Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR Monopod Review

The Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR is a monopod with a difference as it comes with a smartphone connector and Bluetooth remote shutter trigger which should interest smartphone shooters as well as the more traditional photographer using a DSLR and there are also Tri-Feet to give you better stability than a more traditional monopod will offer. It's priced at £79.99 currently which also makes it attractive in terms of value for money as well as the features that it has to offer so let's take a closer look at those features, and importantly, how it performs when we take it out of the box. 

Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR Monopod Features

The Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR monopod is a modern-looking support that's constructed from aluminium (Vanguard call it an Anthracite finish), features rubberised leg locks (as well as a larger rubber grip towards the top) for comfort/grip, a useful wrist strap and carabiner to make it easier to carry and technology-based accessories that make it perfect for smartphone photography as well as more traditional DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras. 

What makes the VEO 2S AM-264TR monopod slightly different to more traditional monopods is that fact that it has feet which Vanguard call Tri-Feet and they fold out when needed. You also get a smartphone adaptor and a Bluetooth remote shutter trigger while a ball joint found at the bottom of the monopod aids with panning. 

Leg locks twist and there's a 1/4-inch thread to mount your camera to or you can attach a small ball head or pan head if you wish to. 

Key Features

• 4-section monopod
• Folded length 55cm
• Max height of 163cm
• 6Kg load capacity
• Weighs 890g
• Ball joint for smooth panning
• 1/4" thread to mount your camera
• Universal Smart Phone Connector for phones up to 3.4" wide
• Twist-leg locks using a 1/2” turn to lock/unlock 
• Tri-Feet for added stability
• Wrist strap and carabiner 

Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR Monopod Handling & Performance

A monopod comes in really handy in places where there's just not enough room for a tripod or when you want to travel light and the Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR monopod is ideal for both of these scenarios. 

The VEO 2S AM-264TR monopod measures 55cm when folded so it doesn't take up too much room and can easily be secured to the side of a backpack (a monopod bag isn't supplied but it will fit in other tripod bags). It's also pretty lightweight coming in at under 1KG but has a payload of 6KG so will be able to hold a DSLR body and lens without too much trouble. When at full height, it measures 163cm. 

For those who prefer to capture images with a smartphone, a universal smartphone adapter is included for phones measuring up to 3.4" wide which can also be used as its own stand should you want to leave the monopod at home. 

To complement the smartphone compatibility you get a Bluetooth remote shutter trigger which is a great addition as it means you can set your smartphone (or camera with Bluetooth) up and actually be in photos with your family rather than behind the camera taking photos. 

The VEO 2S AM-264TR monopod features 4 sections that are separated by twist locks which are rubberised for easy grip and you simply twist in the direction written on the locks to unlock/lock them securely. The twist locks are also billed as 'easy clean' which is great as when you're back from the beach, you want to make sure all of the sand and seawater is removed from it. Even though the twist locks are easy to operate, this doesn't mean the will accidentally rotate or slip as some locks do giving complete peace of mind in use. 

One main feature which makes the VEO 2S AM-264TR standout from traditional monopods are the tri-legs found at the bottom which are small enough not to get in the way but offer an extra level of stability you don't get from normal monopods. It also means you can set it up and use your remote trigger to capture images (with you in the shot if you choose to) but we'd not recommend leaving the monopod unattended with your camera attached as the smaller footprint means they are easier to knock over than a tripod even though it is more useful/sturdy than a traditional monopod. 

The feet, which are permanently attached, are folded up when you first open the box but they're easily lowered and set in place with a reassuring mechanical 'click'. When lowered, they are very sturdy and the rubber feet ensure they have a good grip. To fold the feet away again, you simply pull in the direction of the arrow and fold up - simple. The Tri-Feet are a great addition to a monopod as it gives you a sturdier support in tight spaces where light may be lacking, such as indoors, as well as a more secure base when you're outdoors but don't want to be weighed down with too much bulky kit. 'Small footprint, good stability' is the perfect way to describe the usefulness of the VEO 2S AM-264TR monopod, especially when compared with more traditional models. 

When adjusting the feet you'll notice the monopod has a ball joint which allows the level of stability to be adjusted and it also means the monopod can be used for panning when capturing action shots or video footage. If you don't want the central column to turn or tilt, simply tighten the screw to keep it vertical. 

The Wrist strap and carabiner are a nice touch as is the rubber cover that protects the 1/4" thread that you can mount your camera, or a small ball head/pan head to. The supplied smartphone connector simply screws onto the 1/4" thread, too. 

Overall, the VEO 2S AM-264TR is a really useful, lightweight monopod that's stable, looks great and can be combined with technology to make it a support even smartphoneographers would be interested in. 

Value For Money

The Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR is currently priced at just under £80 on the Vanguard website (usually £89.99) which is a really great price considering the feature list.  

You can find various monopod options over on Amazon UK with prices starting at £14.99 but they're not constructed from the same material as the Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR and as we've not put them to the test, we can't guarantee the quality. They also don't feature the Tri-Feet design or offer Bluetooth connectivity. 

As for our own, round-ups, we don't have a monopod round-up specifically where you can find alternatives but we do have a couple of tripod round-ups that are worth a peruse: 'Best Tripods You Can Buy Right Now' top list and 'Best Budget Tripod' recommendations. 

Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR Monopod Verdict

Vanguard has created a lightweight, robust monopod that comes with feet for added support and Bluetooth connectivity to increase your shooting options. The Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR is really well made, looks great and does exactly what it's designed to do with the added bonus of having a compatible remote trigger and, as already mentioned, the tri-feet that give you extra support in places a tripod just wouldn't fit. You can choose to mount a camera via a tripod head or use your smartphone should you want to ensure the footage you capture with your camera phone is sturdy and smooth. It's also useful for those who capture video as well as stills as the ball joint allows for smooth panning. 

The list of features is really impressive for a monopod but what's even more impressive is the price which is currently just under £80 on the Vanguard website. 

So, if you're looking for an inexpensive support for your camera or smartphone that's more compact than a tripod but still offers excellent stability, along with plenty of other great features, you won't go far wrong with the Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR.

The Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR is a feature-packed monopod that offers additional support usually associated with a tripod along with smartphone connectivity and a really great price.

Own this product? Let us know what you think of it in the EQDB. 

Vanguard VEO 2S AM-264TR Monopod with Tri-Feet and Smartphone Connector Specifications

View Full Product Details

Spotted a mistake? Let us know in the EQDB.