Using A Monopod or Tripod

By Peter Kerl 

If you are professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, there is time when you realize that a steady hand and built-in image stabilization is not enough to take the perfect shot. This is where the stabilization equipment comes in and even though you could find quite a few unique and ingenious devices on the market, most photographers normally use tripods and monopods. The tripod has three legs and offers greater stability, but is heavier and difficult to carry on outdoor trips or use in a crowded room, while the monopod is easy to set up and lightweight, but has only one leg and therefore is less stable.
There are many factors, which you need to take into account before purchasing any stabilization equipment:

• Decide if you want a tripod or monopod with a camera head: some of these accessories are sold with while others without a head and you will have to buy it separately. In addition, make sure to check out the attachments that they come with and for more versatility choose equipment that has both 1/4'' and 3/8'' screw attachments.
• Consider the maximum working height too - choosing a tripod or monopod with maximum working height of 130cm might be perfect for some situations, but will be less than ideal if you want to shoot a sporting event and have to hold your camera above everybody's head.
• The weight of the accessory is also important, as you would not want to carry something too heavy on a long trip in the mountain. Most of these accessories are made of aluminum or carbon fiber, which makes them light and sturdy at the same time.
• Choose a tripod or monopod with camera head, which suits your needs: heads, which allow 360 degree panning and tilting, will give you the versatility that you are after.
• The ease of setting up the equipment is also important, especially if you need to shoot a subject that might be less than cooperative such as wild animal or birds. Good leg-lock mechanism will allow you to set up and adjust the tripod or monopod quickly and easily.
• Consider the maximum weight that the equipment can support - the entry-level equipment might be perfect for light digital cameras, but will not be able to support your SLR with telephoto lens.

The prices vary between manufacturers and between the different models, but the professional monopods and tripods are rarely cheap. However, they are not overly expensive either and are well worth investing into since they will allow you take clear pictures in almost any situation.

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