Monopod best use: top tips for a stable set-up in all conditions

Welcome to our article on setting up and using your monopod for birding.

While tripods can be a very stable support system for your spotting scope or binoculars, they can also be bulky and cumbersome to carry around. That’s where monopods come in.

Monopods are lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making them the perfect support system for birding on the go. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps for setting up and using your monopod for maximum stability and support.

We’ll also provide tips for maintaining stability in different weathers and terrains. By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to getting the best, most stable views in birding with your monopod.

These are the areas we cover:

• Mounting your spotting scope or binoculars
• Adjusting the height of the monopod
• Holding and using the monopod
• Tips for maintaining stability
• Tips for using a monopod in different environments

Can a monopod stand on its own?

A monopod with what is effectively a small tripod at its base is the only type that can stand on its own. These types of monopods are typically designed for video.

They can also be used to provide additional stability for birding in tight spaces like a hide, or when you cannot carry a larger tripod. The small legs can be folded up for transport or when not in use.

Whatever optical instrument you are using, such as binoculars or a small spotting scope, will affect the balance of this monopod. So take care not to leave it standing by itself. It’s best to have a supportive hand on your monopod at all times, even if it has the more stable mini tripod base.

Most monopods, though, are not intended to be used as a free-standing support. They will not provide sufficient stability if you try to use them this way.

Generally, a monopod cannot stand on its own. It is designed to be used with the lower end on the ground. Meanwhile the top end supports the binoculars, supported by the user. Usually with one hand on the monopod leg and one hand on the optics.

How do I use a monopod?

Glad you asked. Let’s get started with the most important thing to remember about using a monopod.

The more points of contact a monopod has with a stationary object, the more stable it will be.

Many people’s instinctive way to use the monopod will be with it positioned vertically in front of them, with its foot placed at the midline of their body stance. While this is a common method, there are other, more effective positions.

What’s the best way to hold a monopod steady?

Let’s look at some common ways to create another point of contact (and therefore stability) to your monopod.

Pro tip: add a second point of contact to a stationary object

• Position your monopod or arm (or whichever body part suits best) against the solid object to reduce movement
• Example of stationary objects to lean against: tree, post, wall, fence, chair

When combined with the proper technique of holding the binoculars (more details here – Hold steady: how to stabilize binoculars without shaking) a monopod anchored against a solid surface can be an effective way to improve the stability of your equipment. It will make your birding experience more successful by giving you clear, steady views of your feathered subjects.

How to brace the monopod against a solid surface

To use this technique, find a solid surface such as a wall, rock, or tree stump at an appropriate height, depending on whether it feels more natural to use the monopod fully extended or shortened.

Position the monopod so that the bottom of the monopod is resting against the solid surface, and then lean it against the surface at a slight angle. This will create a stable base for your binoculars, and help to keep them steady as you scan the area for birds.

In these situations, you could also lean yourself against a tree or wall to make your own body more still and stable.

Now that you are aware of the need to look for solid objects in your environment to use as props for your monopod, let’s cover the basic instructions of how to set up the monopod.

Setting up the monopod

• Extend the monopod to the right height for you to view comfortably
• Lock each section in place.
• Attach the binoculars or spotting scope to the top of the monopod using a tripod head or other suitable mounting system. (We have full details on how to do this in this article – How to attach binoculars to a tripod – solved!)
• Gripping the monopod shaft with one hand, use the other hand to hold the binoculars or scope.
• Use a wrist strap or hand grip to support the monopod and prevent rotation (read on to discover how and why)

Pro tip for securing a monopod

It’s important to make sure that the locking mechanisms on the monopod are functioning properly. Clearly they are responsible for securing the monopod at the desired height.

These locking mechanisms can vary depending on the monopod you’re using, but they typically involve twisting, pushing or pulling a collar or lever to lock the legs in place.

It’s never a waste of time to double (or triple!) check that these locks are secured before attaching your pricey binoculars or spotting scope.

The best way to use a monopod without a stationary object as a prop

Because the monopod only has one leg, using another part of your body to hold it stable will make it more stable. We will talk about some different ways to do this, depending on whether you are standing or sitting.

We suggest that you try each of the techniques to see which is most comfortable and produces the best views. The main difference between them is where you put the bottom of the monopod.

Best use of the monopod while standing

Monopod technique 1: in front of level feet

For most people this is the most natural and effective placement of a monopod.

• Stand with feet apart, comfortably placed about the width of your shoulders
• Center the bottom of the monopod in between your legs, in front of you
• This creates a triangle shape between your own feet and the foot of monopod

That first method, using a monopod with the leg completely vertical between your feet is popular and seems logical.

This stance can be effective, especially on softer surfaces. But, surprisingly, it is not the most stable way to use a monopod.

Using one single point of contact between the monopod and a stationary surface is not the most secure method. There is a simple way to increase stability. That is just by adding a second point of contact with the monopod.

Monopod technique 2: staggered feet, against your foot

• Stand with hips angled and one foot slightly behind the other
• Put the bottom of the monopod against the instep of your back foot
• Angle the monopod towards your front leg, braced against it for added support
• Use the hand that’s on the leg to push the monopod into the ground
• Use the wrist strap to add extra stability, like the first method

This position works well for soft surfaces. There, you can press the foot of the monopod firmly into the ground.

Since the monopod is also braced against your own foot, the stance is also suitable for harder ground like rock or a paved surface.

Monopod technique 3: staggered feet, on the ground

• Stand with hips angled and one foot slightly behind the other, as in the previous stance
• Put the leg of the monopod between your legs. The foot of the monopod would be on the ground near to the back of your leading foot
• The leg of the monopod will be supported by your leading leg
• Make sure to push the monopod down into the ground, as before

This position is most suitable for harder surfaces. In places where the foot of the monopod is less able to grip or embed by itself.

Always ensure the clasps on the monopod leg are tight and functioning properly to avoid tipping forward.

Test each of these postures to see which one suits you best. The first is the only one where the leg of the monopod is vertical. With the latter two, where the leg is tilted, you will need to adjust the angle of the monopod head accordingly.

Adjusting the angle like this can be easier if you are using the monopod with binoculars or scope mounted on top of a tripod head rather than attached directly to the monopod.

We discuss this topic further in this article – Do I need a tripod head for my monopod?

Best use of the monopod’s wrist strap

While the most obvious function of the wrist strap is to carry the monopod, it also has another crucial role. Correct use of the strap increases stability and prevents rotation.

To make the monopod more stable, use the wrist strap to help push the bottom of the monopod into the ground.

Keep the wrist strap taut around your wrist as you grip the stem of the monopod. This minimizes any unwanted sideways swivel of the monopod rotating about its vertical axis.

The length of the wrist strap should correspond comfortably to where you can hold the monopod in a relaxed way. So you may need to adjust the wrist strap to get it at the most appropriate length.

Best use of the monopod while sitting

When it comes to using a monopod for birding with binoculars, one situation where it can be particularly useful is when you’re sitting down. Whether you’re perched on a bench at a birding hotspot or taking a break on a hike, using a monopod while sitting can help you steady your views.

Lightweight camping chairs or anglers’ stools can be helpful. Both to save your own energy, and to use your knees or thighs as props to rest your arms or monopod.

Where can I put the base of the monopod while seated?

• Rest the monopod on your thigh
• Lean the monopod against the arm or back of a chair
• Brace the monopod on the ground and rest your elbows on your knees

Some birders prefer to use a short monopod to mount their binoculars. This method allows them to rest the base on the ground, on their lap, seat or wheelchair for stability.

One benefit of this technique is that it’s possible to hold the monopod with one hand instead of holding binoculars with two hands. This is helpful and accessible for people who may experience tremors, or with reduced mobility in one arm or hand.

Best use of the monopod while it’s unextended

If you don’t extend the monopod fully, you can tuck the end in your pocket and brace the monopod against your chest for a very good platform. Not as good as a tripod but better than handheld; this also allows some movement and recomposition.

Experienced birders suggest using an unextended monopod with its base held in some kind of belt pouch. A hard-wearing holster, similar to what people use attached to their body to support the end of a fishing rod, could be a solution.

More pro tips to make a monopod more stable

If you are keen to find out how to make a monopod more stable, we have some further pointers to help secure clearer, less blurry views.

Embed the monopod in the ground

One way to make your monopod even more stable is to drive it into the ground. This technique works best in soft surfaces like soft earth, grass, sand, or dirt.

By simply driving the bottom of the monopod into the ground, you create a stable base for your monopod. This reduces the amount of shake or blur in your images.

Hopefully you wouldn’t feel it necessary to dig a deep hole, anyway! But consider that in some places, digging or cutting into natural resources is restricted or prohibited by laws.

So before cutting into the ground or any other surface, it’s always recommended to check and follow the rules of the area you are visiting.

This idea works best when the monopod has spiked feet. Some monopods come with alternative interchangeable feet. So you can use rubber or spikes depending on the surface where you are birding.

Best use of a monopod in windy conditions

Windy conditions are undoubtedly a problem for stability. Judicious use of a lower magnification set of optics, combined with a birding position that is as low as possible to the ground will help.

When it’s windy, bird watching using a monopod from a seated position is sensible. At all times, resting one hand on the top of the scope gives extra stability.

Putting a bean bag or other weight on the base of the monopod can also work.

Taking along a tough empty bag is a good idea, if it’s possible to fill the bag with dirt or stones to use as a weight in situ. Makes more sense than having to carry a weight along with you!

Best use of a monopod in wet conditions

• Keep an eye out for slippery or unstable surfaces and take extra care when setting up and using your monopod
• Use a protective cover or rain sleeve to protect your binoculars or spotting scope
• Consider using hand warmers or gloves to keep your hands warm and functional

We have further tips on using binoculars in rainy weather here.

Best use of a monopod on uneven terrain

When shooting on uneven terrain, it can be challenging to keep both yourself and the monopod in a comfortable aligned position.

In this situation, a tripod head is better than having the binoculars fixed directly to the monopod. This allows you to make small adjustments to the optics’ position and maintain a blur-free and level view.

For a full discussion of how a tripod head can improve your views, please see this article.

What monopod set-up is best for birding?

When it comes to birding and using a monopod, the top consideration is stability. Because birds often move quickly and unpredictably, try to have a monopod set-up that can keep up with their movements. Then it provides a steady platform for your binoculars or spotting scope.

A key aspect in setting up a monopod for birding is adding a secondary point of contact. Whether it be a tree, a post, a chair, a building, or a fence, having this stationary prop will greatly enhance the stability of your setup.

We hope you are interested in trying out the different stances we suggest. Good luck with finding out which one is most steady and effective…

Overall, using a monopod takes a little bit of practice and experimentation to master. By taking the strain off your arms and shoulders, though, it should save your energy and make for more comfortable birding.

Once you’ve got accustomed to it, though, a monopod can be very useful. It’s a great tool for achieving stable and relaxed views in situations where a tripod is not practical.