I’ve been looking for a space saving studio tripod replacement. and this latest generation of one hand clutch adjusted model pods seemed like a perfect solution.  Several of the Chinese manufacturers have product offerings in this category, though SmallRig seems to be out front with their aggressive marketing within the YouTube influencer community.  Last week, I reviewed SmallRig 5564 Monopod here on ThruMyLens – it’s probably the lowest priced offering in this product segment, and I really wasn’t interested in paying $400 plus for some of the more premium offerings.  But after trying it out, I decided it was a little bit too lacking in some very nice to have features – so I continued looking for some sort of a middle ground option.  Which brought me to the Coman M1pro Monopod.  It seemed to offer all of the features that I was missing in the SmallRig 5564, and had a lower price point than many competing options at a retail price of $233.00, the Coman M1pro Monopod it was only about $33 more than the retail price on the 5564.

SIMILAR FEATURES…AND COMPONENTS?

Comparing the SmallRig 5564 to the Coman M1pro , clearly the two monopods have a similar feature set…partially due to having what appears to common components.  The one touch adjustment handle appears to be the same on both monopods despite some minor cosmetic differences.  Both units also have a rubber grip around their respective carbon fiber tubes – it’s the same exact component on both.  Here are the specifications of the Coman M1pro that demonstrate some key features the SmallRig was missing:

WHAT’S “PRO” ABOUT THE M1PRO?

The “non-Pro” variants of the M1 all seem to have a similar cost savings feature set fairly identical to the SmallRig 5564 that I recently reviewed.   No foot pedal and no quick release for the monopod components.  The Coman M1pro adds a foot pedal lock/release that allows the user to manipulate the monopod pole within the three-legged base bowl, then auto centers it when you lock it back into primary position.

It also enhances the user experience of unscrewing the ball head and monopod pole from the three-legged base by implementing a quick release modular design.  This allows you to quickly and easily place the monopod head directly onto the base to create a “high hat“ tabletop tripod.

Outside of the “pro”feature enhancements, I found the Coman M1pro to  be largely similar to the SmallRig 5564 in fit, form, and function – all quite good.  I couldn’t really find any qualitative difference between the two monopods, and I suspect that would be the case comparing different monopods between several different manufacturers who produce products in this particular segment.  Again, there seems to be a lot of use of shared components.

At a maximum height of 65” the Coman M1pro extends well above my head, and weighs 4lbs.  That’s about a pound or so heavier than the travel tripods that I tend to use in the field, but for studio solution the weight is just fine.  Using the quick release to remove The monopod, pole, and head from the base gives you the option of using it as a traditional monopod – and unlike the 5564 I tested, you can remove the rubber stopper from the base and Screw it into the bottom of the pole:

like most other products in this segment, the Coman M1pro has quarter inch screw mounts on three sides So there is no shortage of places to mount accessories.  But given the inherently less stable design of a monopod like this over a tripod, the wisdom of attaching a lot of accessories may be questionable.

One of the strategies Coman uses to keep the M1pro at a lower price point is to not include a head on the monopod.  For my situation, (and I suspect for many other photographers as well), this particular approach is a feature, not a bug.  I have <ahem> several other tripods. with both photography first ball heads, as well as more video oriented panning heads.  An option in this category that didn’t force me to pay extra for a head that I did not need was greatly appreciated.  However, if you don’t have another photo or video head that you can swap out on to the M1pro, you’ll need a factor that into the cost.

I like the Coman M1pro – it has the feature set that I was looking for. at a price well below competitors in the marketplace with a similar feature set.  I like the fact that Coman M1pro offers a model that doesn’t force you into a photo or video head that may not be exactly what you’re looking for in order to get the monopod.  You have the freedom to choose, which will likely save you some money in the process.  So for me, the Coman M1pro was the baby bear soup choice in a sea of Chinese manufactured competing products at a variety of price points.  I’ve been very happy with it. using it as my new studio “tripod.”  That’s not to say that it’s the right choice for everyone. but given the robust feature set and the flexibility that it offers, I think it deserves serious consideration.