Home > Consumer Reviews > Gitzo GM5540 6X Carbon Fiber 4 Section G-Lock Monopod

The Gitzo GM5540 is very light and pleasure to use. I use it with an Acratech GV2 ballhead. I have a Canon 30D with a Canon EOS 30 lens plate to fit the camera to the ballhead. My lens' are a Canon EF 24-105 and a Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 (quite a heavy lens)and it has a Wimberly P-20 lens plate. I recently took the Gitzo and 70-200 lens to our local zoo and had a delightful time taking animal shots. The Gitzo extends or retracts effortlessly so you can move the camera up or down very quickly to capture the animals as they move around. On a shot trying for a grazing giraffe I simply loosened the ballhead, went prone, and fired away. The 9"x2" upper section is kind of rubberized and fits your hand reliably and should be a delight here in our cold WI winters.

I looked at many mono pods to find one that would grow with my hobby. Some said it was overkill, but I feel I made the best choice. I shoot a Canon XTi with a 100-400L lens for auto racing and daytime sporting events. Although my rig is well under the capacity of this unit, it provides a rock solid platform for me. I have plans to add larger lenses (possibly rental glass as well) so I wanted something that would not limit my options. Although the 3500 series mono pods are lighter and cheaper, the extra few $ and ounces did not matter for me.

High quality, well made monopod but a bit heavy and bulky to double as a hiking pole

I got this monopod to use with my Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Super Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras and it has no problem supporting that weight. I had been using it with an RRS clamp, recently got the RRS high capacity monopod head which makes for a really solid combination. Though most of the time I use a full tripod with Wimberley head, there are definitely occasions where a monopod comes in handy and this was a great investment to support a heavy lens.

Strong yet very light. Very easy to adjust. Once adjusted, locks in tightly with no slippage. Bought a Markins Q3 ballhead to go with it. The combination is remarkable. Used it in buildings, standing and sitting, as well as on rocky terrain and the height adjusted to all situations. Did a lot of research before buying this product but I am not disappointed. A little pricey, but for great photos it is worth it.