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Best Monopod [2024 Review]

In: 
Published: 13/03/2023

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Ever had an issue with shaky shots, whether video or photo? Perhaps you make small random movements that affect the final image quality. The best monopod allows you to take sharp pictures at slower shutter speeds and with longer focal length lenses. 

My Top Monopod Recommendations

Start a conversation with other real estate photographers about how gear you recently picked up changed your photography results. Notice how their faces lit up because they all can relate. Now, ask for their take on monopods and observe how the excitement on their faces begins to wane.

Most photographers have little to no clue what a monopod does. They're aware that it's the long-lost cousin of a tripod, yet how it affects their shots, they don't know. A monopod is a camera stabilizer that helps to balance the camera when you shoot.

There are many brands, types, and models of monopods, each with unique features. However, i've sifted through dozens of products, and the following are some of the most versatile.

Best Monopod Overall: Sirui P-Series Monopod

The Sirui P-424SR is your best choice for a simple monopod that keeps your camera well-positioned. It can extend up to 75 inches, almost the same length as the popular long-legged Benros, allowing you to mount it away from your body. 

The Sirui and the 3-Legged Thing completely nailed it when talking about balance, thanks to the three fold-down support feet. This design allows you to adjust your camera to almost any angle, allowing you to capture real estate interior photos even in tight spaces.

However, the monopod is not stable especially when shooting exterior photos in windy conditions. Besides, the removable rubber foot adds extra support without compromising portability.

It also features an adjustable friction control system on the monopod head. This attachment allows you to adjust the tension for different camera weights, reducing the fall risk.

Best Lightweight Monopod: Manfrotto XPRO Monopod

Coming in at only 6 pounds, this is the lightest monopod you'll get from this list. The XPRO series is known for being portable without lagging in terms of functionality. With this weight, you can easily carry it or throw it in your backpack for everyday photography needs.

This monopod is made of durable carbon fiber materials designed to stand the test of time. It can also hold cameras weighing up to 44 pounds, making it the ideal monopod for most DSLRs.

One major downside of this pod is its short height, only 3 inches at maximum. Unlike the Benro series, which you can easily mount on the floor while shooting, this pod is only suitable for low to medium-level shots. Thus, you'll need to work your hand muscles for overhead shots.

Best Monopod for Mobile Devices: Vanguard VEO 2S Monopod

With this top-quality gear, every listing photo you capture with your smartphone doesn't have to look blurry anymore. The Vanguard VEO 2S is the ideal smartphone monopod. Unlike other monopods on this list, it has a standard smartphone connector and Bluetooth remote, allowing you to shoot from your smartphone effortlessly.

You'll find advanced twist-leg locks at the rod's base with a 1/2" turn lock/unlock system. This feature enables you to adjust your pod to the right height without distorting your balance. Using the three portable fold-out bases, you can easily adjust the height while mounted on the floor.

This feature allows you to adjust to the ideal height in seconds without losing balance or your set position. However, like the Sirui P-424SR, this monopod is not stable in windy conditions. Although it’s good quality, it has less than 50 reviews on Amazon.

Best Monopod for Adjustable Height: Benro Adventure 4 Series Monopod

If the height is your top reason for a monopod, search no more because the Benro 4 is the longest on this list. It has a maximum and minimum height of 75.2 and 21.2 inches, even taller than the Manfrotto. You can easily capture far-away subjects without stretching an inch.

This pod features a super light aluminum handle, weighing 1.85 pounds. Although it holds up to a whopping 37.9 pounds of load, this lightweight design makes it fragile. This design allows you to fit heavy telephoto lenses on it seamlessly while being able to maneuver it easily for difficult shots.

The most talked about on this list, yet, comes next to the XPRO and the Surui due to how scarce they're getting. Although if you love collecting rare gems, it's worth a spot on your top shelf.

Best Monopod for Bulky Cameras: 3-Legged Thing Monopod

The 3 legged thing balances simplicity with premium quality, and for that reason, it's worth your attention. It features durable carbon fiber material known for lasting over long periods.

Unlike the Benro and Manfrotto, it has detachable rubber boots designed to improve its balance, even on the most difficult terrains. So, when shooting, you can position your camera at the right angle without losing balance.

This monopod has to be the heavyweight champion on the list, with a stunning carrying capacity of 132 pounds.

For the average real estate photographer, you can attach most of your DSLRs, usually weighing below 2 pounds, without any hassle. With a weight of 2.44, this monopod weighs 0.48 pounds more than the Vanguard VEO, and may exhaust you if shooting for long.

Best Monopod for All-Round Rotation: Famall Monopod

Besides the Sirui P-424SR, the Famall monopod offers the closest height to a Benro. Stretching fully to a height of about 70.6 inches, you can choose from a wide range of shooting levels.

The fluid head makes it easier for you to pan at 360 degrees. Besides, this hydraulic system allows you to tilt at an angle of 70°, with zero risk of the camera falling off. You also get a quick-release plate with built-in keys for smooth camera attachment.

Just like the Benro and Vanguard, the foot tube is made of durable aluminum alloy. This material makes it super strong and stable when in use. However, the Famall is far from light as it weighs a whopping 4 pounds, heavier than every other product I'm considering.

Features to Consider in the Best Monopods

Why do you need a monopod in the first place? To stabilize your camera while shooting. It doesn't get any simpler than that. Let's admit choosing the right monopod for you shouldn't get all complicated, yet, there are some features you've got to look out for.

If you go directly on Amazon and type the word monopod, about 387 different options will get thrown at you in a matter of seconds. With the vast amount of camera gear, finding the ideal one can get overwhelming.

I understand your need as a real estate photographer to shoot the best shake-free photographs for your client. The following table breaks down the sturdiness, construction quality, and height of the monopods.

MonopodHeight (Minimum-Maximum)StrengthMaterial 
Manfrotto XPRO3 inches44 poundsCarbon Fiber 
Sirui P-424SR6.3 inches26.4 poundsCarbon Fiber
Benro Adventure 421.2 - 75.2 inches39.7 poundsAluminum
3 Legged Thing17.2 - 58.2 inches 132 poundsCarbon Fiber
Vanguard VEO 2S21.5 - 64 inches 4.4 poundsAluminum
Famall Monopod25-71 inches22 pounds Aluminum

Strength

Before deciding which monopod to choose, you need to consider its strength or weight capacity. This feature is one of the most essential to look out for when researching a monopod. Choosing a monopod with a suitable carrying capacity involves knowing your camera weight and that of other accessories.

An ideal monopod should support the weight of your camera and other accessories, such as the lens and flash. Most DSLRs common among real estate photographers, such as the Canon 5D, Canon Eos, and the Nikon D750, are all under 2 pounds. So, it would help if you considered this while deciding.

If your monopod has a lesser weight capacity than your camera and its equipment, you risk dropping the camera after mounting. This situation could lead to extra expenses for repair or total camera damage. The monopod with the highest weight capacity I reviewed is the 3-Legged Thing.

A woman with red hair is holding a black monopod with a black SLR while shooting outdoors

Stability

It's a no-brainer that the essence of owning a monopod is to eliminate shaky shots and blurry photographs. So, if you still get these on your photograph despite using a monopod, you might have just thrown your wallet down the drain.

A top-quality monopod will keep your camera stable even at difficult angles and terrains. The fluid head and tilt support help increase balance when you're making a panning movement or tilting to get an ideal angle to shoot.

Besides, they prevent your camera from falling off, which is essential to keep it stable. The fold-out base and lock system also helps with balance. Typically, a good monopod should remain stable even in windy conditions or with a heavy camera attached.

Heights and Adjustments

Having a variable height range to choose from helps increase the overall functionality of your monopod. Even more, when you can easily adjust the height, you'll save a ton of time between balancing your camera and finding a suitable height level.

Most monopods have 3, 4, or 5 sections, giving you several height ranges to shoot from. Some of these are a few marks above 20 inches at minimum length; examples are the Vanguard VEO and the Famall series. However, at the maximum height, they can extend to above 75 inches.

There's no one-length-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right monopod. Yet, you want to choose one that works well for your type of shot. You should select a product that's close to shoulder length if most of your shots require you to mount it on the ground.

Feet

The type of feet on your monopod contributes to how useful you'll find it in the long run. What am I referring to when I say "your monopod's feet type"? Isn't a monopod essentially a one-legged stabilizer for capturing images? Well, it's not that simple.

Although your monopod has only one foot, it can still be attached to a multi-legged base. This design allows you to mount it on the floor without extra support, similar to a tripod. Such attachment is good for shooting the outer view of buildings, especially on a slope.

When buying a monopod, you should ensure that they have fall-out bases and durable support feet. Besides, it would help if you were on the lookout for any monopod with rotatory feet. This design is also handy for real estate videographers who take B-rolls for their clients.

Locks

As a rule of thumb, any equipment that can damage your camera while in use is a no-no. The same applies to a monopod. Your camera will not fit firmly to the monopod without the right locks and keys. Thus, it can fall off when trying to find an angle.

To avoid this, you need to go for a monopod with a reliable lock. Most types of camera stabilizers either come with a twist or flip lock. The twist locks are more reliable and don't readily slip off while in use. The flip locks are easier to mount, although less secure.

Grip

Before deciding which monopod is best for you, knowing if you can hold on tightly to them is essential. A grip is one feature you'll use the most on your monopod. Its use is to help you get a firm hold of your gear.

The grip comes as foam on the less premium camera stabilizers. Other top-notch monopods feature a large rubber grip, and a good example is the 3-Legged Thing series. A tight grip ensures more secure usage, reducing the likelihood of your camera slipping off. 

A man wearing a blue shirt and black pants is holding a DSLR mounted on a black monopod

Mount

The size of the mount on your monopod is another key feature to consider while deciding which one is ideal for you. It is the point where you attach your camera. Generally, you want a monopod that fits firmly to the thread at your camera's base.

When the product's mount is too small or large compared to the thread, you'll find it hard to balance and maneuver the gear.

Ideally, you should go for one with 1/4" and 3/8" screws. This design allows you to attach a head to the monopod. You can also mount a camera directly to the monopod support using these screws.

Portability

When considering which monopod is ideal for you, always consider how portable it is to carry. One of the factors determining how valuable your monopod is, in the long run, is how handy you find it. So, you shouldn’t ignore this factor either.

The best monopods have 3 to 5 sections, determining the shortest length to reduce them. Monopods, like the Vanguard VEO and the Benro, can be shortened to about 21 inches. You can also select one more portable than that, like the 3-Legged Thing series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Selfie Stick the Same as a Monopod?

Although the design of a self-stick looks the same as that of a monopod, and the two can serve the same function, they are different. Usually, a monopod is thicker and sturdier than a selfie stick, as most monopods are designed to support heavy DSLR and versatile mirrorless cameras.

The design quality of a monopod is like that of a reliable tripod used for real estate, only that they don’t hold themselves upright. On the other hand, selfie sticks are mainly designed to hold smartphones.

How Slow Can You Shoot With a Monopod?

You can shoot as slowly as you want with a monopod, provided that you keep still. However, you want to remember that the slower you shoot, the more you need to keep still and maintain a high degree of balance. The slowest I recommend is 1/15th.

Should I Turn Off Image Stabilization When Using a Monopod?

Whether you should or shouldn't turn off the /s mode when using a monopod depends on the shutter speed and shooting method. Some cameras automatically turn this off after being mounted. However, if you're shooting at a very slow shutter speed, you should keep it on.

Conclusion

Using a monopod as a real estate photographer is undoubtedly a game-changer. It comes in handy when shooting high-quality images with zero blurs. The best monopod is sturdy and remains stable even with a bulky camera attached. The above monopods are versatile, and you can use them with different cameras.

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