Giottos 5-section P-pod with Tilt Head and Quick Release Plate

Sturdy, easy to use but not too heavy to cart around all day. Has the benefit of turning into a tripod if you need to - once you find out where the legs are hidden (no instructions).

Monopod was a bit stronger and heavier construction than I had anticipated.. Mechanism works well and quick release is decent. There appears to be residual vibration when in the tripod/stableized mode before it settles down. It is more than adequate for my Canon 30D and 300 mm. Excellent height.

This is a great product for those of you who need a tripod for your astronomy binoculars. It is sturdy, flexible head and stands very tall... perfect for someone over 6'3"!

Enjoy!

It is definitely no replacement for a tripod, but if you're going hiking or are in a crowded or cramped space trying to get some extra stability, this is easily the best monopod available. I'd rate it 5 stars, but I think the legs could have been designed to be a little bit more stable, but they work well if you hold it down.

The good:
Built in quick release and tilting head.
The bad:
Heavy.
Tilting head doesn't provide sufficient friction to prevent heavy lens from flopping forward. Quick release thumb screw protrudes in line with tilt axis. When your heavy lens flops forward the thumb screw will crush your finger between the screw and the body of the monopod.
Remedies:
Keep thumb screw at back of monopod.
Drill and tap a new hole for thumb screw 90 degrees from original hole.