What is a monopod? What is a monopod and for what purpose is it intended? What is better: a tripod or a monopod for a smartphone?

Over the past six months, due to the extraordinary popularity of selfies, many devices have appeared on the market that allow you to take selfies to a new level, the so-called selfie monopods. However, due to the abundance of different models, it is difficult for the average person to understand which products are better or worse, or how to compare them at all. In this article we will try to make a brief overview of most monopod models on the market in Russia, and also talk about the pros and cons of each model. Of course, the final decision is up to you, we only hope that our material will help you in choosing this wonderful gadget for your smartphone. So, let's begin.

Monopod like a regular tripod (essentially just a selfie stick)

Main disadvantages:

- No camera shutter button, i.e. you'll have to set a timer on your smartphone to take a photo. Agree, this is quite inconvenient.

- Flimsy smartphone mount. The phone is held only at the top and bottom, respectively, if handled not very carefully, it can fall out and break, and besides, such a mount quickly becomes loose.

- Tripod knees are completely round. This risks the fact that over time the sections may become loose and even fall out. Agree, not a very pleasant prospect.

Plus only one- low price. You can find it for 500 rubles.

Selfie tripod with separate shutter button

Main disadvantages:

- Two hands are constantly occupied, in one there is a remote control button, in the other there is the tripod itself.

- The remote control button is often lost, and its loss turns the monopod into an ordinary stick.

- There are essentially 2 buttons on the remote control: for devices on the system Android and for devices on the system IOS. You can easily confuse them and miss an important frame. The remote control is not suitable for all types of smartphones. Communication is carried out via Bluetooth.

Advantage of this device The point is that with its help it is already possible to take selfies of acceptable quality at a minimum level of comfort. Also, the price of this device is low and averages 750 rubles.

Selfie monopod with tripod button and wire

To communicate with the phone, a white wire is used, one end of which comes out of the monopod, and the other is inserted into the headphone jack of the smartphone.

The main disadvantages of the model:

- The wire looks terrible and is likely to be damaged.. If the wire is damaged, the device turns back into a regular stick.

The main advantages of this model:

Button on the handle. It's convenient - there's nothing to lose.

No need to charge the device. The energy is taken through a wire from the phone. Although this is a dubious plus... The price of such models varies from 850 to 1000 rubles.

Monopod for selfie with button KJSTAR Z07-5

This monopod does not have the disadvantages of previous models. This is a high-quality product that will allow you to easily and with maximum comfort take your selfies and receive thousands of likes on social networks.

The main advantages of this device:

- No remotes or wires. Tripod button. The device works entirely via Bluetooth and has a built-in battery that lasts for 100 hours or 500 shots.

- Reliable mount for smartphone. The smartphone is fixed on three sides, which ensures 100% fixation in the holder.

- Suitable for all Android and IOS smartphones.

- Tripod knees do not rotate due to a special groove located along the entire tripod.

It's rightful most popular model in Russia, it is no coincidence that a huge number of fakes have appeared, quite brittle and flimsy, so you need to learn to distinguish them. Original KJSTAR selfie monopods cost around 1,500 rubles. You can see the differences between the original and the fake and purchase a truly original KJSTAR monopod, for example.

We will not describe the remaining models, which are “variations on the theme” of the above, because they are quite rare and not yet widespread.

Now you know what types of selfie monopods there are, how they differ, and you can choose the most suitable solution for yourself. Happy shooting!

Comments and reviews

2015-12-17 17:03:18 Guest:

2015-10-26 00:07:44 Ilya Alekseev:

2015-08-25 22:51:57 Guest:

2015-07-21 11:44:25 Ivan Kuliy:

2015-07-13 17:13:45 Ivan Bond:

2015-06-09 21:36:51 Alexey Belavin:

2015-06-01 10:40:15 Guest:

2015-05-25 10:42:16 Guest:

2015-05-12 12:40:38 Alexey Belavin:

2015-04-10 11:50:11 Guest:

2015-03-22 19:10:08 Ivan Kuliy:

Over the past couple of years, taxi services have become widespread, in which car owners can...

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab S6 tablet, which received a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display with...

Today we will talk about choosing a device that is already so familiar to modern people, such as a selfie stick or a monopod for a smartphone (it is sometimes called a “hoe”). Let's talk about how to choose a selfie stick for your phone, on which you can install not only a smartphone, but also a small camera. This device will come in handy when traveling for memorable photos. With the help of a good monopod you can make a good video report. We hope that our tips will be useful to you. Let's consider the main selection criteria in more detail.

Camera shutter button

There are 2 types of camera shutter mechanisms - wireless and wired. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so which option to choose is a matter of personal preference.

As for the differences, here's what they are:

• The wired mechanism involves the use of a special wire with a plug, which is inserted into the socket of the mobile gadget. The monopod handle is equipped with a button. The shutter is released when the button is pressed.
• The wireless mechanism involves the use of a Bluetooth button on the handle of a selfie stick or remote control. It runs on tablets (AA batteries) or a built-in battery. The advantage of such a device is that it works at a distance. It is possible not just to press the start button, but also to adjust the focus, switch from the rear to the front camera, and select photo or video mode.

Fastening

If you are thinking about how to choose a selfie stick, securely holding your phone is perhaps the main requirement for a monopod. The more rubberized inserts a stick is equipped with, the more reliable the mount is.

Important! This criterion can only be verified by practice. Ask the seller to attach the mobile device to the stick and shake it.

Stick material

Try to bend the structure with a little force. If the stick is bent like a fishing rod, it is better not to buy it. As in the case just described, a smartphone test is mandatory. The pipe should not bend under the weight of the gadget.

Important! If you plan to shoot underwater, choose a waterproof device. Its cost is higher than the regular model, by about 20%. But, accordingly, the phone itself must meet these requirements. Ours will help you choose the best option.

Dimensions and weight

It is ideal if the monopod is placed in a bag, so purchasing a device that is too long is irrational. Moreover, if you are going on a trip, it is better to take a minimum of things.

Important! It is desirable that the handle be made of rubber or soft plastic. In this case, it will not slide. Handles equipped with special loops are also convenient.

Tilt your smartphone

A special selfie stick mechanism (2D or 3D heads) ensures rotation of the mobile device along two (2D) or three (3D) axes. Some models have ball heads similar to those found on camera tripods.

Ease of use

Almost all models of selfie sticks unfold according to the telescopic principle (the sections are extended “one from the other”). In inexpensive monopods, sections begin to scroll over time due to the weight of smartphones. To prevent this from happening, high-quality models are equipped with length locks, and special grooves are applied to the tripod.

The total length of the products depends on the number of sections:

• In five-section models, the length of the device is 0.75-1.0 m.
• In six-seven-section models, the total length of the device varies between 0.8-1.2 m.

Important! The shorter each section is and the greater their number, the greater the possibilities of regulation.

The best selfie sticks for iPhone

This review will help you choose a selfie stick for your phone according to your own preferences.

KjStar Z07-5S

This model is distinguished by its simplicity and ease of use:

• The handle is equipped with a button. It is connected to the mobile device via an aux cable, which connects to a regular headphone jack.
• The holder is universal, suitable for all types of smartphones.
• Can be used with gadgets running Android and iOS OS.
• You can attach a video camera to the screw.
• The length of the stick when folded is 200 mm, and when unfolded it is over 900 mm.
• The device weighs 178 g.

Main advantages:

• No need to recharge.
• Universal smart clamp.
• Compact dimensions when folded.
• Compatible with Android and iOS systems.
• Easy to install and manage.
• Photographing angle equal to 180 degrees.

Flaws:

• The stick cannot support overly heavy devices.
• Sections can be scrolled.

Kjstar Z07-5 (V2)

Good wireless model:

• The stick weighs 165 g. At the same time, it can withstand devices weighing up to 0.6 kg.
• The battery capacity is 45 mAh and can be fully charged in just an hour.
• The holder is equipped with a silicone pad for small smartphones.
• The length of the device when unfolded is 1 m.

Advantages:

• Reliable profiled tube in 7 sections, with telescopic folding.
• Connection via Bluetooth.
• Versatility.
• Convenient and reliable fastening.
• Rubberized non-slip handle.
• Various colors.

• A huge number of fakes on the market (hence the significant price range).
• Not a very comfortable attachment.

Yunteng YT-1288

This model is the embodiment of the best when it comes to selfie sticks:

• The Bluetooth button is not only built into the handle, but is also removable.
• The monopod tube consists of 4 sections, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1.25 m.
• The “endurance” of the design is simply incredible - it can withstand up to 2.5 kg.
• The holder is reliable. Can securely mount any smartphone or action camera.

This is one of the best selfie sticks.

Advantages:

• High strength.
• Removable shutter button.
• The stick can even withstand a DSLR camera.
• Reliable and convenient fastening.
• 2D head (this is quite enough).
• Versatility: compatible with Windows Phone, Android, iOS.

The disadvantage is the significant dimensions when folded - 42.5 cm.

MoMax SelfiFit

Interesting design, good equipment, well-thought-out packaging (there is even a case) make this model very popular.

Characteristics:

• The selfie stick is made into 4 sections, each of which is secured with a lock when unfolded.
• The length when folded is 28 cm.
• Maximum length - 90 cm.
• The head tilt angle varies from 0 to 720 degrees, so you can easily choose the ideal angle.
• The monopod is perfectly compatible with both digital cameras and mobile devices.

Hello, dear readers of my blog. I’m in touch with you, Timur Mustaev. In this article you will learn about what parameters the quality of shooting with a selfie stick depends on. Few people know that the wrong choice of monopod can lead to the fact that every photo or video you decide to record will be of less quality than you would like. But on what basis is the choice made? Let us sort it out.

Before you start, take a look at the selfie stick in the photo below.

What do you say? Like? At the end of the article there is a video and links where I bought it.

Criterias of choice

Today, a popular platform for purchasing many things at affordable prices is Aliexpress ( link to the website), where there is a large selection of selfie sticks. When purchasing the first monopod, owners of phones, for example, Samsung or other models, have the thought “yes, they are all the same, what’s the difference between them?”

But this misconception sometimes leads not only to the inconvenience of shooting, but also to a situation where the phone turns out to be broken or damaged. Therefore, before choosing a selfie stick, you need to pay attention to several parameters:

• mount into which the phone is inserted;
• metal quality;
• dimensions of the device;
• mounting angle;
• telescope quality.

You can buy Here.

When examining, pay attention to the rubberized areas, which provide good adhesion to the material of the gadget. To test the strength, you can insert, for example, an iPhone into a selfie stick and shake it. But it is better to do this in a rubberized case. This will prevent the device from sliding. If even a slight play is noticeable, then the selected model should be excluded.

Tube metal quality

The second important characteristic is the quality of the metal elements. You need to check carefully, otherwise you will have to pay not only for the selected device, but also for the broken one. Low-quality tubes made with a small amount of metal may bend under physical stress.

To test its strength, simply try to bend the device, noting the sensations. If it seems that the structure is starting to bend, then it should be eliminated immediately. But why check the quality of the material? Some sticks are so bad that they begin to bend even under the weight of the phone, for example, even Lenovo. If such a stick is used constantly, it may soon break, ruining the device and mood.

If the shooting will be done on the beach in the summer, then you need to choose a model with moisture protection. If this is not done, then after several days of use rust will begin to appear on it, which is especially scary when using telescopic devices.
Dimensions and features of the handle

If a selfie stick does not fit into a purse, then after just a few days of use it becomes uninteresting to the owner. Ask yourself: Do I need a big, clunky monopod that I can carry around without being able to get my hand off it? Few people will like such a device.

You can buy Here.

But if the device is intended for shooting while hiking, then you can choose longer models that allow you to beautifully capture the surrounding landscapes. You should also pay attention to the handle. It should be not just rubberized, but soft. This is due to the fact that the hard plastic slips in the hand. To choose the right stick, you need to consider all the options presented.

Mounting angle

Many monopods come with a mount that only moves in one direction. This is convenient only for those who film only themselves. If selfies are taken in a large company, then you have to turn the phone, for example, Sony, in the horizontal plane.
When choosing, you should consider models with 2D and 3D heads. The first presented option is enough to create high-quality pictures taken with a standard device, while the second is more advanced.

Telescope quality

Many popular models have a telescopic handle, which is convenient for users of any height. But when you come to the store, do not rush to purchase the first telescopic mechanism you come across. To check the quality, you need to stretch the handle and look at each element, paying attention to the grooves and length stops.

If the first ones are missing, then during use this leads to scrolling of some parts. Stoppers are also necessary, otherwise during extension it is easy to separate several elements from the handle.

Types of monopods

1. monopod as a standard tripod;
2. stick with remote control;
3. mechanism with a button on the handle and a wire;
4. stick with wireless button.

The first named type is common due to its low cost. But think about it: do you want to set a timer before each photo to take a photo? If not, then don’t even think about purchasing such devices. However, such sticks are usually not very reliable and do not hold the gadget well.

A tripod with a remote control is much more convenient, because in order to take a photo, you don’t need to hold the stick in an awkward position, while trying to keep a smile and feel for the button on the slipping handle.

The disadvantages of such models are that they require constant use of both hands. The remote control can also get lost due to its small size. But at the same time, there are 2 buttons on the remote control - for a standard phone and an iPhone, which is convenient for those who use more than one device.

You can buy Here.

A monopod with a button and a wire is convenient, but during use there is a possibility of damage, due to which the monopod will stop working. But the plus is that the stick does not require charging or batteries, as it is powered by a smartphone. If you want to buy a good selfie stick, then you should pay attention to a device with a Bluetooth button that has no wires.

But which of the proposed sticks should you choose? It depends on the conditions under which it will be used. After reading the article, all that remains is to remember the main points and go shopping like an expert in choosing monopods.

And finally. Watch a video review of a good selfie monopod, and under the video you can find links where you can purchase it. I gave my friend such a device for his birthday, and he was as happy as an elephant. Why him? The quality is good, the price is reasonable, the size is small, and the seller is sociable.

If you're considering a cheaper option, you might want to look for something on Aliexpress ( link to the website), there you will definitely find a selfie stick to your liking.

You can view and buy it on Aliexpress Here.

And purchase an adapter, if you need it, then Here.

This is where I will end the article. Happy shopping and good photos. If the article was useful to you, you could share it on social networks with your friends, let them also know how to choose the right monopod tripod. See you again on the expanses of my blog. Bye bye.

All the best to you, Timur Mustaev.

Content

The accessory is a holder for a camera or smartphone with a static or variable length. The best models have a telescopic device and are equipped with locks. The handle is often made in an ergonomic shape from a non-slip material. There are different ways to connect a monopod to a phone: wired, wireless (via Bluetooth).

How does a selfie stick work?

The principle of operation of a selfie stick is to securely mount the camera at some distance from the user and the ability to remotely control shooting. A standard monopod consists of the following parts:

1. Pen. Made of durable non-slip material, which eliminates the possibility of the stick slipping out of the palm.
2. A tube. Folding, telescopic or composite. It can be equipped with additional clamps at the joints of parts.
3. Holder. A clip or tension connection and hinge are used to securely fasten the phone and give it the desired angle relative to the telescopic base of the monopod.
4. Transmitter. A wired or wireless device for remotely controlling a smartphone camera. Can adjust the zoom ratio and activate shooting.

Monopod with bluetooth

The wireless method of connecting the phone to a selfie stick reduces the weight of the accessory, reduces the volume it occupies, and ensures that the camera operates in an interference-free environment. There are two types of such tripods:

1. Selfie monopod with bluetooth button. The accessory is equipped with a remote control built into the body (often with a single button). The device is resistant to damage. Such selfie sticks are made by the following manufacturers: Momax, KjStar, Baseus.
2. With remote control. Portable tripods equipped with remote control are an excellent choice for photographing a large group of people or one or two people in front of a specific subject. Such a selfie stick can be installed at a short distance from the subject being photographed, and then, having taken a place in the frame, activate shooting. Popular manufacturers: Remax, Navsailor, Dispho, KjStar.

With button

Selfie sticks with push-button controls stand out from the simplest tripods in their ease of use. Often connecting via Bluetooth requires installing special software on the device. Please remember that the driver for iPhones using the iOS operating system may differ from the standard one. The disadvantages include a high chance of losing a button from a stick equipped with a removable remote control. You can buy this type of monopod from the following manufacturers:

• Sentar;
• Yunteng;
• Dispho;
• KjStar.

On a tripod

The simplest selfie sticks are less convenient, but differ from models equipped with a remote control by having a very low price. Often such accessories are equipped with additional hinges to find the best shooting angle. Due to the lack of control, the camera is set to a long exposure or timer. When producing models, the emphasis is on reliability and ergonomics or economy. The following companies offer simple selfie sticks without controls:

• KjStar;
• Sentar;
• Remax;
• Yunteng.

Monopod for camera

Professional photography with a good camera requires the photographer to have endurance and the ability to choose a good angle. Camera monopods have a longer “leg” that has a small flat stop or peg at the bottom to make it easier to use. Some models are equipped with an electronic gyroscope.

A number of companies produce tripods, additionally equipped with a fourth “leg” mounted in the center. The material chosen for the body is light and durable. Carbon (carbon fiber) and aluminum are better suited for this. The following manufacturers assemble tripods for cameras:

• Manfrotto;
• Yunteng;
• Velbon;
• BENRO.

How to connect a monopod

To successfully use a tripod, it is important to correctly install the phone in it and configure the interaction of devices. Any selfie stick connects to a smartphone as follows:

1. Firmly secure the phone into the screw clamp at the end of the handset, tighten the screws (without unnecessary force, otherwise the case may be damaged).
2. Set the desired angle of the holder using the hinge to then select the correct shooting angle.
3. If the accessory is connected via Bluetooth, turn on the display of nearby devices in the phone settings and connect the monopod.
4. The wired tripod is connected to the smartphone via a headphone jack (standard mini-jack).
5. Once connected, control is carried out using a separate remote control (Bluetooth model) or a button on the handle of the accessory itself.

Video

Every person probably knows what a monopod is today, even those who are not directly involved in photography and photographic equipment. It’s just that progress has reached such a level where monopods are made even for photographs of oneself - selfies.

Modern society, judging by the content of most social networks, simply loves taking selfies - photographs of themselves alone or in company with friends using a phone camera. Individual groups and public pages are simply replete with millions of such photos. But those who like to photograph themselves face a difficult task: for example, how to make it possible to fit three or four people into the frame at the same time, or to capture the beautiful landscape behind them. It’s good that they have already come up with such a device as a selfie monopod.

First let's figure out what it is

Not everyone still knows what a monopod is. This is a special device used by camera owners that allows the photographer or videographer to free their hands from the weight of their equipment. It also allows you to focus as much as possible on the subject to reduce the noise level in the frame to a minimum. A monopod is a type of tripod that differs from its other “brothers” in that it has only one “leg”. That is why it is completely unsuitable for professional photography and video shooting. But for amateurs and beginners or owners of small compact equipment, this is an excellent option for fixing the camera at a certain level and distance from the subject of filming.

Today, an accessory such as a monopod for a phone, which is designed to take the previously mentioned selfies, is becoming increasingly popular. With it, such photos turn out to be much better and more colorful, that is, “photos of yourself” reach a new level.

How did the “selfie stick” come about?

If we take into account the fact that the past year simply became the “year of the selfie,” then it becomes quite clear why manufacturers began to produce such accessories. The demand for a monopod for selfies has exceeded all expectations, and photography enthusiasts have begun to do so even more actively. And despite the huge flow of criticism both towards “self-photos” and towards accessories for them, people are increasingly and more willing to create photos using such

It is clear that not only photos can be taken using such devices. The most viewed videos on the Internet over the past year, such as shooting a hurricane up close or videoing yourself on the tallest buildings in the city, were created by extreme sports enthusiasts - owners of such monopods.

How to use? Is this really necessary?

We have already figured out what a selfie monopod is and how it came to be. Now it’s worth finding the answer to the question of whether such a device is really a necessity, or is the desire to purchase it provoked by the excitement of modern people around “self-photos” and the bright advertising of accessories for them?

Indeed, a selfie monopod is not an essential thing, and you can take a photo using the “old-fashioned method”, but then there is no way to be everyone in the frame, and, no matter what anyone says, photo selfies have their own special energy, positivity, adrenaline. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to purchase a similar accessory for your smartphone, then it is worth doing, because a lot of vivid impressions and unusual photos will be guaranteed.

Maybe just buy a camera monopod and use it with your phone?

It is worth noting that a regular monopod for a selfie camera cannot be replaced. Firstly, their mounting methods are completely different, and secondly, a monopod for iPhone, for example, is developed specifically for the features of phones from this company, which means it will hold up very well, and you can really take a photo from any angle. And thirdly, such a telephone accessory is much lighter and more compact; it can be carried even in a small women’s handbag.

Special compact monopods for cameras

If we're already talking about tripods for cameras, then it's worth talking a little about such an interesting thing as a monopod for Gopro.

Gopro cameras today can be seen on many people who love to travel and take pictures of everything around them, or those who simply love to take photographs. The modern market is replete with a variety of small tripods for them. But a good monopod for Gopro must meet a number of certain characteristics:

It should be convenient: if you are going to buy such an accessory, then you should choose only one that fits well in your hand, is not heavy, so that you can easily manipulate it from different angles;

It must be reliable: a simple but reliable camera mount is what such a monopod must have;

It must be universal: the owner of such equipment often takes photos in the most unusual places, so the monopod must be universal in use in different shooting conditions.

Different monopods - different characteristics

For each individual buyer, you can choose the ideal tripod. The most popular today is a monopod with a button, which allows you to take photos by lightly pressing a button on the monopod itself or on the control panel that comes with it. This means that you will not need to put the photo on hold, but will have time to find the optimal angle. In addition, this way you can take many photos without interruptions or adjusting shooting modes.

For example, any modern monopod for iPhone or Android phones has not only a shooting button, but also others that allow you to control the process. And this happens thanks to the Bluetooth connection between the monopod and the smartphone.

Where is the best place to buy such devices?

Today, many sellers are ready to offer such phone accessories at a fairly affordable price. But in pursuit of imaginary savings, many make the mistake of agreeing to buy a monopod for a phone or camera of dubious quality and from an unknown manufacturer. Remember that a cheap accessory may simply not hold your equipment securely, and at a certain angle it will simply fall out of it.

So it’s better to buy monopods in good stores, where the concepts of “quality” and “guarantee” are not an empty phrase.

What else do you need to know?

Today you can buy a universal monopod that can interact with both Gopro cameras and phones. If you own both equipment, you can save a lot!

A good “selfie stick” has several levels of tilt and a secure attachment between the head and the sections of the tripod itself. The material from which the accessory is made is also important; it is better to choose aluminum models - they are light and reliable.

A monopod with Bluetooth connectivity will also need to be charged.

Now that you know exactly what a monopod is and how it can be used, all that remains is to decide which model you want to buy.