Manfrotto 290 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

This is great! Super convenient. I've been using a Sirui P-326 monopod for some time, and it's also top-notch in quality. But the convenience of having just three thumb levers instead of the four screw adjusters on the Sirui makes a huge difference. The weight is about the same, and it seems to be plenty sturdy enough. Very pleased with it. Manfrotto is the best in tripods, hands down.

Worth the money over the generic ones.

I had an old monopod that required you twist individual sections to lock through clamping pressure. They would inevitably be locked too tight on one section or too loose on another and it would collapse. The clamps used on each leg telescoping section are just so greately superior.I would not call it light at all. I use it for sports photography with my Canon 7d Mark II with a EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. It works great and allows me to go from standing to sitting very quickly at track and field events.This is an update as of 4/11/19. I still think this is a great monopod. The camera support needs have increased as it is now supporting an old 300mm EFL prime lens. It does not slip. Spend the money and get a good one.

I liked this monopod design and function. Bought in October, broke in December. I used it several times but then this morning it fell apart as I was using it on a weekend away. One of the nuts on the adjusting legs fell off and when I pulled the leg out it came completely apart. I could not find the nut. I could have damaged my expensive camera if it came apart at another time. Very disappointed. I have used a Bogen monopod for 20 years and it never broke. I bought this one for travel as it is small and light. I will be contacting the company to see about fixing it. Will update with my experience.

I've had this monopod for over three years. The heaviest rig I put on it is a Canon 80D (APS-C frame) with a Canon 400/5.6, the baby super-telephoto. The RC2 head on this works with the PL200 quick release plate which I put on the foot of the 400. With this I think I'm at the limit of what's safe. If you have a larger/heavier lens or a full-frame with a good-sized lens, the combination of the RC2 and light weight of the monopod is going to make you worry.Where the 290 shines is for more modest rigs -- my 80D with a 70-300 or 24-105 lens, for example. With this setup the monopod and head is very stable, and the light weight makes it a breeze to carry all day. The leg action is smooth, the leg clamps are secure, and the RC2 head is very much adequate.Important safety tip: I don't care what kind of feet, etc., you jazz up a monopod with, it is NOT a tripod and is NOT safe for free-standing. When I have my camera on a monopod, I have one hand on it (at least) at all times.So as others have pointed out, this is not a heavy-duty monopod for big rigs and sports. This is a medium-duty monopod for smaller rigs where weight and convenience are important. Keep that in mind and you'll be very happy.

Easy to use, sturdy,

Such a great simple monopod. Has a retractable outer screw so that it fits both screw sizes. I use it with my canon 70-200 lens that ways a lot and I just love the fact there’s not additional weight of the monopod while it holds the lens like a champ. Easily adjusted and very compact as well.

I found myself struggling to capture quick action shots and keep them in perfect focus. I'm in my mid 60's and eyesight is not what it used to be (duh). This monopod is lightweight and easy to cart to the athletic fields. A simple two action process gets it ready to go. I didn't want the ones with feet since many other reviews complained about moving the camera through tall or artificial grass. My only complaint is that this one has a stationary connection and it doesn't allow me to go from landscape to portrait shots.