I am thinking of buying it, and it looks really like what I need.

still I read somewhere (Manfrotto 561B monopod Review (http://www.ephotozine.com/article/manfrotto-561b-monopod--review-6352)) that the quick-release plate is awkward to say the least: has anyone experienced difficulties in that regard?
I have read one review on youtube where the guy was saying that the camera was release as the head broke, as to suggest a poor built quality....
("I got it and it broke after a year. The head just fell off of it and good thing I have good reflexes and caught the camera before it hit the ground. The head was on the stick via a plastic thing. How stupid is that! Anyway now I have to go to Manfrotto and see if they will give me a better one.")

thanks
Fed

Just bought one. Build seems okay enough - I have no problem recommending it, especially since it is tall enough for me (Im 6' 3"). Only problem I have is that some movements induce 'stiction' in the ball joint at the bottom. Panning seems fine but other dolly movements are sometimes interrupted. I may add some lube to ease the joint.

I have been using these for years. The QR plate is the same as the standard Manfrotto 577. I use these on all our tripods etc & even use one on a Glidetrack to quickly put it on/off a tripod.

I cannot imagine what the guy who claims the head broke has done. The head is a tilting video head (you pan from the swivel foot). it screws on to the upright. It's all metal

It's a very decent quality piece of equipment that you definitely need if you are using a DSLR for video (unless you always use a tripod). Ignore the idiot review.

The quick release plate is somehow designed more for camcorders (narrow and longitudinal). The knob which tightens the quick-release plate ends up at the side of a narrow camcorder when tightened. However, when used with an SLR camera (positioned horizontally and in the middle of the plate), the knob which tightens the plate ends up under the camera and makes it difficult to untighten it. Solution: position the camera further forward on the plate. The plate has an adjustment screw to do that.

It is a great monopod, I highly recommend.

Pedanes.............

From memory the 577 QR release knob is repositionable in 60 degree steps simply by tightening it, then pulling the spring loaded lever away from the 577 base and turning it one way or the other to reposition the OFF position.

As it only reqires less that 180 degrees to go from full lock to off or vice vers, there's no reason for it to hit the bottom of any camera.

It's a pretty standard Manfrotto feature.


CS

Chris,

I didn't know that the OFF position can be repositioned. I will check it out when I have a chance.

Thank you!

I have it - and recommend it. Same as second poster use the 501 plate on all my supports and they're very good. They do protrude from the camera - but with some adjustment and there is plenty you will find a set-up that suits you.

It is a monopod and much is made of the fluid joint. I don't use that very often, when I do its smooth.

Two points I will say:-

- the video head is much smaller than it looks in the photos. It looks like the 701 but is about a 501 size. Although ample for DSLR.

- it's a monopod and takes some practice to avoid lateral movement.

All the best.

- it's a monopod and takes some practice to avoid lateral movement.I echo that. While it is far better than handheld it's not as a good as a tripod. Even with practice it is almost impossible to prevent some slight swaying.

I am thinking of buying it, and it looks really like what I need.

I got the Rocketfish carbon fiber one -- so far I'm quite happy with it:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Q3qEeoiSL._SL500_.jpg

-- peer

I have one too, I find that I use it a lot instead of my tripod these days - maybe 75% of my shooting is now on the 561 with the rest split between a tripod and handheld on a Redrock Nano. Before I got it, 90% of my stuff was shot on the sticks. Everything from interviews with a light kit and wired mics to action sports - its really versatile. I had a photo monopod that I rarely used, so I was a little hesitant to get the 561, but its been nothing but love since. Search this site for some great footage shot with the 561. With the little feet on the bottom its far more stable than a photo monopod, but you can also tilt and pan. With practice you can do some pretty good jib and dolly shots too.

one of the best tools to have when shooting dslr. my monopod is usually the go-to support when shooting.

extremely happy with mine, although tend to get overconfident with it and use longer focal lengths than I should.

it's a good piece of equipment for documentary type work, when you are on the go

I bought it today and I am very happy.
the build quality is top notch (I just don't understand why they made the quick release mechanism in plastic)

the only thing is (as noted before) I will need to put some lubricant for the three plastic legs

I had ordered the Manfrotto FLUID VIDEO MONOPOD w/HEAD - MA560B1 ($149) from B&H and when I opened the box I was disappointed with the size and my 5Dmk2wBatteryGrip seemed too much for it. I returned it. I'm used to Manfrotto equipment being tank like in build.

I see this is the 561 BHDV which is about twice the cost of the one I oredered. Is this monopod bigger sturdier more characteristic Manfrotto tank quality? I may order it if so.

You ordered the one for the comsumer camcorder.

The 561 is larger and rated for higher weight. Mine works fine with the 5DII and the 70-200mm F2.8 IS which bring the camera and lens weight to 1860 grams.

I think with the battery grip and the 70-200 you'd still be under the 4kg limit.

I'm going to be a dissenting voice here.

For a long time I've used the Gitzo GM5561T Mountaineer monopod. Its far more expensive than the manfrotto and does not come with a head, but its very light, very chunky so easy to hold, and collapses very short so is easy to carry even on your belt. You can use it totally collapsed and steadied against your waist with good results.

Gitzo GM5561T Mountaineer Monopod - Carbon Fibre (http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/carbon_fibre/gitzo_gm5561t_mountaineer_monopod/18794_p.html)

I've been using it with a Manfrotto 701HDV video head. The head is great for what it is.

Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Mini Head - Fluid (http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/fluid/manfrotto_701hdv_pro_fluid_mini_head/19277_p.html)

Previously I'd used a smaller head, the manfrotto 234RC, but switched to the 701 in order to be able to use the same quick release plates on all my gear.

Manfrotto 234RC QR Monopod Tilt Head - Tilt Tops Accessories (http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/tilt_tops__accessories/manfrotto_234rc_qr_monopod_tilt_head/7420_p.html)

However, who uses the head to pan and tilt rather than just rotating the monopod itself? Its no more stable to use a head on a monopod.

I'm sure many videographers don't realise that you can get an adapter that fixes direct to the monopod and allows you to use the normal standard 501Pl plate which many of us use as standard on all our gear. Its the Manfrotto 577:

Manfrotto 577 Sliding Plate Adaptor - Quick Releases Plates (http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/quick_releases__plates/manfrotto_577_sliding_plate_adaptor/7538_p.html)

Just screw that onto your monopod and you're good to go :-)

The Manfrotto video monopods have small retractable feet ..... but so what. They are not substantial enough to risk leaving a cam atop unattended. You might just as well use a normal monopod and for situations where you want a quick and stable platform without the bulk of a tripod just put a 701HDV on top of a normal lightstand. Lightstands also give you a LOT more height than tripods :-)

Pete

Thanks,

That's what I figured cause when i opened it up i knew that wasn't right....may give this one another shot.

Welp this has been a great thread!! I've ordered this monopod today - it'll be here Wed and I have a shoot Friday.

Question: Anyone attaching a small 7" monitor to this monopod is some fashion.....i'm gonna try it but wondered how anyone else's mileage varied doing this.....

Only comment I'd make over that lovely light Gitzo monopod is the Manfrotto has the 3 feet. You can actually support the camera with a small light lens on it (not unattended). But it allows you to try out an HDR or long exposure. Even like this there will be some lateral movement (wind, mirror, lock-up, etc) but the 'align images' setting in most editing software will fix this.

However faced with lugging my 3.5kg tripod up a Scottish Mountain - I prefer the monopod anyday.

Question: Anyone attaching a small 7" monitor to this monopod is some fashion.....i'm gonna try it but wondered how anyone else's mileage varied doing this.....

I use a Manfrotto Superclamp with an IKAN Israeli arm to attach my 7" monitor to the monopod.


These 561B HDV-1 monopods have been getting really popular. We can hardly keep them in stock. Stillmotion just produced a video worth watching
deconstructing the story // a monopod tutorial on Vimeo

very nice video indeed

still...I am not convinced people should be invited to try the "static" method, of leaving the camera unattended on the monopod...

a small hint of wind and.....BLAAAAAM

Ordered the Cinevate Simplis and articulating arm - after the shoot friday i decided i def needed the monitor for focus accuracy!

I have both a photo monopod and a 561 BHDV. The normal photo monopods are not great with video. They stutter when you do a pan.

My solution to using a monitor on the monopod is to use a long adapter plate. The camera screws in the front of the adapter plate, and its long enough for a dp6 to screw in the back part of the adapter plate. I've tried putting the dp6 on the hot shoe, but it creates wobble. It basically places the monitor behind the lcd and gives you enough room to make changes with the buttons.