Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Fluid Effect Head (Quick Release) - Supports 6.6 lbs (3 kg)

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

THIS TRIPOD HAS ALREADY COME IN HANDY SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I RECEIVED IT. I REALLY APPRECIATE THE ABILITY TO SWITCH TO MONOPOD BECAUSE WE ARE MOST OFTEN TRACKING WILDLIFE THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS OR VIDEOING MOVING TARGETS AND A FULL SIZE TRIPOD IS JUST NOT FEASABLE SO THE MONOPOD COMES IN HANDY!

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

As a beginning photography student I find the 9002TM Tripod/Monopod fits my needs. Its versatility and price were perfect for the newbie and helped me understand more about photography.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

Used with a DSLR for stills and video
Sturdy enough for the price

When using telephoto lens it is not entirely steady, but you pay for what you get.
A little heavy but nothing burdensome

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

Some reviewers have complained about the sturdiness of this product. Perhaps it is flimsy compared to expensive tripods, but it is quite sturdy compared to the cheap tripods I have been used to using. I bought this to primarily use the monopod but still have a tripod base for group photos. The monopod has a twist cam locking system which is faster to set up coarsly but slower to fine adjust than the flip locks. The cam locks seem relatively sturdy; it just takes some getting used to. The reviewer that complained about the broken lock probably torqued the shaft too far in the wrong direction. There are three main issues I've noticed so far. (1) the cam locks don't seem to hold the monopod as sturdily as the twist locks do. (2) The fluid head only has fluid dampening on the tilt and not on the pan. The pan does have adjustable friction drag, but it is not nearly as smooth as the tilt. (3) The tripod legs require a decent pull to pull them loose even when the locks are disengaged. This may be less of an issue as it gets broken in. The Sunpack carrying case has a tiny strap; too small to comfortably fit over my shoulder. I fixed this issue by attaching the shoulder strap from an old laptop case to this strap. I don't count this against the tripod because it was bundled in for free. These small issues aside; this tripod is much better than the department store caliber tripods I'm used to and gives you the freedom of the monopod coupled with the stability of a tripod all in one package.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

If you're buying this for the tripod, don't bother. It's real flimsy. For a tripod, it seems great. Seems pretty robust. I'm comparing it to the [$] targus tripod from [...], and it blows that thing away. The targus is like a cheap toy compared to this. I wouldn't hesitate to get this one. It is a little bit heavier then the targus, but that is why it's a lot stronger too.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I am disappointed with this purchase. I had literally shot with this tripod for less than two hours when the pan/tilt head broke. I did not over tighten the handle but it just snapped, so the head will not remain locked down (making it completely useless as a tripod or monopod). I certainly wasn't expecting it to be as heavy duty as a Bogen tripod or the like, but I had another Sunpak tripod before this one and it performed very well for the price. I actually still have it, but I dented one of the legs and it won't fold completely closed, which is why I bought this one. (I also wanted to have a monopod with a pan/tilt head since I'm shooting some video these days).

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

Great product for the price!

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

The item is more compact and lighter weight than my larger tripod. It is about 23 1/2 inches overall and works well. It is especially nice for my camcorder and is acceptable for my large dslr and larger lens. I would suggest use with the larger cameras be limited to traveling or hiking, and the same for the mono pod. I am completely satisfied with the quality and functionality.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

Great economical full-size Tripod/Monopod. The center column is removable and converts into a fully usable 5-section monopod, with a 3-way head attached. Over-sized, single action locks with rubber leg tips and retractable spiked feet give non-skid stability. The whole unit folds to a good size and doesn't weigh much. Monopod works great for a lightweight DSLR camera, but if you have a heavy lens get a different Monopod.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I purchased this tripod because I wanted a monopod with the same quick release head as my tripod had. Instead, I replaced my old tripod with this one and got the best of both! It comes with a second quick release mount, so I keep one on my primary camera ALL the time, and use the second with other cameras as needed. I like the fact that If I want to go from tripod to monopod I simply loosed the center stop and pull the monopod our already attached to the camera! The 3-way head is niver than the cheapie tripod I used to use, but it also is a 'get what you pay for' item. It's not a top of the line head. I pucrchased the bag for it for about $6 at the same time, and I'm glad I did - would recommend that to anyone who purchases this unit. A very goo value for the money.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

This is a 'get what you pay for','worth the value' product. While the construction does feel a little less than solid, it is still a capable and stable product. Obviously not meant for heavy cameras or cameras with heavy long lenses, it will support your DSLR nicely by either tripod or monopod. It is best suited as a 'B' camera tripod and a light travel tripod/monopod combo. Perfect for overseas or long hiking shoots when you can't lug a 20-30 lb. Sachtler with you. I also saw someone commenting about the bubble level being covered up by their camera, but if you are using a DSLR like I am for this tripod, you can mount the quick release plate on the head in a perpendicular fashion as the mounting foot is square. This way you can have the bubble level sticking out at the base of your camera.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

Easy to use, and the extra plate allows usage with two cameras. Excellent value as it is stable and can be raised to a comfortable operating height.

While a bubble level is provided, it is hidden by the camera when in use so its functionality is limited.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

i bought my first one to use with my movie camera i love the quick MONOPOD break away idea just turn and lift. and start moveing around , so when i bought my nikon i had to get one for that camera . it just makes it easy my son in law works the movies and i move around and get the stills . [...]

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I use this in my video studio with a small Canon Vixia camcorder. The tripod does not lock down well on any of the three axis. It is cheaply constructed.

I do however like the monopod feature, unfortunaetly I don't use a monopod....

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I use the monopod at basketball games and rodeos. It is wonderful! I have not used the tripod as much, but it works great for my needs. I love the versatility (going from tripod to monopod in an instant) I got for the money. I use it with my Canon Rebel XSi D-SLR camera. For the money . . . . I think it is a very versatile, easy to use, easy to carry (because it is not heavy), tripod/monopod.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I use this product both indoors and out. I wanted something light weight and sturdy enough to hold a mid sized digital camera. The mono-pod was a plus.

The tripod has proven to be exactly what I was looking for. Movements are smooth and it easily supports my digital cameras. The mono-pod is ok but not to sturdy. All in all it is a good value.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I just bought this from another retailer. It set up quite easily. I took a few shots, and everything was great. When I was closing it up, the knob that snugs against the center pole sheared the plastic around it right off!!! I didn't even tighten it very much. Not cool.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I’m a serious amateur who aspires to high quality but must stay inside my budget . A tripod is a recent addition to my outdoor play I recently traveled to FL for family holiday and some walk –around image capture. This tripod travels well, sets up quickly and I found that the quick release and monopod features suit my style well. At this process it’s a great value.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

light weight & easy to use -I'm really very satisfied.

Comments about Sunpak 9002TM Tripod/Monopod with 3-Way Head:

I'm new to photography and I have found that this tripod/monopod helps improves the quality of my photos. The fact that it's lightweight is an added benefit. I'll take it with me to more locations because it isn't heavy.