Manfrotto Element MII MMELMIIA5BK
Score: 79/100
Neewer N55CR 80.7-inch
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Neewer N55CR is a carbon-fiber travel tripod that converts to a monopod, offering a tall height range, high load capacity, and a robust 360° ball head while remaining lightweight for on-the-go shooting.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
16 kgbest | 12 kg | |
159 cm | 213 cmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 42.9 cmbest | 56.5 cm |
| ↓ lower better | 0.499 kgbest | 1.758 kg |
4best | 4best | |
32.1best | 6.8 | |
24 monthsbest | 12 months | |
| ↓ 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 | 12 kg |
Maximum Extended Height (cm) | 159 cm | 213 cm |
Minimum Collapsed Height (cm) | 42.9 cm | 56.5 cm |
Load‑to‑Weight Ratio | 32.06 | 6.828 |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 24 months | 12 months |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | Wrist strap | Carrying bag, quick‑release plate |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.499 kg | 1.758 kg |
Primary Material | Aluminum | Carbon fiber |
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.”
Professional reviewers praise the N55CR for delivering carbon-fiber performance and a versatile convertible design at a budget price, highlighting its tall height range, robust ball head, and travel-ready compactness, while noting it may not endure the same wear as premium models.
Everyday users love the lightweight feel, high load capacity, and smooth 360° ball head, often noting its usefulness as a walking stick; complaints focus on lack of spike feet, occasional QR-plate incompatibility, and leg-lock looseness.
