For: Monopod (creature)

A monopod, also called a unipod, is a single staff or pole used to help support cameras, video cameras, binoculars, compasses, or other precision instruments in the field.

Camera and imaging use

The monopod allows a still camera to be held steadier, allowing the photographer to take sharp pictures at slower shutter speeds, and/or with longer focal length lenses. In the case of video, it reduces camera shake and therefore most of the resulting small random movements. When used by itself, it eliminates camera shake in the vertical plane. When used in combination with leaning against a large object, a bipod is formed; this can also eliminate horizontal motion.

Monopods are usually made to fold easily or quickly, or "telescope," when not in use, allowing them to be transported and stored more easily.

Unlike a tripod, monopods cannot support a camera independently. In the case of still cameras this limits the shutter speed that can be used. They still allow lower shutter speeds than hand holding, and are easier to carry and use than a tripod.

Many monopods can also be used as a "chestpod," or "beltpod," meaning that the foot of the monopod (sometimes with a special adapter) can rest on the belt, waist, or chest, of the photographer. The result is that the camera is held more steadily than by hand alone (though not as steadily as when the foot is planted on the ground), and the camera/monopod is completely mobile, travelling with the photographer's movements. This is similar to a finnstick.

In terms of mobility vs. stability, generally if stability increases, mobility decreases. From most stable/least mobile to least stable/most mobile: tripod/tablepod/resting on surface of some sort, monopod, chestpod, handheld.

Precision optical and measuring instruments

When used to support a compass or transit, the monopod is referred to as a jacob staff. Mounting the compass atop the jacob staff eliminates reading errors introduced by body movements, and permits the taking of more precise bearings to targets.

Monopods known as finnsticks are also used to steady high-power (typically, 10× or more) binoculars to permit a clear view without shake or wobble introduced by the operator's hand/body movements. With the introduction of gyroscopically stabilized binoculars, the use of stabilizing supports for binoculars have declined in recent years.

References

• Rutstrum, The Wilderness Route Finder, University of Minnesota Press (2000), ISBN 0816636613

External links

• Outdoor Eye monopod tutorial