Tripods have been a solid companion for photographers all over the world. A good tripod can help you create shots that aren’t possible with handheld shooting. Unfortunately, tripods can be a bit difficult to carry around, especially if they’re good. This is why, in many cases, a single tripod becomes a better option.
For some genres of photography, a tripod is indispensable. If you need your camera to be completely steady during long exposures or if you are stacking photos, then of course, a tripod will definitely be the best tool. However, in most other situations, a tripod can be a bit overkill. In these situations, a single tripod can be a great step up between handheld and tripod photography.
Dimensions and weight
The difference in size and weight between a tripod and a monopod is the most obvious reason to choose one over the other. In general, a monopod will be significantly lighter and smaller than a tripod. Traveling with a tripod is not much more of a problem than when traveling with a tripod.
With so many photographers choosing to switch to smaller and lighter cameras, large, bulky tripods may no longer be necessary. This is especially so because so many cameras now have sensor stabilization built in. Additionally, optical stabilization in many lenses can work in conjunction with sensor stabilization. This means you have fewer situations where you need a large tripod to get a steady shot.
A single tripod like the ProMaster Air Support AS431 is smaller than most tripods. It’s even smaller than a travel tripod when fully packed, making transportation super easy. When closed, the ProMaster monopod is only 54 cm long. Carrying this single tripod is much easier than a full tripod.
Although the monopod comes with a carrying case with a shoulder strap, I found it easier to carry it in my hand. With the full set of accessories, the monopod weighs just a little over a kilogram. This is lighter weight than some of the smallest travel tripods from popular brands.
The size and weight of the equipment you carry can be extremely important, especially if you are working long hours or traveling. With lighter gear, it’s easier to work for long periods of time, and that can sometimes make a difference.
Speed, velocity
All in all, I’ve found that setting up a single tripod is much quicker than with most tripods. You can quickly have a single tripod extended to its full height, with the camera attached, ready to take pictures. The speed factor can sometimes decide whether or not you get a shot; That’s why it can be really important.
There is also a durability factor involved when setup times are slow. If it takes too long to set up the camera for a photo, you may eventually start to feel that it’s not worth the effort. This is where the ProMaster monopod can be extremely useful.
Due to the air support system in the AS431 monopod, you can almost instantly stretch it up to its maximum height, i.e. 161 cm. Instead of messing around with individual clips and clamp locks for each section, the ProMaster monopod can fully expand in one quick motion. To close it, there is a single locking button below the top. Pressing this release lock button will allow you to push the monopod back to its minimum height without much effort.
Being able to work quickly and having equipment that can keep up with you is important. Any device that slows you down is almost always a bad thing. As a photographer, you should focus on speed, not the equipment you use. If a tripod isn’t keeping up with you, then a monopod might be just what you need.
Usability
The ProMaster AS431 monopod is an easy-to-use and highly intuitive photography device. Aside from the speed benefits it offers over many tripods, it’s also incredibly easy to use even when compared to many other single tripods.
As monopod goes, this is possibly one of the best on the market for a number of reasons. Firstly, the air assist system in the AS431 is similar to many air cushion light stands. Not only does it prevent the monopod from collapsing when the lock button is released, but it also helps it expand smoothly and quickly.
Second, the AS431 has a ball joint built into its legs for tilt and panning features. You can also lock the ball joint to prevent it from tilting; however, you can continue to use the pan features.
Ball joint is an extremely useful feature, especially if you are filming. You can quickly unlock the ball joint and shoot smooth footage by moving the single tripod in a circular motion.
Another really useful feature of the AS431 is the large foam padding on the single tripod. This not only improves the comfort factor when using a monopod, but also provides protection against the cold during the winter months. Even with gloves, cold metal in winter can be unwelcome.
Finally, at the bottom of the monopod is a tripod for added stability. With this accessory, the monopod can work almost as well as a tripod. Long exposures of up to 30 seconds are even possible with the tripod attached. Of course, in windy conditions it can get difficult, especially if you extend it to maximum height. In most other conditions, however, the AS431 is in the best shape it can be.
30 seconds exposure
Exposure 0.5 seconds in windy conditions.
Essentially, the usability factors offer greater versatility than with multiple tripods and even many other single tripods. For these reasons, it’s probably better to shoot with a single tripod than to shoot with a tripod.
Main specifications
- Maximum working height: 63 1/2″ / 161.3 cm
- Minimum working height: 24 7/8″/63.2 cm
- Folded Length: 24 1/8″ / 61.3 cm
- Maximum load: 15 lbs 7 oz / 7 kg
- Weight: 2 lbs 4 1/2 oz / 1.03 kg
- Aluminum four parts
Note: Kit specifications are with tripod mount and soft feet
Epilogue
Obviously there will be situations where a tripod is the only choice. In these particular situations, it would be foolish to use anything else instead. However, with improvements in in-body image stabilization and optical stabilization, a tripod isn’t always necessary. As shown above, with just a single tripod, I was able to produce perfectly sharp images even when shooting with a shutter speed of 30 seconds.
As a professional photographer, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to offload the gear you carry around. It is very unlikely that you will need everything that you normally carry with you. On that basis, if you can replace heavy, bulky equipment with lighter, more compact equipment, perhaps you should.
It is for this reason that the ProMaster Air Support AS431 monopod is a great choice to replace that giant tripod in most situations. You can buy yours for $119.95 using this link here.
