It really can't hurt to have both as they really are for different purposes. Tripod is really ideal for long exposures and when you have the ability to take the time to set up. Monopod is a bit more "agile" and can be just enough support if you don't need the bulk of a tripod. For instance, a monopod is very useful at a baseball game to support a long lens whereas a tripod would be tricky to set up and use in tight seating quarters.
By way of contrast, a tripod is great for sunrise pictures where a monopod wouldn't be ideal for that.
In a pinch, a tripod works fine as a monopod if you only put one leg down. Not perfect, but I managed to get through three days of Moto GP racing that way once.
IMO, Mike nailed the purpose of each, so there's no point me saying it again. I'd add, though, that with today's cameras' low light capabilities monopods are far less of a requirement unless you have a long/heavy lens. Tripods have far more purpose, imo, but it is nice to have both.
am using a gorillapod - recommended - so impressed that I have just bought a mini gorillapod for my iPhone as I was finding that static multiple exposures on a camera phone are virtually impossible, can't wait to try it out!
The middle of my tripod also pulls out and becomes a monopod. My hubby also made a monopod/hiking stick for me out of a long branch. It's a bit heavy so he's still searching for the perfect stick.
I use both as described above. if I'm going walking around, I'll have my monopod (or nothing) and if I'm planning on certain shots, I'll have the tripod (although it lives in the truck anyway, just in case).
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By way of contrast, a tripod is great for sunrise pictures where a monopod wouldn't be ideal for that.
IMO, Mike nailed the purpose of each, so there's no point me saying it again. I'd add, though, that with today's cameras' low light capabilities monopods are far less of a requirement unless you have a long/heavy lens. Tripods have far more purpose, imo, but it is nice to have both.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chevymom0/2449018589/
Tri-monopod:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00127XR8C/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000FFUDIO&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ACR4QYG6GHD2QMBT4FV