When the situation absolutely requires it, monopods are worth their weight in gold. Figuring out what those situations are and then finding the right equipment are things we learn from experience. Either our own experience or the experience of others.
I love learning from others, and I love helping photographers out myself. Let my experience and product testing help you find the best monopods for your photography and video needs. But first…
So Why The Need For a Monopod?
The basic answer: for sharp images. Let’s say we’re a pretty good photographer or videographer. We have taught ourselves how to hand hold our cameras so as to minimize any problems associated with camera shake causing unsharp or even blurred images.
What video and photographic situations require more support?
- Low Light. The longer our shutter is open, the more chance there is of image degradation due to camera movement. A good rule of thumb is to limit our bottom shutter speed to the reciprocal of our lens focal length.
- Long lenses. Any time we use our longer focal length or telephoto zoom or prime lenses, we need to be concerned with camera shake. The increase of magnification also magnifies the potential shakiness problems.
- Macrophotography, ultra close focus. The same basic reasoning as with tele lenses. Higher magnification increase potential for unsharp images due to camera shake.
- Panning. Especially in regards to videos, but this also holds true for still photography of action. Using a monopod makes for smoother panning.
Monopod vs Tripod, Which is Better?
Those bullet points I listed above have been in some of my previous reviews about tripods. So, a question reasonably comes up about what is the best tool for a photographer of videographer?
In a sense, when using a monopod, we become part of a tripod. The monopod and our own two feet. This gives us a lot of control in eliminating camera shake while also being able to manoeuvre quickly to frame a shot. For weddings, videography, bird photography and sport photography, a monopod would excel.
When it comes down to it, no one product is better than the other in my opinion. It all depends on the subjects you are trying to capture and the best tool for that purpose.
How I found the Best Monopods for Photography & Video
In order to find the best monopods for photography and videos, we do well to have some personal standards of what’s important. Here’s what I looked at:
- Size. Height is an important consideration. Stooping over while using a heavier camera and lens causes some lower back pain after a while. Size can also relate to how sturdy a monopod might be, but there are other factors involved in that in addition to size itself.
- Weight. I’m listing this separately because some of the best monopods use carbon fiber construction which reduces weight quite a bit. Since portability is one of the main reasons for opting for a monopod in the first place, weight becomes a prime consideration.
- Quality construction. This is one of the other factors that relate to sturdiness. Regardless of how thick or strong the legs of a tripod or monopod are, if the locking mechanisms are poorly designed or made of inferior materials, then the value of the tool goes way down. Quality is also expected in the fit and finish of all the parts, including the heads and any quick release system.
- The type of head. I like using a decent ball and socket head with a monopod, but other types are useful, too. I’ve done of review of tripod heads (any tripod head is also a monopod head) that might help. Pistol grips, three way heads, fluid heads, are also useful on monopods, depending on what you’re shooting.
- Quick release systems. I would rather not have a quick release at all than use an inferior product. But a quick release is unquestionably useful for some shooting scenarios. Being able to instantaneously pop the camera off the mount to quickly get to another shot adds to the usability of the best monopods. Quick release comes into play with any action photography, and is also welcome for videography.
- Price. The best monopods are not cheap, at least when compared to certain versions you can find on some discount store shelves. But there still isn’t any reason to break the bank if we don’t have to. We will pay more for our higher quality and more capable tools, that’s a given. These that I’m recommending are what I consider reasonably priced for serious photographers, videographers, and YouTube vloggers.
A Review Of Top 5 Best Monopods For Photography & Videos
1. Sirui P-204SR P Series Monopod
Sirui P-204SR P Series Monopod Specifications
Weight: 3 lbs
Collapsed Height: 27″
Extended Height: 63″
Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs
Price: Click here to find latest price
Sirui P-204SR P Series Monopod Review
First up on my list is the full featured Sirui P-204SRP monopod, which has almost replaced my own full time tripod!
At 63” maximum extension without a head, the height is comfortable for extended use, even for a taller person like myself (6’2″). I decided to add my flat based Manfrotto MVH500AH head and was pleased with the combination. Adding this head gave the monopod an extra few inches of height.
Unlike other traditional monopods, Sirui has added in mini tripod legs which can be attached to the base of the monopod (these legs can also be used as their own seperate tripod as well). This in turns makes this into a 3 in 1 combo of monopod, tripod and minipod. Not bad!
But isn’t that all a gimmick thought? Too be honest, that was my original thought, but it came in handy at almost all my photography and videography sessions.
As of the quality of the fittings and build quality, everything was up to scratch with the high strength aluminum alloy build. All of the assisting locks, fasteners and bolts were either of the same aluminum or stainless steel construction. Just we wary that this monopod is heavy than the average monopod due to its build.
Final Thoughts
I would like to see this monopod offered in a kit with a head to lower the price a bit, but I don’t feel it was overpriced for the quality and versatility it offers for videographers and photographers. Overall this was a great monopod that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to any creator.
2. Benro Aluminum 4 Series A38TD Monopod
Benro Aluminum 4 Series Monopod A38TD Specifications
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Collapsed Height: 27″
Extended Height: 72.3″
Maximum Load: 8.8 lbs
Price: Click here to find latest price
Benro Aluminum 4 Series A38TD Monopod Review
Next on my list is another full featured but slightly pricey monopod which is a great ready to go out of the box unit.
I’ve worked various jobs with other photogs and I see that this group of people has just as much variation as people in general. That’s why I try to give actual measurements if available, or else relate size comparisons to everyday objects.
As for the legs on this monopod, they are made with aluminum and are thick and strong without being too big. For the model I chose, I opted for the the twist lock levers as I find them a lot faster out in the field.
There are many options available for this tripod for such things as flip locks and different heads. So you can really customise to your hearts content!
While I’m on this side of the monopod, I’ll talk about the head. It’s removable, which means I could attach one of my many other heads if need be. As for the included head, I found it very capable. Just be aware that it’s not a true fluid head, so it doesn’t have the ultra smooth dampening, but this video head is more than adequate for the job.
Final Thoughts
One thing I forgot to mention about this monopod is that it also has the ability to add mini tripod legs to the base of the legs. This made videography and even long exposure photography a breeze. Like the above Sirui, these legs can also detach as their own seperate unit.
Cant go wrong with this one!
3. SIRUI P-326 6 Section Carbon Fiber Monopod
SIRUI P-326 6 Section Carbon Fiber Monopod Specifications
Weight: 0.88 lbs
Collapsed Height: 15″
Extended Height: 60″
Maximum Load: 22 lbs
Price: Click here to find latest price
SIRUI P-326 6 Section Carbon Fiber Monopod Review
Moving onto the next monopod on my list is a smaller and lighter unit which is almost indestructible due to its carbon fiber build.
Seriously, this thing is light! It comes in at 0.88 pounds which is a quarter of the weight of the above mentioned monopods. So if you are trying to keep your kit light, this is a great contender.
When it came to setting up this unit, I was able to attached my camera to the monopod plate using the reversible 1/4″ screw thread. While I was using my full frame DSLR with a telephoto lens, I found no flex at all as this SIRUI P-326 6 is rated at holding up to 22 pounds.
As for the legs, they unlock readily and lock down firmly with a small twisting motion. Having so many sections, I was concerned it might be unsteady at full extension. But as I mentioned above, having a carbon fiber build really can do wonders.
Final Thoughts
Unlike the above mentioned models, there are no legs on the bottom of this model. Just a regular good old fashioned monopod.
But by not having those mini legs, the price of the unit is notably cheaper which makes this a great option for a photographer on a budget.
4. DIGIANT MP-3606 Professional Camera Monopod
DIGIANT MP-3606 Professional Camera Monopod Specifications
Weight: 3.97 lbs
Collapsed Height: 29″
Extended Height: 70″
Maximum Load: 11 lbs
Price: Click here to find latest price
DIGIANT MP-3606 Professional Camera Monopod Review
For its very low price, this DIGIANT MP-3606 monopod is nicely made and has a wealth of useful features. The full extended height of this aluminum monopod is a respectable 70” while still compacting down to 29″.
As for the weigh of this monopod, it is a little heavy, even for its all aluminum construction. I’m guessing the legs themselves must be a little thicker than some of the other monopods I tested. Even with that, no monopod is that much of a chore to carry around.
When it came to the head, it is a nice pan and tilt head, just like what is on most basic budget tripods. When shooting video, just be sure and keep that in mind as you’re panning, and self dampen your own movement. With practice, that’s a skill that can be mastered by any serious shooter.
Overall this monopod was a please to use and was surprisingly functional for its entry level price point.
5. Yunteng VCT-288 Monopod
Yunteng VCT-288 Monopod Specifications
Weight: 2.73 lbs
Collapsed Height: 22″
Extended Height: 58″
Maximum Load: 6.6 lbs
Price: Click here to find latest price
Yunteng VCT-288 Monopod Review
I have not seen this brand before, but after testing it, I decided to add it as the cost conscious choice on my list of best monopods for photography, video, and YouTube vlogging. It appears to be very well made, I was impressed with its features, and it is the most affordable item on this list.
Maximum height of this aluminum monopod is about 58 inches, so it’s a little on the short side, but still very usable. What also makes it usable are the tripod feet base and the fluid head.
The tripod feet are nice, having a limited angle of adjustment similar to several other brands I handled. They did tend to unscrew themselves a bit with use, but that’s about the only nitpick I really found, beside the height, for this budget item. When I balance that nitpick up against the fine fluid head, and the very low price point, I think I could live with this monopod.
The lever locks are plastic and seemed sturdy enough. The tripod feet base comes off and can be used as a minipod with a small ball head added to it. Or, mount the fluid head of this kit on them and now you have a minipod for video. The hand grip area was very small, but it was just right in its padding.
Wrapping It Up
I enjoyed the testing for this review. It’s always nice to come across some useful new ideas. Matching up decent sized monopods with video heads and tripod feet bases makes for a very usable package, especially when shooting location video.
One thing I would caution about, though. Just because a monopod has tripod feet at the bottom, don’t leave the camera unattended on top. It will fall. I repeat, it will fall. The bottom feet aren’t meant to replace a tripod. They add extra stability to the monopod.
I was impressed with all these I tested and can recommend any on this list as one of the best monopods for photography and video. You can also check out my guide here dedicated to monopods for sports photography.
You can learn more about monopods below so you can starting shooting like a pro in no time!
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