Benro

Benro A38TDS2 Aluminum Video Monopod Kit S2 Head

4.4 (420 reviews)

Lightweight, freestanding stability for event and documentary videographers — the Benro A38TDS2 keeps you mobile without sacrificing solid footing.

$148.94*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Benro A38TDS2 fits into a specific and well-defined niche: it's the monopod kit for event and documentary videographers who move constantly but still need their support to stand on its own when they don't have a hand on it. The 3-leg locking base with ball joint is the product's central value proposition — it gives you genuine freestanding capability that standard monopods simply don't have, which translates directly to more flexibility on shoots where you're working alone or managing a subject while the camera holds its position. The S2 video head layers in independent pan and tilt locks, bringing directional control to a support system that's otherwise defined by its mobility.

The four-section aluminum tube reaches 64 inches at full extension and collapses to a compact travel length, with twist-lock collars that hold position reliably under the rated 5.5 lb payload. The reverse-folding base legs reduce the packed profile further, and the carrying case makes the whole kit ready to drop into a bag or road case without loose pieces to manage. A foam hand grip handles the ergonomics of extended handheld use, and the built-in bubble level keeps your horizon honest when you're setting up quickly between shots. The combination of weight, height range, and freestanding stability makes this a kit that punches above its price point for shooters who have outgrown a basic monopod but don't need the footprint or setup time of a full tripod.

Key Features

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Specifications

Brand
Benro
Model
A38TDS2
Leg Lock Type
Twist-Lock
Payload Capacity
5.5 lbs
Base
3-leg locking base with ball joint
Base Leg Design
Reverse folding
Head
S2 Video Head
Head Features
Independent pan lock, tilt lock, foam hand grip, built-in bubble level
Leg Lock
Twist-Lock
Color
Black
Includes
Carrying case

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The ball-joint 3-leg locking base provides genuine freestanding stability, letting you step away from the camera between shots — an edge over bare monopods at fast-paced events.
  • At 2.1 lbs for the full kit, it carries easily all day at weddings, conferences, or location shoots without accumulating fatigue.
  • Reverse-folding legs on the base pack the kit down compactly, and the included case makes transport organized and snag-free.
  • The S2 head's independent pan and tilt locks give you reliable axis control when precision repositioning between setups is needed.
  • Reversible 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mounting thread accommodates a broad range of camera and accessory mounting configurations.

👎 Cons

  • The 5.5 lb payload ceiling limits this kit to lighter camera builds — a rigged mirrorless with a heavy zoom pushes the safe working load threshold.
  • No fluid drag adjustment on the S2 head means pan and tilt resistance cannot be tuned, which is a noticeable limitation compared to dedicated fluid heads at higher price points.
  • Four-section twist-lock design requires more collar adjustments than a flip-lock or 3-section monopod when frequently changing height throughout a shoot.
  • Aluminum tube transmits more handling vibration than carbon fiber, which can show up in footage during handheld-style monopod movements at slower shutter speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

The S2 head is rated at 5.5 lbs, which handles mirrorless and entry-level DSLR bodies with standard zoom or prime lenses. Once you add a larger lens or accessories, you're approaching the limit — this kit is optimized for lean, mobile camera setups rather than fully rigged cinema builds.
The ball-joint 3-leg base lets the monopod stand independently without you holding it, which is a meaningful workflow advantage on documentary or event shoots. You can compose a shot, lock the legs, and step back to direct a subject or adjust lighting without the monopod toppling. Standard rubber feet don't offer this.
Twist-locks are secure when properly tightened. The key habit is snugging each collar firmly before shooting rather than hand-tightening casually. Under normal loads within the 5.5 lb payload rating, sections hold reliably without creeping.
Yes — the legs feature reverse folding for compact travel, which keeps the base profile small when the kit is packed in the included carrying case. Setup and breakdown is quick enough for fast-paced event work.
The 3-leg base includes a 3/8"-16 female threaded connection that accepts the S2 head or any compatible video head with the same thread specification, giving you the flexibility to swap heads if your workflow demands it.