Best Monopod For Photographers, Filmmakers and Geeks
If you are a photographer or a videographer or someone who is working related to tourism, films, and photography, then getting camera accessories are as important as getting a camera. Some of the important accessories includes a reliable camera protection case, extra battery, Padded Neck Strap, Giotto Rocket Blower, Sturdy Monopod or tripod, Remote Shutter Release and much more.
In any kind of photography, image quality and shooting experience is based on the camera stability. That's why you definitely need to know what a monopod is and the advantages of using it.
What is Monopod?
The monopod is a stand for your camera or video cam used to hold your camera still to give better stability, so that you can take great pictures.
A monopod is different from a tripod. A monopod has a single leg, whereas a tripod has three legs. Undoubtedly, the tripod provides more stability than the monopod. But for traveling purpose a monopod is preferred over a tripod, simply because of the fact that a monopod is lighter, takes up much lesser space and easy to carry.
Monopods come in different sizes, with different features in the varied price ranges. You need to consider factors such as the weight of the monopod, the maximum height the monopod can reach, the stability it has to offer, the height of the monopod, and the grip it offers before you decide to get a monopod for yourself.
Let us have a look at the best monopod which I have listed in this article along with their features, advantages and disadvantages, available in the market at your disposal.
REVIEW OF BEST MONOPOD
1. AMAZONBASICS 67" - BEST MONOPOD FOR DSLR
Looking for a lightweight and best monopod? Then check out this best monopod in my list, the AmazonBasics 67 inch monopod. As the name suggests, the monopod can extend up to a height of 67 inches, which is 5.6 feet. It can support video cameras, still cameras, mirrorless cameras, and scopes that weigh up to 6.6 lbs.
The best monopod is very strong and sturdy but astonishingly, has a weight of only 15.7 ounces. It is made up of high-quality materials but is very affordable considering other monopods.
The best monopod features a 0.25-inch universal thread that lets you mount cameras and scopes. The four-section legs are able to extend up to 67 inches and the foam handle will keep your camera or scope stable. It features a cushion grip and a wrist strap to handle the monopod easily.
The non-skid rubber feet make sure that the monopod can be used indoors, without damaging the floor and the retractable metal spikes are meant for the outdoors which provide good stability for the monopod.
The monopod comes with a carry bag and owing to its weight, it can be easily carried. The monopod costs very less compared to other monopods and is a must-have for all professional photographers and videographers.
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2. SIRUI P-326 - BEST MONOPOD FOR 360 CAMERA
The next best monopod in the list of the best monopod is the Sirui P-326 6-section carbon fiber monopod. It is one of the sturdiest monopods in this list. The monopod is made up of carbon fiber, thus making the monopod ultra-lightweight. The monopod weighs only 14.1 ounces and it can extend up to 62.4 inches owing to the six-stage leg extension.
To extend the height of the monopod you simply have to twist the silicon twist lock and tighten it again.
The silicon twist lock makes sure that the monopod does not suddenly collapse accidentally. To help you have a firm grip of the monopod, it features a wrist strap and an insulated foam grip. Although the monopod is ultra-light it can support cameras of weight up to 17.6 pounds or 8 Kg. At its lowest height, the monopod stands a meager 15 inches.
This best monopod features a high-quality metal spike to help you keep it safe and stable on the ground. It also comes with a compass carabiner to attach the monopod to your belt.
The monopod features 20 reversible 0.25-inch screws & 16 numbers of 0.37-inch screws and there’s a retractable steel spike on the foot that can be used for uneven surfaces.
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3. VIVITAR 67" - BEST MONOPOD FOR VIDEO
Taking up the third spot in the list of the best monopod is the Vivitar 67 inch monopod. As the name of the monopod suggests, the monopod can extend a maximum of up to 67 inches. It can extend up to the same height as the AmazonBasics’ monopod can, which takes the first spot on the list.
The monopod is very light and weighs only about 14.4 ounces. It is considered to be a great choice for amateur photographers.
This best monopod consists of quick release plates which will keep your camera steady while in use. These plates hold your camera still and the four sectioned leg has rubber feet to keep the monopod stable. To enhance your grip on the monopod it gives you a wrist strap along with a cushioned hand grip.
The monopod at its minimum height stands at 21 inches, and due to its small height and low weight, it can be carried around very easily, with the available monopod couch, that comes along with the monopod. The monopod is highly recommended for amateur photographers and videographers.
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4. MANFROTTO ALUMINUM 5 - BEST COMPACT MONOPOD
Next up in my list of the best monopod is the very popular Manfrotto compact aluminum 5-section monopod. This monopod is also considered as the best monopod for its compact camera systems. It is one of the most compact monopods as well which extends up to a maximum height of 59 inches and can be retracted to a minimum height of only 15.4 inches.
Adding to this, the monopod is only 11.7 ounces in weight and thus is very easy to carry around. It is made up of aluminum and is very sturdy. The handgrip and the wrist strap provided by the monopod are very useful for you and help you hold the monopod still for long hours.
The mounting platform consists of 20 screw heads of size 0.25 inches. The monopod can hold up to a weight of 1.5 Kg. One more feature of the monopod is that it has got interchangeable feet. You can choose between the rubber feet or the spikes, depending on the conditions.
Overall the best monopod is sturdy but lightweight and can be carried around easily. It is highly recommended if you use compact camera systems.
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5. K&F CONCEPT MP 2624 MONOPOD
As we make it halfway in the list of the best monopod, the fifth spot is taken by the K&F Concept MP 2624 monopod. The monopod can extend up to a maximum height of 67 inches and it is one the cheapest monopods around with good features and advantages. The monopod is one of the lightest monopods and is also very sturdy.
The best monopod can be retracted to a minimum height of only 21.26 inches. The sturdiness of the monopod is shown by the fact that the monopod can hold cameras of weight up to 3 Kg. The monopod is made up of aluminum alloy. For hands-free carrying the monopod is equipped with a wrist strap and is made up of ergonomic non-slip foam to provide you with proper grip.
The MP 2624 consists of interchangeable feet, rubber foot, and metal spikes. You can choose which feet to equip depending on the location. The monopod features a universal mounting thread as well.
It is recommended for amateur photographers and videographers, who are also looking for the best monopod at an affordable range. The bonus point is, it can also act as a walking stick.
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6. OPTEKA 72 INCH MONOPOD
The next spot in the loss of the best monopod goes to the Opteka 72 inch monopod. As the name suggests, the monopod can extend up to a maximum height of 72 inches. The monopod from Opteka offers proper support and stability to your cameras.
The monopod is made up of black anodized aluminum. This type of aluminum is very durable and is resistant to corrosion. Thus, it is a heavy-duty monopod. The monopod, when retracted, has a minimum height of only 21.5 inches.
The monopod can be retracted to 21.5 inches and owing to its 1 Pound weight, so you can safely say that the monopod is portable. The monopod can handle a maximum load of up to 8.8 pounds. It also features a universal mounting thread of 0.25 inches that can mount almost all your cameras.
The foam non-slip handle ensures proper grip and the interchangeable feet mean you can use the monopod on any surface. The rubber foot is used for soft surfaces, whereas the metal spikes are used for rough terrain.
The Opteka 72 inch monopod is a heavy-duty, light, and inexpensive monopod that is recommended for people who go on regular photoshoots.
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7. ALTURA 62 INCH MONOPOD
For the relatively low price the Altura 62 inch monopod comes with outstanding features. The monopod is used for a heavy-duty purpose and is a dependable monopod. This monopod can extend up to a maximum height of 62 inches and can be retracted to a minimum height of 16.75 inches.
This monopod is made up of high-quality aluminum and it is light in weight, weighing only 11.2 ounces.
The monopod features a universal thread of 0.25 inch and a 0.375-inch screw adapter. The handle of the monopod consists of foam non-slip grip that helps you have a firm grip over the monopod. A wrist strap is also provided to carry the monopod around.
This lightweight monopod supports up to 5 lbs of camera load on it. To be perfectly stable in all kinds of terrains the monopod has both rubber feet and metal spikes.
This monopod is a great choice for all photos and videographers but the only problem with the monopod is that it is slightly small for people with big hands.
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8. NEEWER CARBON FIBER MONOPOD
Taking up the eighth spot is the Neewer carbon fiber monopod. The monopod extends up to a maximum height of 64.2 inches and can be retracted to a minimum height of 18.9 inches. It has a lightweight of only 12 ounces. It has a carbon-fiber body giving the monopod a very sturdy and light look.
The carbon fiber body also means that the monopod is very durable. The monopod itself is very light but can handle a load of up to 22 pounds. It consists of a reversible 0.25 inch – 0.37-inch screw which is compatible with almost all your cameras.
To keep the monopod stable, it provides anti-rotation twist locks which are very effective. For proper grip and handling of the monopod, it provides you non-slip foam grip and also a wrist strap. The monopod has a removable non-slip rubber mat and screw in spike for various locations.
The monopod is a rugged, durable, and portable that would be a good addition to your tools arsenal.
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9. KOOLEHAODO PROFESSIONAL ALUMINUM MONOPOD
I can't complete this list without mentioning the Koolehaodo professional aluminium monopod. The monopod can extend up to a maximum height of 65 inches and can be retracted to a minimum height of 18 inches. The monopod is made up of high-quality aluminium and is durable. It is light in weight as it weighs only about 1.5 pounds.
The monopod has five sections through which the monopod can extend up to its maximum height of 65 inches. You can lock the sections according to your required with the help of the screws that lock the legs and give you the utmost stability.
The monopod is made up of aluminum and it can hold up to 7 Kg of the load. To ensure you have a firm grip on the monopod, the handle has a non-flip foam grip.
The wrist strap is another feature that will serve you well, to carry the monopod around easily. The monopod contains 20 reversible 0.25-inch screws and 16 numbers of 0.37-inch screws on the mounting plate.
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10. BENRO ADVENTURE SERIES 3 MONOPOD
It is the last best monopod to make it to the list of the best monopod in the market goes to the Benro Adventure Series 3 monopod. The monopod has an aluminium body construction and is thus very sturdy.
The monopod can extend up to a maximum height of 62.79 inches and can be retracted to 20.66 inches. It has a very lightweight body and weighs only a mere 1.37 pounds.
The monopod is light in weight but because of the aluminium metal construction, the monopod can hold a load up to a maximum of 16 Kg. The monopod can reach its maximum height with the help of 4 leg section extensions. You can easily change the height of the monopod as per your requirements and can do it with the help of quick flip leg locks. These locks ensure the stability of the monopod.
The monopod is ideal for studio use or location shoots. And with the mounting plate and the reversible screws, it is recommended for amateur photographers and videographers.
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CONCLUSION
This is my list of the best monopod available in the market along with their features, pros and cons. I hope this list helps you choose from the best monopod available in the market, according to your needs and preferences, if you ever decide to get one for yourself.
Now tell me which is better Monopod or Tripod? And Share your views about this article on the comment section.
