Opteka MP100 67" Professional Heavy Duty Photo / Video Monopod
by Opteka
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List Price: Our Price: $16.95 You Save: $13.00 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Opteka MP100 67" Professional Heavy Duty Photo / Video Monopod
Customer Review: danger to your camera
Summary: 1 Stars
I received the Opteka MP100 as a gift. You attach this unit to the camera by securing the screw to the tripod attachment on the camera. The 3rd time I put it on my camera, I tried felt it give way.
What happned was the screw and the rest of the unit had discoupled. The unit could be turned freely on the camera (now with the screw attached) but there was no way to unscrew the unit from the camera. The whole unit just turned whichever way you twisted it, clockwise or anticlockwise,
I had to resort to cutting into the unit to expose the screw. Then I could manage to get a grip on the screw to remove it. The process took me about 30 minutes and all the time it was at some risk to damaging the camera. I will try to post some pictures.
I notice that this unit is not available on Amazon currently.
I would not recommend this unit to anyone and I would be rather wary of products under the brand Opteka.
Those who own this unit should be very careful. DO NOT try to secure it too tightly to your camera. You may find it impossible to remove it later.
I will try to get a refund.
Customer Review: Lightweight Use Only
Summary: 2 Stars
Okay, for the price, what can one expect? I found that with even a modest load that the top plate had a significant amount of play. I would not use this for any camera/lens combo that was more than two or three pounds.
As for the previous reviewer who suggested one never needs more than 67" of monopod, I beg to differ. It is fair to say that this is a tall monopod, which is why I took a chance on it. But whether it is tall enough depends on how tall you are (I'm 6'5") and what kind of surface you're standing on. If the surface slopes away from you (on a hill) or you have to use a step below you for resting the foot of the monopod, 67" may not be enough.
For a few dollars more, check out the Bogen/Manfrotto line of aluminum monopods. They are not as small or light (and sometimes not as tall), but they are tough and reliable. If you want a monopod for your point and shoot or an SLR with a modest lens (forget that 80-200 f/2.8), then this one might work for you.
Customer Review: Fantastic! All but one thing...
Summary: 4 Stars
Wow! For the price, you get one hell of a deal.
I have not used it a whole lot (as I only received it earlier today) but I will be this upcoming weekend during a family trip to San Diego. This should work A LOT better than a tripod in "touristy" areas like the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. We'll see. Hopefully it lives up to the hype that these reviews are leading it to be.
However, there is one thing that came as a disappointment. The carrying case. It wasn't the actual case that was the problem, it was the zipper. I tried for a half hour to get it down... IT WOULD NOT BUDGE! I'm sure mine was just a faulty zipper that broke somewhere alone the line. I had to cut the monopod out - destroying the case. But honestly, I don't think I'd use the case anyways... I can just carry it around like the man I was born to be :)
It also make for a nice baton in case you need to straighten anybody up.
If I could, I'd give this product a 9/10.
Customer Review: Same As The OSN 450
Summary: 5 Stars
I have the same monopod in the OSN brand (OSN 450) and it has proven itself durable and affordable. I am 6ft tall and this monopod extends just above a useful height for me. So I guess I should give it a 2-star rating and suggest a monopod that costs 2 to 3x as much but really isn't as tall as the one I'm reviewing and it too won't support my 40 pound full size VHS camcorder that I bought back in the 80's, which is way better than any of these tiny little 2 pound HD cameras on the market today. Sorry, I had to throw that bit of sarcasm in there....
The only thing that I see that could be improved is the top plate that also holds the hand strap. It is made of plastic and I can see the part that holds the strap possibly breaking after a while since I found myself applying considerable weight on it during use.
The OSN 450 is sold by Wally World for $15, so you can go check it out in person.
Customer Review: MP100 best under $50 monopod, especially for folks over 6 feet tall
Summary: 5 Stars
The MP100 has served us well since getting it 2 months ago. Like other reviewers, I wasn't expected a whole lot after being disappointed by a $40 monopod made for those well under 6 feet tall. Quite stable, usable as a walking stick, easier to reset height than competition under $50 with twist-lock legs. This monopod definitely exceeded my expectations!
Seems to be a niche here for a higher priced version with a pan/tilt head, but I had a 30yr old Leica table top tripod pan/tilt head and the combination works great!
On balance, can't be beat even if all you order is the MP100 and pay $6 or so s/h!
For use at the beach or where dirt and grit is in the air, you'll want to wipe down the legs before collapsing (cloth used for gun storage work great) or you may have grit in the legs and scratching the MP100 legs in subsequent use.