360 Camera Accessories

360 camera accessories: Why the Manbily MT-02 stand is my favorite for monopods and selfie sticks

360 camera accessories: MT-02 stand review
360 camera accessories: MT-02 stand review

Regardless of which 360 camera you have, the Manbily MT-02 is one of the most useful 360 camera accessories you can get.  I’ve been using this stand for a couple of years now and here’s a long-term review with its strengths and weaknesses.

When shooting with 360 cameras, monopods and selfie sticks are essential.  They let you capture your photos and videos without your hand being too prominent in the shot and moreover, they enable you to get a third person view (the invisible flying camera effect).   Monopods and selfie sticks become even more useful when they are paired with a stand.  You’ll be able to capture photos and videos without being in the shot, such as for virtual tours.  However, many monopods and selfie sticks do not include a stand.  And sometimes, the stand that they include can be too short.

Manbily MT-02 with legs extended and in the raised position
Manbily MT-02 with legs extended and in the raised position

STRENGTHS

Manbily MT-02 (around $30) is a tripod stand for monopods and selfie sticks.  I’ve been using it for a couple of years now and have found it to be one of the best stands for monopods.   When collapsed it is fairly portable at around 9.5 inches.  I can carry it in my pants pocket if I have to, although I prefer to put it in my backpack.

The legs are extendable and moreover, they have two positions – a raised one and a flat one.

MT-02 with legs retracted and in flat position
MT-02 with legs retracted and in flat position

The MT-02’s base is among the widest, compared to other monopod stands.  Here’s how it compares to the monopod stand for the Bushman monopod (or the Best360 monopod) and the Qubo stand.

Left to right: Bushman monopod stand, MT-02 and Qubo stand
Left to right: Bushman monopod stand, MT-02 and Qubo stand

The legs are independently adjustable with twist locks.  When the legs are retracted and raised, they occupy a small enough footprint that it can be used as a tabletop stand.  When the legs are in the flat position and fully extended, even tall monopods can be used outdoors with a slight breeze.  And because the lengths of the legs are independently adjustable, the MT-02 can be used in slight inclines and irregular surfaces.

MT-02 legs can be independently adjusted and can be used in flat or raised position
MT-02 legs can be independently adjusted and can be used in flat or raised position

Besides its wide adjustable base, the MT-02 also has a unique two-in-one tripod connector that can be used with either a 1/4-20 or a 3/8-16 connector — without an adapter — thanks to a clever built-in spring-loaded adapter sleeve that automatically retracts when you use it with a 1/4-20 tripod hole.

MT-02's connector can be used with a 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 connector without an adapter needed
MT-02’s connector can be used with a 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 connector without an adapter needed because of a built-in spring-loaded adapter sleeve.

WEAKNESSES

The MT-02 does have three weaknesses.  First, the legs are extended using twist locks.  I would have preferred flip locks, which are faster.  Second, sometimes I think that the twist locks have been tightened but I find out that they are not fully secured and one or more of the legs gradually sinks back in.  Third, when the MT-02 is attached to a monopod or selfie stick, it makes the monopod less portable.

MT-02 works well with most selfie sticks including the Insta360 Invisible Selfie Stick
MT-02 works well with most selfie sticks including the Insta360 Invisible Selfie Stick

SUMMARY

MT-02 stand with legs retracted, and in raised position
MT-02 stand with legs retracted, and in raised position

Although the MT-02 does have some weaknesses, it is still the stand that I use most often with the various monopods that I use.  The MT-02 is available on Amazon for around $30.  Another good option to consider is the Qubo tripod, which is more portable, but has a smaller base.  If you prefer maximum portability, check out the Insta360 Multipurpose Tripod, which is very portable but is a bit more flimsy and less stable.  Thank you for using these affiliate links to support 360 Rumors at no additional cost to you.

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Mic Ty

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    • Thanks Chris! About the light stand base, does it screw onto the MT-02 between the stand and the monopod? Or how does it work?

  • Hi Michael, great review as usual.
    I live in Manhattan, such a windy place. Would you recommend this monopod along with the best360 or the Insta360 selfie stick for my One R action camera? I am a tour guide and mostly do stills when I speak and record.
    Thanks
    Nicola

    • Hey there Nicola. For windy conditions I would instead recommend a light stand for maximum stability, particularly because you don’t plan to move the camera while you’re recording. I like the Linco light stands because you can collapse the legs to any size (even fully closed) and it can still stand (although of course it will be more stable when its legs are opened wider. Look at the legs and you can see that even when the stands are fully closed, the feet can be used. https://amzn.to/38dtNhP

      Best regards,
      Mic

      • Thanks Mic, it really makes a lot of sense.
        I took a glance at the stand, and I see that unfortunately it has bolts and needs a lot of work on it. Being a guide and shooting in various places, I need to move quickly, so it does not seem to be the most practical solution for me, despite being ideal.
        Maybe opting for the MT-02 and put a 200g weight right between the tripod and the stick could make it more stable (on using something like a small bag, as long as I don’t take 360 shots? The idea of a weight makes sense, in your opinion?

        • Hi Nicola. When you say bolts you mean you want a monopod that can extend simply by pulling or pushing? The ones that I know of that are like that are not very long. When I use this light stand, I don’t collapse it in between shots. I just carry it fully extended.

          • Yes Mic, I think for me it is better. I envy the fact you can carry it around. Here in NYC I need to fold everything in my suitcase when jumping on the subway or moving among people. This is a downside of working in such an urban environment.
            To answer your question, yes, I need a monopod that can extend simply by pulling or pushing. I had already read your previous post about the MT-02. The only thing that still concerns me is if it can be good enough with some wind. Here in New York winds can be very sudden, so I was thinking about putting a 200-gram weight at the base of it, although I have to consider if the Insta360 or best360 sticks attached to it will be too high to erase the advantage of the weight.