Leofoto Monopod MPQ-404C, a Full Review and My New Favorite!

*COUPON CODE ALERT: wildlife20*
NOTE: The Leofoto has a max diameter of 40mm NOT 30mm as stated in a graphic
In this video, I look into the Leofoto Monopod MPQ-404C and see how it compares to what I am using now. I will also dig into this to see if it backs up the claims that it is waterproof.
Interested? Please use THIS affiliate link PLUS the discount code for max savings: leofotousa.com/?sca_ref=41527...
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Best noise reduction and sharpening software: topazlabs.com/ref/351/
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MT FAVORITE GEAR
Nikon Z9: bhpho.to/3rM9O7A
Nikon 400mm 2.8 Z: bhpho.to/3tj806y
Nikon 105mm macro: bhpho.to/3NngzVI
Laowa 25mm ultra macro: bhpho.to/3F405g7
Leofoto monopod: bit.ly/46xfQYE
Robus Tripod: bhpho.to/46eAQn3
Promedia Gear Tomahawk (monopod gimbal): tinyurl.com/4vdkuy98
Promedia Katana Jr (tripod gimbal): tinyurl.com/yjtf4s4a
Leofoto fluid head: bit.ly/3ZFtRB8
AK Diffuser: akdiffuser.com/?wpam_id=30 (COUPON CODE skeys5 for more savings)
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Shopping for any of these brands? Use these links:
B&H (my online source with great delivery and service): bhpho.to/41vuugj
Promedia Gear: www.promediagear.com?aff=36
Leofoto: leofotousa.com/wildlifeinspired

[@kevinhinesphoto]

I have 3 of the Leofoto monopods and 1 of their tripods. Absolutely love them. No problems whatsoever. Also have a ball head, gimbal head , and a geared head. Love them all.

[@mjd073]

I've recommended them for the last couple of years. I've got their mono and tripods, and have never had an issue with any part of them. Great video, definitely quality equipment.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Good to know!

[@ronmarsalis941]

Great review Scott, I purchased a MPQ404C about two months ago to go along with my Wimberley MH-100. You can’t find a stronger monopod, it is rigid as a tree trunk, supports over 50 pounds of gear, great for those looking to use long heavy primes. Very pleased with this purchase.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Right on

[@Pengranger]

Love the review Scott. Anyone looking for a monopod should certainly consider this.

[@cguerrieri4866]

Excellent review. I e been using the lefroto monopod for about a year. Flawless piece of equipment. It replaced a lightweight aluminum that the head connection was on the verge of failing. Really well done and your review supported my decision so there is no second guessing now! Thanks

[@marklaurendet1861]

Thanks for another excellent review Myself I like the iFootage monopods and the quick release system that I use with different heads. Plus that foot that can be used as a mini tripod is very handy

[@matmcfarland]

Thank you for the review! I still think the Robus has a great value proposition and if you can get it for closer to $100 on sale even more so. This looks like a great piece of kit for folks that use a monopod often.

[@paulkilleen3526]

i have a 36mm 4 section leofoto monopod can not fault it so much more stable than my old one , can not fault any of my leofoto products have ther qd strap as well

[@antonoat]

I use a carbon three section Gitzo monopod along with an RRS monopod head which works well for me, its load capacity is huge! My partner bought herself a LeoFoto carbon tripod with ball head, it’s an exceptional piece of kit, amazing build quality and finish, she’s delighted with it! 👏😀👍

[@WildlifeInspired]

Very nice!

[@robertsaunders5740]

If the rubber piece should come loose, try double sided carpet tape. A carpet store may give you a little piece? Or maybe countertop contact cement?

[@aarong2374]

Been interested in leofoto's tripods. Especially their summit and ranger with the leveling base. Just wish there were more reviews.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Coming soon!

[@charlesking4138]

For the money, you really can't go wrong. I have 4 of them and have had no issues whatsoever. They have an Ebay store and they take offers on most of their stuff, definitely recommend going that way and save some $.

[@aarong2374]

@@charlesking4138 ah didn't know they had an ebay store. Might buy one and see how it goes.

[@williamtaylor8806]

nice!! too bad i am not in the market right now, i would buy.

[@mmzwang]

I think that the twist wrap may be better. The rubber wrap of my Gitzo monopod is loose after some use.

[@tedboyer5819]

Thanks for the monopod review and sharing your evaluation with us. I just purchased it from Leofoto using your 20% discount code for $159. I'll test it's waterproof capabilities in my next wading photo shoot 😊

[@WildlifeInspired]

Send me an email with thoughts, I see all the new comments but sometimes replies get lost in the thread. I have not testing it in the much yet

[@robvandenbrink9006]

I use a Benro monopod, I bought it because I 100% prefer the flip locks (sorry). It’s very light, a beast for capacity, and extends high enough for well overhead shooting. Got a cheap Manfrotto for the bike, it’s narrow enough to fit the scabbard I have for it.

[@davidburton2294]

I use a Nikon 500mm PF lens for shorebirds and use a manfrotto monopods but they hate getting wet and the locking mechanism fails frequently - drives me nuts!. This one looks greatso I just bought one here in Sydney Australia after watching this video. Thanks Scott really love your videos _ Dave

[@WildlifeInspired]

awesome!

[@bngr_bngr]

I wish manufacturers would list the thickness of the tubes in addition to the diameter.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Fair point, I have never seen one mention that.

[@jeffmallo2755]

I love Leofoto products and use the Ranger self leveling tripod, PG-1 gimbal and the the LH-55 ball head but the problem in my eyes is the shortness of this monopod. I am a bit over 6'1" and if I am looking up at a bird or an a steep bank then it is a bit short and that is why I went with the ProMedia Gear 81" and love it!

[@WildlifeInspired]

at 6 feet, I have several inches to spare. Depends on what's on top. The Wimberly mono head is very short but I am still good even with that. 81" is a monster!

[@jeffmallo2755]

@@WildlifeInspired I was really looking to go with the Leofoto (I love their quality and prices) and when talking to them they do make an extender that goes on top but it felt like a makeshift solution. I find when using a monopod for birds, especially high up in trees this was would cause me to bend over too much and also when in the mountains and shooting along drop-offs the 81" allows you to place the monopod down along the edge to get the right height. I do use the Leofoto MPG-01 side mount head and do like that a lot.

[@chadkinsley542]

Thanks for the review. I ordered my MPQ-404C today and am sure I will love it. I know you love your 400 f2.8 but could you tell me why you selected that lens over the 600 f4? I am trying to decide on which one to buy. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[@WildlifeInspired]

Will do Actually made a video on this and deleted it, but will make it again. Essentially its min focus distance.

[@paulheindricks4976]

Hi Scott, do you have to exert more force when moving the segments, if such a sealing is involved compared to a monopod without such a feature ? Thanks.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Not at all. In fact my FEISOL was tougher to move but this is old and worn.

[@edsassler]

The real strength to LeoFoto’s line (in my opinion) is that most of their stuff sticks to standards, which makes it possible to adapt to whatever your needs are. For example, in the comments there is a guy who is over 6’ tall and wants more height out of a monopod. LeoFoto’s tubing diameters and fittings all stick to the same standard, so an MP-404 had a 40mm first section, a 36mm second section, a 32mm third section and a 28mm bottom section. If you were to get an MP-324 and replace the bottom section of the 404 with the 3 lower sections of the 324, you would wind up with a 406 at a total height over 8’. I must be doing photography different than everyone else, because I come up against challenges that most others don’t. For example, I’m less worried about waterproof (they are damn easy to clean) and more worried about thermal mass. What do I mean? Well, if you’re hiking with your monopod on a cold day and you have a big chunk of metal at the bottom known as a spike or claw, and you set up with that foot in water, it comes back out of the water with an extra pound of ice. On the other end of the monopod is the camera. As many times as I’ve asked for a Fred Flintstone camera with large buttons that I can use with my gloves on, I’m stuck with tiny buttons and one glove off. Yes, I’ve tried the gloves with two pull-back fingers, I have a better solution. You can find motorcycle grip heaters on Amazon for less than $15, it’s just a flat heating element with a piece of shrink wrap. I keep the battery pack on my waist (they work better at or near body temperature), so now I have a tripod (it’s like 3 monopods with a leveling base) with a heated grip. I punched two holes in a neoprene lens pouch and put it over the tube (like bar mitts that cyclists use). Every other photographer I’ve let try my tripod said it was the best thing ever. One has even offered to carry my tripod for me on a hike - how awesome is that? In my quest to use my camera support in many odd ways, LeoFoto USA has been helpful in selling me parts, but they only want to sell full units. I’m an urban landscape photographer (and engineer if you couldn’t tell), I’ve never come to a shoot where I could just set up my tripod on level ground and shoot. There’s always an obstacle or a betting vantage point, or there are 100 people in front of me holding up phones (that happens a lot). I’ve come up with dozens of innovations that nobody else (‘cept the guy who offered to carry my tripod) knows about. If you’re ever doing a review and find yourself thinking “this should exist”, it probably already does, and I would be happy to lend it to you for review.

[@WildlifeInspired]

Hey this got flagged for some reason and I just now aw it. I like your innovation, feel free to email me pics, I may do a video on DIY for the wildlife photographer... could be a good inclusion.

[@edsassler]

@@WildlifeInspired I was planning on doing either a photo layout or a video because I don’t see much of what I do on KZbin. I’m a photographer (mostly landscape) but my equipment (and myself) is transported by bicycle. I’m in the northeast and I do this year ‘round, so there are some challenges. I don’t like to compromise on equipment, but size and weight are an issue, so I’m always redesigning things. I’ll post a link to the page or video when it’s up.

[@user-tg8di5dw3s]

The only concern I have is that the monopod is quite reflective and has very obvious pattern and so I am wondering whether this might be noticed by animals or even scare them off. What do you think about it? I mean this monopod is made for wildlife photography I guess since it is quite heavy but I would have preferred a less noticeable design / pattern and a less silverly reflective pattern. I am curious to hear your opinion on this. Please note that i mean wildlife in general (and not only birds) like mammals and others.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I think if that is a concern you get drape a light cloth over it or you a heavier blanket blind. I have a little piece of camo that I sometimes carry that I drape over my lens and let it hang down a few feet. Since the top section is not telescoping you could wrap the top third is a camo tape as well.

[@georgedavall9449]

T. H. O. R. O. U. G. H. 👍

[@brianmadsen2640]

I'm looking for a tall monopod for the combination of Leofoto MPG-01S (monopod gimbal with lever release) or VH-20LR (2-way monopod head with lever release) and tele lenses. I'm 6'6", so I believe the MPQ-404C would be too short (1,800 mm). Also the MPQ-405C (1,850 mm). There are long/tall monopods from Gitzo (GM4552L) and ProMediaGear (TR42MXL and TR34ML). But I find them too expensive. I'd prefer a pod with a 40-42 mm upper section, and preferably 4 sections (or less). Carbon. Twist locking system. And possible to purchase in Europe/Denmark. And about $180-250. Any suggestions for my headache? :-) And for Scott - very nice review!! 🙂

[@WildlifeInspired]

That leofoto leaves me several inches of extra (I am 6 feet) A lot depends on the head you are using and how high it is. I use the PMG Tomahawk on mine and I am sure that setup with be tall enough for you. A small tilt head might not be tall enough.

[@brianmadsen2640]

​@@WildlifeInspired I guess I need to go for the MPQ-405C (5 sections) instead of the MPQ-404C (4 sections) - this will give 2" / 50 mm more in height. the 5th section will not always be fully expanded, so I assume stability will be acceptable. I already have the Leofoto PG-1 gimbal head, which would give quite a lot extra (also if there's a slop in front of me). But will also go for the VH-20LR monopod head, which gives 4" / 100 mm on top of the pod's 72-73". I.e. a total of 76.5" (+ collar of lense).

[@a97b18b]

What would you recommend for budget of 150 and under? Would you use a gimbal head, tilt, or fluid? It would be for photography. I do have a cheap gimbal head already

[@WildlifeInspired]

I like side mount gimbal Wimberly makes one and promedia makes an expensive one. for under 150 try the Robus (not the 6 section) its in the video description link

[@xtabber9349]

I use a Leofoto 364C which was their top model before the 404C was introduced. It isn't waterproof, is 67" tall as opposed to 71", but it is also amazingly rigid and strong. It lists for $119 but Amazon has it right now for 20% off. I mostly use it with the Leofoto MPG-01 side-mount gimbal, which is almost identical to the Wimberley side-mount and just as well made. Also, the case that comes with the 364C fits the monopod with the side-mount gimbal on it, which is extremely convenient to carry them.

[@hubertcole1645]

You use the liquid head on it?

[@WildlifeInspired]

i use the promedia gear head, Tomohawk GT2

[@frankfurter7260]

What is the point of that annoying audio-visual intro before each new video. I can’t stand it! You don’t have a lot of traffic so maybe consider changing things up starting with getting rid of your “intro” and just getting right to the substance. Think about it.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I feel it. I have to make a new one and promise I will. It used to be like an into when I did live interviews and it worked. But the 70s porn music needs a change. I promise. Give me time to come up with something simple

[@frankfurter7260]

@@WildlifeInspired LOL the 70s porn music. You don’t need any musical intro. Just get right into the substance.😀 In any case, I did suffer through it though and the substance of the video was quite useful. I may actually pickup the monopod using your discount code so maybe they’ll give you a referral fee.🤑

[@WildlifeInspired]

Big changes coming lol. Not next video but the one after ! Version 2 coming soon.