Opteka MP100 67" Pro Photo / Video Monopod Reviews

• Great lightweight monpod for a digital camera

  
  By A1KIJHPPEPFAOG on 2006-01-06
  I tried two other monopods before I settled on this one. I was looking for a lightweight monopod carry when hiking and biking with my Nikon D200 or Canon Pro1. The Pro1's 200mm equivalent zoom often requires support to eliminate camera shake when taking dawn, evening or deep forest (low light) photos. Even the Nikon's 18-200mm (27-300mm equivalent 35mm) VRII lens benefits from using a monopod.
  
  The Pro1 weighs 1.5 pounds and the Nikon D200 3.5 pounds.
  
  Here are the features the Opteka MP100 has that I consider important:
  
  1. it's amazingly light weight
  2. it's very rigid (considering the light weight) because the round leg has a locking channel
  3. it's sturdy enough to use as a light walking stick
  4. the quick action lever leg lock system means it adjusts height quickly which I find very important
  5. the carrying case with strap keeps it from banging against another metal object when traveling
  6. the 67" length allows me to set the camera at eye level (I'm 6' tall) even if I'm up on a step
  7. folded up and attached to the camera, it can be lik a pistol grip
  
  I've been using it for 6 months now and I'm very pleased it. I fold it up but leave it attached to the camera when I'm walking around, so it is always available.
  
  At $13 it is a fantastic buy.
  
  

• MUCH better than its low price would suggest!

  
  By A36761EKTQAISG on 2006-08-21
  The Optika MP100 Pro Photo Monopod is surprisingly sturdy, functional and well-made. It is supplied with a reasonably decent quality zippered nylon case with carrying strap. No, it is not "professional grade", but it is something every amateur photographer can use for weekend shooting. I've used it both with digital still and camcorder, where it offers respectable improvement in long-distance shots (versus trying to hold the camera still, or propping it up on the roof of the car, a not-nearby-enough fence post, and so on.) Certainly a LOT handier than the old tripod! I bought two, keeping them ready-for-action in the trunk of my cars. Highly recommended!
  
  

• A great buy

  
  By A2492XE7PBMELT on 2006-08-19
  Good quality, particularly for the amazing price. Sturdy, well-made, and even the case is nice. Pops open in a second, collapses just as easily.
  
  Keep in mind that fully collapsed it's wider than a standard backpack, so if you lash it under a backpack it will be awkward. But the strap on the carrying case makes it easy to loop the monopod and carry it vertically.
  
  

• Lightweight Use Only

  
  By AOYB3S78BNCHB on 2005-02-28
  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.
  
  

• Not bad for the price.

  
  By A3TFVI8E0KQVDQ on 2005-03-15
  It is a $15 monopod, come on people. If you are expecting a $50 Bogen, look elsewhere. It is great to beat the hell out of and believe me, it can take a beating. Mounting a 20D is not a proublem at all, it supports it 100%.
  
  
• Opteka Monopod
  By A2LAHR7WTRNSG9 on 2006-04-04
  I am really impressed with this monopod for the price. It is so easy to use, light weight, and solid. Being able to put it back in its little sack, throw it over your shoulder and go is great. Keep in mind the price of this pod. For the money....it is fantastic!
  If you are not sure that you even want a monopod, (or any pod)...you will be glad you bought this one. After useing it for a while you can decide what you really want to invest the big bucks in, and still get most of your investment back from this one. I will keep mine!!
  
  
• Excellent value for the money!
  By A1SZQ23G4FA0K9 on 2006-05-13
  I bought this item after reading the reviews, and I agree that for the money it's an excellent item! In addition to the features that the other reviewers have mentioned, it also has a rubber boot at the foot of the unit. This allows you to screw the boot down to the bottom to use the monopod on tile or concrete or other hard surface, while screwing it up to expose the spike for use on softer surfaces (dirt / grass).
  I have a Canon Rebel XT, and the head connects well and feels sturdy with either of the lenses I use. The monopod doesn't have a tilt/swivel head, but it's light and easy to use, and I can always step up to a more advanced model later if I feel the need.
  
  
• Portable, Simple, Easy
  By A3MMXPUBWZ7DT2 on 2007-01-03
  I got what I paid for. It's perfect when I don't want to lug a tripod around. It's also a good walking stick.
  
  I chose this one because it is tall. It brings the camera up to eye-level.
  
  It takes getting used to for a DSLR (Canon 30D). Since I have to use the optical viewfinder, I'm right next to the camera. It takes practice to keep still (front-to-back). It's easy to keep still up-down.
  
  
• Excellent Value!
  By A2FEKPJU0VFQXH on 2006-05-05
  I ordered this pod expecting a flimsy, low quality item. The Opteka MP100 is a surprisingly sturdy, strong, and certainly well worth the money.
  
  
• MP100 best under $50 monopod, especially for folks over 6 feet tall
  By A7OR9T7O1ITQJ on 2006-08-01
  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.
  
  
• pretty strong and sturdy for the $$$.
  By A14I8IPIAV5398 on 2006-07-20
  Not knowing fully what I was getting into, on a whim I purchased this monopod hoping that is was a half-way decent product, I mean-it was so cheap. I was pleasantly surprised to find how sturdy the unit was and that what I had was a very high quality monopod. This was my second monopod and so I had another to compare it with (the other was bought on an auction website). In comparison the Opteka was a far better monopod in height and robust thickness and I use it exclusively on my miniDV shoots.
  
  
• Great product, great price!
  By A3JJHBJ19VJ9OB on 2006-11-30
  A few weeks ago I ordered this monopod from 47th Street Camera through Amazon, and I have to say I'm very impressed. First with the shipping. I selected the free shipping option and two days later it had arrived. The rest of my order, which came from Amazon, showed up a little over a week later...so kudos to 47th Street Camera for shipping so fast! The monopod itself is very lightweight, but doesn't feel cheap. I love how it goes from very small and portable, when folded up, to quite tall when fully extended. A nice feature for a taller person. A great monopod, and you can't beat the price.
  
  
• An Item Well Worth Purchasing
  By A37OHLPPY6EBM1 on 2006-07-18
  I had looked for a monopod and saw the Sima but didn't care for the white color, and the reviews were a turnoff. I felt perhaps if I spent more money, I'd find a better one. Well, I did find a better one, and at $12.95, it was under a dollar more than the Sima, WITH THE SHIPPING INCLUDED! Additionally, it was matte black and had great reviews.
  
  I just got it and am delighted. It is relatively sturdy, nice quality, not cheesy or junky. Even the case is nice. It is not flimsy rayon that frays, but ballistic nylon. This is a great item for someone trying to get started in photography and get some essentials together.
  
  
• Exceptional Walking Stick Monopod for cheap!
  By A36IUEUK7QX441 on 2006-11-03
  I use this monopod for my pentax optio w20 camera and for a panasonic video camera. I use it when camping and it doubles as a sturdy walking stick. When I'm out in the wilds people think it's a walking stick until they see my small camera perched on top of it.
  
  It has really improved my ability to stay steady and blur free with my new pentax which has no optical viewfinder. I like the quick adjustment legs as opposed to screw type.
  
  I've also used this tripod to stick my video camera out of my sunroof to cruise through New England to catch the Autumnal leaves while driving which has given some interesting results. I plan to do the same thing on Rt 1 to film the big sur highway.
  
  The only thing I need to get is a ball head to adjust the angle of the camera.
  
  For the price this was a steal and a hearty deal.
  
  
• Mono Pod Great
  By AQ00ZDCV1698J on 2006-11-09
  Sure, this isn't a pro mono pod and it doesn't have a mobile head but for the money it's great. Easily holds my Olympus E1 with 50-200mm lens. Great as a walking stick as well. Stores tight and light.
  Highly recommend this product. I may just get a back up.
  
  
• Great product
  By AH1860FGO9FUB on 2006-11-09
  This is a very good product, the price is cheap, come with the bag which is a plus, if you are looking for a cheap but sturdy monpod, this is the right one, highly recommanded.
  
  
• Opteka MP100 Monopod
  By ATD0GPSWZV08B on 2006-11-11
  This monopod is very sturdy and easy to set up. I was looking for a monopod that was capable of handling the weight of my large Canon lens (over 3 lbs), and this one does the job very well. I mainly use it for taking soccer pictures, and so far, I'm very pleased. I highly recomend it.
  
  
• good unit
  By A1MQDRJR0QYIFM on 2007-01-19
  this is a good monopod. i took it to vegas, worked very well. small enough to carry and not look like a fool. lol.
  
  
• Nice monopod for $13.00!
  By A2USY5SXCPEAMY on 2008-01-05
  You really cannot go wrong with this monopod for amateur photography. If you do not want to drop upwards of $100 for a professional quality, heavy duty use monopod, this one fits the bill! It is lightweight, quick to extend and retract and sturdy. It also is quite tall (I am 5' 11" and it can extend with my Nikon D40 above my eye level!). My only suggestion is that you purchase an inexpensive tilt/swivil head (they go from about $6.00 to $30.00 on Amazon) to add to this monopod and you are all set!
  
  
• Opteka MP100 67" Pro Photo / Video Monopod
  By A1P0O1HV7FB2CC on 2006-08-20
  Price went up!!! Great value for money spent. Will be buying a "Ball" attachment for better adjustability. Got some great steady shots with 48x digital zoom with the Canon S2 IS
  
  
• Opteka MP100 67" Pro Photo / Video Monopod
  By A2CD499QU400QX on 2007-01-03
  Fine for the price. Hand grip has a tendency to slip.
  
  
• EXCELLENT Monopod
  By A1UHQI6OM3Z39P on 2007-01-03
  I bought this monopod, not knowing what to expect for the price, but it was EXCELLENT. I have used this more times than I can count, and have not had a bit of trouble with it. It's very strong... sturdy ... and an Excellent value for the price. It even comes with a nice and handy case. You can't go wrong with this one.
  
  
• Very Good Product
  By A25J6V03DJ971W on 2007-07-16
  For the money it's a great monopod. It's strong, lightweight, and extends as tall as a 6 footer will ever need. It also works pretty well as a treking pole.
  
  
• good
  By A2SM9SDU5V1R06 on 2007-09-19
  I like this one, although for about $5 less you can get Kodak's 68" "Go Anywhere" Pro Monopod. I'd been using the Kodak (approximately the same length/features as this) and bought the Opteka because I thought it might be sturdier. It possibly is. However, I think I prefer the Kodak because it feels slightly lighter, and as long as it's "sturdy enough," the lighter feel "carries more weight," in my selection process. When I need to grab one and go to a shoot, I'll probably still be grabbing the Kodak.
  
  Bear in mind neither of them has a tilt head. They're good just for horizontals, unless you can buy/attach a ball head or other attachment design to use for verticals/angles. I use a different class of mono for those occasions. (Actually, I'm still comparing; see my other mono reviews.)
  
  Dan Harmon
  www.flickr.com/photos/danharmon
  
  
  
• sturdy thick great grip and great price
  By A3132WZPDPL41Z on 2008-06-02
  I think I summed it all up in the title. I own 4 of these. They are indispensable. They a so much cheaper than all the other ones out there (that I know of). This has a grip that feels really gishmocke. It's sturdy and feels solid. I also own a slik monopod and I am unhappy with it. Besides for the fact that I spent so much more on it.
  
  
• Pretty good for the money
  By AN64JA1WMNK1F on 2006-07-01
  I purchased this monopod as an entry level item. I am very pleased with the construction and materials used. I would like to have a different head on it though. My tripod has a nice pan haed which would be great here. It looks like the Cannon has one but for twice the price. I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone who is an amature like me.
  
  
• Best Camera accessory
  By A1KH42XUIWCLOE on 2006-11-06
  This was the best item I ever bought for my camera. I do a lot of walking with my camera, and thought I would use it as a walking stick, which I do, but the best part of this monopod is what I never thought would happen. My pictures are NEVER fuzzy! I can take low light photos and have they come out clear. I paid very little for this item and would never be caught without it and my camera. The three levers on the bottom allow for quick expansion at all different lengths. The carrying case allows for this item to be packed next to my camera without it getting scratched.
  
  
• A nice buy!
  By A18MGKAS74UHVO on 2006-12-21
  This is a great item from Opteka. It's strong and light. This is also a great buy for tall people like myself. You can also use this as a light hiking staff. I have not had any problems with the Opteka brand of products. Good stuff at low prices.
  
  
• Opteka MP100 Monopod
  By A2UBHU5MUA7FJU on 2007-01-11
  Very versatile and workable product, works great at all lengths.
  Great shipping!
  
  
  
• Good Product
  By A3SYIOU7235QIZ on 2007-01-16
  This was a very useful product and delivered before time and in good condition with excellent packaging.
  I would recommend this to any person who is new to using SLR's
  
  

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