I took ALZO’s Smoothy Pod out for a test run to see just how this video stabilizer/monopod would perform with a Canon 7D & Canon 16-35mm lens. I personally found it more comfortable to use as a monopod, the 2.5″ gimbaled foot was really, REALLY smooth and articulated in all directions nicely. The Smoothy Pod as a stabilizer wasn’t as successful for me as it was as a monopod. If there was a counterweight or sled at the bottom of the unit, I feel that it probably would perform better. Also, on the rocks I was treading, for someone as small as me (100 lbs.) this particular setup became slightly heavy. This has nothing to do with the actual unit, just my lack of muscles. Tracking shots were easy to get and the Smoothy Pod as a monopod produced footage that I was very happy with. As a stabilizer, if you’re in need of something, this can suffice, however I wouldn’t purchase the Smoothy Pod for primary use as a stabilizer. All in all, I feel that what you get for the dollar amount spent, this unit stands up quite well. The gimbaled foot and the rubber handle are not something that most monopods come with and these features worked for me.
Quick Specs:
All Aluminum construction
Rubber boot covered smooth gimbaled hand grip
Angle adjustable rubber hand grip
Unique camera mount allows for 2 dimension balancing
Camera mount includes a DSLR camera anti-rotation lock plate
Mount includes end screws to prevent camera accidental release
2 textured rubber hand grips
Metal leg clamps with tension adjusters
2.5″ diameter gimbaled foot pad provides super traction on all floors
I was wondering when somebody would merge these two items, though it doesn’t look like the stabilizer part has much range of motion. I wonder if that can be moded with one of those U-joint gimbles. Thanks for showing!
Okay so mine came today; I used a Manfrotto quick release plate on top to mount a Manfrotto 701 fluid tripod head. The universal joint and smooth bearing fluid pan unit at the foot is quiet and very flexible, exactly what I needed to get a greater range of motion than the stiffer configuration of the Manfrotto 561-B all in one video monopod.
However, I’m not sure I like the gimbal handle at the top of the Alzo unit. In some ways it is a better way to move the monopod with one hand on the gimbal handle and the 701 arm tucked under my arm, with the other hand on my camera lens, and my foot keeping the monopod foot firm. But it can get in the way and it does flop around a lot when I’m gripping the 701 handle in one hand and the lens with the other.
I can definitely say the 561 is a much more stable platform for the 701 head than the Alzo monopod, and it also lets you “let go” of the monopod when you need a totally hands free stable shot (while keeping hands close to it in case of wind or something). Also the 561 is not that much more expensive than buying a 701 head and the Alzo monopod. You do get the gimbal handle, but without a strap on ankle weight at the bottom, I’m not sure the Alzo makes a very good “steadicam” alternative. It is definitely more flimsy than the Manfrotto 561-B using the same 701 fluid head, but honestly if you have a spare 701 for say, sliders and jibs and such, might as well pick up one of these, because the combination of the 701 head and the universal joint at the foot makes this a more effective stabilization tool than a shoulder rig for shooting solo with a DSLR and prime lenses, or even zooms with IS for that matter.
Thanks Olivia for the review! Finally, got mine in today. Box that it came in is pretty thin so the box looked beat up. Hoping that it wasn’t damaged. Decided to mount a Manfrotto quick release because everything I use has that plate. At first I had a hard time mounting the quick release but I finally got it secured. Mounted my 5DMK2 with a 24-70. Yea, I know this is a heavy lens but it’s a good all around when shooting events. With the tripod leg kept in, it was a bit hard to balance the camera because it was top heavy. But when securely griped at the handles, you can do some smooth steadycam like moves. Decided to retract the leg a bit without touching the ground. That did it. It really fixed the balancing. Now the weight was more centered. I could glide much smoother with the tripod leg dropped down a bit. I got excited because this is what I need when I just want to bring limited equipment and I’m filming an event. I have tried to glide with my 561B and even with a regular tripod and it’s not too pretty. This smoothy pod gets the job done. The only thing is that you can’t glide too long because you start to feel it in your wrist. I’m gonna put it to the test. I will put it to practical use this Saturday when I film a wedding. I’ll keep you updated on how it did.
ALZO Smoothy Pod Camera Stabilizer
Looks like a cool little monopod, something to pair up with the new Sony RX100 maybe?
I was wondering when somebody would merge these two items, though it doesn’t look like the stabilizer part has much range of motion. I wonder if that can be moded with one of those U-joint gimbles. Thanks for showing!
Awesome! Ordered one, will use it with a 701 fluid head & quick release plate. Cheaper than 561- B.
This almost looks like a cheap alternative to the Manfrotto 560B-1 and 561BHDV-1. The gimbal on the bottom looks like a good idea.
Okay so mine came today; I used a Manfrotto quick release plate on top to mount a Manfrotto 701 fluid tripod head. The universal joint and smooth bearing fluid pan unit at the foot is quiet and very flexible, exactly what I needed to get a greater range of motion than the stiffer configuration of the Manfrotto 561-B all in one video monopod.
However, I’m not sure I like the gimbal handle at the top of the Alzo unit. In some ways it is a better way to move the monopod with one hand on the gimbal handle and the 701 arm tucked under my arm, with the other hand on my camera lens, and my foot keeping the monopod foot firm. But it can get in the way and it does flop around a lot when I’m gripping the 701 handle in one hand and the lens with the other.
I can definitely say the 561 is a much more stable platform for the 701 head than the Alzo monopod, and it also lets you “let go” of the monopod when you need a totally hands free stable shot (while keeping hands close to it in case of wind or something). Also the 561 is not that much more expensive than buying a 701 head and the Alzo monopod. You do get the gimbal handle, but without a strap on ankle weight at the bottom, I’m not sure the Alzo makes a very good “steadicam” alternative. It is definitely more flimsy than the Manfrotto 561-B using the same 701 fluid head, but honestly if you have a spare 701 for say, sliders and jibs and such, might as well pick up one of these, because the combination of the 701 head and the universal joint at the foot makes this a more effective stabilization tool than a shoulder rig for shooting solo with a DSLR and prime lenses, or even zooms with IS for that matter.
Thanks Olivia for the review! Finally, got mine in today. Box that it came in is pretty thin so the box looked beat up. Hoping that it wasn’t damaged. Decided to mount a Manfrotto quick release because everything I use has that plate. At first I had a hard time mounting the quick release but I finally got it secured. Mounted my 5DMK2 with a 24-70. Yea, I know this is a heavy lens but it’s a good all around when shooting events. With the tripod leg kept in, it was a bit hard to balance the camera because it was top heavy. But when securely griped at the handles, you can do some smooth steadycam like moves. Decided to retract the leg a bit without touching the ground. That did it. It really fixed the balancing. Now the weight was more centered. I could glide much smoother with the tripod leg dropped down a bit. I got excited because this is what I need when I just want to bring limited equipment and I’m filming an event. I have tried to glide with my 561B and even with a regular tripod and it’s not too pretty. This smoothy pod gets the job done. The only thing is that you can’t glide too long because you start to feel it in your wrist. I’m gonna put it to the test. I will put it to practical use this Saturday when I film a wedding. I’ll keep you updated on how it did.
You got some footage using the smoothy pod? thanks
@Rom Only what is shown in this video.