Super Sat Forum Review forum

Camera

Manfrotto Element MII 5-Section Aluminium Travel Camera Monopod

4.3 11 reviews 2 min read

Manfrotto Element MII 5-Section Aluminium Travel Camera Monopod

Product description

Purpose-built for photographers who travel light but need reliable support, this five-section monopod is compatible with mirrorless bodies, DSLRs, compact cameras and smartphones when used with a separate head or clamp. It’s aimed at shooters of sports, wildlife, weddings and other fast-paced situations where a small footprint and stable support are required.

Constructed from aluminium, the monopod extends to a maximum height of 159 cm and compresses down to 43 cm for storage. Total weight is approximately 0.5 kg, yet the design will safely bear gear up to 15 kg — sufficient for long zooms and robust camera setups. The top mounting disc houses a reversible screw that provides both 1/4" and 3/8" threads, enabling direct camera attachment or the fitting of a dedicated monopod head.

Operation is simplified by ergonomic twist-locks that secure each of the five sections quickly and firmly. A textured rubber grip offers comfortable handling and a wrist strap keeps the monopod close and secure while on the move. The compact folded length and light weight make it easy to stow in a backpack, and the combination of features aims to balance portability with practical stability in the field.

Pros

  • Very portable — folds to 43 cm and weighs ~0.5 kg
  • Sturdy 15 kg payload for heavy zooms
  • Quick twist locks and reversible 1/4"–3/8" screw

Cons

  • Aluminium rather than lighter carbon fibre
  • Not ideal for the largest super-telephoto lenses
  • Some users report finish and locking feel variance

VerdictThis compact Manfrotto monopod is a solid choice for photographers who need a lightweight, portable support that still handles substantial lenses. Its aluminium build keeps weight to a minimum while offering a 15 kg payload, and the quick twist-locks make deployment fast. It’s not the top-end, pro-grade carbon fibre stick, but for travel, sports, wildlife or event work where portability and quick

Reviews

  1. Larry Craft 5/5

    Good monopod, screw reveal took me a minute

    Works well for my needs but the manual didn't explain how to expose the alternate thread. I discovered online that pushing the top against the lens releases the spring-loaded 1/4" screw to reveal the 3/8" thread.

  2. Cheryl M. Wertman 5/5

    Does the job

    Performs exactly as required. Lightweight, supports my camera solidly. Hoping it holds up under the knocks of sports work.

  3. IA 5/5

    Solid performance but a bit rough

    Good product overall, though the finish feels coarser than some other models from the brand.

  4. A. Amrhein 5/5

    Excellent value for sports shooters

    Light and dependable for my pro sports assignments. Not the highest-end stick, but for the price it meets my needs. I'd avoid mounting a 600mm f/4, but my 300mm f/2.8 and 200–800 setups work well.

  5. Family acc 5/5

    Does what it promises

    Exactly as described and works nicely.

  6. Jerry 4/5

    So far, so good

    No problems to date.

  7. CC 5/5

    Sturdy and lightweight for long lenses

    I use it with a Nikon Z8 plus a 180–600mm and 1.4x converter. It’s light, locks quickly, feels stable and has a handy strap. No issues after regular use; I’d recommend it.

  8. Ruthie 5/5

    Compact, well made and portable

    High quality feel, easy to operate and light enough to carry in a camera rucksack. Provides solid support for long zooms; removing the quick-release head helps it fit in tight bags.

  9. Hnand 5/5

    Very useful and well constructed

    Ideal when space is limited and speed is essential. The build quality is good, materials feel robust and the hidden double-thread screw adds practical versatility. Highly recommended for quick, precise shooting.

  10. Bourboneros 2/5

    Received a defective unit

    This unit arrived with a faulty locking mechanism on the bottom section; it jammed and the plastic retaining part came out when loosening. I requested a return and it was accepted without issue.

  11. JMB Communications 1/5

    Unreliable unit — mine failed

    This one was a dud for me. It felt flimsy, the sections wouldn’t hold position and it kept collapsing. I returned it and won’t reorder—very disappointed.

Comments

No comments yet.

Sign in or sign up to comment.

  1. Pink 8x10 ft Photography Backdrop — Thick Polyester Portrait Background
    Camera

    Pink 8x10 ft Photography Backdrop — Thick Polyester Portrait Background

    4.1 8 reviews Large 8x10 ft pink backdrop made from heavier polyester to hang flatter and reduce wrinkles. Features a top roller pocket, reinforced sewn edges and high-resolution digital print. Sent folded; low-temp ironing recommended. Great for portraits, studio, events and video.
  2. instax mini LiPlay+ Hybrid Instant Camera — Sand Beige
    Camera

    instax mini LiPlay+ Hybrid Instant Camera — Sand Beige

    3.6 5 reviews A 2-in-1 hybrid instant camera and smartphone printer finished in a tactile Sand Beige texture. Dual lenses (main + wide selfie), 3" LCD for editing, Bluetooth printing via the companion app, USB‑C charging and sound‑tagging features.
  3. Arch Backdrop Stand with Stretch Covers — 7.2ft & 6ft 2-Pack
    Camera

    Arch Backdrop Stand with Stretch Covers — 7.2ft & 6ft 2-Pack

    4.9 8 reviews Two metal arch backdrop frames (7.2 ft x 4 ft and 6 ft x 2.6 ft) with matching stretchy spandex covers. Sturdy square-tube construction, silk-like, low-wrinkle fabric and tool-free setup make these portable backdrops ideal for weddings, showers, birthdays and other events. Includes covers and an ins
  4. 138-LED RGB Selfie Light — Clip & Cold Shoe Phone/Camera Lamp
    Camera

    138-LED RGB Selfie Light — Clip & Cold Shoe Phone/Camera Lamp

    4.1 7 reviews Compact RGB selfie/video lamp with 138 LEDs (96 warm/cool + 42 RGB), CRI 95+, 7W max, 2700–6500K color temp, full 360° hue control and 11 preset effects. Includes clip, cold shoe adapter, and USB‑C charging — made for selfies, vlogs, makeup, and streaming.
  5. PENTAX 17 Half-Frame Film Camera — Vertical 25mm F3.5
    Camera

    PENTAX 17 Half-Frame Film Camera — Vertical 25mm F3.5

    4.3 13 reviews A modern half-frame 35mm camera that delivers up to 72 vertical exposures per 36-exposure roll. Lightweight magnesium-alloy top and bottom covers, a 25mm f/3.5 HD-coated lens (≈37mm equivalent), six-zone focus, manual film-advance lever for tactile shooting, and a built-in electro flash. Designed to
  6. 16 x 11.5 in Tabletop Photo Backdrop Kit — 10 Double-Sided Sheets & 4 Shadow Boards
    Camera

    16 x 11.5 in Tabletop Photo Backdrop Kit — 10 Double-Sided Sheets & 4 Shadow Boards

    4.6 8 reviews A portable tabletop backdrop set sized 16 x 11.5 in that includes 10 double-sided, coated sheets (20 patterns), four removable shadow boards for window-style lighting, a foldable black/white floor-wall board, stands, clamps and a carry bag — made for food, jewelry, cosmetics and small-product shoots
  7. 10x10ft Gray Abstract Texture Backdrop for Photography Sessions
    Camera

    10x10ft Gray Abstract Texture Backdrop for Photography Sessions

    4.8 4 reviews A 10x10-foot gray polyester backdrop with a hand-painted look: darker edges fading to a lighter center and a subtle mottled matte surface that reduces glare. Thick, wrinkle-resistant fabric ships folded, includes a reinforced top rod pocket and finished seams on all sides. Machine washable; minor cr
  8. Premium Microfiber Glasses Cleaning Cloth — Ultra-Soft 12 x 12 in
    Camera

    Premium Microfiber Glasses Cleaning Cloth — Ultra-Soft 12 x 12 in

    4.8 13 reviews High-density, ultra-soft microfiber cloth sized 12 x 12 in (30 x 30 cm) for streak-free cleaning of eyeglasses, sunglasses, camera lenses and all delicate screens. Reusable, machine-washable and lint-free; safe on coatings and designed for everyday portability and style.
  9. Lamicall Flexible Mini Tripod for Phone & Camera with Bluetooth Remote
    Camera

    Lamicall Flexible Mini Tripod for Phone & Camera with Bluetooth Remote

    4.9 13 reviews Compact, lightweight tripod that doubles as a selfie stick, tabletop stand, and wrap-around mount. Aluminum build with foam padding, rubber feet, a metal ball head and 1/4" screw for cameras. Includes a Bluetooth remote and cold shoe for lights or mics. Extends to about 11" and supports most phones
  10. 20ft x 14ft White Polyester Backdrop Curtains — 4 Panels (5x14ft)
    Camera

    20ft x 14ft White Polyester Backdrop Curtains — 4 Panels (5x14ft)

    4.9 7 reviews A four-panel set of white polyester drapes (each 5x14ft) that combine tall coverage with a soft, silky feel. Wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, and fitted with 4-inch rod pockets so you can hang them on standard backdrop or arch stands.