Manfrotto Xpro Monopod With Fluid Video Head - Black (Mvmxpro500)

Great build quality as you would expect from Manfrotto, but I returned mine after realising that the video head can only be panned through the articulated balljoint where the monopod joins the feet, not from the video head itself. That was entirely my fault for not understanding this when I placed the order. As I had intended to use the video head on my tripod sometimes, it would mean having no fluid pan, so please be aware of this if you plan to do the same. I exchanged the unit for a Sirui monopod and the fluid panning version of the same Manfrotto head which has worked out just fine (and a good bit lighter).

As any videographer knows, camera stability is essential for professional quality results, particularly when using a small camcorder or DSLR. Often it is not possible or practicable to set up or even carry a tripod. This is where a monopod comes into it's own.Manfrotto have an excellent reputation for producing quality equipment and so was my choice when choosing a new monopod for video and still photography. Whilst not the cheapest, the quality is up to the usual Manfrotto high standards.I opted for the 3 telescopic section (i.e.3 clip) version although a 4 section version is available. The fluid head works well and is big enough to support any size camera securely. Be aware that the supplied fluid head only tilts, panning is achieved by rotation of the whole pole section from the ball at it's base. Some people prefer to pay extra for the full tilt/pan head, but, I find the supplied head works well for me. This will be an individual choice, but I recommend trying the original head before spending extra.The ball at the base of the monopod is easily locked enabling the monopod to stand upright, unsupported, on its 3 base legs. I wouldn't recommend leaving it unattended with an expensive camera fitted! Whilst not the lightest monopod available, something to bare in mind if intending to put in your flight luggage, it provides excellent stability and allows various slider type effects when filming. I would recommend watching some of the videos on YouTube to see how versatile these monopods can be and some of the filming effects possible. The monopod comes with a wrist strap fitted, an excellent confidence booster when your expensive DSLR is fitted to the top and the adjustable arm off the fluid head helps provide smooth movement and stability to your video footage.

If you are working in a fast paced shooing environment, then this is a product for you. It took me no time all to adjust from a regular tripod to this monopod. The monopod head works perfectly well with a DSLR, mirrorless and lighter video cameras. This monopod is a definite must-have as a creative tool. Once you get familiar with it, it offers some cool movements which no tripod can do. And of course its footprint is super small making it perfect for crowded environments

Bought this and then initially didn't use it for months. Then took it on holiday and used it every day. The fluid head and foot give great control, but what I found most was that with the camera on top (in my case an rx10mk3), it is so well balanced that I never really put the camera back in its case. Just carried it around in this all the time - feels great in the hands and easy to deploy. My videos are miles better for it

I purchased this monopod for a trip to Malawi where I was shooting film and stills in the field. This is an ideal support for the cameras I was using (Nikon D750 & Canon C100 mk2). It's very quick to use, light, sturdy and above all it just does what it's supposed to. It also has the benefit of steadying up hand held shots for filming if you shorten the leg, adding a little heft and inertia thus absorbing some of the bumps. I really like, it. If there was one tiny criticism (and this is probably just teething issues with me) it's that the resistance for panning is slightly too heavy, but this can be adjusted by an Allen key apparently, which of course I forgot to pack. Great support for guerrilla filming.