Is a mono pod really that useful?

This is a n00bie type question but I have to ask because I have never really used one. Is a mono pod really that useful? Does it really help that much? Is it easy to use? Any avid monopod users have any input I would love to hear from you.

Also what is a good one to buy that is easy to use?

After looking at you equipment list and you not having a Monopod tells me you have very strong arms and a steady hand. Then the answer is no for you. I like my monopod because it makes carrying the camera lens easier and provide some support. It also doubles as a walking stick and a weapon (for defense of cause) when needed.

I do not have IS on my 70-200 and of course the 24-70 doesn't, either. I use monopod all the time to serve as IS for indoor, low-light situations, as well as to take a load off my aching shoulders. I love my monopod's (sig) trigger height control mechanism that I employ all the time. This trigger mechanism is REALLY handy!!

I know of people who can swear by their monopod.
I am not sure that monopod is equivalent of IS. I think it is much better.

I shake like Michael J. Fox when he's off his meds (ow! ok! ok! bad me!) and I find that a monopod helps quite a lot when a tripod is not practical.

Think sport shooting or shooting events where you're in a crowd - setting up a tripod is NOT going to be possible at times. A monopod, on the other hand - just set it to a little less than eye-level (or whatever height you feel most stable / comfortable), and you can very easily move around. Pick it up, see a shooting opportunity, set the pod down, and you're ready to shoot - no unfolding of legs or making sure it's level.

Downsides? Well, it can kill creativity. Can, not does. Since you have the convenience of your camera and lens supported by the pod, you might not think to detach the camera in order to get a perspective shot that's not at normal human eye-level. It's possible - unlatch the quick-connect, or rotate the head 90 degrees to get the pod out of the way, but it's a bit of a bother. Shooting things in flight over your head might be problematic.

But if you're shooting things from eye-level, and want good mobility AND stability, IMO a monopod is irreplacable.

-Keith (who hopes MJ Fox has a thick skin )

Look on the sidelines of any big sporting event....tons of pods...that should be a bit of a clue. It really can and does make a difference...especiall​y when shooting in marginal conditions.

I use my monopod with a ballhead for 90+% of my macro work. It is great for getting into awkward places and maintaining some stability. I also use it with my 100-400 & 70-200 whenever possible, especially when I want to keep the camera up and at the ready without my wings falling off.

the monopod will be handy if you are shooting sports etc and are looking thorough the camera for long periods of time (5mins+) especially with your longer heavier lenses on

I use my monopod especially when I use my 100-400 because it's pretty heavy. I noticed that I tend to rest it on the monopod occasionally and that seems to help me keep from tightening my muscles up!

I don't use a monopod (yet). All my lenses are not that heavy.

If you think you'll be holding the camera for hours then you may want to consider it, otherwise, get a good neck strap. Another trick is if you have tripod collar, put it on and hood the tripod foot on your belt or backpack strap to reduce arm/neck strain.

cjm wrote in post #2354749
This is a n00bie type question but I have to ask because I have never really used one. Is a mono pod really that useful? Does it really help that much? Is it easy to use? Any avid monopod users have any input I would love to hear from you.

Also what is a good one to buy that is easy to use?

It helps support the weight of larger telephoto lenses and gives about 1-2 stops advantage. In many cases any lens IS will give an advantage on top of that.

With macro work again it helps takes the weight but also helps you keep the focus point stable, more important than camera shake very often.

For general work again it will improve sharpness considerably but still allow good freedom of movement,

A tripod is obviously better but restricts movement and speed of work.

You need to have a light ball head on the pod. It also helps to use a quick release l-plate or a lens tripod ring to change format without having to put the head over at 90 degrees.

I use a Manfrotto 694 MonoPod with a little Velborn PH-253 head, the same head is also used with my lightweight tripod, a Velborn CF 530 PRO.

I tend to carry one or the other.

I don't think I'd have gotten this shot without monopod: 1/40s; ISO 1600; 80-200L full open at 140mm.

just from the few seconds i used mine, its really useful.

What are some monopods you would suggest? Since they are much more naturally prone to swaying and movement, would you think that a more stable (and, respectively, more expensive) is maybe not as neccisary as with a tripod?

I have a Manfrotto and after the first trip to the zoo, didn't find it that helpful. I do as well hand-held and can move about and follow the animals without worrying about dragging the monopod along. Also I felt there was still a lot of lateral sway I couldn't control unless I was leaning up against something solid. Just my opinion.
Karen