Monopod vs Tripod: When and Why Photographers Should Use a Monopod
Many photographers start out by buying a tripod, seeing it as an essential bit of kit for stable shots. And it’s true that tripods are incredibly useful, but there are plenty of situations where a monopod is a better choice. While good a tripod offers rock-solid support and stability, it isn't always practical or necessary. That's where a monopod comes into its own.
From left to right, the 3 Legged Thing Taylor 2.0, Alana, Lance and Trent 2.0, all shown at their shortest lengths: 44.1 cm / 17.4 in, 44.8 cm / 17.6 in, 61.4 cm / 24.2 in and 65.5 cm / 25.78 in respectively.
What is a Monopod?
A monopod is a single-legged camera support that helps reduce camera shake and takes the weight off your hands when shooting. Unlike a tripod, which has three legs and can stand on its own, a monopod relies on you to hold it upright. It provides a compromise between handheld shooting and the full stability of a tripod, making it quicker to set up and easier to move around with.
Like a tripod leg, a monopod is telescopic, so it can be extended to the length you need. And, while it can be mounted directly onto a camera or lens via the tripod socket, it's often best used with a tripod head. This is especially helpful when you want to tip the camera up or down. It can also aid smoother panning, which is particularly handy when you're working with moving subjects or shooting video.
From left to right, the 3 Legged Thing Taylor 2.0, Alana, Lance and Trent 2.0, all shown at their longest lengths: 1.58 m / 62.2 in, 1.58 m / 62.3 in, 2.02 m / 79.52 in and 2.02 m / 79.52 in respectively.
Support for Heavy Gear
The main benefit of using a monopod is that it can take the weight of a heavy lens and camera. This can be a real back and shoulder saver during a long shoot, especially if you're working with a 300mm or longer lens. If you've ever tried to hold a hefty setup for more than a few minutes, you'll know how tiring it can get. A monopod gives you that bit of relief without slowing you down.
Improved Stability
A monopod helps to prevent camera shake, which is particularly useful when you're shooting at modest shutter speeds with a long lens. It might not provide the same level of stability as a tripod, but it gives enough support to improve sharpness in some situations when you’re working handheld would introduce too much movement.
Even with a head attached, a monopod is much smaller and lighter to carry than a tripod.
Getting and Keeping Subjects in the Frame
When you're shooting with a long telephoto lens, it can be hard to find a subject in the frame - especially if it's moving. A monopod removes some of those sudden movements that you make as you search for a subject and helps you to keep it in the frame once you've found it. This is one reason why monopods are especially popular with wildlife and sports photographers. They offer support while allowing enough flexibility to pan smoothly and follow action as it unfolds.
Portability and Ease of Use
Monopods are smaller and lighter than tripods, so they're easier to carry and quicker to set up. That makes them ideal for shoots where time is tight or you're on the move a lot. Whether you're changing positions regularly or walking long distances to reach your location, carrying a monopod is far less hassle than lugging a full tripod.
On the subject of walking, a monopod can act as a walking stick if you need a little extra stability on uneven ground as you walk with a heavy backpack.
Monopods are also useful for a spot of inpromtu fencing practice.
Compatible with Tripod Heads
Another point in a monopod's favour is that it can be used with a tripod head. This adds more control and makes it easier to adjust the camera position quickly and accurately.
A ball head or a pan and tilt head can both work well, depending on your needs. It's especially helpful to use a tripod head if the subject is above or below eye-level as you can just tip the camera up or down rather than having to tilt the whole monopod to change your shooting angle.
The 3 Legged Thing Taylor 2.0 is shown here with the 3 Legged Thing AirHed Trinity 2-way tripod head. The Taylor 2.0 is at its longest setting and I’m wearing thick socks, which means I’m around 5 foot 2 inches tall.
Read our 3 Legged Thing AirHed Trinity Review
Limitations of Monopods
It's worth being aware of the limitations of a monopod. For instance, a monopod isn't suitable for long exposures because there's still some movement, even if it's slight. If you're looking to blur moving water or clouds, or shooting landscapes at night, for example, a tripod is a better choice. You also can't just walk away and leave your camera in position as you can with a tripod – you'll need to keep hold of the monopod, or lay it on the ground.
Conclusion
In short, a monopod offers a good balance between stability and mobility. It's a practical piece of kit to have in your bag if you spend a lot of time with a heavy camera and lens. It won't replace a tripod in every scenario, but it can make a big difference in the right setting without the additional weight.
