Series 5 6X Traveler 6-section Monopod Gitzo

£332, $400 www.gitzo.com

Monopods make a good alternative to tripods, and offer support without the weight or bulk. The Series 5 is an incredibly compact six-section carbon fibre example that weighs just 780 grams and measures 41.5cm when packed down. The short leg sections, once extended, enable a maximum height of 155.5cm with a maximum payload of 25 kilograms. This monopod uses Gitzo’s responsive G-Lock system, which makes releasing and securing the legs a speedy process. The high quality, however, is reflected in the price.