Monopod vs. one-legged tripod

[Aylwin]

I use tripods (I have 3 now for some strange reason). Sometimes, I might extend one leg if I'm in a hurry and need extra stability. But now I'm considering getting a monopod because they're lighter, less bulky and generally easier to walk around with. I wonder though...

Do you usually bring both a monopod and tripod along or just one? Of course, if you're on a specific mission then you'd just bring the more appropriate one. But what if you're just out with the camera?

I don't use much telephoto and don't often shoot moving objects. If I don't point and shoot then I usually have time to setup the tripod.

Anyway, I'd appreciate more experienced opinions on the pros and cons of monopod vs. tripod and also monopod vs. one-legged tripod if it's at all practical.

Thanks,
Aylwin

[Vegas Poboy]

Like you mention it depends on what I'm going to shoot. I carry both in my car @ all times, normal candid shots I use the monopod. Landscape, shots I like to recompose more than once a tripod. Again it all depends.

[Belmondo]

I, too, carry one of each in the car, but defer the decision of which to use until I know what my specific needs will be that on that occasion.

As a general rule, the monopod leg will be much 'stouter' (read: stiffer) than any one leg on a tripod, even a very good tripod. For that reason, using the tripod in the manner you descdribe will help, but not be the equivalent of a good monopod. A good monopod, similarly will not be as good as a quality tripod used in the conventional manner. The obvious tradeoff is between function and convenience, and each one is situationally driven.

I'm waiting for someone to sell a high quality tripod with one leg suitable as a monopod, and the other two legs quickly and easily removeable. (or, if you prefer, a really good monopd with the option of quickly and easily attaching two additional legs)

[CyberDyneSystems]

I keep both in my trunk as well,. but to my mind,. by using the tripod as a monopod,. you have defeated the purpose of a Monopod,.. The purpose of a monopod being a trade off between stability and mobility.

We use a monopod as it is more mobile than a tripod. It easy to hike with (even with camera attached etc) Also we use it because it time sensitive situations it is quicker to deploy in decisive moments.

But here is the dilemna,. when we use a monopod we know we are making a sacrifice. It simply will not be as stable as a tripod. We say that the monopod is "fine for what we are shooting" but that is celarly a compromise. "fine" is never best.

As a die hard Monopod user,. I KNOW I would be better off if I could discipline myself to carry around my tripod instead. But I don't.

If you can in fact use your Tripod as a Monopod I say go for it! It will give you that tripod option when you need it.

[MediaMagic]

belmondo wrote:

I'm waiting for someone to sell a high quality tripod with one leg suitable as a monopod, and the other two legs quickly and easily removeable. (or, if you prefer, a really good monopd with the option of quickly and easily attaching two additional legs)

I saw an attachment somewhat similar to what you describe. It looked like a tiny tripod that fit around the monopod. It had to be less than 2ft tall and appeared to be a regular three legged 2ft (or less) tall tripod with the monopod as the center. I saw this thing through my zoom lens because the photographer was on the other side of a river and I wondered how her monopod was standing up by itself (at first I thought she had just speared it into the ground). It didn't look like a home made unit so it's probably available if we knew what to search for.

It may have been a small tripod adapted to this purpose. I know I have seen bipod attachments that allow a monopod to be propped at an angle for about $35.00. Plus, you'd almost certainly have to ad an adjustable head (my monopod is the sturdy yet cheap Bogen that doesn't even have the quick release adapter.. just screws right into the camera, which works great for sports shots, but wouldn't lend easily to propping without modification).

[John_T]

Cullmann make a monopod with a mini tripod in the bottom tube. You screw off the foot cover, pull out three small legs, then screw the cover back in to fix it. I guess it could add stability in some situations, but I wouldn't leave it unattended with my camera on it!

I have a Cullmann 741 monopod with a ball head which works quite well and is light. I like it because it is the shortest (17") longest (62") I could find. I would prefer a Manfrotto with clips, but they are not as short closed as I would like for my bag.

I carry a cheap travel tripod (small and light) in my bag and the monopod in the umbrella loops on the outside.

I find a monopod very handy. At full extension and also short as a solid handle and sometimes braced on my belt buckle with the neckstrap taught.

[deztoys]

I tend to use my monopod much more than the tripod. Mst of the events I've liked to photograph require me to move on a regular basis, so the tripod would be a cumberson item to re-setup. I've also found that there are some rare times when I haven't been able to rig some means of stabilizing my monopod to allow a tripod "like" stabilized platform. But those times are rare so far.

I really want one of those sweet carbon fibre monopods, but can't justify a new one when I have my trust bogen aluminum monopods..... Anyone want to trade, I've broken mine in already.....

[MediaMagic]

Okay, I just ordered the retractable leg addition (Bogen 678 universal folding base) for my Manfrotto at B&H part no. 678 BO678 price $42.50US. More expensive than the monopod itself, but could easily be worth it.

I'll let you know if it's worth a crap or not

[Aylwin]

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Much appreciated! You're right. The one-legged tripod isn't very sturdy and I don't find it very comfortable either. Well, I've never really used a monopod so I guess I should at least get one as part of my learning process.

Many of you have mentioned bringing both along in your vehicle. My problem is, I don't have one. The closest thing would be our baby stroller. This means I'd have to decide which to bring before leaving home.

Any special requirements/features I should look for in a monopod? Ball head? Quick release? The leg extends and locks the same as a tripod, right? Any variations to this?

I live in Japan at the moment. Any recommendations on brands/models that may be available here? Slik seems to be widely available. What's a good price range to budget for something good and that will last. I don't need anything top-of-the-line though.

Sorry for all the questions. I'm ignorant when it comes to monopods... not that I'm an expert on tripods either.


By the way, I usually bring my DV cam along too. Any comments on using a DV cam with a monopod? Or does that make no sense at all?

[deztoys]

As for monopod features. I have been looking at a couple different heads for mine. I kind of liked the grip head, but wonder how well I can carry the camera while still attached to this. The problem I had with the bogen ball head was that the camera would occasionally flop down if I wasn't holding directly on to the head and camera.

I have found that there is a version of monopd that has a grip top that controls the top segment length. I would worry that the grip would not consistently lock the section at the length I wanted.

So, for my tastes, I think I'm gonna stick with the regular (no head attached) monopod.

Scott

[Belmondo]

Aylwin wrote:

Many of you have mentioned bringing both along in your vehicle. My problem is, I don't have one. The closest thing would be our baby stroller. This means I'd have to decide which to bring before leaving home.

->

Take both---leave the baby home! (Kidding, of course.)

If the decision came down to one or the other, and if I was going to have to carry whichever 'pod' I decide on for any appreciable period of time, I'd go for the monopod. My tripod is definitely 'industrial strength,' and it's HEAVY! The mitigating factor would be it I were likely to be doing a lot with my long lens (400mm). Then, I'd put up with the extra weight for the added stability.