IFOOTAGE Cobra 3 Strike Monopod A150S-Ⅲ, One-Touch Lifting Camera Monopod with Pedal, Aluminum Video Monopod for Shooting Bird/Animal/Sports Event/Wedding/Live Show, Payload 11lb/5KG

This monopod has a modular construction that allows it to be configured in a number of ways. The main components lock together with solid spring-loaded latches operated by knurled aluminium collars with an atractive red metallic anodised finish. Other parts are plastic or aluminium and sheet steel with a satin black finish, and there are strategically placed rubber inserts and buffers for grip and cushioning. The quality of design and construction are impressive. All of the actions were stiff to begin with.The mini tripod base has three legs that will lock into one of three positions, and a ball-joint swivel that can be locked vertically using the chromed foot pedal. The telescopic column has a clever internal gearing such that both sections are linked and extend and retract in unison. A large plastic button is used to lock the column in any position, and multiple columns can be connected for greater height (only one is included in this kit). No camera quick-release plate is included, but a threaded mount is, and this has another clever device to offer two sizes (1/4" and 3/8") on a single centre. The larger sleeve pushes down out of the way when the inner one is used.Although it's chiefly designed for cameras and other photographic equipment, I found this to be a useful base for a laser level. It is less stable than a full tripod, but more flexible, compact and portable. It can even be used as a walking stick!The monopod comes with a padded fabric carrying case and plenty of documentation and extra stickers, and seems to me to justify the £299 selling price. It was recently on offer, but is currently back at full price.

I added the one photo they wouldn't show in the marketing, this monopod, on a firm, stable surface, will support a camera (if it isn't blowing a gale out!) with the feet in their shallowest angle. Not that I'd recommend leaving your expensive camera unattended, but it is possible.I added a photo taken today (27/9/24) at Penllargare waterfall (Wales) assisted by the IFOOTAGE Cobra 3 Strike Monopod as exposure was 1/20 second to gain some movement in the water. Beautiful!Backstory: I recently bought a travel monopod (that doubles as a walking stick beautifully when hiking!), really like it, but wondered if one with tripod feet might be more stable.Well, the IFOOTAGE Cobra 3 Strike Monopod has offered that opportunity, and yes, I should have bout one with tripod feet!At 1.6 Kg it isn't really a heavyweight, around the same weight as a good travel tripod, adding one's favourite head to it will increase the weight a little, but not much.As a walking stick (I know... But why not?) is is strong and rigid enough, with a screw on plastic 'foot' that protects the base, although particularly abrasive ground might wear it rapidly.As a monopod is where it really shines though, with one minor niggle (next paragraph), as, with a quick press of the release on the base, the monopod can be angled to take that Macro shot (or video if one is so inclined), quickly & easily adjusted for height, with a stable base provided by the fold out feet. (I didn't get any 'show off' shots this morning, the camera was stable, but the wind said "No!"). A second press on the release will lock the monopod back upright.One minor detail that is easily overlooked, and will take some 'habit training'...The height is adjusted by squeezing a lever on the chunky handgrip, so being a little enthusiastic when grabbing the monopod to move it will also allow it to reach full height as soon as lift is applied - which may be somewhat frustrating until habit is learned (I cussed only a little this morning!) and the handle grabbed gently, which doesn't then activate the lever.The top plate, which holds one's choice of fitting, is easily removed by pulling the top orange colloured collar down and lifting it out, insertion is as simple as pushing it back in until a very reassuring 'click' is heard, and your 'gear' is safely locked in place.The whole centre coloumn can be removed and the top plate mounted on the 'foot' section, giving a very handy low platform for, in my case Macro shooting, exciting new angles to shoot footage.Minor niggle aside, averything about the IFOOTAGE Cobra 3 Strike Monopod shouts "quality!", the ease of adjustment, sturdy tubing of the centre column and even the foot assembly using all alloy construction.I'm impressed, which as a bit of a cynic when it comes to expensive photography accessories should be taken as great praise. It does a job very well, and feels built to last... Has to be 5 stars as nothing is actually wrong about it!