DPReview TV: iFootage Cobra 2 monopod long-term review

But Jordan, why not just tell us what you really think about it? :-)

I saw it some time back on the Gerald Undone channel I think. This led me to look at buying new monopods with feet as I wanted to start some video work with my new lightweight Fuji mirrorless cameras.

I ended up buying 2 of the now superceded Sirui ES224C - seems to be very similar to the Cobra including the hi-hat base, although the legs are different as they are carbon fibre as well and it goes taller. Also bought one Fotopro AK-64 - very similar again, though aluminium and same legs/feet style but has this amazing one point twist control to raise and lower all sections.

So as a buyer there are a few similar ones out there and I agree with Jordan and Chris - monopods with feet are great for stills photo work and limited video work. So much quicker to work with than a tripod. Don't get me wrong - I also bought 2 new tripods for video use as they are needed aa well. But if you have not tried a monopod with feet I highly recommend them for both stills and video.

Got one it's awesome, their tripods are a bit special as well.

Just ordered one, Jordan said it changed his life, so no pressure or high expectations or anything.

I find the detachable low angle tripod feature much more useful and you can buy them separately (I already own two of them).

How nice Jordan wore a matching outfit!

Now someone just needs to invent a multi-section, single lock like E-Image did on their tripods, so you loosen and tighten one lever to get full height adjustability- as opposed to opening four levers, and then closing four levers, now in different places.

Thanks for the great, and enthusiastic review.
It's clear you also have not tried out the Libec monopods, with an even wider base that you can lock and unlock- not with a tiny little knob- but with a footswitch. Super cool and way faster.

http://www.libecsales.com/products/th-m/features.html

Long term review of a monopod - that is hilarious :-)
My Manfrotto monopod has lasted more than 15 years and still working perfectly.

Jordan the embedded image of you holding the monopod made me think you were holding a shotgun and are about to shoot the guy recording...😅

When Jordan said 'the monopod that changed my life', makes me wonder about his life. If a monopod can change your life, well...?

I have one and love it.

2.8 pounds? How many Nocts is that?? ;)

I don't shoot video, but I hate unsteady/too-short tripods, and all the easy-to-carry ones seem to be that. I have occasionally used a monopod for still shooting, but mine doesn't have a foot, so it's nicer to carry but not a viable substitute for a tripod. Seeing a big camera sitting by itself on this monopod was thus a big surprise. How nuts would it be to try to use one of these instead of a tripod for travel with a still camera like the Sony A7 models?

As usual, guys, another informative and often entertaining review.

I have never been a big fan of monopods, perhaps because my unsteadiness if beyond the capacity of image stabilization to calm. I find that using it with a ball head requires more effort to set up than two hands can manage. A 2-way head is perfect, removing sideways leveling from the task. A video head, sans handle (important!) does that, and leaves both hands free to manage the camera.

I've had several several monopods, the latest being a Gitzo, whose joints are completely self-adjusting. However I use it with a DJI Roniin S gimbal to bear its substantial weight and add a great deal of control, especially for low angle shots, slides, jib, and dolly effects.

It hadn't occurred to me that you could leave a camera unattended on those miniscule feet. Please don't ask to borrow a camera from me ;)

DPReview TV's Jordan Drake thinks the iFootage Cobra 2 is the best monopod ever created in the history of mankind.

So, like the best jazz saxophonist in Siberia?

Looks like it also comes with the standard rubber knob, if you are in a situation where the feet don't work well.

Aluminum version is $60 cheaper?

Thanks for posting this.

I don't record video (I'm slowly starting with my drone, but different topic) so I don't always click on the link for video-related stories, but I will be from now on. This was hilarious. Thank you, sir, for the quality review with subtle humor. This was the highlight of a crappy work day!
Also, like the others, I don't need this, but I now fear I may buy it just because I need a win. :)

Glowing :) Speaking of which - Did you get a sunburn?

Had a Manfrotto. Just bought a Cobra. Manfrotto is dead long live the Cobra...

The Tarantino reference..... BRILLIANT

Would there be a reason to buy this for still photography instead of other monopods? I'm a monopod fan although unlike Jordan I have not met my life defining moment monopod yet, but I don't do video just stills.

I use a Komodo-k5 fluid head with this Monopod and it seems to be a good match.

Already sold out at B&H

I do not video.
I do not need this.
I do not want this.
I can't use this.

I ordered one.

Glad to hear that iFootage designed a great monopod for videographers. Unfortunately, I had to write a much more balance review of their Gazelle Fastbowl TC7. While it was obvious that the design and function were very well thought out, the carbon fiber legs did only a fair job of isolating vibration transmitted to the head. If you're using a mirrorless camera, then it might not be as much of an issue, but for DSLRs with moving mirrors, it was a problem at slower shutter speeds. It just didn't have the rigidity of a Gitzo, Manfrotto, or Benro. It's not my tripod of choice for close-in macro work. Only a guess, but I'm thinking that it's the gauge of CF thickness that's making a difference. As a monopod for video, those shortcomings might not matter.

Just bought one, because of you! My wife is gonna dislike you more ;)

I use a poor-quality monopod for my 360 camera work for site documentation. This is a very timely review - will be purchasing this next.

Thanks Jordan - more accessories and equipment reviews are always welcome!

Damn you guys... off to the store to order one!

Fantastically helpful. Thanks, guys.

This was actually a really useful video for me because right now I'm using a Manfrotto tripod for video shoots and it's just not the greatest for quickly moving around, and plus after several trials, I realized I almost never need the stability of a real tripod. I knew about video tripods but there were just so many I gave up looking, and almost purchased a Siriu. I'm happy I didn't after watching this. So, I basically know what I'm getting next! Thanks :)

will probably love the gear, but certainly love the clip. They should sponsor you ex post.
useful, and great fun