Manfrotto Element MII MMELMIIA5BK
Score: 79/100
Ifootage Cobra 3 A180T
Score: 46/100Rankings
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 IFOOTAGE Cobra 3 A180T is a professional-grade aluminum monopod with a 3-in-1 modular system, extending to 180 cm and supporting up to 8 kg. It includes a fluid head, rotatable feet, and a bubble level, making it versatile for travel and video work, though the head's lower load limit can be a bottleneck.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
16 kgbest | 8 kg | |
159 cm | 180 cmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 42.9 cm | 39 cmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 0.499 kgbest | 1.243 kg |
4best | — | |
32.1best | 6.4 | |
24 monthsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | -30 °Cbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(4) | ||
Maximum Load Capacity (kg) | 16 kg | 8 kg |
Maximum Extended Height (cm) | 159 cm | 180 cm |
Minimum Collapsed Height (cm) | 42.9 cm | 39 cm |
Load‑to‑Weight Ratio | 32.06 | 6.44 |
Compatibility(1) | ||
Mounting Thread Size | 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 reversible | 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 (top), 3/8" (bottom) |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | Wrist strap | Quick release plate; Removable 360° rotatable feet; Cold‑weather foam grip; Safety wrist strap; Bubble spirit level; Detachable modular components; Komodo K5 fluid head |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.499 kg | 1.243 kg |
Primary Material | Aluminum | Aviation-grade aluminum alloy |
Leg Lock Type | Twist Locks | Twist locks |
Fluid Base | false | true |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“Lightweight and compact, perfect for travel.”
“Supports my heavy DSLR with ease.”
“Wobble at full extension can be annoying.”
Manfrotto offers higher load capacity but lacks the integrated fluid head and modular conversion.
Professional reviewers commend the premium all-metal build, versatile 3-in-1 design, and smooth performance of the Komodo K5 fluid head, while noting the head's lower load limit and missing phone adapters as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users rate it highly for travel friendliness, sturdy feel, and fluid head smoothness, but mention occasional lock looseness and the head's load mismatch as concerns.
