Hilux 4x4 Forum

My wife's birthday is coming up and she's hinting towards a Trekpod for her camera. Retailing at R 1 700, they seem to be good quality, but I would like to find out a bit more about them, and have a look at similar products. Has anyone used these before, or can someone suggest a similar product?

Have you looked to see what's available in the Manfrotto range?

Not yet - could be worth checking it out. She already has a Manfrotto tripod and very happy with it.

Manfrotto are excellent pods .... didn't imagine that a monopod would be so pricey though.

OK, here goes:
Manfrotto 776YB, 330g, max load 5 kg: R 520
Vanguard Tracker AP364, 810g (560mmm - 1760mm), max load 12 kg - R 799

Can't see wife carrying more than 5kg's worth of camera and lens, might go for the Mafrotto here. Also lekker lightweight. Anything heavier than that, she has the Manfrotto tripod for.

Agree .... to my mind, the whole idea of the monopod besides manoeuvrability while tracking a moving subject (or to support a heavy zoom lens), is the light weight / easy to carry about aspect. I think it's a great gift for a lady that's into her photography.

I just bought myself a Velbon monopod for R300. The Manfrotto was the same price, but it seemed a bit too skinny and fragile.

Works fine

Cool Andre - which supplier?

Velbon used to be 'up there' with the best at one point. Got a Velbon tripod that's seen a lot of work and still sturdy as hell after almost 30 yrs.

i've gone through a few manfrotto tripods over the years, for video and stills, but my manfrotto monopod has been a keeper. if you can afford it look at the model with the quick release hand grip, which allows height adjustment via single hand operation, very handy indeed!

Thanks Mr T. Would be great if you could get me a model number?

Oxydog, the model is: Manfrotto 685B Neotec Monopod With Safety Lock



The compromise of with the quick release mechanism is the minimum height, the standard latch lock models have a lower minimum height.

See pic:

Thanks man, I'll see if I can find a supplier in the Pretoria area to get some prices.

Nice! ... (I'd better stay out of this thread before I start spending the grocery funds!)

Bought the Velbon at Incredible. The only Manfrotto Monopod they had was the absolute entry level model - I''d rather avoid that one. That Manfrotto that Mr. B shows there is the business though