Manfrotto 560B Fluid Video Monopod with 234RC Head (Black)
by Manfrotto
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Our Price: $144.75
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: ManfrottoModel: 560B
Color: Black
Product features:
- Monopod features base that gives smooth panning action.
- Built in pan and tilt head.
- Built in quick release system.
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Manfrotto 560B Fluid Video Monopod with 234RC Head (Black)
Customer Review: Not quite a tripod, not quite a handheld stabilizer, but has benefits of both -- I really dig this stick!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Most monopods are designed for photography; this one's designed for video. That's exactly what I was looking for. I really dig this stick!
I've used a monopod on and off with various camcorders over the years and have never quite been happy with it. Sure, it added some stability and was much more mobile than a tripod, but when I was shooting video I still had to work to keep it stable since it had a tendency to wobble unless I was very vigilant. I always thought it would be very nice to have some kind of additional stability built in, without going to a full tripod. Someone at Manfrotto must have read my mind or had the same thought, because this is exactly what I was hoping for -- even better, in fact, since this is a much more stable and well-built monopod than the one I had.
I'm a very tall guy (6'9") and this extends exactly where I want it, right up about shoulder height. I thought I might need the taller Manfrotto 561BHDV, but now I can't imagine why I'd need anything else. This fits my needs perfectly.
It's very easy to set up. You just open up the legs and they click into place; then you flip open the catches for the three sections and they slide right down into place so you can secure them. The camcorder is attached via a quick release plate that you mount to the bottom of your camera, and there is a safety catch on the release so you don't accidentally slip it out. Once in place on the mount, my camera is very secure. It is a very solid build, which you can tell quickly if you play with it for a few minutes. Once extended and secured it's quite stable; I'd feel very comfortable taking this outdoors and using it in a wide range of circumstances.
I use this primarily with my Canon VIXIA HFS10 and my Canon VIXIA HF10, which are both fairly lightweight camcorders. I've found that either way this will stand on its own when the feet are extended. I still like to keep my hand secure in the camera strap or secure it around my neck, but what this means is that I don't have to keep my hand on the camera while shooting and I can get a very stable shot, just like I was using a tripod.
The thing is, for most of what I do this is even better than a tripod. It fits easily where a tripod wouldn't -- in the midst of a crowd, for example, or in a tight space. It's easier to pick up and move around than a tripod, and even adds a bit of stability as I walk around with the camera (add any weight to your camera and it'll do that - it's just inertia, makes things a bit less likely to wiggle unless you add force). At the same time, this can pan and tilt like a tripod can, and even do a bit of rotation that you can't do as easily with a tripod.
The panning part is easy: there's a fluid cartridge at the base of the monopod that rotates smoothly. I like to hold my stick just below the camera on the soft grip and rotate with both hands for a smooth panning move. This version doesn't have a pan arm (see the 561BHDV for that), but I find I can still get a very smooth pan by just rotating it. For tilting, just loosen the knob on the mount and it tilts back and forth -- or, you can tilt the whole set up at the ball head that connects the stick to the feet. The ball head allows for other moves as well. I find that if I'm reversing direction on a pan, from left to right or vice-versa, it makes the move less jarring and more fluid if I at the same time move the stick on the ball head in a kind of half figure eight motion (either clockwise or counterclockwise depending on what I'm looking for). (My only slight worry about the design is that I expect the ball will loosen a bit with wear and then this wouldn't be as stable when standing alone. The ball head is not very loose out of the box and only moves if you put pressure on it, but I expect that may change with time. The manual addresses this issue, and there are screws that can be tightened in case that happens, but I wish there were also some kind of knob that would allow me to secure the ball head in place whenever I want it secure and only release it to move when I like. Still, this seems a minor issue and for now the ball head is as secure as I need it and ready to roll when I want it to.)
I think this stick (and its probable successors, like the 561BHDV, which is designed for heavier cameras than the ones I plan to use with it), I think this stick has the potential to really change how people use videocameras. It is easy to carry, easy to use, solidly built, and gives most of the advantages of a tripod in situations where it would be easy to leave the tripod behind or where a tripod would be awkward or clumsy or not fit.
Description of Manfrotto 560B Fluid Video Monopod with 234RC Head (Black)
The 560B Fluid Monopod for lightweight MiniDV and HDV cameras is another world-first product from Manfrotto designed to help videographers get superior images. We?ve incorporated a fluid cartridge into the base of the monopod for incredibly smooth, jump-free panning actions. The three pivoting, retractable feet ensure a firm footing while the quick release tilt top with angle lock knob lets you frame more creatively. All of this in a compact support ideal for use in tight spaces or environments where a tripod may not be allowed, such as sports stadiums, conferences and museums. Attachment: 1/4'' screw; built-in head; closed length: 25.98 in.; color: black; front tilt: -90° / +90°; material: aluminum; maximum height: 65.55 in.; minimum height: 25.98 in.; plate type: 200PL-14; quick release; weight: 1.54 lbs.Monopods
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