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Manfrotto 290 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera MonopodsManfrotto 290

Manfrotto 290 — image 1

Manfrotto

Manfrotto 290

$91.67$142.9536% off

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MM290C4USBlack59" 2 year manufacturer

Camera Monopods

Expert Review Analysis

The Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Section Monopod (MM290C4US) is a lightweight 4‑section carbon‑fiber monopod weighing 1.1 lb, offering a maximum height of 59.4 in and a 22 lb load capacity. It features flip‑lock legs, a grooved technopolymer upper disc for stability, and dual thread mounts for versatile camera attachment.

✓ Best for: Photographers who need a portable, lightweight support for travel, hiking, wildlife, macro, street, or event shooting where a full tripod is impractical. Ideal for setups up to 22 lb, users prioritizing lightness and quick adjustments, and situations requiring height ranges from 19.3 in to 59.4 in.✗ Not ideal for: Users who require extreme durability under abusive conditions, such as heavy‑impact field work, or those who need an integrated head or column for studio‑style setups. Also less suited for photographers who prefer a more robust, metal‑lock system or who need a higher load capacity beyond 22 lb.

Pros

✓Extremely lightweight at only 1.1 lb, making it ideal for travel, hiking, and on‑the‑go shooting.
✓Carbon‑fiber construction provides high stiffness and a 22‑lb load capacity while keeping wobble to a minimum.

Price History

Current

$91.67

Average

$108.86

Lowest

$47.90

Highest

$129.88

Good Deal — 16% below average

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#71Best#3Worst#179 +5

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Accessories

Attachments6.35 mm -9.5 mm

Design

MaterialCarbon fiber legs with aluminum leg locks and technopolymer upper disc

Leg Sections4

Leg Diameter Range25.3 mm – 14.7 mm

Foot TypeRubber

GripRubber leg warmer and ergonomically angled wrist strap

Features

Head Mount ThreadReversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16

Locking MechanismFlip locks (quick-release levers)

General

BrandManfrotto

ManufacturerManfrotto

ModelMM290C4US

Release Date2021-07-05

Warranty2 years

Warranty

Limited WarrantyStandard Limited Warranty, extendable to 5 years with registration within 12 months, excludes misuse

Locking Mechanism

Leg LocksFlip locks (quick‑release levers)

Head Mount

Thread CompatibilityReversible 1/4"‑20 and 3/8"‑16 threads

Foot Type

Feet MaterialRubber feet

Grip

Handle FeaturesRubber leg warmer/grip and ergonomically angled wrist strap

Dimensions & Weight

Height3.0 inches

Width3.0 inches

Depth23.2 inches

Weight1.1 pounds

Research Sources

optics4birding.com

bhphotovideo.com

all-about-photo.com

productreview.com.au

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User Reviews

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4.4

(193 reviews)

✓

Smooth flip‑lock mechanisms allow quick and precise height adjustments without tools.

✓Dual 1/4‑20 and 3/8‑16 reversible head mount offers versatile camera or head attachment options.

✓Rubber leg warmer and ergonomically angled wrist strap give comfortable grip and secure handling during extended use.

Cons

✗Leg lock levers feel like inexpensive plastic, raising concerns about long‑term durability.
✗Wrist strap can feel loose or slippery, making it unreliable for attaching to a backpack.
✗Carbon‑fiber tubes may snap under extreme stress rather than bend, limiting abuse tolerance.
✗Some users report the flip locks may wear over time, potentially leading to looseness.
✗The monopod lacks a built‑in column or head, limiting its use for certain studio setups.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Reviewers highlight the 1.1 lb weight combined with a 22 lb load capacity as an optimal balance for mobile photography.
✓The grooved technopolymer upper disc is praised for delivering superior camera stability and reducing wobble.
✓Flip‑lock system is described as smooth and fast, allowing quick height changes in the field.
✓Editors note the monopod feels lighter than comparable 3.5 lb models while maintaining rigidity for professional use.
✓All‑About‑Photo rates its height versatility (19.3‑59.4 in) at 90 % for a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Criticized by Experts

✗Some reviewers criticize the flip‑lock levers for feeling like low‑quality plastic, questioning long‑term durability.
✗The wrist strap is reported as loose or slippery, which may hinder secure transport on a backpack.
✗Professionals warn that carbon‑fiber legs can snap under extreme stress rather than bend, limiting abuse tolerance.
✗Potential wear of the leg locks over time is noted as a drawback for heavy‑use scenarios.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users appreciate the very lightweight feel (1.1 lb), making it easy to carry on hikes and trips.
✓The flip‑lock system is described as user‑friendly and quick to adjust without tools.
✓Many customers comment on the stable performance and lack of wobble during shooting.
✓One reviewer noted the monopod “should last more than a year,” indicating perceived durability.
✓Walmart reviewers specifically call it “very lightweight” and stable, reinforcing its portability.

Users Complain About

✗Several users report the wrist strap feels loose and slippery, making it unreliable for backpack attachment.
✗Concerns are raised about the long‑term endurance of the leg locks, fearing they may wear out quickly.
✗Some customers mention the carbon‑fiber legs could crack if subjected to extreme stress.
✗A few reviewers note the lack of a built‑in head limits versatility for certain shooting styles.
✗Users have observed that the flip‑lock levers can feel cheap and may develop looseness over time.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the monopod for its exceptional lightness paired with a robust 22 lb load capacity, describing it as a perfect companion for on‑the‑go shooting. The grooved technopolymer disc is highlighted for superior stability, while the smooth flip‑locks and dual thread mount earn praise for versatility. Minor criticisms focus on the perceived plastic feel of the leg locks and the wrist strap’s looseness, as well as the inherent snap‑risk of carbon fiber under extreme stress.

What Users Say

Everyday users consistently praise the monopod’s feather‑light weight, easy‑to‑use flip‑locks, and stable performance, often noting it feels sturdier than its weight suggests. Common praise includes its portability for travel and hiking, and the belief it will last beyond a year. Recurring complaints revolve around a loose or slippery wrist strap and worries about the durability of the leg locks over prolonged use.

Common Complaints

Loose or slippery wrist strap, perceived cheapness and potential wear of the flip‑lock levers, and concerns that carbon‑fiber legs may snap under extreme stress rather than bend.

How It Compares

vs. Manfrotto 290A4 Aluminum

Advantages

✓Slightly lower price point and similar weight range
✓Aluminum legs can bend rather than snap, offering different failure mode

Disadvantages

✗Heavier overall (up to 1.5 lb) and lower load capacity (15‑19 lb)
✗Prone to denting and less stiffness compared to carbon

Choose the 290A4 if you need a budget‑friendly aluminum monopod and can accept lower load capacity; otherwise the 290C carbon offers lighter weight and higher strength.

vs. Gitzo GM4552L Carbon

Advantages

✓Premium thicker 28 mm carbon tubes for added rigidity
✓Similar 22 lb load capacity with a slightly higher max height

Disadvantages

✗Significantly heavier (1.85 lb) and bulkier, reducing portability
✗Higher price point than the Manfrotto 290C

Select the Gitzo GM4552L for professional rigs where maximum rigidity outweighs weight; the Manfrotto 290C is better for travel‑focused photographers.

vs. Manfrotto MPMXProA4 Aluminum

Advantages

✓Sturdy aluminum construction suitable for moderate loads
✓Generally lower cost than premium carbon models

Disadvantages

✗Heavier (~1.5 lb) and less stiff than carbon alternatives
✗Load capacity (~19 lb) lower than the 290C’s 22 lb

The MPMXProA4 is a solid mid‑range choice for users who don’t need the ultra‑light weight of carbon; the 290C remains the top pick for those prioritizing minimal weight and higher load capacity.

Rating Trend

Rating4.4/ 5Reviews193+-310 reviews +0.10