Blog about Monopods
[10/06/2010] Monopod vs. Tripod
With tripods undoubtedly providing more stability, why are so many photographers using monopods?
The monopods certainly have their advantages – they are much lighter, easy to store and carry, and the smallest models can easily fit in your jacket pocket. They are also made of aluminum, titanium, or fiber glass, and the latter material is so light, that often monopods weigh just a few grams. Another great advantage of the monopods is the deployment speed – a tripod takes time to set and this is definitely a disadvantage if you have to move from one position to another in a rush: this is especially true when shooting wildlife animals or trying to take action shots.
The monopods are also sturdy and usually last long and can withstand quite a bit of abuse; they are also stable enough and can support long focal lenses and heavy cameras. Being smaller, they also allow the photographer to move freely in a crowded environment, which is why they are favored by wedding and party photographers.
Tripods are still the number one tool if you want to take a completely hands-free picture; you can place your camera on the tripod, adjust its angle, and take the perfect shot. They are also great when the camera has to be absolutely still – this is typically necessary if there is little light and keeping your camera still will also allow you to try different settings, while still having the camera at the same position.
Tripods are also great for taking indoor picture, when the camera doesn’t have to be moved around – this is a perfect example when the tripods stability is essential.