Light, sturdy, well built, great height for taller photographers. Everything you needed in a monopod and more, with the quality that Manfrotto/Bogen brings. Not to mention a big foam pad that doubles as a hand grip and a shoulder pad.

That I didn''''t get this monopod earlier!

When I first got this monopod, I said to myself, "D***!" My first impression was that it was very well built and sturdy. The weight has been perfect so far, and have not been a cause for fatigue. The foam hand grip that everyone seems to be complaining about, I have found to be a lot more comfortable when resting on my shoulder than the metal. I can only imagine that is the only reason it is so big. I can just put it on my shoulder and go to the next spot. I feel safe enough to leave the camera on too. I''''m 6''''5" and have thoroughly enjoyed being catered to with this monopod. It is perfect height for me when fully extended. The only thing would be if I were standing a hill. But haven''''t had a problem yet. The only thing I wish I had bought was the optional legs that can be attached at the bottom (where the rub grip is) for further stabilization. Not totally necessary though.

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my first monopod...

Very durable construction, with a first rate finish. Comfortable to use for extended periods. The dual 1/4-3/8" spring loaded mounting stud is both clever and practical. The leg locks are smooth and quick to use.

With a fully extended height of 1.64m or 5'3" it's large enough for most any photographer and with a maximum load capacity of 12Kg (26 pounds or so) there's not many lenses and body combinations that it's not suitable for.

The only potential problem is the foam hand grip, how long this will last remains to be seen.

Excellent value for money, I have no hesitation in recommending this monopod to anyone who's looking for a sturdy monopod at a sensible price.

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Manfrotto 3016 (479), 3449 Carbon Fibre, various Slik, Velbon models

Solid construction. Lightweight. Professional look and feel. Locking mechanisms are solid and strong with no wobble at all when locked. Good height. Comfortable grip.

The rubber 'foot' works well, but I would prefer a metal spike (probably the Bogen 3257) that won't eventually wear away from frequent use.

I don't remember what I paid for this monopod, but it was worth it. It is strong and much lighter than it looks. At 63.5" it is plenty tall enough to bring the camera to eye level for most people. I am 6' and only used it fully extended once - on the side of a hill. I hiked around San Francisco with this monopod all day and found it very handy and not a bother to carry. I have even used it as a hiking stick with no trouble, but would not recommend this, as the locks are strong but probably not designed for that kind of abuse. Bottom line: an impressive product. Professional quality.

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Very sturdy.

Quick lever-locks make extension/retraction a snap.

Nicely padded grip with wide wrist strap.

Broad rubber foot holds up better than you'd think after a few years use.

I think it's broader than it needs to be, unless you're really mounting some big glass.

The handgrip, while nicely padded, is a big big for small hands.

I bought this one used; if I had it to do again, I'd look for the smaller, lighter 3016. I mean, what's the point of a monopod that weighs nearly as much as my travel tripod (Gitzo 026)? Sure, it's sturdy and solid, but my biggest glass is the 300/4 with a teleconverter. I guess if you were carrying even bigger glass, then the 3018's added mass would help you. For my purposes - and maybe yours - it's a bit heavy.

By the way, most people don't use their monopods in the most-stable way. If you hold it straight up, like a pogo stick, it's much less stable than if you set the foot about 18" in front of you and lean it back. This creates a "tripod" with the monopod and your own two legs. Much more-stable. This requires some sort of two-way head; Bogen makes an inexpensive one. I pick up nearly two stops using a monopod this way; used straight up and down, I pick up less than a stop. Try it!

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