Monopod Cobra 3 C180F-P, 71" Monopod for Camera Carbon Fiber Travel Monopod with Feet, 1/4'' & 3/8'' Quick Release Compatible with Sony Canon Nikon DSLR Camera, Payload 17.6Lb

I recently purchased the Ifootage Cobra 3 Carbon Fiber Monopod and have been putting it through its paces for various video projects. Overall, I'm quite pleased with its performance and build quality, though it's not without a few minor drawbacks. Here's a comprehensive review of this monopod.Lightweight and Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐One of the standout features of the Ifootage Cobra 3 Carbon Fiber Monopod is its lightweight design, which is especially noticeable when you opt not to use the feet. The monopod exudes a sense of quality that's impressive. It's worth noting that there are multiple versions available in both aluminum and carbon fiber, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.Pedal Base: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The pedal base makes it easy to lock and unlock the column and to adjust the angle of your shot. You can also use it to get jib like shots and do smooth push in reveals.Height Range: ⭐⭐⭐The monopod's height range is decent, extending from 27.165 inches at its shortest to 71.26 inches at its tallest. While it offers flexibility, some users may find that it doesn't get as compact as they'd like, which could be an issue when traveling.Quick Release Mechanism: ⭐⭐⭐⭐The quick release system on this monopod is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows for quick adjustments to remove your camera or fluid head from the top and put it on the feet. At the same time it is hard to release one handed and you need to make sure you pull the column down all the way so it locks into place.Wrist Strap and Lock Under the Plate: ⭐⭐⭐The monopod comes with a wrist strap, which is a nice addition, but it could be a bit longer, especially if you plan to attach a video head on top. Additionally, a lock under the plate would have been a welcome feature to enhance stability during use.Cushioned Latches and Rubber Feet: ⭐⭐⭐⭐The cushioned latches on this monopod are impressive and easy to operate. It's also noteworthy that you can unscrew rubber pieces from the feet and attach them to the bottom for added grip. However, these rubber pieces have a tendency to get lost, so make sure to tighten them securely.Pedal Base and Standard Knob: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The Ifootage Cobra 3 Carbon Fiber Monopod comes with two bases – a standard knob and a pedal base. The pedal base, in particular, is excellent for shooting on even terrains and when you need to maintain close control throughout your shoot. It has a built-in fluid system and a step-on lever, providing a smooth, almost fluid-like feel. One drawback, though, is that you can't lock the pedal base in orientations other than "up," though it offers an option to add friction.Built-in Tool and Case: ⭐⭐⭐⭐The inclusion of a built-in tool is a thoughtful touch, making on-the-fly adjustments more convenient. The monopod also comes with a case that can accommodate a video head, but it's a bit of a tight squeeze. A slightly longer case would have been ideal for smoother storage.Stability and Swivel: ⭐⭐⭐One area where the Ifootage Cobra 3 struggles is in managing side-to-side sway when you use the pedal base. It would have been great if there was a way to lock this movement and only allow tilting forward for unique shots.In conclusion, the Ifootage Cobra 3 Carbon Fiber Monopod is a sturdy, versatile tool for videographers. Its lightweight design, quick release mechanism, and choice of bases make it a strong contender for various shooting scenarios. While it has a few minor quirks and limitations, it's still a reliable addition to any videographer's toolkit.

Wow! What a great monopod! Super well designed and built, lots of adjustments, very tall to very small, and quite sturdy yet lightweight for what it does. If you just need support for your big rig, not a tripod, this works out quite well. I spent 7 hours at an airshow with a Nikon SLR fitted and Nikon 200-500mm lens and sitting on a Wimberley monopod gimbal and this monopod without any fatigue. I highly recommend it.I am not a pro, just an old amateur photographer.

I had a monopod that I have traveled with extensively but really did not use as much as I should, just did not enjoy using it. Seemed more of a hinderance than a benefit. I picked it up recently to go take some shots and noticed the lower leg section was bent. Decide to replace it and after A LOT of research landed on the Cobra 3. Added a Leofoto pan and tilt head to it and the difference is mind boggling! It makes shooting so much easier and is absolutely a joy to use. Little pricey but worth every penny! Can't wait to use my monopod now instead of dreading it. The pedal lock adds an entirely new dimension to shooting.

Its a monopod so there is some shake/sway but the quality is great - light weight - carry bag is amazing! Works as a mini tripod too

Good quality. Small tripod legs work great. Monopod is easy too usually and sturdy.

Edit: Got a replacement base and it works great! Seems to be a common issue.WOW. This is my first iFootage product, I've been eyeing it and my mom finally got it for me for Christmas. It is extremely good quality, and it VERY securely supports the weight of my Sony A7iii at a decent height. I really needed this for a shoot I'm doing in a few days, but there's just one thing that makes it unusable for me and I'll probably have to get a different version or buy something else instead. For whatever reason the foot pedal mechanism does not lock. It was locked when I got it and I tested it fine, but after unlocking it it will not go back to center. I imagine I am either doing something wrong or my unit is defective, but regardless I won't be able to use it for my big shoot unfortunately. Glad I tested it before committing to purchasing the K5S fluid head as well.

Great Mono Pod, took it to me to Laguna Seca for the Indy Race and it worked as should and was very light. Improved my panning shots. Highly recommend Note: I did not use the included tripod base as it was heavy(as it should be) but used it at home and it worked well

This thing is amazing for on the move bird photography. I also use it stationary sometimes (like waiting on an animal to come out). The tripod base is great for removing and using as a steady tripod.

Pros:- Solid build quality while still being light weight and easy to bring around- Very quick and easy to make adjustments all the way through. I particularly like the foot pedal adjustment for the base- Can be used with just the base or as a full monopod- Love the versatility of this monopod. Great for longer lenses on the goCons:- None reallyOverall:I've been so happy with this monopod. I recently got Fujifilm's large telephoto lens and was looking for something to pair with it, since hand holding it was becoming a pain. I do have a tripod, but find it quite cumbersome to set up and use with my lens. This has been the perfect compromise.This is very well made and feels solid all the way through, while still maintaining a light weight design that makes it easy to transport. The tripod style feet are quick to deploy and the angle can easily be adjusted with the foot pedal. In practice this works really well together. I love using this to help with panning shots when on the track and offers enough additional stability to let me shoot wildlife as well with my long lens. I actually don't do any videography really but I've still found this monopod to be a great addition to my kit. I use it more than my tripod now! 100% would recommend.

My first monopod purchased because at 77 years of age with spinal fractures and becoming unsteady on my feet, I wanted something to support my camera and myself. I shoot birds predominantly, and there can be long periods of waiting for the shot. Holding the camera steady sometimes above head height becomes tiring and having the camera supported should make a difference.On unboxing, I was so impressed by the thought that has gone into the monopod. The carbon fibre moved smoothly extending or retracting. The clip locks are re-assuringly solid. The minipod feet settings were easy and the pedal locking foot operated control to allow rotation around the rotating ball head worked well. Rotating the camera on the monopod was smooth. The 1/4" and 3/8" screws being retractable enabling use with two mounts is genius. The quick release head allowed me to instantly whip the camera off the monopod to take a hand held shot, and because of the feet, the monopod stands in place meaning it doesn't need to be lain on the ground. Every about this monopod thing reeks of quality and learning from earlier models to further improve. The monopod is light. and I walked 6km through bushland on my first field trial without a problem. I already have a mini tripod, but the ability to remove the shaft and be left with a quality mini tripod using the lower section should be very useful. I have seen video of a large DSLR with telephoto lens being mounted on the mini section, with the photographer lying prone on the round to photograph water birds. Great resulting photos, but my days of lying flat on the ground for extended periods, and more importantly, being able to get up again, are long gone sadly.So confident am I of the stability of this monopod that I have shown my Canon 7D MkII camera with fully extended Canon 70-300mm lens sitting on the monopod. Not recommended outdoors, but does show how stable the feet are. Also note that this lens does not allow for a tripod collar. If it did, the balance would be even bettered as centred rather than off centre as shown.The carry bag is indicative of the thought that this company exemplifies. Great quality, adjustable shoulder strap, carry handles, but inside...a velcro strap to hold the monopod in place, a genius push out end to allow for a fluid head/ballhead fitting to go in the bag without removing, and a useful inner pocket.The company's after sale service is superb. I did lose the rubber foot that screws into the base of the tripod during my first outing. I take some responsibility for not checking, but felt it should not have been loose when shipped. I reached out to iFootage by email & the response was fast and helpful. They are replacing the part free of charge which is exemplary service. I also informed that although the quick release head works brilliantly for removal, I found it hard to re-attach the camera with the quick release head. They promptly sent a small video demonstrating correct technique which was helpful, and now with practice I have no complaint.This has been such a satisfying purchase. I am very satisfied with this monopod & it has already improved my bird photography by allowing longer periods in the field, with less fatigue, and a stable platform which has eliminated a degree of camera shake creating sharper photos.

This monopod was excellent. Very lightweight, easy to deploy and works well with a 200-600 Sony lens. Love the pedal design and looking forward to even using it with my Osmo Pocket 3 when deploy the legs. I love the carbon fibre feel which isn't as cold in the Canadian winters.The company is also responsive to queries which is fantastic.

Timely delivery and wonderful product. I am looking forward to using it.

Save yourself money if you are not going to use the tilt function often and get the cheaper without the tilt model. I bought this and spent a lot but have never use the tilt function.This one is easy to use, you can clip the camera in and out quickly, but there are many other brands that do that too.