28.11.2014

For a monopod it's fairly compact at it's minimum size, though chunky, I wouldn't want a travel monopod or tripod to be any larger. I like to travel super-light - this fits the bill.There's a Manfrotto monopod in aluminium (compact series) at a lighter weight; the Sirui's carbon-fibre adds a heck of a lot of additional strength - maybe over-kill for a monopod - it could confidently support a medium format camera. There is minor wobble to the joints, not a lot but some, this then is the weak point, but is nothing unusual - though 190 / 055 Manfrotto tripods I'm used to don't have any joint wobble. In this respect the strength of the carbon-fibre is slightly lost on the joints. Unlike a tripod,one will be supporting some of the camera's weight, and one wouldn't be using a monopod for long exposures (1sec+), therefore packing a monopod ideally is about compactness and lightness - rather than massive strength - this pod is aiming for both. I would rather have the balance slightly further away from the absolute strength of the poles - it really isn't needed in a monopod.I'm pairing it with a DSLR + zoom.The last leg section is mostly unnecessary, the monopod extends to 154cm, with a head attached and a camera this takes viewfinder height to 170cm (my eye level is 160cm).I bought a Manfrotto Monopod Head Quick Release for it, with a tilt axis, but adds too much weight for my liking, 0.265kg. The tilt axis of the head left/right - to level horizons (doesn't make much sense with a monopod), would have preferred an up/down axis instead (though can be used that way if you mount the q.release with it's length front/back). Pair the pod with a light-weight ball-head, a Jobo at 0.15kg, or as I ended up with, a Benro BH00 at 0.19kg.While flipping the mount screw from 1/4" to 3/8", I noticed that the thin flat aluminium ring that the strap is attached to (between the heavy top plate and the monopod) is mobile - it can rotate, the top plate isn't screwed down to the full diameter of the monopod (which would trap the strap ring - which would be preferable! and solid), its held only at it's central point, so there's some sideways flex to the top plate. Unfortunate! - as otherwise it could be flat on the diameter of the monopod.So in the process I took the v.large flat aluminium circular plate off the top of the monopod completely, and the wrist-strap ring; then screwed the shorter side of the mount-screw into the BH00 ball-head, tightening with a spanner, then mounted the head with screw attached direct to the monopod - a perfect match of diameter, very neat, looks like they were make for each other. Plus this reduces weight by 0.065kg (that's a 1/3rd of the weight of the head), it all adds up!The large heavy top plate has no function (except to add weight), the wrist-strap and compass likewise, take them off!(NB screw the mount-screw shorter end into the head, not into the pod, that way if you need to remove the head the screw's nut will be accessible under the head - rather than being buried in the top of monopod!)Removing the top plate does for my purposes make the pod much neater, with this configuration including the BH00 head it measures 44.5cm and weights 0.530kg.

23.8.2016

Mine arrived today. It is the fifth Sirui product that I have bought over the past couple of years. The reason that I keep buying Sirui products is because they are fantastic. They are well made, well thought out and extremely good value for money. This latest purchase is no exception.It is strong enough to hold my Nikon D610 and Sigma 150-500mm lens combination when I don't want to take my heavier equipment with me.I have paired this monopod with a Sirui L-10 head which is a tilting head only. This choice of head is ideal. I do not need a panning head for stills but sometimes need the ability to tilt when my forward motion is restricted, for example, when in a hide and a subject appears low down and in front of the hide.In this type of situation the camera may need to be removed from the monopod quickly or the ability to tilt the camera may be required. The L-10 allows for both of these options.The P306 is smaller and lighter than I imagined it would be. There is a carbon fibre version available too but the weight saving is only a couple of ounces and I could not justify the extra cost for so little extra benefit.The monopod feels great in the hand, chunkier than I expected. There is no wobble in any of the sections which all open and lock with minimal movement.I was initially put off by the amount of leg sections as I felt that it may take too long to set up and put away but I was wrong. My Sirui tripod has similar leg sections to this monopod and it takes a while to set up but that is because the leg sections are multiplied by three. It only takes a few moments to set up this monopod. All of the leg sections lock up solidly.I realise that many purists will use only the thickest leg sections but I prefer to use the bottom sections first and then use the top (thickest) section for the last few inches of height. This is because if you need to lower (or raise) the thinest section when it is furthest away from you, then you will have to hold the monopod by the middle or turn it upside down and do this repeatedly until the disired height is required. That seems a bit too much like hard work to me and counter-productive. With this monopod all of the sections should be rigid enough to counteract any wobble.I'd say that if you are thinking about buying this monopod then just do it. I doubt very much that you will be disappointed. There is a six year warranty included which tells me that Sirui have a lot of faith in their products.Pro's. EverythingCon's. None. The only negative thing is that in the listing they say a bag is included. The only bag that came with mine was the clear plastic protective wrapping inside the box, so if you are expecting a bag you may be disappointed.This was not a problem for me as I already have other tripod/monopod/lens cases etc in the attic as they are not needed and would never be used.

26.10.2013

I bought this monopod on Amazon from a vendor in Poland, who is able to sell them approx 25% cheaper than a UK seller. It was delivered well within the timespan indicated and arrived in A1 condition.The monopod itself is exeptionally light and small when closed, however, the Carbon Fibre construction enables it to carry cameras weighing many kilos - that means every DSLR on the market, whether DX or FX. Even if you have a very long proffessional lens attached, provided you attach the gear via the lens bracket, this monopod will easily do the job.You can either use it how it comes, or attach a tripod head, for more camera movement and portrait angle shots.

23.12.2014

I looked long and hard before deciding on the Sirui P-326. Initially, I was leaning towards one of the Sirui PS series with detachable feet, but the collapsed length and the weight of these, and all others that I looked at, were significantly more than the P-326. So, I decided to buy the P-326 together with a small table-top mini tripod for when I needed to mount my camcorder for hands-free use. The P-326 is awesome. You frequently read about the twist type locking mechanism being cumbersome or unreliable. Not so with this one. The extend and retract movements are very smooth. The extended length is more than enough for my 5'-10" height. Based on an earlier review on these pages,

4.7.2014

Firstly, at the time of this review the Amazon description is wrong. This monopod does not come with a bag, only a belt clip. There is no mention of a bag on the box or enclosed leaflet.I have a Manfrotto MMC3-01 Monopod which has an oval rather than round section. I have found that this causes the Manfrotto to flex. Both monopods are the same size when folded and about the same weight. The Manfrotto is easier to extend but most importantly the Sirui if solid with absolutely no flexing. Therefore for the purpose of photography the Sirui wins hands down.It is very well made and definitely worth the money, I am giving it 4 stars based on the method of extension, by turning collars rather than undoing clips.

29.5.2020

Got this monopod as a keen photographer I think this has a lot of uses,you can shoot in low light it’s handy for bigger lenses or burst panning shots or just getting that high over the crowd shot! Need I go on the possibility of this simple monopod,just go and buy it as it’s so lightweight and versatile why for only £77 and only reason I put 4 stars is the product wasn’t pristine new may have been dropped during production and slight dent on upper section mounting plate no big deal but mentionable,Sirui are communicative with products I purchase which is good I mentioned this to them but no response so far but all in all good products for reasonable money which makes this a must buy with 1000 plus reviews on this product I think that says it all!

3.12.2014

Love the weight. I returned the aluminium version which felt a little heavy and find the P-326 ideal (about 20% lighter). Every gram seems to count nowadays - I am 76 and not so mobile anymore. I did not find the twist style opening system difficult - matter of preference!The height fully opened is more than enough (I am 5ft 10 1/2"). This is with a Sony RX10 mounted on a Manfrotto 234 swivel head. With the camera platform removed the 234 fits almost flush. A Sirui ball head C10 looks as though it is custom made for it (without platform of course). One point - removal of the platform doesn't allow the strap to swivel.

12.1.2016

This is a very good monopod. Packs up very small for travelling (also very handy when shooting sitting on the floor) and has a more than adequate extension. Personally, I taken off the strap and naff compass. I prefer using a simple single action ball head on the top so have also removed the platform and mounted the head directly to the column. The only reason for knocking off a star is that you need to very firmly tighten up each of the locks to get a good rigid stick. (The G-Locks on Gitzo gear are definitely better.) Plus there is always a very small amount of sideways movement at the joints. That's pretty much immaterial in practice because when bearing down vertically with a heavy load on top it is all very steady.

28.11.2014

I like it but found it a bit heavier than my Sirui CF tripod. I have therefore returned it for the P326 model which is CF and lighter (albeit twice the price).There are two points to remember when purchasing the P306. It is 100g heavier than stated in the literature - Amazon, box, instructions etc. It is not supplied with a bag as advertised on Amazon.Other reviewers remarked they found it a bit heavy.It is incredibly well finished and stout enough to be used as a walking pole. The mounting plate can be removed and the Sirui C10 ball head fitted straight to the tubing. It look as though it was made for it. The Manfrotto 234 swivel head also fits perfectly in this way. However the strap then does not rotate.

2.10.2018

The quality is good, it's exactly what I was hoping for / expecting at the price. Solid, lightweight, packs down small. It supports my 100-400L (a heavy telephoto lens) and 5D4 (full-frame body) with ease, and without any flexing. I use it to shoot surfers etc., without a ball-head (monopod attached directly to the lens foot via 1/4" thread) and it works great. I also use it as a remote-shoot assistant-held light-stand, to support the head of a strobe remote kit and softbox, it works fantastic for that too. "Hidden features" : #1 - twist the foot, and out comes a metal spike, and #2 - spin the disc at the top of the monopod just below the 1/4" thread to reveal the rest of the thread, which is 3/8",

25.4.2014

I've tried several monopods over the years and this is by far the most useful. Once you extend it and tighten all the joints, it is really firm, but it is also really light and folds up shorter than most - which means you are more likely to take it with you - so it is actually useful! I've had some which are so heavy and clunky that you feel less inclined to take it, and you risk being arrested for carrying an offensive weapon.The lightness of this one is such that it is excellent, not just for conventional purposes, but especially for those long-armed selfies when you want to stick a camera on the end of a stick and shoot yourself in context.Apart from the lightness,

10.3.2015

As per the other reviews here, this is a great monopod. I found that with the legs twisted tightly when extended there was no flex, it would have been nice if this had happened with a touch less force as just nipping the joint does allow a minor amount of flex, I have not used it enough yet to say if this is just being picky. The clip is useful, should the monopod slide out of the external flap of my camera bag it will still stay attached to the bag. Not sure how useful the compass will be or how accurate it is. The rubber foot can be screwed up to reveal a spike. Early days but so far so good, 6 year warranty too.

21.12.2016

VERY light, surprisingly so, so a bigger bonus, the Manfroto head is heavier. I would have preferred to have the small 3 legged tripod on the bottom, but I have anyway. The round circular base on the top is a mystery it just flops about and actually detracts from a stable base, I shall remove ASAP. I have bought specifically for the carnival in Rio where I doubt there would be room for a proper tripod due to the crowding. I have never used a monopod before, I looked at many, but the cheaper ones were flimsy, i wanted one to be able to cope with a DSLR and 70-200 f2.8 lens. For the price this seems hard to beat

30.6.2015

I own a Nikon D7000 and was going up the shard in London to take some night shots so I wanted a good sturdy quality monopod, I chose this one after reviewing many the price had come down about £20 this made it even more tempting this monopod is very sturdy and the legs extend easily and lock well the grip is comfortable overall a very good purchase recommended and it weight is ideal being carbon fibre delivery w spot on, the only thing that would have topped it off would have been a carry bag to keep it in oh well can't have everything

12.4.2016

Having just recieved this i could not wait to try it out with my 150-600 sigma sports lens attached to my canon 5ds it coped very well infact it was better than my old monopod that was top of the range. I found the locking mechanism for the sections very smooth and solid with no sideways movement which was a surprise as my more expensive one does have sideways movement. It is nice and light and very compact ideal for flying with and taking out for wildlife photography. Would recommend it any time.

Sirui P-326 - Reviews

Info

Analysis

Detail