IFOOTAGE71" Professional Monopod, Carbon Fiber Monopod for DSLR Cameras, Portable Travel Camera Monopod with feet Max Load 17.64 lbs, Compatible with Sony Canon Nikon DSLR Cameras, Cobra 3 C180F

When it comes to camera gear, I have found that trying to get by with inexpensive equipment will only get you so far. If you want to have quality photos and videos you need quality gear. That’s not to say you can’t make amazing things with an iPhone and a budget setup. You can. But, when you are making a living at it, investing the gear you know, will hold up and last when taking a beating, finding companies like Manfrotto, Benro, and iFootage is a must. A few years ago I started using iFootage gear alongside my Manfrotto gear and I fell in love. They make some strong, versatile camera support gear. One of the products I have been getting some great use out of is the Cobra Strike 2 Aluminum Monopod.The Cobra 2 Strike is a lightweight monopod that features iFootage’s quick release system and single hand operated auto extension. The device is ideal to use when you have to pick up and move constantly during your shoot. The Cobra 2 Strike has a four-part modular design — quick release mount, main body, quick release low angle camera pod, and removable rubber foot. The modular parts make it possible for the Cobra 2 Strike to function as 3 different support pieces — a video monopod with adjustable feet, portable monopod, and a low-angle camera pod. The mounting plate provides users the option to use either a 1/4″ or 3/8″ mounting screw, which is actually spring-loaded. It is 100% compatible with the iFootage Komodo tripod head.The quick release grip makes it very easy to detach the camera from the post with very little effort. When you release the lock grip to extend the staff, you will notice that there is a built-in ruler on the inside of the rod to ensure that you put it at the exact length you want for your shot. The adjustable base features locking mechanisms for the three feet so that you can set it to one of three different angles — 20º, 50º, or 78º. The base also includes an adjustable ball joint that locks or unlocks with a simple twisting knob. The ball joint makes it possible for you to tilt the monopod 0-90º and swivel 360 degrees. The Cobra 2 Strike monopod is a 2017 Red Dot Design Award Winner (product design award).iFootage’s packaging is black with an image of the product you are getting printed on the front of it. When you open the box up, you will be greeted by a plastic bag that is covering a very nice carrying bag that iFootage provides with nearly all of their products. It’s a heavy duty carrying case that you can sling over your shoulder. Inside is where your the Cobra 2 Strike lives.The Cobra 2 Strike monopod is actually available in two different materials — aluminum and carbon fiber. I got the aluminum version because even though carbon fiber has a reputation for being more lightweight, aluminum tends to slide better. When the monopod arrived, I immediately unboxed it and got to know my new piece of camera gear. I marveled at the design of the device and how all the parts work together. I love that I can attach my camera to the mounting plate and use with either the full monopod or the base feet. It’s great to have such a versatile piece equipment in my hands.With my Cobra 2 Strike in hand, I took off for one of my favorite places to shoot — a local wildlife preserve. This area is well visited by locals, but it also has a lot of wild terrains because it’s a protected area. Given the location, I felt like it was a great opportunity to test all aspects of the Cobra 2 Strike. I drove out to a parking area and loaded up my gear which included the monopod, my Canon 5D Mark IV with a 24-105mm lens and 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. I hiked out to a spot not too far from the parking area and set up the monopod to get some shots of the wildlife and scenic landscapes. I found a place that was near the lake and set my camera on the monopod. I was incredibly happy with how quickly I was ready to shoot. Most of the time, I will take along a tripod to help stabilize my shots — especially with the telephoto lens. The problem is, sometimes it takes some time to extend the legs, level them out, and get my camera mounted.With the Cobra 2 Strike, I pre-installed the camera plate on my camera body and walked with it attached to the monopod to the lakeside spot. Within a few seconds, I had the monopod extended and was focusing in on some birds across the lake. The monopod is so lightweight that it was very easy to carry — even with the camera mounted to it — across the rocky path. After I grabbed a few shots with the 24-105mm lens, I wanted to get a few options with the 70-200mm. The Cobra 2 Strike is such an amazing monopod, that I didn’t have any problems with getting a stable shot. I was actually able to leave the camera sitting on the monopod with the feet extended and it didn’t fall over. I don’t make that a common practice, but in order to demonstrate how stable the monopod is, I wanted to give it a try. Thanks to the adjustable ball head in the base of the monopod, I was able to get some amazing shots that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get without the added stabilization from the monopod.The one thing I hate about the Cobra Strike 2 from iFootage is the name. I don’t like snakes at all so naming such an awesome monopod after something I am horribly grossed out by is a bit disappointing. You will find that to be the only thing that’s disappointing about this monopod. I can’t express how much I enjoy using iFootage gear, as they do make some of the best camera equipment in the business. It’s affordable and extremely well-built. I can’t say enough good things about the Cobra 2 Strike Aluminum Monopod.

In June 2022 we took a driving trip to see Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend, and other points of interest in the great American Southwest.This is when I came to appreciate the excellent versatility of the iFootage Cobra 2 C180-II monopod that I have already owned for one year.All the photos in this review were taken using this monopod as a standalone selfie stick, as a boom pole, or as my personal photography assistant. I even used it as a hiking stick on the park trails.You can see in the photos just how far I am standing from the camera that is attached to this monopod. What I have found is that stability is excellent -- when it is placed on a hard surface such as a sidewalk or other paved surface. Rarely do I extend it to its full height, however, which of course increases instability.But even when I used it for selfies on the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon (see photo), it proved to be sufficiently stable for this purpose.On the other hand, when I place it in the grass, in soft dirt, or a sandy beach, there is a greater chance that it might fall over. So I sit my camera backpack on the legs and generally that takes care of the problem. But if it is a windy day, be careful.For the attached photo of Horseshoe Bend, I used the monopod like a boom pole, put the camera on 10-second delay, and held the monopod out over the rim as far as I dared to get the entire horseshoe in the picture. Even with a DSLR camera attached for this photo, the monopod is firm, stable, and held the camera in place with no problem.I gave the monopod a pretty good workout on this trip. The legs are scratched and scuffed and the red rubber base took a beating from being used as a walking stick. For this purpose, I drop the top two sections only to configure the monopod to my height to use as a walking stick. Nevertheless, the monopod remains as solid as a rock.I also like the modular nature of this monopod that enables me to remove the tripod base from the pole and use it as a table top tripod or for low angle shots.Finally, it is lightweight enough that this aging septuagenarian can carry it -- with camera mounted -- without wearing me out or putting excess pressure on my lower back.So to say the least, I am very impressed with the C180-II. I have simply learned when to trust it to remain upright and when to be careful while using it on windy days or on soft surfaces.

During a photo session for Christmas family pictures, the photographer used this particular monpod. I knew I had to have one. I don't regret my purchase at all. I use it more then my tripod.

Everything was good with this monopod except the quick release collar at the top - it was very stiff & literally did not work properly - very frustrating!Returned the product.

Once you use this you never go back to old 3 clicks monopod. This one is fast as rocket. I never miss any shot now. Stability is insane.A team of videographers saw me with this monopd. They tried and now all of them uses this after my purchase.

Hugely hyped on YouTube, I wanted to see this for myself as I was in the market for a monopod. Spoiler - hard pass.- There's two easy release points, one at the head, one at the base. Works to release the pieces fine, but to pop them back in, you've got to put extraordinary force on them and even then, it feels like you're about to break the thing. If you have a camera on the top piece, you certainly won't want to be manhandling your gear just to pop it into place. Maybe these loosen up after time, but out of the box, they're unusable, therefore super inconvenient.- No head included. Most competitors include a head but this model does not. Makes sense that you can choose your own, but that greatly diminished the value of this monopod.- Nothing special about this model as compared to the competition. Stability is about standard. Weight is standard. Height is standard. There's nothing about this model that stands out from the competition especially given that it demands a premium price.

This has functioned perfect since new.