Velbon RUP-L43 II Monopod

I wanted a monopod for both still and video photography with DSLR and was attracted by this model because it has a ball head built in. To add that to another model of monopod would have cost me at least another £10 and would not have matched the monopod exactly. The price on Amazon via Camera King was the best I could find anywhere and they delivered in only 3 days.The black finish is of excellent quality, the leg securing clamps feel good and work well. The ball head has a fixed, cork-covered camera platform with captive screw, so it won't skid or mark the bottom of the camera. There's full 90 degree tilt fore and aft, with about 30 degrees to each side, so plenty of movement to get the subject in frame while keeping the monopod in the most comfortable position.Because it is so light, it was no bother to carry it during my afternoon walk. Despite its low weight, it really is sturdy and I think it should be fine with my quite weighty Nikon DSLR and Sigma 24-70 f2.8, as well as the Lumix GH2 for which I bought it.I've used it for an hour or so, shooting some video and still shots on a cold afternoon when feeling quite shivery. Still shots are sharp at 1/6 second exposure and once I worked out a good technique, video clips are rock steady.I found that the monopod works best when the foot is placed quite well forward of my feet, so that it leans back towards me and I lean a little towards it, to form the same stable shape as a tripod.Buying this was definitely a wise decision. Velbon RUP-L43 II Monopod

Having considered similar, frequently more expensive, monopods from other suppliers, I am extremely happy with my choice. The build quality is excellent, which is delivered at a genuine VFM price. In use it is light yet sturdy, with a height adjustment easily catering for those like me who are just over 6 foot tall. Unlike some rivals, this momopod includes a swivel head, with good angle adjustment and secure fitting.On the downside I would point to the fact that the photo as advertised is for the earlier L43 version, which has a differently shaped swivel head mounting. Also the packaging was 4x the size needed, i.e. 4" x 4" for a product carton of 2" x 2", leaving it to rattle about during transit. Mine was undamaged, but I can imagine situations where it might get knocked about.That much said I have no hesitation in giving a 5* rating.

I bought This Velbon Monopod as a later addition to my Velbon DV-7000 Tripod. I needed something light that would do the job in a hurry. Set up quickly, and also be useful as a Walking Stick when i am out in the Country Filming. It has taken a little bit longer to get used too, as i have to be careful The Panasonic Camcorder doesn't tilt off-shot ......Especially if i move suddenly, or don't tighten the head enough. But it is versatile, and i will get used to it over time. It arrived quickly, and was well packaged. I like it because it's very light and portable...Excellent if your in a hurry !! I'd recommend this to anyone who needs another form of Tripod !! Steve.

The ball head on this monopod seemed a little lightweight and flimsy. The clips on the extensions were a bit sticky, and didn't open and close easily. I have a fairly heavy camera (Nikon D800 with a zoom lens) and it just wasn't sturdy enough. I returned the monopod for a full refund. The seller was very good to deal with, but the product wasn't as good as I hoped.

I wanted to replace my old monopod with screw locks, which are a pain, for one with click locks - much easier and quicker. I use it with a lightweight telescope for birding and thought the swivel plate on this model would be useful for use when sitting in hides, with their variable window height. I was slightly worried that this feature might also turn out to be a weakness eg coming loose, but it has turned out to be everything I hoped. It is well made and pretty robust. I'm pleased I made this choice.

Very good camera monopod. Only problem is I can’t use it.Reason being my camera and lens exceed the weight limit.This I didn’t know until it was too late.I am now left with a monopod I can’t use.Not so good

Sturdy, lightweight, inexpensive but it isn't a replacement for a tripod when you really need steadiness,

I chose this because it is quite small but still tall enough to view through a screen at eye level. The main reason is the tilting head which gives a lot more options to a standard pod. I know you can buy heads for other pods but this works out a lot more expensive .