The EVOLUTION of the monopod - Sirui P-325FL Review

Monopods have been a bit uninspiring for years now, it was about time that they became a bit more versatile. This review is about the new hybrid system that dispenses with the old single leg monopod and gives it three feet so that it can stand upright without any assistance, but quicker than a tripod and it has a few other tricks up its sleeves.
Check out SIRUI P325FL Monopod at bit.ly/3PtIthM
5% discount using code "benharvey"
Video content:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - about monopods
00:58 - new design
01:11 - stability test
02:07 - product details
03:48 - monopod in use
05:12 - setting up speed test
05:57 - suggested improvement
06:50 - the results
09:01 - a more challenging environment
10:27 - conclusion
If you would like to see more of my work then check out my website:
Www.benharveyphotography.co.uk
The gear I use to make my content (although this is always changing!)
Canon EOS R - I use this for a combination of stills and video
Canon 5d mk3 - this is my primary landscape camera that works with all my EF lenses, if I am using my EOS R for filming
Sony A7iii + 20mm 1.8G - I use this for shooting stills and more recently my primary camera for shooting video (because of weight)
DJI Pocket 2 + creator combo - My go to for walking and talking shots
DJI Mavic Pro 2 - My first drone, and I can’t see me replacing it. It’s amazing for both stills and 4K footage!
Go Pro Hero 8 - with the media mod for external audio for adverse weather conditions that the DJI pocket might not survive!
Insta360 One X2 - new to the bag, for 360 degree video and BTS content
Microphones - Rode Wireless Go, Rode Lav Go, Rode Video Pro+, Rode Video Micro
Photo Tripods - Sirui ST-124 with Sirui ballhead, Peak Design travel tripod
Video Tripods - Switchpod, K&F travel tripod + Gorillapod
Camera bags - Manfrotto, Lowepro, Peak Design, K&F and Crumpler
Photo Filters - H&Y magnetic filter system, Hitech 10/16 stop ND, Lee Grad filters,
Video filters - Freewell magnetic NDs, H&Y Revoring, Hoya Variable ND
All of my cameras have Arca Swiss plates to connect with the Peak Design Capture Clip and compatible tripods.
Video editing software - Adobe Premiere Pro
Video editing on the iPad Pro - LumaFusion
Photo editing - Adobe Lightroom, photoshop, Artisan Pro X, Silver Efex, Color Efex
Music: Epidemic Sound
Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic

[@vaqrEmiX]

BEST REVIEW of Sirui P-325FL monopod! Not like other reviews were going lengthy of nonsense, you went straight into the monopod's design and functions in details. Beyond the studio, you compared and tested the products on the field that made you, your review, and your channel differently the BEST! I own a Sirui carbon tripod and love the brand, with your pure and simple English which is very convincing that makes me going to order the Sirui P-325FL now, and subscribing your KZbin channel as well. Thank you!

[@benharveyphotography]

Thank you for the kind words and I am glad you found the review helpful!

[@CarmaComa]

Another great product review Ben :-) Giving Gordon a run for his money haha ;-p The monopod is a product long overdue for an overhaul and this Sirui restores my faith that someone is still thinking about and looking to improve on slightly overlooked technology. If ever I need one, this will go straight to the top of the list. Kudos mate.

[@benharveyphotography]

Cheers Phil, the redesign makes it more adaptable to different scenarios and then gets used more! It looks like a weapon from the Predator movies with the spike out!

[@derryk1]

I use the Manfrotto MVH400AHUS small tripod fluid head in conjunction with my Sirui P-204SR it's 4 or 5 years old and works like a charm. I don't have tilt problems because I control it at the top no need for knobs at my foot for adjustment in tilting.

[@klackon1]

I purchased a Sirui 204S hybrid monopd some years ago. It is beautifully made with excellent attention to detail. It would actually stand on it's own with a Nikon D500 + Nikkor 200 - 500mm attached to a ball head. Even the carrying bag and packaging is in a different league to others.

[@benharveyphotography]

Glad to hear Pete, I have to agree on the building quality of the tripod and monopod that I have reviewed for them - really solid build. They have yet to send me any anamorphic lenses…..but I will wait :-)

[@danh6224]

Great Review, Thanks. I've always wanted a Sirui monopod for some time. I've been using a Benro, but came across a current deal on BH on this very exact unit, plus it includes a VH-10 video head assembly for $199. One thing I'm not seeing is if it comes with a bag/carrycase? and I don't see one on Sirui's website. Time to Upgrade :)

[@benharveyphotography]

It’s a great monopod - you will be happy with the build quality and features. I have my office camera on it the whole time, there isn’t enough space in the corner of the room for a tripod.

[@neilcole3406]

Good idea to use the kids as camera crew Ben, cake and crisps payments keep the cost down too!

[@benharveyphotography]

I think I will do it more often, she was quite helpful!

[@bobcrusader]

iFootage Cobra has a locking knob you can use with your foot.

[@benharveyphotography]

Ah, I thought I came up with that idea! Thats good to know

[@jackstutts6439]

I use the Ifootage Cobra 2 C150-ii. It's almost identical to the one your reviewing. The only difference is that it doesn't use a panning lock. Panning is achieved by loosening the ball head at the foot. Combined with a Whimberly MH-100 head I use it for wildlife. The ifootage monopod is about 180 US dollars.

[@itswrongtokillanimalsifyou2837]

Do check out Feisol's similarly convertible monopods. They are made from carbon fiber as well but have significantly longer legs. I simply adore mine and consider them game changers, but must admit I haven't used them for fine art architecture.

[@benharveyphotography]

Thanks for leaving a comment. This monopod already goes above my head, I am not sure there is any benefit in one that goes higher as I wont be able to reach or use my camera!?!

[@itswrongtokillanimalsifyou2837]

@@benharveyphotography Haha, fair enough!

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

i have a Sirui P-424S with big feet...how is this better? Also I would never let a monopod stand on its own with a camera on top...nope...is this better than a Manfrotto Xpro? even if the manfrotto has smaller feet? I use them for video only. Thanks

[@benharveyphotography]

Hi Erick, I don’t think it is better that the 424s. They are part of the same range with different height and load capacity. But they both have quick release connections to detach the three feet and turn it into a table top mini tripod. I do use mine all the time for video with a small set up on top to film my KZbin videos. But only in calm conditions. If it’s windy then I would never chance it, or use the wrist strap. The Manfrotto x-pro seems to be the exact same concept (and I don’t know who camera you with the idea first) of a monopod with optional fret on the bottom.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

​@@benharveyphotography right..monopods are so useful for sure...at least for me. I have a Sachtler tripod which I use for ceremonies etc but monopods are my weapon of choice for most of the day. I can get smooth push in movement etc. The Sirui P-424S is good- I just don't like the twist locks much...I'll see if I can look and compare some of the new Sirui and a Manfrotto Xpro soon...maybe I just need a new toy! I usually put a Canon 90D with a Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 on it or a C100 mk2 on it...I confess at one point I tried a Canon XF300 camcorder on it...maybe too much! Lol . thanks for the response

[@Christographer_UK]

Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben, Ben. What are you doing to me? I want one, but I CAN NOT justify buying yet another monopod or tripod come to that. I have loads of them & it's not that long ago since I bought a Benro MSDPL46C SupaDupa.Which, IMHO has a better head, being a built-in levelling Pan Head, but this Sirui has a ball head arrangement at the base as well as those feet. There are I believe articulating monopod feet that could be added to my Benro, though I have not seen them in the flesh, so I can't comment on the quality of that/those option(s). As usual Ben, another great video, but next time please review something I've already got/have on order or do not want or need. 🤣

[@benharveyphotography]

Hi Chris, I remember you mentioning the monopod to me previously in the comments - I thought of you when this arrived. I received this monopod in December and made this video in Jan, but I have been unable to release it until now due to the release being pushed back because of supply issues created by Covid. Try keeping a secret for 6 months! Haha. How about tripod spikes for my next video 🙂

[@Christographer_UK]

@@benharveyphotography Now, there’s an idea. 😉

[@ICEMANKENNYTV]

Can you use a gimbal on the monopod?

[@benharveyphotography]

Absolutely. All the gimbals I have used have a thread on the underside to attached it to a tripod plate or directly to a tripod/monopod. Vertically mounting it on a monopod is easy, best review the weight of a camera and lens combination if you intend on extending the monopod out and angling it to create a boom-pole type affair to get unique angles as it might start to flex under heavy loads and it will be demanding on your arms!

[@DBrccrawling]

"This is a heavy setup" 🤣 good joke

[@benharveyphotography]

I have a video coming out soon that I cover how much weight a tripod needs to hold. The tripod on question holds 15kg. The heaviest camera and lens combo I have is 2.5kg, realistically how much weight can a photography carry and use? I am curious. Note that I have held a Canon 400 and 600L, and they totally £35k - I am not sure I would want to put them on a monopod?!?

[@mirovida66]

iFootage has similar product at half the price

[@benharveyphotography]

I have not tried it, so it is always good to find someone that has held and used comparable products to help you make an informed decision. I have heard of ifootage but I havent used any of their gear.....

[@davelangley2965]

Mono, it's got three legs???

[@benharveyphotography]

well.....it has three feet. But that is why its a hybrid between a monopod and a tripod.

[@mikewilson8513]

I have a Sirui P 424s. Believe me it is a brilliant piece of kit. It doesnt replace a tripod, but if you cant use your tripod, this more stable than just an ordinary monopod. But it can stand on its own like a tipod. (I never walk away from it though.) Treat yourself, you wont regret it.

[@benharveyphotography]

Glad you like it Mike. My camera lives on my for shooting video indoors.

[@mikewilson8513]

It hasnt got three legs, It has three feet ! (And these hybrids are briilant and so useful)

[@maintainingmomentum]

So they just Stole Ifootage"s Design !!

[@benharveyphotography]

Perhaps, I think someone else commented that below. I haven’t used any I-footage products, so I can’t really comment who got there first. Copyright doesn’t seem to apply in some parts of the world does it!