Monopod Review:
Manfrotto 560B Monopod (page 2)

Moving up the monopod, the leg itself has four sections, can be raised up to 65-inches, and collapsed as low as 26-inches. Each section opens using a locking flipper lever that feels solid and secure. If you don't need to raise the monopod to it's highest point, then you should raise the top sections first to get the height you want, because the bottom section is thinner and won't be as steady. This is true for all most tripods or monopods, but many people find it's easier to open from the bottom. Your 'pod is always going to be steadier with the larger sections in use as opposed to the thinner portion of the leg. Just another fun tripod tip.

The head of the Manfrotto's 560B is similar to other monopods; it has a locking tilt design and a quick-release plate. However, this locking tilt is firm and secure, and the quick-release plate has an added extra locking pin that prevents the user from accidentally pulling the quick-release lever and dislodging the camera. The ski pole-like grip is comfortable, and with a firm grasp, due to the pivoting cartridge at it's feet, you can smoothly spin the head for some handheld pans that look smooth as glass.

We tested the 560B using two camcorders: a Panasonic PV-GS39 camcorder, which weighs in at 1.03 pounds and a larger Sony DCR-VX2100, which weighs in at 3.6 pounds. The Panasonic camcorder mounted on the monopod was a breeze to put through tilt, pan, and arc movements and we were surprised to find the monopod had no trouble accommodating the larger Sony camcorder either. We did feel a bit uncomfortable with it's stability when the 'pod's leg was fully extended using the heavier larger camcorder, and would prefer to keep the smaller thinner lower section retracted. Although you must keep a firm grip on the monopod using larger camcorders, the specs list says the load capacity can hold up to a 4.4-pound camcorder without doing damage to the 'pod.

While we found very little wrong with the monopod compared to other devices in its field, there are a few things worth noting. First, its price. With monopods going for $25 for the very simple, to $90 for more solid 'pods, we found in our research that the average 'pod was about $65. At $210 MSRP, this is a pricey 'pod, although dealers are listing it a lot lower. However, we believe it's worth the money if you take care of it. We also discovered that if you're doing a sweeping arc shot with the feet firmly placed on the ground, if you gently place one of your own feet over one of the monopod's feet you will have a steadier shot. This is something you can't do with any other monopod.

Finally, having the three feet might give you a false sense of security. Smaller camcorders can balance while standing on the monopod without the human touch, but don't be fooled. You can't forget and leave your camcorder sitting on Manfrotto's 560B monopod as it is not a tripod, and a mild gust of wind or ground movement can topple it over if it's left unattended.

The only thing missing on this monopod is a spirit level, as you might want to check if your shot is level, but most likely you'll be using it for moving shots. We believe you'll love this monopod, and find you'll grab it more often than your tripod for that steady, firm, and very fluid shot.

Want to see more? Download our vidcast, Videomaker Presents episode #28 to see the 560B in action.

Model: 560B
Finish: Black
Material: Aluminum
Column Type: 3-faceted
Maximum Height: 65.5 in
Closed Length: 26 in
Leg Sections: 4
Foot Type: Retractable feet
Maximum Load Capacity: 4.4 lbs
Tilt: -90°/ +90°
QR Plate Supplied: 3157N
Weight: 24.7 oz

• Fluid pivoting leg (pan only)
• Retractable feet
• Strong locking protection

• Pricey for a monopod
• No level bubble

The perfect accessory to bridge the gap between firm planted tripods and handheld shooting freedom, Manfrotto's 560B monopod is smooth, light, and fun to use.

Jennifer O'Rourke is Videomaker's managing editor.

$210
Bogen Imaging Inc.
PO Box 506
Ramsey, NJ 07446
www.bogenimaging.us

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