Giottos P-pod

[Vanman1100]

Well I have been looking around for a monopod and am about to pull the trigger on the Giottos 5580
http://www.giottos.com/
The reasons are:
1. Good brand
2. Quite small when collapsed.
3. Has a built in head which saves on buying one separately. But I am not sure if it is as good as a head bought separately.
4. Small legs that enable it to free stand. In two configurations. That's a big deal and few others do this. I am not sure how well this works in real life though.
5. I think I like the twist locks better than the clamp style. Less stuff sticking out to catch on things.
6. And with all of that, I don't think you can find anything comparable in price. But please if you know of something else let me know.

So that's it! If anyone can blow holes in my assessment of the P-pod, fire away. I would like to know that I have made an informed decision, when I finally put in the order. Money is pretty tight right now, and I probably shouldn't even be contemplating this. But I have a new kit now and need to keep it steady. And I intend on enjoying it. Enough of the rant.

Your input would be appreciated.

[Grentz]

It looks nice, only bad thing I see is that it is fairly large even when folded. Besides that, nice concept and seems to be a solid product.

[Vanman1100]

Originally Posted by Grentz

It looks nice, only bad thing I see is that it is fairly large even when folded. Besides that, nice concept and seems to be a solid product.

I agree! But then if you take the head off your probably left with 53cm which isn't that bad is it? Trying to get something around 50cm is tough if it is solid pod.

[Vanman1100]

I guess I should add that I have an XSi 450D and a 70-300mm IS. So do you guys think this monopod would be able to hold all that? In possibly the tripod mode with the little legs at the bottom. Probably wouldn't be a great idea now that I think of it. But I guess the main question is do you think the head is strong enough?