When shooting surf photography, you have three main options for supporting your camera: tripods, monopods, and handheld. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for the situation.
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Resources
- Recommended surf photography gear 2019 – I recommend the Manfrotto 294 series tripod as a good value option for surf photographers who need one
Tripods
Tripods are the most stable option, and they are essential for video and for shooting in low-light conditions. However, they are also the most cumbersome, and they can be a pain to set up and break down. If you are shooting from a single spot for a long period of time, a tripod is the best option. However, if you need to move around a lot, a monopod or handheld option may be better.
Monopods
Monopods are a happy medium between tripods and handheld cameras. They are more stable than handheld cameras, but they are also more portable than tripods. Monopods are a good option if you need to move around a bit, but you still want some stability.
Handheld
Handheld is the most portable option, and it allows you to be very mobile. However, it is also the most difficult to keep steady. If you are shooting in good-light conditions and you don’t need to move around a lot, handheld can be a good option. However, if you need to shoot in low-light conditions or you need to move around a lot, a tripod or monopod may be better.
Which option is right for you?
The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are not sure which option is right for you, I recommend trying out all three and seeing what works best for you.
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of each option:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tripod | Most stable, essential for video, good for low-light | Cumbersome, pain to set up and break down |
| Monopod | More stable than handheld, more portable than tripod | Not as stable as tripod, not as portable as handheld |
| Handheld | Most portable, allows you to be very mobile | Difficult to keep steady |