Manfrotto 790B Modo Photo-Video Monopod

I ordered this based on reviews, size closed and weight. I'm very happy I ordered this. As a matter of fact I'm ordering a second one a soon as I finish this review. One for traveling and one for carrying in the jeep so I'll have it when I need it. It's sturdy enough for a Nikon D40 or D90 with an 18-200 zoom lens and gives you just the right amount of support for the job. Especially when coupled with the VR lens. It's just great. Now like others mentioned ... the strap is crap. The webbing used is too stiff for the buckle to secure. Trash it and pick up a lashing strap at your local REI or backpacking shop. Trim to length (a little longer in my case) and you can use it as a wrist strap ... and the Monopod can be used as a light duty walking stick inbetween shots. It comes in handy for pushing brush out of the way to get that just right spot for the just perfect shot. If you need a monopod ... or just want one. This is the one. So small and light weight you don't mind carrying it along. I even pop it in my messenger bag to use when I need a steady shot with my point and shoot in the factory overseas.
Besides it's a Manfrotto and well represents the quality level you'd expect.
Update ... see photos ... I picked up the rubber walking tips for Leki treking poles (REI $9/pair) and they fit snuggly on the tip of the monopod. This gives you a more durable tip to use this monopod as a light weight walking staff. WORKS GREAT. I put some silicon sealent in the top of the tip after my first use. This keeps the dirt out. I also keep the lower section with the tip fully retracted. That's the weakest section and works out perfectly height wise for a walking staff. I'm just under 6 foot.

What a great camera mount. It is finely crafted, works like a dream, and is precisely what I needed to capture my kids' sports action photos. It easily could be used as a walking stick over rough terrain, too. Definitely, this is a thumbs up.

I purchased this monopod because of its size. With only 15 inches folded, it is more convenient to be carried on the bottom loops of my camera bag. My other monopods stick too far out over the bag and cause problems arround people and in tight environment. Choosing a good brand like Manfrotto gave me a good feeling ordering this item....
Okay, the tripod itself looks good - maybe a bit weaker than my other generic but works well. It also comes with a screw cover which is a great thing.
Nevertheless, like in other reviews, I also had problems with the strap which is of a thinn nylon type material and slips out of the buckle - I tried to be smart and made the strap wett with regular tub water - the manfrotto script came off - don't go with it in the rain...
This monopod does not come with any type of bag, cover or case like most other monopods do. To get an adequate size for it will probably be difficult...
Considering the rediculous strap, the script coming off by just getting wett, and not having some type of cover or bag, made my give only three stars.
Shame Manfrotto - such mikey-mouse-deficiencies are under your reputation... (not a big problem though, because your name washes off in the next rain - at least from the strap)

I bought the monopod for shooting a wedding. It worked great. When shooting inside it matters if the camera moves this helps. I recommend this product it worked.

Quality from the first touch of the box, yes the box. When I first saw the packaging I thought I would rather see them reduce the cost of the box and give me a break on the price of the monopod. But once I started using same I quickly decided this was worth every cent I spent on it. True feel and precise actions are what you get with this monopod. Surdy and pretty all in one. I put mounted everyday camera on it and carried it everywhere. it was short enough to slide under my legs in the front of my truck and it was sturdy enough to jack the jaw of anyone who wanted to try something funny. A buddy of mine bought one locally to use on his vacation and paid about ten dollars more just to get it on time.
Why didn't I loan him mine well the only problem I had with it was, it was too easy for some jerk to walk off with. I will be buying another one soon.