Rankings
The Neewer N55CR is a carbon-fiber tripod-monopod hybrid offering a lightweight 2 kg package and a strong 12 kg load capacity, highlighted by its reversible two-section center column and 360° ball head with bubble levels. Its relatively high minimum height and varying weight specs limit low-angle shooting and precise portability. Ideal for travel photographers and videographers needing sturdy support in a compact form.
The SmallRig carbon-fiber monopod offers lightweight portability and rapid one-touch height adjustment with an integrated ball head. Its main trade-off is a limited 5 kg head load capacity and reduced stability on loose terrain. Ideal for travel photographers and videographers who stay within the head load limit.
The Sirui SVM-145 is a carbon-fiber, three-section monopod featuring rapid one-step twist-lock adjustment and a modular foot system, delivering a strong 10 kg payload capacity. Its relatively bulky 36 mm tube and added weight from the removable feet make it less ideal for ultra-light travel. Best suited for professionals needing fast setup and versatile low-angle shooting.
The Sirui P-326 carbon-fiber monopod combines ultra-light weight with a solid 10 kg load capacity and a suite of accessories, making it a strong choice for travel photographers. Its drawbacks include occasional load-capacity confusion and a twist-lock system that may feel less robust for very heavy lenses. Best suited for hikers, street shooters, and videographers who prioritize portability without sacrificing load capability.
The Sirui P-325FL carbon-fiber monopod combines a high 170 cm reach, 10 kg load capacity and a unique three-foot base that tilts 36° for self-standing stability. It lacks an integrated fluid head and its weight is higher than the lightest aluminum models. Ideal for run-and-gun videographers and wildlife shooters who need a versatile, sturdy support that can also function as a mini-tripod.
The Gitzo GM4562 is an ultralight 6-section carbon-fiber monopod offering a massive 35 kg payload capacity, ideal for professional photographers on the move. Its main drawback is the absence of an integrated head and a slightly slower setup due to six sections. Best for users who need top-tier performance and are willing to add a separate head.
The Sirui P-424FS combines a four-section carbon-fiber monopod with a VH-10 fluid video head, providing up to 169.7 cm of reach and smooth 360° panning. The overall system weight of about 4.6 lb and limited 1 kg counterbalance may affect balance with heavier rigs. Suited for hybrid shooters needing tall reach and fluid video control.
The Leofoto MP-364C is a carbon-fiber travel monopod that balances a very low weight with a high 20 kg load capacity and a 170 cm maximum height. Its trade-off is limited documented reliability and a folded length that is not the shortest in its class. Best suited for traveling wildlife shooters who need strength without bulk.
The Manfrotto XPRO Carbon Fiber Monopod delivers ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber construction with an industry-leading 20 kg payload capacity, ideal for demanding sports and wildlife shooters. Its lack of an integrated head and the learning curve of the Quick Power Lock may deter users seeking an all-in-one solution. Best for professionals who need maximum payload in a compact, travel-ready package.
The Sirui SVM-165 carbon-fiber monopod delivers a strong 10 kg load capacity, 165 cm reach and dual bubble levels in a lightweight 0.41 kg package. Its carbon tube adds rigidity but the 82 cm folded length and lack of a quick-release plate make it less compact than some aluminum rivals. Best for professionals needing high load capacity and stability while still traveling light.
The Benro Superslim Carbon Fiber Monopod offers an ultra-light 0.399 kg build, compact 39.9 cm folded size, and a robust 18 kg payload, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting. Its trade-offs include a limited maximum height and the absence of a built-in bubble level or pan-lock, which can affect stability in demanding situations. It best serves photographers and videographers who prioritize portability over maximum reach.
The Benro MSD46C is a carbon-fiber 6-section monopod offering a lightweight 0.59 kg build and a compact 49 cm folded length, delivering a tall 183 cm reach. Its payload is limited to 8 kg and the combined twist-and-flip lock can be more complex than simple systems. Ideal for travel photographers needing portability and decent height.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 0.4 kg | 0.399 kgbest | 0.907 kg | 0.59 kg | 1 kg | 2 kg | 0.65 kg | 0.67 kg | 0.41 kg | 1.2 kg | 1.725 kg | 1.49 kg |
155 cm | 154.94 cm | 170 cm | 184.9 cm | 170 cm | 213 cmbest | 164.5 cm | 154 cm | 165 cm | 169.7 cm | 166.5 cm | 145 cm | |
10 kg | 18 kg | 10 kg | 8 kg | 20 kg | 12 kg | 20 kg | 35 kgbest | 10 kg | 6 kg | 11 kg | 10 kg | |
6best | 6best | 5 | 6best | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6best | 6best | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
6.35 mm | 9.525 mmbest | — | — | — | 6.35 mm | — | 6.35 mm | — | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm | |
38 cm | 39.88 cm | 63 cm | 49 cm | 54.5 cm | 56.5 cm | 52 cm | 44 cm | 82 cmbest | 74.3 cm | — | 75 cm | |
— | — | 36 ° | — | — | — | — | — | — | 150 °best | — | 36 ° | |
— | — | 360 °best | — | — | 360 °best | — | — | — | 360 °best | — | 360 °best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Load(1) | ||||||||||||
Load Capacity (kg) | 10 kg | 18 kg | 10 kg | 8 kg | 20 kg | 12 kg | 20 kg | 35 kg | 10 kg | 6 kg | 11 kg | 10 kg |
Compatibility(2) | ||||||||||||
Mount Thread Size (mm) | 6.35 mm | 9.525 mm | 1/4,3/8 mm | — | — | 6.35 mm | — | 6.35 mm | 1/4,3/8 mm | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm |
Camera Compatibility | — | DSLR, Mirrorless, Camcorders | Camera | — | — | Cameras with 1/4" thread | — | DSLR, camcorder, video camera | Smartphone, DSLR | DSLR, mirrorless | — | DSLR, mirrorless |
Build & Design(5) | ||||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 0.4 kg | 0.399 kg | 0.907 kg | 0.59 kg | 1.0 kg | 2 kg | 0.65 kg | 0.67 kg | 0.41 kg | 1.2 kg | 1.725 kg | 1.49 kg |
Material | Carbon fiber with metal components | Carbon fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, plastic | Carbon Fiber/Aluminum Alloy |
Number of Leg Sections | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Leg Lock Type | Twist locks | Twist lock | Flip Lock | Twist + Flip | — | Quick-release twist locks | Flip lock | G-Lock Ultra | Twist Lock | Flip lock | — | Twist lock |
Foot Type | Retractable rubber foot with spiked option | Rubber | Rubber with spike | — | — | — | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber with spike | Rubberized aluminum feet | — | Rubber feet and steel spike |
Dimensions(3) | ||||||||||||
Maximum Height (cm) | 155 cm | 154.94 cm | 170 cm | 184.9 cm | 170 cm | 213 cm | 164.5 cm | 154 cm | 165 cm | 169.7 cm | 166.5 cm | 145 cm |
Minimum Height (cm) | 38 cm | 39.88 cm | 63 cm | 49 cm | 54.5 cm | 56.5 cm | 52 cm | 44 cm | 82 cm | 74.3 cm | — | 75 cm |
Folded Length (cm) | 38.75 cm | 39.88 cm | — | 49 cm | 54.5 cm | 52 cm | 52 cm | 44 cm | 82 cm | 63.5 cm | 68 cm | 75 cm |
Features(2) | ||||||||||||
Head Type | Arca‑Swiss quick‑release plate head | — | Quick Release | Two-way tilt head | — | 360 Panorama Ball Head | — | — | — | Fluid video head | 360° ball head | Fluid video head |
Tilt Range (°) | — | — | 36 ° | 90/60 ° | — | — | — | — | — | 150 ° | — | 36 ° |
Warranty(1) | ||||||||||||
Warranty (years) | — | 3 years | 6 years | 3 years | 10 years | 1 years | — | — | 6 years | — | — | 6 years |
Accessories(1) | ||||||||||||
Included Accessories | Tripod head with Arca‑Swiss quick‑release plate, retractable rubber foot with optional spikes, reversible 1/4"‑20 and 3/8"‑16 mounting screw, spirit level, wrist strap, foam grip, belt hook, compass | Hand grip pad, carry bag | Quick‑release collar/plate, Foam grip, Tripod foot base, Rubber foot, Reversible mounting stud | — | MP-364C monopod with wrist strap, accessories bag, black handbag, product instructions | Carrying bag, Arca-type QR plate, quick release plate, extra 1/4" screw holes, sandbag hook | Hand strap | Gitzo GM4562 carbon‑fiber monopod, Reversible 1/4"‑20 and 3/8"‑16 screw mount, 50 mm removable rubber foot with pivoting ball‑joint | Carabiner clip, mini compass, cold‑resistant foam grip, smartphone mount | Monopod, VH-10 fluid video head, carrying bag | Travel bag for storage and transport | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently praise the P-326 for its ultra-light carbon-fiber construction, quick twist-lock deployment, solid 10 kg load capacity and travel-friendly folded size, positioning it as a high-value option under $100. However, they caution that the unit may feel insufficiently robust for super-telephoto lenses and note the occasional discrepancy in advertised load limits.
Everyday users celebrate the monopod's packability, low weight and reliable stability, especially for hiking, street photography and video work. Common complaints revolve around load-capacity confusion, limited height for very tall users, and the desire for a built-in head or a cheaper aluminum alternative.
“"amazingly light"”
“"strong, sturdy, tiny 39.6 cm fold, and 0.9 lb weight"”
“The new monopod design is different-it's got three feet of its own... can stand on its own... very sturdy feet that lock in two positions... 36 degrees of tilting... capable of supporting 10 kilograms”
Choose SVM-165 when you need maximum height and load capacity; choose P-326 for ultra-compact, lightweight travel.
Pick SVM-165 for quick setup and modular base versatility; pick P-424 if you need extra height and a traditional multi-section design.
Professional product pages and retailer descriptions position the Benro SuperSlim MSSL09C as a travel‑focused monopod, emphasizing its lightweight carbon‑fiber build, 33 lb payload capacity, and compact folded size. While no explicit reviewer quotes are provided, the messaging highlights its suitability for photographers on the move and outdoor shoots, noting the quick twist‑lock system and reversible mounting as key benefits.
Professional reviewers highlight the P-325FL's innovative three-foot base with 36° tilt, quick flip-lock legs, and modular versatility as game-changing features for video and photography work. They commend its lightweight carbon fiber build and ergonomic controls, while noting the lack of an integrated fluid head and occasional inconsistencies in listed heights and load ratings for bundled kits.
Everyday users consistently praise the monopod's light weight, sturdy feet, and the ability to switch between configurations for travel, macro, and on-the-go video shooting. The main themes are appreciation for the foam grip in cold conditions and confidence in stability, with occasional concerns about height spec discrepancies and the absence of a built-in level.
Professional reviewers, such as B&H Photo, highlight the SupaDupa72 as a versatile and highly portable travel monopod. They praise its lightweight carbon-fiber legs, fast twist-lock with flip-top mechanism, and the ability to reach 72 in while folding to a backpack-friendly size.
Although specific consumer reviews are scarce, related Benro carbon monopods are consistently praised by everyday users for their feather-light weight and solid stability with telephoto lenses, with no major complaints surfacing in the available data.
No dedicated professional reviews or editor analyses were found for the MP-364C; manufacturer and retailer descriptions stress its lightweight carbon construction and unusually high 20 kg load capacity at a 0.58 kg weight, positioning it as a high-performance travel monopod.
Consumer sentiment cannot be assessed because no customer reviews or ratings are available in the source data; the product appears to have no recorded user feedback at this time.
Professional reviewers at B&H commend the N55CR for its innovative two-section removable center column, robust 28 mm carbon-fiber construction, and a well-equipped 360° ball head with bubble levels, emphasizing its suitability for travel and video work while noting its solid load capacity and portable weight.
Everyday users have not left reviews on major retail sites, resulting in a lack of direct consumer feedback; the product is presented primarily through manufacturer specifications and retailer listings.
Professional reviewers and editorial sites highlight the XPRO Carbon Fiber Monopod as a top-choice for demanding photographers, praising its ultra-light carbon-fiber construction, high 20 kg payload capacity, and rapid QPL lock system. They note its compliance with UNI/PdR 105:2021 safety standards and its seamless integration with Manfrotto's FluidTech base and compatible heads, positioning it as a premium, portable alternative to heavier tripods.
Professional photographers who need to support heavy telephoto lenses (up to 20 kg) while traveling or shooting in fast-paced environments, such as sports, wildlife, and event photography, where quick setup and compact carry are essential.
Professional reviewers praise the GM4562 for its unrivaled combination of light weight, compactness, and high load capacity, calling it ideal for sports, wildlife, and travel photography.
Everyday users appreciate the packability and ergonomic grip, though some note slower setup and occasional foot slip.
Professional reviewers commend the SVM-165 for its exceptional rigidity thanks to the 36 mm carbon-fiber tube, the rapid one-step twist-lock height adjustment, and the innovative folding base that doubles as a mini-tripod, noting its durability over long-term use.
Everyday users appreciate the monopod's ability to hold heavy camera setups, its quick deployment and the stability provided by rubber feet and a steel spike, while recurring concerns focus on its weight and the relatively long folded length compared with ultra-compact alternatives.
Professional reviewers commend the P-424FS for its taller reach, robust carbon-fiber build and the fluid VH-10 head's smooth motion, calling it an "exceptional" solution for sports, wildlife and wedding photography. They also note the modular base's versatility for tabletop work, while pointing out the limited 1 kg counterbalance and the slightly heavier overall package as trade-offs.
Everyday users repeatedly praise the easy flip-lock setup, stability for vlogging and macro, and the lightweight, portable nature of the system. Recurring complaints focus on minor wobble at maximum load without the base, insufficient head counterbalance for heavier camera setups, and confusion caused by inconsistent height specifications across listings.
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the SmallRig 5564's strong stability, high leg load capacity, and rapid one-touch height adjustment, positioning it as a travel-ready solution for serious photographers and videographers. They note the integrated ball head with bubble level as a useful feature, while cautioning that the product is not optimized for harsh, sandy environments and that load-capacity specifications are sometimes inconsistent across listings.
Everyday users generally appreciate the monopod's lightweight, compact design and the convenience of single-hand operation, especially for on-the-go shooting. The limited user feedback also points to concerns about stability on loose surfaces and the 5 kg head load limit for heavier rigs.
Professional reviewers commend the SVM-145 for its rapid one-step twist-lock, solid 10 kg payload, and innovative modular feet that turn it into a mini-tripod, while noting its relatively chunky 36 mm tube and weight comparable to travel tripods as trade-offs.
Everyday users echo the experts, praising the monopod's lightweight portability, fast adjustment mechanism, and versatile conversion to a mini-tripod for macro and vlogging. The main recurring themes of dissatisfaction revolve around its bulkier diameter and the extra weight added by the removable feet.
