Digital cameras changed photography. But the real revolution arrived when the ability to take pictures migrated to our phones. Self-portraits became a lot easier to snap. So much so the word morphed into “selfie.” Then came along the selfie stick, allowing phone users to achieve the perfect camera angles and include friends in the shot. But are selfie sticks just a rebrand of the monopod?
A monopod and a selfie stick are not necessarily the same. A selfie stick is a type of monopod, but a monopod isn’t always a selfie stick. Monopods are traditionally for serious photographers and videographers that need a faster way to steady their device than a tripod.
Photography and videography tools have evolved with the technology they serve. For example, a tripod or monopod wasn’t made for a phone in the past. There wasn’t any point since phones had one job: make and receive calls. That was it. But once cell phone selfies became popular, some clever brain looked at the monopod and had an idea.
What Is The Difference Between Monopod And Selfie Stick?
Comparing a monopod to a selfie stick is like comparing fruit to an orange. All oranges are fruit. Not all fruit are oranges. Consequently, all selfie sticks are a type of monopod, but not all monopods are selfie sticks.
Which means you can’t just use any monopod as a selfie stick. It would be like trying to make marmalade out of apples. Nor can every selfie stick be used as a specific type of monopod. It would be like trying to make apple pie with oranges, unique but not close to the same thing.
Adding confusion, some monopods can convert into a standpod, which is similar to a tripod but with some crucial differences. But a tripod makes an excellent starting point for the selfie stick’s origins.
What Is A Tripod?
A tripod is a three-legged stand that supports a piece of equipment. These mobile stands are used for various devices, including telescopes, cameras, and video recording equipment. They are generally the most stable surface for these types of equipment because legs are individually adjustable to accommodate uneven terrain.
But to provide such stability comes at a cost. The legs are heavier and take a long time to adjust to ensure stability and evenness.
Tripods can be used hands-free once they are set up. So in selfie history, they were one of the few ways to take a self-portrait. A person could set up the shot, move in front of the camera, and then take the picture using a timer or a remote. The disadvantage to such a shot is that the subject (you) had no idea if they looked how they’d hoped until the picture was developed.
Alternatives for self-portraits were using another stable surface, such as a table or counter (not easy to drag around with you), or taking a picture of yourself using a mirror, which meant the camera was in the shot.
However, the weight and time to set up a tripod are huge drawbacks if you are trying to photograph events on the move. Hence the reason for monopods.
The Advantages Of A Tripod
- Stable
- It can be used hands-free
The Disadvantages Of A Tripod
- Heavy
- Take time to set up each leg
What Is A Monopod?
A monopod is like a tripod with only one leg. They were made to help photographers, such as a photojournalist, keep the camera steady while on the move. They are lighter to haul around and, if already attached to the equipment, take zero setup time.
For example, say a photojournalist is covering a parade. They could leap into position. Set the camera and monopod down to ensure a steady shot, snap the pic, then jump out of the way before the marching band ran over them.
Monopods are primarily used for:
- Cameras, especially with heavy lenses
- Video cameras
- Cell phones
The Advantages Of A Monopod
- Lighter than a tripod
- Require no setup time if already attached to the device
The Disadvantages Of A Monopod
- Rarely hands-free
- Not as steady as a tripod
What Is A Selfie Stick?
Most monopods of the past would make for a terrible selfie stick. They didn’t have a suitable mount to hold a cell phone. The other problem was taking a picture with your phone if it was no longer in your hand. Who would push the button?
Thus, the selfie stick was invented to let users snap a photo from a greater distance without holding the phone.
However, most selfie sticks require the user to hold them to operate the device. Nor do they allow users to step away as is possible with a tripod. Hence the need for a standpod.
The Advantages Of A Selfie Stick
- Lightweight
- Easy transport
- Can take self-portraits
- Are made for cell phones
The Disadvantages Of A Selfie Stick
- Only support a phone
- Most are not hands-free
What Is A Standpod?
A standpod is a modification that allows some monopods to have some of the advantages of a tripod. It can be used like a monopod, but the ends of it will also unfold into three little legs. Therefore, the monopod can be used hands-free. In addition, they don’t weigh much more than their monopod equivalent and are fast to set up.
The standpod addition is handy for selfie users who want to film themselves from a distance. For example, some apps allow equestrians to set up their cell phone on a standpod, and the app knows to follow the horse. Thus, the equestrian can reflect on the session and self-critique their positioning and that of the horse.
The problem with standpods is that the little legs are typically not adjustable. Instead, they fold out at one length, making it impossible to adjust for uneven terrain. Also, the legs are positioned at the base rather than the top. This makes the standpod top heavy and much more libel to topple in a breeze. Lastly, the legs can get loose or “catch” on clothing or bags when moving quickly.
The Advantages Of A Standpod
- Lighter than a tripod
- Faster to set up than a tripod
- Give a monopod hands-free capability
The Disadvantages Of A Standpod
- Not as stable as a tripod
- The legs can catch on clothing or bags
- The legs make holding the end of the stick awkward
Conclusion
Monopods are helpful for a variety of technology. However, it is essential when choosing a monopod that it is compatible with your device. For example, most selfie sticks will not work with a regular digital camera. Likewise, most monopods for digital cameras make poor selfie sticks. Also, consider the pros and cons of a standpod carefully, as they are not as stable as a tripod when used hands-free.
