Manfrotto 681B 3 Section Monopod with 234 Swivel Head - Supports 5.5 lb (2.5kg)

I bought this based on the Manfrotto reputation and mysatisfaction with my 3021P tripod.I have an RRS B2 Pro mounted on top of the swivel with RRS'shardware kit. I used blue permatex for the installation.Monopod:The monopod is built very well. The materials andconstruction are of a very high quality. The monopod useslever locks. I'm not really a fan of lever locks especiallyManfrotto's because they are so tight that if you haveslippery fingers, the lock might slip and pinch you...when Isay pinch I mean injure you!...it hurts. Of course that's apossibility only and I'm extra careful so that's merely justa preference for me. The flip levers do an excellent job of locking each of the 2sections. I use a D200 and 70-200VR with this monopod andnever once did I get a sensation that the locks wouldloosen. The monopod itself is made of aluminum. The topsection is solid and feels like a pipe. The other 2sections are solid as well but of lighter weight. The leversare made of a very high quality, thick plastic. Metalscrews and springs are used to secure the levers to thebody. A flimsy plastic tool for adjusting the tension ofthe levers comes attached to the monopod. You might as wellthrow it out because it is useless and it is bound to falloff. When I need to make a tension adjustment, an 8mm socketdoes the job.The monopod comes with a generous grippy padded surfacewhich is about 9 in length. Not only is this good forslippery hands, it's essential in cold temperatures. TheManfrotto name is painted on but the model number, place ofmanufacture, and SN are ENGRAVED! (that's good)I personally have the accessory metal spike attached becauseit gives me a bigger footprint. I think it's overpriced at$17 but it does make the product more versatile and it looksbetter too.The monopod is a little heavy as it weighs about 5.5 pounds(6.5 pounds with my swivel and clamp.)Personally I think carbon fiber monopods are a waste becausea monopod, compared to a tripod, is already light to beginwith. Unless you carry a monopod all the time for anextended period of time, I don't think carbon fiber is agood investment in a monopod...now carbon fiber tripods areanother story. I guarantee though if you're hiking with thismonopod for an extended period of time, you will begin tofeel the weight.3232 Swivel Head:This swivel head is made from a very high quality plastic.I'll try my best to describe it to you. It almost feelslike the unit is metal wrapped in plastic...the weightemphasizes this theory. Of course it's not metal but itfeels very strong. Build quality is not an issue here.The swivel is rated at 5.5 pounds and this seems about rightbecause when I put my D200 and 70-200 into the verticalposition, I can move it past 90 degrees (very easily) whenit is locked down. I have an L-plate so this really is notan issue for me. I just bought the swivel for versatility.I wish the swivel locked down tighter. If you will use itfor verticals, you'll feel the effects, if you're like meand have an L-plate, you won't care.As I stated above, I attached the B2 Pro with RRS's hardwarekit ($2). I recommend you do that as the look is cleanerand the fit is exceptional.Finally, I use a lever clamp on my tripod/ballhead. I don'trecommended a lever clamp on a monopod because I think withthe monopod, you could benefit from the greater clampingpower of the screw. The lever clamp is certainly easier forattachment/detachment but for a monopod, you certainly don'twant take any chances with your gear potentially slidingaround due to accidentally hitting the lever.This is a great monopod and at $75 it is certainly a greatvalue considering it's functionality and how well it ismade. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on a monopod,you just need to assess your needs and pick the right model.

Expertise: Serious Hobbyist

Problems Encountered: Swivel head could lock down tighter.Overall monopod could benefit from being a little less heavy.

Items I Recommend: RRS or equivalent screw clamp