Tripod, monopod or handheld for bird photography?

In this video, we will go over some key questions you should ask yourself before deciding if you want to use a tripod, a monopod, or just hand hold your shots when doing bird photography. What do you think? What is your go-to?

Thank you for supporting me:

Buy gear from my affiliate links at OM SYSTEM store below: (Affiliated links)
Camera

Lenses
Macro lens:

Wildlife

Landscape/portrait/night/filming

[cameraprepper]

Years ago I used a monopod a lot for bird photography, but today I use my Sony A7RV with the Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports handheld, the Lens is very compact and light weight, very easy to operate and handle, I can hike with this combo in the nature for hours, carrying the combo set in my hands without problems. If I use tripod I use a big video head which works better than a gimbal !

[kenpeterson]

Good advice, I shoot mostly hand held with Z8 & 200-500mm..Take rests as needed..
Great Video..
Ken in AZ🌵

[j_taylor]

I haven't really considered using a monopod for birding, mostly because I tend to move around rather than wait patiently, and partly because when I do wait, a beanbag somehow seems easier to carry.
You've caused me to start using a monopod for macro, though. I now stop down a lot more for better depth of field.

Thanks for all you have given us, and congrats on reaching 10k!

[debsunderman]

You have touched all of my issues, I don’t take a tripod and then wish I had taken it. I do put a gimbal head on my monopod which works well too! I just hope I didn’t miss the AK diffuser give away!🎉 Love your u tubes!

[sue.Hoo]

I use a monopod if I’m in a hide, I find it useful to take the weight, but not too restrictive on changing angles/views. I have a bean bag, but it never seems to be the right height for the shelves/windows of the hides I visit. On a recent trip my monopod foot was braced against the bench I was sitting on, the foam grip against the shelf which was very stable and allowed me to wait for the Kingfisher to land on its perch without my getting tired, it was perfect 👌

[mondujar]

Great video, I need to get a monopod like that with feet. A good halfway point I think

[CheikoSairin]

Since I've been using the OM-System camera, I rarely use a tripod to take photos or even record videos. Thanks for sharing your video. I'm sending you a big LIKE from Singapore. I hope you have a nice day.

[PhillipMcCallum]

Good morning from Brisbane Australia, great video

[ImageMaven]

I can handhold for photos when birding with a long lens but I’m took shaky for video. It’s rare I use a tripod when birding but if I know I need video then I’ll take the monopod. But I have 2 monopods and one is super light so it’s great for hiking.

[christopherseymour]

Great video, thanks. I use a Colin Brister EasiGimbal on my monopod available here in the UK. So easy to use, use the monopod as a walking pole then just pop the camera on the cup and you are ready

[peterlamdin]

Very helpful video! I have really been working on my handheld skills (I also shoot OM Systems gear), especially as I'm often trying to photograph smaller birds. They move around way too much to use either a tripod or monopod. I do have a tripod that I use for landscape, and occasionally bring it if I'm photographing shorebirds (my tripod allows me to get very low to the ground). Thanks!

[cjk]

❤love the video I use the tripod for night photos

[systemanaturae]

For me doing mostly wildlife: Photos mostly handheld, Photos and Video monopod, Video preferably tripod - but some I shoot monopod and under certain special circumstances handheld. The monopod is very useful particularly when travelling overseas or have, as you say, a lot of walking will be required.

[JoeMaranophotography]

Get your hands on an Ifootage Cobra 3. Now that's a piece of kit!

[marksuddaby]

I have a monopod which also can be used as a tripod depending on the situation.

[jugstopper]

I am trying to go more handheld, but I think I drink too much coffee 🤪

[TimMann-nh]

What do you think of using a Platypod? I am going to Africa on a safari and really don’t want to bring a mono-pod or tri-pod.

[petersplatt]

What are your thoughts on using a monopod for macro? I find it increasingly difficult to keep unnecessary shake to a minimum although my EM5 has excellent stabilisation. Have yoused a tripod but it's very restrictive.