Sirui AM-404FL
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 SIRUI AM-404FL (carbon-fiber variant) is a versatile 3-in-1 monopod with a 180 cm maximum height, 12 kg load capacity, and fluid tilt/pan features, all in a lightweight 1.4 kg package. Its trade-off includes a longer folded length and some ambiguity around material variants. Best suited for professional videographers and photographers who need high load capacity and quick-release versatility without excessive weight.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1.4 kgbest | 1.725 kg |
180 cmbest | 166.5 cm | |
12 kgbest | 11 kg | |
4best | 4best | |
6.35 mmbest | 6.35 mmbest | |
68 cmbest | — | |
36 °best | — | |
360 °best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Load(1) | ||
Load Capacity (kg) | 12 kg | 11 kg |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.4 kg | 1.725 kg |
Material | Carbon fiber (primary) | Carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, plastic |
Dimensions(1) | ||
Maximum Height (cm) | 180 cm | 166.5 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the AM-404FL for its rapid deployment, exceptional stability from the fluid-tilt base and extended feet, and the strength-to-weight ratio of its carbon-fiber construction. They also appreciate the built-in 360° panning and the versatile 3-in-1 design, positioning it as an ideal tool for creators handling heavy gear on location.
Everyday users echo the professional view, emphasizing the monopod's light weight, compact collapsed size, and useful accessories like the carrying bag and wrist strap. The consensus is positive regarding portability and basic stability, with no major complaints recorded.
“"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.
