Authentic MoGoPod MogoCrane Kit Stabilizer for DSLR Canon Nikon Sony Canon Nikon Cameras

The media could not be loaded.  This item was a puzzle for me, it has several really interesting features, but the need for refinement and overreaching marketing attempts had me debating between 3 and 4 stars, if there were a 3.5 star option, that'd be perfect. I've decided to break it down by piece, since you can buy each of the 3 items separately.This package was offered to me in exchange for my totally honest thoughts/review.The "Pod" - 3.5/5 stars-Construction quality feels very good-Great single action extension concept-Wiggle/play between the top and first section-Adapter nut flips from 1/4" to 3/8"-Reversible, 1/4" & 3/8" on both ends (with adapter nut)-Height/length of small version is very short as a monopod-Height when attached to belt isn't quite short enough-2 strap hooks, for alternative bracing/over the shoulder carrying-1/4" tap on the main grip for attaching various accessories such as monitor/phoneThe Head - 3.5/5 stars-Not made by mogopod, see  Pro YT-950 Tripod Action Fluid Drag Head Video Camera For DSLR Shooting Filming -Overall nice and smooth actions-Mostly plastic-Clamp style plate, no forward/backward adjustment like slide in plates.-Tightening the tilt results in slight shift in angle.-No Drag control-Fairly small and lightweight for a fluid action headThe 'Crane' - 2/5 stars-Wants to be a Jib, is NOT a jib-Smooth but very loose action, would rather dampened some.-Strap feels very awkward around waist when pod/weight is mounted up.-Neat circular quick(ish) release plateMy main issues with the product is with the Crane unit and how they tried to market it. I tried using the whole system as advertised, despite seeing the marketing demonstrations and literature as a rather silly stretch. I gave it a shot and it was indeed as nonsensical as i imagined. I don't appreciate when a manufacturer tries to market a product as something it's definitely not.This product is in no way comparable to a jib.The idea is that you can use the crane unit to extend the pod toward and away from your body while tilting the head to achieve a jib-like movement. All the videos i see them and others trying to demonstrate this look terrible for your back, and the resulting footage not what i would call a usable jib shot. My own testing revealed much of the same. Is a usable jib-like shot dooable? Sure, but it's 90% up to the operator being excellent. But in my humble opinion, a jib shot that is in any way shaky, isn't good.The way it attaches to you is probably the poorest of the design, it's just a thin strap and does not feel comfortable or secure. For it to feel proper it would need thicker/more rigid padding, as it is it just feels awkward.The best part of the crane unit is the circular quick release, because without it, you'd just be annoyingly attached to the pod with no quick way out. It's not exactly quick though, there are two thumb screws, but i just use one and it only takes a second or 2 to attach and detach the pod. This is another part which needs some rethinking: i want quick release so i can use the pod on its own as a monopod, but doing so with the quick release would mean the QR plate is now what sits on the ground instead of a spike or rubber nugget(included, but have to screw on) Not ideal, especially when panning around would certainly damage the QR plate if on rough surfaces like concrete.The HeadThe bullet points pretty much cover it. It's not a brilliant head, but it has a fluid movement and can get the job done. There's no drag control, but what i miss most in it is the lack of forward/backward adjust-ability of the camera to get a good balance point.The PodI really like where they were going with this design, it departs from having numerous sections to unlock on a traditional monopod. The issue is that it can only extend so far. I received the Small version, which i think is the least ideal of the sizes. Reason being: when using with the crane unit, it was just a few inches too tall for me to comfortably use my camera's EVF. Take it off the hip, and it's now a very very short monopod. It's stuck between two not very usable positions. Considering my distaste for the crane unit, i would opt for the larger of the mogopods and use like a regular monopod.The biggest problem with the unit, is that there is some play/wiggle between the top and first sections, even when tightened. I asked the manufacturer about it and they said it was normal. Bummer, have to be careful when panning.It's a nice touch that both ends are usable with 1/4" and 3/8", and even better, the two strap hooks allow for some additional creative bracing with your body, and a great way to carry the pod around slung over you shoulder.The final touch is the center mounted 1/4" tap, right on the handgrip. This allows for mounting accessories, such as a monitor/phone/tablet/audio recorder/etc... You could also mount it to your tripod and attempt to use it as a jib in that manner, but i'm skeptical of how strong that tap is, and i wouldn't trust my camera with it.Overall, i'm stuck on the fence about this particular package, i suggest not buying either the crane unit, or the small version of the mogopod. Go for the larger version for a more usable height. This package tries to be one to many things, and falls short at both.

I bought this through BestBuy because I had a ton of giftcards to blow. This product is quite heart breaking because the monopod itself is awesome. Well built and the slide to extend mechanism is awesome. I'd take this monopod over the Manfrotto version any day.I also really liked the fluid head. As the the prior reviewer stated, there's minimal features (no drag control etc) but that's ok for this price point. It's smooth as butter. The problem is in the build quality. The 1/4 " screw at the bottom essentially "peeled" off and became stripped. Hard to describe what happened but essentially I can't attach the head to anything anymore - rendering it useless.Again, heartbreaking because there was a lot of potential here - I would have bought a few of there to make up the cost of the equivalent manfrotto so I could throw these around without worry but I'll have end up investing in a better head.