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

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

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 ordered this monopod to use instead of a heavy tripod for my Fuji HS28, mainly because of size, the monopod will be better for me and on receiving it was pleasantly surprised of its robust build and quality for what seems no price at all. With all extensions out it is excellent for someone who is 5.10 inches tall and would do for six feet person. It is rigid and overall very pleased. With camera clamped on already it feels very secure.Also Camera King sent a well packaged item.

Buyer beware, item shown on Amazon site is the older version with a round top enabling an accessory ball to be fitted to the top allowing user to make it easier to use as a walking stick. The item supplied is the later version as indicated in the seller's title which has an oblong top plate for the camera to fit to. The accessory ball will look odd and out of place if used on the later version. I have wasted £4.47 buying the ball accessory for this monopod. Item comes well packaged but the box it arrived in was very large for such a small item. Seller/Amazon should update the pictures of this item hence one star rating Although the pictures are incorrect, the monopod is of good quality and works very well with my Nikon D3200 Camera.

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.

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.

Très pratique, rempli bien son rôle pour lequel je le destinais. Support pour les tournage vidéo avec un reflex, l'ergonomie de celui-ci pour la vidéo n'étant pas des plus pratique si l'on veut parfaire mise au point ou cadrage sans bouger l'appareil. Grace au monopode, cela ce fait sans problème. Rigide et peu encombrant, ce modèle est suffisamment long déployé pour filmer au delà de ma taille. La rotule livrée avec le pied est un plus, suffisamment robuste pour l'usage en vidéo. Eviter toutefois de tenir l'ensemble reflex/monopode uniquement par le pied, l'appareil peut basculer. Par contre, le pied replié (54cm) peut rester vissé à l'appareil sans gêne pour prendre des photos.

El monopié es perfecto, con rótula superior que considero indispensable. Para usarlo con prismáticos, es necesario disponer de un adaptador de trípodes para prismáticos. La altura, para una persona de 1,80 es válida de sobra (tener en cuenta que hay que poner el adaptador de los prismáticos) Por poner un "pero", con el precio que tiene echo de menos una funda en el pack.

Mein absolutes Lieblings Einbein Stativ. habe ich schon viele Jahre und habe es erneut gekauft! Beide im Einsatz. Fasst sich mega gut an. Schnell ausziehbar und der Kopf hält. Perfekt!!! Empfehle ich bedenkenlos weiter!

Habe das Teil diesen Urlaub ausprobiert. Man kann die Kamera drauf lassen und im zusammengefahenen Zustand gut an der Hand mitnehmen. Es läßt sich schnell ausfahren und damit arbeiten. Wenn es ca. 10 cm kleiner sein würde und eine Teleskopeinheit mehr haben würde, könnte man es noch besser in einem mittleren Rucksack mitnehmen. Ich habe es in einen mittleren Rucksack mit installierter Kamera mit und habe das Problem gehabt, das durch das 60 cm hohe Stativ der Reisverschluss sich selbstständig aufgezogen hat. Ansonsten ist das Ding super und schnell einsetzbar.

Compact en handig in gebruik.