» Manfrotto 680B Monopod (4-SCTN) - Replaces 680 (Black)

Manfrotto 680B Monopod (4-SCTN) - Replaces 680 (Black) Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Light, compact, and sturdy... Good Choice for a monopod!
Comment: the Manfrotto 680B Monopod/4-sctn is a good choice. Simply stated, it is not cumbersome, it folds to 22 inches with a standard ballhead. it is well constructed and easy to adjust. it is a good base for your dslr. ballhead choice is more important... Have used it for about 2 months. would not hesitate to recommend it or purchase another...

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Satisfactory
Comment: I've only had this monopod for a shortperiod of time, and have subsequently only had limited opportunity to use it, but I can definitely say, that I think it's a nice piece of kit. And a reasonably priced one at that. It's very sturdy, light, not too long when collapsed, and it has clasps instead of the always infernal and never quite satisfactory twistlocks. Monopods are, in their nature, very userfriendly and easy to use with good results. Especially if you do quite a bit of sportsphotography. This one adds the comfort of knowing that you can haul it with you on a hike through some difficult terrain or up a mountain and use it as a walking stick (or a convenient place to rest a weary chin). A feature many monopods are without.

It does however lack an inch or two when fully extended, in my opinion. I still need to lower my head ever so slightly when using it, which in the long run gests a little exhausting (I'm 6'2 by the by). The legs do slide a bit too fast and easily for my liking, but that's not a big problem really. It is, I suspect, not as good as its carbon fiber brothers, but it is quite a lot cheaper.

Definitely recommendable.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent value, needs a design tweak for perfection
Comment: Per the other reviews, this is a fine buy for the money.

The only minor caveat is that, unlike Manfrotto's tripods, there are no locking screws in the top platform. This isn't an issue if you're screwing the monopod directly into the camera/lens mount, but is if you're planning to mount a ball or tilt head on top. Without the locking screws only friction stops the head unscrewing.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Very Nice
Comment: At $60, this monopod fit my price range, I have a Canon 30D and use a 100-400 L lens at airshows and other sporting events where I need more stability than hand holding but a tripod is impractical.
The 680B does a perfect job. It's relatively light and sturdy. The monopod has quick release locks for the legs, which was a must for me. I don't want to screw and unscrew to achieve leg adjustment. Either with wingnuts or the barrel twist type
I use the Manfrotto 322RC2 joy stick head on it with great success, but I have also used my Manfrotto 486RC2 head..........the joy stick is more versatile.
It comes with both a 1/4" and 3/8" screw depending on what your camera requires.
If you are working in sand, where I sometimes do, Manfrotto makes an optional Spiked Foot for more stability.
At full extension without your head attached, it measures 60 inches. Colapsed it measures 20 inches w/o the head attached.

Without a doubt I would buy this monopod again.

As usual, Amazon had a great price, free shipping, and no tax.
Amazon rocks!!!!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Solid, durable, overkill for most cameras
Comment: Bogen-Manfrotto always makes solid products, and this one is no exception. I use a Nikon D200, usually with a Nikkor 17-55 lens (fairly heavy setup), so this monopod is probably overkill, considering that it can hold like 26 lbs. I have used it on a pack trip (where weight matters), and it is light and compact enough to carry. I'm amazed at how tightly all of the components fit together - there's no wobble at the joints, the clasps are tight - this thing is totally solid.

The clasps for each section work excellently, but for speed, they aren't the best. I haven't seen anything better out there, but it sure would be nice if they would make these clasps a mechanism that you squeeze to release each section, for speed and ease of use. That way, you wouldn't have to activate these clasps to adjust for a photo. Wishful thinking.

So, great product - strongly recommended - especially for those with heavier gear (pro bodies + telephoto/heavy lenses). Probably overkill for entry-level DSLR's.

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