Monopods and how to use them

A camera monopod is akin to a tripod in its functioning but different in its structure. In other words, just like tripods, monopods are also used to support your cameras or binoculars, but unlike tripods, they have just one adjustable link instead of three. Which means that you'll have to compromise on stability in exchange for user-friendly handling, better portability, and an ergonomic design.

It does have some advantages over a tripod, in that it's much easier and faster to arrange a monopod for a shoot. For this reason, a number of wildlife photographers, sports photographers, and birdwatchers prefer the use of a camera monopod in lieu of a tripod. Let's throw some light on how to use monopods correctly and the right kind of monopod technique photographers should employ in order efficiently set them up and make full use of their functionality.

1. You can compensate for the absence of two legs on a monopod by using your own legs along with the monopod to make it work like a tripod. Stand astride with the monopod between your feet and placed in front of them. With your elbows firmly positioned against your ribcage on either side, steadily tilt the monopod near you without altering its position.

2. The next trick most photographers apply is to steady the monopod against one of their legs. First you need to place the bottom of the monopod behind one of your feet. Then position the shaft of the monopod firmly against the same leg. Keep adjusting the monopod and your foot till the uppermost section of the monopod is the desired position right in front of you.

3. Do not completely extend your monopod's height. Draw it towards a level where the top section is right in front of your visage and you can easily place the bottom in a stabilizer bag dangling over your shoulder. Now you can utilize the entire girth of your torso to stabilize the monopod.

4. While shooting in crowded areas, it suffices to say that a tripod could prove to be quite cumbersome to carry along and set up in such scenarios. In such cases it's always more prudent to use a monopod for steadying your camera, due to its easy handling, compact design, portability, and lesser amount of time and space required to set it up in the midst of a crowd.

5. Monpods also prove very useful when you suddenly need to shoot fast moving subjects such as wild animals and birds, on account of the lesser time consumed to set them up. This is why it's essential to always include at least one of these utility accessories in your camera kit.

6. Irrespective of the angles you prefer to shoot at, ensure that your monopod is always set at a height that will find your camera's viewfinder at your eye level. Remember that while taking random photographs, you will seldom find the time to modify the height of your monopod.

7. Ensure that your legs are firmly rooted to the ground in the position you have spread them. A slight slip in your feet could completely ruin your shot.

8. Always ascertain that your elbows are firmly tucked to your ribcage on either side while using a monopod to capture images.

9. Attach extra eyecup attached to the viewfinder and keep it firmly pressed against your cranium while shooting with a monopod. This offers another point of contact for enhanced stability.

10. Find a suitable back rest such as a wall or a tree to help you stabilize the monopod even further.

While it's certainly no match for a tripod in terms of assured stability and easy planning of a shoot, a camera monopod has its benefits such as its compact size and simple handling technique. Moreover, if you can master a few tricks such as the ones stated above, a monopod does provide sufficient enough of support to your camera to be preferred over the tripod in situations where storage space is a major issue.

Photo Courtesy: Stephen and Dean photography