Manfrotto Monopod 685B

I have been considering getting rid of my tripod this year. Actually truth be told my trustworthy assistant (AKA my wife) is unwilling to carry it on long hiking trips So I have been considering a Monopod. But I have had concerns about the stability of a monopod. But today I just learned about this new Monopod from Manfrotto the 685B. Now this monopod is self locking when you open it up and can hold up to 18 pounds, more than my cheap lenses weigh. It is cool because it has monopod stretches up to 65 inches and collapses down to 28 inches and pretty lightweight, perfect for hiking. Plus the suction cups on the bottom of the foot seems like it will provide a lot of stability. If the price is right I just might make a change.

More details

Manfrotto introduces new 685B NeoTec Deluxe Monopod
Gruppo Manfrotto, headquartered in Italy, introduces the new 685B NeoTec Deluxe Monopod with four new features including a safety lever, foot pedal, leg warmer and suction cup foot. The 685B is built around a self-regulating mechanism inside the leg that delivers that allows the user to quickly and easily extend each leg to the desired height by pulling downwards. There are no locks, knobs or levers. Once the leg is extended into position, an internal mechanism automatically locks it there by pushing outwards on the tubing, exerting more locking power and further stabilizing the tripod as additional weight is added.

The 685B features a new safety lever that prevents accidental deployment of the locking release mechanism. To close the monopod, the safety lever must be activated, which then allows the grip action handle to be depressed. The lever is simple to operate while still maintaining the one-handed closing operation.

The updated monopod also features a lightweight rubber foot pedal to make opening or closing simple, and a protective leg warmer on the bottom leg section to provide protection against the elements and a comfortable grip. The 685B includes a suction cup foot for extra ground support and increased grip. The 685B can fully extend to 65 inches and collapse to 28 inches. It can support payloads up to 18 pounds and features an "upside down" leg construction, further ensuring its durability and reliability in all environments.

About Manfrotto
Gruppo Manfrotto are world leaders in the manufacture of professional camera and lighting supports for photography, video, broadcast and entertainment. For 35 years, Manfrotto has been building the world’s widest range of tripods, heads and dedicated accessories to support professional and semi-professional still cameras, from the traditional small, medium and large format to the latest digital camera. Every product in the Manfrotto range is designed to provide a perfect combination of important features such as: load capacity, size, stability, transportability, interchangeability and construction quality, guaranteeing unique inimitable reliability and longevity.