Sunpak VersiPod II Monopod/Tripod Combo with Bronze Ball Head | 
| Brand: SunPak
List Price: $139.95
Buy New: $64.39
You Save: $75.56 (54%)
New (3) from $64.39
Rating:  4 reviews
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.1
Dimensions (in): 36.8 x 5.5 x 2.8
MPN: VPOD2-BR
Model: VPOD2-BR
UPC: 090729605051
EAN: 0090729605051
ASIN: B000FFUDIO
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Combination height-adjustable hiking monopod and fully integrated tripod | | • | Switches easily to tripod mode by opening Velcro-clasped leg extensions | | • | Bronze ball-head mounting system with folding tension/locking thumb screw | | • | Adjusts from 46.7 to 62.5 inches (monopod) and 43 to 58.7 inches (tripod) | | • | Tripod supports up to 9 pounds; weighs only 1.63 pounds; limited lifetime warranty |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
VersiPod II offers the unique combination of lightweight, height-adjustable walking/hiking staff with a fully-integrated tripod.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Versipod II July 5, 2007
Paul D. McDermott (Gaithersburg, Md)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
When traveling one major goal is reduce baggage. Heavy cameras and equipment are a pain to carry because they compete with essential clothing etc. One way to aid the photographer is the availability of light weight equipment such as stable platform to mount the camera. The versipod is designed for this purpose. Its lightweight, has a fold-out tripod base and includes a small ball head. In addition, it works well as a hiking staff. The bottom folds out to make a tripod platform by unwrapping the velcro type wrap. I recently used the Versipod on a long trip. The problems encountered were these: 1. The stick is too long to be placed into luggage. It needs to redesigned slightly so that it can be subdivided into two sections designed to fit into a standard, checkable bag. Consequently, one must carry aboard the plane as a carryon. Not a big problem-but one that must be dealt with. 2. The ball head is too small. Its awkard to place a digital camera on it-especially if it is tilted at an angle-which photographers often do. Aside from these deficiencies its a good piece of equipment.
Versipod II December 29, 2007
J. Chuang (AL, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
The Versipod II is a useful combination of a hiking stick, monopod, and tripod.
As a hiking stick, the versipod II is significantly heavier than dedicated hiking sticks, and probably heavier than monopod/hiking sticks. However, it is still lightweight and durable enough for backpacking. The adjustable height is useful, and the large grip and wrist strap allow for comfortable use of the versipod II as a hiking stick. However, it is impossible to stow the versipod II when encountering extrememly rough terrain, as it will not fit in a backpack even fully collapsed. It is not the best hiking stick available, but it is suitable for most applications.
As a monopod, the versipod II can easily raise to eye level (i am 5'9"). It cannot be lowered to use at eye level when sitting, however.
As a tripod, the versipod II can lower to sitting level; however, it cannot raise fully to standing eye level. Because the three legs cannot be adjusted, it must be rested on a relatively flat surface.
The included ball head is sufficient for light point and shoot digicams, however; the whole camera must be turned to attach the camera. However, the ball head will NOT hold a DSLR with a lens attached. Mounting a DSLR is also awkward because either the versipod II or the camera must be turned. The ball head attaches to the pole by a standard 1/4th inch tripod mount (this is too long to use on a camera directly!), and so the included ball head can be changed out for something stronger.
Also, the heavy duty velcro that hold the three legs together can collect moisture and freeze. This is no problem if it's already holding the legs together, but if released it will not grip again until thawed.
As with any combination product, the versipod II doesn't do anything extremely well. However, it serves it's function suitably. Don't expect much out of the tripod function though; it'd good for holding a point and shoot camera for taking a group photo, but it's not ideal for holding DSLRs or providing an extremely steady platform to shoot from.
That being said, i will probably attempt to use a DSLR with a different head on this, simply because buying a good quality tripod is currently out of my budget.
In order to replicate the function of the versipod II, i would suggest buying a hiking stick/ monopod combination (which is much closer to idea), and a small tripod/ gorillapod for strapping a digicam to a tree for group shots. For DSLR users, buy a good tripod! there's no way around it.
Bottom line:
Digicam users:: Get it if you want to always be able to take group shots on a hike without leaving someone out. I would suggest the magnetic quick release version for this purpose. It will also allow you more stable shots than handheld ones, but not as stable as possible.
DSLR uses:: If you recognize that you'll need to change the ball head, this can be an okay substitute for tripod and a pretty good monopod. It's useful to have on trips where you don't intend to use a tripod, so you aren't weighted down by a tripod you probably won't use, but if you do need it you at least have something. I would suggest getting the non-magnetic ball head version, as you'll be changing it anyways.
UPDATE:
The rubber feet on this tripod wear down after use. For normal to moderate dayhike use, they will probably survive, but for more difficult hikes the feet will degrade. I hiked 35 miles of the Appalachian Trail to find one foot gone and the other two all but broken. It's a simple problem that could be fixed by buying a heavy duty chair leg rubber end that will slip over the existing rubber feet. this would be more durable and replacable. Just slip it off when you need to use the tripod mode. It would help keep the legs together too.
Worth it with a small modification... September 15, 2008
R. Dines
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought the Sunpak VersiPod II Monopod/Tripod Combo to use during an outdoor wedding.
Overall, I thought that it was built well with the exception of the ball head mount which is far too weak to hold any DSLR. I'm sure it could hold a point-and-shoot but the fact that the monopod itself it not able to be compacted as far as other monopods seem a bit silly to carry around simply to use with a small compact camera. There is a magnetic mount version but I thought it was overpriced and I didn't like the idea of having a strong magnetic field near my camera while using it or transporting it with my other equipment. I found that what worked for me was to remove the ball head mount that it came with and replace it with a quick release mount. In my case I had a cheapy tabletop tripod also made by Sunpak which happened to use the same standardized screw mount and had a quick release. This combination was far stronger than the standard ball mount.
Overall, I recommend the monopod. the deployable legs are better than having detachable ones and are reasonably sturdy. The price was also reasonable and if you switch out the ball head mount for another it's absolutely worth it.
 bulky August 31, 2008
T. Cheung (Milpitas, CA)
I was expecting a product that was more compact than a tripod, but it is not. The second problem is that is hard to lock the ball type mounting joint. It has a tendency to creep, even using light compact cameras.
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