Monopod instead of or in addition to....?

[sml]

I have been shooting pics for over 30 years and have never used (or even held!) a monopod!
I am in the process of buying a new tripod and have been looking on this forum for information on the tripods and the heads, trying to determine what the best combination would be. In the process, I have come across a few threads about monopods.
My question is, when does one use a monopod instead of a tripod? Or vice versa?
Should I consider getting a monopod in addition to the tripod I'll be buying? Or instead of?
I intend to use the tripod for macro work, telephoto (up to 300....possibly 400 soon), and general steadying of the camera.
Thanks.

[alduin]

Generally speaking, I use my tripod when I don't have to move the camera. Moon shots, landscapes, macro, etc.

The monopod gets used when I want to be more mobile or when shooting things that move like sports, birds, kids, and my credit card as it whooshes through the register at the photography store. ;)

[HankScorpio]

I use my monopod when in a crowded place where a tripod is impossible as it only takes up the same space as I do and can be very stable if you use it as a third leg and make yourself the tripod. I also use it for walking around the countryside as it's lighter than a tripod and can be used for all kinds of things like steadying you while you cross a stream or whacking overly 'friendly' creatures.

They are very useful things to have, I wouldn't be without mine. I wouldn't say you could get one instead of a tripod especially for macro work though.

[BIG H]

I use a monopod more than a tripod. I use it for indoor and outdoor sports. I have a cheapie Slik EZ pod.

[PacAce]

I have been shooting pics for over 30 years and have never used (or even held!) a monopod!
I am in the process of buying a new tripod and have been looking on this forum for information on the tripods and the heads, trying to determine what the best combination would be. In the process, I have come across a few threads about monopods.
My question is, when does one use a monopod instead of a tripod? Or vice versa?
Should I consider getting a monopod in addition to the tripod I'll be buying? Or instead of?
I intend to use the tripod for macro work, telephoto (up to 300....possibly 400 soon), and general steadying of the camera.
Thanks.
For the purposes you stated above, what you want is a good, steady tripod. A monopod is not a substitute for a tripod. A monopod is generally used to carry the load of a heavy lens and/or camera and to help steady the combo although not to the degree that a tripod does.

[sml]

For the purposes you stated above, what you want is a good, steady tripod. A monopod is not a substitute for a tripod. A monopod is generally used to carry the load of a heavy lens and/or camera and to help steady the combo although not to the degree that a tripod does.

So...get a good tripod (and head) and skip the mono??
That's the direction I'm leaning....

[PacAce]

So...get a good tripod (and head) and skip the mono??
That's the direction I'm leaning....

Yes, get the tripod but don't necessarily skip the monopod just because you're going to get a tripod. A need for a monopod should be determined independently of the tripod because, as I said previously, a monopod is not a substitute for a tripod and vice versa. I have both and use each for different purposes.

[SkipD]

Yes, get the tripod but don't necessarily skip the monopod just because you're going to get a tripod. A need for a monopod should be determined independently of the tripod because, as I said previously, a monopod is not a substitute for a tripod and vice versa. I have both and use each for different purposes.I agree with Leo 100%. I also have and use both, but each for different purposes.

[rider1]

Get a monopod! Not in place of your tripod, in addition to it. You can get a Canon 100 for $40 delivered. It has a small ballhead and rubber tip. It works great. I can't afford IS lenses and was a bit unhappy with the sharpness of my shots. I dropped the $40 and have been really pleased with my sharpness. I feel I've gained a stop or so. Without the legs extended, carry it with your camera against your shoulder and your lens over your shoulder. Money well spent!