Every person probably knows what a monopod is today, even those who are not directly involved in photography and photographic equipment. It’s just that progress has reached such a level where monopods are made even for photographs of oneself – selfies.
Modern society, judging by the content of most social networks, simply loves taking selfies - photographs of themselves alone or in company with friends using a phone camera. Individual groups and public pages are simply replete with millions of such photos. But those who like to photograph themselves face a difficult task: for example, how to make it possible to fit three or four people into the frame at the same time, or to capture the beautiful landscape behind them. It’s good that they have already come up with such a device as a selfie monopod.
First let's figure out what it is
Not everyone still knows what a monopod is. This is a special device used by camera owners that allows the photographer or videographer to free their hands from the weight of their equipment. It also allows you to focus as much as possible on the subject to reduce the noise level in the frame to a minimum. A monopod is a type of tripod that differs from its other “brothers” in that it has only one “leg”. That is why it is completely unsuitable for professional photography and video shooting. But for amateurs and beginners or owners of small compact equipment, this is an excellent option for fixing the camera at a certain level and distance from the subject of filming.
Today, an accessory such as a monopod for a phone, which is designed to take the previously mentioned selfies, is becoming increasingly popular. With it, such photos turn out to be much better and more colorful, that is, “photos of yourself” reach a new level.
How to use a monopod with a remote control?
If you have already chosen such a device with a remote control, but have no idea how to use it to get beautiful photos, you should follow several steps:
- After unpacking, attach the holder, which should contain, for example, an iPhone, using a thread. Some monopods also have threads on the handle, so you should first make sure that this element is positioned correctly.
- Next, you need to insert the battery into the remote control, and connect the selfie stick itself to a power source.
- To take a photo, you need to install your smartphone in the mount and make sure you turn on the Bluetooth function. If the monopod is original, then the list of found devices will display, for example, KJSTAR, to which you should connect.
- If, after connecting via Bluetooth, the remote control does not work, you need to install a program, for example, “Camera360” and configure it so that a photo is taken when you press the volume key.
After this, all that remains is to point the camera at the desired object and take a photo. If the stick is sold with a wire, then to turn it on you just need to connect it to the connector on your phone, for example, Samsung.
You can download it here.
How did the “selfie stick” come about?
If we take into account the fact that the past year simply became the “year of the selfie,” then it becomes quite clear why manufacturers began to produce such accessories. The demand for a monopod for selfies has exceeded all expectations, and photography enthusiasts have begun to do so even more actively. And despite the huge stream of criticism both towards “self-photos” and towards accessories for them, people are increasingly and more willing to take photos using such phone holders.
It is clear that not only photos can be taken using such devices. The most viewed videos on the Internet over the past year, such as shooting a hurricane up close or videoing yourself on the tallest buildings in the city, were created by extreme sports enthusiasts - owners of such monopods.
Height
Tripods come in different heights. One thing that is extremely annoying is setting up your camera on a tripod and spending minutes leaning over at the waist looking through the viewfinder. Use some math and add the height of the feet and the height of the head to find out how high the viewfinder will be.
What is the height now? If the viewfinder is higher than your eyes, great! All you have to do is not lengthen the lowest sections of the legs and you're done. If the overall height of the tripod is small, be prepared to constantly bend over to look through the viewfinder.
How to use? Is this really necessary?
We have already figured out what a selfie monopod is and how it came to be. Now it’s worth finding the answer to the question of whether such a device is really a necessity, or is the desire to purchase it provoked by the excitement of modern people around “self-photos” and the bright advertising of accessories for them?
Indeed, a selfie monopod is not an essential thing, and you can take a photo using the “old-fashioned method”, but then there is no way to be everyone in the frame, and, no matter what anyone says, photo selfies have their own special energy, positivity, adrenaline. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to purchase a similar accessory for your smartphone, then it is worth doing, because a lot of vivid impressions and unusual photos will be guaranteed.
Selfie monopod
If you are buying a monopod for a phone, then during the purchase you need to pay attention to the features of the device so as not to confuse it with a device for a camera. But how can you confuse such things? If the purchase is made in an online store, then a person unfamiliar with the features of monopods will not always be able to distinguish them from a photograph.
You can download it here.
The main difference between such devices for smartphones is their size. They should be easy to hold in your hand. When viewing online store pages, pay attention to the length. If it is equal to two meters, then this is clearly not a monopod for selfies.
Do you want to buy such a device? Then pay attention to several characteristics on which their price depends:
- presence of a handle with a button;
- possibility of installing a small camera in the mount;
- presence of a remote control.
If you want to take pictures with friends while traveling, then a monopod is a very convenient device that allows you to make the shooting process more convenient and get high-quality images.
Special compact monopods for cameras
If we're already talking about tripods for cameras, then it's worth talking a little about such an interesting thing as a monopod for Gopro.
Gopro cameras today can be seen on many people who love to travel and take pictures of everything around them, or those who simply love to take photographs. The modern market is replete with a variety of small tripods for them. But a good monopod for Gopro must meet a number of certain characteristics:
- it should be convenient: if you are going to buy such an accessory, then you should choose only one that fits well in your hand, is not heavy, so that you can easily manipulate it from different angles;
— it must be reliable: a simple but reliable camera mount is what such a monopod must have;
— it must be universal: the owner of such equipment often takes photos in the most unusual places, therefore the monopod must be universal in use in different shooting conditions.
A little about the terms
Today on the Internet you can find the following terms: selfie stick (selfie stick), monopod or monopod selfie tripod, tripod, tripod or tripod. In fact, they all refer to an object that helps you shoot long videos or take high-quality photos from different angles.
Undoubtedly, you guessed that this is a tripod for a phone or camera. It helps eliminate hand shake, prevents blurring of the frame, and sets optimal shutter speed and lighting. The difference is in the design features. Let's look at their names:
1. Selfie Stick (English) . This accessory became popular a little more than 20 years ago with the advent of premium gadgets and the powerful development of Instagram and other social networks. It was considered very prestigious and fashionable to regularly “post” personal photos taken with one’s own hand.
2. A handheld monopod selfie tripod is the same selfie stick that you have to constantly hold in your hands.
3. Tripod (from the Greek “three + leg”) - tripod, tripod . The main difference from a monopod is the ability to install it on a flat or other surface.
Different monopods - different characteristics
For each individual buyer, you can choose the ideal tripod. The most popular today is a monopod with a button, which allows you to take photos by lightly pressing a button on the monopod itself or on the control panel that comes with it. This means that you will not need to put the photo on hold, but will have time to find the optimal angle. In addition, this way you can take many photos without interruptions or adjusting shooting modes.
For example, any modern monopod for iPhone or Android phones has not only a shooting button, but also others that allow you to control the process. And this happens thanks to the Bluetooth connection between the monopod and the smartphone.
Types of tripods and their purposes
There are several types of tripods available on the market. They differ from each other in purpose, design and size. What they have in common is that they all serve to maintain the camera in a stable position . A tripod will also come in handy if you want to be both the photographer and the person in the picture.
Selfie sticks
They are sometimes mistakenly identified as monopods due to their similarity. However, this is a separate class of accessories intended exclusively for smartphones and small compacts. On the one hand, they have a convenient holder with a button for taking photos, and on the other, a frame for attaching a smartphone.
The buckle is usually secured using a standard screw fastening, the diameter is compatible with most cameras, so after dismantling you can also attach a regular compact. The length of the poles is adjustable.
Selfie sticks “communicate” with your phone or camera over a wire, using an audio cable (which connects to the headphone output) or via Bluetooth. If you want to connect a compact, it is important that it has a connector (in case of wired communication) or a Bluetooth module.
Selfie sticks are designed primarily for taking self-portraits. They also allow you to place a large group of people in the frame. They can also be used successfully if you want to take interesting photos in a crowd, for example at a concert.
Monopods
A monopod is a tripod consisting of 1 leg, which can be extended if necessary. Very light and comfortable. However, it requires constant hand holding. Models are also available with three short legs that allow you to mount a tripod - for example, the Manfrotto MVM250A.
Monopods are great for traveling, shooting at concerts, in crowds and on unstable surfaces. Another use for a monopod is when shooting with a telephoto lens (then the monopod needs to be more durable to withstand dslr).
Table tripods
They look like miniature tripods. Small and low, and when folded they even fit in your pocket.
Designed mainly for compacts, but not only. Ideal for macro photography or just occasional use.
A tabletop tripod will also help you create trendy Instagram lay flat photos. By keeping the camera securely in place, you can take advantage of long shutter speeds. Your photo will delight the web: it will be clear, crisp and detailed.
Standard tripods
This is a very extensive group of tripods of various sizes and weights. They are made from different materials, which determine their weight.
Once upon a time, the main indicator was the stability of a tripod, however, nowadays it is just one of the characteristics that matters only in terms of mobility and ease of transportation.
Among the standard models are lightweight and durable, made of carbon fiber (carbon fiber), and slightly heavier, aluminum. They can weigh from 1 kg to 3 kg.
The price range is very wide, making it easy for you to choose a tripod that suits your specific application and within your budget.
Among them, it is worth highlighting large tripods for video cameras, which, as you might guess, are designed for video shooting. They are often also equipped with casters, which allow them to be easily moved during the recording process. They may have special heads with a bus, which allows you to smoothly move the camera and record a “raid” (that is, a take in which the camera moves away from the object).
Studio tripods
As the name suggests, designed for studio use: the largest, heaviest, but also the most stable. They are used not only for cameras, but also for other devices, as well as accessories for lamps, hoods and backgrounds.
They can weigh up to 100 kg, but thanks to this they are able to hold a large format camera at great heights and in different positions.
Custom tripods
Very interesting models that allow creative use of the environment. These are tripods for special tasks. Thanks to them, you will create photographs from unusual angles.
You can mount the camera in a car window, on a metal surface with magnetic feet, or on a tree branch with a clip.
When is a tripod useful?
This is a must-have accessory if you take HDR photos, panoramic photos, or just long exposure photos. Such conditions require maximum camera stability to show the details of the photo clearly.
A tripod will also come in handy during outdoor sessions and in difficult lighting conditions, including in autumn and winter. It is also necessary if photography takes place at night, when shooting architecture and landscapes, as well as for recording slow-motion video and time lapse. For these purposes, you will need a trigger to avoid shaking the picture when you press the shutter.
Where is the best place to buy such devices?
Today, many sellers are ready to offer such phone accessories at a fairly affordable price. But in pursuit of imaginary savings, many make the mistake of agreeing to buy a monopod for a phone or camera of dubious quality and from an unknown manufacturer. Remember that a cheap accessory may simply not hold your equipment securely, and at a certain angle it will simply fall out of it.
So it’s better to buy monopods in good stores, where the concepts of “quality” and “guarantee” are not an empty phrase.
Chassis (or Spider)
This is the part of the tripod where the legs connect. The chassis forms a platform for mounting the head or serves to surround the center post of a tripod. Some chassis that allow direct mounting of a tripod head have interchangeable center plates that allow the addition of an additional center column or other types of mounting systems. The chassis is usually made of some kind of metal alloy. Maximum stability is achieved when using a tripod that does not have a telescopic central column.
Polygonal leg locks
Most tripod legs are made up of multiple parts. This means you can adjust the length of the legs so you can use the tripod at different heights or in awkward places where one leg or two legs can't be at the same angle as the others. Some chassis allow the legs to reach a nearly horizontal position, and some allow the legs to flip over for more compact storage.
Leg latches are designed to hold legs at a predetermined angle and are included in all types of designs. Some have retractable tabs that open up the corner of the leg, some have sliders, some have friction handles, and some have spring mechanisms.
Shopping Tip: Foot locks come in all shapes and sizes, and they are notorious for trapping unwary fingers or hands. Pay close attention to the design of the locks and see if they work for your needs - and be careful not to get caught!
What else do you need to know?
Today you can buy a universal monopod that can interact with both Gopro cameras and phones. If you own both equipment, you can save a lot!
A good “selfie stick” has several levels of tilt and a secure attachment between the head and the sections of the tripod itself. The material from which the accessory is made is also important; it is better to choose aluminum models - they are light and reliable.
A monopod with Bluetooth connectivity will also need to be charged.
Now that you know exactly what a monopod is and how it can be used, all that remains is to decide which model you want to buy.
How to choose the right tripod
The goals and tasks that you want to solve with the help of a tripod determine its main characteristics: height, load capacity and total weight.
Tripod height
Has a direct impact on the size of the tripod when folded (which makes sense if you need a model for travel or outdoor sessions) as well as when fully expanded.
It also defines the minimum height (which is useful for mounting a camera and photography from a “frog perspective”) and the maximum height.
Tripod load capacity
This feature determines the maximum weight of the device that can be safely mounted on a tripod. Compare this to the weight of your camera equipped with a heavy lens.
This is a very important criterion that has a significant impact on the quality and clarity of images, as well as on the safety of the entire set.
Tripod weight
The heaviest tripods are used only in studios. If you need a model for outdoor sessions or suitable for travel, choose one that is as light as possible.
Most tripods have the ability to increase the load (for example, by attaching to a ballast stand), making them lightweight, easy to transport and stable.
The elements that make up the tripod are also important.
Tripod legs
It's best when they are sliding. But remember that the more modules, the higher the mobility, the fewer, the better the stability.
Some tripod models also have the ability to adjust the distance between the legs. Thanks to this, you can mount the camera very high or take photos from a frog perspective.
The method of fixation also matters. Ring is safer, latch is faster to use. Sometimes tripods also allow you to unscrew the legs and turn it into a monopod.
Tripod leg supports
Rubber ones are best - they are the most versatile. More powerful tripods have replaceable supports. They can be adjusted for different types of soil.
Long spikes will hold tripods on soft ground and sand, saucers on snow and ice, and flat rubber pads are suitable for indoor use.
Main tripod stand
Provides an increase in tripod height, but it is better to install it only in extreme cases. It is safer to adjust the position of the camera using the foot adjustments.
Additional stabilization of the stand and the entire set (for example, when shooting outdoors on a windy day) is provided by the ability to attach ballast from below.
More advanced tripods are also equipped with a bracket that allows you to install the stand horizontally.
Tripod head
A very important design element of a tripod, especially if you are recording video. Determines, first of all, the possibility of smoothly changing the camera position. There are also heads for shooting panoramas.
Types of tripod heads:
- Axial head are the simplest models available in the market. The ability to rotate in one plane is available. Often used in monopods and selfie sticks.
- Standard heads – they can be rotated horizontally and vertically.
- Ball heads are great for action photography when you want to quickly change the camera's position. A special lock protects against accidental movements.
- 3D heads – allow you to change the camera position in three directions separately. You can block movements in two directions and adjust the frame in only one. Suitable if maximum frame accuracy is important to you.
- Video heads – allow you to smoothly change camera direction while shooting to record professional, smooth footage.
- Panoramic heads allow you to shift the center of gravity back, so you can mount a kit with a very heavy lens on them. Photograph everything around you with confidence that your tripod will remain stable.
How to Choose the Right Tripod Head
The most important feature of a tripod head is its reliability, both in terms of weight and the strength of individual elements. You should choose a model that will maintain maximum stability even after many cycles of position adjustment.
The level in the tripod head is very useful, thanks to which you can easily level the horizon in the frame. It’s good if it has a scale for each plane - this will make correct framing much easier.
It is also worth paying attention to ensure that the handles and head locks are appropriate for the size and weight of the camera, and also suitable for your working hand (right or left). Frequently used parts (e.g. quick release) are important.
Which tripod to choose for a smartphone
For a smartphone, the best option is a classic selfie stick with a special frame in which you can mount the phone.
The selfie stick, however, has a relatively low load capacity and is therefore only suitable for use with lightweight smartphone models. A tabletop tripod or a standard one, if equipped with an appropriate smartphone holder, can also be a good option.
Bags and belts
The tripod and tripod head are tools and should be used as such. The more they are used, the more scratches, cracks and dents they will develop. But you can protect your tripod and help prolong its life (or at least keep it looking fresh) by transporting it in a protective bag. Some companies sell their tripods with a bag. And sometimes it happens separately. Many of the bags have special fastenings for belts.
Tripod bag
What additional accessories are used?
Pay attention to the back of the selfie camera handle. It's good when there is a 1/4-inch threaded connector. Then such a stick can be mounted on a tripod and used as a tripod for a camera or video camera.
It is useful if the selfie stick comes with a strap and carabiner. The first will prevent the selfie stick from jumping out of your hand during sudden movement, and the carabiner will help you attach an unused tripod to your backpack.
Sometimes manufacturers attach a small panoramic mirror to a tripod. This way you can take selfies with the main camera of your smartphone, because sometimes it takes pictures many times better than the front one.
Some models are equipped with motion stabilizer, which hides shaking when shooting on the go. This is a separate type of device – steadicam. They use a three-axis stabilizer and a gyroscope inside. These are professional devices that are mainly used in combination with an action camera or camera. A Steadicam is much more expensive than a standard selfie stick for a phone.
Selfie stick is a convenient and useful modern device. This tripod will come in handy when traveling, fans of selfie photography, and simply those who like to take photos of various styles. Choose a lightweight and compact model, with a reliable mount, and, preferably, a wireless connection - this is a universal and convenient solution.
