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Trek-Tech TrekPod XL Carbon Fiber Monopod/Tripod/Hiking Staff with MagMount Pro Ball Head for Stabilization of DSLR’s, Scopes or Optical Devices
- Combination tripod, monopod, and hiking staff with lightweight design for easy travel
- Quick-release MagMount Pro system lets you instantly attach cameras or optical devices
- Versatile design quickly breaks down into 4 pieces and stores in compact carrying case
- Industry-standard 1/4-inch-20 mounting stud; includes ballhead adapters for light and heavy items
- Adjusts from 42.5 to 62.5 inches in monopod/hiking staff mode; lifetime warranty
Product Description
The TrekPod XL (Xtra-Light) Carbon Fiber is Trek-Tech’s premier monopod/tripod/hiking staff multi-use tool with many enhanced features including the ability to pack into its included carry case and fit in an overhead carry-on. It quickly breaks down into 4 pieces which fit into the 22″ travel case. It also telescopes down to 39 inches in it’s Tripod mode, has soft touch rubber locking nuts, captures the palm rest so it won’t get lost, and introduces the new MagMount Pro with Anti-Rotation magnetic quick release camera and optical device mounting system. It provides instant attachement of almost any camera, spotting scope or other device that uses the industry standard 1/4″ – 20 mounting stud. An attached s… More >>
Karla Schneider
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:20 am
The TrekPod XL is small, light, easy to use and has major improvements over earlier versions of the TrekPod. Although not as stable as larger, heavier tripods, it more than makes up for this with its portability and versatility.
Rating: 5 / 5
John Chan
November 22nd, 2009 at 4:08 am
This carbon fiber stick is the lightest & is very practical as an outdoor photo/hiking companion. It can’t compare with Gitzo carbon mono/tripod because it is designed to be a walking stick with limited tripod capability. I have no problem putting my Canon 5D w/ 24-105 on it. Yes it does wobble but if shutter speed is faster than 1/180 I don’t see a problem taking group pictures w/ myself in it & the remote shutter release on hand. Two problems, I twisted the head off of the top tube in my first trip. It was glue-on so if you twist it hard enough it’ll come off. So I ran to a small hardware store got a tube of crazy glue for 99cents and fixed it nicely. The overall design and workmanship is okay and carbon tubing quality is good but just that head assemble needs some improvement. Another thing is the velcro for the tripod legs is cumbersome to tie and release since the velcro does curled up & while you’re switching between mono & tri w/ the legs fully extended unless you have a very long hand. It would be much better if 3 legs can just be snapped in and clicked w/ each other. Ball head is reasonable to hold my 80-200/2. 8. The magnet design is fast & strong. Carry case is nice & neat. After all, I am happy with this product primarily because of its light weight.
Rating: 3 / 5
Hidenori Inagaki
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:51 am
This is little unique monopod compared to the similarly priced monopod offering from more reputable manufacture such as Gitzo.
Good thing about this monopod is practicality of having walking stick that is also converted into monopod/tripod.
It is light weight, and reasonably well balanced as walking stick. If you are medium height/weight or less, this is actually good walking stick while carrying other gear.
You just treated it as some ultra light weight walking stick that happened to have some monopod/tripod function, then you won’t be disappointed.
Having said that.
As a photography tool, there are several flaw for its price.
As you realized from manufacture’s video or brochure, it appeared to evolved from hunting/trekking device.
It is not a device developed as 100% photography device. So, you have to cope with several shortcoming.
1. As other reviewer mention, overall construction is some what weak. . . for photography purpose where a lot of twist and turning are involved. Chance is you will see some parts came off pretty soon.
2. Magmount Pro has third rated metallurgy. It is not top notch metal like some of finest offering from Swiss or German manufacture. Not even closet to the second rated tripod head. . . that priced in similar range. This is really third rated tripod head as far as metallurgy are concerned. Do not put anything heavy. It will break in half literally (as it is happened to me )despite it was half of catalog specified weight. So, use other manufacture’s tripod head if you have something serious on this monopod/tropod.
3. Screw on rubber leg tip is weak. You will lose rubber tip relatively easily. It is probably due to poor thread design that does not put much consideration about twist and turning involved in photography usage. Make sure it is secure all the time or you will lose it and order replacement parts frequently.
4. It is not exactly straight. It is bit difficult to make it straight with thread they have. This is due to the poor thread construction. Made in China.
5. Price is actually high for the its quality as a monopod. It will only justified as walking stick plus monopod then it is really nice idea. If you do hunting beside photo shoot, this one is actually reasonable gun support. With Versarest option.
6. As a Tripod, Tripod is not that stable unless it is placed on the flat leveled floor. It has actually worked well in studio environment. . . but out door result is rather mixed. So, you need to make sure to hold onto something. But you have to realize its leg is only supplemental. You really should use it as monopod. Once again, if you are using it as hunting tripod to rest your gun, I think it will do just fine.
Rating: 3 / 5