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):

If there's a better monopod out ther I have not seen it. Lightweight, strong, stable, and collapses to a very short size. Perfect!

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

All I can say is, if you want to upgrade or a first time buyer of monopod, this is the one. It will last a lifetime. Seriously!!

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

very good!

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

I spent a lot of time researching various monopods, reading reviews from this and other sites, and finally chose the Gitzo GM5561T over competing models for a number of reasons.

I went with this one over the Manfrotto designs because I preferred the twist-lock mechanism of the Gitzo. It is quieter, lacks the potential of pinching a finger, and should never require calibration or adjustment. In terms of speed and ease of use, I think both the twist- and flip-lock designs are similar, and it comes down to personal preference. In practice, I find the twist lock mechanism quick and easy to operate.

I chose a carbon fiber model over aluminum because of decreased weight, superior vibration damping, quietness, dent-resistance, and handling comfort in cold environments; to me, these attributes justify the price premium of carbon fiber.

Despite the relative thinness of its lowest segment, I went with a five-section model over 3- or 4-section designs because it collapses to a very short minimum length for ease of transport, packing, and storage, while giving up little, if anything, in strength; in fact, since I often use it while seated in a stadium, I can use the monopod with only the thicker top sections extended. In actual use, this monopod is rock-stable.

While this model is admittedly a little overkill for my current needs, I went with the Gitzo 5-series over the less expensive and lighter 2- and 3-series to accommodate for any future growth (in weight) of my kit; I didn't want to potentially have to purchase another, heavier-duty one in a few years.

I realize that I'm paying a premium for the Gitzo name and could have saved some money by going with a Chinese clone. I accept that.

I am completely satisfied with this monopod and frankly don't foresee ever needing to purchase another.

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

I purchased this monopod to solve a couple of problems. One was the neck strain I was getting from my heavy lenses, another was added stability where and when a tripod wasn't the best choice, and finally something I could easily take on travels. It has worked supremely well for all. I can now shoot all day without being out of commission for 6 weeks due to neck strain. I am getting better shots with the added stability. And it is light, packs small, and works great with my Markins Q10 ballhead. I find that it is so versatile, that I can use it anywhere in whatever conditions and still get good shots, shots I wouldn't have got as well handheld. It is very quick and smooth to setup and change as conditions require. I recommended it highly.

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

I do landscape photography while hiking and I don't care to lug along a tripod. My handheld photos were often unusable or not up to my expectations. This monopod fits the bill perfectly. It steadies my shots and it doesn't weight me down on long hikes. I'm 63; I hike and shoot photos for fun. The extra weight of a tripod takes all the fun away.

The fun is back.

The Gitzo GM55611T Carbon Fiber Monopod doesn't weight me down or slow me down. In seconds I can have it fully extended, ready for framing the shot.

My Nikon D7000 photos just got a lot better.

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