Today we will be reviewing one of the members of the new family of monopods from iFootage called the Cobra 3 which includes both stills and video monopods as well as a newly released updated compact fluid head: the K5-S.
iFootage
In the last couple of years, we’ve been working with a number of iFootage products which we have also reviewed here on the site (including the Seastars Q1 quick release, Spider Crab Arms, and more recently the Anglerfish LED system). Today, we’re looking at a new monopod and a renovated fluid head and we shall be comparing them to the existing monopod/head from iFootage which we have been using for quite a long time now.
The new iFootage Cobra 3 monopod
Concept
The Cobra 3 monopod and the Komodo K5-S fluid head are upgrades from previously-released products by iFootage. The monopod features a new quick-release design and the head comes with an improved fluid base and reinforced accessories.
Improvements
The Cobra 3 is shipped in a padded carrying bag. It comes in aluminum and carbon fiber versions. The general specs are very similar to the previous version. Folded, the monopod measures 70cm and it extends its 4 sections to 180cm.
The new design features a thinner top section together, giving the new design an overall slicker and refined look. iFootage added a number of additional accessories to this monopod, like a hand strap that attaches to the integrated aluminum hook on a swivel ring and a handy tool to adjust lock tension.
Cobra 3 feet are also new. They extend by an extra 3cm to give the monopod a sturdier stance. It’s still a monopod though, and it is still possible to knock it over. So, you need to take precautions when leaving the camera, especially with the monopod sections extended.
Another adjustment in the new design is the smaller section locks with slimmer hardware. We really enjoy these aluminum locks that iFootage has implemented in a number of their products. They are sturdy, tough, and easy to use.
One of the main features of this monopod is the quick release system that allows not only to easily remove the camera but also to place the camera onto the monopod feet whenever you need a low angle or to place the camera on a tabletop.
This quick-release mechanism also got a redesign. iFootage included a stopper that keeps the mechanism open when not in use. This makes for an easier operation, allowing to place of the camera back onto the monopod in a single-handed maneuver.
Another major innovation of this monopod is the locking foot pedal to control leaning while the feet stay on the ground. This is a welcome addition to the thumbscrew used in the previous version.
The pedal features a double function: with the pedal pushed down to lean the monopod pole to the desired angle, returning the pole to the upright position locks the pedal in place. A hard push on the pedal will keep it in the open position and will not lock the articulation when the pole is returned to an upright position. Just make sure to check if it’s locked before letting go of the monopod with the camera attached.
Head improvements
The original Komodo K5 head won a design award in 2018. This head is very compact and light, but it can hold a camera setup of up to 5kg.
The K5-S is so compact that it fits into the monopod carrying bag. The whole setup weighs less than 2.5kg.
The new K5-S comes with a few improvements, like larger thumb screws for easier handling and a reinforced rosette.
The main design change is in the base. this version is a bit larger and offers smoother panning, although we’ve worked with the original version for over a year, and never thought it needed to be any smoother.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with these new products, iFootage has shown once again that they are dedicated to improving and innovating. Since the previous version of the Cobra and the Komodo are already great products, we’re not sure if it’s necessary to upgrade to these new iterations.
But if you don’t have one and you’re looking for a great combo of a monopod and compact fluid head, the Cobra 3 and Komodo K5-S are really tough-to-beat products. Both in design and build, iFootage didn’t fail to deliver.
A little fun with the Cobra 3
Pricing
As for pricing, the pedal version carbon fiber Cobra 3 sells for $195 and the aluminum version selling for under $130 with the Komodo K5-S is $150.
You can check out more LensVid exclusive articles and reviews on the following link.
You can support LensVid by shopping with our affiliate partners
Affiliates: Amazon, B&H, Adorama and E-bay.
Why should you trust us?