The ONLY Monopod You Need! iFootage Cobra 3 Review, Cobra 2 Comparison

The iFootage Cobra 3 monopod is one of the most popular monopod models on the market today, and perhaps for good reason. But how does this monopod really stack up in regards to its features and price point? Furthermore, is there any big difference between the Cobra 3, and its extremely noteworthy predecessor, the Cobra 2?
In this review, I'll cover all of the many specifications and features of the iFootage Cobra 3, specifically the CB3 C180F-P version, which includes the carbon fiber body and integrated legs with the foot pedal design. However, after going into detail on the Cobra 3, we'll provide a comparison between the Cobra 3 and the popular Cobra 2. In this case, specifically considering both the similarities and differences between the two models, and some unique features between the two that most people aren't talking about.
After comparing the two latest Cobra varieties, we'll then evaluate what I use this monopod for - covering real world situations such as weddings, commercials, and other shooting scenarios, and including footage from cameras like my Sony a7R V and a7S III where I've used the Cobra 3. Last, we'll cover the price and many different options available for the CB3 - including aluminum models, and accessories available separately like the CB3 Base - and last, offer my final thoughts.
All in all, when it comes to considering the ideal monopod to purchase, or even a first model to choose, I feel confident in saying that the iFootage Cobra 3 should be at the top of your list.
If you like monopod and tripod reviews like this, feel free to leave a like and subscribe, as there will be many more on the way! Also, let me know if you have any questions in the comment below.
iFootage Cobra 3 C180F-P: amzn.to/3T0aTm2
iFootage Cobra 3 C180F: amzn.to/3JEQPBR
iFootage Cobra 3 Base-P: amzn.to/3SZtvT3
iFootage Cobra 3 Base: amzn.to/3TgT2Zj
iFootage Cobra 3 A180F - amzn.to/3UZb2IT
iFootage Cobra 3 A180T - amzn.to/3Tiqhvp
iFootage Cobra 2 C180-II: amzn.to/3ImzTiw
Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W: amzn.to/3o9uu4p
Buy the Cobra 3 from iFootage directly! www.ifootagegear.com/?ref=and...
0:00 - Intro, statement of ethics
0:25 - iFootage Cobra 3 specs and features
2:53 - Cobra 3 vs. Cobra 2
5:33 - A fun fact about iFootage monopods no one talks about...
6:07 - What I use this for
8:03 - Price and options
9:26 - Summary
Shaky Footage? How to Get STABLE Monopod Shots for Video:
• Shaky Footage? How to ...
Wedding Filmmaking Behind the Scenes: How to Solo Shoot a Wedding!:
• Wedding Filmmaking Beh...
Manfrotto VS. iFootage: Who Makes The BEST Monopod?!:
• Manfrotto VS. iFootage...
YC Onion Pineta VS. iFootage Cobra 2 Review:
• Most INNOVATIVE Monopo...
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My Current Kit:
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Cameras & Lenses:
Sony a7R V: amzn.to/3FNpWdn
Sony a7S III: amzn.to/3Gd87kK
Sony a7 IV: amzn.to/3g3Ipoq
Sony 20mm f/1.8 G: amzn.to/3AE7pMt
Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM: amzn.to/3m2GbIT
Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM: amzn.to/3Rqzktg
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II: amzn.to/3GuWrNa
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: amzn.to/3OWeb6k
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II: amzn.to/3IPSge6
Audio:
Rode VideoMic NTG: amzn.to/3AJwTrW
Tascam DR-10L: amzn.to/3AIRA7l
Zoom H6: amzn.to/32HCgep
Sony TX660: amzn.to/3PwQeTH
Lighting:
Aputure LS 60x: amzn.to/3Dvo4oc
Aputure Amaran P60c: amzn.to/3ob7qm6
Aputure Amaran AL-F7: amzn.to/3g3IzMy
Aputure MC: amzn.to/34l8DzS
Tripod/Monopod and Stabilizers:
Manfrotto 290 Xtra 128RC: amzn.to/3o8bPpV
iFootage Cobra 3 C180F-P: amzn.to/3T0aTm2
Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W: amzn.to/3o9uu4p
DJI RS 3 Gimbal Combo: amzn.to/3NEUwZd
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.

[@DrRetch]

Thank you for this most professional review!

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem!

[@iFootageInternational]

Thank you so much, Andrew, for making this in-depth comparison! 🙌

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem! Thanks for making such a great monopod. 🙂

[@daviday87]

@ifootageinternational - love this product. Any chance of making a version of this where the pole detaches into two or more pieces to make it more easily packable for airline carry-ons?

[@MusicFed]

@@andrewsaraceni thanks -- how long is the folded lenght without the three legged base? cannot seem to find this info

[@andrewsaraceni]

@@MusicFed No problem, the base adds about 6", so it's roughly 21.5" without it.

[@MusicFed]

@@andrewsaraceni thanks - i am trying to find out what's the shortest it can get by removing the base; any other part can be removed maybe the quick release part on top? thanks!!

[@user-ky9mv9sk6n]

I’ve been a hobbyist and professional photographer for many years and I’ve had a number of tripods in that span. My last one lasted for well over 10 years of rugged use and the twist lock legs just gave out. So research I went and I knew that a rugged carbon fiber, flip locks was what I needed. So I landed on the IFootage with the K 2 head and couldn’t be happier!!!! Now I find myself looking for a monopod and it’s no surprise that I went to the IFootage Cobra3 and I’ll be purchasing it in a few days!!!! Good video!!!!

[@andrewsaraceni]

Thanks Terry! You made a great choice - can't go wrong with the Cobra 3 (or iFootage's tripods, for that matter either).

[@iPhone-Cinematograhy]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem!

[@LMActionsports]

I have the aluminum version cobra two and I flipping love it I was thinking about getting the carbon fiber version of the new cobra three because I like the wider stance of the tripod base. Plus I like the little foot pedal but I don’t like that it only locks When it’s stand straight up. My cobra two I like to add a little tension and still be able to pivot it around kind of like a nice fluid head. But I do love how the quick connect work and taking the tripod base and turning it into a mini tripod For doing videos with the camera sitting on the desk or a table. I might pick up the cobra three tripod base just to have both versions. It be nice to have the carbon fiber version but the aluminum version gets the job done and it’s not really that heavy but it is so well-made I recommendany cobra two or cobra three monopod to anybody. Thanks for sharing love the channel

[@andrewsaraceni]

Thanks! The carbon fiber models, and even just the new base itself is definitely worth it. I originally thought I'd still prefer the ball head base, but really came to like/prefer the pedal version the more I used it.

[@LMActionsports]

@@andrewsaraceni yeah I will probably pick up the pedal version Base to give it a try. Ifootage makes some really well thought out products that are very well made. You should check out their magic arms that have a super clamp on one side and a quick connect 1/4 20. Love it also.

[@gdfswonder636]

Someone else mentioned they put a ball head on top of the new base (lever) and claim it works great

[@andrewsaraceni]

@@gdfswonder636 The new Base-P (with the pedal, ball head for angle/rotation) is a great design - much improved compared to other systems.

[@markshirley01]

Im thinking of buying the new Cobra Strike 3 on Kickstarter (£143) but there are no reviews and its available in September. So a good price but a bit of a gamble, as the new mechanism isnt proven for reliability over a long time. But the single action to adjust height seems such a brilliant feature.

[@andrewsaraceni]

I'm sure the Strike 3 will be great once it's released. In my case, I actually prefer the multi-section design w/ flip locks and the lighter carbon fiber build, so I'm still planning on sticking with the Cobra 3. If you want a monopod now, I don't think you can go wrong with the Cobra 3.

[@markshirley01]

@@andrewsaraceni why do you prefer multiple catches over one mechanism, is it potential reliability

[@andrewsaraceni]

@@markshirley01 Long-term reliability, and configurability of tension on the locks are a couple key reasons.

[@bajan3100]

Would this be good for wildlife photography where I would be use a long telephoto lens (150-600mm)

[@andrewsaraceni]

Yes, the Cobra 3/monopods in general are great for wildlife photo or video.

[@tanner.quintero]

Question... Is possible to make long exposure photos on a monopod? I just own Tripods so...

[@andrewsaraceni]

Yes, it can be done - so long as the monopod is stable enough (and the Cobra 3 is).

[@User-pq2yn]

Does Cobra 2's QR mechanism compatible with Cobra 3?

[@andrewsaraceni]

Yes, you can use Cobra 2 parts with the Cobra 3 and vice versa - see around the 5:33 mark.

[@babyandromeda8762]

Would you recommend this for like taking gym videos? I don’t need to put it all the way up just need like half way and I have to leave it like 20-30 seconds while I do my workout.

[@andrewsaraceni]

The Cobra 3 would definitely work for that, especially in hi-hat mode for low to the ground shots.

[@babyandromeda8762]

Is that a yes?

[@babyandromeda8762]

@@andrewsaraceni thank you. I’m gonna buy this for sure. I have a tripod but it’s taking a big space I think these would be nice cuz it doesn’t need big space to set up like tripod.

[@andrewsaraceni]

@@babyandromeda8762 No problem, and yes, I'd recommend it. It saves a ton of space compared to a tripod.

[@lashfan]

would you recommend this over the new Sirui Rapid System Monopod?

[@andrewsaraceni]

Likely a difference of price and preference (I prefer flip locks over twist locks). The Sirui is similar to YC Onion's, which I did a separate video on comparing. The iFootage is still my go-to, FWIW.

[@lashfan]

Appreciate your response! Thank you.

[@Nobody76World]

Can you take it apart to make it fit into a camera bag such as the nat geo medium backpack

[@Nobody76World]

Because I'm trying to way out my odds of getting it but don't want to purchase in case it doesn't fit, these are the bags dimensions 28 x 11 x 43 cm

[@andrewsaraceni]

Fitting the main monopod body into a bag would be tough tough, but the base, etc. would fit. Easiest to strap it on the outside of the bag and carry it that way.

[@Nobody76World]

@@andrewsaraceni thank you, I was thinking about taking it on a plane trip, can you use the base on its own?

[@andrewsaraceni]

@@Nobody76World No problem, yeah doesn't seem like it'd fit in the bag given the dimensions. But you can use the base on its own.

[@Nobody76World]

@@andrewsaraceni dang, ok thank you, I'm trying to find something compact enough but may go this route

[@SMTV8K]

After using it for three months, the Cobra3 180PF base I purchased has become stuck and cannot be removed. The manufacturer refuses to repair it. The lock on the monopod frequently loosens and is difficult to secure. Therefore, I believe this is a very poor product from iFootage with many manufacturing issues. The Cobra2, which I have used for many years, is much more reliable.

[@andrewsaraceni]

I've been using mine for over a year, and haven't had any of those problems. iFootage has a 1 year warranty for hardware issues (or 3 year if purchased directly from them), so if it is a defect and not some kind of user error, you should be able to get it repaired/replaced.

[@lesjones471]

A copycat of a different maker

[@andrewsaraceni]

How so? Not sure what you mean.

[@lesjones471]

@@andrewsaraceni SIRUI was the first to come out with the monopod with 3 legged feet a few years ago,I purchased one,Fittings/adjustments are blue,Very well made too.Visit a youtube video to see it.They also made tripod heads too.Comes with a weather poof good bag.

[@lesjones471]

@@andrewsaraceni Sirui P-325FL Carbon Fibre Monopod with Stand I purchased many years ago,they make tripod heads too from low cost to high end,I have not searched for any other Sirui items.So China again copies another item with a little more features to be different.

[@tanner.quintero]

Question... Is possible to make long exposure photos on a monopod? I just own Tripods so...

[@andrewsaraceni]

Yes, it can be done - so long as the monopod is stable enough (and the Cobra 3 is).