No-one needs a monopod - provided they are not using a camera with a long lens on it to take pictures in dim light or over a long period of time. Or if they are not standing in the rain at a soccer game with a long zoom, or perched on the edge of a cliff following surfers, or standing on a Pelican case taking pictures of belly dancers for four hours...they can dismiss this column with a wave of their fingers. The fingers that are not numb from holding up a giant lens for four hours...
The rest of us would do well to listen up. If we are doing any of those things, the monopod is a very good idea indeed. It puts the weight of equipment that you were foolish enough to think you needed onto the ground rather than onto your forearms. You can swivel for the surfer, ball, or dancer by simply twisting about and no funny ball head or AA gun mounts are needed. You can have one hand free to scratch your nose, search for a hanky, or answer the phone while the other one and the monopod keep the assembly balanced*.
You can lean over in a crowd and prod people off balance with one. A particularly rewarding activity if you screw the rubber foot back into the body of the monopod to expose the sharp metal tip.
It doesn't have to be massive to be useful. The Promaster 1100 monopod is a three-section leg with clip locks and a rubber foot that you can take nearly anywhere. It has a sstandard 1/4" screw on the top and a wrist strap. It has a lifetime guarantee.
You could pair it up with any mirror-less or medium-sized enthusiast's camera and carry the outfit all day in comfort. You could also pack the camera away and use the monopod to jab your way out of embarrassing situations. Hey, it's your photography...
Also comes with a free shoulder bag for when you are travelling and is being sold for 25% off right now.
* Keep the camera strap over your neck for when you forget and let go with BOTH hands.
