Finding the best monopods for photography is no easy feat. These come in all sizes, weights, prices, and constructions. The idea is to get the best bang for your buck and figure out what is better within your budget. We are here to help and have compiled a list of our favorite monopods for photography.
The best monopods for photography:
Editor's note: This list of the best monopods for photography will be regularly updated as more products launch.
Why should I buy a monopod?
Monopods serve a similar purpose to tripods, but they do so in a smaller, lighter form factor that is much more portable and convenient.
Monopods have two main purposes. These tools provide stability for those times when hand-holding a camera just doesn't cut it. This could be when using a slower shutter speed, for example. Using a monopod can provide enough stability to reduce motion blur. A monopod can also be used to help compose images from difficult angles, such as shooting from up high. Some people even use them to get down low by letting the camera hang upside down and simply fixing perspective during editing.
1. AmazonBasics 67-Inch Monopod
A monopod is ultimately just a stick that can extend and has a mounting screw in the other end. Certain products get fancier and those extra tools can make a difference, but some of us prefer sticking to the basics while saving some money.
The AmazonBasics 67-inch monopod will do just fine for those who don't need all the bells and whistles.
The AmazonBasics 67-inch monopod will do just fine for those who don't need all the bells and whistles. It weighs under a pound, has a non-skid rubber base, and can carry up to 6.6 pounds of equipment. It even comes with a carrying bag!
2. Manfrotto Compact
You will see a lot of this brand in this post of the best monopods for photography. This is because Manfrotto is one of the industry leaders in tripods, monopods, and other photography accessories. And while Manfrotto is known for its high prices, this monopod is quite the steal.
The Manfrotto Compact Aluminum 5-Section Monopod is only a few bucks more than the AmazonBasics monopod, but it offers a sturdy and lightweight aluminum construction and an overall better-looking design. You can't expect miracles from it, as it can only carry 3.3 pounds, but it carries the Manfrotto branding and prestige, which is substantial.
3. Manfrotto Element
The Manfrotto Element Aluminum 5-Section Monopod offers the best bang per buck for photographers on a budget.
The Manfrotto Element Aluminum 5-Section Monopod takes things up a notch with a twist-locking mechanism that makes extending and shortening the leg a breeze. It is compact and lightweight thanks to its aluminum construction. The included strap adds another layer of protection for your equipment too. This is overall a great monopod for both beginners and pros. I would say the Manfrotto Element Aluminum 5-Section Monopod offers the best bang per buck for photographers on a budget.
4. Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Monopod
Getting all the benefits of a good Manfrotto tripod without adding too much weight to your bag is possible. You just have to pay a bit more for a material like carbon fiber. While the Manfrotto 290 can still carry 11 pounds, it weighs only 1.1 pounds.
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5. Berlebach 112
The Berlebach 112 2-Section Monopod makes a statement, but you will have to make some sacrifices.
Artists tend to have a certain level of appreciation for craftsmanship, and I happen to love my rustic products. Nothing gets more traditional than wood, which is why this will serve as more than a simple stabilization accessory. The Berlebach 112 2-Section Monopod makes a statement, but you will have to make some sacrifices.
This wooden monopod comes with no bells and whistles. Height reaches from 39 to 69 inches. At the end you can find a steel spike that turns into a rubber anti-slip tip.
6. Benro Aluminum 4-Series Flip-Lock Monopod
Benro is a lesser known brand, but they make great products at affordable prices. The Benro Aluminum 4 Series features a 3-leg locking articulating base, which you commonly only see in high-end monopods. And while this version comes with a flip-locking mechanism, the company also offers a twist-lock version.
The Benro Aluminum 4-Series is a lot of monopod for the cost, offering pro-level features at an affordable price.
Maximum height is 64.6 inches. Weight starts to suffer, even if made of aluminum, as this monopod is 2.4 pounds. It can carry up to 44.1 pounds, though, which is quite surprising and takes this Benro monopod to a whole other level. This is a lot of monopod for the cost, offering pro-level features at an affordable price.
7. Cayer AF34
Those looking for a pro-level monopod without the exuberant price point should take a look at the Cayer AF34. It can usually be found right under $100 and comes with all the bells and whistles.
This monopod weighs 4.3 pounds, but the weight is worth it. You get a pan/tilt head that is perfect for video. The leg can extend to 71.2 inches. It also comes with a 3-leg base that offers tilting and swiveling. The base is also removable and can become a mini tripod.
8. Vanguard VEO 2S
Vanguard is another well-known brand in the tripod and monopod market, and the VEO 2s happens to be our favorite product in the company's portfolio. It weighs 2.6 pounds and comes fully packed with a ball/pan head, a 13.2-pound maximum payload, a 3-leg base for added stability, and a great aluminum construction.
9. Sirui SUP224SR Carbon-Fiber Photo/Video Monopod
Sirui is mostly known for its affordable products, but they offer great bang per buck. The Sirui SUP224SR is a high-quality monopod with no compromises, but it is the second most expensive product in this list.
The price is very well worth it considering the unit comes with a carbon fiber body, a convenient twist-lock system, a solid aluminum 3-leg base, and a 17.6-pound maximum payload. It can extend up to 63 inches and weighs 3.1 pounds.
10. Manfrotto Xpro 5-section Carbon Fiber Monopod
The Manfrotto Xpro leaves no loose ends in terms of quality and features. This is one serious monopod.
Things start getting serious when you are paying well over $200 for a monopod. The Manfrotto Xpro leaves no loose ends in terms of quality and features. This is one serious product for professionals.
The unit has a sturdy but light carbon fiber construction that weighs 2.2 pounds and can carry an 11-pound payload. The monopod can be extended all the way up to 74 inches. This version comes with a 3-leg base for more stability and controlled handling.
Looking for more camera equipment? We have more to recommend!
You should also take a look at our photography educational material to make the most out of your equipment.
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