SmallRig 166.5cm / 65.6" Carbon Fiber Monopod for Camera, Compact
Quick take
This SmallRig carbon fiber monopod is designed for portable, stable camera support, especially when you want reach without lugging a tripod. The one-touch height adjustment and compact 68 cm storage length make it appealing for travel, events, and mobile field work, but the locking and setup workflow can have a learning curve, and included mounting hardware may not feel as intuitive as some buyers expect.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Carbon fiber legs with four sections for up to 166.5 cm height and 68 cm folded storage length.
- One-touch height adjustment that locks at any position for easier one-handed operation.
- Built-in bubble level for more consistent horizon alignment.
- Accessory expansion options, including a 1/4”-20 threaded locating hole and a double-ended spigot with 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 threads.
- Ball head load rating up to 5 kg (11 lb), with carbon legs rated up to 15 kg (33 lb).
Cons
- Some buyers report there are no clear instructions in the box, making initial setup harder until you learn the locking/quick-release routine.
- Review evidence suggests the included mounting tools or plate fit can require extra effort to secure properly for certain setups.
- There is limited review evidence around long-term durability of the mounting system, so your comfort with the workflow matters.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence centers on build quality and day-to-day usability. Multiple buyers describe the monopod as solid, lightweight for carbon fiber, and strong enough for real shooting tasks like video and events. The one-touch height adjustment gets repeat praise for being easy to operate once you understand the mechanism. A common theme is that the locking or release system is intuitive after a short learning period, with some users emphasizing the importance of taking time to learn it before relying on it at height. There are also a few negative experiences related to mounting hardware, including concerns about how securely the camera interface clamps down and rare but severe damage claims from drops, so buyers with expensive camera setups may want to be extra cautious about testing the mounting workflow before trusting it in the field.
Who this monopod is best for
- Event and wedding shooters, videographers, and travel photographers who need stable support but want faster movement than a tripod.
- Creators using accessory-heavy setups (for example, monitors or arms) thanks to the 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 threading options.
- Users who like one-handed controls and prefer locking height quickly without fiddling with multiple knobs.
- Anyone shooting at variable angles, since the height can be adjusted to different positions and a bubble level helps with consistent leveling.
Key specs that matter in real shooting
Height range and portability
The monopod extends to 166.5 cm (65.6 in) and folds down to 68 cm (26.8 in). With an item weight around 1.73 kg (3.8 lb), it is built to be carried rather than left in a vehicle like many heavy tripods.
Load capacity and head support
The ball head is rated for up to 5 kg (11 lb) payload, and the carbon fiber legs are rated up to 15 kg (33 lb). In practice, this is the type of spec you check against your camera, lens, and any added accessories, including monitor arms or mounting plates.
One-touch height adjustment
The defining usability feature is a one-touch lock that holds at any position. Buyers who learned the mechanism quickly describe it as intuitive and stable for long sessions, especially when shooting video.
Accessory mounting options
For expandable rigs, it includes a 1/4”-20 threaded locating hole for accessories like magic arms and a double-ended spigot that supports 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 male threads, which helps when pairing with a variety of heads or ball heads.
Pros and cons in plain English
What you will likely like
- Fast setup once learned: The one-touch height system is meant to reduce friction when you are adjusting stance repeatedly.
- Good reach without a long carry: The extended height plus compact folded length supports on-location work.
- Versatile accessory building: Threading and threaded locating points can help you add monitor-style components.
What could slow you down
- Learning curve for the quick-release/locking workflow: Some buyers mention limited guidance, which can lead to confusion at first.
- Mounting interface comfort level varies: A few reviews point to extra effort needed to get the plate or camera mount secured the way they expected. If your routine depends on fast, repeatable mounting, it’s worth practicing with your specific camera and plate before you head out.
Verdict: is the SmallRig 166.5cm carbon fiber monopod worth it?
The SmallRig 166.5cm carbon fiber monopod is a strong option for shooters who prioritize portability and speed, especially when you want quick height locking and room for accessory expansions. It looks best suited to users who are comfortable learning a new monopod’s locking and mounting workflow, and it may be less ideal for buyers who expect highly guided setup, tool-free compatibility, or an effortless clamp-and-go experience right out of the box. If you are building a compact, mobile kit for events or travel, this one offers the mix of height, weight, and mounting options to justify a closer look.
Alternatives to consider (by buyer need)
- If you want simpler out-of-the-box mounting: look for monopods with more straightforward quick-release plate systems and clearer included instructions, because mounting workflow is a recurring buyer sensitivity.
- If you need more head flexibility than a ball head: compare options that offer the specific head type you use most often (video fluid head vs ball head) since spigot threading compatibility can influence your upgrade path.
- If portability is your top priority over maximum height: compare folded length and total weight, since the 68 cm folded size and ~1.73 kg weight are part of the value of this model.
FAQs
What is the folded size and maximum height of this monopod?
It folds down to 68 cm (26.8 in) and extends to 166.5 cm (65.6 in) maximum height.
How much weight can it support?
The ball head is rated up to 5 kg (11 lb) payload, and the legs are rated up to 15 kg (33 lb).
Does it have a bubble level?
Yes, it includes a built-in bubble level to help with precise leveling.
Is it compatible with accessories like monitor arms or magic arms?
Yes. It includes a 1/4”-20 threaded locating hole for accessories, plus threading on the spigot with 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 male threads.
Is the height lock easy to use right away?
Review feedback is mixed in the sense that some buyers found the locking workflow intuitive after learning it, while others wanted more guidance and found the initial setup less straightforward. Practicing with your camera setup before an important shoot can help.
What’s the main tradeoff compared to a tripod?
A monopod trades some stability for speed and mobility. This model aims to keep stability through its carbon fiber build and lockable height, but it remains a support for one point of contact.
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Specifications
| Product Title | SmallRig 166.5cm / 65.6" Carbon Fiber Monopod for Camera, Compact Camera Monopod with One-Touch Height Adjustment, Max. 5kg Playload Ball Head, Storage Size of 68cm / 26.8", Weighs 1.72kg / 3.8lb |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Monopods |
| Brand | SMALLRIG |
| Manufacturer | SmallRig |
| Model Name | 13778 |
| Model Number | 13778 |
| Screen Size | 68 Centimeters |
| Material | Aluminum, Carbon Fiber |
| Item Weight | 1.73 Kilograms |
| Item Length | 166.5 Centimeters |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 13778 |
| Built-In Media | Allen Wrench x 3, Camera Monopod x 1, Carrying Bag x 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Material Type | Aluminum, Carbon Fiber |
| EU Spare Part Availability Duration | 10 Years |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Media Type | ProductImage |
| Maximum Height | 166.5 Centimeters |
| Minimum Height | 68 Centimeters |
| Leg Diameter | 3.6 Centimeters |
| Folded Size | 68cm / 26.8" |
| Features | Lightweight |
| Weight Limit | 5 Kilograms |
| Head Type | Ball Heads |
| Number of leg sections | 4 |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
Available variants
Size
- 175cm / 68.9"
- 166.5cm / 65.6"
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