Sirui EP-204S Aluminum Multi-Function Photo/Video Monopod
Pleasant surprise
I just received the monopod, so these are my initial impressions. The quality and construction were a pleasant surprise when I first opened the box. It is light weight and easy to carry, so I expect to use it more in the future. I purchased a light weight inexpensive ball head to use on the monopod, and so far it is working well.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Decent product, horrible support
LONG VERSION: Purchased Feb of 18. Used weekly on wedding and other event shoots for approximately 8 months. I was moderately satisfied with the unit, mainly from a value standpoint. Then the locking lever on the middle riser broke off in my wifes hand right before a wedding. I Initiated contact through Sirui USAs website to acquire a new lever as fast as possible, as it looked like an easy fix (it was). After one email, the tech seemingly refus... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I had feet issues
I have used this monopod on and off for a year now. I can say in hindsight I wish I had gotten the model with the more durable feet. Mine (after a year of use) are pretty cumbersome because they don't lock and constantly loosen. Initially the feet worked fine, but in the long term they loosened. Also, the feet don't stay in their grooved level points, which is the most annoying part. I called Sirui and told them this and they said I should tighte... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Works well with a few issues
I purchased this to help me with the weight of my heavy lenses. I love that it holds the weight of my equipment. My only problem is the first couple of times I used it the leg extension was jammed due to the screw at the flip lock. It was straight out the box & when I unpacked it & checked it out it was fine. When using it it somehow tightened up. I had to pull my equipment off, pull ore the wrenched they provided & figure the right tension on the lock screws. This happened several times when using
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Overall, a great update for my purposes
This purchase was an upgrade; I will compare it with my Benro A38T (aluminium) PROS 1. Professional look and high quality, sturdy materials. 2. 360 panning top feature is a high plus for city view panorama shots. 3. Wider legs position awesome for stability. It can increase between 8cm/3.14 in to 15cm/5.09in the height against the A38T. 4. Being able to remove the hand strap with the reversible screw and plate is a high plus for my 360 pictures. ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Product - 1 exception
I got my stand with the bag. I thought the trap was to connect to the monopod but its for the bad. no biggie. However im constantly fighting with the lower tightening nut vs the upper nut for rotation. I find the lower unscrews itself when trying to attach a camera or loosen the handle rotation. wish i could tighten this
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Its good but not perfect
The base has the ability to rotate which is a good thing, something you'd want on a Monopod. But, its very hard to level this thing because of it. Now this was not mean to be a tripod, but if your hoping to be able to rely on it for level shots on the run, well, you might be disappointed. Another little thing I was was different was the feet. They don't lock in place. I have not had a problem with it, but I would have liked locking feet. Something found on a another model perhaps. Other then that, I'm quite pleased with this!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
more than just a stick
A monopod that needs instructions. And rightly so. The panning feature is great, so is the tilt feature - perfect for videographers. The feet have a second setting for a little extra height, and comes with a beefy carrying case. It first time out I was shooting elephant seals at the beach. Carbon fiber keeps it light weight.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Much better design than competition!
I take off one star only because I ended up going with the Carbon Fiber version of this due to weight, and the feet on this one are somewhat shorter than the aluminum ones on my carbon version. Small trade-offs, but overall the design of these monopods are far superior to the Manfrotto type ones IMHO. Much more versatile. I love being able to lock off various parts of the assembly. I love the pan grip. If you're between this and a competitor...go with this! If you're between this one and the carbon fiber version...go carbon.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The Best Monopod!
This monopod has everything I wanted. If I designed my own monopod this is what I'd want. I wouldn't have even thought about the separate tripod.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Light, Fast setup, best for bagpacking
I got the aluminum one first and decide to replace it wit the Carbon fiber to save the additional .4 lbs. The extra $ was worh the .4 lb weight reduction, it is really helpful when you have to carry it form that an hour. The monopod is super light and super fast to set up, the legs can be independently used as a table top tripod which was a huge plus for me. I was able to balance a Nikon D810 with 24-70 F2.8 on this (highly not recommended, I had to do it as i did not had my tripod handy). Easy to carry in crowded places and was handy where a tripod is not allowed.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
EP
Great monopod i like so much the claps the only thing that i dont like so much are Dance a little of the union of the monopod with the base
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
EP monopod
Great monopod i like so much the claps the only thing that i dont like so much are Dance a little of the union of the monopod with the base
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
very useful
This monopod works great, but takes some getting used to. First time out, I did not have the feet locked tight enough and torque on the shaft caused some setting to loosen a bit. But the more I use it, the more I like it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
All about the Features.
I bought this specifically for the feature to turn it into a tabletop tripod. I also love the panning feature in the top. Stands upright also. It has a learning curve with understanding how all the feature work, but it creates beautiful shots. I'd recommend it. Even without a fluid head it's a great buy.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good for Monopod but not at sturdy as Sirui P-204S
I own the P-204S but was in need of another tripod/monopod, so I purchased this because I've always liked the latches instead of spin locks found on the 204S. After one use I realized that its not nearly as sturdy as the P-204S. If you are looking for a nice monopod that has feet to stabilize then this will work great for you, but if you are wanting to use this almost as a small, light weight tripod that can stand alone like I wanted to, this is not what you want. You will want to go with the P-204S.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Awesome little piece of kit.
It's like it was made for the mirrorless cameras and gives you a very quick way to get stable shots both with video and stills. Very well made. Cheap. Lightweight. That's 3 out of 3. Could kind of work as a long exposure tripod and is great for the new 2 frames a second fake timelapse in the a6500. Bought it with a varavon cheap fluid tripod head and it's a fantastic combo. As you can tell I'm happy with the purchase.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A little shaky when fully extended
I purchased this version for a couple of reasons. One it is compact and light (which it is at 22 folded up) and I need that for travel purposes. Secondly the reviews said it was very sturdy with the legs at the bottom and could be left alone as a pseudo tripod. I took some time to play with it upon arrival and it definitely meets my #1 need, however it seems a little less sturdy, particularly when fully extended. I cannot seem to get it to fully ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
NotEntirely a Flip-LockVersionofP-204S
I was about to purchase the P-204S model but since I'm a fan of flip-style locks over the twist type, I ordered this new version instead. There are alsoother differences between these two models: the EP-204S is1/2 poundlighter and packs 3 shorter. Also, the mini tripod option now has a permanent 3/8 mounting screwvs. using an additional mounting screw/mounting plate setthat isincluded with P-204S.There's only one set in the box for EP-204S.This a... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Best engineered monopod I've seen
So, I had never heard of this brand until a gear reviewer I respect said that this was the best bang for the buck over more common brands on the market. It has some incredible functionality! The base is pretty sturdy even with a heavy camera (Fs700). The ability for the base to detach so that you have a mini tripod or simplified monopod is really well engineered. The base pivots nicely and even has some nice pan abilities. The panning is actually... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Very solid monopod for video.
A very solid monopod, especially for video work. Compared to the older line-up (P-series), EP series have better feet that can now be adjusted at two positions. It can also be detached and be used as a table-top tripod. In addition, the new monopods have latching locks (similar to Manfrotto monopods). It's a matter of personla opinion, I personally like latches better than twisting locks.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
No need ball head.
I tried the Sirui carbon fiber P-326, it did not have the legs the NEW Ep-204S, I could not steady a shot, so I returned it. But this one is amazingEp-204S. It support well my 70-200mm. No need a ball head, there is one at the bottom. It's adjustable so it does not pivot on itself as a monopod without legs. Making my shoots very steady. I take picture of kids, no problems, undo the 3 clips and I can go very low. They run around, not problem I can... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
