Leki Photo Carbon Speedlock Trekking Pole, Black

I bought this for my husband for Xmas 2011 and finally he was able to put it to use in Nepal in October 2012. Last year he found it hard to steady his camera, particularly while still breathing heavily following a steep ascent. This trekking pole functioned well as a mono pod, allowing him to steady the camera even with the zoom lens attached. Attaching / detaching the camera was quick and simple. As a trekking pole it was great, easily adjusted to a comfortable height and no slipping unlike his other Leki pole which uses a twisting action to lock each section in place.

Hiking or walking and in need of support - this is it. Suddenly want a simple monopod for your camera - this is it. Well made, sturdy, but light; highly recommend.

This pole, made in the Czech Republic as someone else noted, appears nicely finished however unless extended about six inches the lower section will simply not lock at all and will slide freely even after the lever is fully snapped in. The remaining two movable sections do seem to tighten satisfactorily. The pole comes with a rubber walking tip which, when pulled off, reveals the carbide flex tip. Leki's website says this pole comes with the performance basket but that was not included from this reseller. The two reasons I see to get this more expensive single pole is the 5'7" full extension length and the "hidden" monoppd screw in the Aergon Photo Grip. When the concealing grip cap of thick plastic is unlocked rotated and removed the 1/4-20 stud and red knurled locking nut are revealed. Attaching a small camera is easy. I am not sure that I would attach a heavy DSLR and lens combination unless a camera strap was around my neck" these are after all plastic pieces securing the metal 1/4" -20 screw. The Aergon grip cap top is easily pocketable when removed, and overall it's mostly a good grip implementation, but as another reviewer mentioned it could be more confortable when used cane-style if it were a bit larger. When used as a standard trekking grip with the supplied velcro strap it feels very secure and comfortable. In that the lower section doesn't tighten securely and this pole is meant to take some weight walking or trekking I am unwilling to rate it higher than a three. As a compromise use pole for use as a monopod and for trekking/walking , I think the pole does very well filling its multiple functions.

It has everything. Functional, light, the adjustment clips are superior to anything out there. The top releases quickly so that you can put your camera on the tip. It will hold almost anything. It gives you one additional plane of stability to reduce camera shake. I use it for outdoor macro photography and on long hikes where a tripod is too cumbersome.

Pole is fine, but mounting the camera is a real pain! The knurled thumbnut is designed for fingers the size of a 3-year-old. Don't you suppose they could have spent another $1.98 and provided a thumbnut appropriate for average-sized adult human fingers??

This is a great trekking pole, light and strong. It's one of the few that allows me to use a palm grip, though I would prefer the size to be larger for a more comfortable grasp. The camera screw-lock is a nice gimmick and beautifully hidden under the cap. I've only used it twice so far. But works well as advertised.

Pros: Disagree completely with another reviewer all you have to do is buy cheap Leki SAS Sierra to get same. SAS is Aluminum not Carbon and has much poorer grip handle. Photo Carbon comes with well made strap to further secure your hand to pole. Purchased this pole after full knee replacement surgery. We live in mountains at a lake community. Steep paths & stairs to dock & treking mountains this stick is a gem for stability. Made rehab in knee actually bearable. Extremely light, easy adjustment to size, locks firm. Can tighten with screwdriver to max to set position. Have owned pole now few years, like new. Not a single damaged part to stick after heavy use. Photo screw bit small under easy twist handle top for camera but child could screw on most models. If not couple dollar adapter couldn't be any simpler to mount. Rubber bottom tip holds all surfaces. Cons: Haters to any product made. Pricing but caveat if it was cheaper would buy two but worth every penny. Here, you get what you pay for.

Very functional, versatile, lite and user friendly. Wish there was some means of securing the top cap when it's off when a camera is mounted, which is alot of the time.