iShot Pro 70" HD Professional Camera Monopod with 360 degree Locking Swivel Ball Head 1/4 inch Thread

A monopod, sometimes called a unipod, can be a great addition to any photographer’s kit. A monopod and tripod are two very different pieces of photographic equipment, and one cannot really be substituted for the other. However, there are times when a monopod is more ideal, meaning the tripod can be left at home. The type of photographic shot one is aiming for will depend on when a monopod should be used. When some stability is needed, yet a photographer still wants the freedom and flexibility that is not possible with a tripod, a monopod can be a useful piece of photographic equipment. Monopods come in various qualities, sizes, and prices. To get the best value for the money, buyers should identify how and where they will use the monopod before making their final purchase.

 

 

The Difference Between a Monopod and a Tripod

A monopod is a single pole that is used to support a camera. A tripod is a three-legged frame that is used to stabilize a camera. Both have benefits in different types of photographic situations. Neither should ever be substituted for the other, and any serious photographer will have both a monopod and a tripod. There are several differences between a monopod and a tripod, and the following table describes some of these differences.

 

 

Monopod

 

Supports the camera

 

Stabilizes the camera

 

Consists of one leg pole

 

Consists of three leg poles

 

Cannot be used freestanding

 

Can be used freestanding

 

Not used for long exposure photography

 

Used for long exposure photography

 

Lightweight and easy to set up

 

Heavy and more complex to set up

 

Portable and easy to carry

 

Not portable

 

Need little space to use effectively

 

Need ample space to set up and use effectively

 

Less expensive

 

More expensive

 

 

As the table above shows, there are some significant differences between a monopod and a tripod. The particular location the photographer is in and the type of image he or she is aiming to create and capture will determine whether a monopod or a tripod is most suited.

 

 

The Benefits of Using a Monopod

Although most photographers have both a tripod and a monopod in their kit, using a monopod offers several benefits to the photographer over using either a tripod or holding the camera with a hand. Monopods are beneficial for photographing landscapes, wildlife, sports events, action shots, travel shots, and any other types of photography that require some camera stability while still offering flexibility and ease of movement.

 

Monopods are Easy to Transport

A monopod is much easier to transport than a tripod. A monopod is one single pole, usually telescopic, that is able to be retracted when not in use, making it easier and smaller to carry. A monopod is far lighter in weight than a tripod, and far less bulky to carry. Carbon fiber monopods are especially lightweight, and are ideal for those photographers that like to hike to find a memorable shot. Some carbon fiber monopods can weigh as little as 400 grams. Some monopods are also designed to double as a hiking stick, ideal for those who like to head outdoors looking for that perfect photographic shot.

 

Monopods are Quick to Set Up

There is very little setup required when using a monopod. The single telescopic pole is extended to the correct height and secured into place, and the connection plate is attached to the camera and monopod. Many photographers choose to use a quick release connection plate. This offers simple connection and disconnection of the camera and monopod, which is great when out and on the move. There is no leveling or stabilizing of the monopod, as there is with a tripod.

 

Monopods are Used for on the Go Photography

OTG photography refers to a photographer that chooses to travel outdoors with only a few basic pieces of photographic equipment. The aim of OTG photography is to capture nature in the moment, without having to wait for the right moment to appear, as many great photographs require. An OTG photographer is not able to carry a heavy, bulky tripod around, and when he or she sees a potential shot, there is no time to bother with setting up a complicated tripod. A simple monopod is easy to carry, easy to set up, and enables the photographer to take advantage of the situation he or she is presented with, all while providing camera support to capture a clear, sharp image.

 

Monopods are Used to Support the Camera

A monopod is a great way to support the camera and reduce camera shake. With the use of a monopod, a photographer can take sharp images using a slow shutter speed, something that would not be possible if holding the camera by hand. Photographers are able to use lenses with a longer focal length when using a monopod. Monopods are ideal when using a 300 mm or 600 mm lens. For photographers shooting sporting events, such as motorbike or car racing, or wanting to capture movement shots, such as a duck landing on a lake, a monopod offers camera support, while allowing the photographer to move with the action of the subject. That is something that is not possible when using a tripod. For greater camera stability, a monopod can be used up against a solid object, such as a wall, tree, or stationary car.

 

Monopods are Useful in Tight Spaces

Because a monopod consists of only a slim, single pole, it is ideal for using in tight or crowded spaces, or when the ground is too uneven or unstable for setting up a tripod. Tripods take up far more space that monopods do. A monopod can easily be placed directly against the body, enabling camera support when shooting in a crowd of people, or from a confined area.

 

 

The Various Ways to Use a Monopod

A monopod does not provide camera stability in the same way that a tripod does. A photographer uses a monopod to help support and balance the camera, giving more control of the camera position than what would be possible when shooting by hand. To get the greatest camera stability from a monopod, there are several ways it can be used.

 

Option 1: Three-Legged Tripod Stance

With feet apart, the monopod leg is positioned to be aligned forward about two feet, and in the center, of both feet. This stance copies the three-legged tripod stance. Using the monopod in this way offers the least camera stability. However, it does offer the greatest flexibility of movement. With the use of a rotating ball head, a photographer can quickly and easily spin, twist, sway, and move with the camera, to capture any moving subject. The camera should be held close to the body. With one hand, the monopod is held securely in place, and the other hand supports the camera. When a photographer keeps his or her elbows close to the body, this creates more stability, reducing movement of the monopod to the right or left.

 

Option 2: Side Stance

The side stance involves the photographer placing one foot forward, and one foot back, in a sideways stance. The monopod leg is placed in the instep of the rear foot, with the foot of the monopod set firmly against the photographer’s rear foot. This stabilizes the pole and keeps it from moving backwards. Supporting the monopod against the thigh will reduce the likelihood of the monopod moving to the right or left. This position gives greater stability than the three-legged tripod stance. This side stance enables the photographer to perform side-to-side panning movements.

 

Option 3: Behind the Leg

With feet comfortably apart and facing forward, the monopod is placed between the legs, with the foot of the monopod set behind one leg by approximately three to five inches. The upper thigh of the leg gives support to the monopod. In effect, the photographer’s leg wraps around the monopod pole to give support both forwards and backwards, and from side to side.

 

Option 4: Use a Belt-pod or Chest-pod

A monopod stabilizer pouch can be used with a camera waist belt. The monopod is used at its shortest length and the foot of the monopod is inserted into the pouch. This gives greater flexibility, although it does not offer the greatest stability.