Selfie stick is an inexpensive device, but so practical! You can take as many photographs as you like with it both on a trip and at a party. And asking someone: “Please take a photo of us,” is no longer necessary. Simply install the smartphone in a special holder, extend the stick to the desired length and press the button. The photo is ready!
But sometimes a selfie monopod causes headaches. Either it doesn’t work at the right moment, or it folds or rotates under the weight of the smartphone. Why is this happening? How to choose a model that does not have pitfalls? And what models from well-known and not so well-known brands are worth paying attention to? Read about this in the FAN .
Features of the selfie stick
The design of monopods is simple. Their main element is a telescopic tube, which consists of sections and extends to different lengths. The manufacturer indicates the minimum and maximum in the specifications. The first can be 13–17 cm, and the second can be more than a meter. The longer the tube, the better, since more objects will fit into the frame, and in group shots, the outer people will not be distorted.
Optimal dimensions
The length also requires special skill from the user: a tube of more than a meter turns out to be heavy and not very convenient to use. Therefore, the optimal length of the monopod tube is 0.6–0.8 meters. This will not make your hand tremble treacherously during shooting.
Folding system
When purchasing, be sure to check the telescopic mechanism: the tighter the elements fit into each other, the better. If there is a groove along the edge of the tube, this is good: thanks to it, the elements of the stick will not scroll under the weight of the smartphone. But if adjacent grooves do not match, and when folding you have to force them into place, you should refuse the purchase. This selfie monopod will only cause irritation when used.
Smartphone mount
The telescopic handle is crowned with a smartphone holder. The quality of the fasteners is the first point you should pay attention to. Its reliability determines whether the phone will not fall out when you take a bright photo by the pool or on the edge of a cliff.
The fasteners must be equipped with tight springs. It takes some effort to loosen it. The side parts must be equipped with elastic pads - made of rubber or silicone. The smartphone will be safe in such a holder, and the tight fastening will not damage its body.
Fact . The mount lock adjustment system opens up more shooting possibilities. It allows you to tilt your smartphone at any angle.
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Types of monopods for selfies
Models are distinguished by the type of connection with a smartphone. It can be wired or wireless. The type of connection does not affect the quality of shooting; it determines the ease of use of the device, and also imposes certain requirements for its maintenance.
Selfie stick with wire
The connection is made through a small cord that is inserted into the headset hole in the smartphone body. This connection is reliable: the monopod instantly transmits user commands. To take a photo, you just need to press the button on the handle of the selfie stick.
The advantage of wired models is that they do not need to be charged. They are powered by the phone's battery when connected. At the same time, the battery does not drain too much, so it is convenient for travel. Their only significant drawback is selective compatibility with smartphone operating systems. An iOS selfie stick will not pair with an Android phone, and vice versa. Therefore, when choosing a wired model, you need to clarify which operating system it is oriented on.
Wireless selfie stick
Wireless connection is carried out via the Bluetooth module. It is located in the monopod body and is responsible for data transmission. The absence of wires is convenient: to take a photo, you just need to insert your smartphone into the clamp and turn on Bluetooth in the device and in the monopod.
A Bluetooth selfie stick can be a convenient solution for large smartphones that cannot be connected via a cord. Or an option for those who don’t want to see any additional wiring on a monopod: wireless models look more modern and neat.
At the same time, you need to be prepared for the shortcomings that Bluetooth models have. They need to be charged, just like a smartphone. Of course, less often, but if you forget to do this before the trip, you will also have to forget about good photographs. The active Bluetooth module on the phone greatly drains the battery, and in the cold season this happens rapidly.
Selfie stick with remote control
It also connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and has the same pros and cons. Its significant difference is that the button is not on the monopod body, but on a small remote control. This configuration allows the user to attach the smartphone to the base, move away to the desired distance and press the button at a convenient moment. The distance from the smartphone is determined not by the length of the selfie stick, but by the user’s desire.
Advice . To appreciate the advantages of a selfie stick with a remote control, you should choose models with a tripod handle. It has three extendable legs that turn the monopod into a full-fledged stable tripod.
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With or without button
The cheapest models on the market are buttonless, but they are also the most inconvenient. To take a photo, the user has to wait for the shutter to fire automatically. This delayed start mode is inconvenient where it is important to capture a strong emotion, for example, saying “ch-i-i-z” and “click” will not work with such a monopod.
A selfie stick with a button allows you to take photos at the moment when the user needs it. There is no need to wait for the shutter to fire automatically. You can press the button as much as you want, whenever you want. For this reason, push-button models are now confidently replacing push-button models from the market.
Rules for taking photographs using selfie sticks
Want a stunning self-portrait or a cool group photo using a selfie stick? You must take into account everything: angle, interesting background, lighting.
Angle
Everyone is already a little tired of the usual “self-talk” at eye level. Get creative with your photography. You have a selfie stick in your hands and it will help you take interesting pictures. You can practice first.
- Move the stick around yourself, take a photo at an angle, let it be a portrait in profile.
- Lower or raise the phone on the stick.
- Take a photo while driving. But be careful not to harm yourself or others.
Background
Use the length of the stick as much as possible, this will allow you to capture the environment around you. A beautiful or unusual background is the key to close attention to your photos on social networks.
Lighting
The basic rule of photography works for everyone, everywhere. Try to take photos with good indoor lighting. If you're outdoors, having a monopod or stick will help you choose the best angle.
The sun should shine in the face or from the side, but not blind. Of course, if you are planning a photo with a play of light and shadow, then yes. Sometimes breaking the rules can create a masterpiece.
Camera settings
If you are using the simplest monopod, without wires and Bluetooth, then first of all set the maximum camera delay. Usually this is 10 seconds, it should be enough for everyone taking part to get into a pose or prepare.
For wired monopods, go to the camera settings and select “volume key action.”
For selfie sticks with Bluetooth, before starting work, check the operation of the included devices by taking a few test shots. If that doesn’t work, you can use special selfie apps.
They give room for creativity, it is possible to apply various filters. An example of using a third-party selfie application - stick and android.
With additional options
There are really useful options that manufacturers include in the functionality of selfie sticks. One of them is the presence of several buttons on the case or remote control. If there is only one button, you have to set the photo or video shooting mode on your smartphone. If there are two, you can do this on the handle, which is much more convenient.
Models with a remote control can be equipped with a three-button module. With it, you can zoom in and out of focus without touching your smartphone.
Mirror
Another convenient option that allows you to use a good main camera for selfies rather than a weak front one. In the mirror, the user sees what the main camera “sees”, even if the phone is turned back to it.
Built-in gyroscope
This device monitors the position of the phone and prevents the picture from shaking. A selfie stick with a stabilizer will prevent blurry pictures and allow you to shoot high-quality video in motion.
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How to use a selfie stick
Even a child can figure out how to use the device. To do this, you need to fix the gadget on a monopod, connect it and find the perfect shot. If the device is wired, it must match the type of operating system. Wireless is universal: the selfie stick for Android can also be used on iOS.
How to connect a selfie stick depends on its type. The wired one is connected through the headset jack, and it is immediately ready for use. Wireless is connected via Bluetooth.
To do this you need:
- turn on the selfie stick, making sure it is charged;
- turn on the Bluetooth module in your phone and search for a new device;
- select the device (monopod model name) in the search and click on it;
- wait for connection.
After that, adjust the length of the stick and find the best angle. The more frame coverage you want to capture, the longer the handle should be. Make sure that everyone involved is in the center of the frame; the sides of the frame may cause distortion. At a close distance, the shot always turns out to be imperfect: the camera stretches out objects, so it is worth extending the handle to a greater distance.
How much do selfie sticks cost?
The simpler, the cheaper; accordingly, “sophisticated” models are more expensive.
Some models of selfie sticks can be purchased at a profit on AIiExpress. Products costing from 2500 rub. usually delivered free of charge to all cities except the Far Eastern regions.
If the product does not correspond to what is presented on the website or has defects, you can:
- replace;
- return and get your money back.
The only thing you will lose when returning an item is time.
The best monopods for selfies
We have selected models that users consider to be the best on the market. Our rating includes inexpensive monopods, as well as improved mid-priced models.
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Selfie Stick Tripod
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The lightweight and durable monopod has a built-in tripod, so it can be used both as a selfie stick and as a tripod. It extends to 510 mm, which may seem insufficient for group photos, but is excellent for selfies and even video reviews. It works wirelessly, connects via Bluetooth, and has a remote control for user convenience. A valuable feature of the Xiaomi selfie stick is the ability of the holder to rotate around its axis. Thanks to this, you can install your smartphone in any position and at any angle.
Users note that it is difficult to understand the device at the first stage. There are no instructions included in the kit, so the Bluetooth connection technique is mastered at random. To connect, you need to hold down the device button and wait until the smartphone finds it. But then using it is a pleasure. A strong, not flimsy monopod maintains its position as a tripod, holds the phone well, easily fits into a handbag and looks decent. Increases the number of angles for photos and videos, making the remote control convenient to use. Among the shortcomings are the length of the selfie stick, which some users do not have, and the lack of a charging cable in the kit.
The average price is 1200 rubles.
Huawei CF33
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Users say that the Huawei selfie stick looks very similar to the memory neutralizer from the movie “Men in Black”. Its design is truly futuristic and stylish. The smartphone holder is sliding but durable. A bright LED light is placed underneath it, which allows you to take selfies in the dark and can be used as a flashlight. When folded, it fits easily into a pocket, and the maximum length is 610 mm. Connecting to your phone via Bluetooth is quick and easy, regardless of the gadget model.
Reviews note that the quality of the model is more than decent. The monopod is reliable, very light and compact, and looks unusual. The brightness of the backlight can be adjusted, the phone fits perfectly without any play. Among the shortcomings are the lack of charging included and the length of the handle is not always sufficient.
The average price is 1110 rubles.
Rovtop K07
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An inexpensive model that is suitable for any smartphone, regardless of size and brand. Can be used as a selfie stick for Samsung or other popular smartphones. When folded, it is compact and fits perfectly into a jeans pocket. In its maximum position, its length is 700 mm, but users appreciate it more for the presence of a tripod in the design. It is convenient to mount the phone in a holder that can be rotated any way you want. You can take group photos that can accommodate all your friends, or vertical photos.
The set includes Bluetooth, which makes the monopod universal, as well as a remote control with a range of up to 10 m. Among the disadvantages, the design is very tight: you have to work hard to open the “legs”. But the tripod is stable, its “legs” do not move apart under the weight of the smartphone. Plus it is very durable: it lasts a long time for less careful users.
The average price is 590 rubles.
Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick
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Wired model, suitable for Android smartphones and iPhones. It has a durable metal base housed in a plastic body. Deformation-resistant and trouble-free: 3.5mm Jack connection ensures stable communication. A phone mount with elastic springs will securely fix the device in place. Can be used as a tripod and selfie stick.
Users note the good quality of the model, good build quality and minimal weight. The phone holds firmly, folds compactly, and when unfolded the length is 700 mm. Among the shortcomings, the quality of the wire for connecting to the phone is indicated: it seems flimsy.
The average price is 990 rubles.
Baseus
I'll start with the most popular and compact selfie stick for iPhone - Baseus. Excellent quality, reasonable price and easily connects to iPhone via Bluetooth. The monopod extends up to 80 cm, and 19 cm when folded easily fits into a pocket. You can attach any iPhone to the Baseus monopod stick, from the iPhone SE to the iPhone XS Plus. The smartphone mounting bracket can be rotated 360°, which makes it possible to set the appropriate angle to get a good picture. The price of this selfie stick is 1,500 rubles, sold on.
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