If you ask a photography buff how you can get better photos, one of the most common answers you will hear is, “use a tripod.” But what can you do if you don't feel like carrying a heavy tripod or if the environment you are shooting in isn't tripod friendly? In this case, a monopod may be your best answer.
A monopod is a delightfully simple device. It is basically one-third of a tripod, consisting of a single collapsible leg with either three or four sections. The camera is attached to the top and the monopod is extended so that the camera is at eye level.
Obviously, the monopod isn't going to provide the same stability as a tripod but, often, it provides more than enough stability for most shots. In most situations, the lighting or environment is such that you can almost hand hold the camera-- but not quite. It is a case of some support being better than no support at all.
The monopod takes care of the gravity portion of holding your camera, fixing the camera solidly in relation to the ground. With gravity taken care of, the photographer has a much easier time controlling the side-to-side and fore-and-aft movements. If you need more support than you can get from free-handing the monopod, you can brace the shaft up against a railing, fence post, park bench or any other heavy, fixed object for near-tripod stability.
The great thing about monopods is their ease of use. They are light weight and can be set up in seconds unlike a tripod that has to be unfolded, has to have six to nine sections extended and has to be leveled. Also, photographers usually keep their cameras attached to the monopod when walking between shots, making it easy to carry the equipment and faster to set up.
Another great asset of monopods is that they don't take up much room when they are set up. If you are shooting in a crowded place or you are with a lot of other photographers-- tourist destinations, school plays or sports-- often, you will find that you don't have enough room for a tripod. Even if you have the room, a tripod can be a trip hazard.
A monopod also gives you freedom of movement. This can be crucial in sports if you have to get out of the way of a linebacker, foul ball or a crashing car. It also gives you the ability to quickly change position for the perfect composition.
There are two things you need to consider when buying a monopod. The first and most important feature to look for is if the monopod can accept a head. Many monopods will only allow you to attach the camera directly to the monopod which is fine if you are only going to shoot horizontal shots. A monopod head allows you to adjust the angle of the camera in relation to the monopod. Having a monopod head allows you to shoot vertical shots and it allows you to level the camera if you need to brace the monopod at an angle.
The second feature you should consider is the construction of the monopod. It is tempting to get a monopod made of plastic or thin metal because it is lighter in weight. That may be a trade-off you want to make, but getting a monopod with metal fittings and an aluminum shaft will allow you to adjust the tensioning in the leg sections if they get loose and it will last a lot longer. A good monopod is made of light weight aluminum and metals and won't be much heavier than its inexpensive counterpart.
Monopods generally range in price from $19.99 for a decent unit without a head up to a little over $100.00 for a really nice one with a head. I would strongly recommend considering a monopod with a head but the most important thing is to at least get something-- again, some support is better than no support at all.