OSN MX-450 Monopod with
Manfrotto 494 Mini Ball Head

OSN MX-450 Monopod

I purchased this without any high expectations. For the price, it's pretty much the cheapest monopod available. I didn't spend much on it because I wasn't sure of the value of a monopod and didn't expect to use it very much. But I was pleasantly surprised when I did start using it! What a great bargain!

I use a very large DSLR with some hefty lenses. The monopod handles them all without any problem. I expected the leg-locks to be flimsy and fail soon but they're holding up great after several months of regular use. In fact the inexpensive ball head (Giottos MH 1304) I purchased failed within a couple days of purchase and the monopod is still going strong. The finish is also holding up well to daily handling. I won't promise this will withstand careless use and abuse but if you treat your gear well (and why not?) this should last well past owing you anything.

At a very well stocked camera store I compared this side-by-side with monopods costing much more. I was surprised to find that some costing two or three times what this costs offer no advantage and in some cases were even inferior. This further reinforces my satisfaction.

One improvement I recommend is the installation of a small swivel to the split-ring that attaches the lanyard to the monopod. I have large hands and found the lanyard gets twisted and becomes annoying. A swivel prevents this and removes the one gripe I have about this unit!

I purchased (and strongly recommend) a Manfrotto 494 Mini Ball Head to use with this and the combination is terrific. Ironically the mini ball head is three times the cost of the monopod, but the package is small, light, and reliable.  In order to put this ball head onto this monopod you will need the 3/8-inch to 1/4-20 inch adapter.  I installed the adapter with a drop of blue locktite to keep it from loosening.

I made another small modification to increase the life of the foot of the monopod.  I purchased a chair tip (they come in sets of four for very little money) and slipped it onto the bottom of the tripod. 

 

Because I spent a lot of time "off pavement", this keeps dirt and grime from getting into the retractable spike.  If I need to use the spike (and so far I have not) I can just slip the foot off and use it, then return the foot when finished.

It appears this is the same monopod that goes under the brand "OSN MX-450", and the Targus brand. I purchased an early version that came with an angle bracket (lost from the packaging before I got it) and a Monopod Cap (a rubber knob that threads onto the tripod screw).

OSN MX 450 Monopod Instructions

 

Manfrotto 494 Mini Ball Head

I needed a small ball-head for my monopod, to use with a Canon 5D Mark II. I first tried the Giottos MH1304-110C Professional Mini Ball Head. It was inexpensive and nicely made but very quickly proved unsatisfactory. It doesn't lock strongly enough to support my DSLR.

For almost three times as much money, this Manfrotto 494 unit clearly is made to perform. It has a lever that locks the ball easily; a "drag" adjustment to allow fine-tuning of the friction of the ball when the ball is not locked; and the lock lever may be positioned to personal taste. Overall, this is a superior solution that is worth the extra money if you have a larger DSLR.  My largest combination is the Canon EOS 5D Mark II with EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, weighing in at 8.5 pounds.  This is just below the maximum weight for this unit of 8.81 pounds.  Good to go!

The thing I like is that it fits the top of the monopod and is very unobtrusive compared to larger units. Thanks Manfrotto!

Manfrotto Mini Ball Head Manual (English)

Specs

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Manual

Arca Swiss Clamp

I recently added a Desmond DAC-01 Arca-Swiss clamp to the monopod.  This works with the lens plates and L-bracket.

 

The thing I like is that it fits the top of the monopod and is very unobtrusive compared to larger units. Thanks Manfrotto!

 

 

      

      

         

              

  

     

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2/15/2012

 

I have been using a OSN aluminum Monopod (described above) for Still, Digital, or Video Cameras for a couple years. It's been great. I've had no issues with it at all. In fact I still have it with a Manfrotto 494 Ball Head and a Desmond DAC-01 50mm QR Clamp Arca Compatible for Tripod Head. It's been great.

Recently I had a second OSN Monopod that I put together with a BENRO B SERIES Ballhead B-1. The fit wasn't very good so I tried to make some adjustments. The thread that holds the mini-ball head broke off. Re-evaluating the monopod I found that it was rated for a five pound load. I have been using it with almost nine pounds... One day I even had my camera and a large zoom attached and was walking around with it attached to the monopod thinking all was fine. Needless to say I was exceeding the capacity of the monopod and putting my camera and lens at risk.

That lead me to investigate a monopod that had a larger weight capacity, matching the Benro B1 ball head. This lead to the Opteka CFM300. I wanted a long monopod to match my height. The OSN extended to 67" (not counting the ball head). I needed at least that length, and the Opteka goes to 68". The OSN is really light - maybe 12 ounces. I had to accept that this monopod is a little bit heavier (19 ounces) but really, what's seven ounces more or less?

The leg extends nicely but do not twist - something the other reviewers didn't mention. That makes it easy to extend the leg without fumbling with twisting legs.

The head has three set screws on it. That's to lock the ball head once you attach it to the tripod. The listing does not mention this but it's a great feature to know that your ball head is less likely to come undone because you can lock it on using the three set screws.

I added a rubber leg tip to the bottom of the monopod to protect the rubber foot and make it possible to replace the substitute when it wears out. It slips right on and stays put. Cheap way to make the monopod last longer - especially since I use the monopod as a walking stick in the woods on hikes.

With the BENRO B SERIES Ballhead B-1 this is a great tool. Light enough to carry with you, and sturdy enough to take some hard knocks.

Benro B1 Ball Head Instructions (PDF)

Specifications
Maximum Load	26.4 lbs (12 kg)
Height	3.5 in (90 mm)
Width Including Knobs	2.2 in (56 mm)
Tilt Range	-45° / +90°
Drag Control	Yes
Panning Range	360°
Separate Panning Lock	Yes
Quick Release (QR) Plate	Arca-Swiss Style (PU60)
Bubble Level	Yes
Head Mount Thread Size	1/4"-20
Base Mount Thread	3/8"-16
Weight	0.8 lbs (0.4 kg)

 

The Opteka monopod comes with a case but it doesn't work with a ball head attached - too small. It's a nice case so if you're not using a ball head, it will be handy.

I wanted a case for the monopod because of the ball head.  For a time I used the case supplied together with a soft lens case to cover the ball head.  But eventually I purchased a Promaster SystemPRO Tripod Bag - TB-3.  It's 25 inches long - just long enough for the monopod and ball head.  It is very sturdy and comes with a strap, handles, and a pouch on the side of the bag for extra stuff.  The one I got is black.