Why I Use a Monopod

The diagram below illustrates three different viewing angles while using my power focus binoculars, pan/tilt head, and monopod setup. The three colored lines correspond to the height of the monopod for each viewing angle. To adjust the height of the monopod I simply release the adjustment lever and either raise or lower the monopod, and tighten the lever. This is very easy and quick as the levers are located near my hands when on my lap. To adjust the angle of the binoculars I grab the pan/tilt head lever as shown in the “down” image. Once I position my desired pan/tilt angle it will stay in place. This allows me to lower my hand so I can operate the power focus controls. Left and right viewing angle adjustment can be made by simply swiveling the monopod shaft.

This setup really works well for birding fast moving birds within treed or bushy environments. When using my power focus spotting scope on the same monopod/pan tilt setup, the adjustments are the same. My spotting scope is angled which requires raising the monopod height less when viewing in the upward position, and lower when viewing in the downward position.

I experimented around with building an articulated arm attached to my chair that would raise and lower. It worked fairly well but was not as responsive as this monopod setup.