Went to Wal-Mart Tonight And Guess What I saw

Wally World is carrying Manfroto products now (well at least the one is where I shop). Not a huge selection, but it is still a serious upgrade to what they were carrying....

I wonder if they're the real thing or some cheaper Walmart-only version.

I dont think so, the monopod I saw was $50...what they used to have only cost $20...like I said, its not a huge selection, but hopefully it will grow to include more. Since going to B&H to look around is not an option

mike_d wrote in post #16254979
I wonder if they're the real thing or some cheaper Walmart-only version.

Considering that HP has made Walmart-only versions of laptop PCs (and you know they are because the model designation is 'xxxxxWM'), it's entirely possible!

From Walmart website, a Manfrotto for $24.88 (there are no other Manfrotto monopods on their web site!):

"Manfrotto 5 section Compact Monopod: If you need to improve your photos or videos, but space is the real constraint, then a monopod can help. It's like one leg of a tripod, supporting most of the weight of the camera, stabilizing your shots and reducing vibration, while occupying so little floor space that you can use it safely in crowded places, then pack it away in the smallest of bags, ideal for traveling. The Compact Series Monopod has a universal tripod adapter which screws directly into the tripod thread of your camera, has a convenient wrist strap for safety and comfort and ergonomic lever leg locks to allow you to open and close it quickly and easily. "
"Manfrotto Compact Monopod:•Closed Length: 15.35"
•5 leg sections
•Load Capacity: 3.31 lbs
•Material: Aluminum
•Maximum Height: 57.28"
•Universal tripod adapter
•Color: Black
Model No.: MMC3-01M "

B&H carries the same model, also for $24.88.
"A monopod is an ideal way to take the weight off a heavy camera / lens combo or simply steady your hand. Still photographers are able to shoot at lower shutter speeds with the camera supported and videographers can avoid eye-straining jitter, especially evident during long zooming. Best yet monopods pack easily and go anywhere, and often do double-duty as a walking stick on long hikes.

This Manfrotto MMC3-01 Compact Monopod has 5 sections with easy-to-use flip levers which telescope to 4.7' and fold down to only 15.3". Made of aluminum, it weighs a little over 1/2 pound and yet supports loads up to 3.3 lb. The MMC3-01 Compact Monopod comes with a wrist strap to safely secure your valuable equipment. A wide selection of optional ball or pan heads is available."

"Maximum Height 57.2" (145.5 cm)
Minimum Height 15.35" (39 cm)
Folded Length 15.35" (39 cm)
Load Capacity 3.31 lb (1.5 kg)
Leg Sections 5
Leg Lock Type Flip lever
Male Thread Size 1/4"-20
Weight 0.64 lb (0.29 kg) "

Yeah, they've had the basics for awhile now like most stores. It's not really that big of deal, it's not like there's a selection.

digirebelva wrote in post #16255010
I dont think so, the monopod I saw was $50...what they used to have only cost $20...like I said, its not a huge selection, but hopefully it will grow to include more.

It won't. The reason these are in department stores is because they're cheap. Most customers who go shopping for cheap accessories aren't going to recognize a name like Manfrotto.

Mike Deep wrote in post #16260969
Most customers who go shopping for cheap accessories aren't going to recognize a name like Manfrotto.

And maybe that's why they put their stuff in Wally World...name recognition...if you dont know they exist, and/or what they sell, the average joe wont know look to their products, or find out more about them. I dont expect to ever see a carbon tripod in there, but if you want to get your name out to a lot more folks than those who are going to shop at camera stores..it's a smart way to do it.

a fat lady in a string bikini?

Thanks! We all really needed that image!

KirkS518 wrote in post #16261337
a fat lady in a string bikini?

Thankfully not yet in the ones I shop at...

20droger wrote in post #16261368
Thanks! We all really needed that image!

Like that song you only hear a part of, and then cant get it out of your head the rest of the day...

One day, they will have Gitzos!

I went to the walmart here, saw the typical evening freak show but no nice tripods. I don't go often, photo dept is a lot smaller than last time I was there.

ever hear of the 80/20 rule? Applied to wal mart and their product selection, they will eventually trim their selection down to the 20% of the available products (in this case monopods and tripods) that account for 80% of the sales of that type of item.

Of course, sometimes they just cut to the chase and only sell one tripod, no choices: tripod/photography/per​sonal/one each