Why use monopod

So why should you use a monopod instead of a tripod? Monopods are typically used by sports and music photographers. This is because when you photograph these subjects you are usually shooting in low or mixed lightwith a telephoto lens mounted to your camera.

These are classic situations where camera shake can spoil your images, so you need some kind of stability for your camera. Photographers like to use monopods because they fold up compactly and can be carried into crowded events discreetly and extended when needed. And when you do need to use your monopod, they are much less obtrusive than a tripod that extends outward in three directions! In some cases, you may want to use both. Both a tripod and monopod are accessories designed to support a camera — where the two differ are the legs.

Much of the rest of the design is similar across both accessories. Both are height adjustable, for example. And both often use quick release plates for easily adding and removing the camera. But, the number of legs creates some major differences between tripods and monopods. With three legs, tripods are the most stable. Using a tripod, you can shoot longer exposures than you could with a monopod.

A monopod will reduce some camera shake. But tripods are best for taking seconds or even minutes-long exposures. Wind or even poor build quality can create shake even with a tripod.

But tripods are still among the most stable camera supports. Do this with a monopod and your camera will literally eat the dust. That exact placement can be helpful when shooting macro photos.

Tripods tend to be the more popular option — which means there are plenty of models on the market to choose from. The advantages of working with a monopod largely stem from the smaller size of the single-legged camera support. First, tripods take a bit of floor space to spread out those three legs.

Monopods, in comparison, take up a tiny dot of floor space. Some locations even ban tripod use for that reason. An additional shutter speed or two can be gained using this technique. Please keep in mind that when you use slow shutter speeds to photograph animals and the subjects move, the images will be soft. Wildlife photography is synonymous with long lens photography.

In locations where tripods are restricted, use a monopod rather than handholding your set up and experiencing fatigue. With your rig on a monopod, you can be ready percent of the time. Be sure to mount the monopod to the mounting plate on the lens , not the threaded part of the camera. It distributes the weight more evenly and, even more important, by loosening the collar, you can spin the setup to go from vertical to horizontal and back.

A monopod takes up very little space in a suitcase when compared to a tripod. Additionally, the monopod can be moved around more efficiently than a tripod. Because monopods have a much smaller footprint than tripods, they can be used in tight areas or in large crowds much more effectively than tripods can.

Perspective - If you want a different perspective, it's relatively easy to boost your monopod up over your head with your camera attached without disturbing the people around you. This would be almost impossible not to mention dangerous to attempt with a tripod due to the extra legs.

Legal Reasons - Some sporting arenas and public spaces don't allow tripods to be set up because they can obstruct the natural flow of traffic.

Oftentimes these rules do not also apply to monopods because of their reduced footprint, as discussed above. Monopods are generally accepted in public areas where tripods are excluded, as there's a better chance that you won't obstruct crowds and will be able to quickly move out of the way if necessary. There are a few ways you can position a monopod, and it's a good idea to experiment with all of them before you settle on one specific way, particularly if you're a beginner, as the optimum position depends on your photography style.

Ways to use a monopod include, but are not limited to:. To use a monopod in this way, position yourself with your legs spread to about shoulder-width apart. Centre your monopod at the mid-point between your legs, but about 30 centimetres out in front of you. This pose mimics a traditional tripod's stance, with the monopod acting as one leg and the photographer's two legs forming the second and third leg of the tripod.

You can add another layer of stability by using the wrist strap to anchor it, and apply some downward pressure to push monopod's foot to the ground, providing extra stability. You want to get into position with your hips at a slight angle in relation to your shoulder. This mimics a boxer's stance with one foot slightly back behind the other foot.

This is your rear foot, and it's going to be where you brace your monopod. You can lean the monopod against your leg for added stability. Your hand should be pushing the monopod into the ground, and you should also have the wrist strap engaged for extra security. Stand just like you did in method two, with your hips slightly angled to your shoulders and one foot slightly back from the other.

Place the monopod's foot right behind your leading foot and brace it against the same leg for stability. Again, you'll push down on the monopod to drive the foot into the ground. Now that you know how to position a monopod to get the best results, we're going to touch on some extra tips for using it effectively. Using whichever hand you don't operate your camera with, grab the monopod's shaft and get a firm grip.

You should hold it near your camera's attachment point to help you balance it effectively. Also, tuck your elbows in close to your body to avoid any accidental side-to-side movements. With whatever hand grips onto the monopod itself, firmly push down to help hold the monopod's foot against the ground. The heavier your camera's lens is, the more pressure you'll have to apply to keep it stable throughout your shot.

While you can attach a camera directly to the monopod itself, often you'll want to put a head on the monopod and attach your camera to that. In fact, this will be mandatory if you plan on shooting in portrait orientation. The type of head you use will be determined by the application; options range from gimbal heads, tilt heads, ball heads and video heads. You usually use your wrist strap to carry your monopod, but it also comes in handy for stabilisation purposes.

Put the strap around your wrist and move your hand down until the strap tightens. This will help you stabilise the monopod and make it easier to drive the foot into the ground as you use it.

Don't exert too much force though to damage the wrist strap! Monopods are particularly popular for video shooters as they greatly reduce the shaky look of handheld video. Monopods come in many shapes and sizes, but a primary distinction you'll see is between video and photo monopods.

These can range from very small and thin to thick and sturdy, which is primarily a reflection of the weight capacity that the monopod can support. They are often sold without heads, and you may decide to attach your camera to the top of the monopod itself, or add a head separately. However, almost the foot of almost all photo monopods is simply a single rubberised nub.