iFootage Cobra 2 & Cobra Strike Monopods - Hands on

[@hongcheung]

I’ve used the cobra strike 2 monopod for a number of weddings now as a replacement to the Manfrotto and Sirui monopod. Out of the 3 it is my favourite because of the quick release feature at the foot and at the head. As I’m shooting mainly on a Panasonic g85 I use a ball head and a Swiss plate on the top and only use the foot when I’m stationary. If I need to go handheld I actually remove the head using the quick release with the ball head attached to the camera. I’ve also found that you can use your foot to adjust the base knob so this saves bending down. Once again, great video Carl and great help when I was at the ProAv studio testing out these monopods 👍

[@RedMooseHunting]

I bought this mooned after watching this video. What is not mentioned or shown is how to extend the monopod when a video head or a camera is attached to the monopod. Without the stress of the weight of a video head and camera, the monopod runs smooth and nice as everyone reviewing this product shows. But as soon as putting on a camera even if it weights is only 1-2 kg, it is almost impossible to extend the monopod. am I doing something wrong? regards, Tobias

[@JoshKaufmanstuff]

This is a good point! I've not seen anyone demo this, have you sorted it out??

[@petergazey6287]

Thanks Carl . My question was does the head lock securely to the column such that it doesn't rotate when panned, not the feet. Column and head rotating as one in/on the feet is what the Libec does.

[@ruudjanssens8984]

I have the Cobra 2 A180 and it locks the bullhead very secure. No rotation whatsoever. Tightens just very good.

[@petergazey6287]

@@ruudjanssens8984 Thank you Ruud, good to know. I'll get to ProAv after the lockdown and have a try.

[@benleong2008]

nice video! For the C150, what is the folded height without the hi-hat? Trying to gauge if it will feed into my camera bag before buying.

[@youngyunchoi]

I have Cobra 2. It is a good product. When folded, it was short and light because it was carbon, so I bought Cobra 2.

[@levysnir8701]

Hi, Love the review, Any chance you can tell if the “cobra II C180” can be connected properly to the manfrotto fluid head 502AH?

[@onthebeach_tofino]

I bought the Cobra 2 strike after watching your video, thanks! Has anyone else experienced wiggle coming from the adjusting handle in this model? Mine isn't 100% solid which can cause problems from some shots. Thanks!

[@ProAVTV]

The strike isn't quite as sturdy, thats why they still make the normal versions as well. I wouldn't of thought it should be causing you problems when shooting though? Carl

[@onthebeach_tofino]

Yeah, I have used it on a couple of jobs now, and the features are great, but there is a looseness to it that is frustrating at times. It doesn't feel as solidly built and dependable as I'm used to with the manfrotto monopod. The feet can be awkward to get in and out and they have been jamming too easily from dirt and sand from shooting outside. Great product but there are bugs to work out!

[@HarrisonDodgeInnovations]

Working with mine. In the manual on page 5, it shows a adjustment screw that tightens the gap. You may want check this out. www.ifootagegear.com/en/manuals/user-manual-cobra-2-strike.pdf

[@onthebeach_tofino]

If I tighten the screw enough to fix any wiggle, I can't raise or lower the unit. The more I use this monopod, the more I find frustrations with it. I am also finding that the grip lock sometimes has to really be cranked tight or the camera will drop while I'm trying to get shots.

[@horizon.nomade]

I just received mine, I love the product Ifootage but I agree with you, the system and although not reliable I find and in video it is very hard to have a good fluidity. I even returned the promier model thinking it had a flaw but it's the same on the second :(

[@adsertheblade]

How bendy is the strike compared to the cobra 2 when fully extended? The poles look pretty thin.

[@EagleTastic]

The shot in this video where you put the gimbal on one of the Monopds hands free? Did you use the Cobra 2 or Strike Monopod? I'd like to know if the Strike could support the weight of the gimbal? Thanks!

[@ProAVTV]

Strike should be able to support it Carl

[@EagleTastic]

Thanks!

[@revelationvideoproductions1168]

Great video well lit and well done. I was thinking about mono because I do a lot of weddings and the tripods tend to be bulky and hard to move around. This would make it easier the only time I'd keep my tripod is for the one setup where I'm using a telephoto lens of 70-200 with my cage I think the weight would be too much, but as you where saying this could also pair really nice with my gimbal and give me even more room and different angles to film with. Thank you for this helpful video. Lastly the price on the cobra 2 with fluid head is very well prices at $149 US which is not bad at all.

[@NealAndrews]

Thanks for the great review, really helpful. Can you recommend a fluid head? I'm a GH5 shooter and am building a system from scratch, so want something I can transfer to a tripod as needed and relatively lightweight, but not so 'light' that quality is compromised. The Komodo K5 seems to be getting good reviews.

[@ProAVTV]

Komodo K5 is a good choice for a simple flat base tripod head Carl

[@husainfoolath4287]

Cobra 2 Strike....SOLD !

[@takanishi21071979]

What do You think? Manfrotto MVMXPRO500 is really better? What is Your opinion?

[@HarrisonDodgeInnovations]

I just received my Cobra 2 Strike. I push down on the locking sleeve(s) either one and the head or feet will not come off... I push down just like it states and I have watched many video before purchasing. So what might I be doing wrong.

[@ProAVTV]

It might just be stiff as its new? They are built to be secure of course, so might be a bit stiff out of the box. Carl

[@HarrisonDodgeInnovations]

Yes. I was able to remove the top head and the legs after some work (rubber mallet lightly tapping around the head). But it works fine now. The issue that I found was the taper towards the head is slightly larger (0.2mm) than the rest of the taper. If the head or legs get pushed down in the locking collar, maybe by factory assembly, it becomes an interference or press fit. But by design the locking collars does provide a precision fit which makes the system secure. I would not hesitate to recommend this product to anyone that is looking to purchase. It is the best monopod by far that I have used. I am in post production of a video that will show my entire setup including this monopod. Thanks for replying I great appreciate it. HD

[@PhotoVideoGraphics]

@@HarrisonDodgeInnovations I cant take the upper head off...help! maybe I should return it...

[@fabienpics]

THANK YOU

[@petergazey6287]

Can you clarify something please about the Cobra 2 Strike. With a video head attached is the column locked securely to the feet assembly, i.e. does not rotate with the head as you pan? I have a Libec HFMP that does this (no mention in their literature). Useless product and would not want to repeat same. Thanks.

[@ProAVTV]

Hi Peter. No the monopod does not rotate with the head. The Komodo K5 head that comes with it pans independently of its flat base. Carl

[@markshirley01]

The Cobra 2 was at NAB and is appearing in videos this week but by this video looks to be a year old - confusing - is there an update.

[@ProAVTV]

Yes, they had a mark 2 at NAB that was incrementally better in a few ways. Carl

[@RolandsBriedis]

Would You use any of them for Ursa mini 4.6K? If yes, then which one and why? Thanks

[@ProAVTV]

They can all handle up to 8kg, so the Ursa Mini should be fine for any of them. Carl

[@kipling1957]

Can’t decide between the Cobra 2 and the Manfrotto X-Pro.

[@AD-lh3jk]

The MVMXPRO500? I’ve seen video reviews that says the footing might break if you step on it in comparison to a Sirui, and that it’ll wobble for a few seconds even when its leg joint is fully locked

[@mokehbokeh2602]

I am wondering if the rotating locking release at the top disengages when the user is panning in either direction. Please note that I am not able to use the video head with a camcorder. I would also like to know if pressure applied to a camcorder at the zoom level will cause the ball joint at the bottom lose it's smooth pan due to the increased friction. For more clarity--when using a camcorder, the user has to press down on the camera in order to pan and zoom without shaking the camera, which also presses down on the monopod.

[@illustratedWORD]

The Cobra Strike is listed as being 81cm collapsed. From the iFootage website it appears 81cm includes the feet attached. How long is the Cobra Strike with the feet removed? I'm asking because at 81cm it won't fit into my luggage and I wouldn't want to risk getting it through security as a carry-on "walking stick". It definitely wouldn't fit in my carry-on.

[@ProAVTV]

Taking off the feet would shave off approximately 10cm Carl

[@jppelc5546]

That telescopic function on the Strike is brilliant but I have a feeling if you had a head with a C100 with L glass on it on the top and tried to use it, all that weight would prevent it from working. Has anybody tried using it with a camera heavier than a DSLR?

[@ProAVTV]

A stripped down c100 and a smaller lens would work ok, but I wouldn't go much heavier. Thats why they do the normal, non-telescoping option as well. Carl

[@hutchrt0596]

If you use a gimbal on this monopod do you think there's any reason to need a fluid head?

[@ProAVTV]

Yes, they are very different tools. I wouldnt try and use a gimbal as a fluid head Carl

[@philowww]

What lens do you use for the sony a7 at the video?

[@ProAVTV]

In this video I was using the SLR magic 24mm Cine lens Carl

[@dag221]

You can just use your foot to loosen and tighten the knob on the base to allow freedom of movement. No need to really bend over at all. I have two of these monopods and use them more than any other piece of gear I own that's not a camera.

[@209lapko]

Price please.

[@ProAVTV]

You can see the prices & more info here: www.proav.co.uk/nsearch/?q=cobra+2 Carl

[@209lapko]

thanks mate!

[@no15minutecities]

why are you obsessing with the strike and ignoring the other 2 ffs? cluelesss!!