GitzoGM2562T Series 2 6 Sections Carbon Traveler Monopod for Camera

This is a truly superb product. I bought it specifically to take on Safari in Kenya from which today I have returned to Nairobi. Other than the camera and lens, this is the best bit of kit I took with me. Could use on the safari vehicle without getting in anyone's way. And with up to 10 hours a day tracking animals I couldn't have done without it for two key reasons. First, it took the weight off my arms of a 400 mm canon lens with 2 x converter on a 5d mk iii camera (no way for that amount of time could I have supported that combination and be ready for every shot). Second, on the early morning and late evening game drives, it's stability offered the offered the opportunity for slower shutter speeds in very low light situations. It's lack of weight is phenomenal - on internal flights to safari camps the weight limit is 15kg total - with camera equipment and bag (the most important stuff!) weighing almost 10kg this feather weight bit of kit was invaluable. I kept it permanently attached to my camera and could even when put to its shortest length attach the whole combination on to my Spider clip mounted on a Think Tank belt. Can't recommend it enough (and if I remember I will post some of the most fabulous photos I have ever taken when I have gone through them - many of which would not have been possible without the Gitzo enabling me to be ready for every shot and its additional stabilisation in low light conditions. Expensive yes, but worth every cent/penny/euro. It will be permanently with me from hereon in ....

If this item comes back into availability it is well worth its high price. There are other Gitzo models with more sections making them a shade smaller to carry around when collapsed but much more costly, though probably even then a small price to pay if the equipment you attach to the top costs thousands of pounds. The trade off in compactness against the lesser price is worth the saving. In use the monopod is very supportive, no flex or bend and no movement in the joints once the sections are locked. This is the first monopod I have ever purchased or used and I should have bought one years ago for steadying my camera, especially with a long lens. It is great in situations where using a tripod is not practical or even prohibited in some locations. One possible benefit is that spare parts are available should anything get damaged so this is not throw away equipment but a long term purchase.