Velbon Neo Pod 7 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

Comments about Velbon Neo Pod 7 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I use this Monopod mostly for shooting baseball from a far, carrying a 80-200 f 2.8L lens with the 2X TC. I struggled with this purchase because of how inexpensive it was. But after seeing a pro photographer Harry Ho on Youtube talk about it, i figured it was worth trying it out. I compared it with $500-700 Monopods that seemed to have all the buzz words. At the end of the day what I need is simple to use (speed), smooth action, light, and portable Monopod - This is a great Monopod and I am picky about these things

Comments about Velbon Neo Pod 7 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod:

I have been using this when I shoot with a big, heavy, Nikon 70-200mm lens attached to a D90 body. I use it in conjunction with a Vanguard SBH-250 Ball Head. This combination, even when the monopod is extended to its maximum, easily supports the load with the monopod remaining totally rigid.

The monpod's uppermost section is wrapped in neoprene and is comfortable to grip. Its diameter is big enough so that it feels very solid and substantial in my hand.

The section release mechanisms operate smoothly and securely hold the sections in place in the extended, partially extended, or closed position.

I carry the monopod with me on my daily "nature" walks. It comes with a carrying sling but I prefer to attach it to a small camera backpack. With the ball head attached and the monopod collapsed, it is slighty awkward to carry (it is a little too long for my taste), but the light weight, ease of use, and super rigidity more than make up for this.

I haven't owned the monopod long enough to form on opinion on its durability, but every indication is that it will probably wear well, except, perhaps, for the rubber cap that covers the tip of the bottom section.

Comments about Velbon Neo Pod 7 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod:

If you want the light weight benefits of carbon fiber, but you don't want to pay for it, this is a great option.

You could spend 3 times as much for a Gitzo (and if you have money to burn, I recommend you do that), but if you don't, this is a great deal.

I wanted the Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod, but it was $200 more, and I did not need to support 55 pounds of equipment (I'd use a tripod for that anyway).

The Neo Pod 7 has fewer sections than the Gitzo, so it doesn't collapse as small, and the diameter of the upper sections is smaller, so it isn't quite as stiff as the Gitzo. But, the Neo Pod 7 will hold a 300mm f2.8 and possibly more, it's taller than most monopods, it comes with a big strap (Gitzo doesn't) and it's inexpensive.

If you have $300 or more to spend on a monopod and you want it to collapse small, get the Gitzo. If you're on a budget, get the Velbon Neo Pod 7.

If it would collapse smaller, be as stiff as the Gitzo and support 55 pounds it would get the fifth star, but for the money this is a great deal and will do the job 98% of the time.