The Monopod vs. The Tripod
The monopod vs. the tripod is one battle that a wedding cinematographer or cinematographer in general will always face.
“If I get the latest camera, lenses, and technology that everyone else is using, I will attract the same business he or she attracts.”
An essential piece to any gear kit is camera stabilization. I don’t want to appear rude, but if you are hand holding on someone’s wedding day, you are going about filming the wrong way. Camera stabilization is a must have!! Two basic levels of camera stabilization are tripods and monopods.
Tripod: a three-legged stand for supporting a camera or other apparatus.
Monopod: a one-legged support for a camera or fishing rod.
But which one is needed? Well they both add a different dymanic to a wedding day. My first level of stabization was a monopod, but for the basics, it wasn’t what I needed. You never really master a monopod until you have used it several times. A tripod is the universal solution to 100% stabilization.
Pros of a Tripod:
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100% Stablization
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Ability to leave camera to check other things
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Ability to achieve smooth camera movements
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Ability to quickly adjust focusing
Cons of a Tripod
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Some are heavier than others
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A good one can be rather expensive
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Not the best when you want to switch the height level.
Pros of a Monopod:
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Easy to adjust
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Easy to get in small corners
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Abiility to pick and move with ease
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When balanced properly, it can stand alone
Cons of a Monopod
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It takes a while to learn how to balance properly.
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Not 100% Stablization
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Have to monitor it if left alone. Could tip over depending on the weight.
Each has its pros and cons, but a monopod is best used in places where a tripod may not be. Bridal preparations is a perfect time to break out the ole monopod. The monopod allows me to sequence a series of shots in a short period time. I am able to move multiple places to get multiple angles. A monopod is can also be used during a ceremony to get B-roll or crowd shots as well as at receptions. Monopods are also great during bridal portraits and first looks.
I know what you thinking: well when is a tripod good to use?
A tripod is best used to get all the must have moments for the couple. Must have moments include:
- Full Ceremony
- Speeches
- Bridal Introductions
- Cake cutting
- Garter/Boquet Toss
- Complete First Dance
You know, moments that the couple has to have. There aren’t many creative ways to g get those moments because you don’t want to risk messing them up, but the rest is just little jewels that can be used in the editing process to make the film more complete. If I had to recommend what equipment to get first, it would be a tripod. I would prefer guaranteeing getting the basics, than risk ruining them by only having a monopod. A good tripod will go a long way, a good monopod will add value to your films. Like all shooters, you have to start somewhere and grow to a new point. Both are valuable, but one is safer. Go the safe route first, than live the dangerous life later. LOL
