Comparison Hoco K4 vs Hoco K2

The type of gadgets that the selfie stick was originally designed for.

— For phones. It would be more correct to call such models “for smartphones”, since they are most often used with smartphones. Anyway, modern mobile phones are not equipped with special devices for mounting on a tripod / monopod and can have different screen sizes and, accordingly, body sizes. Therefore, in monopods of this purpose, the role of fastening is played by a universal clamp with sliding jaws; By changing the distance between the jaws, you can adjust the latch to different case sizes.

— For action cameras. To mount action cameras in selfie tripods, special devices are used — a clip of a special design, a thread, or both. For more information about such mounts, see "Installing an action camera"; here we note that all of them are highly reliable.

— For phones and action cameras. Combined models that allow the attachment of both gadgets described above. Usually, the monopod itself has a mount for an action camera (clip, thread, and sometimes both), and to work with a smartphone, an adapter is supplied that is installed on such a mount.

The length of the monopod when folded. First of all, ease of transportation depends on this parameter, although a fully folded design can also be used when shooting. It is also worth mentioning that a smaller folded length (for the same maximum length) can mean more sections, which complicates the design, increases its cost and somewhat reduces reliability.

The most compact modern selfie sticks when folded take less than 15 cm, the largest ones can have a minimum length of more than 30 cm(this is an inevitable consequence of the large overall length).

The longest length that the monopod can be extended to.

Longer length allows you to place the camera further away from the user and fit more space into the frame. It can also be useful when shooting in hard-to-reach places where you can’t just reach with your hand. Also, with the same minimum length, a larger maximum length means a wider range of distances available for a given tripod. On the other hand, the working size of the structure significantly affects its weight and price.

If we talk about specific numbers, then the shortest modern selfie sticks are up to 50 cm long. A value of 51 – 75 cm is considered average, 76 – 100 cm is more than average, and in the longest models they can expand to 1 m or more.

Mounting method of the action camera provided in the appropriate tripod (see above).

— Clamp. Installation in a special clip for an action camera. It is worth noting that such a device differs markedly from the traditional lock for smartphones, which uses movable sponges. The clamp of this type has two slots into which special “ears” are inserted, placed on the box or body of the action camera. The "ears" have special holes into which a screw is threaded, fixing them in the slots. Thanks to this design, the mount is very reliable — which is important, given the specifics of the use of action cameras.

— Carving. A lock based on a threaded stud that is screwed into a hole on the camera body. This option is not inferior to the clamp described above in terms of reliability, however, for its use, action cameras must have an appropriate socket for a hairpin; it is not available in all models, and if it is available, it will not hurt to clarify compatibility. On the other hand, most often selfie sticks use a standard 1/4" tripod thread, on which you can install not only action cameras, but also traditional cameras (even SLRs in some models).

— Thread and clamp. Models that combine the two types of fastening described above at once. This combination usually looks like this: either the action camera itself or a platform with a stud for mounting the camera on the thread can be instal...led in the clamp. This is the most versatile option and is compatible with almost any action camera. On the other hand, such equipment increases the cost of the structure and somewhat reduces its reliability when used with a thread, and a variety of mounts is very rarely required — after all, usually a monopod is bought for a specific camera with a well-defined type of mount. Therefore, this option is less common than one type of attachment.

Method of linking the tripod-mounted shutter button to the mount-mounted camera.

— Mini jack 3.5mm. Wired connection via a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack. This option is typical mainly for models compatible with smartphones (see "Intended Use") — almost all such gadgets have a mini-jack and, usually, when using a camera, it works as a control connector. The main advantage of tripods with a 3.5 mm plug is that they do not require a separate power supply; of the shortcomings, one can only note the very presence of a wire, which does not create any particular inconvenience, but not everyone likes it.

— Bluetooth. Bluetooth wireless connection. Bluetooth modules are found in both smartphones and action cameras; and the absence of wires gives the design a neat appearance. In addition, this option allows you to use a tripod as a remote control even when the camera is placed outside the mount — the connection range is about 10 m. The disadvantage of Bluetooth, compared to a wired connection, is a higher cost, as well as the need for power, which limits battery life tripod.

— Remote control. A separate remote control for the camera that comes with the kit is usually wireless, with a Bluetooth connection. Such a remote control is convenient in that it can be held in a convenient place — for example, in a free hand, without being distracted from holding t...he monopod itself. At the same time, a mount for the remote control can be provided on the bar, and in some models it is duplicated by a built-in button (in case of loss of the remote control or dead batteries). And the most advanced remotes give access to various additional functions and may even have their own display. The disadvantages of this option are a rather high price and the need to monitor the battery status also in the remote control.