The best monopod in 2024: portable support for telephotos and low light

In this guide

A woman in a park using one of the best monopods

(Image credit: Digital Camera World)

The quick list ↩
1. Best overall: 3LT Trent 2.0
2. Best design: SupaDupa Pro
3. Most versatile: MOZA Slypod Pro
4. Best tall: 3 Legged Thing Lance
5. Value: Vanguard VEO 2 CM-264
6. Best feet: iFootage Cobra 3
7. Compact: Manfrotto Element MII
8. Premium: Gitzo S2 Traveler
How to choose
How we test
FAQs

The best monopods can provide you with extra support to help take the weight of big telephoto lenses for extended periods, they can cut camera shake at slower shutter speeds in low light, and they're great for adding stability to video. But while a monopod might seem like a very simple device, there is a huge range of different options on the market with different advantages and drawbacks.

The quality of the build of monopods can vary greatly, as can their height, weight and maximum payload. Some monopods have more leg sections than others, some have stabilising feet that can sometimes also be used as mini tripods, and some even double as video sliders or have their own levelling heads. 

Our team of reviewers, all photographers themselves, have tried and tested a lot of monopods over the years, putting them through their paces in real-life situations in the field. Below, is our pick of the best based on our team's experiences and comparisons of specs. We've identified the pros and cons of each and who we think each monopod is suited for. If you need more stability, make sure you also see our guide to the best tripods and the best travel tripods.

The Quick list

We'll begin our guide with brief overviews of our top choices for different needs. Click 'read more' for fuller evaluations of each, or scroll down for our full selection.

The best monopods in 2024

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The best monopod overall

(Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World)
Strong and durable, this is the best monopod we've used

Specifications

Material: Magnesium alloy
Sections: 4
Max Load: 30kg / 66lb
Extended length: 202cm / 6.63in
Folded length: 65.5cm / 25.78in
Weight: 0.72kg / 1.59lb

Reasons to buy

+
Extends to more than 2m
+
Impressively strong
+
Redesigned leg locks
+
Good price for this quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Still 60cm when packed

3 Legged Thing is a reliable British brand for tripods and monopods, and we've tested lots of their products over the years. The redesigned Trent 2.0 stands out for its impressive max load-to-weight ratio, able to support up to a hefty 30kg of kit. It can also reach very high, up to over 2 metres, all while being relatively light as well as more affordable than some of the brand's more premium options.

It features redesigned leg locks, which we found are easy to operate even in the cold when you're wearing gloves. And there's the option to include 3 Legged Thing's Docz2 foot attachment, which adds extra stability and allows you to use the monopod hands-free (don't go too far!). The feet can be attached and removed, but that involves screwing them on or off, unlike the iFootage Cobra 3 further down our list, which has a quick release on the feet, making them more convenient to use.

The Trent 2.0 still measures a pretty chunky 60cm when it's packed down (an unavoidable trade-off for all that height). It also lacks a quick-release plate or head, so you'll need to have one already or buy one separately if you want to avoid having to screw the monopod to your camera every time you use it. If you don't mind those frustrations, we think this is a fantastic value for big setups.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Punks Trent 2.0 review

The best monopod for innovative design

(Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World)
The best monopod for innovative design features

Specifications

Material: Carbon fibre
Sections: 6
Max Load: 32kg / 70.54lb
Extended length: 158cm / 5.18ft
Folded length: 48.5cm / 19.09in
Weight: 0.9kg / 1.98lb

Reasons to buy

+
Blend of twist/flip locks
+
Six sections for flexibility
+
Huge max capacity

Reasons to avoid

-
Hard to find

Just when we think we've seen everything in monopod design, Benro comes along and surprises us with the Benro SupaDupa Pro MSDPL46C, which proves there's still innovation to be found. It's a clever monopod design with a few interesting tweaks that we appreciated when we tested it. 

First, there's a clever rotating foot that we found makes it easier to produce smooth panning movements without the heavy and expensive addition of a video head. Second, there's an inbuilt levelling head that offers 20-degree movement in all directions. Like the first feature, it doesn't offer the range and fluidity of a pan and tilt head, but we found it can be very useful in certain situations, For example, you could lean the monopod up against a wall or railing to keep it steady and adjust the levelling head to set the camera straight. 

Finally, the leg locks are all twist-style except for the top one, which is a flip catch. This makes it very easy to use the top section for quick height adjustments. All of these features make this a relatively expensive monopod and it's probably more than most monopod users need, but these touches could make the difference, particularly for sports photographers who don't want the expense and weight of an additional head.

Read more: Benro SupaDupa Pro MSDPL46C review

The most versatile monopod

MOZA Slypod Pro

(Image credit: Phil Hall)
The best all-in-one monopod for content creators

Specifications

Material: Carbon fibre
Sections: 2
Max Load: 6kg / 13.23lb vertical, 3.5kg / 7.72lbs horizontal
Extended length: 146cm / 4.79ft
Folded length: 65cm / 25.59in
Weight: 1.79kg / 3.95lb

Reasons to buy

+
Clever, versatile design
+
Great level of control
+
Great for video

Reasons to avoid

-
Motor noise
-
Somewhat heavy and cumbersome
-
The most expensive option on our list

Moza's original Slypod was an innovative 2-in-1 slider-come-monopod: a clever motorized device that could automatically extend at different speeds via a dedicated mobile app. Its big brother Slypod Pro is an evolution of the same concept, with more power and a set of detachable feet.

It's mainly aimed at videographers, and most of the versatility is more beneficial for video than stills. When we tested it, we found the addition of the feet, larger than many such detachable bases, to be a welcome addition for allowing us to use the device vertically hands-free. Using the motor in the vertical position, we were able to create smooth vertical tracking shots. 

Meanwhile, fitted to a regular tripod, the monopod becomes a horizontal or angled slider or boom. Both in this position or vertically, it can automatically extend a total length of 1.46m. We found that the app works well, allowing us to regulate the extension speed between 0.5mm/s and 40mm/s to create different looks. 

Unsurprisingly given that it includes a motor, this monopod is by far the most expensive on our list. It's also fairly heavy and measures 65cm when collapsed (without the tripod attachment). But while the motor is of limited use for photography, we found that it comes into its own as a slider or jib arm for shooting video.

Read more: MOZA Slypod Pro full review

The best tall monopod

(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The best monopod for high angles

Specifications

Material: Carbon fiber, magnesium alloy
Sections: 4
Max Load: 60kg / 132lb
Extended length: 202cm / 79.5in
Folded length: 61.4cm / 24.17in
Weight: 677g / 1.49lb

Reasons to buy

+
Huge maximum height
+
Light weight
+
Fast 4-section setup
+
Dual-size camera/head screw

Reasons to avoid

-
No simple head option
-
Long when folded
-
Non-removable wrist strap

We think this is the best monopod overall if you need a lot of height. A fast 4-section design makes it quick to extend, and the lightness and rigidity of carbon fiber helps keep weight down while giving us over 2m / 6.5ft of reach. 

That level of extension might be more than what most people need to bring their viewfinder to eye level, but it can be useful in various scenarios, including situations where you want to shoot downward, over people's heads, or if you're on a hill or steps and the base of the monopod is lower than your feet.

When we tested it at its full extension, we felt reassured by the solidity of the build. The thick rubber grip feels secure and comfortable to hold, and the wrist strap provides extra security, and we liked the grips on the ‘O-Pad’ twist locks on the leg sections to aid purchase for tightening and loosening.

As with the cheaper Trent 2.0 at the top of our list, there's an option to include the brand's Docz2 feet for extra stability, but, alas, no head is included. The Lance doesn't pack down small, so you'll need to strap it to a backpack to carry. Also, due to the carbon fibre body, it is more expensive than 3 Legged Thing’s magnesium alloy monopods like the Trent. If convenience and keeping down are priorities, it's a great buy. If they aren't we would stick with the more affordable Trent 2.0 at number one on our list.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Lance review

The best value monopod

Vanguard VEO 2 CM-264

(Image credit: Vanguard)

5. Vanguard VEO 2 CM-264 Carbon Fibre Monopod

A carbon fibre monopod for a relatively low price

Specifications

Material: Carbon fibre
Sections: 4
Max Load: 6kg / 13.23lb
Extended length: 160cm / 5.25ft
Folded length: 52.07cm / 20.5in
Weight: 0.43kg / 0.95lb

Reasons to buy

+
Superb build quality
+
Spiked rubber foot

Reasons to avoid

-
Lower max capacity
-
Long-ish packed length

It's really quite amazing that this Vanguard monopod is constructed from carbon fibre given its extremely affordable price. There's even an option to get it with tri-stand feet for extra balance. Add a hand strap and carabiner hook for easy transportation, and the Vanguard VEO 2 CM-264 is also one of the cheapest lightweight monopods of its class on the market, weighing just 436g. 

With a 6kg max load, its capacity is inferior to most of the other picks we've made but still enough for most DSLR and mirrorless setups, and its extension height of 160cm is more than adequate for most purposes, though it's clearly a long way off options like the 3 Legged Thing Lance above, and taller photographers may find it uncomfortable to stoop to use the viewfinder. It might not have much in the way of clever features, but sometimes you just want a simple, great-value monopod that will do the job.

The best monopod for feet

Product shot of iFootage Cobra 3, one of the best monopods

(Image credit: iFootage)

6. iFootage Cobra 3

A detachable three-foot base provides a stable, versatile platform

Specifications

Material: Carbon fibre or aluminum
Sections: 4
Max Load: 8kg / 17.6lb
Extended length: 180cm / 5.9ft
Folded length: 69cm / 27.2in
Weight: 1.15 – 1.27kg / 2.54 – 2.80lb

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra-stable and easily detachable feet
+
Handy pedal locking system
+
Feet can serve as mini tripod

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively expensive

Several monopods on our list come with bases either included or as optional extras, but iFootage continues to lead the way in this aspect. I'm still a big fan of this monopod's predecessor, the Cobra 2, and all because of the feet. Unlike with the Trent at number 1 in our list, they attach via a quick-release mechanism rather than a screw, so you can fit the quick-release plate directly to the feet as well as to the monopod itself. And the feet fix at three different levels, which makes them really very useful on their own as a mini tripod for low-level shooting.

The new version maintains all this but adds a couple of well-considered improvements. The feet are longer, and there's a new pedal lock mechanism, which makes it quick and easy to switch between locking the monopod in place or letting it move freely. With most monopods sporting feet, you don't want to take your hands off your gear for very long. They'll often stay put if you're not shooting with anything heavier than a standard zoom, but it's a nerve-wracking experience. One relatively mild gust of wind or accidental nudge and it's game over. But we found that with its larger feet, the Cobra 3 can stay upright much more convincingly. 

It's still not going to replace a tripod for very long exposures due to the slight wobble caused by the feet being so low, but it does allow the shutter speed to be slowed down, and I've found that it can even do the job for timelapses. 

Whether you go for the lighter, more expensive carbon fiber or the aluminum opinion, these are among the more expensive monopods on our list. The weight and size are also drawbacks. Oh, and for some reason the manufacturer feels the need to plaster its logo over absolutely every surface, making it look pretty garish, but I can overlook that for the practicality of it. The simple inclusion of a protective tip to put on the bottom of the monopod to turn it into a walking pole is a nice touch for hiking trips.

The best budget compact monopod

(Image credit: Manfrotto)

7. Manfrotto Element MII

A cheap and compact monopod that's great for travel

Specifications

Material:: Aluminum
Sections: 5
Max Load: 8kg / 17.6lb
Extended length: 159cm / 5.22ft
Folded length: 43cm / 16.9in
Weight: 0.5kg / 1.10lb

Reasons to buy

+
Light, ideal for travel
+
Amazing value

Reasons to avoid

-
Aluminium not carbon fibre
-
Doesn't come with QR plate

Part of a relatively new range from Manfrotto, the Element MII monopod is a winner in two key areas: it's lightweight and it's affordable. And it really sees off the competition for these factors. It weighs just 0.5kg, costs little over $50 and can still hold up to 8kg of kit. Best of all, it folds down to just 43cm, so it should fit in most carryons and backpacks.

This all makes the Manfrotto Element MII a great option for the roaming photographer or videographer. It's a simple monopod. There's no tri-part foot or quick-release plate. And to produce an aluminum monopod with such a light weight, it inevitably feels less solid than other options on our list, as well as being a little short for some people or for some high-angle shots. However, the price is tough to argue with, and if you need a monopod from a reliable brand that you know will be a good product, this is the cheapest monopod that we can recommend.

The best premium compact monopod

(Image credit: Gitzo)

8. Gitzo Series 2 Traveler GM2562T

A premium-quality monopod that packs down small and is light to carry

Specifications

Material: Carbon fiber
Sections: 6
Max Load: 12kg / 26.45lb
Extended length: 142cm / 4.66ft
Folded length: 36cm / 14.2in
Weight: 0.4kg / 0.88lb

Reasons to buy

+
Feather-light and super-strong
+
Generous maximum payload

Reasons to avoid

-
Belt clip on wrist strap
-
Extremely expensive

We recommend the Manfrotto monopod above as a great budget option for travel, but if you're a professional photographer who travels a lot and you have the budget for it, we rate this Gitzo monopod as the premium king of travel monopods. 

It's even lighter and more compact than the Manfrotto Element MII, packing down to an impressively short 36cm, but without sacrificing sturdiness or pay load. That's thanks to Gitzo's Carbon eXact carbon fiber material and six leg sections. We found the locking mechanism fast to use, and it's so short and light that we found it quite comfortable to keep it attached to a camera. We also like the fact that you can get replacements for the pegs, making this a durable and sustainable option. 

The downside to this monopod is the price, since it's the most expensive standard monopod design in this guide. And there's also the height. Folding down so short comes at the cost of losing quite a lot of reach in this case. At just 142cm at maximum extension, it will require a lot of users to stoop if they use it standing up and want to use the viewfinder. That makes it a better option to use seated or with a support below it.

How to choose the best monopod for you

Buying a monopod doesn't have to be too complicated – fundamentally, all you're dealing with is a single-leg support for your camera – but there are a few things worth looking out for. It's worth thinking about the type of shooting you're doing and what you might prioritise based on that. Is it more important to you that a monopod is quick to set up or light to carry?

A monopod must be able to support the combined weight of your camera/lens/accessories setup, so the best monopod for you will depend on your kit. If you're using a lightweight mirrorless camera and a small lens, this will be a pretty different proposition than if you're using a hefty DSLR with a super-telephoto lens. 

You also need to consider how high you need your monopod to go. This will depend on several factors, not least of which is how tall you are yourself Monopods that reach greater heights are useful for high-angle work, but they're more expensive. If you're short in stature and you don't plan to take shots from high angles, you could save money by picking up a monopod that doesn't extend so far.

Also consider the practicality of each monopod's design. Monopod leg sections will be separated with twist- or flip-style locks. Twist-locks tend to be more secure, but flip-locks are faster. Tripod users tend to prefer more secure locks, but for a monopod, you may be better off with something that can be deployed faster in order to take advantage of the monopod's greater shooting versatility. 

Monopod feet

Some monopods also have additional flip-out feet for more stable support. In some cases, these are fixed and in others, the feet form a detachable base that can also be used as a handy mini tripod. Other types of bases include a fixed rounded foot.

Monopod head

Like tripods, monopods can be fitted with different heads to allow panning and tilting, but in most cases, you will need to buy this separately. Most monopods have a standard 3/8 screw, which will allow you to attach most tripod heads, but it's always worth checking. See our pick of the best ball heads for options to accompany a tripod or monopod.

Monopod grips

Finally, at the top of the monopod, there should be a grip. As the monopod won't stand up on its own without your assistance, it's important that you're able to keep a secure grip on it, so this is something worth paying attention to. On cheaper monopods, the grip is likely to be foam, while some more expensive models use textured rubber.

Model variations

Be aware that many monopod brands make several variations of the same model, which sometimes have the same name but a different product code. For example, they may have a carbon fiber version and an aluminum version, or combination products that add in feet and/or a tripod head. On some retail websites such as Amazon, these variations often appear as different options under the same listing so always be sure to check you are buying the version that you want.

How we tested the best monopods

We have made this selection of the best monopods based on our reviews of each monopod and real-life testing in field. To begin with, we set certain criteria as a minimum, choosing monopods capable of supporting the weight of a full-frame camera and lens combination. We also ensured the monopods were compatible with most tripod heads. 

We then evaluated each monopod's strength, build, design, portability (weight and compactness), how quick and easy it was to setup and useful features. Finally, we picked out the best monopod for different needs, considering more affordable options for those on a budget and more versatile options for content creators.

FAQs

Why would you use a monopod?

A tripod provides more stability, so why choose a monopod? Well, a tripod can be bulky and awkward to set up, while a monopod – though requiring a hand to steady it – is much quicker and easier to deploy. If you're rapidly changing positions, or in an awkward space on uneven ground, it can be a lifesaver, and, since they only have one leg rather than 3, they tend to be lighter and more compact, which makes them much easier to travel with.

With telescopic sections to fold up when not in use, a monopod can be dangled from a bag or even a wrist when not in use and then deployed at a moment's notice. One option on our list even has a cover for the base so you can use it as a walking pole. 

The downside is that even those monopods that have foot stabilizers probably won't provide enough stability for super-long exposures, especially if there's any wind, but they can be very useful for giving yourself a little wiggle room with shutter speeds at a moment's notice, and they also can take some of the muscle work out of working with long lenses for things like wildlife and sports photography. Having a tool to take some of that weight can be very welcome during long sessions.

What is the best material for a monopod?

Most monopods are made from either aluminium or carbon fiber and both of these have their advantages and disadvantages. Carbon fibre monopods are notably lighter, but they are more expensive. Aluminum monopods are strong and more affordable, but they weigh more and they can get very cold in low temperatures, making them difficult to handle. There is often a misconception that carbon fibre monopods are stronger than aluminium ones. This is because carbon fibre is stronger than aluminium at the same weight, but this characteristic of the material is used to allow monopods to be made lighter.

Rod Lawton
Contributor

Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com



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