Manfrotto VS. iFootage: Who Makes The BEST Monopod?!

I love monopods, and when I picked up my first monopod - the Manfrotto MVMXPROA42WUS - it quickly became one of my favorite tools to get quick pans and tilts, and achieve stable footage in run-and-gun shooting situations. But, this monopod was not without some faults, and certainly not all monopods are created equal... Thus, when I decided to also acquire the iFootage Cobra C180-II monopod to compare and contrast my experience with the Manfrotto, the question would become: which would be my monopod of choice moving forward?
In this head-to-head review video, I'll compare the Manfrotto monopod kit (and others like it) against iFootage's main monopod offering, and discuss the various specifications and features that set these monopods apart from one another. I'll also discuss two key things you need to know before purchasing the Manfrotto monopod, and I'll offer my personal thoughts as to which of these two monopods takes the crown of being "best".
If you like gear reviews like this one, feel free to let me know in the comment below, and check out my other existing tripod reviews on my channel linked below!
iFootage Cobra C180-II: amzn.to/3r8kfPY
Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W Fluid Head: amzn.to/3o9uu4p
Manfrotto MVMXPROA42WUS Monopod: amzn.to/3oa5f1V
0:00 - Intro, why I LOVE monopods...
0:49 - Manfrotto specs and features
1:57 - What you need to know about the Manfrotto
2:10 - #1: Panning
3:14 - #2: Stability
4:28 - iFootage specs and features
6:02 - Heads/panning on the iFootage
6:11 - Stability with the iFootage
7:12 - Which monopod is the best?
7:31 - Conclusion
Manfrotto 290 XTRA 128RC Tripod:
• An AFFORDABLE Workhors...
Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod:
• Is This $70 Tripod Wor...
Manfrotto PIXI Tripod:
• My Favorite TINY Tripo...
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My Current Kit:
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Cameras & Lenses:
Sony a7S III: amzn.to/3Gd87kK
Sony a7 IV: amzn.to/3g3Ipoq
Sony a7 III: amzn.to/3GcEX5x
Sony 20mm f/1.8 G: amzn.to/3AE7pMt
Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm f/1.8: amzn.to/3r6Lo5M
Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM: amzn.to/3HfLIoy
Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM: amzn.to/3He70Ts
Audio:
Rode VideoMic NTG: amzn.to/3AJwTrW
Tascam DR-10L: amzn.to/3AIRA7l
Zoom H6: amzn.to/32HCgep
Lighting:
Aputure LS 60x: amzn.to/3Gc04og
Aputure Amaran P60c: amzn.to/3ob7qm6
Aputure Amaran AL-F7: amzn.to/3g3IzMy
Aputure MC: amzn.to/34l8DzS
Tripod/Monopod:
Manfrotto 290 Xtra 128RC: amzn.to/3o8bPpV
iFootage Cobra C180-II: amzn.to/3r8kfPY
Affiliate Disclaimer: The above links to products may contain affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission as an Amazon Associate. Amazon and all related Marks are Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

[@thatjordandrake]

Enjoyed this, nicely done!

[@andrewsaraceni]

Jordan! Thanks so much, I appreciate that. I'm a big fan of DPReview.

[@DrRussell]

Thank you Sir. Really helpful. Your work will save lives

[@andrewsaraceni]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@mahfeww]

Thank you for this review

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem, Matthew!

[@NewWaysMedia]

Very helpful

[@andrewsaraceni]

Glad it helped, Neil!

[@EsotericNY]

I have their TC5 tripod and the C150 monopod. Both are phenomenal pieces of engineering. The only minor issue I have is w/ the snap releases... wish they curved a bit more inward (like the Peak Design carbon fiber) to slip into side pockets more easily. Again, minor, and half the price of the Peak.

[@andrewsaraceni]

Agreed, for what you get for the money, their design and quality is really outstanding. Definitely curious to try one of their tripod models at some point.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

great! I love monopods...I used to have an old Manfrotto monopod but then I decided to get a Sirui P-424S with a manfrotto head- I found the Sirui more stable of course because of its longer feet...but I confess I hate the twist locking mechanism...and after 3 years I think they are not as tight as they used to be...so I'm considering getting something else...have you compared the Sirui against the Manfrotto Xpro monopod? I know the Manfrotto has smaller feet but to be honest I would never let a monopod stand on its own with a camera attached...nope...I always bring my Sachtler tripod and use it for the wedding ceremony etc but I use my monopod a lot for preparation and details at the reception. I have a gimbal but I don't always have the chance to use it. thanks

[@andrewsaraceni]

Yeah I've tried the Sirui, and it's excellent in terms of features and stability, but ultimately didn't buy it because of the twist locks (as you mentioned). Monopods definitely aren't to be treated like tripods (else you'll learn the hard way...), though getting one that's more stable has honestly helped in more ways than one, probably my favorite advantage with the iFootage.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@andrewsaraceni thanks! I will look at the iFootage...take care

[@agenericaccount3935]

But to the point of the video, it looks like the ifootage carbon jobbie is a better prospect for weight and functionality. Manfrotto seems to really rely on brand equity to set pricing, vs quality. Sometimes.

[@andrewsaraceni]

Yeah, I think Manfrotto would benefit from refreshing their monopod offerings at this point. Others have leapfrogged them over the past few years with more compelling features, pricing, etc.

[@JachtingMotorowy]

I use Manfrotto monopod made of carbon. I use also Manfrotto fluid ballhead which is panning and tilting. I am very happy user and independent user. Comparison magnesium tool vs carbon is not useful in terms of wight. As you know Manfrotto has several monopods made of carbon and you could compare their weight to advertised item. Mine is 0,96 kilo including legs @ 177 cm (incl. legs). As for legs for monopod I noticed that in monopod you advertise here you use knob. That means you are not able to activate tilt mode with you shoes. In Manfrotto I can. As for me when you have to change fast it is a great advantage.

[@andrewsaraceni]

Sure, it's all a matter of preference and tradeoffs. Manfrotto does a number of things well with their monopods; I just think that iFootage's design hits on more key points that are important to my everyday shooting needs.

[@agenericaccount3935]

I mean, something with a long product name sounds like a perfect pairing for the ILCE-7SM3. Really rolls off the tongue, Sony.

[@andrewsaraceni]

It definitely seems like they took a cue from them, in this case. 😂

[@USConnexion]

Hey man I'm looking for something sturdy to use with my insta 360 RS 1 inch edition for some automotive filming. Nothing crazy just some 60 mph cruising. Thank you in advance.

[@andrewsaraceni]

So something to use in your car to film you? The iFootage in hi-hat mode would probably work well on your dashboard, but there's some specialized mounts out there for windshields that are more suited for that.

[@DNICTimor-LesteTV]

brother i need monopod support for Sony av

[@heachi5000]

This monopod jerks especially near the Sea and mountain.. So do you know any Tripod for Hihem i steady m 6 ....????

[@andrewsaraceni]

Which monopod are you referring to? Not sure I understand... There's plenty of great tripods out there though, I use this one regularly: ttps://amzn.to/3o8bPpV

[@yohannsphotographyvideogra9542]

ifootage is the best allrounder cobra strike monopod is a winner and if you add the pedal monopod definitely is a bigger winner

[@andrewsaraceni]

They have a nice variety of models out there, for sure.

[@joshmcdzz6925]

Manfrotto's products look solid and reliable but when you start using them, you'll soon realize perception is totally different than reality.. I have been disappointed by all my manfrotto products...I prefer my sirui tripod.. looking for a better head..

[@andrewsaraceni]

I've had good experiences with a number of their products, but they're certainly not all created equal... Their professional monopod line could certainly use some attention.

[@maialinobabe4232]

Ho acquistato un Manfrotto XPRO+, purtroppo la canna centrale è troppo ballerina per i miei gusti ☹️

[@andrewsaraceni]

Sì, vorrei che Manfrotto migliorasse la stabilità centrale dei loro monopiedi.

[@stealthmanofthewoods2570]

je confirme le monopode manfrotto est nul en mode vidéo il bascule des que l'on va de bas en haut et il faut un outil pour débloquer et se servir de la base et ajouter un adaptateur ,le ifootage lui n'a pas se besoin

[@andrewsaraceni]

Je ne sais pas de quoi vous parlez, c'est peut-être la façon dont vous décrivez le problème. Il fonctionne bien en mode vidéo.

[@fredriksvard2603]

Manfrotto hasnt been relevant in decades, the competitors are brands like sirui and 3lt

[@andrewsaraceni]

I think they still make some great products (esp. tripods and heads), but they definitely let the competition catch up on their monopods.

[@Panotaker]

Those monopods are so big and heavy, you might as well just use a travel tripod. That’s the main reason I never got one.

[@andrewsaraceni]

Travel tripods are another good option. There are smaller/lighter monopods as well, though you'll take a hit on quality, stability, payload capacity, etc. with most of them

[@artistjoh]

Tripods and monopods are very different tools and both are needed in different circumstances. In pro photography a monopod is essential for sports shooting, or in crowded places where feet might kick the legs of a tripod. But the main use for monopods is video. Monopods allow all sorts of camera movements not possible with tripods, both touching the ground, and touching the body. A monopod can function as a jib crane, a stabilizer, and as a basic shoulder rig. With wider feet monopods can be good-ish light stands. Especially valuable in tight spaces. A tripod is the most stable platform for standalone camera support and essential for landscape and portrait photography and places where there is plenty of room. Tripods provide excellent stability, but are not as versatile as monopods. For someone like me, I couldn't imagine not having both, but for many people, a tripod is all they need. Both tripods and monopods come in larger and smaller versions, and there are many lightweight monopods without feet that are easy to carry, just as there are lightweight tripods. Applicability to your needs should be the reason for having one or the other or both, but there is no reason for weight to be the deciding factor.

[@Life_of_John]

​@@artistjoh And a monopod has 1 leg. So quicker to lower or raise! Ideal for sports or videography as you say.

[@User-pq2yn]

What device do you have at 0:10, between head and the monopod?

[@andrewsaraceni]

It's the Edelkrone Wing (portable slider) - I have a separate review of it on my channel.

[@User-pq2yn]

@@andrewsaraceni thanks!

[@User-pq2yn]

I prefer Manfrotto's 500 series because the head supports the quick release plate from my Ronin RS3

[@andrewsaraceni]

Yeah the 500 series heads/plates are also great, certainly if you use bigger cameras and lenses.