If you live by the idea that more is always better, you might want to rethink that philosophy when it comes to monopods.

While a tripod with three legs is going to provide more support for a camera than a single-post monopod, that doesn’t mean the tripod is always the better choice for your photography needs. A monopod allows photographers to hold the camera steady for almost any kind of shot, just like a tripod. It’s also easy to use and folds down to a small size, so you can carry it anywhere, unlike some bulkier tripods.

If you’re ready to give a monopod a try, we’ve put together all of the information you need to know to find the right one for you. If you’re ready to buy, check out our top monopod picks.

Monopods come in a few different designs and materials. Pay attention to these to find the best monopod for your photographic needs.

Materials: Extremely inexpensive monopods are made of plastic, so one might not last very long. More durable monopods are made of lightweight and tough aluminum or carbon fiber.

Sections: A typical monopod consists of telescoping sections, allowing the monopod to fold down to a short size for carrying. A unit with five or six sections folds down to a smaller size than one with three or four sections.

Feet: Occasionally, you’ll find monopods that include feet. The unit usually has three feet that extend out from the bottom to provide a bit of extra stability. When the feet aren’t needed, they fold back into the pole and out of the way.

Strap: Some monopods have a strap to make them easier to carry in the hand or on the shoulder. If you’re carrying a monopod with your camera attached, a strap can help you carry it securely.

You can find monopods in a wide price range. Hardware aimed at professionals costs quite a bit more than basic units.

Inexpensive: Beginner-level monopods cost roughly $15 to $35. These aren’t able to support a lot of weight, but they’re sturdy enough for average-size or smaller cameras. Light-duty monopods might be made of inexpensive plastic.

Mid-range: These monopods cost about $35 to $75. They are mostly aluminum and can easily support medium-size DSLRs and lenses. A mid-range monopod provides a good level of performance for most photographers.

Expensive: Professional photographers can spend $75 to $300 for a lightweight but sturdy carbon fiber or aluminum monopod. These monopods are also the longest, usually at least 68 inches.

The monopods above will fit the needs of a large number of photographers. However, if you’re seeking an extra feature or two, here are a few other monopods we considered. Those who are looking to shoot video with a big camera will appreciate the sturdy Manfrotto Xpro 5-Section Monopod. The carbon fiber supports a lot of weight, the sections lock tightly, and it has three mini feet you can extend for extra stability. Another heavy-duty but lightweight monopod is the aluminum alloy Dolica WT-1010 Professional Monopod. One of the longest monopods on the market is the Polaroid Heavy-Duty Monopod, which extends to 72 inches.

Q. Do I need a specific brand or model of monopod to pair with my camera?
A. Not really. The mounting screw or ball head on the monopod is made to fit almost any camera. If you’re trying to mount a smartphone onto the monopod, you might need a specific model, but traditional digital cameras should work with any monopod.

Q. What’s the best way to maintain good balance when shooting with a monopod?
A. When shooting with a monopod, you’ll want to recreate the balance you have with a tripod. Pair the contact points your feet make on the ground with the contact point of the monopod to create a balanced stance.

Q. What’s the best shooting height with a monopod?
A. If your camera has a viewfinder, extend the monopod until the viewfinder is at eye level. This allows you to capture spontaneous photos as quickly as possible. You can line up the photo in a hurry when using the monopod at this height. Shooting photos from a monopod feels natural with this setup.

Q. Should I change the height of the monopod for certain photo angles?
A. Should you need to shoot a photo above or below eye level, don’t count on having time to adjust the height of the monopod. Instead, learn to change the angle at which the monopod rests on the ground. To shoot upward, place the monopod leg away from your body and tilt the camera backward toward you. To shoot down, do the opposite. Then adjust your stance so you can see through the viewfinder while maintaining your balance.