Buying a monopod head separately allows you to choose one that fits your needs.
Every photographer knows that sharpness is a major factor in image quality. Using a support for your camera can help decrease shake from your hands. For an on-the-go photographer, tripods are an option, but if the light is bright enough to dial in fast shutter speeds, a monopod may be preferable. Small tripods average 3 to 4 lbs., while monopods average about 1 lb. In addition, no time is needed to adjust the legs of a monopod when fast reaction time is necessary to capture the moment. Finally, monopods can more easily fit into confined spaces than tripods can. Some are designed with tiny, retractable legs for added stability.
Instructions
1. Select a monopod that suits your needs. Both lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber versions are available. The aluminum ones are less expensive, but the carbon fiber ones are much stronger yet equally as light. The weight of your camera and lenses that you intend to use should be compatible with the maximum load the monopod can handle. If trekking for long periods of time, you may prefer a short, light one that fits inside of a backpack. Still, be sure that it extends tall enough for your height. A few are marketed to double as walking sticks. Some are designed with tiny, retractable legs for added stability.
2. Monopods come with a screw mount that your camera or a head will attach to. While it is possible to use a monopod without a head, it is likely that you will need the camera to be at an angle other than parallel to the ground. Therefore, attaching a head is the most flexible option.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. In any case, a quick-release option will allow you to quickly remove the camera from the monopod when you prefer to hand hold it. There are swivel heads that allow you to pan and tilt the camera. Sometimes, taking the time to lock down a head can mean losing a picture. Low-budget ball heads get poor reviews because they slip more easily when not locked down. However, professional ball heads come equipped with a friction control knob to avoid slippage but still allow movement. They also permit quicker movement in any direction. For those reasons, they are the most accommodating heads.
3. When positioning the monopod, remember that your legs are substituting as tripod legs. There are three stances that work well. In each of them, once it is positioned, press the monopod into the ground so that the spike of the foot digs into the soil. This adds stability while allowing slight movement to the monopod.
1) With your feet spread a couple feet apart, plant the monopod directly in front of you, toes straight ahead.
2) Place one foot forward and the other back with the base of the monopod in the arch of the back foot. This allows you to brace the length of the monopod against your body.
3) With your feet spread a couple feet apart, plant the monopod against the inside of one of your heels. Bend the knee and brace the monopod against your thigh and upper body.
4. Other aspects of your form can add stability while using a monopod. After focusing the camera, brace it underneath with your focusing hand. Brace the camera against your head. As with hand holding a camera, press your elbows into your body and hold your breath when you gently press the shutter release button.
5. Shutter speed is very important when trying to prevent blur. A shutter speed no less than 1/60th of a second will give you the sharpest pictures. However, the highest shutter speed you can use while maintaining a desirable f-stop is preferable.
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