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Why monopods?

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Not all tripods can be used as monopods. I know MeFOTO has one that folds into a monopod, but I'm not sure about any other one.
 
Try mounting your tripod inside a Land Rover while on safari...
 
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Judy Stone said:
if you can use a tripod as a monopod? Carbon fiber tripods are not heavy.
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Bulk? Clumsiness? Weight -- even if only a couple of hundred grams (few ounces)?
 
AlbertInFrance said:
Judy Stone said:
if you can use a tripod as a monopod? Carbon fiber tripods are not heavy.
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Bulk? Clumsiness? Weight -- even if only a couple of hundred grams (few ounces)?

--
Albert
Every photograph is an abstraction from reality.
Most people are more interested in the picture than the image.
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And prohibited in some places. I have used a monopod where tripods were not allowed. Technicality but one I was able to work around.
 
leno said:
AlbertInFrance said:
Judy Stone said:
if you can use a tripod as a monopod? Carbon fiber tripods are not heavy.
Click to expand...
Bulk? Clumsiness? Weight -- even if only a couple of hundred grams (few ounces)?
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And prohibited in some places. I have used a monopod where tripods were not allowed. Technicality but one I was able to work around.
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In addition to these excellent answers, I would just say that a sturdy monopod is the next best thing to a sturdy tripod with a gimbal head when using a long lens for birding and the like. My tripod-plus-gimbal weighs over ten pounds. When I don't have to hike to the shoot, it is absolutely wonderful. But if I do need to haul in my equipment on foot, I'll choose my monopod every time. The freedom of motion on the monopod is gimbal-like, even if the stability is not. In many contexts, it's a very reasonable compromise.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies. I can see the bulk advantage, but weightwise my carbon fiber tripod is not that much heavier than a monopod to justify the expense of buying a separate monopod. What I meant is I tested using my tripod by just extending one leg and it's very comfortable and stable to be used as a monopod.

What kind of places would forbid the use of tripods but not monopods?
 
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Judy Stone said:
Thanks everyone for your replies. I can see the bulk advantage, but weightwise my carbon fiber tripod is not that much heavier than a monopod to justify the expense of buying a separate monopod. What I meant is I tested using my tripod by just extending one leg and it's very comfortable and stable to be used as a monopod.
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Some tripods have a detachable leg that can attach to a ballhead, making it both a monopod and tripod in one. Mine does. The only disadvantage is that as a monopod some might find it a little short.
 
Tripods take up limited floor space. Monopods less so.
 
quezra said:
Some tripods have a detachable leg that can attach to a ballhead, making it both a monopod and tripod in one. Mine does. The only disadvantage is that as a monopod some might find it a little short.
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To my mind, there are a few things a monopod needs. First, it needs to be sturdy -- I use it as a walking stick, and it needs to be able to support me when I do. Second, it needs to be taller than I am -- if you use a monopod without external support (always use a bracing surface if you can to keep the monopod steady), you need to be able to tilt it noticeably forward or backward to get a semi-stable support for your camera. Tilting takes up a lot of height on the 'pod. Finally, you need a ball head on it to allow you to orient the camera independently of the orientation used to steady the monopod. IME, mono/tripod combos just don't make decent monopods -- the monopod function is a sales gimmick more than a usable device. As always, YMMV.
 
Do you guys recommend any specific monopods ? hoping to not spend too much on it as I do plan to get a proper tripod near future.
 
I was thinking about a monopod as well, as it might serve better purpose for some travelling - weight, restriction etc., is it worthy to get a tripod where the centre column can be removed as a monopod or a separate one?
 
tclune said:
tclune said:
Some tripods have a detachable leg that can attach to a ballhead, making it both a monopod and tripod in one. Mine does. The only disadvantage is that as a monopod some might find it a little short.
Click to expand...
To my mind, there are a few things a monopod needs. First, it needs to be sturdy -- I use it as a walking stick, and it needs to be able to support me when I do. Second, it needs to be taller than I am -- if you use a monopod without external support (always use a bracing surface if you can to keep the monopod steady), you need to be able to tilt it noticeably forward or backward to get a semi-stable support for your camera. Tilting takes up a lot of height on the 'pod. Finally, you need a ball head on it to allow you to orient the camera independently of the orientation used to steady the monopod. IME, mono/tripod combos just don't make decent monopods -- the monopod function is a sales gimmick more than a usable device. As always, YMMV.
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Well it's like the compact vs DSLR argument. Sure you will get better results with the DSLR, but it may be that the compact is the camera you are more likely to have with you. The all-in-one solution involves compromises in some areas while offering advantages in others. It's all about your personal needs.
 
I have a Manfrotto monopod that telescopes quickly and easily by squeezing the handle. I use it when shooting football games from the sidelines. The monopod makes it easier to track lateral movement, and I tend to move between kneeling and standing a lot. A tripod wouldn't telescope easily, wouldn't pan as easily, and would be harder and clumsier to pick up and move quickly.
 
The last time I checked a decent carbon fiber tripod with a decent head was at least $2,000USD, which not everyone has, or would rather spend in a dream lens; a monopod can be had for $30.
 
photosen said:
The last time I checked a decent carbon fiber tripod with a decent head was at least $2,000USD, which not everyone has, or would rather spend in a dream lens; a monopod can be had for $30.
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You must have high standards for decency; you can get pretty beefy RRS or Gitzo for $1500. What are the over-$2000 setups? I think my Manfrotto with an Acratech head is decent and it was about $700. Note that RRS will sell you a $600 monopod.
 
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