Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg)

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

I spent days researching monopods, and finally settled on the GM5561T Traveler. I already own a Gitzo tripod - so I was well aware of the legendary quality. What really sold me about this particular monopod was a combination of weight handling capability, folded size, overall craftsmanship and lastly, extention height.

I'm 6ft tall and this monopod is the perfect size when fully extended. Even without a ballhead, your camera will be at eye level. Add in a Gitzo G-1410.130 All Terrain Shoe ($31.95), and you'll have an extra inch along with even more stability. Add in a ballhead (which you should do anyhow), and you've got an extra 3.5", giving you more than enough height to satisfy the requirements of tall photographers such as myself. As for ballheads, I strongly recommend a Markins Q-Ball Q3 Traveler (which has a built-in Dovetail/Arca-Swiss plate and is custom-made for Gitzo Traveler tripods/monopods). You'll have the perfect set up with this ballhead and the all-terrain shoe. All together, the folded height will be around 21", which is still amazing. And you can always take off the ballhead/shoe for travel.

As for quick set up and break-down, simply turn each of the monopod section knobs 1/4 turn and extend the monopod legs all at the same time. It takes all of 5 seconds, so no worries there.

You simply won't find a better monopod than this. It's just about perfect.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

This monopod will likely be part of my will when I pass away, that's how solid and well built the GM5561T is. I had a lower end Manfrotto which was shaky and as a result, my pictures were blurred. At 55 pounds of support, it is more than I need but in exchange, I got a monopod that is sturdy and lightweight. I look forward to using it on my upcoming vacation. Well done Gitzo!!!

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

i was very pleased with my purchase of the Gitzo Monopod. I found it to be lightweight but as sturdy as advertised. I've already used it on a couple of photo shoots and am very pleased with my purchase.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

For travellers who like to bring along a good camera, but prefer to pack light and not bring a tripod (even one of Gitzo's compact ones), this monopod is a good alternative. It fits into same carry-on pouch as your 15-inch laptop (flat across the bottom), and is light and discrete for walking around urban areas or into public places like museums (etc.). Opens and extends in a flash, and makes a big difference for certain photo situations. Belt clip on strap is another good portability feature. Excellent quality throughout.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

When you're asked by a pro photog how many monopods you've had they're searching for you to tell them you bought a junk one because you tried to save some money and when you got smart you bought a good one... well this is the good one to buy. I have two of them. One is attached to my 300 2.8 and the other to my 400 2.8... They're fantastic... I can't say enough good about them. It really is the "right" tool for the job.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

This is the best monopod I have tried. It extends and retracts easily, is small and compact enough I can fit it inside my backpack in the laptop compartment(without the head on). Its just built real solid.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

If you got the cash, it don't get any better.
Lite compact and strong.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

If you find yourself sitting on the ground, trying to hold a 400mm f2.8 lens + extender + camera body this is the monopod for you. The Gitzo GM5561T collapses short enough to hold all of this and a ball head with room to spare. 30+ lbs of gear and it is rock solid.

Only one complaint - the screw in rubber foot that comes with the monopod easily unscrews and gets lost. I had this happen to me on my third shoot, one week after receiving mine. A few drops of Loctite on the threads will solve this problem.

I highly recommend this monopod for the serious sports and wildlife photographer.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

Finally, A stable and sturdy (but light) monopod. It collapses to suitcase length or, if you prefer, backpack length. The fact that it will easily hold a 500 mm lens with pro-body camera and all the accessories attached makes it ideal for a day trip. It is Gitzo quality at it's best. I also like the way it fits my hand as I am able to open it with minimum effort. The screw plate reverses to fit 3/8 or 1/4 inch sockets. I am totally pleased.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

I bought this and added the RRS monopod head and have been very pleased with it. Very light weight yet strong. Used it with my a Canon 7D and a 70-200 MM & a 400 MM worked very well. Opens very smoothy allowing for fast street deployment

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

This is the best monopod I have ever see and every used. It is so light and small that it fits in your suitcase or camera bag. It is very sturdy which makes getting crips photos easy, plus it can be used as a walking stick.
Far better than anything I have seen on the market. Worth the money!

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

I will use this for travel photography. Much easier to get around with than a tripod.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

Great monopod.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

very light weight and easy to carry in a backpack

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

I really like the GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg) by Gitzo. It is really lite and easy to carry along. Sometimes I don't want to carry my tripod around and the Monopod allows me to easily set up for any shot -- portraits, action, or nature. Highly recommend!!

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

Left my old aluminum Manfrotto on a plane and was forced to decide what I needed as a replacement. Happened to see this at a store and was really impressed with the collapsed length and the rigidity when extended, both of which were suboptimal on the old monopod. Purchased this and am very pleased. Yes it was pricey, but it'll be the last one I buy. (No, I won't leave this one on a plane because it easily fits in any bag I might carry!)

Of course it's light, but that wasn't really the driving force. It is incredibly packable. And it is nearly absolutely rigid when extended. Much better than the aluminum I've tried.

I'm glad to have an easily transportable full-size monopod as I will be much more likely to travel with it and won't kill my arm holding up the 300/2.8 AFS during extended shoots.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

I love it.the quality is wonderful.The unit sets up fast and easy.good for traveler

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

I already had a manfroto mono but needed one for a big telephoto which was compact in size. This one checks all boxes.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

Besides its obvious function as a monopod, i find it strong enough to double as a good hiking stick.

Comments about Gitzo GM5561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 55.1 lbs (25kg):

I purchased this monopod to shoot indoor and outdoor sporting events and also other types of events.
I've used a tripod and have been very happy, but the monopod makes it very easy to move and change locations without having the legs bump into other things or people.
I was very happy when I shot my first court-side basketball game, normally I don't take my tripod due to limited space, but the monopod supported my lens and camera just fine, its very sturdy , Maneuvering the camera was easy. I was not fatigued from holding my camera for 2 hrs, and I could just focus on getting the shot.
The monopod extends quickly, and is long enough for someone who is 5'10" to take photos at eye level.
Its very lightweight,
only drawbacks is that its very pricey!