Handshake: Over the years I've developed a slight tremor in my hands and have started using a tripod for all my shots.... But tripods can be a bit much to lug around everywhere. I've...

Jmcurrysr Loc: Georgia

Over the years I've developed a slight tremor in my hands and have started using a tripod for all my shots.... But tripods can be a bit much to lug around everywhere. I've never used a monopod. Are monopods worth the investment?

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

I can't get the knack of them myself. When I carry one with camera attached over my shoulder the camera and lens swings around wildly and has caught me in the side of the head more than once. I don't like 'em.

So what I did was go to a small rifle stock that allows me to prop camera with long lens against my shoulder for hand held shots. It helps me keep a lot steadier than pure hand held. And I can carry the rig around by a camera sling strap.

Marturo Loc: Western North Carolina

I have used Monopods for many years with film cameras.
The monopod I like best is called Slik QSX Versipod II it has a stud that stays
on the camera & is quick release.

I keep the camera around my neck, then the monopod acts as a walking stick
until I need it for the camera. I have used it for Car shows, hiking in the woods
& never felt awkward or like I had too much gear.

I saw this one on E-Bay mine does not have a ball head however this one has the QR stud.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Slik-Lighty-Pod-II-Monopod-With-Ball-Head-7362/133426120488?hash=item1f10d10728:g:3okAAOSwCZFerij~

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

I picked up a Manfrotto 679B monopod with a RRS MH-01 head with the BS AS II quick release clamp for a song at a non-profit resale store.
It has taken some getting used to, but if you stick with it, I think you'll find it will help reduce the effects of shaky hands. Good luck!

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

I too, have a tremor. When using a monopod, it may help to have a strap over your neck and place some resistence on the monopod and it will hold steadier.

Good luck.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I just took a quick look at B & H photo and they show a number of monopods that have three small foot pieces that would help stabilize a camera. Take a look.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=monopods&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

Contemplate Loc: Conroe, TX

I hear you with the tremors... I'm using a Manfrotto 290 monopod with a Manfrotto 234RC head on it. Not generally a big fan of the Manfrotto QR but for this purpose it makes it very quick and easy to get the camera on and off the monopod which makes carrying simpler.

I also use a camera with pretty good IBIS.

Quixdraw Loc: x

I have the good fortune to still maintain the steadiness I developed over decades as a target shooter and photo enthusiast. A Monopod helps, a rifle stock or sling can help, some have used a cord attached to the tripod screw which they stand on. Here are a few other ideas as well. Link https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-shake.htm

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"... Are monopods worth the investment?" Jmcurrysr this totally depends on what genre you are shooting... Tell folks here what you shoot so they can actually help you rather than ponficating on why they made the "best" choice etc.

I shoot league soccer commercially and this genre is virtually impossible without a monopod... look around any major soccer pitch or "American" football field and you'll quickly see monopods are ubiquitous.

However ask any BIF shooter and they will tell you monopods are worthless... Why? monopods excel at providing stability for following action horizontally... but are crippled for rapid vertical changes... here only a gimbal works...

On a much more important note: Please seek medical guidance immediately...
Parkinson's often starts with a tremor in one hand.
This isn't opinion, it is the primary diagnostic for Parkinson's...
It took the life of my Dad who had a prolonged exposure to Organophosphates: A very common but deadly pesticide
Medical Journal (peer reviewed article) on Parkinson's and Organophosphates
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807617/

CO

I've never liked monopods when photography a stationary object. There always seems to be some side to side motion. It stabilizes well vertically, but there's always motion blur horizontally.

I make a stringpod when I can't use a tripod. I have two now. They really work to stabilize the camera. You just step on the rope and pull up a little. The tension in the rope makes the camera more steady. It's just a 1/4-20 eyelet bolt and a piece of rope. You can just ball it up and put it in your pocket.

1/4-20 eyelet bolt and rope. It's not necessary to add the nut

Contemplate Loc: Conroe, TX

Thomas902 wrote:

"... Are monopods worth the investment?" Jmcurrysr this totally depends on what genre you are shooting...[...]

However ask any BIF shooter and they will tell you monopods are worthless... Why? monopods excel at providing stability for following action horizontally... but are crippled for rapid vertical changes... here only a gimbal works...

Actually not all monopods are crippled for rapid vertical changes. That Manfrotto 234RC allows 90 deg motion to the side of the monopod - generally intended for portrait format. However, if one mounts the QR plate sideways on the camera or lens then it provides the vertical tilt needed while still allowing horizontal panning. While this may not be completely ideal, it beats not being able to attempt the shots at all.

Not pontificating, just sharing experiences.

RGG-Test-account

Jmcurrysr wrote:

Over the years I've developed a slight tremor in my hands and have started using a tripod for all my shots.... But tripods can be a bit much to lug around everywhere. I've never used a monopod. Are monopods worth the investment?

In one word: No.

A tripod works only if you are the two other feet and since you mention tremors in your hands it will simply do not work as well as you hope.

The only possible solution you have is a dampener/stabilizer harnesses often used in video. The shoulder and body hold the camera in place and your hands are not all that important.

Contemplate Loc: Conroe, TX

RGG-Test-account wrote:

In one word: No.

...

In one word: Maybe.

I have very serious tremors and do find a monopod helpful.

Marturo Loc: Western North Carolina

JFCoupe wrote:

I just took a quick look at B & H photo and they show a number of monopods that have three small foot pieces that would help stabilize a camera. Take a look.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=monopods&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

Just a word of caution about the small feet on the bottom of the pod.
I almost lost a beautiful Nikon FE2 when using the feet. I just turned
around & the TP started to fall over thank God my friend caught it in time.
I caution the use of this system other than as a Mono Pod.

I don't know about your camera but my Nikon D7100 weighs a ton I
will not let go with this body is onboard. I use a Porta Brace carry rig
& take the camera loose then attach the Stud to the pod.

I can not find the Slik with the Quick attachment stud like mine however make sure
you choose a MP with a solid mounting system just like any quality Tripod setup.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Are you usually shooting in low light? If not, high shutter speeds are your friend, even if you have to bump up the ISO a bit.