VT67 67-Inch Monopod for Camera/Video (Black)

I'm not an avid photographer/videographer or anything. I just knew I needed something to keep things steady when using my camcorder. To that end, this monopod works great. I chose a monopod over a tripod simply because where I would be using my camcorder. Most of the things I would be recording are in auditoriums/gymnasiums where there isn't a lot of room because of the seating situation and the subject of what I was recording wasn't necessarily stationary. If you are in a relatively full auditorium or gymnasium, you really don't have the real estate to set up a tripod. If your subject is mobile, you want a base that is relatively mobile as well. I think it's safe to say a tripod would be a bit clunky to have to move around as the whole point of the tripod base is to keep it very stable and in one place. I don't have anything to compare the Vivitar monopod to, so I'll just tell you my thoughts. The monopod is lightweight which is nice when carrying it or if you have to be mobile while shooting. The leg locks snap in place and unsnap quickly and quietly making adjusting the height of the monopod very easy and pretty smooth. The fully extended height of the monopod is more than I could ever imagine I'd need. In fact, I don't think I've extended more than two sections when using the monopod. The bottom section has a pointed end that can be covered by a rubber piece of using indoors. The end cannot be removed. The quick release worked fine for me and was a nice extra even though I don't really need it. The monopod comes with a carrying bag that I guess works, but is rather flimsy. It reminds me of the covers for umbrellas. The bag also has Vivitar written across it in large white lettering if that matters to you. Again, I don't have anything to compare the monopod to and it's not like I use my camera/camcorder much. So keep that in mind when reading this review. Because I don't use my camera/camcorder much, I didn't want to spend much money either. The Vivitar monopod matched what I needed exactly. If it's your first monopod and you're at most a recreational photographer/videographer, go for it. You can't really go wrong for the price. If you're more advanced, I imagine this is a very basic monopod. But to me, it's a monopod - how much more advanced can it be and is it really worth the extra money if you're not a professional?

EVALUATION This is a full-size monopod--not a gorilla of a monopod, but full-size. Ironically the very same monopod is sold under different brandnames as a "light weight", as a "heavy duty", and as a "professional" monopod---it is NONE of these. Given that it is actually an average weight (at best), light-duty, amateur monopod, is an excellent design, and a very good value. The monopod is NOT "professional grade", meaning that it probably will NOT stand up to abuse, and/or constant use, and/or a heavy cameras with a 1000mm lens. Nevertheless a careful pro who occasional uses a monopod for a small to medium-size camera (or is careful to balance larger loads) would probably be very pleased with it. It does everything a monopod should do, and does those things well. It operates quickly and easily, and is very sturdy, proving solid support. Read the 1-star reviews carefully, but take them "with a grain of salt." IDENTICAL MONOPODS WITH OTHER BRANDNAMES (may be cheaper) Except for a very slightly different grip, the Vivitar is absolutely identical with Dolica WT-1003 67-Inch Lightweight Monopod ---see that entry for excellent photos of the monopod. Identical with the AmazonBasics 67-Inch Monopod Except for a green case, the Opteka MP100 67" Professional Heavy Duty Photo / Video Monopod is absolutely identical to the Dolica. Exactly the same monopod is sold under the "Digital Pro" brandname. VITAL STATISTICS > Length: 21 ¼" long fully-collapsed; 67" tall fully extended > Diameter: uppermost section is 1"; foam grip 1 3/8"; strap ferrule 1 ½" > Weight: 14 oz; case 3 oz; total 17 oz FEATURES > Maximum Height: 67", more than tall enough for most purposes. > Minimum Height: 21", 23--24" with a (virtually required) ballhead/tilt-head is a little tall for some closeup nature subjects. > Head (camera threads, etc.): The design is odd, with an free-wheeling plastic collar around a small metal stem (and camera threads), the collar is free-wheeling so that it will not scratch the base of your camera--but you still have to rotate the monopod or your camera to screw them together, or apart. (A few confused reviewers thought that they could just turn the collar to attach/detach the camera, and when that didn't work, they thought it was broken. Turning the collar doesn't do anything, that's just the way it is). Reportedly the metal stem breaks off if you put it under alot of strain (such as a heavy camera). Then, because the attached collar is free-wheeling, it is very difficult to remove the stem from your camera. If that happens, I suspect that you could glue the collar to the stem with a little crazy-glue and then easily unscrew it from your camara. The problem is best avoided by simply NOT attaching your camera directly to the monopod. Instead always used a "quick connect", a tilt head, or a ball head (see below). > Lanyard: adequate for hanging the monopod from a hook, but too weak to rely on for as a walking stick hand strap. > Grip: Foam rubber, provides good grip and cushion. > Body: Channels prevent rotation. > Thumb locks: Operate quickly and smoothly, and lock securely---actually just a tad too easily. I fear that with a little wear, that the locks will slip. Unlike the less convenient "twist to lock" design (used on many other monopods/tripods), you can't just "twist harder"---there is nothing you can do if the lock doesn't hold. Honestly, I am torn about applying a little silicon grease to the locks to minimize wear, and the concern that the grease might encourage slipping. If you get one with tight leg locks, the silicon grease is highly recommended, it will both make the action smoother and protect against wear---lightly apply to the levers where they rub against the monopod column. Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-up Grease - 3 oz. Note that unlike petroleum grease, silicon grease does not damage plastic or attract dirt. > Tip: Metal tip for hard surfaces; plastic tip screws out over metal tip for indoor surfaces. Neither tip can come loose and get lost. The metal tip is not particularly sharp, and the plastic tip is not soft. That is, the metal tip might slip on smooth rocks, and while the plastic tip will protect most indoor surfaces from scratches, it does little to protect your camera from the jarring of impacts (which is VERY bad for cameras). Therefore it is best NOT to leave your camera on your monopod if you use the monopod as a walking stick. A "quick connect" such as Sima Quick Connect for Tripod can be handy. > Case: Rugged, attractive black nylon, with full-length zipper and an adjustable shoulder strap. Unfortunately the case will not close with a ball head attached. The usual plastic fittings will not rust, but can be broken by abusive use. AS A TRAVEL MONOPOD At 21" collapsed the monopod is too large to fit in most airplane carry-on luggage. Airport security will probably confiscate it if found. 17oz is on the heavy side for travel. For travel, I use a very similar Norazza Monopod-lightweight TD140 , which collapses to 15 ½" x ¾" diameter, weighs only 7oz, but is too short (52") for birding and some other situations. AS A TRAVEL MONOPOD / WALKING STICK / HIKING POLE A proper hiking pole needs a substantial strap to catch your hand if you slip, so that you do not have to have a death-grip on the grip for hours at a time. The supplied lanyard is inadequate for this purpose and cannot be replaced with a more substantial strap. However, if use a ballhead, you can install the end of a replacement strap beneath the ball head. I have not found replacement straps for sale---but you can make one from a 12" length of 1" black nylon webbing you probably have lying around form old equipment---use a soldering gun to cauterize 1/4" holes in the webbing, about 1/2" from each end. For travel, when I will be hiking, I use a Stansport Outdoorsman Trekking Pole which has camera threads (and therefore can be used as a monopod), and has a very sharp metal tip for gripping ice or rocks and a very shock absorbing rubber tip for indoor surfaces (but I use the rubber tip outdoors to protect my camera from jarring). ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY MANY reviewers report that the head (where your camera screws onto the monopod) can break off attached to your camera, and then can be very difficult to remove from your camera. The best insurance against damage to your camera is to use a ball-head or tilt head, which I consider essential anyway (or a "quick connect" see above). For example, Professional Mini Ball Head Camera Mount which is adequate for small to medium-size cameras. Unfortunately the monopod will not fit in the case with the ball-head attached. The silicon grease I mentioned earlier will also make the action of a ball head smoother---usually only a concern shooting video on a tripod, but it's worth knowing. But keep the silicon very far from your lens---it may be very difficult to remove. BALL HEAD OR TILTHEAD For video, when you will never take verticals---a tilt head is by far the best solution, the limited motion is more controllable. Manfrotto 234 Monopod Tilt Head (Replaces 3232) But for stills, when you may want to take an occasional vertical, a ball-head is preferred. A compound tripod head offers both options, but requires at least three hands, one to hold the monopod, one (or two) to operate the head, and one for your camera---in contrast, you can hold the monopod and operate a ball-head or tilt-head with one hand. > Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.

I'll just say that among the monopods out there that are under $20, the Vivitar VIV-VT-67 is a fantastic monopod for its price and quality. I. INSIDE THE BOX Inside the box is a Vivitar Monopod with a bag. The monopod has three levers for extension and has the rubber footing on the bottom that can be twisted up to reveal the spike (for outdoor use). II. COMPARISONS Compared to the Dolica Monopod, they are the same size. In fact, they look very much the same with the levers having different line length but everything from top to bottom is the same with the exception of the grip. If you want a thicker grip, then the Dolica is perfect. If you want a thinner grip, then go for the Vivitar. I prefer the thicker grip to hold on to when using my camera. As for the Opteka, I prefer the connections of the Dolica and Vivitar to my Pistol ball head grip but in terms of build, the Dolica is the better of the three because of the build and the thicker grip. But if you prefer a thinner grip, then the Vivitar monopod is what you want and is just as great! III. EXPERIENCE My setup is using a Canon T3i on an Opteka Sidewinder pistol grip using a variety of lenses and this monopod has held on to my equipment PERFECTLY! I have extended it high...but had no need to shoot that high yet. I have used it while up on the short ladder but still, no need to have it extend to the maximum. Also, I've learned from certain Tripods that you go to maximum, you can have some breakage. I haven't had that problem with the Vivitar monopod but if you don't need to use the maximum, then don't. Otherwise if you need more height and will be using a heavy lens, then you may want to go with a thicker, better built monopod (and of course, more expensive). JUDGMENT CALL: This is an awesome monopod! For its price, its build and what you get for under $15 is fantastic. Of the three, the Dolica is better FOR ME because of the thicker grip. But by no means is the Vivitar inferior, they are nearly alike, the same exact size, both come with a bag but the Dolica has a thicker grip. If you want a thinner grip, go for the Vivitar monopod. Definitely recommended!

The monopod is nice and sturdy - BUT: the item description says "w/quick release" and the photo of the item clearly shows a quick-release head with a lever to release the camera mount. What I received was a monopod sans quick release head. (The box is labeled that the *leg* has "quick release levers". BIG difference.) After reading of others who have unsuccessfully tried to exchange theirs (also without a quick-release head) - I decided to concede defeat and ordered a quick-release mini ball-head to add to my monopod. Which means it won't fit in the nice little carrying case they sent.... (bang head on desk) If you truly want a quick-release camera mount - I'd avoid this one. What they show and what they ship are two different things.

I've never purchased a monopod prior to this one. I have three or four tripods in my collection and I have to say this monopod is my go-to camera support system. This was spurred on by my purchase of a new Fuji camera and I wanted to be able to take some photos more easily. The thing I really like about it is that it doubles as a walking stick. You may think this a trivial point, but the real deal is that a tripod ends up being a project every time you want to take a picture. get it out of your bag, unfold the legs, make sure everything is square and level; attach your camera; snap your photos; detach your camera; fold it up, pack it away.. You get the picture. Literally. But the monopod is already out and ready to go. . attach the camera by spinning the monopod and snap away. The foam handgrip may not last, that is still to be determined, but I am thinking bicycle handlebar tape might make a great replacement... Getting ahead of myself.. the price on this is great and it is a rock-solid piece of equipment. I read a few people getting the 1/4 inch screw stuck in their camera. Um, maybe don't turn it in so tightly. No problems there for me. This works great with my cameras. I have a smaller digital video point and go (Kodak) and the Fuji Finepix and this enhances my photos and videos. I have a bit of a shaky hand, and now, problem solved. I also got bit by a dog a couple weeks ago. I wish I would have had this monopod then. Could have given that dog a swat from 67" away. 67 inches! That is a really good length for this camera support. You can sit at a sporting event and extend this and take really nice shots. Unlike a tripod, there is no space needed to set this up, and no one is tripping over anything. Very unobtrusive. I said I love this monopod and that may be slightly overstating the case, but it is a really terrific addition to my camera equipment and works very well.

It's easy to spend a ton of money on a good monopod. And if you are sporting, for example, a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L lens, you probably want to go for the industrial strength unit. But... This item is well built and provides enough support for large DSLR and even fairly large collared telephoto lenses (I use it with a Canon 5D Mark II and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM). The legs are slotted so they stay straight when you extend them. The clamps are sturdy and hold the legs tightly extended - I have never had them slip. The grip is comfortable and welcome on those days when you're outside and it's cold. The tip has an adjustable foot that provides either a rubber grip or pointed metal spike. There are a couple things I did to improve this already value-packed monopod though it is perfectly useful as-is. 1. I added a small ball head. This enables me to adjust the angle of the camera - Manfrotto 494 Ball Head Replaces Manfrotto 484 2. I put another c-clip and a swivel onto the strap so that it would not tangle. Only one is needed - this is an example of the type I used South Bend Interlock Swivels - Size 14 - 50 Pack 3. Since I don't use the metal spike and I spend a lot of time on the gym floor with this, I added a furniture leg tip to cover the spike and add a removable grip that I can replace when it wears out. It also keeps the spike covered so that I don't damage the gym floor. TIP LEG RBBR BLK1-1/8CD4 [Misc. ] 4. You will need a thread adapter to put the head onto the monopod. I used the Gitzo GS5000 3/8-Inch to 1/4-20-Inch Reducer Adapter You might be able to find one cheaper than this but this is a must have! At the end of the day, combining the ball head (the most expensive item), the swivel and the furniture tip, this still comes in under a number of more costly monopods. Note that the case is a nice extra but with the foot and ball head mounted, the monopod does not fit in the case.

The first time I saw someone using a monopod, they were walking along with it as if it were a walking stick but they had their camera on top of it. What a novel idea, I thought. So I finally got one, and I really love the stability I get in taking photos now. I am a rank amateur when it comes to photogaphy, but I know enough to know that the shots I take with my handheld digital camera are not blurry now. I've adjusted my monopod so it's at eye-level for me, so it's really easy to take a shot. Standing straight up is the best, of course, but I can even angle the monopod slightly and still wind up with stable photos; of course, you can always make adjustments in the height at any time, but I just leave mine set one way. The price is definitely right on this monopod. It has a nice padded hand grip at the top (really very much like a walking stick) with a wrist strap. The carrying case is a nice addition, although you do have to condense the monopod down short to get it into the case. Because most of my photos are taken from my front door, I don't use the case, but somebody traveling with it would find it handy. Very lightweight. Another reviewer pointed out that there are a number of different listings for a monopod on Amazon, all of which are the same thing. I don't know if that means they are made by the same manufacturer, but the Vivitar one was the cheapest at the time I bought it. And you can't go wrong with Vivitar.

This is a nice monopod for the price. It's made of nice metal and feels pretty solid. It gets a little wobbly when it's fully extended but if you retract each segment by just a little bit it makes it more sturdy. My only beef with the product is the plastic on top isn't very durable. I used this for a 3 hour shoot using a long 70-200mm lens which weighs about 3 pounds and I heard the top starting to bend and crackle a little bit under all the weight. But like I said, I'd still recommend this because it's great for the price, especially if your equipment isn't too heavy.