Minimum length
The length of the monopod when folded. First of all, ease of transportation depends on this parameter, although a fully folded design can also be used when shooting. It is also worth mentioning that a smaller folded length (for the same maximum length) can mean more sections, which complicates the design, increases its cost and somewhat reduces reliability.
The most compact modern selfie sticks when folded take
less than 15 cm, the largest ones can have a minimum length of
more than 30 cm(this is an inevitable consequence of the large overall length).
Maximum length
The longest length that the monopod can be extended to.
Longer length allows you to place the camera further away from the user and fit more space into the frame. It can also be useful when shooting in hard-to-reach places where you can’t just reach with your hand. Also, with the same minimum length, a larger maximum length means a wider range of distances available for a given tripod. On the other hand, the working size of the structure significantly affects its weight and price.
If we talk about specific numbers, then the shortest modern selfie sticks are up
to 50 cm long. A value of
51 – 75 cm is considered average,
76 – 100 cm is more than average, and in the longest models they can expand to
1 m or more.
Maximum load
Of course, you also need to take into account the weight of the case, box and other accessories installed on the gadget.
Most modern selfie tripods have a load capacity
of up to 0.5 kg, which seems modest, but for most smartphones and action cameras, more is not required.
0.5 – 1 kg is the average value, it is found mainly in models with the ability to install action cameras. Note that such a margin of safety already allows (with the necessary mounts) the use of classic cameras — compacts, many "mirrorless" and even some "reflex cameras" with relatively modest optics. And the most durable models can withstand more than more
than 1 kg ; this design can be useful both for a massive device and for a relatively light gadget — if you need a maximum margin of safety.
Action camera mount
Mounting method of the action camera provided in the appropriate tripod (see above).
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Clamp. Installation in a special clip for an action camera. It is worth noting that such a device differs markedly from the traditional lock for smartphones, which uses movable sponges. The clamp of this type has two slots into which special “ears” are inserted, placed on the box or body of the action camera. The "ears" have special holes into which a screw is threaded, fixing them in the slots. Thanks to this design, the mount is very reliable — which is important, given the specifics of the use of action cameras.
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Carving. A lock based on a threaded stud that is screwed into a hole on the camera body. This option is not inferior to the clamp described above in terms of reliability, however, for its use, action cameras must have an appropriate socket for a hairpin; it is not available in all models, and if it is available, it will not hurt to clarify compatibility. On the other hand, most often selfie sticks use a standard 1/4" tripod thread, on which you can install not only action cameras, but also traditional cameras (even SLRs in some models).
— Thread and clamp. Models that combine the two types of fastening described above at once. This combination usually looks like this: either the action camera itself or a platform with a stud for mounting the camera on the thread can be
...installed in the clamp. This is the most versatile option and is compatible with almost any action camera. On the other hand, such equipment increases the cost of the structure and somewhat reduces its reliability when used with a thread, and a variety of mounts is very rarely required — after all, usually a monopod is bought for a specific camera with a well-defined type of mount. Therefore, this option is less common than one type of attachment.End thread
The presence
of a threaded socket in the design of the tripod.
Such a socket is usually located at the end, on the opposite side from the smartphone / camera mount. It can be used both for mounting various accessories (for example, a folding tripod for transformation into a tripod), and for mounting the rod itself on other structures (for example, a traditional photo tripod). The thread, usually, has a standard size, but this size still needs to be specified separately.
