Which Equipment is Better for Portraits: Tripod or Monopod?

1,818 Views Updated: 11 Sep 2017
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Which Equipment is Better for Portraits: Tripod or Monopod?

Photography is perhaps, the most beautiful art in the world which offers breath-taking visual treat to the audience. This skillful art is surely winning hearts across the world with strikingly beautiful images. And that's what makes us wonder about the equipment used to shoot.  While in this article, we shall only talk about the difference between tripod and monopod, we will also learn the basic use of both and which one is better for the various genre. 

 So, is a monopod for portraits the perfect choice or are tripods the better one? And when it comes to monopod vs. tripod for video, what would be more competent. We find it out here. 

Tripod For Portraits

When it comes to photography and videography, tripods are the most preferred stands that support the camera to attain a height and stability. This three legged stand (TRI-pod) is what you'll find with every photographer. They come in different styles, shape, and sizes. 

Tripods come in handy when you want to avoid blurry images. It is most effective when you need to shoot something at a pretty lower shutter speed. Long exposures along with macro shots are beautifully captured when you have a tripod. Clicking light trails, night life along with studio photography is possible when you own a tripod. It ensures utmost precision and prevents any kind of jump or jerk in your frames. Mount your camera on top of the tripod, excellently secure the same, and you are ready to go!

However, they can be heavier to use and may also consume extra time to assemble. And when you need to photograph a scene that is in motion, tripods do not support the idea.

Hence, using tripods for portraits is a good idea as the entire scene is stationary and there involves no speed. The entire framing would be stable and lesser portability isn't also the issue. These aren't just used for DSLRs but even for mobile phones. So, having a small size tripod is also a good idea when portraits are captured on smartphones.

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Monopod For Portraits

"Can a monopod stand on its own?" This is quite an interesting and a common question that people usually ask. So, a monopod is a portable stand that is unlike tripod. This is a single legged support (MONO-pod) that is much more convenient than a bulky tripod. But also make sure that you understand the difference. Monopods can be used in places where stability isn't the preference. These come in different shapes, sizes, and weight. You can certainly mount any camera over the same, be it a heavy weight one. Sports photographers often make use of a monopod with their large and heavy lenses and cameras.

Monopods offer much more flexibility when it comes to moving shots as it is even easier to carry the camera with its stand. Their setup is pretty simple, but complete stability cannot be obtained. It's a lightweight alternative to a tripod that won't make you tired if you have to shoot all day long.

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Monopod vs Tripod For Video

Tripods or monopods both have their own advantages and disadvantages. One provides added support for gaining stability; the other makes you gain control over moving shots. Time lapses can be captured smoothly with a tripod preventing shakes and maintaining consistency. But when you need something strong to hold your equipment and even stay stagnant for on-the-go photography, then monopods should be the ideal choice. 


(Image Courtesy: Better Digital Photo Tips)

Video monopods do have tiny feet that stay and tighten at the bottom to let it stand on its own. But this works only when the apparatus isn't too heavy. Although such monopods are designed for the purpose of video shooting, the standalone thing is supported till the camera weight is acceptable. However, even the tripod videos aren't behind when the quality and ease is concerned. Open the three legs, mount the camera and start shooting.

Liked what you just read? Want to read more such photography related stuff? Let us know through the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!

(Featured Image Courtesy: Eduardo Angel)

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