Best monopods for video 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]

Last Updated June 1, 2023

Best monopods for video of 2018

I make the search easier for you, by reviewing the best monopods for video on the market. If you’re reading this, it is very likely that you’re scouting for the best monopods for video.

You can make a choice based on the my list as you shop. I’ve based my selection methodology on customer feedback, the size, functionality, and budget to meet various demands.

Test Results and Ratings

Rank	№1	№2	№3
Product
Total	4.8	4.5	4.3
Style	5 points	4 points	4 points
Size	4 points	5 points	4 points
Construction	5 points	5 points	5 points
Price	5 points	4 points	4 points
Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

№1 – Video Monopod with Feet

Why did this monopods for video win the first place?

I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch! I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. The material is stylish, but it smells for the first couple of days.

Style 5

Size 4

Construction 5

Price 5

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№2 – miliboo MTT705B Carbon Fiber Portable Fluid Head Camera Monopod for Camcorder/DSLR Stand Professional Video Tripod 72″ Max Height with 10 Kilograms Max Load Capacity Compact with Manfrotto Monopod

Why did this monopods for video come in second place?

The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed. I really liked it. It is amazing in every aspect. It did even exceed my expectations for a bit, considering the affordable price. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. I recommend you to consider buying this model, it definitely worth its money.

Style 4

Size 5

Construction 5

Price 4

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№3 – Koolehaoda Professional Camera Aluminium Monopod Fluid Video Head with Folding Three Feet Support Stand

Why did this monopods for video take third place?

I hope that the good reputation of the manufacturer will guarantee a long-term work. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. This price is appropriate since the product is very well built.

Style 4

Size 4

Construction 5

Price 4

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monopods for video Buyer’s Guide

Spoiler alert

The Novo Explora MP20 is our top pick because it’s big, tough, rigid and great value for money. But the seven other contenders also deserve a look because they offer intriguing combinations of folded size, value and features that you might just want to know about.

On the heavy side

This is the heaviest leg here by over 200g, but it’s also the tallest. It manages not be especially long when packed, and the aluminium tubing is impressively rigid. Flip clamps make for speedy set-up; they’re a more streamlined shape than the Manfrotto’s clamp design, and they can be user-maintained should they ever work loose. Another nice touch is the oversized 50mm-diameter foot: it offers unrivalled grip on flat surfaces and links to the leg via a manoeuvrable ball joint. If weight is an issue, a 620g carbon version is also available, albeit for well over twice the price.

Slightly small fixed foot

The Stealth could well slip under your radar, with its average weight and size specs, and few frills. But there are hidden depths here. Induro’s nine-layer carbon tubing and generous 21mm minimum leg diameter help make this the stiffest support of the bunch. The tube sections are linked by extra-wide twist-lock clamps that are wonderfully easy to grip in all weathers; and they don’t slip, even when subjected to far more than the recommended 18kg payload capacity. The only minor issue is a fixed foot that’s considerably smaller than Benro’s design, and can’t be changed for a spike.

Not the most rigid

The standout feature of Manfrotto’s entry is its user-serviceable Quick Power Lock extension clamps. The levers extend on both sides of the hinge, creating a push/pull design that’s faster and more satisfying to use than conventional clamps, although they’re also less compact. Overall rigidity is good, if not quite up there with the Induro or Novo legs, partly due to Manfrotto’s slightly narrower 16mm leg diameter. The price is justified by a quality embossed rubber grip that’s a cut above foam alternatives, and a clever camera fixing screw which automatically switches between 1/and 1/inch.

Expensive

Here we have Gitzo’s lightest and most compact monopod, but it doesn’t compromise on quality despite those attributes. The Carbon eXact tubing is incredibly rigid, even down to the spindly 11.2mm-diameter bottom section. However, Gitzo’s Traveler G-lock twist-lock clamps, while ergonomic and precise, have more lateral play when they’re fully tightened than we found in rival designs, compromising overall rigidity. They hold fast under compression, though, and the Traveler is a joy to use on the go when you need to travel as light as possible. It’s pricey, yes, but a fine travel companion.

Five things to look for when choosing a monopod

Want support for your camera without lugging a tripod around? We put six sensibly priced monopods to the test to find out which is the best monopod for DSLR photography enthusiasts.

Any decent tripod will give a stable shooting platform, but tripods are heavy, bulky and time-consuming to set up. With only one leg, monopods are more manageable.

A greater number of leg sections enables a monopod to fold down smaller for carrying. The trade-off is that setup time is slightly longer if you need to extend all the sections, as there are more clamps to operate.

Each clamp is also a potential weak point that can introduce unwanted flexing. Another factor to bear in mind is that the more leg sections you have, the thinner and more spindly the bottom sections will be.

If your chosen monopod is lacking this tilt facility, you may need to factor in the expense of adding a tilt head or ball head separately – unless your lens has a rotating tripod collar.

The flip side is that it only extends to a relatively lowly 131cm, and its maximum load rating is just 1.5kg. Even so, it’s well able to support most SLRs with a standard zoom lens.

With a five-section leg, the bottom section is very thin – just 9mm in diameter – and the Velbon feels a lot flimsier than other monopods in the group we tested. It extends through progressive twisting of the foot, so there are no fiddly clamps to operate.

Tripod Basics

Tripods provide more stability than shooting by hand but they can also be unstable if you are not aware of the centre of the tripod’s gravity. By design the mounting plate for the camera and lens is right in the centre of the legs and therefore places the camera right at the centre of gravity.  The weight of the camera and lens is spread out equally through each of the legs and over the ground area between the legs. So having a wider spread of the legs will spread the weight over a greater area and thus increase the stability of the tripod. This is one reason why shooting lower to the ground is much more stable with a heavy camera and lens combination than shooting at maximum tripod height. I have worked with a few professional TV cameramen in my time, and it is interesting to see how they work when shooting. By choice they will always shoot the tripod at its default height; if they extend the legs to shoot higher then they generally place them at a wider angle to spread the weight more evenly.

This is one reason why manufacturers give a maximum support weight for their tripods; this is the maximum weight that they recommend having on the tripod to ensure decent stability at the default height. For most DSLR users with standard / zoom lens and camera combinations these support weights are pretty irrelevant as the maximum weight of your gear will be less than 2KG but for users of long telephoto lenses (i.e 200-400mm, 400mm f2.8, 500mm Fand above) or those with large format cameras, it is essential to choose a tripod that matches your kit.

Aluminium

A few years ago no one had heard of carbon fibre and metal tripods were the norm. The decent ones were made from aluminium, as it is lighter than steel. Then some bright spark invented carbon fibre tripods and their lighter weight (albeit at a higher price) meant that the sales of aluminium tripods crashed. Then, realising that there is a place in the market for decent aluminium tripods, manufacturers like Gitzo re-invented them with lighter and stronger aluminium composites. These days it can be hard decision whether to go for a decent aluminium tripod or shell out some extra cash and get a carbon fibre alternative. On the positive side aluminium tripods are generally cheaper than the competition as they are far less expensive to manufacture. Being slightly heavier, they are, on paper, more stable. On the negative side, as I have already said, they are heavier than the alternatives so you need to decide if you are happy to carry it around with you. Also, if you are going to use it in cold weather you will only make the mistake of holding you aluminium tripod without gloves once.

The Manfrotto 350MVB, with a maximum load capacity of 20kg is ideal for large video cameras, but would be over kill for most DSLRs.

Some people report that aluminium tripods do not dampen vibrations as well as carbon fibre tripods, but I have used a Gitzo Pro Studex aluminium tripod for a long time and I have never found much difference. Here it is a question of the quality of aluminium tripod that you go for. Most TV camera crews use aluminium tripods like the Manfrotto 350 MVB to support heavy TV cameras, as they are so stable. Admittedly for a small camera and digital SLR combo this would be complete overkill, but for a photographer with heavy kit, aluminium tripods are more than just a viable option.

Centre column

Another problem with centre columns is that they do not permit you to shoot low to the ground, again a limitation for all types of photographer. Of course a centre column can be a Godsend for certain areas of photography, such as macro photography where fine adjustment is necessary. These days there are some very clever centre columns for macro photographers that allow horizontal and vertical shooting. In this case a centre column will be invaluable and vibration will not be so much of an issue as you are generally working with light equipment. I tend to choose tripods without a centre column or one that has the capacity for the centre column to be removed to give me as much flexibility as possible. In my experience most tripods that come with centre columns have them fixed so be aware of this before you buy.

Independent legs

Most tripods have the ability to set the angles of the legs in two or three positions that for most of us works fine. Some areas of photography, macro for one, require a more flexible and creative approach. Uniloc and Benbo make tripods that allow each leg to move independently of the other, thus allowing the tripod to be set in some weird and wonderful positions. A single lever controls the movement of the legs; when you want to move the legs you undo it, set them and quickly tighten the lever again. Some photographers swear by them, I swear at them. The problem that I find with these is that if you are not careful the tripod can collapse when the legs are unlocked, which will send all your equipment crashing into the ground. I should know, it happened to my 500mm lens and after that I took the saw to the legs.

The Uniloc 1600 tripod is the lightest in the Uniloc range. Once you get the hang of the leg hinges, you can position the camera virtually anywhere.

Extras

If your tripod comes with a spirit level then this will be useful although be aware that they can smash quite easily, so it is often better to buy an external one. Some tripods come with a hook that you can use to support a bag of rocks underneath. This might sound ridiculous, but for those of us working in very windy conditions or in water, it is amazing how this technique can vastly increase the stability of the tripod.

Leg Construction

All tripods have three legs, but there the similarities end. Most tripods are made from aluminium, but the thickness and strength of the legs varies greatly. Very light aluminium tripods are likely to be flimsy and wobbly, and are best avoided. On the other hand the better quality ones can be quite heavy.

Leg Angle Adjustments

Most decent tripods enable the legs to be opened out at a range of angles right up to 90° to the centre column. This makes it easier to set the tripod up on uneven ground, or to splay the legs wide for low level shooting. With Benbo tripods all the legs can be simultaneously set to any angle via a single lock.

Most tripods come with rubber feet, but if you often shoot in muddy fields you may prefer spikes for a firmer grip. Some tripods offer both, with rubber feet that screw up to reveal spikes.

Centre Column

The centre column enables the camera to be raised a bit higher still, once the legs are fully extended, but its best to avoid using it if possible as it reduces the stability. They can be handy though for turning horizontally like a boom arm, making it easier to point the camera directly downwards towards the ground. Most columns have to be removed and re-inserted to achieve this, whlie most can also be inserted upside down for ground level photography.

Choosing The Right Head

Slik SH-736HD: This fluid-effect three-way pan head with quick release is all metal, and features pan-and-tilt drag controls separate from the pan/tilt handle locks. This allows the photographer to fine-tune the tightness of the movement based on the weight of the camera and lens. Weight: 1.lbs; load capacity: 1lbs.

Smith-Victor GH-100: This is a double-action pistol grip with full panning capability and tension control. It features a dual-locking quick release, as well as a bubble level. It is made from high-impact polycarbonate with aircraft aluminum ball head and platform assembly. Weight: 1.lbs; load capacity: lbs.

Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head: Made of lightweight aluminum and magnesium, with a rubber gripping surface, this pistol grip features a quick-release platform with double activated quick-release lock, and full 360˚ rotation. It also comes with three bubble levels and one bull’s-eye level. Weight: 0.7lbs; load capacity: 15.lbs.

Pistol grip head: Also known as a grip-handle head, this variation on the ball head greatly simplifies operation of the head by providing an oversized squeeze trigger that releases tension on the ball to allow movement in any direction, while letting go of the trigger locks the ball in place. The panning function, where provided, may be primarily intended as an aid to composing stitched panoramas. Even though the camera/lens appears balanced when the friction knob is loosened somewhat, it’s safest to set it to the maximum/locked position (unless there’s a separate locking function) to prevent creep or a drop. Some pistol grips require strong pressure to release the ball joint, which may not be suitable for arthritic hands or a weak grip. I would limit use to lenses no larger than 70-200mm f/with a tripod mount.

Gimbal head: This type of head, somewhat odd looking and usually costly, is relished by bird, wildlife, and action enthusiasts. In contrast to typical tripod usage, you never actually let go of the camera when shooting because the whole idea is to enable you to better and more smoothly track a flying bird or other fast-moving subject, owing to ultra-smooth panning movement in the head and the freely swinging camera seated or suspended in the mount. However, a gimbal head does require time to set up properly, as the camera/lens combo must be correctly balanced so that the head will remain stationary whether level or tilted. Head manufacturers may offer a gimbal conversion head that attaches to any top-quality ball head with an Arca-Swiss-type quick-release mount. work because the three-way geared movement is ultra-precise. What’s more, the head doesn’t need to be locked down, as the geared movement does that automatically.

Panoramic head/base: It could be as simple as a basic rotating platform for stitched panoramas. Etched markings indicate detent positions and may represent degrees or lens focal lengths, as applicable.

Leveling head and leveling ball/base: This device assists in leveling the camera, regardless of the terrain, thereby avoiding the need to splay the legs unevenly and possibly destabilize the tripod. It is especially handy for stitched panoramas.

Monopods give you much smoother video.

When I go backpacking, my monopod doubles as a lightweight walking stick. It has a nice soft cushion grip and has the option of using the rubber pad or the steal tip on the bottom. Wildlife and sports photographers find it much easier to pick up from one spot and move to another.

Any action photography like photographing birds in flight, race cars or quickly moving athletes is accomplished better by the ease of rotating your monopod instantly to follow the action.

When using a telephoto setting or a long lens, camera movement is magnified, so the use of a monopod may help you avoid the common photo mistake of a blurry image that you would otherwise get with a hand held photo.

Deep Depth of Field

Another advantage of using a monopod is when you are in a small area, such as in a crowd of people or a confined space. It may not be feasible to spread out the three legs of a tripod.

Before you know it, you may have people asking you for digital photography tips too.

With a monopod you cannot accomplish the same degree of stability as a tripod. One leg is not as good as three.

You are stuck with a horizontal photo composition unless you add a rotating head to turn your camera on its side.

I can avoid this problem when I am shooting portraits because my Canon 70-200 lens has a mount ring on the lens barrel that mounts to the monopod and permits me to rotate the camera to any exact angle I wish.

With a monopod you must look through your viewfinder or at your camera screen to maintain a good composition while holding your monopod and taking the photo.

The monopod models that only have one foot have very questionable value.

With higher priced models, the feet are heavier and definitely had some stability over a simple one-legged monopod. Essentially what you have is a scaled-down tripod with small legs and a large adjustable center leg.

Ball Head.

The Rocketfish ball-head pictured here is the one I use on my monopod as well as my Rocketfish lightweight carbon fiber tripod.

Opteka Monopod Reviews. Reviews of the features, pros and cons of Opteka Monopods.

Gitzo Monopods. Gitzo makes the best monopods on the planet in terms of the materials, precision workmanship and manufacturing.

Compact Tripods

While the Light model only extends to 131cm, the Advanced version takes your camera up to 167cm and offers an Advanced Ball Head, which is the perfect match for your DSLR camera with standard zoom lens and high-level CSCs. In between the two models is the Action, extending to 155cm, offering a special head that is good for both photography and video.

Manfrotto’s Compact series is a good starting point to discover tripods. Choosing which model to buy might not be easy, so let me give you a suggestion: if you’re starting with a compact camera but think you’ll move over to bigger cameras, buy the Action or Advanced mode, if you’re willing to carry the extra weight. If you know that a Smartphone or a compact will be your camera all the time, then the Compact Light is a good choice.

Travel Tripods

Travel photographers always have to think about carrying less, so it makes sense to look for the lightest, most stable tripod you can find. Manfrotto’s Befree series is a good option, even more so when it offers the choice between carbon fiber and aluminum. The carbon fiber version features 100 percent carbon fiber legs that ensure great lightness, transportability, and rigidity – all in one product. This is a good choice for landscape photography, because so many landscapes are associated with travel. This is also the reason why the Befree is considered both a travel tripod and one of the best tripods for a DSLR.

The Befree carbon weighs just 2.4lbs. (1.kg), extends to 55.9in (14cm) and when folded has 15.7in (40 cm). The aluminium version weighs only lbs. (1.kg), and it’s 15.in. (40 cm) when folded, extending to 56.7in (14cm). For extreme portability, choose the Befree One, which folds to 12.6in (3cm) weighs lbs. (1.kg) and extends to 51.18in 130 cm.

Professional Tripods

Many advanced and professional photographers choose a similar set up: the Manfrotto 05with a X-PRO 3-Way Head. The 05is available in carbon fiber versions providing extra camera stability and maximum transportability, thanks to increased rigidity and reduced weight, or in aluminium, which may be a more logical choice if you do not carry your tripod around many times. For reference, the carbon version of the section tripod weighs 70.5oz (2000 g) while the aluminium version goes up to 88.1oz (2500 g). This is for the tripod alone, without the head.

The 05series has some features that make it a versatile companion for your adventures, either in the studio or on location. The center column extends vertically but can also be used horizontally, opening a wide range of framing and shooting possibilities, and of which can be done with the camera attached. The Quick Power Lock levers responsible for blocking and unblocking each leg section are easy to open and close, even with gloves on. With just one hand, they allow for the fast and precise setting of the individual height of each leg.

Furthermore, the 05allows each leg to be independently and solidly set to any of the preset angles, again allowing considerable positioning freedom. From close to the ground, all the way up to its full extension, this is a working tool that will never let you down.

A rotating bubble level on top and an Easy Link connector, which allows using photo or video accessories on an extending arm or bracket, make this tripod a must have accessory if you are after a versatile support for your gear. To better support your camera, nothing beats the 3-Way Head added to the 05The X-PRO 3-Way Head is a unique head with retractable levers, which make it ultra-compact. The levers, when extended, allow for fine control of the head’s position, and the tripod also features new friction controls on the portrait and tilt axes, to help balance the weight of camera equipment. This ensures fine framing adjustments can be made with the locking knobs open, only locking everything down once the shot is ready.

It does not matter how many tripods you have, there will always be a time when a single leg will be all you need. A monopod is a great solution and the XPRO Monopod+, in aluminium and with section legs, is your best choice. A professional monopod, designed so it supports long lenses, this product is ideal for sports and nature photographers. The XPRO Monopod inherited features of the 190 and 05collections of tripods and offers the same Quick Power Lock (QPL) system that strongly locks the lever on the flat face of the tube, reducing unwanted jerky movements. Paired with a photo monopod head 234RC on top, it reaches a maximum height of 180cm, making it one of the best platforms for when you need a fast and versatile support to carry along.

Studio Tripods

Contributing to the 475B’s stability is the center brace system, which can be operated in a symmetric or asymmetric way. This allows for a fast positioning of all the legs with the same spread or, if needed, individual setting of the angle for each leg, something that may be desirable when you need to reduce the tripod’s footprint. The telescopic center braces offer two “click stop” positions that allow you to find the position for the legs.

Video Tripods

Although you can use different tripods for video, sometimes even going for a compromise, if you’re both a photographer and videographer, or if you’re into professional video, you may need a different kind of tripod. It is time, then, to look at the Manfrotto MVK502AM-1, a traditional 2-stage, aluminium twin-tube video tripod that has professional features, yet is designed to be intuitive, user-friendly option that is suited to lightweight applications.

The Professional Fluid Video System/Aluminium/Telescopic Twin Leg, as it is referenced in Manfrotto’s catalog, is a professional fluid video system named MVK502AM-and comprised of the fluid video head (75mm half ball) MVH502A and the telescopic twin leg tripod MVT502AM.

The MVH502A is designed for use with HDSLR cameras and latest interchangeable lens cameras. It offers professional features, such as high-performance variable fluidity and a counterbalance setting, designed to match the weight of the most popular cameras and their accessories, such as external monitors, lights or microphones. Featuring two Easy Link connectors for placement of an external monitor, alongside other equipment, the head has a pre-set counterbalance of 4kg (8.lbs), but is able to support equipment of up to 7kg (15.lbs).

The tripod supporting the head, with the reference of Manfrotto MVT502AM, has telescopic aluminium legs for improved compactness and reduced weight; its innovative ellipse-profile tubing with redesigned leg locking collars gives it excellent levels of rigidity and stability. Featuring a Variable Fluid Drag System on PAN and TILT movements, counterbalance system on TILT movement, a sliding plate for the fastest camera connection and set up and leveling bubble for easy setup, the tripod comes with a rubber strap to ensure easier, safer transport, as well as coming supplied with a padded carrying bag.

Bags and Straps

Your DSLR will have come with a basic functional strap, and at a simple level that should be enough to carry it around with, but standard camera straps can be quite fiddly to shift off your shoulder or neck when the perfect camera moment arrives. A more robust camera strap can make carrying a DSLR around for a long time while travelling considerably more comfortable, as well as offering additional features such as inbuilt tripod mount attachments to ensure a strong hold on your camera equipment.

Aluminium

A few years ago no one had heard of carbon fibre and metal tripods were the norm. The decent ones were made from aluminium, as it is lighter than steel. Then some bright spark invented carbon fibre tripods and their lighter weight (albeit at a higher price) meant that the sales of aluminium tripods crashed. Then, realising that there is a place in the market for decent aluminium tripods, manufacturers like Gitzo re-invented them with lighter and stronger aluminium composites. These days it can be hard decision whether to go for a decent aluminium tripod or shell out some extra cash and get a carbon fibre alternative. On the positive side aluminium tripods are generally cheaper than the competition as they are far less expensive to manufacture. Being slightly heavier, they are, on paper, more stable. On the negative side, as I have already said, they are heavier than the alternatives so you need to decide if you are happy to carry it around with you. Also, if you are going to use it in cold weather you will only make the mistake of holding you aluminium tripod without gloves once.

The Manfrotto 350MVB, with a maximum load capacity of 20kg is ideal for large video cameras, but would be over kill for most DSLRs.

Some people report that aluminium tripods do not dampen vibrations as well as carbon fibre tripods, but I have used a Gitzo Pro Studex aluminium tripod for a long time and I have never found much difference. Here it is a question of the quality of aluminium tripod that you go for. Most TV camera crews use aluminium tripods like the Manfrotto 350 MVB to support heavy TV cameras, as they are so stable. Admittedly for a small camera and digital SLR combo this would be complete overkill, but for a photographer with heavy kit, aluminium tripods are more than just a viable option.

Independent legs

Most tripods have the ability to set the angles of the legs in two or three positions that for most of us works fine. Some areas of photography, macro for one, require a more flexible and creative approach. Uniloc and Benbo make tripods that allow each leg to move independently of the other, thus allowing the tripod to be set in some weird and wonderful positions. A single lever controls the movement of the legs; when you want to move the legs you undo it, set them and quickly tighten the lever again. Some photographers swear by them, I swear at them. The problem that I find with these is that if you are not careful the tripod can collapse when the legs are unlocked, which will send all your equipment crashing into the ground. I should know, it happened to my 500mm lens and after that I took the saw to the legs.

The Uniloc 1600 tripod is the lightest in the Uniloc range. Once you get the hang of the leg hinges, you can position the camera virtually anywhere.

If your tripod comes with a spirit level then this will be useful although be aware that they can smash quite easily, so it is often better to buy an external one. Some tripods come with a hook that you can use to support a bag of rocks underneath. This might sound ridiculous, but for those of us working in very windy conditions or in water, it is amazing how this technique can vastly increase the stability of the tripod.

How to spot a good tripod

The first step is to throw out that horrible plastic thing you got for free with your camera—it’s more frustrating than it is useful. What you should look for is a tripod from a well-known brand with excellent stability and good extras that hits the right price. The Vanguard Alta Pro meets all those criteria.

Let me take a moment to talk about what your tripod should be made out of, which is a tricky thing. Plastic probably won’t serve you well in a traditional tripod. Right now, the most popular materials are aluminum, carbon fiber, and, somewhat surprisingly, wood. Choosing the right kind for you is one of those common compromises. Pick two of the following three: weight, price, or vibration dampening.

Wood is pretty affordable and extremely good at absorbing vibrations, but it weighs a ton. Carbon fiber is light and stable, but you’ll certainly pay for it. Aluminum is affordable and fairly light but prone to channeling vibrations.

The other problem with carbon fiber is its fragility. It’s especially light, which makes it excellent for traveling, and it absorbs vibrations quite well. However, compared with many other materials, it lacks in sturdiness: Whereas aluminum might dent and bend from a sudden shock, carbon fiber can snap dramatically. In addition, its lightness isn’t always an advantage, as that makes for a generally less-stable platform to work with.

We also ignored wooden tripods because they’re too heavy to be practical in most applications.

Pull Quote

Its reception was good enough for it to win the TIPA award for Best Accessory in 2009.

We found a shortage of reviews from larger publications but encountered a handful of decent reviews from photographers. The people at Camera Dojo praise how easily the user can adjust the center column to different angles, writing, “With one simple movement, you can easily and securely reposition the center column while maintaining it’s stability.” For an idea of how the column adjustment works, check out this photo review at Photography-on-the.net, which shows it off pretty well. In an older review, Kirk Norbury approved of its light weight and the flexibility of the center column, but he dinged it for being a little too long.

Long-term test notes

If you shoot with a small camera and don’t need anything big, I don’t think I can recommend the Joby GorillaPod strongly enough. There’s a reason GorillaPod designs have been so widely and repeatedly imitated—for cameras that aren’t too heavy, they’re fantastic. You can twist their legs to cling to just about anything, they’re small and light enough to carry around easily, and they’re perfect for use in bizarre situations.

Higher-end options

The carbon-fiber legs will provide better vibration dampening than aluminum ones at a fraction of the weight—but at a higher cost, and with arguably worse toughness. But people who spend a lot of time lugging camera gear will appreciate the substantial weight savings.

A high-end ball head will offer significant, tangible benefits, too. It will offer better construction, last longer, allow smoother repositioning, lock tighter, and disturb your composition less when you adjust it.

For a slightly more pricey take, your other option is to look at variants of any of the aluminum tripods we’ve discussed here. Most of the manufacturers sell a carbon-fiber version of all of their legs, so if you run across a specific model that sounds really good, chances are pretty high that you can find both carbon-fiber and aluminum versions.

The lesser competition

It’s surprisingly hard to choose from the lineup of good midrange tripod legs. Frankly, any of a dozen very similar, excellent tripods would do the job well. In the end, the decision comes down to which models are missing certain features that our pick, the Vanguard Alta Pro, has. Sometimes it’s just a matter of one or two pieces of plastic.

The Manfrotto 055XPROB is extremely popular, but it lacks some of the features of the Vanguard. Its center column doesn’t lock to as many angles, and it omits a gear hook. The 055XPROB comes from the most popular tripod brand around, but it simply doesn’t offer the benefits that it should at its price. In its favor is a maximum height of 70.inches, but it’s also a bit heavy at 5.pounds.

Another strong competitor is the Benro A2970F. It supports an impressive maximum gear weight of 2pounds, though the hook on the center column doesn’t retract. It also has everything else you might like, including a carrying case, spiky bits to screw into the feet, and an adjustable center column that goes to just about any angle.

Legged Thing is a relatively young British company worth keeping an eye on. It primarily focuses on making carbon-fiber bodies, but it has also produced a range of magnesium-alloy options such as the X1.Adrian. The Adrian’s legs are a curious set, considering that the company is trying some interesting things with style and color, but it has too many leg segments, and reviews of Legged Thing products are mixed.

Lacking features but coming in at a lower price is the Slik 700DX. It won’t do anything fancy: The column doesn’t swivel or tilt, you get no fancy extras, and it’s a bit heavy at almost pounds. However, for the price you get an incredibly good, simple, stable tripod. Slik has a reputation as being the way to go if you’re seriously on a budget but in need of something that will serve you well through thick and thin. The 700DX has a great maximum height of 70 inches, and it will probably survive the apocalypse.

Another option seriously worth considering is the Oben AC-2320LA. However, despite sending multiple requests for a review unit, we weren’t able to get our hands on one during our previous round of tests. We’ll look into Oben’s offerings again when we next update this guide, but for now it isn’t a pick.

The Giottos YTL line is neat because it offers a redesigned central column that allows the legs to bind in closer. It’s a bit more expensive than our pick, though, and we’ve seen some complaints about quality. While it’s a bit bigger and heavier than our current pick, it’s also capable of growing a fair amount taller and holding heavier gear. However, if you want to use spiked legs for uneven terrain, you have to pay extra for pieces to swap them out, which tacks a substantial amount onto the price.

On a feature-to-feature basis, the tripods are nearly identical. Both have the all-important spring-loaded hook and adjustable center column. The Giottos model has a better carrying case, but it also has twist locks on the legs, which I don’t like as much since they’re slower to deploy than flips. If you want flip-lock legs on a Giottos tripod, you have to get the MTL version, which doesn’t come with a carrying bag—a bizarre exclusion. Both brands’ products come with tools for making adjustments to your tripod. The Giottos model features spiked feet, but to get at them you have to remove the rubber tips using a special tool. However, it also comes with a specially designed miniature alternate central column, which you can swap out with the main one to lower the whole rig closer to the ground.

In my mind, the major differences between our pick and the Giottos are twofold: The Vanguard Alta Pro has fewer leg sections, which means it’s sturdier and faster to set up—and it’s only inches longer when collapsed. All in all, I found the Vanguard easier to handle, the legs simpler to adjust, and the configuration of the tripod generally more straightforward. I liked having separate controls for extending and panning the center column, as well as seeing the way they handle adjustments of the central column’s angle. To me, anyway, the Vanguard is easier and more comfortable to use all around.

Vanguard announced Alta CA tripods in 201Although they are similar in name to the Alta Pro, they are markedly inferior. They lack the retractable gear hook and the tilting central column that we like so much about the Alta Pro, so we don’t see these models as being real competition to the version we prefer.

Both the Manfrotto 190 series and 05series lack gear hooks and convertible feet, so they don’t bring quite as much to the table as our main pick.

In March 2014, Giottos announced a productwide renaming scheme, as well as a new line of tripods called Air. But as of April 2016, neither the new names nor the new models seem to have surfaced.

The models in the Gitzo Mountaineer line and the Benro Combination Series are all carbon fiber, so we skipped them for the reasons I discussed earlier. They also lack a swiveling center column.

The 3Pod Orbit Section Aluminum Tripod (sold exclusively through Adorama) offers an almost identical feature set to that of the Vanguard Alta Pro, for a very similar price. But it lacks the Vanguard’s retractable gear hook, an incredibly useful tool for stabilizing your tripod further.

The head

The SBH-100 is a well-regarded ball head and one of the more affordable models to feature a pan lock, which allows you to rotate the camera horizontally while it’s otherwise fixed. It can also handle 2pounds of gear, which is a lot. This way you’re limited only by what the tripod can hold, not the head. It also includes two spirit levels for easy alignment with the horizon in each direction.

Great Support On the Go

The fundamental functionality of a monopod is its ability to create camera stability. It helps to reduce camera shake and ultimately lets you take a sharper shot. It is literally impossible to use slow shutter speed and take steady images without the use of a monopod.

While traveling, you usually have a limit on the amount of gear that you can bring. You can only choose the most necessary equipment to bring along. Traveling photographers often like to shoot moment-of-truth photos. As a result, a monopod is a must-have for any traveling photographer’s basic equipment kit.

Quick and Easy Setup

All you have to do to set up a monopod is to adjust the height and connect the camera to the connection plate. There is no fussing needed with the adjustment of the legs as you would have to do with a tripod. Pretty easy, right? Also, the quick release connection plate makes the connection or disconnection of the monopod from the camera quite effortless.

Travel Monopod Vs Regular Monopod

Even though some travel photographers prefer metallic monopods due to their stability, lighter carbon fiber monopods can be better options compare to those heavy metallic monopods while traveling. However, it always come down to personal preferences and convenience. Try to stick with the attachments that you find functional in reference to your photography needs.

Come, all hail the king of the monopods! Not kidding! This next monopod is the most premium and  feature-enabled monopod on my list today. According to Gitzo, no one understands the need of outdoor photographers better than they do. Regarding the construction and aesthetic values, Gitzo used the most conventional and practical design for this particular monopod targeted for traveling photographers. It is formulated with 6X Carbon Fiber design for an extremely light and stable monopod.

You have to twist left to loosen them up twist right to make them tight. With a dimension of 20 x 2.x 2.inches, it can reach a height of up to 6inches. This monopod can also be used as a video boom or sound boom. With its lightweight aluminum construction and 5-section extending separator with easy twist tightening, it’s an ideal monopod for outdoor, travel and timed shoots.

A ¼ inch universal thread mount is attached to this monopod, in addition to a built-in cushion grip and adjustable wrist strap. The cushion handle and sturdy design can keep the camera super stable. Thanks to the non-skid rubber feet and retractable spikes, you can place this monopod anywhere and everywhere while traveling and leave with crisp, sharp images.

Opteka used their legendary artisanship and technological advances to create this professional monopod for the modern photographer. Whether shooting digital, film or compact video, you can follow the action with this monopod. Also, when you move your camera for a different view, you can reset its level in seconds. With 4-section all-black anodized aluminum alloy construction and 2inches minimum and 6inches maximum length in  it is the best travel monopod in this price range.

Mystery Monopod Professional Tripod Selfie Stick 

The stylish design of this professional selfie stick makes it attractive to users. It is lightweight and will not cause any kind of inconvenience to users. The sturdy design and material used in the fabrication of the product make it highly durable and portable.

ADIKA Extendable Professional Selfie Self Stick

With the ADIKA Extendable selfie stick, you will get a complete range of action camera shooting benefits. The product is designed with high-end material to help maintain the durability of the ADIKA Extendable selfie stick. It comes with a top-notch soft thick rubber that helps for a controlled and firm grip. For maximum stability and durability sake, the product is made from aluminum alloy.

Extend to a reasonable height

When stretched out, it should extend to atleast 50 inches before the center column is stretched out (preferably 60 inches when the head is mounted). This will let you extend the tripod to an average eye level height of around 60 inches without necessarily needing to extend center column.

The importance of not needing to extend the centre column comes down to stability in windy conditions. It’s worth noting that the tripod will be least stable when the center column is fully extended and more stable when all the components have not been stretched out.

Mounting head that you can trust

For most people photographing with a micro 4/3, mirorless or light DSLR setup, the head which comes with a travel tripod will be more than sufficient. For those looking to shoot with a DSLR and telephoto or other heavier setups, you may want to consider a different head which is more sturdier and able to confidently hold the extra weight. With that said, if you’re looking at photographing with a heavy setup then maybe a travel tripod isn’t for you.

The History of Selfie Stick

Once upon a time, an insecure man and his wife tried to take a photo of themselves but had some trouble with the timing of it all. They were too close to the lens in order to press the button and eventually came up with a remote shutter such as sticks and cables. The year was 192Even back then, the selfie stick was in use. Today we readjusted, tried different heights and angles, but the awkward stretched out look of the arm was unavoidable. The selfie stick has been around longer than you might have expected.

In the 80’s a “telescopic extender” was created and patented in the United states. And a book came out called “10Un-Useless Japanese Inventions” which featured the selfie stick. In 201Time Magazine released an issue with “The 2best inventions of 2014” and guess what made the cut? That’s right… the good ole selfie stick.

Why is there a selfie stick? When we take our own photo we can sometimes be too close to the lens making it a very unflattering photo. Quite often there are things in the background we’d like seen as well as our face. And we all know how important the angle of a camera is. The most flattering self photography is taken from above. These are all the reasons why the Selfie stick was invented.

How to Use the Selfie Stick

Who to Get a Selfie Stick For

And to those of you who receive this stick as a gift, use it with caution. People are getting smacked in the face by these things all over the place. Everyone’s first priority should NOT be to take the “ultimate selfie”, but if you’re going to use the stick, at least use it wisely.

What to Look for in a Selfie Stick

Different materials are used for different sticks which changes the strength ability. Some coil cables can support up to 3.3lbs of weight. Most of the monopods are made with stainless steel and rubber grips. Metal and silicone. What type of Mount do you need? One that will adjust to fit a smartphone or a GoPro? Or even a digital camera.

A lot of the stick mounts can adjust to fit all kinds of sizes for all kids of devices. When you know what device(s) you need your selfie stick for, then you can purchase based on their adjustment capabilities. The last thing you want is to buy a selfie stick that won’t fit your camera! The standard is a ¼” screw camera mount.

There are some great apps out there for Android and Apple that help you get the best out of your selfie stick photo session.

FOR APPLE

Shake! Selfie Stick – As if getting a selfie stick in the first place wasn’t enough of a lazy way to take a selfie, now you don’t even have to stretch your arm! With this app, you merely shake the stick and the picture is taken.

The GoPro Stick

This mount includes an additional mount for point-and-shoot cameras. Can support about 2lbs of weight. The pole can extend about 37” in several sections. The sections can twist loose and lock in place with ease. It is meant for carrying Go-Pro cameras but has compatibility with other devices.

The Most Unique Selfie Sticks

If you’re gonna use a selfie stick, there are some very different, creative looking types that will really show you to be the expert self photographer! Accmor Rhythm Pro Bluetooth Selfie Stick GoPro Monopod with Tripod Stand is a favorite. Can get as small as 12”. It has a handy mid pole grip which allows you to have closer access to the actual lens. Not only can it be used as a selfie stick, but it has tripod legs which can set up a nice, tall, stable shot for you.

Remotes

The length of your selfie stick pole can make or break the purpose of even having a selfie stick to begin with. But sometimes a shorter stretch is just what you need for certain types of photos. The perfect angle begins with the stretch size.

Underwater

The underwater selfie sticks and poles normally do not have Bluetooth or wifi. The best underwater product, as we mentioned above, is the GoPro pole. Extends to 30” and has a sturdy silicone grip so it won’t slip out of your hands under the sea. Has a strong mount to hold lighter cameras and is andodized-aluminum built.

The SeaLife Aquapod mini is a great stick to have underwater because it doesn’t have the length of most and is easier to access and handle under diving circumstances. It can stretch up to 38” in length.

Lightweight and Compact

The K and F performs exemplary not only in terms of weight capacity but also on the portability front. This tripod has a folded size of 19.2inches and weighs 4.3lbs only with the head. These measurements mean that you can slide the tripod into your camera bag and carry everything easily.

Comes with a ball head

The best part with the TM2534T camera tripod is that it ships with a ball head in place. However simple this may sound, it eliminates the inconvenience of having to wait a few days longer for a head to be shipped separately.

Another thing that I like about this model is that unlike most low-end units, it does not cap your creativity. The metallic ball head, for instance, rotates 360 degrees allowing you to capture stunning panoramic shots.

The center column that supports the head can also be used either horizontally or vertically. In its vertical position, this column allows low shooting angles thereby bringing additional shooting options.

High loading performance

With the ability to support up to 17.pounds of camera weight, the VEO 265AB might be an ideal option if you are looking for the best travel tripod for DSLRs. This loading capacity also means that your telephoto lenses are safe on it.

Macro-photography made possible

This tripod comes with a fluid-like camera head with a quick-release plate that accommodates different types of cameras from various brands. This head’s ability to rotate 360 degrees plus the hexagon-shaped column that makes 0-180 degrees allow you to make special wide-angle shots with relative ease.

Universal ball head design

Despite its low price, this tripod comes ready to use with a universal head that will take about any of your cameras. This universal head coupled with the high weight capacity means that even your future cameras might be supported by this tripod with good care.

Material that is common

Collapsed Size is the way long the tripod measures with everything folded up. That is essential especially if you traveling long and should package the pod that is ‘ in a bag. This amount will inform you if it’ll fit.

Size – Maximum Height Expansion is the way tall the tripod will stand when every leg is and the center post (a tube the camera sits on, generally flexible) is lifted as far as it is going to go.

Load Capacity – Don’t obnubilate weight with Maximum Load Capacity. The weight is how much the tripod weighs. The Utmost Load Capacity is the heftiest camera and lens combination the tripod (or tripod head) can handle. In case you place a camera that’s heavier compared to Maximum Load Capacity on a tripod, you run the possibility of a piece breaking or collapsing, causing damage to both the tripod and the camera. It ’s significant to know your camera weighs with its most heavy lens and flash attached, and buy a tripod that can manage it.

Head Sort – Most tripods include a head, but nevertheless, it may not function as the ideal one for your own intentions.

Feet – Leg locks are available in Twist (twist the leg to pull it out, twist it in reverse to lock it in location), Lever (open a lever to pull a leg out, shut it to lock it) and custom alternatives.

Common Material – (Which is what most of the tripod is created of) is either plastic (the least inexpensive, it’s not quite long-lasting), aluminum (economical and most generally employed, but in heavy duty tripods can add a great deal of weight), carbon fiber (a comparatively new stuff for tripods, it’s durable, lightweight, and flexible–ideal for the majority of uses–but it’ll cost ya), and wood (normally used by nature photographers who don’t mind toting large-format cameras).

We can divide them into five basic groups: Pocket, Tabletop, Mobile, Medium Duty, and Hardy Obligation/Studio while you will find many different kinds of tripods. Their primary applications are suggested by the category names. Follow the blue links to browse each category to find the best Tripod prices at TransFilm.

Small cameras

Journey Tripods will bring your camera well off the bottom, but fail to an easy-to-carry size. Compact video cameras could also be properly used on these tripods. But be cautious should you make use of a very long zoom or telelens that is substantial, particularly if it’s front heavy– the camera could be caused by it to tip over! Most to just shy of eye-level, but the trade-off is incredible portability.

Compact cameras

Hint: Should you prize lightweight yet desire a sturdy stage, check into the models which have carbon fiber legs. They join the very best of both worlds, and they have a tendency to be a little more pricey although they’re worth it.

The basics

Tripods come in two parts: the body and the head. The body is the legs and central column. The head is the section on top of the central column your camera mounts to. Now, on more expensive tripods, the head is interchangeable, which is something we’ll discuss below. However, in entry level tripods, the head is often fixed, so you need to buy a tripod that not only suits your needs, but includes the best head possible.

As for the body, you need to consider your own needs here. Is your camera a compact or a hybrid? Is it an entry- to mid-range SLR? Is it a semi-pro or pro model? The weight of each type will influence your choice.

The type of photography will also influence it. Do you shoot landscapes? Do you shoot macro? Do you shoot nature? Special features are available for each type, so choose wisely.

Primos TriPod Trigger Stick 24-62-Inch

If you’re overly serious about securing a shooting stick for you firearm, this is the best choice for you. The stick is a high quality product from Primos.

If you have used any other Primos product, you must have an idea of the high quality level associated with their products. They’re even tested for the roughest situation and environments before being introduced to the market.

The shooting stick can be a used with wide range of firearms. Mounting your firearm on the stick is the best part. It’s a completely easy process and you’ll enjoy the swift process.

You’ll also enjoy adjusting your gun to achieve a perfect shooting position. This is due to the adjustable leg lengths and rotating v-yoke that improve the flexibility of the shooting stick.

Whether you prefer to take an off the bench shot, or shoot when kneeling or sitting, this stick offers you the best platform to do so.

Universal Shooting Stick

Apart from mounting your gun on this stick, you can also mount other tools on it. How? You simply remove the mounting platform (or the V-yoke) and use the stick with cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, laser range finders and other monopod mountable devices.

Primos GenBipod Trigger Stick 24-61-Inch

The second best shooting stick in our list is also from Primos. It is also a high quality accessory that you can use with any gun. Though it does not support picatinny rail fastening, you can easily rest the rail in the V mounting platform and still enjoy your gun stability anywhere.

This bipod has fully adjustable legs that allow you to shoot while sitting or standing. It has undergone tests in the toughest environments. Amazingly, it has proved to be a great deal for every shooter.

Stalker would find it a great deal as well. Many hunters have come out to give testimonials on how they have bagged numerous coyotes and dears with consistent precise shots by using this stick.

Are you ready to join this course and enjoy making precise shots as well? All you have to do is invest in this affordable shooting stick. We are highly optimistic that it will meet all your needs.

Easy to Carry

For long distance shooting, this stick is your best choice. It is made of lightweight materials and weighs a mere 2.5lbs. The legs have been design in such a way that they can be collapsed to as low as 1/feet. This makes them to fit well in your bag for easy carrying.

The wrist strap that comes with accessory also allows you to carry it conveniently by hanging on your wrist.

Strong and Lightweight

The Primos shooting stick is designed from heavy duty material- the 707aluminum metal. This is the aluminum grade used in the manufacture aircraft parts due to its durability and lightweight properties. It carries these two features to your bipod too.

You’ll be able to enjoy a very strong support for you firearm. At the same time, you won’t feel the gun too heavy for the shooting task.

Rotating Mounting Base Makes the Stick Versatile

The V-shaped mounting platform of the stick rotates via a 90 degrees path. This enables you to make minor among adjustments on your rifle. And the ultimate result is very fine shots.

Collapsible Legs for Easy Carrying

If you’re planning for a shooting activity that requires you travel a long distance, you won’t spend time figuring out how to carry the stick with you.

This is based on the simple fact that the legs can be folded to less than 2.feet. It will therefore slip into your bag without any issues. That the tool is lightweight is an added advantage to your trip.

Made from Strong Aluminum Alloy

The Hammer’s shooting stick is constructed using a heavy gauge alloy of aluminum metal.

Therefore, the tool’s performance is above average in terms of supporting and stabilizing your gun and managing the recoil of your gun.

This stick is made to last for many years under regular heavy use.

Lightweight

The legs of the bipod are in form of tubing made from the above durable aluminum alloy. Since this alloy is a lightweight material, it makes the shooting stick very light.

The total, weight of the stick is 1/ounces. You won’t even notice a change in the weight of your bag when carrying it.

Good deal for Travelers

When not in use, you can fold the corded sections of the stick to as low as 1inches. After folding, you can then tie them up with the help of an elastic Velcro band.

The belt pouch that comes with the package makes carrying the stick very easy.

The 39-inch bungee corded, collapsible shooting stick from Hammers makes up our fourth best shooting stick in the market.This is a superlight shooting stick made from heavy gauge, anodized aluminum tubings of 3/inch diameter.

When fully collapsed, the stick has a small height of 1inches only.

Its adjustable leg design is just wow! The legs length can be increased from 1to 3inches to give you improved accuracy shooting positions. If you’re a long range shooter, this stick will go a long way in helping you fire more accurately.

Above all, the stick comes with a carrying belt pouch, making it the most preferred choice for all the traveler shooters.

Rustproof

An anodized finish that covers the whole surface of the stick is immune to rust. This prevents the rust monster from finding its way into the tool and destroying the aluminum metal.

For this reason, the stick will remain viable for a long time.

Hammer’s Telescopic Shooting Tripod

The last best shooting stick you should consider using to enhance your rifle’s stability and accuracy is the Hammer’s telescopic shooting stick. If you’re wondering whether this stick will work with your rifle, we have the right answer for you.

The stick comes with a well padded top tip that accommodates all types of gun. The rubber padding offers maximum grip to your gun as well as prevent it from being scratched.

The stick appears in the list of the most durable and lightweight products due to the high-strength/ superlight aluminum alloys use dot design it. Its height can be adjusted to allow you to use it various positions.

With a handful of impressive features presented to you at a very low price, this is shooting stick you can’t deny your rife the opportunity to use.

Pivoting Mounting Platform

The mounting platform rotates freely to enables you to align your rifle to a better shooting position.

The mounting platform is also great in that it firmly holds your gun, allowing you to employ the simple off-hand shooting position.

Tips To Use Shooting Stick The Right Way

Despite the fact that’s shooting sticks comes in many varieties, all of them conform to a common denominator- they dramatically improves you’re your shooting activities. But that is ONLY possible when they’re used correctly.

Shooting stick vs. Bipod

Shooting sticks and bipods are two great accuracy and stability enhancing tools that have ever been invented for your rifle. If you have used both tools, you know this better.

However the main difference between the two accessories is that shooting sticks have a higher degree of flexibility compared to their counterpart. They offer you more mobility options such as swiveling mounting base, higher range of shooting heights, and so much more.

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The Specs and How They Matter

After finding out more about the different types of cameras and what they can offer you, it’s easier to start looking into the specifications to further develop your senses on what suits you. At the end of each review you should remember not to take these specs and single them out. Buying a camera just because one of the featured specifications sounds great is not what we recommend. An overall quality of the specs combined is what you should be looking for.

Megapixel: The number of megapixels has been a popular way of marketing cameras over the past years, especially smartphones. The brand will boast about their product having a very high megapixel count, but when you start shooting pictures you’ll notice that the quality isn’t that great. It’s important to understand that this number only tells us how big the picture will be at the end, so in other words the resolution. For most needs 1megapixels will be enough since you can use that to even print poster-size photos.

Sensor Size: The sensor size will have a direct impact on the image quality because of the photo receptors. The photo receptors on a bigger sensor allows more pixel density in the purpose of receiving light and generating electrical signal which is converted into a digital image signal. That’s why the more light it receives, the more quality you’ll notice in your image.

Optical Zoom Lens: The optical zoom offers a true zoom feature that doesn’t reduce the quality of the picture when zooming in, as opposed to the digital zoom that only makes the image appear closer at great expense of the quality in the outcome. The optical zoom increases the focal length of the lenses which is represented in the length between the center of the lens and the image sensor.

The Type of Flash: Most of the cameras on today’s market have an already built-in flash that is far superior to that of smartphone devices. Depending on the model, the camera brightness is adjustable. For low-light or indoor photos of a higher quality it is generally recommended to invest money in buying an external flash. That will provide you the necessary control over light features and make the real difference between average photos and amazing ones.

4K Video: Also known as the UltraHD, it has four times the number of pixels of the regular HD feature and a much bigger resolution. Videos with this kind of quality output are better played on a device (TV or Monitors) which a minimum resolution of 3840 pixels width and 2160 pixels height. The realistic colors and high frame rates are excellent if you’re shooting videos as a profession and your target audience prefers large crisp images.

The answer is neither.

We choose the video gear that will allow us to make the best possible videos, with the least amount of headaches.

Imagine a continuum of equipment from left to right. On the far left is Cheap and Simple, and with Inferior Results. On the far right is Expensive and Complex, but with Superior Results.

Yes, you absolutely can shoot a documentary on an iPhone, but it will be a pain to achieve the kind of results that a real video camera can do natively. You can also get a consumer camcorder, but even if you buy the best camcorder money can buy, the results will still look like a camcorder.

Moving down the continuum, you can get a DSLR for that silky filmic look at 2frames per second, and with the camera being so small and affordable, you’ll be able to capture a lot of footage quickly. But without a lot of accessories, attachments, hacks and rigging, you may not be able to consistently capture good audio and usable video.

So we come to the digital cinema camera, specifically the Canon Cinema Cameras.

All the advantages of a camcorder, but with the beautiful look that you’d expect from a traditional film camera with cinema lenses.

And then of course you could keep moving down the line, and get a bigger and better cinema camera, maybe one that shoots in 4k, 6k, or 8k resolution. Of course then you’ll need a bigger tripod and fluid head, very expensive media to capture at those data rates, most likely a new computer with lots more specs, and if you want to shoot handheld or with a gimbal, you’ll probably need to start working out.

At some point along the line, the complexity and expense of the equipment continues to shoot further and further up, while the results don’t improve all that much. That’s the Law of Diminishing Returns. Realistically, at the far right on the graph, you’re spending so much money and adding so much complexity to your production, that your productivity and profit start to diminish.

In the end, maybe our next client hasn’t heard of our reputation before hiring us, but they’ve seen our last video, and the quality impressed them enough to pick up the phone and give us a call.

How To Make A Documentary Shoot Go Smoothly

Choosing the right gear is more than just choosing a camera. It’s everything else, too, that enables you to create better videos than perhaps someone who bought the wrong gear. The right gear allows you to focus on shooting fantastic images, conducting great interviews, and packing and traveling in a way that doesn’t blow your budget.

We’ve all been there, cursing the little piece of gear that is just. not. working. The quick release plate that continues to come loose, so every few minutes you have to stop what you’re doing and tighten the screw again.

Or that microphone that continues to give you trouble, so between every question during the interview, you have to stop the flow of the conversation and go fiddle with the mic. Meanwhile your light runs out of batteries.

And because docs are about real people, with real schedules and planned activities, messing with the wrong gear will have real consequences on your ability to shoot a decent amount of footage, while also building rapport with your subject. A lack of both footage and rapport can seriously impact your ability to make a good video, which then affects your chances of getting hired for the next gig.

Canon XC1is a great alternative to the C100.

For journalists who are less concerned with achieving cinematic visual quality, but still want something that is ergonomically similar to a DSLR, the XC1delivers. It has an XLR input (which the XCdoesn’t), it’s strikingly easy to use, and you can hide in the crowd while shooting purely handheld.

The biggest attraction to the XC10/XC1is the built-in lens and its astounding image stabilization feature. You can zoom from 24mm to 240mm, enable the 2x tele conversion option, and effectively be shooting at 480mm while holding the camera in your hand. We’ve done this on several shoots, and it’s always fun to imagine what it would take to shoot at a similar focal length.

Interview Lighting Setup

Even though a documentary filmmaker will typically only use lights during an interview, rather than during B-roll acquisition, bringing along the right or wrong lighting kit can have an immense effect on the quality of your video.

In a 3-minute web documentary, the average clip length is about 3-seconds. On average, you’ll see a talking head shot – or the A-roll – only occasionally between sequences of B-roll clips. So in the end, the viewer will only see your interview lighting setup for maybe 15-20 seconds of the whole video.

But if you’ve ever seen a badly lit interview, you only need second to ruin the credibility of the entire documentary. In one second the audience forgets about the subject and topic, or what is being said or the emotions that are at play, and our attention goes immediately to the lackluster video production as we’re looking for other signs of poor craftmanship.

In essence, we lose the “suspension of disbelief” and we remember that we’re watching a video that someone made, rather than sitting back and letting a story naturally unfold before our eyes.

So, getting good lighting for your interview is important, and documentary filmmakers can spend their entire career in search of the perfect light kit to make those 15-20 seconds of talking head shots look like a million bucks.

When you shop for your first video lights, you probably assume that the more light output you can afford to purchase, the better off you’ll be. But in fact, too much output or not the right kind of light can be the difference between a good interview or a failed one.

Varavon 815

If you want to go with a traditional video tripod with a bowl mount, we really love the Miller Air Carbon Tripod system (see our Miller Air tripod review here). Yes, it’s bigger and heavier than our Gitzo system, and if we’re only shooting interviews with our tripod, maybe that’s overkill. But if you shoot any kind of B-roll with your tripod, the Miller Air is perfect for documentary shooters. And it’s much more affordable than you think.

MVMXPRO500, which is a slight upgrade to the regular model. Any of them will do the job well – just make sure it’s a video monopod with little feet and a fluid head, rather than a standard photo monopod.

Video Production equipment Accessories

As you know when you’re shopping for video production equipment, for documentary filmmaking or any kind of production, the accessories are the secret behind all of this stuff working together.

We prefer to keep our camera and lenses in a durable bag that doesn’t scream “camera gear.”  is a perfect fit, and hasn’t failed us yet.

The Brain Bag is divided into a front and back section. In the front is a fully assembled C100 with lens and top handle and hand grip. – a neoprene lens bag that can also be carried on its own. We have all our lenses in here.

And attached to the sides of the bag are

Tom Bihn 52mm Quivers, one for the monopod and one for the tripod.

We always bring a

Rode Videomic Pro with us, because you never know when you may need to break down your C100 for ultralight shooting. It’s also a nice backup for the interview boom mic, in case it fails. ​If you’re planning to shoot with a Canon XC10, you’ll definitely need the VideoMic Pro for B-roll. You’ll also want to get a Juicedlink Riggy Micro, which adds XLR inputs for your interviews. The newer Canon XC15, however, comes standard with an XLR preamp that goes on the cold shoe.

You’ll want to carry extra batteries for your C100, as well as for your lights, external monitor, shotgun mic, wireless lav systems, and anything else you might have. If you can, opt for chargers and batteries that have metered displays on them – knowing whether your batteries are charged or not is a huge time saver.

Brushless

Gimbal – The kinds of shots you can get with the C100 on a Letus Helix Jr gimbal are amazing, and it’s portable enough to go along on documentary shoots. Seriously, it’s probably had the most effect on the quality of our shooting, enough that we now plan many of our shoots around the Helix Jr. Here’s a post on how we modified our Helix Jr. to work even better with the C100. ​If you shoot with a smaller camera like the Canon XC10/XC15, or a DSLR or mirrorless camera, the Pilotfly His a very easy to use gimbal with a long battery life. But like all of the smaller gimbals, it’s limited to smaller and lighter camera setups.

Slider – Of course, the staple of all cinematic filmmaking is the slider dolly. We’ve had a number of them over the years, but the most recent version of the Cinevate Duzi (with the Fly Wheel) is hands down the best slider we’ve ever used. Here’s a link to a longer review of the Duzi V4.

DJI Mavic Pro, which is the size of an average lens. Now it goes everywhere with us.

That about does it! That’s all the video production equipment in our documentary filmmaking kits. We usually travel and shoot as a 2-man crew, so we can bring everything with us on local shoots, as well as with air travel. But if you’re a one man band, you may have to pare down the kit to just the essentials for the shoot you’re on.

The basics

Tripods come in two parts: the body and the head. The body is the legs and central column. The head is the section on top of the central column your camera mounts to. Now, on more expensive tripods, the head is interchangeable, which is something we’ll discuss below. However, in entry level tripods, the head is often fixed, so you need to buy a tripod that not only suits your needs, but includes the best head possible.

As for the body, you need to consider your own needs here. Is your camera a compact or a hybrid? Is it an entry- to mid-range SLR? Is it a semi-pro or pro model? The weight of each type will influence your choice.

The type of photography will also influence it. Do you shoot landscapes? Do you shoot macro? Do you shoot nature? Special features are available for each type, so choose wisely.

 

 

 

 

 

Final Word

First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.

Most important, have fun and choose your monopods for video wisely! Good luck!

So, TOP3 of monopods for video

• №1 — Video Monopod with Feet
• №2 — miliboo MTT705B Carbon Fiber Portable Fluid Head Camera Monopod for Camcorder/DSLR Stand Professional Video Tripod 72″ Max Height with 10 Kilograms Max Load Capacity Compact with Manfrotto Monopod
• №3 — Koolehaoda Professional Camera Aluminium Monopod Fluid Video Head with Folding Three Feet Support Stand