Gitzo GM4562
Score: 83/100
Smallrig Carbon Fiber Monopod
Score: 86/100Rankings
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 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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 0.67 kgbest | 1.725 kg |
154 cm | 166.5 cmbest | |
35 kgbest | 11 kg | |
6best | 4 | |
6.35 mmbest | 6.35 mmbest | |
44 cmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 44 cmbest | 68 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Load(1) | ||
Load Capacity (kg) | 35 kg | 11 kg |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.67 kg | 1.725 kg |
Material | Carbon Fiber | Carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, plastic |
Number of Leg Sections | 6 | 4 |
Dimensions(2) | ||
Maximum Height (cm) | 154 cm | 166.5 cm |
Folded Length (cm) | 44 cm | 68 cm |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | Gitzo GM4562 carbon‑fiber monopod, Reversible 1/4"‑20 and 3/8"‑16 screw mount, 50 mm removable rubber foot with pivoting ball‑joint | Travel bag for storage and transport |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“"Great concept, poorly..."”
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.
