$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 Benro MSD46C (MAD38C) is a 6-section carbon-fiber monopod offering a high 16 kg load capacity, ultra-light weight, flip-lever locks and a removable ball-joint foot, making it ideal for heavy-lens travel shooting.
The Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Monopod is a feather-light, high-capacity travel monopod with a reversible mount, ideal for wildlife and sports shooters, though it lacks a bubble level and accessory points.
The Benro Adventure Series aluminum monopod (MAD49A) delivers professional-grade load capacity, rapid flip-lever locks and a reversible rubber/spike foot in a lightweight 0.84 kg package, making it suitable for heavy-gear photographers and videographers on the move.
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 Benro Adventure 8X Series carbon-fiber monopod delivers a blend of high load capacity, ultra-lightweight construction, and rapid flip-lock deployment, though it lacks an integrated head and case.
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 Vanguard VEO AM-264TR is a robust 4-section aluminum monopod with a unique tri-stand base, offering high load capacity and smooth ball-joint panning. It folds compactly but is heavier than many rivals and lacks spikes for soft terrain. Ideal for travel, wildlife, and video work where stability and smartphone integration are valued.
The Benro SupaDupa Carbon Fiber Monopod delivers professional-grade load capacity and innovative flip-lock adjustment in a compact package, though some users note service and specification inconsistencies.
The Neewer TP41 is a 61-inch aluminum monopod that folds to 44 cm, weighs just 420 g and supports up to 8 kg. It features flip-lock height adjustment, interchangeable feet and dual thread adapters, making it a versatile travel companion.
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 Benro Adventure Aluminum Monopod delivers solid aluminum construction, high load capacity, and quick flip-lever locks at an attractive price point. It is well suited for sports, wildlife and event shooters who need tall height and durability, though it lacks a carrying case and can suffer from a sticky central stud.
The Benro SupaDupa72 Carbon Fiber Monopod combines a lightweight carbon-fiber shaft with an integrated tilt head, bubble level and quick-release plate, delivering a tall (72 in) and versatile platform for demanding wildlife and sports photography. While it offers excellent rigidity and convenience, the price is higher and load capacity is limited to about 8 kg.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 kg | 8 kg | 18 kg | 15 kg | 18 kg | 18 kg | 20 kg | 7.98 kg | 16 kg | 18 kg | 16 kg | 16 kg | 35 kgbest | 6 kg | |
184.8 cm | 155 cm | 157 cm | 148.8 cm | 154.94 cm | 191 cmbest | 164.1 cm | 183 cm | 159 cm | 164.08 cm | 158.5 cm | 159.5 cm | 164 cm | 163 cm | |
| ↓ lower better | 45.5 cm | 44 cm | 48.5 cm | 41.7 cm | 39.878 cmbest | 54 cm | — | 49 cm | 42.9 cm | 55.88 cm | 52.6 cm | 52.6 cm | 54 cm | 56.5 cm |
| ↓ lower better | 0.59 kg | 0.42 kg | 0.9 kg | 0.28 kgbest | 0.399 kg | 0.84 kg | 0.77 kg | 0.9 kg | 0.499 kg | 1.2 kg | 0.5 kg | 0.62 kg | 0.51 kg | 0.862 kg |
6best | 4 | 6best | 5 | 6best | 5 | 4 | 6best | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
27.1 | 19.1 | 20 | 53.6 | 45.1 | 21.4 | 25.9 | 8.9 | 32.1 | 15 | 32 | 25.8 | 68.6best | 7 | |
36 months | 12 months | 36 months | 60 monthsbest | 36 months | 36 months | — | 36 months | 24 months | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months | — | 60 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | -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) | 16 kg | 8 kg | 18 kg | 15 kg | 18.0 kg | 18 kg | 20 kg | 7.98 kg | 16 kg | 18.0 kg | 16 kg | 16 kg | 35 kg | 6 kg |
Maximum Extended Height (cm) | 184.8 cm | 155 cm | 157 cm | 148.8 cm | 154.94 cm | 191 cm | 164.1 cm | 183 cm | 159 cm | 164.08 cm | 158.5 cm | 159.5 cm | 164 cm | 163 cm |
Minimum Collapsed Height (cm) | 45.5 cm | 44 cm | 48.5 cm | 41.7 cm | 39.878 cm | 54 cm | — | 49 cm | 42.9 cm | 55.88 cm | 52.6 cm | 52.6 cm | 54 cm | 56.5 cm |
Load‑to‑Weight Ratio | 27.12 | 19.05 | 20 | 53.6 | 45.1 | 21.43 | 25.9 | 8.9 | 32.06 | 15.0 | 32 | 25.8 | 68.63 | 6.96 |
Compatibility(3) | ||||||||||||||
Compatibility | — | DSLR, mirrorless, camcorders, gimbals, action cameras, smartphones | DSLR, Mirrorless & Camcorders | DSLR, Mirrorless & Video Cameras | DSLR, Mirrorless, Camcorders | 1/4-20, 3/8-16 | DSLR, Mirrorless & Video Cameras | DSLR, Mirrorless, Camcorders | — | DSLR, Mirrorless, Video Cameras | DSLR, Mirrorless & Video Cameras | DSLR, Mirrorless, Video Cameras | DSLR, Reflex Camcorders, Video Cameras | Smartphone (via holder) |
Mounting Thread Size | 1/4-20, 3/8-16 | 1/4-20 & 3/8-16 | Dual 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 | Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 | Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 | 1/4-20, 3/8-16 | — | Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 | 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 reversible | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 reversible | 3/8"-16 (with 1/4"-20 adapter) | Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible) | 1/4"-20 male, 3/8" adapter compatible |
Head Type | — | — | Leveling Pan Base | — | — | — | — | Tilt Head | — | — | — | — | — | Ball joint |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||||||||||||||
Warranty Period (months) | 36 months | 12 months | 36 months | 60 months | 36 months | 36 months | — | 36 months | 24 months | 36 months | 36 months | 36 months | — | 60 months |
Accessories(1) | ||||||||||||||
Included Accessories | Monopod, spanner wrench, wrist strap | Monopod only | Removable rubber foot, removable spiked foot, dual mounting stud, wrist strap, carrying case | Hand Grip Pad, Carry Bag | Wrist strap, Carrying case, Shoulder strap | Hand strap; Plastic wrench for leg tightening | Quick‑release plate, foam grip, hand strap, rubber foot, carrying case | Arca-type quick-release plate, removable padded grip, detachable hand strap, carrying case | Wrist strap | — | 1/4"-20 adapter | Plastic wrench for latch tightening, Allen wrench for plate screws, foot removal wrench | None (no carrying bag) | Wrist strap, Carabiner, Rubber cap, Smartphone holder, Bluetooth remote |
Build & Design(7) | ||||||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 0.59 kg | 0.42 kg | 0.9 kg | 0.28 kg | 0.399 kg | 0.84 kg | 0.77 kg | 0.8999 kg | 0.499 kg | 1.2 kg | 0.5 kg | 0.62 kg | 0.51 kg | 0.862 kg |
Primary Material | Carbon fiber | Aluminum alloy | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Aluminum alloy | Aluminum | Carbon Fiber | Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon Fiber | Aluminum | Carbon eXact | Aluminum alloy |
Leg Lock Type | — | Flip lock | Twist/Flip | Twist Lock | Twist locks | Flip lever | Flip-Lock | Hybrid Flip/ Twist | Twist Locks | Flip Lock | Flip Lock | Flip lever locks | G-Lock Ultra | Flip locks / Twist locks |
Number of Leg Sections | 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Foot Type | Folding three‑leg base | rubber and steel spike | Rubber with optional spiked | — | Reversible rubber/spiked | Pivoting rubber foot | Rubber | Rubber foot with ball bearings | — | 3-Leg Locking Base | Rubber rotating | Pivoting rubber foot with ball joint | Pivoting rubber foot with ball-joint | Anti-slip rubber feet (tri-stand) |
Bubble Level | — | — | true | false | — | — | false | true | — | true | — | — | — | — |
Quick Release | — | — | true | — | — | — | true | true | — | — | — | — | false | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Digital Camera World praises the super-sturdy build and rock-steady performance at full height, while noting the lack of an integrated head and a foot that can be overly stiff.
Users consistently commend the lightweight strength and fast flip locks, but many are disappointed by the missing head, lack of a carrying bag, and the stiff rotating foot.
“sturdy, light and fast”
“lightweight yet strong”
“super-sturdy and rock-steady, even at its maximum height”
Professional reviewers note the impressive strength-to-weight ratio and universal thread compatibility, but point out the lack of a fluid head or leveling mechanism.
Everyday users rate it five stars for its lightweight yet robust build, quick height adjustments and versatility, while noting occasional wobble and missing carrying case.
Reviewers describe the SupaDupa line as a high-performance solution with carbon-fiber strength, flip-lock convenience, and Arca-Swiss compatible heads, ideal for demanding photography and video work.
Users consistently highlight the solid build and quick flip-lock, while complaining about inaccurate product listings and slow customer support.
Professional reviewers commend the outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, sleek carbon-fiber build and dependable twist-lock mechanism, calling it a top choice for demanding photographers.
Everyday users praise its feather-light feel and ability to hold heavy lenses, while noting the absence of a bubble level and occasional grit in the twist locks.
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 retailers such as B&H and Precision Camera commend the monopods for their durability, quick-action flip locks and professional-grade load capacity, positioning them as reliable tools for demanding shooting environments.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the monopods for their lightweight yet sturdy feel, ease of deployment and usefulness as a shoulder support, while noting occasional foot stiffness and lack of a carrying case.
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 describe the Benro SupaDupa72 as a game-changer for long-lens photography, lauding its carbon-fiber rigidity, fluid panning, and the integrated tilt head that delivers superior compositional control.
Everyday users consistently praise the monopod for its ease of use, stability, and comfort during long shoots, noting the smooth panning and rapid height adjustments as key benefits.
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 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.
Reviewers commend the rock-steady performance and premium carbon-fiber build, noting the wide leg diameters give exceptional rigidity while the flip-lock system is praised for speed.
Users love the feather-light weight and quick setup, but miss an included case and note the rotating foot can be stiff and noisy.
Retailer editors at B&H and Adorama commend the monopods for their solid aluminum construction, reliable flip-lever locks, and flexible reversible mounting plate, noting they perform on par with pricier carbon-fiber options.
Everyday users repeatedly praise the monopods for their sturdiness, tall height, and excellent price-to-performance ratio, often comparing them favorably to carbon-fiber models.
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.
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the VEO AM-264TR's innovative tri-stand base and ball-joint as game-changing for video work, noting its ability to support heavy telephoto rigs while remaining portable. The VEO 2S version earned editor's choice awards for its added smartphone accessories and quick twist-lock mechanism, though its weight was cited as a minor downside.
Everyday users love the monopod's stability, compactness, and multifunctional features such as the walking-stick mode and smartphone kit, but they frequently mention its heft and occasional durability issues with the tri-stand feet and ball joint.
