The best monopods for photography - Android

Finding the best monopods for photography is no easy feat. These come in all sizes, weights, prices, and constructions. The idea is to get the best bang for your buck and figure out what is better within your budget. We are here to help and have compiled a list of our favorite monopods for photography.

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The best monopods for photography:

Editor’s note: This list of the best monopods for photography will be regularly updated as more products launch.

Why should I buy a monopod?

Monopods serve a similar purpose to tripods, but they do so in a smaller, lighter form factor that is much more portable and convenient.

Monopods have two main purposes. These tools provide stability for those times when hand-holding a camera just doesn’t cut it. This could be when using a slower shutter speed, for example. Using a monopod can provide enough stability to reduce motion blur. A monopod can also be used to help compose images from difficult angles, such as shooting from up high. Some people even use them to get down low by letting the camera hang upside down and simply fixing perspective during editing.

1. AmazonBasics 67-Inch Monopod

A monopod is ultimately just a stick that can extend and has a mounting screw in the other end. Certain products get fancier and those extra tools can make a difference, but some of us prefer sticking to the basics while saving some money.

The AmazonBasics 67-inch monopod will do just fine for those who don't need all the bells and whistles.

Edgar Cervantes

The AmazonBasics 67-inch monopod will do just fine for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles. It weighs under a pound, has a non-skid rubber base, and can carry up to 6.6 pounds of equipment. It even comes with a carrying bag!

2. Manfrotto Compact

You will see a lot of this brand in this post of the best monopods for photography. This is because Manfrotto is one of the industry leaders in tripods, monopods, and other photography accessories. And while Manfrotto is known for its high prices, this monopod is quite the steal.

The Manfrotto Compact Aluminum 5-Section Monopod is only a few bucks more than the AmazonBasics monopod, but it offers a sturdy and lightweight aluminum construction and an overall better-looking design. You can’t expect miracles from it, as it can only carry 3.3 pounds, but it carries the Manfrotto branding and prestige, which is substantial.

3. Manfrotto Element

The Manfrotto Element Aluminum 5-Section Monopod offers the best bang per buck for photographers on a budget.

Edgar Cervantes

The Manfrotto Element Aluminum 5-Section Monopod takes things up a notch with a twist-locking mechanism that makes extending and shortening the leg a breeze. It is compact and lightweight thanks to its aluminum construction. The included strap adds another layer of protection for your equipment too. This is overall a great monopod for both beginners and pros. I would say the Manfrotto Element Aluminum 5-Section Monopod offers the best bang per buck for photographers on a budget.

4. Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Monopod

Getting all the benefits of a good Manfrotto tripod without adding too much weight to your bag is possible. You just have to pay a bit more for a material like carbon fiber. While the Manfrotto 290 can still carry 11 pounds, it weighs only 1.1 pounds.

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