Best Monopods

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 28, 2024
Monopods let you keep the frame stable, providing video stabilization without lugging heavy equipment with you. The best monopods will let you take high-quality shoots and record awesome footage wherever you go. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Fixation
Height
Materials
Extras
Weight / Load
Warranty
 
PROS

The 'pod will let you choose between six height sections ranging from 15.5" to 61". In other words, the monopod will always enable you to take shots/record at the right height. The foam grip and the wrist trap will all but guarantee comfortable hold and excellent insulation.

CONS

The 'pod is somewhat unstable when fully extended. 

OUR VERDICT

You can trust the Sirui P-326 monopod. Where tripod use is inconvenient or even prohibited, this monopod will let you fly under the radar yet still ensure excellent, steady shots. Also, the product's rugged build means that the 'pod will last. 

detailed parameters
Fixation

1/4" or 3/8" screws (reversible)

Height

15.5" - 61" (6 sections)

Materials

8-layer carbon fiber

Extras

Foam grip, wrist strap, retractable spiked foot, mini compass and carabiner included 

Weight / Load

1 lb / 22 lbs

Warranty

6 years

PROS

The 360-degree rotating U-yoke comes equipped with rubber fins that will let you secure most rifles and crossbows. The yoke is removable, enabling the 'pod to accommodate cameras and spotting scopes alike. The ball joint will make the pan smooth and let you tilt the camera/rifle. 

CONS

The construction is relatively heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

Using Vanguard AM-234TU, you will be able to hunt using rifles and even crossbows. At the same time, the construction will enable you to comfortably shoot pictures and footage too. You can do pretty much anything with this monopod/tri-stand base/shooting stick. 

detailed parameters
Fixation

1/4" screw, U-yoke with rubber fins

Height

24.4" - 64" (4 sections)

Materials

Aluminum

Extras

Rubber grip, wrist strap, ball joint, foldable tri-stand with anti-slip rubber feet, carabiner included 

Weight / Load

1.96 lbs / 11 lbs

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Though the monopod's weight barely goes above one pound, the device will have no issues supporting up to 33 pounds, letting you attach the biggest cameras to the 'pod. The changeable feet (rubber or spike) make the product more than usable both indoors and outdoors. 

CONS

The paintwork is passable at best. 

OUR VERDICT

Manfrotto Element will let you maintain mobility through the entire shooting experience. Though not even remotely expensive, the 'pod is as rugged, comfortable, and reliable as they come. You'll be able to shoot more or less anywhere.

detailed parameters
Fixation

1/4" or 3/8" screws (reversible)

Height

16" - 59" (5 sections)

Materials

Aluminum

Extras

Foam grip, wrist strap, changeable foot (rubber or spike) 

Weight / Load

1.1 lbs / 33 lbs

Warranty

2 years (1 more year for product registration)

PROS

The telescoping monopod will enable shooting at different angles. The fluid monopod base will let you place and support the 'pod on the floor. Next, there's this mini tripod that incorporates non-skid feet growing from reinforced metal legs. The cellphone and GoPro mounts accept most cellphones and action cameras. 

CONS

There's no wrist strap. 

OUR VERDICT

The package's six components will enable you to shoot excellent low-angle photos. You'll be able to do macro photography. You can use the mini-tripod for vlogging/streaming too. All the 'pods and mounts will let you work with whatever equipment you want.

detailed parameters
Fixation

1/4" screw, Smartphone adjustable bracket, GoPro mount

Height

10.5" - 55" (5 sections)

Materials

Aluminum

Extras

Rubber grip, mini tripod with height-adjustable legs, rubber foot with ball joint, detachable ball head with bubble level, carrying pouch included

Weight / Load

~1.5 lbs / ~20 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Because the monopod's weight doesn't even reach one pound, you can easily use this 'pod as a selfie stick. The slip-resistant rubber padding will let you hold the pod comfortably yet securely. The smartphone bracket incorporates rubberized grips, protecting the phone from scratches. 

CONS

The maximum height is fairly short. 

OUR VERDICT

Smatree Q3 offers awesome value. You'll be able to shoot photos and record videos for hours with minimum effort.

detailed parameters
Fixation

1/4" screw, Smartphone adjustable bracket, GoPro mount

Height

11.8" - 36.6" (4 sections)

Materials

Aluminum

Extras

Rubber grip, wrist strap, mini tripod with rubber feet, ball joint

Weight / Load

0.95 lb / ~10 lbs

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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Sirui P-326

Fly Under the Radar

Sirui P-326 is probably the most adaptable and well-rounded device on this list.

First, the 'pod is really lightweight, barely reaching one pound on the weight scale. At the same time, this monopod is able to support 22 pounds, so you'll be able to use the 'pod with DSLR cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, and compact camcorders.

The device has the means to do that probably because its 8-layer carbon fiber construction is anything but weak and fragile. In other words, you won't have to be especially gentle with this 'pod.

The aforementioned "adaptable" remark mostly relates to the fact that you can choose six different height sections between 15.5" and 61", so you'll be able to shoot at whatever height you want/feel comfortable shooting.

Apart from that, the wrist strap and monopod's foam grip will provide comfortable hold and insulation, so you'll be able to choose whatever angle feels right.

Meanwhile, the silicon twist-lock will make the entire construction more durable, while the retractable spiked foot will let you use this device like a tripod whenever necessary.

Bottom line, Sirui P-326 won't let you down. You'll be able to use this handheld professional monopod anywhere. Plus, thanks to its rugged build, the 'pod will last for years to come.

Review of Sirui P-326 6 Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $89.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B004QC6VAG

 

Vanguard AM-234TU

Stand at the Vanguard

Vanguard AM-234TU will let you stand with the vanguard and shoot whatever you want. We're not necessarily only referring to shooting pictures/images, by the way. Sure, you can use 1/4" screws to adjust different cameras to this 'pod.

The product's defining characteristic though is the U-yoke with rubber fins, also referred to as the monopod's shooting stick. This 360-degree rotating, wide yoke incorporates the aforementioned rubber fins to let you secure most rifle/crossbows. Of course, you can always remove the yoke to accommodate spotting scopes or cameras.

The device's ball joint enables smooth pan and different tilt options so you can choose from different angles, while the foldable tri-stand features three feet that you can always unfold and lock within seconds, stabilizing the shooting stick and letting the construction function like any tripod.

At the same time, the rubber handle is soft yet firm, providing an unbeatable grip. Meanwhile, the anti-slip rubber feet will be able to support the construction no matter the surface.

The downside to these foldable/removable components is that they make the construction relatively heavy (~2 pounds).

Other than that, Vanguard AM-234TU will let you comfortably shoot game, footage, and pictures.

Review of Vanguard AM-234TU Tri-Stand Base with Ball Joint

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B077MT6MLD

 

Manfrotto MMELEA5RD

The Right Element

Manfrotto Element is affordable, comfortable, and surprisingly strong. Though the 'pod weighs 1.1 pounds, pretty much the same weight that most camera monopods are, this little fellow is able to support 33 pounds, so you'll be able to adjust the biggest, baddest cameras to the Element. You can take this 'pod with you anywhere you go. Measuring 2.5 x 2.5 x 16.3 inches, the monopod is pretty compact when folded yet ridiculously tough when opened on the field. Its height range is pretty ridiculous too. There are five height sections that you can choose between 16 and 59 inches.

More than that, the 'pod is quite versatile too. Supplied with changeable feet (rubber or spike), you can use this device on the fields and indoors without worrying about the construction getting unstable or damaging the floors. The wrist strap and the ergonomic foam grip will let you comfortably operate the 'pod, so you'll be able to remain nimble and maneuverable enough during the shoots.

Where the product somewhat drops the ball is the paintwork. As far as we're concerned, it is passable at best.

Besides that, we've no issues with Manfrotto Element. With this device, you'll be able to remain mobile yet shoot however and whenever you want.

Review of Manfrotto MMELEA5RD 5-Section Monopod

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $69.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01MTLH408

 

Altura 6 in 1

Universal Package

Altura Photo Universal Monopod lives and dies by that "universal" statement.

To elaborate, first off, the people behind this massive package send you this telescoping monopod with legs that will let you easily shoot at different angles.

Then, there's the fluid 'pod base encased in heavy-duty non-skid rubber. As you would imagine, the base will enable you to position the monopod on the floor.

Next, there's this mini tripod that incorporates non-skid feet growing from the aforementioned reinforced metal legs. The tripod will let you do the same as the aforementioned base except, this time, with bulky cameras.

In addition to these components, the package includes this 360-degree rotating twist ball head with one padded mounting plate. Needless to say, you'll be able to use this ball head to rotate the camera.

Finally, the package concludes with one cell phone mount that is able to extend up to 100 millimeters (~4 inches) and one GoPro mount.

It might be obvious but you can use these components together. The tripod and ball head will enable macro photography and let you shoot low-angle photos. The tripod, ball head, and the cellphone mount will be great for making video conference calls. Add to the aforementioned mix the monopod and you'll be able to make seated portraits, the list goes on and on.

Review of Altura 6 in 1 Universal Monopod

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Q6ZCCY8

 

Smatree Q3

Minimum Effort Maximum Result

Without unnecessary introductions, we like Smatree Q3. It is pretty much everything these budget setups should be.

First, there's the more or less standard monopod that has this 1/4" screw that will let you adjust most cameras to the 'pod. Then, there's the aluminum tripod. The tripod is as sturdy and durable as these budget tripods get. It will have no issues securely holding the monopod. Other than that, the package includes a GoPro mount that you can use to secure action cameras.

The monopod weighs less than one pound. In other words, you'll be able to use this 'pod as an excellent selfie stick. The slip-resistant rubber padding and the wrist strap will make sure the pod doesn't fall off and the camera/cellphone remains safe and sound.

You can adjust the monopod's height between 11.8 and 36.6 inches. Though there are four sections to choose from, the range's pretty short compared to other entries on this list.

On the upside, the people behind this product also send you one adjustable smartphone bracket. The bracket accommodates most phones and features rubberized grips, so you won't have to worry about scratching the phone's case/housing.

In short, Smatree Q3 offers great value. These 'pods can do basically anything regarding recording and photography.

Review of Smatree Q3 Telescoping Tripod
Last updated price $24.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00XN1P9QI

 

What Is a Monopod?

Tripods are pretty much synonymous with cameras. Without these devices, you're usually unable to shoot high-quality photos and videos. The issue here is that tripods are massive. The other issue is that you're not always able/allowed to bring them with you.

That's where monopods come in. These 'pods provide the flexibility, mobility, and maneuverability that tripods cannot match. More often than not, you can use them as selfie sticks too, letting you shoot while walking. You can travel with them and film/capture wildlife.

Generally speaking, the compatible equipment depends on the size and the screw ports installed on these 'pods. Having said that, most monopods accept most cameras.

You don't have to always choose between monopods and tripods though. More often than you'd presume, the companies behind these products bundle them together. Furthermore, these packages sometimes include smartphone and action camera mounts, so you're able to use them with whatever filming equipment you prefer.

Apart from that, pay attention to the construction, including but not limited to the materials behind different components, padding, straps, height range, and more.

If these 'pods won't do, you can try these camera tripods. Conversely, these GoPro gimbals will let you shoot the smoothest footage no matter the activity.

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Publish Date: 2020-01-06 10:51:17