Blog about Monopods
[08/02/2011] Monopods and Tripods
There are great many situations, where all you need for a great picture is a mid-range camera and a steady hand, but in low-light scenario or when aiming for the perfect shot, you could rarely go without some form of camera support. The most used support equipment are the tripods and the monopods, where the former are very stable, but heavy, and the latter are more versatile and easy to transport. They are used not only in photography, but perfectly capable of supporting other equipment such as night vision or laser scopes and come in different shapes, forms, and price ranges. The most affordable tripods and monopods are ideal for supporting light to medium cameras, which is what an aspiring beginner might need. On the other side of the range are the professional ones, which are typically made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, come with versatile camera heads that allow tilting and panning, and are sturdy and light at the same time. Quick locking mechanisms allow easy deployment and height adjustment and rubber or spike feet facilitate usage on different kinds of surfaces.
Both tripods and monopods have their advantages and their weaknesses, but most travelling photographers opt out for the latter, as they are light, smaller, and easy to carry even on a plane. The monopods often come with rubber grip for enhanced stability, three, four, or five legs with an easy to use locking mechanisms, and wrist strap. Some of them have additional enhancements that allow the photographer to open, adjust, and close them with one hand, or attach the monopod to a belt for further support. Two important factors that should be considered when buying stabilization equipment are the maximum carry load and the available attachments since they would determine what cameras can be supported. SLR cameras with long telephoto lenses need sturdy tripods or monopods, which would support the weight easily, while the lightest digital camera models could be supported even by the most affordable, entry-level monopods or tripods.
Even if you have a great camera with digital and optical stabilization, taking clear photos late at night or in any low-light situation is next to impossible and buying a tripod and monopod is inevitable. Always opt in for the best quality that you can afford and for a model that has the features that you are after!
Other articles from this category:
[10/06/2010] Camera and imaging use
[10/06/2010] Standing a monopod
[10/06/2010] Monopod vs. Tripod
[21/06/2010] Tripods, Monopods, and Air Travel
[08/02/2011] Using Monopod or Tripod
[08/02/2011] The top Five Monopods
[08/02/2011] Monopod vs. Tripod – What to Choose
[08/02/2011] The Use of Monopods
[08/02/2011] Manfrotto 561B lightweight monopod
