What is the difference in use between a tripod and a monopod?
Posted On April 27 In Featured, Photo Monopods, Photo Tripods
For those who are going to answer that the tripod has 3 legs and the monopod just one, I know that. I want to know when to use one and when to use the other.
Thanks.
A photo monopod has one single leg, which will be attached to the underside of your camera or camcorder.
Some of them will also allow attachments of heads.
Besides number of legs, the most single most obvious difference between photo tripods and photo monopods is that you must hold your monopod in place. Obviously a tripod is designed to be left to stand on its own. This means that monopods are less stable than tripods – though both are much more stable than holding your camera in hand.
Monopods are also usually much lighter and much less bulky – and therefore much more portable – so may be a better idea if you are backpacking or hiking, or if you travel a lot.
There are some photo monopods that actually double as a camera stand and a walking/hiking stick.
So, in conclusion, tripods are usually a little more bulky than monopods. You should therefore think about where you perform the majority of your photography. If you need something less bulky, lighter and portable you should consider a monopod. If you need stability and can do without then you may want to look at the different photo tripods available.
Comments (5)
Tripod is more stable and best for long exposures. Monopod is more mobile and best for situations with long lenses when you are trying to steady the camera but need to move it often.
tripods are mainly used for very steady shots and slow shutter speeds, monopods are not as steady ( as steady as U ) they are also more easy to transport
Monopods are used for a number of situations: when bringing a tripod is not an option due to needing to travel light or some other reason, for sports so that you dont have to hold a heavy lens the whole game and you get the added clarity that comes from no camera shake, wildlife is a good time to use a monopod as well. They offer far more maneuverability than a tripod and are used in situations where a tripod is just not useful such as when you have to track moving objects or need help steadying a lens. Ive used one for macro when I dont want to set up a tripod.
I would imagine when you absolutely cannot have any movement maybe for really slow apertures you would want three legs for the most stability. I’ve never even seen a monopod. how does it stand? Is it possibly for holding out in front of you to take your own pic?
Use monopod when -
1) space is limited – sporting events, ceremonies etc where you cant get the space to set up tripod.
2) Tripod is not usable – climbed up rocky steep mountain – no level spot to setup tripod, or shooting out a windowframe – not enough space to set-up.
3) Saftey in fast movement – set up at edge of sporting event or in path of "running of the bulls" or a marathon – get in take shots – get out.