Velbon Ultra Stick Super 8 Monopod - Black

This monpod is fantastic. It is lightweight but very sturdy. It extends to around 56 inches in height but folds down to around 10 inches. So small I can actually put it in a pocket. I do lots of motorsport photography so this is ideal.It has also made a huge difference in photo quality compared to hand held shots. Would definitely recommend and well worth £39 !!

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.

The Ultra Stick Super 8 monopod is very compact and fairly easy to extend.The use of an internal expanding clamp system means that the sections slide completely inside each other making the folded length very small. This monopod (with tilt head attached) will just fit into the top of a Lowepro Event Messenger 150 shoulder bag, and fits easily into the side pocket and strap of the Lowepro BP150.The instructions imply that the unit will be used without a head and advise the use of a pan head for "vertical" use. It is not clear if this means Portrait orientation shooting, or aiming up/down, but either way a pan head would not work - an error in the translation of the instructions I suspect. A tilt, ball, or 3 way head would be needed, not just a pan head.As this is a monopod, a tilt head is better and that is what I have fitted. A 1/4 to 3/8 UNC adaptor is needed for this (easily available) as the monopod is 1/4 only.When extending the legs, long arms are needed (I am 6 ft tall and my arms are at full stretch) so practice at locking would be strongly recommended although after a while it becomes simpler. Fortunately the first section has a gripping ring, which helps.The instructions advise checking the legs are locked before applying any pressure ("make sure legs do not shrink"), I would say this is essential as locking the sections does take a little practice).At full extension the height is sufficient to allow the use of the monopod in an angled position for maximum stability (tilt head essential), and is also high enough to use with heavy binoculars for simple astronomical use.The hand strap is held with a split ring, to which the supplied belt clip can be attached. The strap fixing does not rotate around the head, so could end up in an awkward position when the camera or head is fitted, but I am lucky as it ends up facing me (I am using the Andoer Monopod Tilt Head).The belt clip is also very useful as it clips onto the shoulder strap of my Lowepro Messenger when the monopod is in the side pocket, stopping it slipping out. When used on a belt I think it would be short periods only as the weight of the monopod hitting your leg when walking is a bit uncomfortable, but for temporary use it is fine.The only real negative with this is that, due to the basic design, the rubber foot has to be permamently attached, so no option to replace with a spike for use on soft ground (unlike the Manfrotto Elements Monopod), but given the compact folded length, it is worth the sacrifice.

Ideal for someone who needs a handle for a camera that will be useful as a short handle and one that can easily extend for different positions. Sturdy enough to be perfect for those who want a lightweight, easy to carry and various lengths to get steady shots when seated or standing

It's OK for the price but the twist and lock facility is a bit hit and miss. It's good and light to carry and use plus reasonable value for money, so I can't complain

A superb travel monopod.Collapsing down to a tiny 26cm, it will slip into the most compact system bag, but when fully extended to 156cm provides an adequately steady platform for the camera.Extending and retracting can be accomplished with a flick of the wrist, and is ultimately convenient.Thoroughly recommended.

There are occasions when you cannot carry a tripod or a full monopod such as when lightweight camping or walking etc. In those circumstances this item is a very good compromise. It is light, compact and works well. It is not as tough as a standard monopod, but to achieve a light compact support requires a degree of compromise. This is a very good example of balancing requirements.

well made and perfect size