Bogen/Manfrotto 682 (3230/3231) Self-Standing Professional Monopod

I bought this monopod two years ago when I photographed a NC State/Florida State in IPIX photobubbles for a Bellsouth webpage (tripods were not allowed on the field). I needed something stable for an 8mm f2.8 Nikkor fisheye lens that allowed me to align nodal points for two images to be stitched for a single bubble image. With a little care and with the legs extended this monopod worked fantastic and quite frankly was the only piece of stablizing equipment on the market that would have worked for my application.

I have used this monopod extensively for the last two years and I have never had a problem with it or the way that it operates. The lever locks work quickly and securely. Fit and finish/quality is definately much like other Bogen/Manfrotto products.-

This monopod is not a substitue for a good tripod, but its internal legs do make a wonderful option when needed.

1. Will handle almost any camera/glass

2. With some judgement and reasonably level ground it will support equipment by itself with legs extended.

3. Strong lever locks

4. Reasonable price

1. Added weight of the internal legs makes it heavier than its 3018 sibling.

2. Rubber/plastic tip (when legs are not extended) has a tendency to wear down fast

Bogen 3018, Bogen 3016

Haven't needed to use

I purchased this brushed aluminum finished monopod, which is called the Manfrotto 434SS Self-Standing Professional Monopod in Canada, in April 2000. I needed something self-standing, lighter and more compact than my metal Manfrotto 055 Triminor tripod for my May trip to Paris, France.

A few days before my trip, the legs permanently jammed, making it impossible to remove from the monopod tube. I returned this poorly designed product for a full refund. Make sure you buy from a dealer with a refund policy or else you are stuck with this warranted product.

Instead, I purchased the Manfrotto Carbon N One 441 tripod. This tripod is lighter than the 434SS (3230) monopod but also cost five times more. Perhaps not value for your money, but less headaches in the short and hopefully in the long run.

The bottom line: Manfrotto's intention was good, but I do not recommend this monopod...period!

Please note that the quoted price paid is in Canadian funds before our 15% taxes.

1. Strong,
2. Hand grip,
3. Quick lever leg locks,
4. Three section leg construction for quick setups and dismantling, and
5. Handy three legs for self-portrait setups (provided the camera, lens and flash assembly is relavtively light, is not eccentrically loaded, the monopod is not extended too high, the ground is fairly level and even, and it is a calm day.

1. Retractable triple rubber-tipped legs permanently jammed inside the monopod tube,
2. On the heavy side, 3. Wrist stap should have been 25mm longer, and
4. Prior to the jamming incident, removing and replacing the triple legs was tricky, time consuming, and the dirty lubricant on the male threads would come in contact with my fingers.

None.

Did not try. Luckily Vistek had a refund policy which I returned the monopod to them for a full hassle-free refund.