8 Best Camera Monopods for Photographers in 2024

If you want to take your photography skills to the next level, the best monopod is a must-have. It helps you capture sharp images and steady videos without the need for a bulky tripod.

A monopod for camera is easier and quicker to set up compared to tripods. It stabilizes your shots, reduces blurriness, and helps you capture those moving subjects flawlessly. And when it comes to the monopod vs tripod debate, the former offers a more portable and versatile solution.

There are a few factors that you need to consider to ensure you're getting the best camera monopod for your needs.

Portability. You want the best monopods that can be easily folded down and carried with you wherever you go. And if the monopod comes with a hook, that's even better. It allows you to attach it to your gear, like a backpack, for easy transportation.

Stability. Look for monopods with sturdy legs made from durable materials like aluminum to ensure they can handle the weight of your camera and lenses without bending or breaking. You want something that can handle rough terrains and keep your shots steady.

Height. You want a monopod with adjustable legs that can extend to a comfortable height, allowing you to capture your shots from different angles. This is especially important when shooting fast-moving subjects, as it allows you to keep your camera steady while on the move.

Locks. Twist locks are popular and easy to adjust, providing a secure hold on each leg section. They ensure maximum stability and security for your equipment.

Versatility. If you're looking for an all-in-one option, consider a monopod that can also function as a selfie stick. This way, you can capture self-portraits or group shots with ease.

Manfrotto Element MII is the best budget monopod, incredibly lightweight and portable, making it a great companion for photographers and videographers on the go. This monopod under $50 is made of durable aluminum, ensuring stability and the ability to support heavy camera gear.

Element MII stands out with its ergonomic video head. It has a lightweight fluid cartridge and judder-free base sphere, allowing for smooth panning action. Plus, it offers the flexibility to shoot tilted angles, which is quite handy when dealing with uneven or rocky surfaces.

The monopod also features a high-performing twist lock system, making it easy to use and providing a great grip. It's adjustable for height and can be collapsed and packed away effortlessly, making it super convenient to use on the go.

Material: Aluminum | Max. weight: 13.2 lbs | Max. height: 64 inches | Leg sections: 4

Vanguard VEO 2S is designed to be easily carried and set up quickly, making it one of the best camera monopods available. It is sturdy enough to support a heavy camera body with a lens attached, while still being lightweight, weighing in at just under 1.3kg. Measuring only 62cm when folded, it is perfect for photographers on the go.

The three fold-out feet add stability to the monopod and allow for easier panning with the camera. Plus, the feet can be loosened slightly to allow the monopod to free-stand like a tripod, giving you more versatility in your shooting.

VEO 2S has a standard 1/4'' thread, allowing you to mount your camera directly onto it. It also comes with a simple ball head that does a decent job, but you can always switch it out for a different base.

Additionally, it comes with handy accessories like a wrist strap, a carabiner for carrying, and a smartphone connector to mount your phone, enhancing its popularity as an iPhone accessory. 

Material: Magnesium alloy, rubber| Max. weight: 66 lbs | Max. height: 79.5 inches | Leg sections: 4

Trent 2.0 boasts its impressive load capacity, making this monopod for camera great for photographers who work with heavier equipment and need a reliable monopod for their camera. Additionally, it's a bit lighter and smaller than competing models, making it a perfect monopod for travel.

Trent 2.0 can reach up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) at full extension and support both lateral and vertical loads, making it suitable for a variety of shooting situations. The monopod's central section, made of carbon fiber, ensures durability and stability, making it a reliable choice for photographers on the go. It also has sturdy flip locks that are easy to use, even in high-pressure situations.

Another cool feature is the removable quick-release plate for your camera and dual threads at both ends, allowing you to use it as a foot stabilizer or even a boom. The top has a spring-loaded combination screw thread, while the bottom has a 3/8''-16 thread with a 1/4''-20 adapter, providing compatibility with a range of tripod feet and the 3-Legged Thing Docz stabilizer.

Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber is one of the best monopods, lightweight and compact, making it super easy to transport, especially when you're out in the field. This monopod with feet is quite durable and versatile. It can hold a weight of up to 11 lbs, which is quite impressive for its size. The aluminum flip locks are quick to tighten, ensuring your camera stays secure.

The 290 Carbon Fiber monopod has a four-section carbon composite leg, which not only keeps your camera stable but also minimizes vibrations. The leg locks are durable and can be tightened to your liking. The quick power lock feature allows you to easily adjust the legs and the spiked feet provide stability on softer surfaces.

One unique advantage of this monopod is that it has a built-in monopod head mount and a 1/4 – 3/8 attachment. This means you can use it as a handheld camera support or as a stand for a tripod. It's compatible with most cameras and almost any tripod head.

Being made of carbon fiber, the Benro MSD46C SupaDupa is one of the best monopods for portrait photography. It is lightweight, yet can support up to 11 pounds of equipment. The sturdy base and leg locks ensure stability, so you can focus on getting those perfect shots. Plus, it folds down to a compact size, making it super convenient for transportation.

The spiked foot adds stability on various surfaces, and the quick-release plate makes it easy to mount your camera and attach accessories. It's also Arca Swiss compatible and is designed to prevent accidental release.

One cool feature of this monopod is the rotating foot, which allows you to adjust your shot angle and perspective. It even has a built-in leveling function, so you can keep your shot straight and level. The flip lock lever is easy to use and provides precise adjustments.

Vanguard VEO 2 CM-264 Carbon Fibre monopod for camera is made of carbon fiber, making it perfect for photographers on the go. Its legs can be extended or retracted in two stages, allowing for easy adjustment of the height. Plus, the twist locks ensure a secure setup, and the spiked feet provide excellent stability on different surfaces.

VEO 2 CM-264 has a maximum payload of 6kg, so it can handle most DSLR cameras and some larger mirrorless models. It comes with the versatile VEO BP-120T ball head that can be used for both stills and video, with a panning function to help you follow moving subjects. It also has a built-in locking knob to keep your equipment secure.

Being a monopod for DSLR, it allows you to attach a small ball or video head to the top, further expanding its capabilities. It even comes with a VEO 2 BP-120T quick-release plate, which can be replaced with other Arca Swiss compatible plates for alternative uses, such as spotting scopes. 

Made of high-quality aluminum, the Manfrotto XPRO+ is a perfect choice for photographers who value lightweight design and durability. It stands out with its impressive maximum payload capacity, making it suitable for most DSLR and mirrorless camera setups, even with heavy lenses.

Another advantage of the XPRO+ is its innovative FLUIDTECH base, providing smooth pan, tilt, and swivel movements and an expanded range of perspectives. Additionally, the D-shaped aluminum tubes improve anti-rotation resistance, minimizing any unwanted jerky movements.

Setting up and using the XPRO+ is a breeze, making it one of the best camera monopods. The quick-lock system allows for easy height adjustments. The legs slide in and out smoothly without snagging, ensuring a seamless shooting experience. It also comes with a removable center hook, which is handy for attaching accessories and adding stability.

The SIRUI AM-326M 6 is the best budget monopod, especially considering the quality it offers. It's made from sturdy and durable materials, so you can trust it to hold up well over time. Another advantage is that it's lightweight and easy to set up.

Plus, its modular design allows for different configurations, whether you need a fixed video monopod, an extension rod, or even a low-angle camera tripod. AM-326M 6 comes with the built-in hydraulic damper allowing for smooth panning and tilting.

Additionally, it has a non-slip design that provides stability on different terrains. This monopod comes with a quick-release plate that can be attached and removed in a single step, saving you time and effort while shooting and allowing you to quickly switch between handheld and monopod shots.

However, while this monopod is designed for lightweight cameras such as GoPro and GoPro alternatives, it may not be suitable for heavier DSLR setups.

To start, gripping the monopod's shaft with your non-operating hand and keeping it close to your body adds stability. If you need even more stability, try using Velcro ties to bind the monopod to something nearby. This will ensure your shots are rock solid.

One neat trick is to stand with your legs comfortably apart and position the monopod between them. Rest the end of the camera monopod against the thigh of your front foot, and voila! You've got yourself a stable setup. This works great on both hard and soft surfaces, but be cautious on slippery terrain.

Another trick is resting the foot of the monopod against a sturdy object or bracing it against your body. This is super useful in crowded areas or when capturing moving subjects.

Contrary to popular belief, the best monopod can be just as stable as a tripod when used correctly. It all comes down to how you position it with your body. Just stand with your feet spread apart, placing the monopod base between them, and extending it to your desired height. For an added stability boost, apply moderate force by pushing down on the monopod while shooting.