The Giottos MML 3290B Monopod is a 5-section professional class model made from aluminum, with 31/28/25/22/19mm diameter segments that makes it appropriate for use with large SLR telephoto lenses such as 170-500mm professional zoom models, a 300mm f/2.8, etc.
The MML 3290B's maximum height towers to 6'2", meaning that when the camera is attached it will reach the comfortable eye level of a person as tall as ~6'8" and can be used by anyone for shots that can get above the average visual obstruction of a crowd.
The MML 3290B has flip style lever locks, which could even be disassembled and cleaned in the field in an emergency situation. The top platform has a spring-loaded and reversible 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 threaded camera screw.
| Maximum Height | 74.0" (188.0cm) |
| Folded Length | 20.1" (51.0cm) |
| Load Capacity | 33 lbs (15kg) |
| Leg Sections | 5 |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip lock |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 1/4-20" & 3/8"-16 (reversible) |
| Weight | 1.45 lbs (660g) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Monopod
This is my first monopod and I must say a very good buy. The construction is top-notch, compacts to a great carry around size, and the quick flip levers are quick and easy (...Read complete review
This is my first monopod and I must say a very good buy. The construction is top-notch, compacts to a great carry around size, and the quick flip levers are quick and easy (I much prefer the flip levers to the twist lock mechanisms). The levers operate smooth and with no slipping and a high quality, sturdy feel. Very quick to extended and retract legs.
I was concerned about finding a sturdy and tall monopod due to my height (6'7") and found that this monopod is perfect. With a Manfrotto head on, my camera can go well over my head. I would estimate a top height at 80" or even a little taller. At max height, the monopod is sturdy and a pleasure to use with no bending of the legs. Weight is good and not heavy. I have no problem with this strapped to my bag for carrying around.
I am very happy with my purchase; Great value. Will defiantly look at Giottos in the future for my tripod purchase.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Got what I paid for
This product doesn't support a 400mm 2.8 without sagging occasionally. Most of the time it does just fine, but not 100%. After four assignments in the past week, I can deal with it ...Read complete review
This product doesn't support a 400mm 2.8 without sagging occasionally. Most of the time it does just fine, but not 100%. After four assignments in the past week, I can deal with it for the price difference over the Gitzo. We'll see how long it lasts. I would expect it would perform better for a 300 2.8 or smaller lens.
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Reviewed by 53 customers
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
This product doesn't support a 400mm 2.8 without sagging occasionally. Most of the time it does just fine, but not 100%. After four assignments in the past week, I can deal with it for the price difference over the Gitzo. We'll see how long it lasts. I would expect it would perform better for a 300 2.8 or smaller lens.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I use it with a bulky and relatively heavy camcorder (AG-HMC80, 10LBS). The monopod wasn't ready out of the box: I had to tight the screws (with the included allen key) before using it and again after a couple of shoots. There is no allen key holder and I can already imagine the day I'll go crazy looking for it while on a shoot. On the positive side, considering its amazing lenght, the MML 3290B is pretty compact and light. Not comparable with carbon monopods, of course.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
Great quality and value. I use it on hikes and walks. Could not be more impressed or pleased.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I use this monopod to hold a 530mm fl telescope that I have for photographing long distant objects. My set-up weighs 7kgs and this monopod holds it well. I cannot fault this monopod.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I was looking for a monopod and came across the Giottos website while doing a web search. I am glad I went to their webpage and looked at their products! After looking at reviews of this particular monopod, I was sold on it. My first experience with the monopod was at a horse competition in Florida and took 1580 pictures!(no joke) This buy was the best investment for my camera by far. Light and compact for it's total length, I am a tall person and it worked well! Highly recommended!
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I have tried this monopod on several occasions and I am getting ready to use it in my first wedding.
I am very excited to see how it performs!
I would recommend this product!
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I am 4' 30" tall (6'6") and I have been using an older shorter monopod for years. It was one of the tallest offered at the time but has always been about 2" short. Now I have more reach than I need. It's nice to be able to stand tall and use it comfortably. I should have purchased this a long time ago. It's sturdy and supports big lenses with no problem.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I wasted my money on 2 other monopods equaling almost twice the price of this one, and almost stripping the thread on my tripod collar with my previous one (won't mention any names), I combined this monopod with the Sirui L-10 Monopod Tilt Head the difference is astonishing A - stonishing
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I love it! I mostly use for sport photography.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I back pack and every piece of gear HAS to do double duty. This mono-pod is great. Compact, relatively light weight and STRONG. Works as a walking staff, tarp tent pole, bear bag retriever, and a camera support.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
Just received this monopod and have only had it out shooting once. So far I really like it. It looks and feels solid. I like the non rotating leg segments. It keeps the locks in the same general area and makes it easy to manipulate. I also like the padded/insulated upper leg section. This weekend the temps during my shoot ranged from 5 to 12 degrees. The padded upper section of the monopod made it much easier to handle without adding to the difficulties of shooting in these temps. I also like the extension height of 6+ feet. It doesn't add any noticeable bulk and depending on what your surrounding terrain is, it has already made a difference.
I am going from a 12 pound Gitzo to this 1 1/2 pound monopod and since this is my first monopod, getting used to it might take a few shoots but so far I so good.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I use it with a 6-lbs binocular. Really good monopod. Light, solid build. It is quick and efortless to adjust the height, clamps operate smooth with no sound, folds to a short size when not in use.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I'm impressed with this monopod! Was surprised on how small it was, and especially how it extended up to 7 feet! And best part is how its pretty light!
I really don't have any complaints with this monopod! I think its has a more than reasonable price to it also!
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
I use this with my heavy Canon 100-400mm L lens. Sometimes for action photography, but it's so portable and easy to work with, that I also use it for portraits. I'm very happy with it. My only wish would be that it would collapse a bit shorter to fit into my equipment case. But I should have/could have double-checked the dimension before buying. Despite that, I'm glad that I bought it as anything easy to use that also reduces camera shake is well worth it!
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
To change the screw fitting on top of the monopod you have to unscrew an little screw wich is hidden just under the plastic top of the monopod. You must turn it and look very closely to find it. This is not mentioned in the manual. I had to go back to the shop and it took several salesman quit some time to find it.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
Would buy this mono again looking at a tri pod now.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
Pros:
relatively light weight
collapses to a small foot print
easy to transport
lever locks work great so you can expand and contract the monopod easily
Rugged and holds plenty of weight
Cons:
No instructions about how to reverse the screw head.
I carry it with me when hiking and camping for use with long lenses and also when sightseeing in crowded venues like city streets
It really is a must have if you use telephoto lenses for wild life and nature or you need the extra support in crowds
I also use a Manfrotto 234RC tilt head with quick release. This helps to insure that your image is level. I am concerned that the tilt head can support the weight of a pro slr and telephoto lens
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
The build quality seems to be first-rate & the length should cover any situation ! Really sturdy & impressive.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
Seems like a nice, sturdy monopod for a very reasonable price. Folds up compact, clamps are easy to use, and it's tall enough to have some surplus for a 6-footer like me.
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Comments about Giottos MML 3290B 5-Section Aluminum Monopod - Supports 33 lbs (15kg):
This monopod is not just sturdy (has one of the best load bearing capacities in it's price range), but also flexible (5 sections as opposed to 4). The height is great, although I shall never need all of it. They have a dual screw for the tripod head, but it's not very obvious how to switch it, and there are no instructions. So I had some tense moments thinking I would have to buy another head. There was an allen wrench in the package, not sure what I would need that for - again points to lack of instructions.