Experience with Giotto monopods?

I took out the 500L on Friday and handheld it for an hour. Not as bad as I thought it would be, but my forearm was a little sore. So I was looking for a monopod. Went to my local pro shop, and they were out of the Manfrotto 679b. They did have a 5 section Giotto mm9180 mono though.

So, wanted to ask. When I think Giotto, I think rocket blower. Have read some favorable reviews about their tripods, but haven't seen a thing about their monopods. Has anyone had experience with them?

I purchased the pod and really like a few features about it. It folds 5 inches shorter than most other monopods since it's a 5 section pod. This is also a bit of a negative as it takes that much longer to extend, but overall, I like the folded size since it fits into my backpack.

Also, this monopod fully extends to 70 inches, which is above my head, but handy when shooting on a rocky uneven surface.

Anyone have anything?

I purchased one Giotto monopods for my 500L. Should get it sometime late this week and let you know how to combo is.

Well, I did buy the MM9180 and will be shooting with the combo as soon as it stops raining. Seems like a really nice pod so far.

I purchased the MM5580. Looks like the same monopod only this model has the tilt head.

I purchased a 3-section Giottos monopod last November but have sold it since I now have the Manfrotto Neotec. Nothing wrong with the Giottos which folded up quite small and coupled with it's weight was a good travelling pod. Minimum height was also pretty good for low-ish shots. One thing that the online ad said was that the 3/8inch connector at the top of the pod could be pushed down to reveal a 1/4inch. Didn't seem to work in practice though....


Enjoy yours

Took the pod out with the 500L + 1.4 extender today. Worked like a champ.

Got mine in the mail today and happy how it looks and feel. I will try it with my 500L over the weekend.