for a tripod. I can't rate long term reliability, but as a new product it is a marvel in engineering. I was concerned that there are 8 sections that could cause problems. A standard tripod/monopod would mean locking and unlocking them all independently, taking too much time. On this monopod they all lock and unlock together. If you don't get them done correctly, it's a quick correction. The other reason for buying this was the super short folded length. It fits into my photo bag for storage. This attaches directly to a camera, but not quickly. I purchased a quick-release head for it.

Many years ago, in a former life, I sold cameras in what was at the time, the largest camera store North of Boston. We sold everything up to and including Hasselblad. One of the lesser-known brands I discovered was Velbon tripods. While I have owned a number of different brands of camera supports (including Bogen, Gitzo, and Manfrotto) I really like the way Velbon equipment handles and the durability. I also find that they tend to offer more unusual and innovative features than the big boys. The Ultra Stick Super 8 monopod is a classic example of this.I've had a number of different style tripods with the twist rings, flipper locks, and 'automatic' lock/unlock legs. I quickly learned that tripods with flipper locks worked best for me for stability, quick deployment, and collapsing. (50 years ago my first Velbon tripod had flip lock legs.) So when I saw this twist-lock design, I have to admit I was skeptical. But knowing that Velbon never makes junk, I gave this monopod a try.What a revelation!Give the foot a quick twist, like taking the bottle-cap off of a beer -- 7 clicks. Pull the segments out all the way -- whoa -- what is this wobbly mess? But then twist the foot clockwise till it is snug, and suddenly it becomes a solid, rigid pole. It's like magic. Collapsing is just as quick and easy. I'm 6 foot tall, and this monopod goes from less than 12" long to putting my camera viewfinder at eye level in a flash. As other reviews have mentioned, you can also lock the extension at any intermediate length in between.This is the best bit of kit I've purchased in a long time. Way to go Velbon. BTW -- there are English instructions on the box, but the instruction sheet inside is all in Japanese. The latest speciality Velbon tripod I purchased was available only by ordering it from Japan. -- so I'm not surprised. I swear the Japanese keep all the best stuff for themselves.How I assign stars in a review.The star ratings are always in relation to the item's intended purpose, type, and durability.5 stars - The item is perfect with no room for meaningful improvement. The item performs its intended function consistently, and without fail. It also appears to be durable in its manufacture and materials.4 stars - While not perfect, any imperfections are likely to go unnoticed in normal use. The item should be durable given normal care and handling.3 stars - The item has significant short comings or limitations, but these do not significantly degrade performance. And/or the item may not be durable if not handled with some degree of care.2 stars - The item has defects or short comings that compromise performance. And/or the item may be likely to fail prematurely even with careful use.1 star - The item does not function correctly in any meaningful way or is very difficult or even hazardous to use. And/or the item failed completely with very little use.

Super compact and light; just what I wanted. Adjusting the length takes a bit of learning, but it performs admirably.

I was looking for a lightweight, collapsible monopod to carry around on day hikes and this model was recommended by a friend at a local birding club. After opening the twist the lock and extending the monopod pole, the first, larger segment would not retract but the others did. No matter though because it fits nicely on the side of my pack and works nicely as a hiking pole when not used as a camera support. I did not knock off a star because the product exceeded my expectations. I paired this with a Giottos VH6011-658D Video head which accepts an Arca-Swiss mounting plate. I'm using the pair to support a mirrorless camera with 100-400mm lens. So far, so good.

It’s only 10” long when collapsed. Did not see any monopod that retracts to this length. Great quality.

By far the most portable monopod available. Terrific quality and brilliant design.

cheep, hasnt broken, pretty simpletwist lock will wear out eventually but it’s alright

I am handicapped. Mainly because I am old as dirt. Not really but I have limited use of my hands. I also for 40 years have been a passionate photographer. I am decent at it to. Well I bought this tripod. Don’t actually remember where I bought it. I do a lot of business for Amazon and they have always done right by me. So my review. Had this little contraption for less than a year. I have had to make lots of concession with my photography. I have gone from a very nice Nikon with interchangeable lens to a bridge camera. It is heavy and I have hand shake a lot. I have a back pack. That makes the load bearable. But a tripod makes it too heavy and my mobility is not what it once was. Well tried to open the thing and the little brass button came out of the lower rung. I wrote the company about it. So far Crickets. Do not waste your time with this company. I am only trying to continue doing something that has given me such pleasure.

No issues yet with the monopod itself as long as I confirm each of the sections are secure which takes about 2 extra seconds. I have 2 issues unrelated to the product itself though: 1) It didn't come with the belt clip as advertised. 2) There were rips in the foam grip. Both issues make me suspect that i bought a "Used" copy even though the item was sold as "New".

Tyvärr var det ett begagnat stativ vilket inte uppgavs i annonsen. Fattades en del delar, kom inte i kartong, skrapmärken m.m.

Mein Freund und ich haben 3 von diesen Einbeinstativen. es ist leicht, klein und dennoch groß genug! Mein Freund ist 1,80m und für ihn reicht das Stativ im Stehen , wenn es komplett ausgefahren ist! Toll finden wir, dass man einen kleinen, dicken Teil ganz schnell ausfahren kann, damit man es auf dem Boden sitzend benutzen kann, oder wenn es bei mir im Fahrradkorb steht! Das Stativ ganz ausfahren ist einfach und schnell mit dem drehverschluss möglich

I was surprised how much I liked this monopd. I am used Velbon monopods for many years and have found them sturdy and reliable. I have been used to having quick release latches rather than twist to release or lock but the twist action on this monopod is almost as fast and easy to use. It is surprisingly sturdy and inflexible when fully extended. But its main advantage is its short length when collapsed. It fits easily into almost any bag and I can even keep it in the top (neck-side) pocket of a Barbour jacket; sometimes I have forgotten it is there. Excellent.

M'en suis servi quelques mois, l'ai perdu en voyage, en ai recommandé un autre sans hésiter. Je le charge avec une caméra Sony CX900 muni d'un micro canon ce qui représente un certain poids. Le pied supporte sans problèmes. Sa compacité est un vrai plus car il rentrera dans beaucoup de sacs photo. Par contre, cette compacité fait que le dernier brin télescopique est assez fin, il semble tenir le coup, à voir dans le temps. Le clip de ceinture reçu avec est un vrai plus : le monopole tient bien et ça facilite vraiment son utilisation terrain.