How to choose a selfie monopod - review of models with descriptions, characteristics, photos and prices. How to choose the right selfie monopod

Length
At this point, you should immediately focus on what you are going to use your selfie stick with: an action camera, a camera or a phone. The fact is that the lens of an action camera provides a fairly wide viewing angle for shooting, and if you shoot at a distance of 1 meter from yourself, your face will be poorly visible, so for such purposes the optimal length is 40-60cm (taking into account an outstretched arm) - in such cases, you need a monopod with adjustable length, which will allow you to adjust the required distance between you and the action camera. And in the case of phones and their cameras, you will need a maximum length of one meter - in this case, a monopod without length adjustment will suit you. For cameras, we also recommend purchasing monopods without length adjustment, since most of their lenses are not wide-angle.

Size
This point is directly related to rigidity (we will talk about it below). The fact is that the size of a monopod directly depends on its design for fixing the knees - the better the fixation, the more complex and larger the monopod itself will be. Therefore, if you are not involved in extreme sports or sports and want to place your monopod in a small purse or even a pocket, then you should pay attention to standard type monopods, without length adjustment.

Stiffness and weight
If you cannot live without sports and extreme sports, and also want to capture your successes with an action camera with a monopod, then you definitely need a monopod with rigid knee fixation and length adjustment. It’s good that manufacturers have already thought about you and have released wonderful reinforced monopods, the sections of which are fixed in the form of special “legs”, which are modeled after the design of professional tripods for cameras - such a system allows you to withstand weight up to 1.5 kg and does not allow the sections to scroll around its axis under the weight of the camera. It is clear that such monopods are suitable for all action cameras and heavy DSLRs. All other monopods will have difficulty coping with such weight and load, which will quickly render them inoperable. They can easily fit into a backpack or travel bag - their folded length is comparable to a 15-inch laptop.

Rust protection
Beautiful and shiny monopods beckon to you. But don't rush to buy them. First, think carefully about whether you will use this monopod in the following conditions:

  • Contact with sand, dirt and dust
  • Shooting in snow and rain conditions
  • Water diving (sea, swimming pools, saunas)
  • Constant active use in extreme situations
  • Filming in places of high humidity (at altitude, mountains, gorges, caves)
In view of these factors, a beautiful monopod that shimmers in the sun will quickly fail, since its sections are not treated with paint or a special composition that protects the metal from all oxidative processes. And its knee locking system, which is based on friction and cannot be adjusted in length, will stop working if sand or moisture gets inside, which will also cause rust to appear on all shiny areas.

Versatility and mounting base
Many monopods have the nice feature of a universal mounting base for standard cameras and traditional video cameras. But with the help of special

you can easily and securely attach any action camera or your phone to them. This makes it possible to assemble a whole set for different devices based on just one monopod. For your phone, you can always buy a special one separately. And .

The danger of monopods with a “button”
We do not recommend buying monopods with a built-in camera control button, since they have a built-in battery, which in 80% of cases quickly breaks down and cannot be replaced. It is much safer to buy

, since it has a removable battery that lasts more than 3 months, is sold at any Belzoyuzpechat kiosk and costs less than one dollar. And the remote control itself can be sent to a bunch of keys, items of clothing or a backpack thanks to a special “eye” on its body.

Monopods with a "folding" system
Inside such monopods there are plastic latches, which, when the section is turned to the right, unlock the section and allow it to be extended to a certain or maximum length, locking it in any desired position by turning the section in the opposite direction - to the left. The system is very practical and allows adjustment in length, but, as practice shows, over time and with very active use, the last lock of the section becomes loose and the section simply falls out, which leads to breakage of the monopod, so we recommend

, which have a knee fixation system like professional tripods.

conclusions
Therefore, if you are choosing a monopod, then ask yourself:

  • What will I shoot with him?
  • What conditions will the filming take place under?
  • What devices would I like to use for filming?
  • How heavy a load can a monopod bear?
  • How will I store or already store my filming equipment?
Our team is pleased to offer you the following popular models:

Reinforced monopod for action cameras, cameras and phones - you can purchase and see a review

:

Standard monopod for action cameras, cameras and phones - you can purchase and see a review

Recently, due to the incredible popularity of selfies, a huge number of devices have appeared that allow taking selfies at a new, improved level - these are monopods. The question “Which selfie monopod should I choose?” for many who want to purchase it remains unresolved.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a monopod?

  • Appearance. No scratches. Sturdy plastic. Neat seams.
  • The screw that secures the phone. There are two types: metric (only a phone is attached) and with an inch thread (you can attach both a phone and a camera).
  • Retractable mechanism. There are monopods with a rotating or retractable locking device. If your phone is heavy, then it is better to take one with a rotating mechanism, and if it is light, then any one.
  • Selfie stick height. Long sticks are used for panoramic shots, while shorter ones are suitable for portrait photos.
  • Weight. The lighter the better (especially if you are a girl). When taking a selfie, you need to think about the photo, and not about not dropping your monopod.
  • Strength. Please note that the stick must be strong. Who knows in what extreme conditions you will take selfies.
  • Selfie sticks can be wired or wireless. Decide which look suits or appeals to you.

Advantages of wired monopods

Such monopods are connected to the phone through the headphone jack. The shutter is released after pressing the button located on the handle. Does not require battery charging, once connected to the phone it allows you to take wonderful, unique photos. Connects faster. No need to charge. You must be careful with the connection wire so as not to damage it.

Bluetooth monopods (wireless)

Selfie monopod with bluetooth (wireless). To operate, you need to charge the battery or change the batteries. In terms of range of use, it is ahead of wired ones. Of course, because Bluetooth is turned on, the phone’s battery drains a little faster, but the advantage of such monopods is compatibility with both iPhones and Android smartphones. The shutter is released by pressing a button located on the handle or by pressing a key on a separate remote control. The presence of a separate Bluetooth remote control gives the photographer a lot of additional opportunities: the ability to shoot at a distance of up to 10 meters, install the phone on a tripod (tripod) to take better pictures.

What is a monopod (selfie stick)

To be specific, a monopod is a retractable long device, the handle of which is made on the principle of a telescope - that is, it is extended if necessary and compactly pushed back. At the end of the handle there is a holder for a smartphone. The handle itself may also have a leather or wicker loop for easy holding.

The stick is usually held in one hand by a person who wants to photograph himself from a further distance than the length of his arms allows. By adjusting the size of the handle extension, you can take pictures at different distances from the subject. With a well-chosen angle, a photo from a monopod cannot be distinguished from a photo taken by another person from a distance. This does not require the help of third parties or spending time on preliminary training in how to use your camera. The folded stick has a small size and weight, which allows it to be convenient for various hikes and trips.

The smartphone is attached to the handle and allows you to take pictures from a distance

Monopods are divided into two types: wired and wireless.

  • Wireless ones connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The photographing distance in this case will be limited by the length of the monopod handle.
  • Wired selfie sticks have a connector where the wires connecting the stick and the smartphone are connected. Phones usually use headphone jacks to connect wires. This method of photography allows you to take photos without additional recharging.

Some monopods, for example, z07 5 Kjstar, are equipped with an additional mirror, which allows you to take pictures not with the front camera, which often has less good quality, but with the rear one.

How to connect and configure a monopod for an Android smartphone

Before purchasing a selfie stick, you should make sure that it is suitable for your phone. Despite the apparent simplicity of this device, not all of them are compatible with Android devices and not all of them are suitable for the shooting style to which the amateur photographer is accustomed. For example, some may find it inconvenient to take photographs without pressing a button on the monopod, but through the option of holding the shutter and pre-setting the timer each time you need to take a photo. You should definitely try out the convenience of the stick and its extension in the store by seeking help from a qualified sales consultant.

Video: about the features of different types of monopods

When the process of choosing the most suitable monopod model from the many offered by stores is finally completed, you need to carefully read the instructions for connecting and setting it up. This must be done in order to accurately understand all the details of the functioning of the monopod, as well as the expected difficulties in its use. Otherwise, a pleasant and easy trip with the intention of photographing yourself and your company may result in unnecessary inconvenience with the camera equipment.

Connecting a monopod consists of three main stages: assembly, configuration, connection.

Monopod assembly

For ease of further handling of this device and getting good pictures, you should devote time to the initial stage of assembling the monopod. This step will ensure the smartphone remains stationary and prevents it from falling out of the mount.

  • Choose the most suitable mount size for your smartphone.
  • Place the mount on the end of the monopod.
  • Place the phone inside the mount and secure it well. Carefully move the monopod in different directions with an inclination to check the quality of the fastening. You should not neglect this method if you value your smartphone, because when taking photographs in a crowd you may be accidentally pushed or hit, and then a strong hold will protect your phone from falling.

Setting up the selfie stick

After selecting a good mounting position, it's time to configure the smartphone to interact with the monopod.

  • Turn on your smartphone camera and go to its settings.
  • In settings, find the volume key option, then assign the camera function to this key.

Connecting a monopod to a phone

Now the most important part is to “make friends” with the monopod and your smartphone.

To connect a wireless selfie stick, you will need to activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and search for nearby devices. In the search, you need to select the detected selfie stick model and establish interaction. You can then take pictures by pressing a button on the monopod.

Wired monopods connect a little differently. You need to connect the wire supplied with the monopod to the headphone jack of your smartphone. Insert the second end of the wire into the corresponding hole in the selfie stick. This will ensure that the monopod recognizes the phone.

Possible problems with filming: their causes and solutions

Even after the most careful selection of a device and testing it in different situations, unexpected problems may occur during operation. It’s better to understand in advance how to quickly deal with them, so that a pleasant moment of photographing does not turn into dissatisfaction with the manufacturers and a ruined trip without pictures.

The button does not work: connecting a smartphone via wire or bluetooth

So, you got ready to shoot, got into a beautiful pose and are trying to press the monopod button, but nothing happens. A very offensive situation. This can happen if you didn’t take the choice of a stick seriously enough, or maybe you just got it as a gift. The reason is that there are a great variety of devices based on the Android OS, as well as the number of monopod models. There are incompatible combinations - that is, the smartphone incorrectly receives the signal sent by the monopod. Often this problem can be solved by installing a special application called SelfieShop Camera, available in the Play Market application store.

To correct the situation:


Doesn’t take photos, but turns up the sound/There is a photo signal, but the device doesn’t take photos

The next common problem is changing the volume instead of taking photos.

  1. Go to the camera settings on your smartphone (via the standard camera application).
  2. We find the item “Action on the volume key” (Volume Key), then change its function to “Shooting”.
  3. Testing the operation of the monopod

Other common problems and what to do about them

Why the monopod does not work with a smartphone: software incompatibility

There are other difficulties when using a monopod. For example, it is simply incompatible with your smartphone model. Most often, incompatibility may occur with Alcatel, Sony phones and wired monopods.

This problem is a consequence of an unsuitable headphone jack in the smartphone. To be precise, the connector is a combined one and is intended for a headset, that is, for headphones with a microphone, so the plug of such a connector should have four contacts, not three. And manufacturers of selfie sticks often save on plugs by using three-pin ones.

There can be two solutions here:

  1. For incompatible phones (except Sony brand), a regular adapter from three to four pins is suitable.
  2. Owners of Sony smartphones will have to try, as phone manufacturers have resorted to a trick designed to encourage buyers to purchase only “native” headsets of the same brand. They changed the order of the wires in the gadget connector, that is, a regular adapter will not solve the problem, you need to look for another one. Thus, if your monopod is equipped with a high-quality plug with four contacts, but the phone does not see it, then the problem is in the order of the wires. Just to be sure, try connecting the monopod to a smartphone of a different brand; if the shooting is normal, then it’s a problem with the wires. In this case, you will have to buy a 4 to 4 pin adapter with a different pinout (pin order).

Failure of the monopod photograph button

Yes, this can also be a common reason for the monopod not responding to pressing the shooting button. Poor quality buttons break quickly. You can take the monopod in for repairs, but this will take time. In this case, the problem can be completely solved in a faster way, which, however, is not convenient for everyone and can only be considered as a temporary solution.

Both options are available through the settings of the regular camera application on your smartphone.

  • Timer shooting is a delayed release function, when the timer on the smartphone is set for a time sufficient to move the monopod to a distance and take a beautiful pose.
  • Continuous shooting - the smartphone automatically takes several pictures in a row, without having to press a button before each one.

What apps are there for the selfie stick?

If the standard camera options are not enough, you can install additional applications on your smartphone, available in the Play Market application store.

SelfieShop Camera

The application is not only convenient for taking photographs, but also helps to troubleshoot some problems, such as the lack of connection between the monopod and the smartphone. Through this application, you can take photographs using both a wired and Bluetooth monopod. The application is very simple and easy to understand, but this is also its main drawback. It does not have video shooting, there is no photo editor, but the application weight is only about two megabytes.

To take a photo, connect your smartphone to the monopod via cable or set up interaction via Bluetooth, launch the application, point at the subject and press the button on your monopod responsible for taking a photo. If necessary, you can change the photo parameters in the left side menu - such as brightness/contrast, frame size, exposure value and others.

The SelfieShop Camera app is very simple and convenient for monopod owners

How to use Retrica

One of the most popular applications, loved by many owners of a monopod and just a smartphone thanks to an extensive collection of filters (more than 100 pieces), which can be applied in real time even before pressing the shutter button on the camera. In addition to the ability to add effects to a photo, the application has a photo editor in which you can change the parameters of the resulting photo in more detail.

Before connecting the monopod to your smartphone, you should understand the application settings and its capabilities.

Click on the gear icon in the upper left corner of the screen after launching the application. This will take you to its settings.

Application Settings

The first settings block “Save to” is responsible for the location where the photographs taken will be saved. “Camera Roll” - saving to the phone’s image gallery. “Retrica Album” is an album of Retrica images that will be created automatically.

More useful options:

  • “Touch Sound” - disable touch sound;
  • “Add Geo Tag” - adding a geotag to a photo;
  • “Watermark” - erasing Retrika’s watermark from a photo.

After launching the application, the object being photographed is displayed, to which the selected filter is instantly applied, even before pressing the shooting button.

Of the tools located on the orange stripe, there are:

  • Changing the frame size (you can take more than one photo, but a collage at once, the function is implemented very conveniently - after releasing the camera shutter, the camera will take a number of pictures equal to the number of squares in the collage);
  • The button with a circle in a square adds a vignette to the photo (makes the edges darker);
  • The drop icon activates the blur mode for the entire area except for the one selected by touching the desired place in the photo;
  • The square image on the next button is responsible for selecting a frame for the photo;
  • The timer icon controls the automatic shutter release time and allows you to set the interval between photos.

There are also a number of tools on the gray bar at the very bottom of the application.

  • The film icon allows you to view the photos you have taken in the album and proceed to editing the photo;
  • Crossed arrows represent sequential filter selection (that is, the filter changes after each click on the arrow icon).
  • Three circles - manual selection of the effect.

The basic functions of the application are free, but for the ability to edit photos after shooting, you will have to pay, that is, upgrade the application to the PRO version. Moreover, you can discover that the function is paid quite by accident - the editor itself allows you to process a photo, but you can save the resulting processed photo only in the PRO version.

After you try all the features of the application, you can safely connect the monopod to your smartphone and take pictures by pressing the button on its handle.

Error “PIN or password entered incorrectly” when connecting a monopod

Another problem that a monopod owner may encounter is the appearance of a pin code or password error. This most often occurs with monopods connected via Bluetooth.

Share with your friends!

Selfie sticks, also known as selfie sticks, are not the invention of the sick mind of an Instagrammer. These devices have migrated to the masses from accessories for professional photography, where a selfie stick is called a monopod. And one is needed not only to pound selfies at every convenient opportunity: the stick will help you get the right angle, it’s easier and better to shoot video with it, and you can also fit your entire large family in one photo without the need to trust your smartphone to a stranger. That is, yes, we are still stunned by people walking around the city with a monopod, smiling stupidly at the camera and talking to a double on a smartphone. Selfie sticks are also used by adequate people - so let’s find you the right selfie-monopod!

5 main criteria: how to choose a selfie stick for your phone or action camera

  1. Connection method and supported devices.
  2. Design.
  3. Assembly.
  4. Control.
  5. Additional accessories and features.

Deciding which selfie stick to choose always depends on these five points. Dig into the characteristics and do not take the first cheap monopod that comes to hand. This is a one-time purchase due to poor build quality or lack of connection to your smartphone. Principleno matter what stick you take, any one will do we exclude it immediately. This is wrong.

Connection method and supported devices

There are two ways to connect a selfie stick to a smartphone - wired and wireless. Wired - uses a 3.5 mm headphone jack; wireless - via Bluetooth.

Pros of a wired connection:The simplest and fastest way to connect, the price is lower than that of BT monopods, the operation of such a stick does not depend on the charge of the built-in battery - use it as much as you want.

Minuses: Your smartphone recognizes the selfie stick as a connected headset, which means if the stick does not have a built-in microphone, you will not be able to record video with sound. In 30% of cases - this applies to Chinese products - even the “microphone” stated in the characteristics does not guarantee sound recording, so it is better to check the option when purchasing. The simplest model of selfie stick may not have a shutter button on the handle - you will have to set the delayed shooting/countdown timer on your smartphone. And this is inconvenient. And if there is a button, then it is connected to the smartphone with a wire stretched the entire length of the telescopic stick - cheap wires are short-lived.

Yes, yes, we write a lot of banal things. Just keep in mind that there is no free cheese - everything cheap will sooner or later lead to compromises.

Popular sticks with a wired connection are the iStabilizer Selfie Stick Smartphone Monopod, KJStar Z07-7, Revo Adjustable Selfie Stick and EXOGEAR ExoPod, although there are many more new sticks in this category.

Pros of wireless connection:There are no requirements for the microphone in your smartphone to work - there will always be sound on the video! A wireless connection is an advantage in itself. There are models with a remote control - and sometimes this is a plus: the remote control works without a selfie stick, so we place the smartphone on a tree/pebble, move away, strike a pose - and take a photo by pressing a button on the remote control. We'll talk about controlling the selfie stick below.

Minuses:Selfie sticks with Bluetooth connectivity have their own batteries. They need to be charged on time. Set a reminder so you don't go for a walk with a useless stick. It happens that a smartphone cannot synchronize with a stick via Bluetooth - the devices are different, and so are the BT modules. Saves Sometimes updating the firmware on your smartphone, installing additional software and dancing with a tambourine around the monopod.

Popular models: Polaroid Selfie Stick Bluetooth, REKAM SelfiPod S-600M, GoTech Stealth Bluetooth Selfie Stick, iBower Wireless Smartphone Selfie Pod and others.

A wired connection also does not always work perfectly and it is not always possible to get reciprocity from the selfie stick the first time. We’ll probably write about connection and configuration problems in a separate article.


If the characteristics of the stick indicate which smartphones it connects to - for example, the supported Bluetooth modules, operating system version, and even smartphone manufacturers are indicated - consider yourself lucky, and you can quickly and accurately figure out whether this is suitable for your phoneextension. But more often you only have to guess about compatibility or scour forums in search of an answer - will it connect or not?!

For example, the REKAM SelfiPod S-450W monopod connects to devices with Bluetooth 3.0 and higher (therefore, with a high degree of probability: you will be able to connect). The model is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

By the way, for iOS devices you don’t need any special monopod. How to choose a selfie stick for iPhone? Yes, just like a regular one - the main thing is that support for the operating system is listed in the model description.

Design

Length.To take normal selfies, the minimum length of the monopod should be 1 meter. Typical characteristics: working length up to 130 cm, folded length - 25-30 cm (for example, UFT SS1 - 106 and 23 cm, and Qub SS-960 - 132 and 33 cm).

Record-breaking monopod - FastCap Tech Stealth iPole - XL, extendable up to 275 cm. Truefoldit can only be up to 105 cm. Pocket XShot is its opposite, the model fits on the palm with a length of 16.5 cm (the maximum length of the stick is 77.5 cm).

Weight.Some models weigh a wretched 78 grams, others more than 300 grams. In the first case, one can only guess about the quality of the build and the materials used...

A heavy monopod is a strong monopod. But you have to walk around with it all day, carrying a 200-gram smartphone at arm's length. Can you take this walk?

The average weight of monopods is 150-170 grams, this is enough so that the stick does not break in half under the weight of the smartphone, and so that your hand does not break, moving the 0.5-kilogram structure to the side all day for taking selfies.

Number of sections.The fewer links, the better - our subjective opinion. Monopods are often produced with 4-6 telescopic sections. But what is important is not even the number of sections, but how they are fixed relative to each other.

The worst option is no fixation at all. Found in the cheapest selfie sticks. Stick will notit will work out, but the links will rotate under the weight of the smartphone (especially if you have a 6-inch camera phone like Xiaomi Mi Max). That is, we fix the smartphone, move our hand, and it “falls” down due to scrolling, even though you were holding the monopod handle tightly. It's a shame.

The minimum for fixation is the presence of grooves on the links, or better yet, special clips; they make it easier to adjust the length of the stick, and even if you attach the camera to a monopod, it won’t spin.

Smartphone mount.This has its limitations. For example, will the same 6-inch phablet fit into the holder? Most monopods work without problems with smartphones with a screen diagonal of 4-5.5 inches, but before purchasing it is better to check what the minimum and maximum opening of the holder is (for example, 5.5 and 8.5 cm, respectively, for the UFT SS1 model and 48/89 mm for the iOttie MiGo Selfie Stick model).

A nice bonus is that the platform with the smartphone holder is removable, and the model has a standard mount for cameras and action camera platforms. Such fasteners come with metric and inch threads. All photo and video equipment is adapted for inch. You can screw anything onto a metric one only with an adapter, and even then the design does not inspire confidence.

Assembly

We have already touched on this point in part above. Each selfie monopod has a limitation - what is the maximum weight of the smartphone the model is designed for. For example, the typical weight of a selfie-on-stick device is 200 grams. Critical - 500 grams. That is, you can mount a smartphone, an action camera, and even your pocket point-and-shoot camera on such a monopod, but to mount compact video cameras and DSLR cameras, you need to look for the appropriate models (they exist, by the way, although they cost like gold).

Control

Monopods come without controls (we set up the smartphone for delayed shooting), with control keys on the handle and with control keys on the remote control. The first group of sticks is from the last century, let's move on to more practical solutions.

The handle may have one or more keys. If there is only one button, press it tofindBluetooth smartphone and establish a connection, press a second time to take a photo or record a video. If the smartphone is connected via a headphone jack, everything is the same, but without searching for BT.

Additional buttons control zoom and sometimes focus.

The third option is monopods with remote control. Well, that's the solution. If you don’t decide to shoot by attaching a monopod or smartphone somewhere and moving 10 meters away for the shot, you will hardly find it comfortable. Judge for yourself: hold the selfie stick with one hand, press the button on the remote control with the other, or entrust this task to someone else.

Plus, remember - if the remote control is not attached to the monopod, the remote control tends to get lost.

So it’s easier and more convenient to control shooting from the stick handle.

Oh, there is another way to take pictures - give voice commands to your smartphone. If it supports voice control, of course. Voice control, if it is not in your stock photo application, can be used by installing additional software from the Play Market or App Store.

Additional accessories and features

If the selfie stick has an inch thread and a removable platform for a smartphone, you can even attach a box to it for underwater shooting on an action camera. This mount greatly expands the possibilities of using a monopod, if you need them at all.

Monopods for shooting action videos can have a removable handle and helmet mount, adapters for mounting different cameras, including GoPro, all kinds of holders for changing hand positions, stabilizers, and zooms.

A popular almost everyday accessory is a tripod to use a monopod as a tripod.

There are also models that are completely out of the ordinary - like the FastCap Tech iPole Trekking Pole, for example. It is used as a selfie stick, and when folded - as a trekking stick for hiking and long walks. It’s a strange combination, let’s say right away.

Would you rather save money and buy the cheapest monopod, because “it’s not an accessory at all, but a toy”? Or would you still invest a couple of thousand rubles in the purchase?

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Elizabeth

Without a twinge of conscience, I ask for “phone numbers” from guys and girls I don’t know well. To check whether the lock button fits comfortably under your finger and whether the autofocus works quickly :) I would like to visit MWC and conduct a live blog from the thick of things.

A selfie stick (monopod) is a modern accessory that can be universal or created for a specific gadget manufacturer. However, owners of smartphones with the Android operating system very often have problems - in standard mode the Bluetooth button does not function, the volume is added instead of taking photographs, there is photo sound, but there is no photograph. For every problem that arises, there is a solution.

Selfie stick and its types

A selfie stick is a modified monopod for a camera, a device for a smartphone that allows you to take a selfie at a distance beyond arm's length. What types of this invention exist at the moment?

Classic folding selfie stick

The classic type of monopod was the very first to enter the consumer market. This is explained by the simplicity and accessibility of the device, which expands from 20 centimeters to a meter in length. At the top of the monopod there is a mount for a smartphone.


The classic monopod is easy to use and minimal in its functionality

To take a selfie using this device, you need to install the phone in a special mount, turn on the timer shooting mode, choose a good angle and wait for the shutter button to automatically release. That's it, the selfie is ready! If you purchase a remote control for your phone, you can take a photo using a special button on it.

Monopod connected via headphone jack

The developers of modern phones have provided a camera release function using a cord connected through an audio jack - it was this nuance that was used when creating the next type of monopod.

Wired monopod connects to smartphone via headphone jack

The monopod connects to the phone via a 3.5 mm jack, and no additional steps are required to start using the device. When folded, its length is 20 cm, and when unfolded it is 90 cm. The main advantage of the monopod is the ball mount on the top, which allows you to install the smartphone at any angle or tilt it to the side.

Wireless monopod with button

A wireless device is the most common; it looks like the very first type of monopod, but has several features:

  • the presence of a Bluetooth transmitter, thanks to which a wireless connection is carried out;
  • fast battery charging;
  • An advanced smartphone mount that holds it on both sides.
  • To start a photo shoot, you need to turn on the monopod, establish a connection via Bluetooth, secure the phone, activate the Camera application, select a frame and press a special button on the selfie stick.


    The presence of a Bluetooth sensor on the wireless monopod allows you to take selfies without any extra effort

    The monopod was invented by the Japanese in 1995, who also considered it the most useless invention. However, in 2014, the selfie stick was recognized as one of the best gadgets.

    Multifunctional monopod

    It would seem that nothing new can be found, but a multifunctional monopod has appeared that can be installed permanently and also controlled remotely. This device consists of four parts:

  • smartphone holder,
  • handle with control buttons,
  • folding stick,
  • tripod (tripod) for placing a stick on the surface.
  • The gadget has a Bluetooth transmitter and a built-in battery; on the handle, in addition to the usual “Take Photo” button, there is the ability to control proximity (+/-). The handle with buttons can be used as a telephone remote control. The smartphone is installed as standard, as on other monopods.

    Using the tripod included in the kit, you can install the selfie stick permanently. And you need to control the phone, which is installed on a tripod, with a remote control (handle) at a distance of up to ten meters.


    Using the included tripod, you can install the selfie stick permanently

    To start photographing yourself using a monopod, you need to turn on Bluetooth on your phone, connect the devices wirelessly, install the phone on a special mount, and launch the Camera application. And you can start taking selfies.

    Connecting a selfie stick to an Android phone

    Connecting a selfie stick to your phone varies depending on its type. Wired and wireless monopods have their own connection nuances.

    How to connect a wired monopod

    To connect a wired selfie stick on Android, you need to change the functionality of the volume buttons:

  • Launch the Camera app on your phone.
  • To open the settings, you need to click “Next”, then select “General settings” and then the “Setting volume keys” section.
  • Now you need to adjust the settings in accordance with how the monopod functions when the “Camera” is active on the device.
  • If the standard photography program does not allow you to change the functionality of the shooting keys, then you need to replace it with others. For example, Camera FV-5 - the application has a large number of settings. But to install the monopod you need to do the following:

  • Download and install the Camera FV-5 program.
  • Go to “Settings” and change the functionality of the keys.
  • As an option, you can also offer SelfiShop Camera - a regular application that will take up a small amount of internal memory. A big plus is the ease of use, you just need to install the application, by default all the keys are configured to take selfies.

    Video: how to connect a wired monopod

    How to connect a wireless selfie stick

    Setting up a wireless monopod is much easier:

  • Turn on the monopod.
  • Activate Bluetooth on your phone.
  • Use the search to find a monopod and connect to it.
  • It is better to rename the monopod on your phone so that it can be easier to identify later.

    Video: how to connect a wireless monopod

    Problems during the operation of a monopod and ways to solve them

    During the process of connecting and setting up the monopod, as well as during its operation, problems or errors may occur. They are quite easy to eliminate.

    Table: possible problems when working with a selfie stick and their solutions

    It is worth considering that if, when pairing devices, the message “Invalid PIN code or password entered” is displayed, then the monopod is not suitable for use on your smartphone. The problem rarely occurs, but it is recommended to check the monopod for compatibility with the phone, as the problem can cause OS malfunctions.