Canon Monopod 500

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Great monopod, used this on vacation and had no issues with it, fit perfectly into a backpack for easy storage and was quick and easy to setup when needed. Did have a little slippage in one of the joints but that was fixed with a simple tightening of the tension screw. Overall a great buy and very happy with this purchase.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

On the surface, it would seem that monopods have a very specific target market: Nature Photographers. you know, those guys that hike up into the mountains with their SLR and $3000 lens package to snap that rare bird or amazing vista. However, after using this for a few short weeks, I would count this as a "must buy" for every DSLR shooter out there.

The most surprising thing about the Monopod 500 is the fact that it was the cheapest one in the B&H catalog. A Canon brand product that is significantly cheaper than many of the "off brands" is a rarity.

It is lightweight and compact when collapsed, but it snaps up to its full height in seconds and feels very sturdy. In fact, it takes longer to attach the monopod to the camera than it does to extend and collapse the leg. Mounted to my 60D, I was able to quickly move around several live events (baseball games, historical re-enactments), set up fast shots and grab video with relative ease. The pod provides just enough steading power for quick shots. In the collapsed position, you can throw the monopod over your shoulder with the ball head at 90 degrees and have a makeshift shoulder mount. Or pair it with the optional Belt Pouch and you get a very workable steadycam-like setup. The trick to that is to keep the camera strap taught around one shoulder and you can get some really good hand held shots.

I recently went out to grab some "action" footage during Hurricane Irene and took the 60D and Monopod 500. I extended just the first section of the pod about halfway and planted it in the seat between my legs. This put the camera right at eye level and I was able to shoot out the window as we drove around in the storm. (DISCLAIMER: Someone else was driving the car. Do not attempt to shoot out of a car window while you drive!) By loosening the ball head slightly, I was able to lean the pod out the window while tilting the camera to maintain proper framing. It worked much better than I anticipated and I got some pretty great shots while keeping the 60D and myself dry.

This is one of those rare products that I can't find anything bad to say about. If you shoot DSLR video, pick one up today.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Does what I need. For the price, with a mini-ball head, it's a great value package for the advanced amateurs and lesser experienced. It probably wouldn't hold up to pro demands though. But for shooting your kid's soccer game, right on the spot.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

I ordered this monopod for a trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone - not wanting to lug a bigger tripod. It worked great. It's lightweight and the leg extends quickly to stabilize shots. I've only used it for this one trip so far - but I'm very pleased with its functionality.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Nature and landscape photography.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Bought this product primarily from the reviews it has received. Bought a monopod in general for my D7000/Sigma 150-500 combo. Together they weigh about 5lbs. Even thought there is a ball mount on this monopod it seems to hold the weight of the lens well. The leg sections have adjustable clamps which also hold the weight. It doesn't compact as small as I would like, but products that hold this much weight and get smaller are considerably more expensive. For the price, I have no complaints.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Used this monopod during a vacation in Rock Mountain National Park. it was light weight and compact that fit in my backpack so I could use it to steady the camera for moving water shots and for support on wildlife shots with a 70-200mm f4L. Granted it not built like a rock but if you looking a great value this monopod will serve you well. MM

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

I needed a light and portable yet stable camera mount for video work both on my pro DSLR to my iPhone. It is extremely lightweight and sturdy. I've used tripods in urban settings and it's simply not practical often times. For quick video capturing, this is a viable solution.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Though this model is budget-priced, it is sturdier and more functional than I expected. I use this monopod to steady my hand, particularly under low light conditions and/or when I want a small aperture to increase depth of field - both requiring slower shutter speeds. Ball head is easy to adjust, but lacks a quick release feature. Helps me get the most from my good lenses - shake reduction can only do so much! Though not a pro model, it is more than adequate for light use by serious amateurs.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

I used it once to support my Canon camcorder while shooting a wedding reception.

Have since ordered another for an another camcorder.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

We use this monopod for our spotting scope while birding. It is easy to adjust, light, and inexpensive. What is not to like?

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

I needed to have some extra stability when taking certain types of pictures and wanted a monopod that was sturdy, light, and easy to use. The Canon 500 was just what I needed.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Ordered this Monopod as a replacement for one that I converted into a shoulder rig (Monopods work awesome for that fyi).

I was surprised how well built it was for the price. The head was VERY sold and the legs hold really well! Not the lightest built but still pretty mobile and again, well built all around. It's pretty tall (goes up past my line of site and I'm 5'10") so I never have to bend or anything which is cool. Holds my Canon T2i really well and I'm pretty sure it'd hold a 7D (MAYBE a 5DMkii) before getting a bit too heave for the head to hold.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

This Canon Monopod 500 is awesome for everyday use, the built quality is good, but if you are an wildlife photographer or even sport i don't really recommend you this because of those heavy lenses or body.
I have a 7D, i mounted only an 70-200mm f4 , it works but i don't really trust the ball head, the 7d body is already heavy + a 70-200mm f4, Imagine f2.8 or longer.
Overall it's great and i love it!

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Great use when trying to take a picture that is out of eye level; IE: higher places such as bird nests etc....

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Love this

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

It is not a professional monopod but it serves well its purposes, lightweight and rugged. The pivot head could be better, but the equipment is trully a good acquisition for tourism travel pictures.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

Despite Canon being expensive on just about everything, they often surprise me with a good product for relatively low cost. This monopod fits that category, as does the Canon backpack. I did find that with a large lens on my 7D, it will sag, so the best use is to keep the ball loose and hold the camera steady. The monopod fixes one dimension (up and down), so it definitely reduces camera shake. The height adjustments work just fine.

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

I purchased this monopod because of the price point and the fact that I find myself shooting alot of sports. It's great for many reasons its lightweight, easy/quick setup, portable. It's a solid monopod and works great. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good monopod!

Comments about Canon Monopod 500:

This is my 1st monopod, which I bought because of a pinched nerve that was/is causing some problems with hand holding my camera. I searched around some & saw this one & for the specs. & the money it seemed like a good try...the main selling point being it would hold 8, 81/2lbs...it won't (then again, I shoot w/ a 7D, & heavy L lenses} so if that is the kind of support you need, forget it. The ballhead & bottom leg section won't take that kind of weight. On the other hand, I can see where if you have an entry level body/kit type lens, or a P&S, this would be a wonderful addition to your kit, because it's cheap, easy to use, & you won't be trying to hold more weight than this mpod will hold. SO... on the one hand, this thing is useless, on the other, it could be great...depends on your needs (duh). One suggestion if it DOES suit you: have your Allen wrenches ready on delivery day, you'll need 'em for tightening up the leg sections...