Sunpak VersiPod II Monopod/Tripod Combo with Bronze Ball Head
by SUNPAK
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SUNPAKModel: VPOD2-BR
Product features:
- Combination height-adjustable hiking monopod and fully integrated tripod
- Switches easily to tripod mode by opening Velcro-clasped leg extensions
- Bronze ball-head mounting system with folding tension/locking thumb screw
- Adjusts from 46.7 to 62.5 inches (monopod) and 43 to 58.7 inches (tripod)
- Tripod supports up to 9 pounds; weighs only 1.63 pounds; limited lifetime warranty
- AmazonBasics Quilted Case for Small Electronics Including Cameras, Mobile Phones, and GPS Units (Black)
- AmazonBasics Camcorder/Camera Bag with Shoulder Strap (Black)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sunpak VersiPod II Monopod/Tripod Combo with Bronze Ball Head
Customer Review: Versipod II
Summary: 4 Stars
The Versipod II is a useful combination of a hiking stick, monopod, and tripod.
As a hiking stick, the versipod II is significantly heavier than dedicated hiking sticks, and probably heavier than monopod/hiking sticks. However, it is still lightweight and durable enough for backpacking. The adjustable height is useful, and the large grip and wrist strap allow for comfortable use of the versipod II as a hiking stick. However, it is impossible to stow the versipod II when encountering extrememly rough terrain, as it will not fit in a backpack even fully collapsed. It is not the best hiking stick available, but it is suitable for most applications.
As a monopod, the versipod II can easily raise to eye level (i am 5'9"). It cannot be lowered to use at eye level when sitting, however.
As a tripod, the versipod II can lower to sitting level; however, it cannot raise fully to standing eye level. Because the three legs cannot be adjusted, it must be rested on a relatively flat surface.
The included ball head is sufficient for light point and shoot digicams, however; the whole camera must be turned to attach the camera. However, the ball head will NOT hold a DSLR with a lens attached. Mounting a DSLR is also awkward because either the versipod II or the camera must be turned. The ball head attaches to the pole by a standard 1/4th inch tripod mount (this is too long to use on a camera directly!), and so the included ball head can be changed out for something stronger.
Also, the heavy duty velcro that hold the three legs together can collect moisture and freeze. This is no problem if it's already holding the legs together, but if released it will not grip again until thawed.
As with any combination product, the versipod II doesn't do anything extremely well. However, it serves it's function suitably. Don't expect much out of the tripod function though; it'd good for holding a point and shoot camera for taking a group photo, but it's not ideal for holding DSLRs or providing an extremely steady platform to shoot from.
That being said, i will probably attempt to use a DSLR with a different head on this, simply because buying a good quality tripod is currently out of my budget.
In order to replicate the function of the versipod II, i would suggest buying a hiking stick/ monopod combination (which is much closer to idea), and a small tripod/ gorillapod for strapping a digicam to a tree for group shots. For DSLR users, buy a good tripod! there's no way around it.
Bottom line:
Digicam users:: Get it if you want to always be able to take group shots on a hike without leaving someone out. I would suggest the magnetic quick release version for this purpose. It will also allow you more stable shots than handheld ones, but not as stable as possible.
DSLR uses:: If you recognize that you'll need to change the ball head, this can be an okay substitute for tripod and a pretty good monopod. It's useful to have on trips where you don't intend to use a tripod, so you aren't weighted down by a tripod you probably won't use, but if you do need it you at least have something. I would suggest getting the non-magnetic ball head version, as you'll be changing it anyways.
UPDATE:
The rubber feet on this tripod wear down after use. For normal to moderate dayhike use, they will probably survive, but for more difficult hikes the feet will degrade. I hiked 35 miles of the Appalachian Trail to find one foot gone and the other two all but broken. It's a simple problem that could be fixed by buying a heavy duty chair leg rubber end that will slip over the existing rubber feet. this would be more durable and replacable. Just slip it off when you need to use the tripod mode. It would help keep the legs together too.
Description of Sunpak VersiPod II Monopod/Tripod Combo with Bronze Ball Head
Operational height: 43" to 62 1/2"Load limit: 9 lbs.; weight: 1.6 lbs.Monopod design with foldable tripod leg assembly2 section column with twist lockBronze finishComplete Tripod Units
Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
Bestsellers in Complete Tripod Units
Velbon Maxi 347GB Mini Tripod with 3-Way Pan Head & Case (extends to 62" folds to 16.87.5", Weighs 2.6 lbs and supports 8 lbs)Velbon; Digital Camera
Celestron Power TankCelestron; Digital Camera
Best price: $54.95
Price in other shops:
Tiffen W3 Universal Folding Dolly with HandleTiffen; Digital Camera
Best price: $30.00
Price in other shops:
HAKUBA USA INC PSTC200 TRIPOD CARRYING CASEHAKUBA; Digital Camera
Best price: $37.79
BOGEN 681-B Manfrotto Series Monopod for Still CameraBogen; Digital Camera
Best price: $69.99
Slik Compact Video Tripod with 3-Way Panhead and Gear DriveSlik Tripods; Digital Camera
Best price: $29.99
Price in other shops:
Slik Professional Universal Deluxe Tripod with 3-Way Panhead and Panoramic Photo GuideSlik Tripods; Digital Camera
Best price: $124.95
Price in other shops:
Canon Mini Tripod 7Canon; Digital Camera
Best price: $17.25
Price in other shops:
Hakuba Branner BR5-SG Photographic/ Video TripodHakuba USA, Inc.; Digital Camera
Best price: $49.85
Price in other shops:
Velbon UP-4000 Photographic/ Video UnipodHakuba USA, Inc.; Digital Camera
Price in other shops: