Tripod vs Monopod

[7up]

can we make a comparison :

Tripod vs Monopod


I think monopod: easy to move
tripod: more stable
tripod is better for a heavy lenses
monopod is better for sport and birds shooting



tell me what you think ....

[nemopaice]

I'd be interested in hearing opinions about his too. Personally, I only use a monopod for shooting video.

[troypiggo]

I have yet to see a decent 30 second exposure taken using a monopod. Wait, make that 3 seconds. :)

[crn3371]

I've always viewed them as 2 separate tools intended for totally separate uses.

[troypiggo]

Exactly

[jhom]

It isn't one vs the other. They complement each other and allow us to get the image we need.

[canonnoob]

tripod isnt always better for heavy lenses. Id rather have a mono for a 400 2.8 than a tripod. heck i never use a tripod on any of my "heavy" lenses.. Plus how heavy are we talking? lol

In the end they are two totally different tools and should be used as such.

[Carrabango]

I use my lightweight tripod as a monopod very often, it works really well. I never owned a monopod, so I can't compare, but I frequently run into situations where I need the three legs, so I'm not considering a monopod anymore.

[ed rader]

I use my lightweight tripod as a monopod very often, it works really well. I never owned a monopod, so I can't compare, but I frequently run into situations where I need the three legs, so I'm not considering a monopod anymore.


you can get a lightweight monopod for under $50.

ed rader

[Golfhack]

I've always viewed them as 2 separate tools intended for totally separate uses.

Yep! ;)

[Carrabango]

True, all I'm trying to say is that if you have a hard time to decide, you could consider a lightweight tripod, which then turns into a (not lightweight) monopod. Besides, when I was considering monopods earlier, I didn't hear about any of good quality for <$50. Just my 2 cents.

[Lowner]

I use both and like others have already said, they are different tools for different work.

Cannonnoob, it is not a weight issue at all. My monopod is perfectly fine with a 500mm f/4 lens at a motorsports event where I'm using AI Servo and need to stay flexible. On the other hand I often use my 24-70 on the tripod with a cable shutter release when shooting landscapes. I'm now looking for maximum sharpness / maximum DoF with the mirror locked up.

[jr_senator]

I use my lightweight tripod as a monopod very often...
That's nice, until one tries to get that tripod into an art institute, a museum or botanical garden.

[Carrabango]

That's nice, until one tries to get that tripod into an art institute, a museum or botanical garden.

It's not a problem in the botanical garden here. I should get one of those <$50 monopods if I'm going to the museum then I guess ;)

[r.morales]

A lot depends on what and where you are shooting . I have 2 monopds and about 6 tripods .
Like already stated different tools .
I would never try to get a monopod to stand by itself with a camera on it . I would never try to carry my old bogen tripod into field [ more than 100 feet from car ]
As far as cost goes - A lot depends on what and where you are shooting and how often .
My monopod is used as a walking stick / steadier [ bad knee ]
I think I paid over 60 for the bogen RCO QR head for each monpod .
If this is a tool buy this best you can afford , if it's just a convinence / toy - a cheapee will do . A good monopod or tripod will be worth what you pay today in 3 years used .
When chosing between a monpod and tripod look at QR heads . Get something that a QRhead exists for other .
One of my compaints with bogen is their RCO heads are case iron / steel and very heavy . Sorry , getting off topic .

[ed rader]

It's not a problem in the botanical garden here. I should get one of those <$50 monopods if I'm going to the museum then I guess ;)


and/or an IS lens :D.

ed rader

[JWright]

tripod isnt always better for heavy lenses. Id rather have a mono for a 400 2.8 than a tripod. heck i never use a tripod on any of my "heavy" lenses.. Plus how heavy are we talking? lol

In the end they are two totally different tools and should be used as such.

Exactly...

Let's take the 400mm f2.8 as an example. If I were using that lens to shoot from the sidelines at a football game, I'd want a monopod to support the weight of the lens but allow me better mobility as the game moved up and down the field.

If I were using the same lens to shoot wildlife or landscapes in a National Park, I'd want to have it on a tripod to get the maximum amount of steadiness and stability possible.

[tylerdan]

Sunpack makes a tripod with a removable monopod center shaft. Best Buy carries them. Not the worlds greatest tripod but it does work well and is rated for 8 or 9 pounds. Price is around $100.