$374.00
$299.95
Rankings
The Benro SupaDupa Carbon Fiber Monopod offers an ultra-lightweight yet ultra-strong platform with a 6-section carbon-fiber build, high load capacity, and versatile height range. It excels for wildlife, sports and travel shooters who need rapid adjustments, but lacks an integrated bubble level and quick-release plate.
The Gitzo GM4562 Series 4 carbon-fiber monopod delivers professional-grade load capacity and a compact form factor, making it ideal for heavy-lens wildlife and sports photography. Its G-Lock Ultra twist-lock and ball-joint foot provide rapid, stable deployment, though the high price and lack of accessories may deter budget buyers.
The SIRUI AM-MDP01 is a 5-section carbon-fiber monopod weighing just 0.41 kg, offering a 165 cm maximum height and a 22 lb load capacity. It folds to 18.5 in for travel and includes a 360° phone holder plus useful outdoor accessories. Its main trade-offs are the lack of built-in feet and a stiff twist-lock mechanism.
The Benro Aluminum Flip-Lock Monopod with a detachable 3-leg base offers professional-grade load capacity and fast deployment while remaining portable, though its base lock and overall weight can be drawbacks for extended handheld use.
The Gitzo GM2542 is a professional-grade carbon-fiber monopod that balances extreme strength (35 kg load) with a very low weight (0.51 kg) and a compact 4-section design. Its G-Lock Ultra twist locks and pivoting foot deliver fast setup and smooth panning, while the lack of a carrying case and fluid base keep the price high. Reviewers praise its stability and portability, but note the firm grip and missing accessories.
The Sirui AM-404FL+QC-55 is a professional-grade aluminum monopod that reaches 192 cm, offers 360° panning, dual bubble levels, and a quick-release system. Its modular base adds tripod functionality, making it a versatile choice for hybrid shooters, though it is heavier than carbon-fiber rivals.
The Manfrotto Element MII is a lightweight 4-section aluminum monopod that collapses to 43 cm and extends to 159 cm, supporting up to 16 kg. Its high load capacity and low weight make it ideal for travel and wildlife shooting, though the absence of a fluid base and spike foot limit its video-centric and soft-terrain applications.
The Gitzo GM4532 is a lightweight (0.672 kg) 3-section carbon-fiber monopod that supports a 35 kg payload, offering rapid deployment and a pivoting ball-joint foot for smooth panning. While its engineering is praised, the lack of a quick-release, carrying accessories and occasional foot instability keep the overall experience from being flawless.
The NEEWER N284L+G0 is a versatile 79-inch convertible tripod/monopod with a high 15 kg load capacity, lateral 360° center column, and Arca-compatible ball head, packaged in a compact travel-friendly design.
The Benro Aluminum Flip-Lock Monopod with 3-Leg Folding Base offers a versatile hybrid solution, combining a traditional monopod with a detachable mini-tripod base and an integrated bubble level. It delivers strong load capacity and stability, though it is heavier and the base mechanism can loosen with use.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | Gitzo GM2542 Traveler Professional Photography Monopod, Series 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
35 kgbest | 16 kg | 12 kg | 18 kg | 15 kg | 10 kg | 18 kg | 35 kgbest | 20 kg | 35 kgbest | |
163 cm | 159 cm | 192 cmbest | 154.94 cm | 154.9 cm | 165 cm | 164.08 cm | 154 cm | 164.1 cm | 164 cm | |
| ↓ lower better | 66 cm | 42.9 cm | 73 cm | 39.878 cmbest | 55.1 cm | 47 cm | 55.88 cm | 44 cm | — | 54 cm |
| ↓ lower better | 0.672 kg | 0.499 kg | 1.56 kg | 0.399 kgbest | 3.209 kg | 0.41 kg | 1.2 kg | 0.67 kg | 0.77 kg | 0.51 kg |
3 | 4 | 4 | 6best | 4 | 6best | 4 | 6best | 4 | 4 | |
52.1 | 32.1 | 7.7 | 45.1 | 4.7 | 24.4 | 15 | 52.2 | 25.9 | 68.6best | |
6 months | 24 months | 24 months | 36 monthsbest | 12 months | — | 36 monthsbest | 24 months | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | -30 °Cbest | -30 °Cbest | — | — | — | — | — | -30 °Cbest | — | -30 °Cbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | Gitzo GM2542 Traveler Professional Photography Monopod, Series 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(4) | ||||||||||
Maximum Load Capacity (kg) | 35 kg | 16 kg | 12 kg | 18.0 kg | 15 kg | 10 kg | 18.0 kg | 35 kg | 20 kg | 35 kg |
Maximum Extended Height (cm) | 163 cm | 159 cm | 192 cm | 154.94 cm | 154.9 cm | 165 cm | 164.08 cm | 154 cm | 164.1 cm | 164 cm |
Minimum Collapsed Height (cm) | 66 cm | 42.9 cm | 73 cm | 39.878 cm | 55.1 cm | 47 cm | 55.88 cm | 44 cm | — | 54 cm |
Load‑to‑Weight Ratio | 52.08 | 32.06 | 7.69 | 45.1 | 4.67 | 24.4 | 15.0 | 52.24 | 25.9 | 68.63 |
Compatibility(2) | ||||||||||
Compatibility | DSLR, Reflex Cameras, Camcorders, Video Cameras | — | Sony, Canon, Nikon DSLR | DSLR, Mirrorless, Camcorders | Arca, 3/8" | — | DSLR, Mirrorless, Video Cameras | — | DSLR, Mirrorless & Video Cameras | DSLR, Reflex Camcorders, Video Cameras |
Mounting Thread Size | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible) | 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 reversible | 1/4-20/3/8-16 reversible with button release | Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 | 3/8" | 1/4" & 3/8" | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 reversible | 1/4-20/3/8-16 reversible | — | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible) |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||||||||||
Warranty Period (months) | 6 months | 24 months | 24 months | 36 months | 12 months | — | 36 months | 24 months | — | — |
Accessories(1) | ||||||||||
Included Accessories | None | Wrist strap | QC-38 quick release plate; carrying case; wrist strap; QC-55 plate kit | Wrist strap, Carrying case, Shoulder strap | Aluminum alloy tripod, 36mm ball head, carrying bag | 360° rotatable phone holder, cold protection foam grip, safety wrist strap, carabiner clip, mini compass | — | — | Quick‑release plate, foam grip, hand strap, rubber foot, carrying case | None (no carrying bag) |
Build & Design(7) | ||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 0.672 kg | 0.499 kg | 1.56 kg | 0.399 kg | 3.209 kg | 0.4097 kg | 1.2 kg | 0.67 kg | 0.77 kg | 0.51 kg |
Primary Material | CarbonExact | Aluminum | aluminum alloy | Carbon Fiber | Magnesium aluminum alloy | Carbon fiber | Aluminum | carbon fiber | Aluminum | Carbon eXact |
Leg Lock Type | G-Lock Ultra | Twist Locks | twist lock | Twist locks | — | Twist lock | Flip Lock | twist lock | Flip-Lock | G-Lock Ultra |
Number of Leg Sections | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
Foot Type | Pivoting rubber foot with ball-joint | — | removable rubber foot (spike or flat) | Reversible rubber/spiked | — | — | 3-Leg Locking Base | removable rubber ball‑joint foot | Rubber | Pivoting rubber foot with ball-joint |
Bubble Level | — | — | true | — | true | — | true | — | false | — |
Quick Release | false | — | true | — | true | — | — | — | true | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently praise the GM4532 for its engineering excellence, highlighting its high-modulus carbon-fiber construction, G-Lock Ultra twist-locks, and ability to support heavy telephoto lenses and video rigs while remaining lightweight. They commend its rapid 3-section setup, solid footing, and ergonomic carrying features, positioning it as a top-tier choice for demanding professional use.
Everyday users rate the monopod around 4.5/5, lauding its light weight, strength, and portability. Common praise centers on fast deployment, compatibility with premium heads, and the secure wrist-strap, while recurring complaints involve the lack of included accessories, the pivoting foot's instability on uneven surfaces, and occasional concerns about build quality compared to older Gitzo models.
“Light and Strong”
“less sturdy”
“Lightweight and compact, perfect for travel.”
Choose Benro for higher load capacity and advanced head features; choose Sirui if you prioritize lighter weight and more dependable base lock.
Professional reviewers describe the Element MII as a highly portable, reliable monopod delivering solid stability for heavy DSLR and mirrorless setups, praising its ergonomic wrist strap and quick twist-lock system while noting the lack of a fluid base and spike foot.
Everyday users praise its light weight, compactness, and value for travel, but complain about wobble at full height, missing spike foot, and occasional lock looseness in very cold weather.
Professional reviewers praise the AM-404FL for its patented quick-release mechanism, reversible mounting screw, and 360° panning collar, calling it a game-changer for hybrid shooters who need both mobility and stability.
Everyday users consistently rate the monopod 4.6-4.8 stars, lauding its versatility, smooth panning, and quick-release system. Complaints focus on twist-lock stiffness in cold weather and feet slipping on soft ground.
Professional reviewers at B&H position the SupaDupa series as a top choice for wildlife and sports shooters who need a lightweight yet ultra-strong support system, emphasizing the flip-lock's speed and the carbon-fiber build's durability.
Everyday users consistently praise the monopod's rugged carbon-fiber construction, impressive load capacity, and the convenience of the flip-lock, often calling it "Supa-Dupa!".
Professional reviewers praise the high load capacity, innovative lateral column and Arca-compatible head, but note the absence of a mid-level spreader and occasional center-column wobble.
Users love the smooth ball head, low-angle capability and easy conversion, while complaining about center-column lock difficulty and leg-lock stiffness.
Professional reviewers highlight the AM-MDP01's exceptional strength-to-weight ratio thanks to its carbon-fiber build, noting its durability in cold or hot environments and its suitability for fast, low-profile shooting in crowded or tourist-heavy locations. They commend its compactness and accessory bundle, while pointing out the lack of modular feet as a trade-off for pure portability.
Everyday users rave about the monopod's feather-light feel, solid load capacity, and the handy phone holder, often calling it perfect for hiking and travel. Recurring complaints focus on the twist-lock's stiffness, the absence of a ground spike, and concerns about the long-term durability of the phone clamp.
Professional reviewers from Filmtools and B&H highlight the monopod's innovative three-leg base and smooth ball-joint panning as major strengths, noting the flip-lock system's speed and reliability.
Everyday users rate the product highly (average 4.7/5), praising its rock-solid stability, portability for hiking, and fast flip-locks.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the GM4562 for its engineering excellence, highlighting the high load capacity, the patented G-Lock Ultra twist-lock system, and the ball-joint foot that delivers smooth panning.
Everyday users are overwhelmingly positive, praising its stability with heavy lenses, ultra-compact travel size, and the smooth ball foot for tracking. Common complaints focus on the lack of an included carrying bag, the difficulty of removing the foot, and the absence of a quick-release head.
Professional reviewers praise the versatile flip-lock system, solid aluminum build, and advanced head features, while noting the base's ball joint lacks precision for critical video panning.
Users love the sturdiness and high load capacity, but complain about the base lock reliability and the weight when fully assembled.
Professional reviewers at DPReview and Adorama regard the GM2542 as a benchmark monopod, highlighting its rock-solid stability, perfect blend of portability and strength, and the innovative pivoting foot. They commend the G-Lock Ultra system and the rare UNI/PdR 105:2021 safety certification, while noting the absence of a fluid base and the premium price.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the monopod for its lightweight yet sturdy construction, the reduction of physical strain, and the smooth panning capability. Common themes include appreciation for its compactness, durability, and value for money, while recurring complaints focus on the firm foam grip, lack of a protective bag, and foot wear over time.
