Best Monopod for Travel 2023 – Our Detailed Review

Have you ever tried taking a photo only to end up with a shaky image? This happens all too frequently. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether you have the latest camera or not.

So, the key thing is to ensure you get the best monopod so you can provide a stable platform to capture some great shots.Great monopods are defined by 3 key factors:

• Durability
• Stability
• Versatility

And as we’ll find out in the following reviews, it’s the little things that matter.

Monopod For Travel – Comparison

Here is a quick comparison of these 10 options. Remember, you can always read the detailed write-up so you can make an even more informed choice.

1. Dolica WT-1003 Lightweight Monopod

One thing that makes the Dolica among the best monopods on the market is the fact that it’s made from aluminum. As you know, aluminum is one of the toughest metals on the market.Yet, interestingly, it’s also pretty light in weight.

Therefore, this monopod combines the benefit of being extremely easy to carry around with durability.

Moving on, the overall weight of this unit is 67 lbs. It also has four leg selections complete with a non-skid rubber foot.

So, no matter the size of the camera you’re planning to place on it, you can rest assured it’ll be able to contain all the weight.

It doesn’t matter where you plan to use the WT-1003, it’s well built and quite dependable. On top of that, it performs well both in indoor and outdoor surfaces. And for the busy photographer, the fact that this unit comes with a carrying bag and wrist strap makes it a boon at any day.

Pros

• Made from aluminum
• Light in weight
• Stable legs thanks to its non-skid rubber surface
• Easy to carry around thanks to an included carrying bag

Cons

• Tricky to use if you’re used to hands-free photography

2. Sirui P-204SR P Series Monopod

Even though the Dolica WT-1003 is well-made, it looks and feels cheap. In that case, the best monopod for video would be one with higher quality parts. So, does the Sirui P-204SR make the grade?

A closer look at it reveals that it’s pretty well built. In fact, it comes with a high-quality wrist strap. This strap offers you more control over stability.

And as you know, stability is of the essence when capturing great and stable video footage is concerned. Beneath it is a removable rubber foot.

The rubber foot provided additional stability and grip. For that reason, you can comfortably count on this unit to deliver great results even in outdoor conditions.

Moving on, this unit boasts a removable aluminum spike. This high-quality part plays a big role in making the entire unit quite durable.

And to top it all up, you get a handy shoulder strap alongside a custom padded case. All those come in handy in enhancing your photography experience.

Pros

• Well built
• Good value for money
• Stable and suitable for video recording
• Easy to tote around
• Will not damage your camera

Cons

• Pricey

3. Sirui P-326 6 Section Monopod

There’s a growing popularity of monopods made from carbon fiber – and the Sirui P-326 is one of them. One thing you have to know about this kind of material is that it’s quite durable, easy to use and maintenance-free.

In addition to all those benefits, this unit from Sirui brings you the benefit of having 6 sections. These sections provide you with additional stability.

So, for those who are after the best monopod for camera, this one could provide a very good option.

Pros

• Well priced
• Great quality
• Durable
• Light in weight

Cons

• Not the most stable unit we’ve come across so far

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4. AmazonBasics 67-Inch Monopod

Who said you have to break the bank just to get a monopod? This one from AmazonBasics is here to rewrite the rules of monopods.

First off, it provides you with a highly stable platform. In fact, it has the ability to scope up to 6.6 lbs. So, it doesn’t matter how heavy your camera is, this one has the power to take it in its stride.

On top of that, it comes with an easy-to-use universal thread. That’s in addition to four leg sections that are extendable to 67 degrees.

Beneath its sturdy feet are rubber feet which are further complemented with retractable spikes. Isn’t that all the stability one needs to capture great, still shots?

In fact, it’s interesting to see that this one weighs a paltry 1lb – a fact we attribute to it being made from aluminum.

Pros

• Comes with a carrying bag
• Lightweight design
• Sturdy and stable
• Great grip
• Great for portability

Cons

• Requires careful handling, otherwise, the mount may snap off if you over fasten your camera

5. Benro A48FDS6 4 Series Video Monopod

This is a really high-end monopod that’s loved by people who have a huge appetite for great quality. Picture this – it comes with a 3-foot articulating base.

That powerful base makes it virtually infallible. On top of that, it’s metal quality seems to be of extremely high quality.

In other words, this isn’t one of those cheaply made aluminum units. And to make the deal even sweeter, it is still is pretty light in weight.

To make sure you’re adequately protected, the manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty for this. That’s a pretty long warranty which shows that the manufacturer is confident in the quality of the product they have to offer.

Still think this isn’t the best monopod for DSLR? Just remember that it has the potential to accommodate up to 13.2 pounds of weight.

With such a huge payload, we believe this unit has the power to accommodate heavy DSLR cameras including ones with external flashes.

Pros

• Huge payload
• Greatly built
• Great, 4-step counterbalance system
• Easy-to-use, illuminated bubble level
• Heavy-duty parts

Cons

• The base tends to unscrew if you accidentally pan the head with its feet locked

6. AmazonBasics HJ-C315M Carbon Fiber Monopod

It’s one thing to be able to hold a camera firmly in place but another to be able to carry a monopod with you. Indeed, the weight of the monopod can be a major deterrent to its use!

Fortunately, this unit from AmazonBasics is the best monopod for travel. Believe it or not – it weighs less than 0.95 pounds in total.

That’s way lighter compared to other aluminum-made monopods. Yet carbon fiber is relatively tough and with the ability to support up to 22 pounds of weight.

So, if you’re looking for good value for money, look no further. The AmazonBasics HJ-C315M is a great option for beginners and hobbyists alike.

Pros

• Extremely light in weight
• Stable
• Easy to use
• Cute in design
• Affordably priced

Cons

• My struggle with huge payloads

7. Benro MAD49C Carbon Fiber Monopod

Whoever said that great things come in small packages must have been talking about the Benro MAD49C. This tiny monopod comfortably combines a classic design with the ability to incorporate flip lever locks.

On top of that, it comes with 5 section carbon fiber tubes. These can easily be extended to span a max height of 72-inches.

Yet despite presenting you with all those benefits, it weighs a paltry 1.37 pounds. Its manufacturer claims that the unit can support up to 39.7 pounds of weight.

We, however, think that’s an overkill. That notwithstanding, this is a great asset for studio and on-location shooting.

On top of that, the fact that it offers a 3-year limited warranty makes it a winning deal even for a skeptical shopper.

Pros

• Tiny and easy to carry around
• Easy to use
• Quite stable for lightweight cameras
• Ideal for outdoors and indoors
• Backed by a warranty
• Made from high-quality aluminum

Cons

• Its ball head seems a bit horsey-er than it should be

8. Manfrotto MM290C4US Carbon Fiber Monopod

Even though all the monopods included in this review are great, some are slightly better than others. But one thing is for sure, the Manfrotto MM290C4US is one of the most stable in the pack.

Why so? Because first off, it comes with a techno-polymer upper disc which contains grooves that boost camera stability. Moving on, this unit provides you with the flexibility to attach both 1/4 and 3/8 attachments.

In addition, you also get an all-new rubber legwarmer. This boosts the grip and comes in handy in enhancing the ergonomics of the entire unit for improved comfort.

Pros

• Light in weight
• Specifically designed with stability in mind
• Great ergonomics
• Superior comfort
• Has adjustable aluminum leg locks
• Above-average payload weight

Cons

• Some have complained that the unit is too flimsy

9. Dolica WT-1010 Professional Monopod

With an operating height of 61-inches (max) and a minimum of 17-inches, this unit is a sure bet for beginners. In fact, it’s not unusual to find it ranked among the best monopod for GoPro options.

But why is it so popular? First, it boasts a CNC machined body. This body is custom-made to suit your unique needs.

On top of that, it’s ultra-thin and still stable. And with 5 leg sections, this unit is able to comfortably take in a maximum payload of 20 pounds.

So, if you’re looking for a tiny yet virtually unbreakable monopod, this one could just be it. It’s also affordably priced.

Pros

• Great payload capacity
• Light in weight
• Made from high-quality aluminum alloy
• Great grip
• Easy to use

Cons

• May struggle with stability when it recommended payload is exceeded

Also read: Best PTZ Camera Choices – See Which One Wins

10. Opteka CFM300 68-Inch Carbon Fiber Monopod

What if you could cut down on your monopod’s pounds without sacrificing performance? That’s what the CFM300 is all about.

It boasts an 8x technology which means it’s composed of 8 layers of carbon. This is just what you need to experience maximum strength and stability.

Interestingly, other monopods that attempt to achieve this end up being overweight. But the CFM300 somehow does it.

So, whether you’re looking for the best monopod for hiking or picnicking, we think this shouldn’t miss out on your top list.

Pros

• Light in weight
• Great design without compromising performance
• High strength carbon fiber used
• Superior, maximum load of 22lb
• Great grip thanks to its high-density foam grip
• Some parts of it are made from magnesium for even better quality

Cons

• Avoid extending it all the way out, otherwise, it might fall apart

Monopod for Travel – Buying Guide

There are so many factors to be taken into account when one is shopping for the best monopod for camera. But to simplify your search, here are the 3 most important factors of all. If you get these 3 right, you’re bound to end up with a really good monopod.

The Material

There are two most common types of materials. These are aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum if the most common option among high-end monopods. That’s because it’s strong and lightweight at the same time. 

However, you should note the difference between the word “aluminum” and “aluminum alloy.” The latter isn’t pure aluminum but a blend – meaning it’s generally weaker than pure aluminum. Carbon fiber, on the other hand, is a cheap but strong alternative to aluminum. It’s preferred for outdoor use but still works great at indoor conditions.

Weight

An extremely heavy monopod would be such a bother to carry around. For that reason, you’re better off investing in a lightweight unit especially if looking for the best monopod for travel. But how light is light? Well, as far as monopods are concerned, a lightweight unit is one that weighs below 2lbs.

Pay Load

Monopods with a high payload are often recommended as the best monopod for DSLR. That’s because DSLR cameras tend to weigh especially when one is using heavy-duty external flashes. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to get a unit that supports a huge payload in that case. In our opinion, a huge payload starts from 20lbs upwards.

Which One Is The Best?

With so many nearly-perfect options available, it might be difficult to find one that best suits unique needs. You find one that’s light in weight but only to be disappointed since its body seems too delicate. Likewise, you find one with a powerful payload only to be disappointed finding that it’s too heavy for day-to-day use.

Luckily, for you, our editors took all the precautions necessary in selecting the best choice overall. In that case, that coveted title went to the Sirui P-326. That’s because it’s affordably priced and offers a great distribution of features for a great performance.

Final Thoughts

No matter the kind of monopod stand you settle for, ensuring proper support for your camera is important. This way, you can take better photos and enjoy having such a great camera!