Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg)
The Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe features the innovative NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism. The leg opens up by simply pulling down on it, and automatically locks into any position, with no screws, knobs or levers to tighten. The 685B also sports a safety lever that prevents accidental deployment of the locking release mechanism. To close the monopod, simply activate the safety lever with the small 'pinkie' finger, which then allows the grip action handle to be depressed. The lever is simple to operate while still maintaining the one-handed closing operation. And this innovative mechanism exerts more locking power the heavier the weight pushing down on it from above.
To further improve the single-handed performance of the Neotec Monopod, Manfrotto has added a lightweight rubber foot pedal to make opening or closing a snap. To increase the height of the camera, simply step on the pedal and lift the monopod to the new position. For storage and transportation, the foot pedal folds away against the bottom leg section.
- Special aluminum alloy used in the aeronautical industry
- NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism
- Lightweight rubber foot pedal to make opening or closing easier
- Protective foam leg-warmer on the bottom leg section to provide protection against the elements and offer a comfortable grip during transportation.
- Suction cup foot for extra ground support and increased grip
| Maximum Height | 66.9" (169.9 cm) |
| Folded Length | 29.3" (74.4 cm) |
| Load Capacity | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Leg Lock Type | One-handed automatic grip-action release |
| Male Thread Size | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 93 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Opens quickly (58)
- Strong construction (51)
- Lightweight (48)
- Compact (29)
- Easily adjusted (15)
Cons
- Heavy (7)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (40)
- Travel (34)
- Wildlife (34)
- Landscape/scenery (28)
- Portraits (24)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (23), Semi-pro photographer (21), Pro photographer (20), Enthusiast (8), Professional (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (46)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great concept, but not without flaws.
As the other reviewers have already mentioned, this monopodis expensive, but there's nothing like it in terms ofconvenience so this alone dictates the price. On paper, it is a fantastic design. No longer...Read complete review
As the other reviewers have already mentioned, this monopodis expensive, but there's nothing like it in terms ofconvenience so this alone dictates the price. On paper, it is a fantastic design. No longer do you need torotate knobs or slap open and shut levers to adjust height.Just a press of a trigger is all it takes to adjust yourheight. Awesome. And after using it, I concur it really isawesome.The only gripes I have are the following:1) When extended to standing height (almost full length),the monopod is a bit shaky. This is something i have notseen anyone mention yet. The load capacity is stated for33lbs, which was a big consideration for me as i'm using itwith my EF 400mm 2.8L as well a EF 500mm F4L IS with 1DmkIIbodies. These setups with Extenders and Extension tubes arewell under 33lbs, yet the monopod can easily be shaken ifflexed sideways at almost full extension. Not a *huge* deal,but I wanted to mention this in case anyone has theexpectation of a super stiff monopod. As a means ofsupporting massive weight, it does the job. But if you areshooting slow shutter speeds with a sizeable load, then keepthis in mind.2) the rubber foot on the ball joint is a terrific idea, butthe rubber foot can sometimes slip off, so be careful. Iwish it was less easier to remove.3) the step lever at the bottom makes using this automaticmonopod a joy over the 3245, but it has such a small footprintthat you really have to make sure you press it down goodotherwise the monopod slips out under your foot prettyeasily. If it was a little bit longer and/or wider, thiscould be more secure to step on.4) for this much money, I wish the monopod movement wasdampened and air-cushioned. As it is now, if you unlock themonopod with a sizeable load, it will fall down rapidly soyou have to make sure you are supporting the weight first.5) I concur...for this much money, a nice shoulder strap andsoft case would have been nice.6) I wish it was about a foot shorter when collapsed. It'sstill pretty long when minimized.Aside from these things I wanted to mention, I think it is agreat monopod. If Bogen could refine it a bit further itreally could be perfect. But until the competition offersalternatives, it really is the most convenient monopod by far.- Christian del Rosario- kam | photo
Expertise: Freelance Professional
Problems Encountered: A little shaky when fully extended and about 18lbs loaded.
Items I Recommend: EF 500mm F4L IS, EF 400mm F4L DO, EF 300mm F2,8 IS
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Unique features but don't get it wet
I use this with my Canon 500mm f4 coupled with either the 7D or 1DIII body and on occasion combined with a flash set-up. My main subject is wildlife, especially birds. Although this rig...Read complete review
I use this with my Canon 500mm f4 coupled with either the 7D or 1DIII body and on occasion combined with a flash set-up. My main subject is wildlife, especially birds. Although this rig is close to the suggested maximum load the monopod is solid and easy to set-up. It only takes a second or two to go from standing to a kneeling position. Adding a video-style head makes it much easier to carry over the shoulder. Once you try this monopod you will appreciate just how quick and easy it is to get onto your subject. This is especially true if the terrain makes using a tripod inpractical. It will not replace a tripod.
As long as you keep the inner tubing free of moisture it should last a long time. The lower part of the leg is sealed (I've used it without problems in salt and fresh water) but the upper sealing is not adequate for dealing with rain or careless washing! Once that happens the locking mechanism starts to fail and you run the certain risk of the rig just collapsing as you are about to take a photo. There is no way to clean the inner tubing and just leaving it to dry did not solve the problem. Mine lasted about three years which doesn't seem bad value.
Like other users, I lost the (useless) rubber foot on my first outing. A few months later I noticed that screws and nuts were missing in the grip. I suggest removing the rubber foot and using a semi-permanent glue to keep the screws and nuts in place. Lastly, even without any kind of head and removing the foot plate it is still rather long by monopod standards. You may find it too large for some suitcases.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 93 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Striaght out of the box the monopod would extend but would not completely collapse. Seems to be sturdy and easy to use but am not able to give it high marks because of it not collapsing to its compacted size. Sent it back to BH...I should have a new one in the next few days.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Pull up to lengthen, squeeze the handle and push down to shorten. The new monopod may be sticky at first, and it may require some adjustment of the squeeze handle, but after a while it will work smoothly. The 685b is the monopod used with the Custom Brackets Steadypod units.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
second section opening feels a bit clunky and shows me a bit weak in build quality BUT its the only guy that does what it does and so far i really like it. makes using a monopod very easy. i removed the pinky finger release trigger. no need really and hard to function while shooting. use it with my own rapid strap and even with big lens and heavy camera i am very portable and functional. a better build gets 5 stars.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
quick and easy extend and collapse, very sturdy, great monopod :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I had used this monopod on a job awhile back-but borrowed from someone else. since then I tried a few others, but none of them really gave me the same quick flexibility as this one did. I am so happy that I finally got one of my own. The best feature is the quick release grip that allows you to adjust the upper section. I can tell you how handy that is, especially if you are shooting video on DSLR. I would not trade this monopod for any other one. I would suggest adding a head with a quick release plate.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
It was beneficial to see several products at Photoshop World. This is nice and compact and lightweight for my needs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
The Best monoppod had never use
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I have the NeoTec tripod and really like it. But the mono pod version is cumbersome to release the lock. I would prefer a single "trigger" rather than double release mechanism. Foot hold down is bulky. Due to others note of loss of rubber foot, I drilled a small hole through it and rigged and metal fishing line leader material, with the other end I also encircled the metal screw stem with a loop .. secured with crimp tubbing fitting. I also applied LocTite ("removable") to the screw/nut threads which seem to come undone for many.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
Cons
- Foot shield not incl
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
This is an easy to use, lightweight mono-pod. Probably the best I've ever owned.
It's not getting five stars because you have to buy the foot shield, for an additional $20.
Without it you quickly lose the rubber foot.
It's not covered or protected in any way without it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I used the NeoTecMonopod Deluxe to photograph ballets at the Sarasota Opera House in Sarasota, Florida. Love the ability to raise and lower by pressing one small lever. Also appreciate the ability to rotate the camera on the monopod with great ease.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Thick
Best Uses
- Heavy camera rigs
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use this monopod with a ABR800 so i can easily carry the camera without feeling the weight.
I really like the up/down lever, and thats what this monopod is about. I think the bottom foot should be bigger, its hard to always keep my foot on it when i want to go up.
And that rubber ball at the bottom has a tendency to fall out, securing it is hard.
Other then that, not sure what else i could say, its my first monopod, but i love it. I'd like it to have a third hold on the top, so that a securying pin could be dropped to prevent things from unscrewing, but i'll probably just drill one myself.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I was really surprised at how heavy this monopod is, a lot more then I expected, since this was a replacement for one that I had lost.
The stand works, but is noisy when collapsed inside. And it is not easy to make a quick transition.
But it will hold heavy camera well, so depending on what your need this could be the answer, but if for light usage and hiking I would look elsewhere.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Opens Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
+ This is probably quickest monopod you can buy:). Just pull to make it higher and push handle and make it lower. - *Doesn't like water. After I put water it was barely expanding and detracting. So I put regular motor oil on a napkin, apply it to monopod and it's working great again. Is you're looking to ADD stand Manfrotto 567 B&H # MA678 It'll NOT fit this monood, however I went to [...] purchased grinder ring and took off 1/16 off inside Base cylinder adapter and not it FITS this monopod:). It took me about 1 1/2 labor with grinder. Please NOTE this stand is NOT suppose to fit this model but I did it anyway:)..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Used with a Canon 50 D camera with a canon 100/400 Is 4.5/5.6 lens for Bird photography. Coupled with a Bogen Head one wonders how one ever got along without it.
The technology permitting the rapid adjustment is invaluable. Three cheers for Manfrotto.
Gerry Ernest
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use this monopod for sports and birding. For sports I don't necessarily use a ballhead, but for birding I use the Hi-Capacity Monopod tilt head from Really Right Stuff with a RRS lever-release clamp. I only give four stars because I think the the safety lock and pistol grip could be designed a little bit smoother, and it would have been great to be able to use in water as well (the manual says I shouldn't). And it's pretty long not extended, so it's not for carry-on luggage. Otherwise, I didn't even consider monopods before trying this one. I'm 184cm tall, and using this with a long lens and heavy camera for hours on a soccer game makes it easy on my back as I can stand upright most of the time. The rapid change in height makes bird photography easy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I wanted a monopod that I could use around Little League baseball and Football games. I must say I am glad I read the reviews and choose the 685B by Manfrotto. It is quick and easy in making small adjustments. I have had several people already ask me what model of monopod I have. Very good buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
Cons
- Long
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I bought this after I changed to longer prime shooting (85L, 135L) vs my IS zooms. I find it perfect for dark churches and receptions. The ability to quickly change the height I am shooting at made me have faith in monopods again. I pair it with a decent ballhead and L plate on my camera means I can quickly change camera orientation without changing my camera height. I.e. The camera is rotated ontop of the ballhead not the monopod head.
it is also invaluable for fashion work, giving me the ability to physically move around where a tripod would slow me down.
I only wsh it was more compact when collapsed down for trave usage.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use a monopod whenever a tripod is forbidden. The only reason it only got 4 stars is the weight, it is not light. It is very sturdy and rock steady with my 300 prime Canon L on my Canon 7D. I love not having to reach down and release any clips! Great value at the price[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use this with my Canon 100-400 EF IS Lens. It is very well made and solid. I love how quickly you can adjust it length. The only thing that would be an improvement, would be to make it's collapsed length a bit lower. It is about 29" collapsed
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Opens Quickly
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I bought the 685B for use with a Leica M9 and a Panasonic Lumix four-thirds camera. I use the 492 micro ball head. The combination is fantastic. The monopod will turn when extended and locked, but will not retract. The system for fastening the ball head is also great because it locks on. I do not have to worry about the head or camera rotating while carrying the monopod on a walk. This combination may not be as firm as a tripod but it is a whole lot lighter and helps produce great images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Quick Release Plates
- Price: $18.25
- CAD 18.15
Ball Heads
- Price: $24.95
- CAD 24.82
Leg Accessories
- Price: $19.95
- CAD 19.84
Monopod accessories
- Price: $14.90
- CAD 14.82
What's in the Box
- Hand Strap
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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