That`s a really good question... I don`t know,but I`m looking forward to see the aswers. All I know is that you allways need to hold the monopod,unline the tripod,wich you can just leave it standing.
I have a hiking stick with a camera thread on top, because I like to hike... and tri-pod sucks on the trail... and sport bleachers the mono pod just fits betweens your legs and lets you pan a little easier and shoot at a lower shutter speed with a long lens (400+mm)
It's extremely different than a tripod. If you're shooting landscapes or other types of shots that require a slower shutter a tripod is essential. On the other hand, if you're say shooting sports or are using a longer telephoto lens that enhances camera shake but you aren't necessarily using really long shutter speeds that need to be absolutely still, then a monopod can help you keep the camera steady enough to get the shot while still being extremely mobile.
I just sold mine, having used it twice in 12 years, while using a 500mm lens for my old job. It totally depends what you want to do with it and yes, its different to a tripod, more flexible, but less sturdy. You cannot shoot long exposure with a mono etc because of movement, so no good if mucking around with that.. Its useful for sports photography and supporting heavy lenses but I dont think they are as useful as a tripod, personally speaking!
yes a monopod is great because there are some places that tripods are not allowed and as far as manfrotto well the better quality makes for easier use. a cheaper tripod or monopod will not move as smoothly as like a carbon fiber one.
@samyb123 you can tell everyone you own a manfrotto one!! Size, things like hydrolics and a pick in the bottom, that folds quick and is the right height for you are all more important than the brand... mine is hand crafted and customized for me from iron willow... it doesn't fold but I could beat a bear off with it...
I have a handmade monopod that my hubby made me out of a branch. It's awesome to look at but a little bit heavy for me. He's looking for the perfect branch to make me another.
I also have a Sunpak Tri-Monopod and have the best of both worlds.
For Christmas I got a nice Manfrotto tripod and ball head. I really love it! I can't seem to part with any of my tripods or monopods any more than I can part with any of my cameras.
Monopods are really only useful if you are shooting with large lenses, such as a 70-200mm f/2.8, 300mm f/2.8, or even larger. The lenses are heavy and it helps to have the monopod support the weight.
That is about the only reason you use a monopod. With smaller, lighter lenses it's really not worth the price. You cannot do long exposures with a monopod, either.
As for what kinda to buy: that depends on the lens. With a heavy lens you'll need a good, sturdy monopod because the last thing you want is for it to break with an expensive lens attached to it.
This is a great question and something I always wondered about. I do hike quite a bit as mentioned previously by another member here... and I can't imagine treking through the woods or on a trail with a tripod. But a monopod seems doable...? And I think the age old adage that *something* is better than nothing might be worthy...
If I wanted the ultimate stability, I'd invest in a tripod. But right now I have nothing and I want something lightweight and extremely portable, in that instance... I would think a monopod would be better than nothing?
I have both a monopod and tripod (both Manfrotto). My view now buy a decent tripod first (and do not worry about a monopod). As Jason says only really useful with lager lenses (and for sports). Tripod useful for low light, landscapes etc when you want sharp(er) pictures.
Hey on Christmas Eve, I went to Best Buy because my mom needed me to find something else for her to give to me for Christmas and so I was looking for a new tripod to go with my soon to be new Canon 7d and they were between $30-$500 and for $80 I found a really nice, sturdy, and strong Sunpak with little bubble levels and nice top that can make every movement possible. I opened it up on Christmas and guess what I learned that I had no idea about... it was a 2-in-1 tripod/monopod! And both the tripod and monopod are awesome so theres just a thought if you can't decide. It also has really fluent small/panning movements for taking video with dslrs like the canon 7d and video cameras
@samyb123 Go to the hardware store, buy yourself a 1/4 inch coarse thread bolt and two nuts for it.
Drill a whole in the bottom of the handle of an umbrella, thread a nut down the bolt all the way, slide it through the hole and thread the other nut on top. Even if you need to buy an umbrella that should cost less than three pounds all in.
It won't be perfect but it should give you a feel for a monopod and whether you want one.
You could also use a stick or piece of pipe too.
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I also have a Sunpak Tri-Monopod and have the best of both worlds.
For Christmas I got a nice Manfrotto tripod and ball head. I really love it! I can't seem to part with any of my tripods or monopods any more than I can part with any of my cameras.
That is about the only reason you use a monopod. With smaller, lighter lenses it's really not worth the price. You cannot do long exposures with a monopod, either.
As for what kinda to buy: that depends on the lens. With a heavy lens you'll need a good, sturdy monopod because the last thing you want is for it to break with an expensive lens attached to it.
If I wanted the ultimate stability, I'd invest in a tripod. But right now I have nothing and I want something lightweight and extremely portable, in that instance... I would think a monopod would be better than nothing?
Drill a whole in the bottom of the handle of an umbrella, thread a nut down the bolt all the way, slide it through the hole and thread the other nut on top. Even if you need to buy an umbrella that should cost less than three pounds all in.
It won't be perfect but it should give you a feel for a monopod and whether you want one.
You could also use a stick or piece of pipe too.