Benro SupaDupa

£130/$150 A compelling upgrade for monopod users www. benroeu. com

Comprising three models, the SupaDupa range of six-section carbon-fibre monopods debuted earlier this year, and joins a series of new Benro products with easy-to-remember names (the Bat and Tortoise tripods, for example). The SupaDupa MSD46C, as tested here, is the mid-range option of the trio; it extends to 1.83m and folds down to 45.5cm, weighs 0.59kg and has a 40kg payload. The other models are the range-topping SupaDupa Pro MSDPL46C, boasting a levelling head with its own pan mechanism, and an Arca Swiss-compatible camera plate; and the SupaDupa MSD36C, the most affordable monopod in the collection.

Key features of the SupaDupa MSD46C include a quick-release flip clamp for speedy height adjustments, which it shares with its two siblings, and a rubber rotating foot to enable gliding between shots, rather than having to lift the monopod off the ground.

Performance

While it’s easy to obsess about the maximum stops count offered by camera image stabilisation systems, the humble monopod does the same job – it provides valuable extra stability that may let you use slower shutter speeds without camera shake, and can also take the weight of the heavy camera-lens combinations required by sports or wildlife photographers. Monopods don’t have the obvious appeal of tripods, which stand up on their own and offer a firm, unmoving support; instead, a monopod is more of a support ‘aid’ that needs to be held on to – otherwise your beloved camera kit will take a tumble.

The MSD46C ships with a carry case, which will offer more protection than the slip that is supplied with some camera supports. Setup is straightforward; the head mounting screw is spring-loaded and converts from 3/8in to 1/4in when it is pushed down. You then have to choose which foot configuration you require – the round rotating foot will suit applications on solid ground, while the supplied steel spiked foot will be better when working on wet ground or sand. The change between the two is easy to make.

In use, the SupaDupa MSD46C is a solid performer. It feels very well-assembled and the flip clamp permits height adjustments with only economical hand movements. The carbon-fibre material offers robustness with lightness – peace of mind for users knowing that their kit is safe. And further reassurance is provided by the adjustable wrist strap: a must-use while shooting. RodLawton&NiallHampton