An Ask Neil blog post all about Monopods
A monopod, or a 1 Legged Thing, can have a number of advantages to your photography workflow over a regular tripod setup. You'll find monopods commonly used in sports and wildlife photography as they can be quickly adjusted and carried around more easily than traditional tripods. Speed is often essential in these situations, so wasting additional time carrying and setting up a tripod may result in missing those moments.
Traditional tripod systems will offer more support due to having 3 legs which is more stable and can work wonders with long-exposures, low shutter speeds, or being able to setup your camera position statically for longer periods of time, however, the advantages of using a monopod over a tripod include:
- More lightweight and portable: compared to tripods, monopods are generally small and easier to carry around, which makes them ideal for traveling or outdoor activities.
- Ease of use: monopods are easier to setup and adjust quickly as they are one single leg.
- Versatility: for certain styles of photography, it's easier for repositioning, managing shooting locations, or to follow moving subjects quickly.
- Environment: some events, or urban locations will require licenses if using a tripod as it's considered 'professional use', whereas monopod use is often permitted without permissions (always check your location prior to filming/shooting).
These advantages can make a big difference in live-action situations where subject matter is often quick moving or unpredictable.
A lightweight stable pole can also be useful for on-the-go editorial, documentary or nature videography. A monopod will also support long telephoto lenses, and using a lens foot to balance the weight distribution over the monopod will provide a stable setup compared to hand-held photography.
Here at 3 Legged Thing we currently manufacture two monopod systems to help with your workflow. Here you'll find a break-down of both models, along with the Docz2 monopod stabiliser included with our Monopod Kit options;
TRENT2.0
Available in Blue or Grey colour options, our Trent 2.0 monopod is an update from our original Trent monopod system and is part of the Punks 2.0 range. Trent 2.0 is made from aerospace-grade Magnesium Alloy and boasts a max. height of over 2m / 79", while packing down to 60cm / 23".
- Max Height: 2.02 m / 79.52 "
- Min Height: 60.4 cm / 23.77 "
- 4 section tubing (29mm, 26mm, 2mm, 20mm diameters).
- Load Capacity: 30 kg / 66 lb
- Weight: 728 g / 1.6 lb
ALAN2.0
Available in Metallic Slate Grey or Darkness (matte black) colour options, Alan 2.0 is an update from our original Alan monopod system and is part of the Pro 2.0 Range. Alan 2.0 is made from 8-layers of 100% pure carbon fibre, which gives excellent strength and stability in a monopod capable of loads of up to 60kg, while weighing only 615 g / 1.35 lbs.
- Max Height: 1.48 m / 58.26 "
- Min Height: 44 cm / 17.32 "
- 5 section tubing (32mm, 29mm, 26mm, 23mm and 20mm diameters)
- Load Capacity: 60 kg / 132 lb
- Weight: 615 g / 1.35 lb
DOCZ MONOPOD SUPPORT / Foot stabiliser
In additional to our monopods, we've created a monopod base support with a dual 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 industry standard threading, which is compatible with both Trent 2.0 and Alan 2.0 monopods. It also fits our tripods with a detachable monopod leg, and any other 3rd party monopod system with matching threading flush at the base of the leg.
The screw thread connects your monopod to a ball pivot stabilised by 3 short legs that splay out for support. The ball pivot includes a copper locking ring to support the monopod and a friction dampening knob on the base which can be adjusted to enable smooth panning and tilting of the ball pivot and monopod in tandem.
The Docz2 can also be used as a tabletop or mini tripod. You can either go direct-to-camera or lens or screw on a clamp or head accessory using the 1/4" or 3/8" threads.
- Height Open 8.5 cm / 3.35 "
- Folded Length 16.5 cm / 6.5 "
- Max Diameter (open) 29.5 cm / 11.6 "
- Load Capability - 20 kg / 44 lb
- Weight 531 g / 1.17 lb
What's the best monopod for you? Do you need the tall monopod height of our Trent 2.0, or the stronger monopod support from Alan 2.0? The Docz2 makes a great addition to any monopod kit and enables the advantages of using a monopod while offering the additional stability more often associated with tripod systems.
