Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this with my nikon 70-200 mm mainly when photographing sporting events. I love how compact and lightweight it is.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

This is an excellent purchase for any photographer, especially a beginner like me, who loves taking nature photos and using a tripod isn't always practical.

Giotto's quality is evident as the head tilts and pans for a variety of angles and is relatively simple to adjust. Its big soft foam handle is comfortable and oversized for a solid grip and the three-section leg is smoothly deployed and folds up easily.

Don't let its aluminum construction turn you off as it's very strong, stable and doesn't bend or bow easily. The rubber "Foot" at the end unscrews to reveal a terrain spike, which could be a bit longer.

The built in wrist strap is a convenient safety net which is comfortable and long enough to shoot and make adjustments while wearing it. The collar is loose enough to rotate without flapping around or making noise.

Unfortunately the head is the weak link as it's permanently attached and can't be swapped out for an upgrade. The tilt handle, adjustment knobs and quick release plate locking lever all feel cheaply made and may give you the idea it wouldn't take much to damage it.

If you don't loosen the pan knobs completely they click at different positions. One more twist will loosen it enough to set the angle to your preference, which by chance or design, is rather a useless attribute.

Since I use a Cannon T4i, weight wasn't a problem. However, larger cameras may not work as well because of the low-level head.

If you have some extra money to spend, go with a better brand with a removable head. Otherwise this is a great "First" monopod and gets the job done nicely. It supports the camera and it's pan/tilt head will help you get the angles you need. It's worth the price tag but later you may wonder if you could have bought something better.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this with a 200-500mm Zoom telephoto lens. I read other reviews that criticized the Pan-Tilt Head, but I have found it to be solid when properly used.

For the price, you couldn't expect more! Excellent value.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I'm relatively new to the photo world but this piece seems to be just the ticket for wrestling matches where space is at a premium.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I used this to shoot some footage while marching in the Occupy Park Ave Parade. Easy to set-up/use.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

For [$] I think this is a good monopod.I use this with DSLR. I bought this mainly for it has the head and the price.However the head is soso. panning not that smooth, but it has no problem for photo, actually I find use this head is very handy for take different angle of shot without moving body.but for video if u want your footage has 100% smooth panning, you should stay away from this one. but a nice video head alone cost 100+...so again can not complain..I hope the head can be removed.. but I know for this price, company would not do that...

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

this mono pod is light weight and easy to carry around easy to put on the camera what can I say it's just far out wild and crazy I love this mono pod so I think you audit just go to B&H and ordered this right now it's too cool

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Good item with little cost

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this monopod when I am using the telephoto lens at sports events - it saves my back from the weight of the lens, and since I don't have an image stabilizer on my lens, my camera is much more stable. It is an extra piece of equipment to carry around and it doesn't fit in a camera bag.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Really 4.5 stars. Very handy for traveling and working in crowded situations, like festivals, etc. Light weight, small, but sturdy.

Love the quick release camera platform and the head does it all, swivel, tilt and pan.

The only draw back is I wish it had quick release levers instead of twist grips for the extention leg.

I would highly recomend this item.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I am a serious hunter and have found the monopod great for its ease of mobility while video taping in the tree stand. It allows me to get the angles i couldn't get before as well as a much steadier view. What a great product!

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this with my long lens 80-200 and some time with a 1.4 multiplier. I found that the fixed head is a bit weak and I just do not like a pan head on a monopod. I do find the monopod to be sturdy enough to use for a walking stick. I personaly would not have bought it but it came free with a tripod purchase.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

A little on the light side for the longer lenses. Built of the pan-tilt head is a little flimsy as well. It is very convenient and light however for the unexpected opportunities or on long hikes.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

This is a very feeble monopod with a very unstable base. I got thiss free from purchasing some other gear. I see why. Do not bother buying this.. even though it was free it does not provide much use as the 3-way head is not suitable for a monopod. Especially with the way the head is designed- very unstable.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this mainly to hold my long zoom Pentax FA* 80-200mm/2.8 when I want to move fast without setting up a tripod.

Actually I got this one free as part of combo deal when I purchased Giottos MT-9360 tripod from B&H. Very good deal!

The funny thing is even though B&H advertised it as Giottos. The box is clearly labeled Tamron. When I opened it up, there is big Tamron logo printed on the leg while Giottos name is printed only on the head. So I don't know who actually made this.

The monopod is very lightweight and adjust pretty high.
It's a 4 section monopod with panning head and QR plate.
The bottom end includes a plastic (rubber like) shoe that can be adjusted to use the metal spike for better grip.
I has the foam cover on the grip and hand strap which make it comfortable to carry around with one hand.

It comes with a nice carrying bag but no shoulder strap at all. I wish they include this one.

The thing I don't like is the quick release head.
It's plastic and doesn't look like will last long but we'll see since I only own it for less than 2 weeks.

The screw for the QR plate doesn't hold on to camera/lens so well. If I twist the camera body/lens around, it gets loose easily. I have to detach the plate and tighten it from time to time. Not so convenient in this part.

Another thing is on the QR plate there is this small pin that suppose to hold a video cam from turning by itself. But it's too short for my 80-200 tripod collar's hole. So it's just pressing it on the tripod collar's bottom with no grip. I couldn't remove this so I put a tape under the lens tripod collar to avoid scratches.

Overall it's a good product for it's price. As long as we know the limitation.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I am a pro photographer and use this monopod regularly. Great for hiking, when carrying a heavy three leg tripod is to much. I keep this one in my truck for emergency shots that come up while out and about. Leg locks work easily for that quick unexpected shot.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Freebee when I purchased a Giottos tripod. Nice, compact...just leave it in the car for when you need it. Would be great if the head was removable.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Nice compromise for travelling: light weight and just enough stability for a 200-300mm telophoto lens.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Was looking for a decently built monopod for use during travel - sturdy, not too heavy, with a usable Pan/tilt Head. We'd be using it with digital/35mm film SLRs with up to medium lenses, but nothing too heavy, and didn't want the expense of an exotic materials design. This seemed to fit the bill, as good value for money. Exceeded expectations: sturdy build, lightweight, with a very decent head.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I love this monopod. It fits nicely on my Lowepro pack, light & very easy to use. The tilt head is great.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this with my nikon 70-200 mm mainly when photographing sporting events. I love how compact and lightweight it is.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

This is an excellent purchase for any photographer, especially a beginner like me, who loves taking nature photos and using a tripod isn't always practical.

Giotto's quality is evident as the head tilts and pans for a variety of angles and is relatively simple to adjust. Its big soft foam handle is comfortable and oversized for a solid grip and the three-section leg is smoothly deployed and folds up easily.

Don't let its aluminum construction turn you off as it's very strong, stable and doesn't bend or bow easily. The rubber "Foot" at the end unscrews to reveal a terrain spike, which could be a bit longer.

The built in wrist strap is a convenient safety net which is comfortable and long enough to shoot and make adjustments while wearing it. The collar is loose enough to rotate without flapping around or making noise.

Unfortunately the head is the weak link as it's permanently attached and can't be swapped out for an upgrade. The tilt handle, adjustment knobs and quick release plate locking lever all feel cheaply made and may give you the idea it wouldn't take much to damage it.

If you don't loosen the pan knobs completely they click at different positions. One more twist will loosen it enough to set the angle to your preference, which by chance or design, is rather a useless attribute.

Since I use a Cannon T4i, weight wasn't a problem. However, larger cameras may not work as well because of the low-level head.

If you have some extra money to spend, go with a better brand with a removable head. Otherwise this is a great "First" monopod and gets the job done nicely. It supports the camera and it's pan/tilt head will help you get the angles you need. It's worth the price tag but later you may wonder if you could have bought something better.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this with a 200-500mm Zoom telephoto lens. I read other reviews that criticized the Pan-Tilt Head, but I have found it to be solid when properly used.

For the price, you couldn't expect more! Excellent value.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I'm relatively new to the photo world but this piece seems to be just the ticket for wrestling matches where space is at a premium.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I used this to shoot some footage while marching in the Occupy Park Ave Parade. Easy to set-up/use.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

For [$] I think this is a good monopod.I use this with DSLR. I bought this mainly for it has the head and the price.However the head is soso. panning not that smooth, but it has no problem for photo, actually I find use this head is very handy for take different angle of shot without moving body.but for video if u want your footage has 100% smooth panning, you should stay away from this one. but a nice video head alone cost 100+...so again can not complain..I hope the head can be removed.. but I know for this price, company would not do that...

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

this mono pod is light weight and easy to carry around easy to put on the camera what can I say it's just far out wild and crazy I love this mono pod so I think you audit just go to B&H and ordered this right now it's too cool

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Good item with little cost

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this monopod when I am using the telephoto lens at sports events - it saves my back from the weight of the lens, and since I don't have an image stabilizer on my lens, my camera is much more stable. It is an extra piece of equipment to carry around and it doesn't fit in a camera bag.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Really 4.5 stars. Very handy for traveling and working in crowded situations, like festivals, etc. Light weight, small, but sturdy.

Love the quick release camera platform and the head does it all, swivel, tilt and pan.

The only draw back is I wish it had quick release levers instead of twist grips for the extention leg.

I would highly recomend this item.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I am a serious hunter and have found the monopod great for its ease of mobility while video taping in the tree stand. It allows me to get the angles i couldn't get before as well as a much steadier view. What a great product!

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this with my long lens 80-200 and some time with a 1.4 multiplier. I found that the fixed head is a bit weak and I just do not like a pan head on a monopod. I do find the monopod to be sturdy enough to use for a walking stick. I personaly would not have bought it but it came free with a tripod purchase.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

A little on the light side for the longer lenses. Built of the pan-tilt head is a little flimsy as well. It is very convenient and light however for the unexpected opportunities or on long hikes.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

This is a very feeble monopod with a very unstable base. I got thiss free from purchasing some other gear. I see why. Do not bother buying this.. even though it was free it does not provide much use as the 3-way head is not suitable for a monopod. Especially with the way the head is designed- very unstable.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I use this mainly to hold my long zoom Pentax FA* 80-200mm/2.8 when I want to move fast without setting up a tripod.

Actually I got this one free as part of combo deal when I purchased Giottos MT-9360 tripod from B&H. Very good deal!

The funny thing is even though B&H advertised it as Giottos. The box is clearly labeled Tamron. When I opened it up, there is big Tamron logo printed on the leg while Giottos name is printed only on the head. So I don't know who actually made this.

The monopod is very lightweight and adjust pretty high.
It's a 4 section monopod with panning head and QR plate.
The bottom end includes a plastic (rubber like) shoe that can be adjusted to use the metal spike for better grip.
I has the foam cover on the grip and hand strap which make it comfortable to carry around with one hand.

It comes with a nice carrying bag but no shoulder strap at all. I wish they include this one.

The thing I don't like is the quick release head.
It's plastic and doesn't look like will last long but we'll see since I only own it for less than 2 weeks.

The screw for the QR plate doesn't hold on to camera/lens so well. If I twist the camera body/lens around, it gets loose easily. I have to detach the plate and tighten it from time to time. Not so convenient in this part.

Another thing is on the QR plate there is this small pin that suppose to hold a video cam from turning by itself. But it's too short for my 80-200 tripod collar's hole. So it's just pressing it on the tripod collar's bottom with no grip. I couldn't remove this so I put a tape under the lens tripod collar to avoid scratches.

Overall it's a good product for it's price. As long as we know the limitation.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I am a pro photographer and use this monopod regularly. Great for hiking, when carrying a heavy three leg tripod is to much. I keep this one in my truck for emergency shots that come up while out and about. Leg locks work easily for that quick unexpected shot.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Freebee when I purchased a Giottos tripod. Nice, compact...just leave it in the car for when you need it. Would be great if the head was removable.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Nice compromise for travelling: light weight and just enough stability for a 200-300mm telophoto lens.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

Was looking for a decently built monopod for use during travel - sturdy, not too heavy, with a usable Pan/tilt Head. We'd be using it with digital/35mm film SLRs with up to medium lenses, but nothing too heavy, and didn't want the expense of an exotic materials design. This seemed to fit the bill, as good value for money. Exceeded expectations: sturdy build, lightweight, with a very decent head.

Comments about Giottos MV-8250 3-Section Monopod with Pan-Tilt Head:

I love this monopod. It fits nicely on my Lowepro pack, light & very easy to use. The tilt head is great.