Travel

The MonoShot: A Versatile Tripod For Better Mobile Photos (Review)

Most professional photographers will tell you that if you want to improve your photography you have to start using a tripod. But what if you don't want to carry a heavy professional camera and multiple lenses with you? Well, the truth is, a mobile phone with a decent camera will probably do the trick in most day to day situations. However, if you want to improve your mobile photography, you might still need a tripod. And this is where the Monoshot comes to the rescue.

I was recently asked to review the MonoShot. I've never used a tripod for my iPhone before and I was really curious, so I said yes.

What is the MonoShot?

The MonoShot is a great combination between a monopod and a tripod, designed specifically for mobiles. It is a versatile tool for keeping your mobile steady and it includes a universal smartphone mount that works with all iPhone models as well as other smartphone devices and even the GoPro.

The MonoPod, the Tripod and the Spike

To a certain extent, I guess we could call the MonoShot a monopod. But the MonoShot also features three adjustable legs at its base for extra stability as well as extra height.

The MonoShot is made of machined aluminum and hardened steel and it looks professional and sturdy. Maybe this is not a fair comparison, but next to my DSLR tripod, it looks just as professional but much lighter and smaller. This doesn't mean it won't take space in my luggage, just not as much as my other tripod. So if before I always had to ask my husband to carry the tripod for me, with the MonoShot I feel confident I can carrying it around myself in the little bag that comes with it.

Now, to be honest, one of the things I was most excited about was the spike that can be pushed into any soft ground creating a stable base. This way the MonoShot can be used on all kinds of terrain, and it's simply great for taking family photos in the park or taking quality photos while wandering through the forest. I wouldn't trust the MonoShot with a storm, by it looks like it can handle the sea breeze just fine.

What about Selfies?

Included in the box is a universal Bluetooth shutter remote, which should work with all mobile devices. I've only tested it with my iPhone, but I loved how easy it was to take hands-free photos and videos with no need to rely on the self-timer of the mobile, which to be honest, can be tricky.

I'm not a patient model and if the wind happens to blow my hair in the face as the camera fires, forget about me posing for a second photo. But having a remote means that the model is in charge. So no need to smile for 10 seconds before the camera decides to fire and eventually end up with a smirk on your face.

Additionally, for selfie stick fans, removing the lower part and the MonoShot also doubles as an adjustable 1,5m 'selfie stick'.

Last but not least, the timer comes in handy for taking videos as well. I personally tend to hit my mobile pretty hard when I want to stop a video and this translates in a nasty shake at the end of most of my videos. Well, by using the remote to stop the videos, the shake is a thing of the past.

Disclaimer: I received a MonoShot to test for this review. All opinions are my own and based on my personal experience.

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