Tripods have been a trusted accessory in photography kits from the very early days of photography, offering rock-solid stability for crisp, clear images. But what if you need something a little more versatile? Enter the monopod — a one-legged wonder that photographers often overlook. Monopods offer surprising benefits like portability, speed, and support for blur-free shooting. When would you use a monopod instead of a tripod? You're about to find out.
What Are Monopods?
Camera monopods are a great tool for photographers looking to stabilise their shots without the bulk or set-up time of a full tripod. While a tripod has three legs and keeps your camera perfectly still, a monopod has just one leg and provides support for handheld shooting. This speed and agility make them ideal for fast-paced types of photography.
A Monopod Is Perfect for Action Photography
If you're chasing the thrill of capturing a game-winning kick or a bird of prey in flight, a monopod is better than a tripod To get the most from your monopod in the field, our bird photography guide walks through the best camera settings and gear for shooting birds in flight.. It lets you react quickly in fast-paced scenarios like sports and wildlife photography, where split-second moments matter. Setting up and manoeuvring a tripod can chew up valuable seconds, but a monopod is ready to go in an instant. For more advice on shooting in fast-paced environments, our professional sports photography tips cover the gear and settings you need.
Use a Monopod with Slower Shutter Speeds
Low-light situations are another great opportunity to put your monopod to use. By keeping your camera steadier than you can manage handheld, a monopod minimises camera shake and helps you achieve sharper images at slower shutter speeds — crucial for capturing clear photos at concerts or events. Our concert photography gear and tips guide goes deeper on getting sharp shots in challenging venue lighting.
A monopod is generally said to give you around 3–4 stops of stabilisation. Paired with a stabilised camera or lens, this results in excellent low-light performance.
Keep in mind that for extremely slow shutter speeds — or creative effects like waterfall photography — a tripod remains the more suitable option. See our waterfall photography tips for advice on getting those silky smooth results with a tripod.
Use a Monopod with Longer, Heavier Lenses
Sometimes the winning shot requires a hefty telephoto lens. Those lenses can get heavy over time, causing arm fatigue and affecting your images. A monopod acts as an extension of your arm, providing much-needed support and reducing strain so you can focus on capturing stunning images for longer.
Many hikers also use their monopod as extra support during a trek. If you go down this route, take extra care and opt for a sturdy, well-made model.
Which Monopod Is Best?
Like any product, monopods are not all the same. They come in various sizes, with different head types, and some even have feet for added stability. Here are some of our favourites:
- Manfrotto MM Element II Monopod
- Vanguard VEO 2S Monopod with Feet
- Manfrotto MPMXPROA4 X-Pro Monopod
Add a Monopod to Your Camera Bag Today
Monopods aren't here to dethrone tripods — they offer a valuable alternative for situations where mobility, low-light support, and easier management of heavy gear are key. The next time you head out with your camera, consider whether a monopod might serve you better than your trusty tripod. You might be surprised by its versatility.
If after consideration you still think a tripod is the best option for you, read our tripod buying guide.
Monopod Uses: What Can You Actually Do With One?
Monopods are more versatile than most photographers realise. Beyond sports and wildlife, common monopod uses include wedding photography, where you need to move between locations quickly while keeping shots sharp in low church lighting. They're popular in video work too, allowing smooth panning shots without the weight of a full tripod. Travel photographers use monopods to steady long-exposure shots on the go, and they double as a walking stick on rugged terrain. Photojournalists rely on them to shoot in crowded press pits where tripods are banned. If your photography takes you somewhere fast-moving, restricted, or simply inconvenient for a three-legged setup, a monopod fills that gap reliably and without fuss.
Are Monopods Worth It?
Yes — for the right shooter, a monopod is absolutely worth it. If you regularly shoot with a heavy telephoto lens, carry gear over long distances, or work in tight spaces like sports arenas or event venues, a monopod will reduce fatigue and sharpen your images meaningfully. It won't replace a tripod for long exposures or studio work, but it was never designed to. Think of it as a tool that extends how long you can shoot comfortably and how quickly you can respond to action. Entry-level monopods are also very affordable — quality options start under $80 at Ted's Cameras — so the barrier to adding one to your kit is low. For sports, wildlife, and event photographers especially, it's one of the highest-value accessories you can buy.
Monopod vs Tripod: Which Should You Use?
Choosing between a monopod and a tripod comes down to your shooting environment and what you need from your support system. Both have clear strengths — the table below breaks down the key differences so you can make the right call for your next shoot.
| Scenario | Monopod | Tripod |
|---|---|---|
| Sports & wildlife action | ✅ Best choice — fast to reposition | ❌ Too slow to track movement |
| Long exposure / night photography | ❌ Cannot hold camera fully still | ✅ Best choice — locks position completely |
| Travel & hiking | ✅ Lightweight and compact | ⚠️ Heavier, bulkier to carry |
| Video & panning shots | ✅ Smooth, fluid movement | ⚠️ Possible but less natural |
| Studio & product photography | ❌ Not stable enough | ✅ Best choice — precise positioning |
| Crowded venues / press pits | ✅ Small footprint, often permitted | ❌ Often banned or impractical |
| Reducing lens fatigue (telephoto) | ✅ Excellent support for heavy lenses | ✅ Also effective but less mobile |
As a rule of thumb: choose a monopod when mobility and speed matter, and choose a tripod when absolute stability is non-negotiable. Many photographers carry both — a monopod for fieldwork and a tripod for controlled environments.
If after consideration you still think a tripod is the best option for you, read our tripod buying guide.
Top Monopods & Supports for Every Shooter
