This model has an option to use the feet at the base

A friend and I were at a yard sale a few months back and she saw what I knew to be a telescoping monopod. After I told her what it was she asked “what good is a monopod?”. So I thought it would be a good idea for a quick post. I thought it might help those aspiring self-taught amateur photographers who have pondered the same question.

A monopod ,or unipod as it is sometimes referred, is a single pole that supports your camera or some other piece of optical gear. Combining a monopod with the strategic positioning of your own legs and feet, you basically form a very sturdy tripod. A monopod helps to eliminate camera motion and enables you to use a slower shutter speed and lenses with longer focal lengths. It can get pretty tiresome trying to hold up your rig, let alone hold it steady, when you’re using a huge lens.

Traveling with a monopod is easier also because it stores and transports much more easily than a tripod. Most of them either telescope or fold up very quickly for storage.

A monopod is a practical solution when a tripod is not. It isn’t always possible to be dragging a tripod around with you when you’re out in the field so having a monopod packed up in your backpack or even in your back pocket can be very convenient and be much steadier than hand-holding your camera. It’ll set up faster than a tripod also.When you need steadiness in a pinch, the monopod is your ticket.

The Monopod Advantage

1. Speed of Adjustment — Since you only have one leg to work with, a monopod offers seriously fast vertical adjustments compared to a tripod. Minor vertical adjustments can be made simply by tilting the monopod forward or backward and left-right adjustments can be made simply by swiveling the monopod left or right, following the action without loosing its footing. You can’t do all of that with a tripod! Well, you could but it would take a lot longer.

2. It’s a Space Saver — If you’re shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowded area, the monopod takes up very little space compared to a tripod. It’s only leg stands in front of you or strategically positioned between your feet so you wouldn’t have to worry about someone next to you kicking one of the legs like you would with a tripod.

3. Easy To Relocate — It’s no problem to take a shot then pick the whole assembly up and walk or run whatever distance necessary then get the foot down on the ground and you’re ready to shoot again.

Common Places For A Monopod

The most common place to see a monopod is probably a sporting event. Whether it’s a professional photographer covering a pro sporting event or a crazy father running up and down the field trying to get photos of his child’s football team for himself and/or the school.

Another place where a monopod is a good alternative to a tripod is when your out in the field shooting wildlife. If you’re walking in the forest and come across a few animals in a setting that would make a great shot then you can setup and shoot in a heartbeat and get your shot before those critters have a chance to take off.

It takes a little practice to be able to use a monopod quickly and effectively. It takes a little time also to master your breath hold…before or after exhalation. Speaking of that, I also wanted to mention the availability of a pouch that can be used where the strap goes around your waist or your chest and the pouch sits on the front of you that you place the foot of the monopod into. Some folks find this to be a good option when there is a need to be physically moving frequently.

There you have it. If you do choose to try working with a monopod keep in mind that it takes a little time to get a feel for it but after a short while (just hours for some) you and your monopod will function as a solid unit.