Technology Electronics

A Comparison of DSLR Monopods

By Technology Last updated Friday, June/14/2024

Monopods only have one leg, unlike tripods which have three.monopod image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

Monopods, also called "Unipods" are rod-like objects used to stabilize a camera to prevent blurry photos. Sports photographers often prefer monopods to tripods, due to their mobility. Many outdoor photographers use a monopod as a walking stick during the shoot. Compared to the tripod, a monopod is more lightweight and portable, and does not take up as much space. As most photographers use digital cameras lately, modern monopods all support digital single reflex (DSLR) cameras.

Benbo Trekker Monopod

The Benbo Trekker Monopod features a 180-degree tilting mount to attach to a DSLR camera. This enables you to take photos both horizontally and vertically. The monopod has a collapsed height of 35 inches, and extends to 63 inches. The Benbo Trekker weighs 21 ounces and can only support cameras of lesser or the same weight.

Giottos MML3290B Aluminum Monopod has a foam hand grip and rapid action extension locks. It features an anti-twist screw-design to prevent accidental loosening of heads, which could result in camera release. This monopod is 19 inches when collapsed and extends up to 71 inches. The Giottos MML3290B weighs 1.4 pounds, but can support any DSLR camera with a weight of up to 27 pounds.

The Manfrotto 526B Pro Fluid Monopod is a four-section monopod that incorporates a fluid cartridge to support smooth camera panning. This model also includes a sliding plate adapter to adjust the camera's center of balance, enabling it to support heavier cameras of up to 18 pounds. This monopod has a length of 27 inches and extends up to 75 inches high. It weighs a little over 3 pounds.

Sunpak released a series of tripods with a monopod feature, called "tri-monopods." You can now switch between the tripod and monopod setting at any time. The Sunpak 6601TM is developed specifically for the DSLR camera-models, and offers a three-way pan head, separate locks, a quick release mounting plate and a bubble level. When folded, the 6601 TM measures 16 inches, but it extends to a height of 61.4 inches. The 6601TM weighs 3 pounds, and can support cameras up to 4.4 pounds.