At the outset of 360 video, producers were stuck using traditional equipment for a totally new medium, using monopods meant for run-and-gun shooting to hold thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of kit on windy days and in crowded streets—while hiding at a distance, often unable to keep an eye on the camera without photo bombing their own shot.
But manufacturers are finally starting to think about the 360 video market, making dedicated tools with the VR market in mind. One cool tool I saw and got to play with at NAB was the Cobra 2 Strike monopod from iFootage.
Key features of the Cobra 2 Strike monopod
The aluminum monopod features a quick release mount (either ¼ or 3/8-inch) compatible with iFootage’s Komodo tripod heads (we used the Komodo K5 fluid head) and other camera and accessory brands. That feature made it a perfect companion for us, as we switched between shooting fixed frame and 360 multiple times every hour at NAB.
iFootage’s Cobra 2 Strike monopod features quick releases at the top and bottom to change the mount and feet quickly.
As someone who (with shame) has trouble with all the knobs and buckles on most tripods, this was a totally different experience. Simply slide the quick release down and you can change mounting heads in seconds without pinched fingers and broken nails (if that matters to you).
The main body extends up to 150 cm, with a twist of the lock grip and a pull. It’s so quick nearly everyone who saw us set up responded, from raised eyebrows and wows to asking us where to buy one!
When paired with a second main body, the Cobra 2 Strike monopod can extend up to 150 cm.
Users can also add a second main body to extend the monopod’s height even further. The subtle sway of the camera at that height might make this feature a little less important for 360 videographers, it’s still a cool feature if you could make it work without making your audience sick.
The monopod also has a quick release at the bottom, above the low angle camera pod, and a removable rubber foot for use as a more portable monopod (without the feet). The feet can also adjust to 20, 50 or 78 degrees for a bit more flexibility, and the monopod itself can tilt anywhere between 0 and 90 degrees—though that’s a bit less useful for 360 video where we’re striving for perfectly straight horizons.
The Cobra 2 Strike can be used as a monopod with or without feet, as well as a low angle camera pod.
Although there was some, ahem, user error as I committed the monopod’s features to muscle memory, by the end of NAB, I could get set up in seconds and switch between applications simply and quickly. It really is a smart bit of kit.
Buy the Cobra 2 Strike monopod
The Cobra 2 Strike is available on iFootage’s Amazon store, as well as B&H Photo, for $139, and will ship between 7 and 14 days of purchase.
For more information, visit iFootage’s website.
