Monopod or Tripod? (differences)

[martinturner]

3 legs versus 1 leg?

In what instances have you found using a monopod over a tripod really useful?

I am presuming long exposure shots really have to be done using a tripod as no matter how still you think you are holding the monopod its still going to move left/right?

Macro shots (using a zoom/macro lens), they often suffer from camera shake if not taken using a tripod. If I was to use a monopod would I still notice camera shake? Or again, is it a case that I should use tripod?

Want to get a sense of what is good for what and when? What benefits have you found from one over the other. Do you even use a monopod?

 

[martinturner]

Awesome reply thank you!

What about macro shots, if I am using a telephoto zoom/macro lens set on macro to a macro of something 1ft-3ft away? Monopod doable, or should I chose a tripod?

Trying to weigh up if buying a monopod would be of any use to me. I am borrowing a mates tripod at the moment, which has been great, but cumbersome as repositioning is frequent with the macro stuff.

EDIT: I dont plan on taking fast shutter speed sports shots, although my main reason to ask was that I was experimenting with fast shutter speeds catching water dripping onto an item in my kitchen sink last night. I found it pretty cool with the tripod, just cumbersome the adjustments. Was wondering if the monopod would have sufficed?