The 8 Best Monopods For photography (2023 reviews)

We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a monopod. The amazon basics monopod for photography is exactly that - it's a simple monopod that hits all the right notes. This pod is very light but durable and easy to carry/use. It does have its benefits besides just ease of carrying. If you combine it with a ball head (you have to buy that separately), this is fabulous. It is sturdy enough and light enough,and it won't break the bank either. It works great because it is very light. The rubber handle makes it convenient to carry the camera on top of the collapsed monopod. It is for steadying the camera so it doesn't move up and down.

Why We Like This:

Great monopod that also functions as a walking stick
Dual purpose for hiking and picture taking
Made of aluminum, very solid, but lightweight

Best With Tripod Base: Altura Photo Monopod For photography

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The altura photo monopod for photography is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily usage. The monopod fits cameras with a standard tripod receptacle. It fits neatly into a carry-on or a tote bag and is lightweight enough to stow away in a backpack on a hike with no regrets. The Stick is long and sturdy, thick but not heavy and the extension is perfect for arial shots/video. It's very lightweight, which also translates to fragile-feeling.

The best features are it's light weight and compact size. When fully collapsed, you can use the handle as a pistol grip, which is especially useful for compact cameras.

Why We Like This:

Extremely lightweight and versatile as a hiking pole and monopod
Very compact and comes with a bag for storage
Perfect for photographer on the go
Pivots faster than a tripod, great for action shots

Best For stabilizing A point: Opteka Monopod For photography

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate monopod. The opteka monopod for photography is exactly that - it's a simple monopod that hits all the right notes. This pod is most useful for cameras that do not have image stabilization. It features a quick release system which allows for quick removal on hectic or difficult shoots and has an ergonomic foam handle for comfort on long and arduous shooting days. It is great for churches and forma settings where tripods are not allowed. It is easy to carry while moving quickly downfield, and has a case with a sling that makes packing and carrying very easy.

It's small, light and easily adjustable. The legs work well, and the locks work in keeping the monopod tight and locked in without slipping. It is great for taking pictures and also a good backpack stick.

Why We Like This:

Can also be used as a perfect walking aid
Smooth extension and sturdy feel when fully extended
Good brand reputation

Best With Fluid Head: Manfrotto Monopod For photography

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Compared with other monopod in this category, the manfrotto monopod for photography has a convenient design. If you already have the monopod, then this is the best fluid head for it. The fluidtech video base enables the ultimate shooting smoothness on pan, tilt and swivel for an expanded range of perspectives. The three extractable feet make the monopod extremely portable when folded and allow you to carry it anywhere. It is superior to the kingjoy knockoff.

The feet are designed to stabilize it for smoother panning shots, not as a tripod replacement. The base can be removed and replaced with a rubber tip, essentially turning it into a photo tripod version that saves you 5 inches of closed length. It can fit in some camera bags depending on the bag dimensions. This is a HUGE upgrade from manfrotto, and the locking foot is a game changer.

Why We Like This:

Definitely a great stand and super compact
Lightweight and great for supporting heavier lenses/camera gear
Lightweight, fast, tall, and the fluid base is a must

Best For flash: Koolehaoda Monopod For photography

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Next on the list, we've got yet another monopod that manages to win our hearts. It's the koolehaoda monopod for photography and it's widely considered as one of the best convenient monopod you can buy. This is a light weight, very compact monopod. It is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, weight only. It can hold your camera or your flash without any problems. It comes with 3 different foot options and an adapter for using a phone instead of a camera. It's very sturdy and the additional foot options are a nice touch and are easy to install and uninstall.

It is suitable for shooting in various scenes and ground. It is well built and with the legs extended is very solid. The carrying case is nice and strong, but not easy to pack all the pieces back into, once it's unpacked and unpacked.

Why We Like This:

Good on sand, rocks, steep slopes, gravel, grass, concrete, indoors and out
Can be inverted to use with 360 camera
A small and lightweight package that is easy to toss in your bag

Best For hiking: Moman Monopod For photography

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The moman monopod for photography is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily usage. It is suitable for landscape, nature, portrait, travel and long exposure photography. It is a good device for hikers and photographers. The section integrated monopod can be adjusted from 18”-65”/45cm-165 cm height, catering for different shooting needs. It is removable, and when the aluminum alloy monopod and tripod stand are connected, its load capacity up to 22lbs/10kg. It is easy to grip and loosen.

The anti-slip & dustproof quick-locking system allows you to rotate 1/4 circle to tighten/loosen and increases working efficiency. The feet don’t require much PS retouching to remove. It is built with 3/8” screw and can be connected with monopod well or directly installed with a ballhead mount.

Why We Like This:

Large knobs at each section are easy to grip and loosen
Easy to do and works great
Well made and sturdy while lightweight

Best For ski: Benro Monopod For photography

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate monopod. The benro monopod for photography is exactly that - it's a simple monopod that hits all the right notes. This classic design monopod, the adventure mad49c, offers advanced features and controls for exploring every style of photography. The adventure series 4 aluminum monopod combines classic design with advanced materials and incorporates flip lever locks for easy opening and closing. It slows you down a bit but really helps get rid of camera shake with slow shutter speed. Once you mount it, it can be swiveled around so that you do not have to readjust it.

The monopod is very well built, with a wrist strap that is comfortable and similar to a ski pole. It does not allow you to point straight down like a microscope unless you reverse the adapter orientation. It is on the heavier side but is very durable & worth the money. It is ideal for location shooting or for studio use.

Why We Like This:

Holds a heavy camera with no problem
Very steady and easy to set up
Great when you need a sturdy, longer monopod

Best For Heavy Camera: Vielknov Monopod For photography

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The vielknov monopod for photography has killer features for the price point. This monopod is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, this monopod is both lightweight and durable, and the use of aluminum alloy makes it sturdy enough to support heavy camera equipment, while also ensuring that it's easy to carry around during extended photography sessions. It is made with cnc and anodic oxidation technology, 1.14in/29mm max tube diameter, 65in/165cm max height. All the sections lock tightly and comes with rubber pad or steel spike to anchor if needed. It allows great overhead shots, as well. It features a soft foam grip and safety wrist strap. It is ideal for outdoor shooting, hiking, traveling and air transport.

Why We Like This: