Often I get asked about good monopods on the cheap. There are two factors I always ask first: 1, are you shooting photo or video? 2, do you own a fluid head or ballhead? If you are looking to shoot video with a monopod, I recommend that you either purchase a quality fluid head and spend less on the monopod or just go all out and invest in something like a Manfrotto 560B-1 (quality monopod w/fluid head, video review HERE). If you already have the fluid head and just need a monopod, below are 3 that are all under one hundred bucks that will get the job done. In the event that you just need this for photography, the fluid head isn’t a necessity. What you will need though is some sort of ballhead so you can position your camera according to your shot. There are a ton out there for dirt cheap prices, just pay attention to the max payload and purchase according to your setup’s weight. The 3 monopods listed below (from highest to lowest in price) will all run you under $100 and they’ll get the job done.


Benro A48F Classic Monopod with Aluminum Flip Lock Leg

1) Benro A48F Classic Aluminum Monopod – High elasticity rubber foot to prevent slipping, reversible 1/4-3/8 head mount thread.

Maximum Height 63.4″ (160.9 cm)
Folded Length 20.87″ (53 cm)
Load Capacity 44 lbs (20 kg)
Leg Sections 4
Leg Lock Type Flip lever locking
Weight 1.65 lb (0.75 kg)

Giottos MM9170 4-Section Aluminum Monopod

2) Giottos MM 9170 4-Section Pro Monopod – The rubber foot allows up to 360 degrees of tilt and the reversible camera platform allows instant changing from the international standard 1/4″ to 3/8 ” thread.

Maximum Height 66.5″ (169 cm)
Folded Length 22″ (56 cm)
Load Capacity 33 lb (15 kg)
Sections 4
Leg Lock Type Twist lock
Male Thread Size 1/4-20″
Weight 1.7 lb (780 g)

Cullmann Magnesit 550 60″ Monopod
3) Cullmann Magnesit 550 Aluminum Monopod – Broad rubber foot with swivel, reversible 1/4-3/8 head mount thread.

Maximum Height 59.8″ (152.0cm)
Folded Length 18.1″ (46.0cm)
Load Capacity 18.7 lbs (8.5kg)
Leg Sections 5
Leg Lock Type Flip lever
Head Mount Thread Size 1/4-20″ & 3/8″-16 (reversible)
Weight 1.39 lbs (630g)