Monopods

Aside from tripods, there are other devices used to steady and hold a camera, such as the monopod. Just like the tripod is called such because “tri” means three and “pod” means legs, the mono pod has a single leg (“mono” means one) that holds the camera still. How can monopods balance on a single leg, and do they have an advantage over tripods?

As you go over various monopod reviews, you’ll find that monopods are good in some instances and not recommended for others. These reviews will often point toward specific manufacturers as well, such as the Manfrotto monopod line. This trusted name brand is used by many professional, semi-professional, and amateur photographers and filmers for their various applications. Especially when on the go, a camera monopod can come in handy, being extremely portable, easy to set up and collapse, and lightweight so that it can be moved from one spot to another with little effort.

A professional monopod can be quite sturdy and, depending on your particular needs, some are heavier and bulkier than others. Some are meant to hold small, lightweight cameras and move from place to place, providing an option for steadying the camera as opposed to having a shaky image from handheld filming or photo shooting. Others are heavier and more stationery, offering a place to rest a slightly heavier unit for better balance and conservation of strength. Operating in one location, this is often for setting up in a corner of a room for a big event during which a single perspective can achieve the best results.

Note that, especially if you build a DIY monopod, you can easily experience some wobble because there is less balance than with multiple legs, especially on uneven ground or outdoors in heavy wind. If you follow the advice found in many monopod tips, you will use this item in limited applications only and usually as a backup for other devices that don’t do the trick.

As you learn more about monopods, you’ll discover their value, where they will be useful, and where they will have little or no functionality for your. Using a monopod in instances where you are the sole photographer and have no relief to take over can be a great thing, especially if you are indoors. However, they have limited application in outdoor use and in other opportunities where greater balance is required.