Best monopods | 2026

The best monopods offer a practical middle ground between shooting handheld and carrying a full tripod. They don’t offer the same locked-off stability as a tripod, but they’re lighter, quicker to set up and much easier to use in crowded or fast-moving environments. And for sport, wildlife, events and video, they can really make all the difference. 

A good monopod will help take the weight of hefty camera-lens combos, reduce camera shake and give you a steadier shooting position without slowing you down. There are different designs; some are purely built for photography, while others include support feet, fluid bases or video heads for smooth panning. In this guide, we’ve picked out a range of monopods for different uses and budgets, 

For more lightweight support options, check out our guide to the best travel tripods. But for now, though, let’s count off the best monopods to buy right now.

Best all-round monopod

The Manfrotto XPRO Photo Aluminium 4 Section Monopod is the strongest all-round choice for most photographers. It has a serious 20kg maximum load, which will give you plenty of headroom for full-frame cameras, battery grips and longer telephoto lenses, while still weighing just 750g. It has a max height of 180cm, which will be very useful for most users, especially for sports, events or wildlife. 

The main benefit here is speed. The Quick Power Lock System ensures fast setup, getting you in position quicker than having to deploy a full tripod. Closing down to a length of 56cm, the XPRO monopod is eminently portable; ideal for travel, it can easily be stowed in hand luggage or secured to a backpack.

 Also, if you register the monopod with Manfrotto, it’ll be eligible for a Limited Conventional Warranty Extension of 8 years, giving you effectively 10 years’ warranty from the date of purchase.

Best budget travel monopod

A stable and rugged monopod designed for travel and adventure, the MeFOTO Walkabout S Monopod sports anodised twist locks with deep ridges for a solid grip. This speeds up setup and pack down, helping you to be sure that you’ll never miss a moment while out shooting. 

There’s also a wrist strap and a comfortable hand grip, and the MeFOTO S WalkAbout Monopod can extend to 151cm in height, giving you more shooting options. The 45cm closed length makes it easier to travel with than bulkier models, while the 14kg maximum load is more than enough for many mirrorless and DSLR setups.

Best compact carbon fibre monopod

If you’re willing to spend a little more cash, the capacities start to really climb. Gitzo's Carbon Monopod Series 4 6S is able to handle a whopping 30kg of camera gear. Its carbon fibre build means it doesn’t require a significant weight increase, as the unit weighs in at just 670g (which is impressive for something designed to support such demanding setups). Also on board are six leg sections and a large foot that provides optimal stability. Whatever you’re shooting, this monopod is guaranteed not to let you down.

Best monopod with support feet

The SIRUI P-325FS Carbon Fibre Monopod with Stand adds something genuinely different to the guide because it is not just a basic monopod. The removable foot gives you extra support when working for longer periods, while the carbon fibre build keeps it relatively manageable when in the field.

It makes most sense for sports, wildlife, events and hybrid shooters who want more stability than a standard monopod, but without carrying a full tripod. The trade-off is weight, as the support foot makes it heavier than simpler options. It also does not reach as high as some, so it is better as a practical support tool than a maximum-height solution.

Best video monopod

This 4-section monopod from Manfrotto is specifically designed for videographers, though photographers have no reason not to give it a look as well. Constructed of aluminium, it has a maximum height of more than 2m and is extremely sturdy on its three retractable feet. It'll support up to 8kg of camera kit, which should be fine for all vlogging setups and a lot of more serious video gear. 

Having the dedicated video head is what separates the Manfrotto XPRO Video 4 Section Aluminium Monopod from the rest. With a fluidtech base that ensures smooth movement in all directions, this is an excellent support base for getting quick but smooth panning shots. It’s still fairly bulky when it folds down, at 78cm in length, so bear that in mind if you’re travelling with it.

FAQs

What is a monopod used for?

A monopod is a single-legged camera support used to reduce camera shake, take the weight of heavier kit and improve stability while keeping you mobile. It is especially useful for sport, wildlife, events, travel and video, where a tripod may be too slow or too bulky.

Is a monopod better than a tripod?

A monopod is better than a tripod when speed and mobility matter more than completely locked-off stability. A tripod is still the better choice for long exposures, studio work, landscapes and precise framing, but a monopod is easier to carry and quicker to reposition.

Do monopods stand up on their own?

Most monopods do not stand up securely on their own. Some models include small support feet, but these are designed to add stability while you are holding the monopod rather than to replace a tripod. You should not usually leave a camera unattended on a monopod.

Can you use a monopod for wildlife photography?

Yes, monopods are popular for wildlife photography because they help support the weight of long lenses while allowing you to track moving subjects. They are particularly useful when photographing birds, mammals or sports from one position for long periods.

Can you use a monopod for video?

Yes, a monopod can be very useful for video, especially if it has a fluid base or video head. It can help smooth out handheld movement, make panning easier and reduce fatigue during longer shoots. For more controlled movement, choose a video monopod rather than a basic photo monopod.

What should I look for when buying a monopod?

The main things to check are maximum load, maximum height, closed length, weight, material and whether you need a head or support feet. Carbon fibre monopods are usually lighter and better for travel, while aluminium monopods are often more affordable. For video, look for a fluid head or fluid base.

Do I need a head for a monopod?

Not always. Some photographers attach the camera or lens collar directly to the monopod, especially when using long lenses. However, a tilt head, ball head or video head gives you more control over composition and movement. For video, a fluid head is usually the better choice.