Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head
The Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod combines the best features of a full-size tripod and a full-size monopod in a single package that includes a compact pistol-grip ball head with a quick-release plate. The center column of the tripod doubles as a removable five-section monopod for a flexible, all-in-one camera support solution.
The lightweight (4 lb) Tri-Monopod supports loads up to 11 lb, so you can mount any of today's DSLR models with even the longest and heaviest of lenses. The head's pistol grip facilitates an extremely quick and easy way to set your shooting angle: just squeeze the trigger, position, and release, and the camera's position is locked. The included quick-release plate enables fast camera mounting and allows you to switch to handheld shooting in seconds.
The four-section aluminum legs feature a center brace for added stability. The magnesium chassis includes a bubble level so you can be sure your shot hews to the horizon. The maximum height of the tripod is 61.25", while the monopod features a maximum extension of 59.5" when removed from the tripod chassis.
- Easy-to-use flip-lever leg locks
- Leg braces for added stability
- Rubber-tipped feet
- Twist & lock monopod leg sections (5)
- Professional matte black finish
Go To
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 11 lb (5.0 kg) |
| Maximum Height |
Tripod: 61.25" (155.6 cm) Monopod: 59.5" (151.1 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Minimum Height |
Tripod: 22.25" (56.5 cm) Monopod: 17.5" (44.5 cm) |
| Folded Length | 23.75" (60.3 cm) |
| Weight | 4 lb (1.8 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | Pistol-grip ball head |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum w/ magnesium chassis |
| Head Attachment Fitting | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Leg Stages/Sections |
Tripod: 4 Monopod: 5 |
| Diameter | Tripod leg: 0.9" (2.2 cm) |
| Leg Lock Type |
Tripod: Flip-lever Monopod: Twist & lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | No |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No |
| Center Brace | Yes |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Removable 5-section monopod |
| Center Column Sections | 5 |
| Bubble Level | Yes (on chassis) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 19 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
89%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (13)
- Lightweight (13)
- Easily adjusted (12)
- Good footing (11)
- Locks in tight (10)
Cons
- Difficult to adjust (3)
- Flimsy (3)
- Slips out of position (3)
- Unstable (3)
Best Uses
- Home (12)
- Landscape/scenery (11)
- Outdoors (10)
- Portraits (7)
- Sports/action (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (7), Photo enthusiast (6), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (16)
Most Liked Positive Review
Quick and Painless, easy on your wallet
This is actually a grade buy if you're in a quick need of a tripod. The ball-grip is included, and works great for getting any angle you need. You can also take off the...Read complete review
This is actually a grade buy if you're in a quick need of a tripod. The ball-grip is included, and works great for getting any angle you need. You can also take off the ball grip and use it on a different tripod or slider. Eitherway, if you're going to be buying a cheap ball-grip, you might as well get one that comes with a tripod.
The tripod also turns into a monopod pretty easily. The monopod itself fits in my backpack, and is great to take around and travel with. My only issue with the unit is the spread-width of the legs and the function of extending the monopod. To extend the monopod, you have to twist the heck out of it, but still worth the price.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Like the tripod but the head won't hold
I use the tripod with a Nikon D5100 DSLR and either an 18-55mm or 55-300mm lens, occasionally with macro extension tubes.
The tripod is relatively light, the leg extension rel...Read complete review
I use the tripod with a Nikon D5100 DSLR and either an 18-55mm or 55-300mm lens, occasionally with macro extension tubes.
The tripod is relatively light, the leg extension releases are fast and easy, and for its size it's relatively sturdy. Haven't made use of the monopod yet, but it would be nice if it had a wrist strap.
The pistol grip ball head is great in theory, and works fine with the camera level with the standard 18-55mm lens. Tilt the camera significantly or put on a large lens and the head loses all stability. I doubt my setup is even half the advertised weight capacity of this tripod. I've tried every possible way to tighten the ball head and increase grip, but no success.
So, I would say not very good for any long lens uses (sports, some landscape, or wildlife), nor is it useful for macro photography where you may use a long lens, extension tube and tripod. Not really the tripod for video either.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 19 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-19
Pros
- Easily Adjusted
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
I wanted a knock around tripod and this more than fits the bill. The mono-pole is a nice added feature and the pistol grip works well. You can't beat the price and the service was excellent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
Cons
- Difficult To Adjust
- Slips Out Of Position
Best Uses
- Home
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
I don't like the pistol grip. The head does not stay level and can be easily moved. I do like the heaviness of the tripod. Still trying to figure how I can make it stay still for night shots. Great hieght and the handle for the tripod makes it easy to carry around without needing a bag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
Cons
- Wears Easily
Best Uses
- Home
- Outdoors
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
Solid, great look, very stable, convertible to monopod,,,,definetely a great buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Heavy Duty
- Lightweight
Cons
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
Its great por the price, strong, but sometimes the head dont lock.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
- Slips Out Of Position
Best Uses
- Home
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
I use the tripod with a Nikon D5100 DSLR and either an 18-55mm or 55-300mm lens, occasionally with macro extension tubes.
The tripod is relatively light, the leg extension releases are fast and easy, and for its size it's relatively sturdy. Haven't made use of the monopod yet, but it would be nice if it had a wrist strap.
The pistol grip ball head is great in theory, and works fine with the camera level with the standard 18-55mm lens. Tilt the camera significantly or put on a large lens and the head loses all stability. I doubt my setup is even half the advertised weight capacity of this tripod. I've tried every possible way to tighten the ball head and increase grip, but no success.
So, I would say not very good for any long lens uses (sports, some landscape, or wildlife), nor is it useful for macro photography where you may use a long lens, extension tube and tripod. Not really the tripod for video either.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
this tripod works great. It's nice and sturdy. It doesn't wobble and is quick to set up.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
I love the build quality of this tripod. Its very sturdy, lightweight, has great ergonomics, a wonderfully easy pistol grip function, and best of all it has the removable monopod! Great item all around!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
- Locks feel a bit flimsy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
Great tripod for the price. Very stable, relatively lightweight (considering it is not an expensive carbon fiber tripod), just the right size and very easy to adjust.
The only thing I can complain about (and i am being picky here) is that the locks for teh telescoping legs look a little flimsy. They are working fine so far, but need a little careful handling.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Lightweight
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
I came to the store looking for a cheaper ball-head and this fit the bill. Love the pistol grip! I would say the only downside is it's a little flimsy compared to the more expensive, higher-end models.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
Cons
- Difficult To Adjust
- Jerky Movement
- Wears Easily
Best Uses
- Home
- Outdoors
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
This is actually a grade buy if you're in a quick need of a tripod. The ball-grip is included, and works great for getting any angle you need. You can also take off the ball grip and use it on a different tripod or slider. Eitherway, if you're going to be buying a cheap ball-grip, you might as well get one that comes with a tripod.
The tripod also turns into a monopod pretty easily. The monopod itself fits in my backpack, and is great to take around and travel with. My only issue with the unit is the spread-width of the legs and the function of extending the monopod. To extend the monopod, you have to twist the heck out of it, but still worth the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
It does the job a tripod should do. Easy to use and dependable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
Easy to adjust, legs stay locked, mono-pod nice addition!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
This is an amatures dream. Good construction, lightweight and easy to operate
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
- Flimsy
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Home
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
Compact & light weight tripod plus monopod is a bonus. Little bit flimpsy for profesional work but very convenience for field trip or vacation.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
MUST HAVE. This is super great. This is my favorite of my history of tripods. Very very nice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Pistol Grip Head
Cons
- Flimsy
- Poor synching mechanism
- Slips Out Of Position
- Unstable
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
In theory, this is a GREAT design... two "pods" in one WITH the pistol grip head. However, the twist-to-tighten monopod mechanism STRIPPED the 3rd time I used it. It was useless after that. The first and second times I used the monopod weren't much better... the weight of the camera (not that heavy) collapsed the rod and I ended up losing the shot. Also...
The quick release head does NOT fit other Sunpak tripods. Don't understand why/how that feature got overlooked.
If it wasn't for the pistol grip (which operated flawlessly), I'd have given this product a ZERO. I lost time and shots because of it. Two thumbs DOWN.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
This tripod is great for travel but will also hold larger lens. The mono pod is a great feature.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
- Difficult To Adjust
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
Great value considering all your get for the price. I like the pistol grip head for faster changes. The head has a set of three-axis levels for those who need to be more precise about their setup.
A nice feature is the built in monopod. No more having to carry around two items - unless you really like them.
The only thing that needs improving is the extension method for the monopod. It uses a twist-tight feature - where you twist each section to loosen or tighten. This isn't as easy as the flip-level style releases.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Cheap strong built
Cons
- Hard Controls
Best Uses
- All around
Comments about Sunpak Ultra 4STM Tri-Monopod w/ Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head:
This product has a very good construction and offers for low price considering its built. The reason i only give 4 stars is: controls are so hard to operate which requires a strong grip, not good for female photographers.
Displaying reviews 1-19
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $9.95
Ball Heads
- Price: $24.95
Bags & Cases
- Price: $9.95
Dollies
-
- Original: $41.95
- Save: $4.19
- Price: $37.76
General Tripod Accessories
- Price: $89.99
What's in the Box
- Quick Release Platform for Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
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