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Benro A38TDS2 Aluminum Video Monopod Kit S2 Head
Benro A38TDS2 Aluminum Video Monopod Kit S2 Head
Benro A38TDS2 Aluminum Video Monopod Kit S2 Head
Benro

Benro A38TDS2 Aluminum Video Monopod Kit S2 Head

★★★★★4.4 (420 reviews)
2.1 lbs39.7 lbs

Fluid movement and rock-solid footing in a 2.1 lb package — the Benro A38TDS2 keeps your video smooth from run-and-gun to controlled event work.

$148.94*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Benro A38TDS2 Video Monopod Kit is built for videographers who need to move fast and still come home with stable, usable footage. It's the kind of kit that earns its place at weddings, live events, and documentary shoots where a tripod is too cumbersome and a bare monopod doesn't give you enough freestanding stability to step away from the camera. The 3-leg articulating base is the defining feature — it transforms a conventional monopod into a self-supporting support system that stays upright between takes, letting you reframe, talk to subjects, or change settings without a hand always on the pole. The S2 video head adds independent pan and tilt locks, giving you deliberate control over movement axes when you need precision and fluid repositioning when you don't.

The 4-section aluminum tube extends to 64 inches and collapses to a travel-friendly length, with twist-lock collars that hold position reliably under the kit's 5.5 lb payload rating. At 2.1 lbs for the complete kit, it's genuinely portable — light enough to carry slung over a shoulder across a long venue walkthrough without it becoming a burden by hour three. The foam hand grip absorbs handling vibration and keeps the monopod comfortable during extended takes, and the built-in bubble level lets you confirm plumb before a critical shot. The reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mounting hardware adds real-world versatility for mixed camera setups. It arrives with a carrying case that makes transporting the assembled kit clean and snag-free.

Key Features

The Series 3 Aluminum Monopod with 3-leg Locking Base combines classic design with advanced materials and incorporates mobility and stability to your monopod.

The 4 section aluminum tubes extends to a maximum height of 64" and weighs only 2.1 lbs., but can support 39.7 lbs.

Features a mounting plate with a highly functional reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded mount for attaching a video head directly to the camera.

The 3-Leg Locking Base comes with a 3/8"-16 female threaded foot for easy attachment to monopod.

Limited 3-Year Warranty (Extended to 5-Years with Online Registration).

Specifications

Brand
Benro
Model
A38TDS2
Series
3 (Aluminum)
Leg Lock Type
Twist-Lock
Number of Sections
4
Maximum Height
64 inches
Weight
2.1 lbs
Payload Capacity
5.5 lbs (S2 Head)
Base
3-leg articulating locking base (3/8"-16 female threaded foot)
Head
S2 Video Head
Head Features
Independent pan lock, tilt lock, foam hand grip, built-in bubble level
Mounting Plate
Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16
Includes
Carrying case
Warranty
3-year (5-year with online registration)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The 3-leg articulating base gives you freestanding stability between shots at events — you can step back to talk to a subject without holding the monopod upright.
  • At 2.1 lbs for the full kit, it's light enough to carry all day at weddings, corporate events, or documentary shoots without fatigue setting in.
  • The S2 head's independent pan and tilt locks let you dial in precise camera angles quickly, which matters when you're repositioning frequently under time pressure.
  • 64-inch maximum height extension covers most shooting scenarios from ground-level to over-the-crowd elevated angles.
  • The reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mounting plate accommodates a wide range of camera mounting options without adapters.

👎 Cons

  • The 5.5 lb payload rating on the S2 head limits the kit to lighter camera builds — add a matte box, follow focus, or a larger cinema lens and you've exceeded the safe working load.
  • Aluminum construction, while lightweight, transmits more vibration from handling than carbon fiber equivalents, which can be noticeable when panning at slower shutter speeds.
  • Four twist-lock sections require more collar adjustments when setting height compared to a flip-lock design — a minor time cost that adds up across a busy multi-setup day.
  • No fluid drag adjustment on the S2 head — pan and tilt resistance is fixed, so videographers accustomed to tuning drag for different movement speeds will find it less precise.

Frequently Asked Questions

The S2 head is rated to 5.5 lbs of payload, which comfortably covers most mirrorless and crop-sensor DSLRs with standard zoom lenses. If you're running a fully rigged cinema camera or a large telephoto, you'll need to step up to a heavier-duty head.
The three-leg articulating base deploys quickly and provides genuine lateral stability that a standard rubber-foot monopod can't match. It's one of the key reasons this kit is worth the upgrade over a bare monopod for video — you can let go of the monopod while adjusting the camera or reviewing a shot without it tipping over.
The 4-section twist-lock mechanism is robust for this class of aluminum monopod. Sections hold position reliably under the rated payload during normal use. It's worth snugging the locks firmly before shooting — a habit that takes seconds and ensures there's no unwanted leg extension mid-take.
Yes — the reversible plate accommodates both thread sizes, giving you flexibility to mount the S2 head directly or swap in your own video head if preferred. The 3/8"-16 foot on the base attaches to the monopod body with the same versatility.
Collapsed, the 4-section aluminum tube is significantly shorter than a 3-section design at the same maximum height. The included carrying case makes transport clean and protects the S2 head. At 2.1 lbs total, it won't meaningfully burden a shoulder bag or rolling case.

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