Tripods vs Monopods, Which Is Better for Travel?

If you haven’t figured it out, tripods have three legs and monopods have one. Both have their uses and both have their criticisms, so the best device depends on what you need.

If you like to walk around and take shots from multiple angles, a monopod is your best bet. It supports the camera while remaining portable and lightweight. Sports photographers with large, cumbersome lenses often utilize a monopod since they need to move around the field quickly.

Other photographers, like those who do portraiture and long exposure, need to stabilize a camera in one spot, so a tripod is a no-brainer. A freestanding camera allows the photographer to interact with the subject more, though at the expense of portability, price and weight. They’re also longer to set up since you have to get all three legs at just the right height.

There are compromises, though. Tripods users who need to move quickly can band the three legs together for a temporary monopod, though it iss way heavier than it needs to be. Many companies, like MeFOTO, are manufacturing combination tripod/monopod stands where one leg detaches from the rest, so you get all the versatility as long as you don’t mind the extra weight in your luggage.

To make your decision, think about what kind of photographer you want to be. Photojournalists need maneuverability while photographers on the more artistic end of the spectrum prefer stability.