This monopod features an all-aluminium body and comes in a super lightweight and compact design. The system weighs a total of just 1kg and folds to a compact length of 60cm. When compared to Manfrotto’s popular XPRO, which weighs 2.1kg and folds to 78cm you can see why the Element Mii is appealing to travel videographers.
To achieve such a light weight and small packed size there need to be some compromises, and these come in the maximum height of just under 140cm and the minimalist fluid video head. The fluid head is built in and non-detachable which reduces the versatility of this monopod somewhat.
For such a basic design, the fluid head is surprisingly smooth for tilt shots, more creative movements will require a bit of practise or an acceptance that the footage won’t be silky smooth. Pan shots are taken care of by the fluid pan mechanism at the bottom of the monopod and this is as good as you could expect from pretty much any monopod.
Tilt friction is adjustable, this isn’t a precise mechanism like on Manfrotto’s more expensive fluid heads, but it does the job just fine. The arm folds into the rest of the system when not in use for portability.
Deploying the Element Mii is easy, the twist locks for the three sections of leg are compact, quick, and reliably lock the legs in place.
The three retractable feet give the Element Mii superb stability and are super quick and easy to fold out and pack away, showing excellent design and build quality. The ball bearing mechanism in the base of the monopod offers a reasonable balance between friction for static shooting and smooth movement for creative shots.
If weight and size aren’t your primary concerns then this Monopod won’t be for you, but for occasional video use where portability is key the Element Mii does the job well.
