Tripod/Monopod

[Magnum]

What is the difference (apart from the number of legs) betweena tripod and a monopod?
What situations would each one?

Julia

[pemartin]

Hey Julia,

In my experience I use a tripod mainly for landscapes, mostly so I can use longer exposures, remote shutter release, mirror lock up, etc. which is helpful for those types of situations. Tripods in fact are needed anytime you're going to have long exposeures, also helpful when you are "in the picture". I find monoopds handy when following motion, like in sports or photographing animals, In these situations you'll have faster shutter speeds, just some help steadying the camera is needed. They are also handy when it is just impossible or inconvienient to bring a tripod. I hope that was what you were asking!
Paul

[another view]

A monopod is handy if you're using it around a crowd of people, because they will be less likely to trip over it.

A tripod can be used as a monopod; either extend one leg or all three and keep them together. A real monopod will be more convenient to use this way and lighter, of course.

[Magnum]

Thanks for the replies - Paul, this was exactly what I was asking
I went ahead and ordered a monopod after reading this - I do a lot of horse photography and was advised to use a tripod or monopod, just wondered which was best for my needs.
Have gone with the monopod as I do go to a lot of shows and I could see how a monopod woud be a lot more convenient in a crowd situation.

Julia

[pemartin]

Julia,

Glad I could help, a monopod sounds like the right tool for what you are doing. Happy shooting!
Paul

[Magnum]

Julia,

Glad I could help, a monopod sounds like the right tool for what you are doing. Happy shooting!
Paul

Thanks Paul