Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release

  • Price: $144.76
  • GBP 91.50
  • B&H # MA560B1
  • Mfr# 560B-1

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The Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release is a portable solution for smooth shooting with Mini-DV and HDV cameras in confined spaces. This unique monopod incorporates a fluid cartridge in the base for smooth pans, and has set of retractable feet for a firm footing on uneven ground.

Fold-up feet for compact transport
Fluid cartridge in base for smooth panning
Maximum Height 65.5" (166 cm)
Folded Length 26" (66 cm)
Load Capacity 4.4 lb (2 kg)
Leg Sections 4
Leg Lock Type Rapid-action lever
Male Thread Size 1/4-20
Weight 1.5 lb (700 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release
 
4.1

(based on 47 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (18)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (22)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

86%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (35)
  • Compact (33)
  • Opens quickly (31)
  • Strong construction (24)
  • Stable (3)

Cons

  • Unstable joints (7)
  • Unstable (5)

Best Uses

  • Video (26)
  • Travel (22)
  • Weddings (21)
  • Sports/action (20)
  • Wildlife (16)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-pro photographer (17), Pro photographer (14), Photo enthusiast (8)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (24)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

GOOD TRIPOD SUBSTITUTE FOR EVENT WORK

PROS: The legs are sturdy and work well. They flip down and lock into place. On uneven terrain you can stay more or less level by pivoting the base. But this pod is ...Read complete review

PROS: The legs are sturdy and work well. They flip down and lock into place. On uneven terrain you can stay more or less level by pivoting the base. But this pod is not about the legs. This pod is about the base. The base is a stiff ball joint that allows you the speed and flexibility of tilting the camera to the desired angle. But the best part of the base is that it is built inside a fluid sleeve that allows you to make nice smooth pans. This feature alone is worth the price. If you are covering fast moving event stuff that requires the steadiness and panning capabilities of a tripod but you dont have the time nor the room for it this monopod fits the bill. In a tight spot you could easily cover an entire ceremony with it and not miss your tripod. The 560B is lighter than Manfrottosprevious top of the line monopod. CONS: You CAN NOT lock the ball joint down which means you cannot lock the camera down and walk away from the pod. Any camera over two pounds will tilt the pod over on its own weight (unless you hold on to it). This engineering oversight borders on stupidity. Manfrotto already has the technology for locking ball joint tripod heads. Why they neglected to use it on their top of the line monopod is beyond me. Monopod also lacks a bubble level. Can you believe a $150 pivoting monopod without a 25 cent stupid level??? To keep it light Manfrotto used thinner wall aluminum legs which feel flimsy and are definitely less sturdy than their other monopods. In my personal scale of one to ten Id give it a seven and would recommend it for event work for its great panning capability alone.

Problems Encountered: Pivoting ball joint does not lock down. Cameras over two pounds will tilt the monopod over. No bubble level.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Bogen Manfrotto monopods and tripods

Items I Recommend: A non pivoting QR head.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Terrible

Worst purchase I ever made. Tilt mechanism at bottom sticks and pops rendering this mono totally useless for my video work. Pan mechanism is smooth and works as advertised, but the ball joint at...Read complete review

Worst purchase I ever made. Tilt mechanism at bottom sticks and pops rendering this mono totally useless for my video work. Pan mechanism is smooth and works as advertised, but the ball joint at very bottom ruins the whole effect. I'm buying the 679 bare bones monopod and adding the tilt head and I'm sure it will be 10 times better at half the cost. Dont waste your money!

Reviewed by 47 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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4.0

Nice monopod

By Erock901

from Ca

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

        Using this monopod with a fluidhead for dslr video. Fluid base works as expected. Definitely more stable than a normal monopod w/ no feet.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        3.0

        Oops

        By JSB

        from Seattle

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Compact
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Sports/Action
          • Travel
          • Video
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

          I orded this by mistake. I intended to order the 561b-1. This looks to be a perfectly fine monopod, but if you need the arm, make sure you've ordered the correct model.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

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          2.0

          Close but no cigar

          By Bob

          from New Hope, PA

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Pros

          • Lightweight

          Cons

          • Unstable
          • Unstable Joints

          Best Uses

            Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

            The tripod foot of this monopod is a brilliant design, but unfortunately it sits beneath a typical, cheap, aluminum monopod with plastic leg locks that slip with the least amount of pressure and are not adjustable or able to be tightened up.
            If you are interested in the mini-tripod foot (and it is a brilliant design for shooting video), look at the the 561 model....yes, that one is way too heavy but the leg will at least lock.
            That Manfrotto isn't offering this mini-tripod foot in a really strong, lightweight monopod in their Gitzo line is a shame, but this 560B-1 model, even for lightweight rigs like a Sony NEX 5, just slips with the least amount of pressure.
            Great idea, poor execution.

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            • No

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            5.0

            Great if you already have a fluid head

            By Dave McFarland

            from Portland, OR

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Opens Quickly
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                This is a great monopod: the feet (which fold up when not needed) provide a firm base and the built in fluid base is great for smooth panning. However, you can't do any tilt moves without a fluid head with a handle. The head that comes with the monopod isn't much to speak of and you can't create a smooth tilt with it.

                I bought this because I already own the Manfrotto 701HDV Fluid video head, and because I was looking for a monopod that was slightly smaller than the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1. If I didn't already have a fluid video head, I would have bought the 561BHDV.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

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                4.0

                Excellent monopod after some tweaking

                By digiTaljazz

                from GA

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Pros

                • Compact
                • Fluid Panning
                • Good price value
                • Lightweight
                • Opens Quickly
                • Strong Construction
                • TALL

                Cons

                • No level
                • No Locking Mechanism
                • Requires Tweaking
                • Stiff Ball Joint

                Best Uses

                • Home
                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Night Shots
                • Portraits
                • Sports/Action
                • Travel
                • Video
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                I bought this monopod as a replacement for a cheap tripod that I had been using. Both the pan and tilt worked perfectly out of the box when I first tried it. However, after about an hour, the tilt head developed a problem with sticking. This problem seemed to be more pronounced on carpeted floors.
                I attempted to correct the problem by loosening the ball joint with an allen wrench, but once I had loosened it enough for the tilt to work properly, the monopod panned at the ball joint instead of the fluid joint.

                Solution: Silicone spray.
                I added a small amount of silicone spray to the ball joint, which smoothed up the tilt just enough without causing it to pan at the wrong joint.

                So after some tweaking, this monopod works great, and is ideal for situations where a tripod is impractical.

                Note: If your pan is stiff, I would NOT recommend adding silicone spray to the fluid head joint, as it is the wrong lubricant to use for that sort of joint.

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                • No

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                5.0

                an advanced video monopod

                By Mert

                from Turkey

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Compact
                • Lightweight
                • Opens Quickly
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Night Shots
                  • Sports/Action
                  • Travel
                  • Video
                  • Weddings/Events

                  Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                  well,i am using this monopod with a canon xl-2. i am using it for wedding records and i am so satisfied from the result. you can just stand as you r using a tripod and just move as it is a monopod.fluid-head so atractive.170cm height is good.and so strong , it s manfrotto so..i can not say sth as "not good" but andything can be better and ia m waiting a better one from manfrotto. :)

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

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                  4.0

                  what I was looking for

                  By Michael the Filmmaker

                  from Bristow, VA

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Compact
                  • Lightweight

                  Cons

                  • Unstable Joints

                  Best Uses

                  • Video

                  Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                  This monopod had helped me enormously in getting stable video shots with my GH1. The only gripe I have is that when you move the stick forward/backward or to the sides with it placed on the ground it can stick and make jerky movements. The panning works very well.

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                  • No

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                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Manfrotto Mono is Megatastic!

                  By Fiddleman

                  from San Diego, CA

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Compact
                  • Lightweight
                  • Opens Quickly
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Sports/Action
                    • Travel
                    • Video
                    • Weddings/Events
                    • Wildlife

                    Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                    Is megatastic a word? Well it is a fantastic little monopod that is lightweight, easy to use and helpful in production. I just purchased it and used it with a lightweight Sony video camera. I like the small tripod legs that fold and the small footprint makes it a huge plus in tight areas.

                    I would not put my betacam on it but then again, I don't use my betacam anymore! I will be trying it out with my SLR this week and overall I absolutely love this tripod and recommend that you should have one of these great tools in your tool box, and you can get it from B & H Photo.

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                    • No

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                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    3.0

                    Not what I expected

                    By Jorge Asprón

                    from Querétaro, México

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Compact
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • Crunchy
                    • Unstable
                    • Unstable Joints

                    Best Uses

                    • Video

                    Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                    Although I've been using Manfrotto equipment for quite a while, my first two items I bought from this brand are something I didn't expect them to be.In this case, the monopod worked well for the first 4 hours of use, but then it got to a point where the fluid head was behaving like a cheap $30 bucks tripod.Everything else is OK. Well built, good grip, nice rotating head and strong clamps, but just what it has to do OK, it, just, don't. [...]

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                    • No

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                    5.0

                    Manfrotto 560B-1 Monopod

                    By Virtual Realtor

                    from Ventura, CA

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Compact
                    • Opens Quickly
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • None

                    Best Uses

                    • Business
                    • Home
                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Travel
                    • Video
                    • Weddings/Events
                    • Wildlife

                    Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                    I purchased this monopod to use for property videos as a Realtor. I wanted a product that would allow me to have steady filming while at the same time to be easily portable since what I do is move quickly between locations, rooms and terrains. A tripod would be too cumbersome to fold/unfold through doorways/stairs, etc.
                    I am very impressed with the quality of this unit. It is solid and well engineered. The handles and latches work perfectly. Very easy to expand and close and has a great quick release mechanism for both video and SLR cameras. In it's compact mode I use it to steady the video while moving through houses.
                    Although the price is a little higher than other monopods I'm sure anyone would agree that the quality in this unit will last for years.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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                    5.0

                    Great photos with my 7D

                    By tomma

                    from los angeles, ca

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Compact
                    • Lightweight
                    • Opens Quickly

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Home
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Shots
                      • Portraits
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Travel
                      • Video
                      • Weddings/Events
                      • Wildlife

                      Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                      I purchased this monopod due to extra legs which added some stability. Also the weight is just right, it's light and compact. I really like using the fluid head to take pictures, it helps me move the camera on the fly and keeps the base solid due to the extra feet. My 7D with a 17-55 and battery grip felt to be a bit much on the monopod. When I shot without the grip, the monopod was much more stable. Great monopod all around, stable, light and compact.

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                      • No

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                      4.0

                      Excellent purchase

                      By doug lewis

                      from Jacksonville, Fl

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Lightweight
                      • Opens Quickly
                      • Strong Construction

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Sports/Action
                        • Video
                        • Weddings/Events
                        • Wildlife

                        Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                        Use the Monopod for weddings.. The foldable feet make it very stable and the fluid head is very smooth. A lot easier than carrying around a tripod. Highly
                        Recommend!!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

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                        5.0

                        Perfect for video with DSLR

                        By Matthieu

                        from San Francisco, CA

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Compact
                        • Lightweight
                        • Opens Quickly

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Portraits
                          • Travel
                          • Video
                          • Weddings/Events
                          • Wildlife

                          Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                          I use this to shoot video on a Canon 7D for concert and interview. It's lightweight, stable and easy to set up.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          4.0

                          A Mono With Many Uses

                          By lawman

                          from Pierre, SD

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Lightweight
                          • Opens Quickly

                          Cons

                          • Ballhead

                          Best Uses

                          • Travel
                          • Wildlife

                          Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                          The surprising versatility of the 560B-1 makes it a compliment to any kit. I originally purchased one as a flash mount but have found so many other uses that I've now purchased a second.

                          I frequently use the 560B-1 as a mount for a "GoPRO HD" utilizing the GoPRO tripod adapter. The 560B-1 is a great monopod but it's true value is at its base. The 560 can 'stand' thanks to three small feet that quickly and easily fold out of the way without needing to screw the feet on or off as with some other models.

                          The fluid ballhead is extremely basic but still workable.

                          What it isn't: This is not a tripod replacement and you will never achieve the 'look' of a high quality fluid head.

                          What it is: An extremely light and very mobile monopod that can stand on its own, with a flash, a small camera, or a GoPRO.

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                          • No

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                          3.0

                          Not Bad

                          By Adamski

                          from Los Angeles, CA

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Compact
                          • Lightweight
                          • Opens Quickly

                          Cons

                          • No Tripod Head
                          • Only for small cameras
                          • Thinner Construction

                          Best Uses

                          • Portraits
                          • Sports/Action
                          • Travel
                          • Weddings/Events

                          Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                          This monopod is pretty nice, but I was expecting it to be a bit sturdier like the Manfrotto Fluid Video Monopod W/Head - for video work this is a much better option than the thinner 560B-1.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

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                          4.0

                          Very Useful

                          By Mykal

                          from Montego Bay

                          About Me Pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Compact
                          • Lightweight
                          • Opens Quickly
                          • Strong Construction

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Night Shots
                            • Portraits
                            • Weddings/Events

                            Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                            I am using the monopod for off camera flash. It is lightweight and compact and saves me from lugging around heavy and cumbersome light stands.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

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                            5.0

                            Works Great!

                            By Khanh Nguyen

                            from Vancouve,r, WA

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Compact
                            • Lightweight
                            • Opens Quickly
                            • Strong Construction

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Night Shots
                              • Video
                              • Weddings/Events

                              Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                              I tried this out for some video on my my D7000. Works great! The ball head is smooth and does not stick. The unit is light and easy to fold up or extend. I really like the quick release on it also. The fold out legs are just large enough to give me more stability for shots or video panning stability.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

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                              4.0

                              Unshakable confidence

                              By albasdad

                              from Paris, France

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Compact
                              • Lightweight
                              • Opens Quickly

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Sports/Action
                                • Video
                                • Wildlife

                                Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                                This is a gift for my wife who found that a tripod is too inconvenient and a simple monopod too shaky (yes, she's picky). I think this makes her really happy now.

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                                • No

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                                4.0

                                Helpful Tool for video work.

                                By wedding joe

                                from ny, ny

                                About Me Pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Compact
                                • Lightweight
                                • Opens Quickly
                                • Strong Construction

                                Cons

                                • Unstable Joints

                                Best Uses

                                • Night Shots
                                • Sports/Action
                                • Travel
                                • Video
                                • Weddings/Events
                                • Wildlife

                                Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                                I use this for video and stills. On the plus side, for small-footed monopods, this one is steady, light weight and inexpensive. There does seem to be something strange with the fluid ball at the base, but I have not tried to oil it yet. It kind of clicks sometimes when I lean it far over. I generally would use the larger Manfrotto monopod for more extreme maneuvers for video work, but this one is cheap, and 3 lbs lighter. For stabilizing basic video shots and stills, this is great.

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                                • No

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                                (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                4.0

                                Many Goods, Some Bads

                                By Kyle the Shooter

                                from Boulder, CO

                                About Me Pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Compact
                                • Lightweight
                                • Opens Quickly
                                • Strong Construction

                                Cons

                                • Unstable

                                Best Uses

                                • Travel

                                Comments about Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release:

                                This is a great monopod for the price. It swivels well, holds steady, has great little legs to steady it, and mounts a small camera very well. However, the bottom swivel doesnt seem to lock off for holding a camera completely steady. There seems to be no mechanism to completely lock off the swivel at the bottom... hmmmm, design flaw?

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                                • No

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