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Trek-Tech TrekPod II Monopod/Tripod/Hiking Staff Multi-Use Tool for Image Stabilization for Digital Camera, Video Recorder or Other Optical Devices | 
| Brand: Trek-Tech
Category: Photography
List Price: $109.99
Buy New: $71.25
You Save: $38.74 (35%)
Rating:  5 reviews
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4.1
Dimensions (in): 4 x 2.5 x 35.5
MPN: TrekPod II
Model: TrekPod II
UPC: 689076322997
EAN: 0689076322997
ASIN: B0016SAYCE
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet Ballhead hold most large DSLR cameras and Optical Devices with no effect on Digital Storage Media while providing tilt, swivel and pan movement. MagMount Ball Head holds up to 9 lbs depending on center of gravity of load. | | • | Safety Clip also mechanically attaches Camera or Optical Device securely to the TrekPod | | • | Comes with a Light Force MagAdaptor for lighter weigh devices and a Heavy Force MagAdaptor for the bottom of your DSLR or Optical Device. | | • | Breaks down into 2 pieces for easy portability and storage. Longest section is 35". | | • | Height range in monopod/hiking mode is 47" to 62.5" and in tripod mode is 43" to 57.5". |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
TrekPod II is Trek-Tech's entry-level combination of a lightweight, height- adjustable hiking staff with a fully-integrated tripod. It incorporates Trek-Tech's MagMount system but uses a cost-effective foam grip and polymer palm rest in place of the original TrekPod's natural cork, uses a non-adjustable wrist strap, and has a dark gray finish. Magmount is an industry first, magnetic quick-release camera and optical device mounting system. It provides for the instant attachment of almost any camera, spotting scope or other device that uses 1/4-20 industry standard mounting stud. MagMount is a standard feature of the TrekPod and TrekPod II, but is also available as a separate accessory. MagMount provides unprecedented levels of flexibility and functionality for outdoor photographers, birders, and hunters. Many additional uses have also been suggested, such as portable lighting, microphone mounting, etc. Once you've used a MagMount in conjunction with any of your optics stabilization tools, you'll wonder why no one thought of this concept before!
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| Customer Reviews:
 Great Product for nature and wildlife. July 14, 2008
pcdebol (Tulsa, Ok USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Good Product, I would recommend going to a local shop that carries these pods with your camera and hooking it up to check the magnets holding strength. I have a Nikon D80 with a 250mm lens and can click the camera on the magnet and carry it upside down tilt it swivel it whatever and it doesn't come off as long as you are moving slow. If you hit jar or move it quickly it will break free thats why it comes with a safety latch.
Weighing less than 2 pounds it is very portable and easy to take with you and the mag mount makes for lightning quick set up when you get that shot you need a tripod for.
On the down side the legs are at the bottom which causes it to be a bit wobbly so you need a remote trigger and have to let it set a couple of seconds before taking a shot. I haven't had it out in high wind conditions yet but I would imagine you would be better off using it as a mono pod in high wind. It is not a substitute for a good tripod either as it has no level and only a small thumb screw and ball to set your cameras position. You will almost never get it on target with your first try.
In conclusion the Trek Tech tripod is very good at what it is designed for being a lightweight easy to transport quick setup tripod you can take with you. Is it scary having a couple of thousand dollars hanging off of a small rare earth magnet knowing if it falls its toast, yes it is, just remember to use that safety clip.
 Best of both worlds in a compact and robust design December 10, 2007
Nature Photographer (Seattle, WA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
The TrekPod II offers the creativity and performance that no other product has ever come close; it is a world class monopod that can convert into a functional tripod in seconds.
I am a lot disappointed and a little tired of seeing these folks who blame their own faults onto the gear. You have to know your gear; its abilities and limitations. Every design on earth, including us humans, have its limitations. These don't make it good or bad, it just elevates the importance of knowing the operating principles of a design and figuring out how to utilize its strengths to your advantage.
I am a nature photographer with avid interest in wildlife and closeups. I sell my pics to help support this expensive hobby, therefore the quality and sharpness of the images is critical. I have owned and extensively used the TrekPod II and TrekPod for over two years. Never came close to dropping my camera. And I typically use my D80 with the bulky SB-800 on top and the boat anchor SB105 on the front to capture those macros that I love. Most shots I do with this setup are hands-off and are done with a timer or remote control.
There are a few things that one can do to minimize the possibility of a tip over:
1) Always point one leg of the TrekPod II along the axis of the lens. For example, for my D80 & 80-400VR shots, the balance becomes critically important and I always point the lens in the same direction as one of the three legs.
2) Always keep the MagMount and MagAdapter clean of dirt and debris. This is a magnetic material and the dirt that we hike on has a surprising amount of iron in it. So over time, some dirt sticks onto the surfaces. All you have to do is to wipe it clean with a piece of napkin or cloth.
3) Always use the security clip that is provided with your MagMount. This little clip will hold the MagMount and the MagAdapters together.
Bottomline is that the TrekPod series offers unsurpassed performance and robustness in an affordable package. It is up to the individual user to utilize all the provided features to his advantage.
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