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

[@SeeMoreWithC]

Thanks for this video. It definitely helped me to make my choice in purchasing a Cobra 3. BTW, I also subscribed.

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem, glad to hear it helped, and thanks for the sub!

[@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!!

[@Terry-v3e]

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).

[@edjunod6324]

Great Review and comparison. Quick question about the leg clamps. On many monopod's they appear to be plastic. However these (orange) clamps almost appear metallic and more durable. What are the composed of? Thank you.

[@andrewsaraceni]

Thanks Ed! iFootage doesn't publish that information, but it does appear to be an aluminum material of some kind, based on what I can see.

[@edjunod6324]

@@andrewsaraceni Thank you Andrew. Sounds much better than plastic clamps which seem more prone to break. Keep up the good work.

[@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.

[@DrRetch]

Thank you for this most professional review!

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem!

[@gazziesukor4859]

i own the Cobra 2 "carbom fibre" amd thought of purchasing the Cobra 3 legs as it is longer and wider thus more stable but i'm skeptical due to many reviews saying that the pedal always has issues of getting stuck.. Need your opinion on this..

[@andrewsaraceni]

I've had zero issues with the pedal on my unit, might just take some getting used to in terms of using it. Worth noting that you can just get it with the standard CB3 base without the pedal, and with the knob instead if you prefer that.

[@gazziesukor4859]

@@andrewsaraceni thanks for the swift reply, appreciate it.. Will consider.. 👍

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@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.

[@iPhone-Cinematograhy]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem!

[@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.

[@ingemetdiedikkedingen]

bought it thanks

[@andrewsaraceni]

No problem, congrats on the purchase!

[@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.

[@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

[@mdturnerinoz]

Cobra III Strike is much more useful AND you don't have to always pick it up to change its hight!

[@andrewsaraceni]

Also a great option...but 1.5x the price, a foot shorter in maximum height, heavier and less payload capacity. To each their own. 🤷‍♂

[@tom_nuyts]

too big, too expensive...

[@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).