IFOOTAGE Cobra 3 Monopod Cobra 3 C180F-P, 71" Camera Monopod Stand with Feet, Professional Carbon Fiber Travel, Payload 17.64Lbs/ 8KG

Super

During a photo session for Christmas family pictures, the photographer used this particular monpod. I knew I had to have one. I don't regret my purchase at all. I use it more then my tripod.

I've been looking at monopods and tripods for a couple of years now. I am a bird photographer who totes around a large camera rig that weighs in at just under 11 lbs. I've prided myself on being able to heft the rig for the past 5 years, and I'm able to hold it to shoot freehand for at least a minute before my arms and shoulders begin to hurt. Given that wildlife is never predictable, I have preferred not to have a support mechanism of some sort as I want the ability to move with the action more easily. For that reason, tripods, don't interest me. However, I did begin to seriously consider a monopod. At the same time, I dreaded adding another piece of gear to have to carry on my treks out into the wild. But, after much thought and realizing I'm not as young as I was even just 5 short years ago, I decided to finally give in and try this specific monopod. I took it out for the first time today and I am beyond happy with how it performed! It's very sturdy and stable. I never once felt like it couldn't handle the heft of my rig. The lower end is "heavy", but not to the point it's cumbersome. I didn't really notice the added weight as I carried it, in the provided carrying case, on one of my shoulders. I love being able to quickly release the camera rig from the monopod if I need to go freehanded in a flash. But, in truth, I was able to go freehanded with the monopod still attached on several occasions! I also love being able to extend the feet to make it even more stable. I set it up in my house first, using the feet, and set the rig mount on the monopod just to see if it would lean even slightly. It didn't. I was amazed. It mounts at the perfect point of center gravity on the foot of my super telephoto lens' collar. Extending or contracting the length sections is quick and easy, too. It has an added benefit that I'd never even considered until using it. Now instead of bringing my rig completely down to rest against my body in between shots, the rig stays at the ready in case the bird or other critter reappears or does something unexpected. In milliseconds I am ready to capture the action versus having to take a couple of full seconds to lift the rig back up, find the object in the viewfinder, get it in focus and then begin shooting. Bird/wildlife photographers know that milliseconds count. I truly am in love with this gadget! I only wish I'd bought one sooner.

Took this to Canada to capture polar bears and other wildlife for 10 days. Generally very good. Observations: 1. When using with a monopod gimbal (e.g., Wimberly MH-100), the camera/lens and gimbal lean heavily on one side, so need to manipulate one of the foot to go under the that side for more stability. 2. The three base legs are great on solid ground/rock, but not suited for rough gravel, or worse, soft sand/mud--just end up with 3 muddied feet--It's better to use a long metal spike (buy separately). 3. Minor issue is the work needed to use the locking sleeves with gloves on. Those should be rubberized. 4. The wrist strap is less than useless as it made noises in the wind (scared the animals) and causes more instability when it's flapping around.

Sturdy, can easily attach and remove camera

This monopod feels extremely well built and stable. The pedal base makes it very easy to reposition smoothly, and the feet provide great balance when shooting. It’s lightweight enough for travel but still feels solid and professional. Setup is quick, and it works well with my camera gear. A great option if you want stability without carrying a full tripod.