Is a Selfie Stick Worth It? 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy One 

Selfie sticks might seem like a frivolous mobile or camera accessory. But for mobile photographers, the right angle can mean the difference between capturing the perfect shot or an awkward one. Let's see if selfie sticks deserve a spot next to your camera phone.

Who Should Buy a Selfie Stick?

The decision to buy a selfie stick will come down to the kind of mobile photography you like to do. A selfie stick is worth it if you:

• Want to improve your selfie photography skills.
• Want to take more stable shots and videos with more creative angles.
• Want to combine group shots with stunning landscapes without missing anyone.
• Are a solo traveler who wants to make travelogues without asking a stranger for help.
• Are someone who's outdoorsy and needs something lightweight and portable.

Who Shouldn't Buy a Selfie Stick?

While selfie sticks have inherent benefits, they may not be a great fit for everyone with a mobile camera. Give them a miss if you are:

• A casual mobile photographer and don't want to spend more on an accessory.
• A minimalist traveler who prefers to carry as little as possible on the road.
• Already have advanced photography equipment (like a tripod).
• Are shy and wouldn't like to draw attention to yourself in crowded spaces.

Why You Should Buy a Selfie Stick

Selfie sticks can boost your photographs and the memories you capture through the lens. When making a buying decision, consider the other benefits, too.

Wider Perspective for Shots

The most apparent advantage of a selfie stick is you can extend it in front of you. This broader perspective allows the camera to include more people or a panoramic background in a snap. You can extend the camera to include everyone, ensuring no one is cropped out. Hold it right, and you can even hide your extended arm from the frame.

Use the wider perspective for full-size selfies, too—for instance, you may want to show off a new dress head to toe.

Better Camera Control

Modern, bezel-less phones are sleek and slippery. Keeping the shot stable is tricky when your arms are extended outward at unnatural angles, resulting in blurry selfies. The selfie stick clamps the phone tightly, and the extensible arm is much more comfortable to grip.

The stability of selfie sticks is ideal for steadier shots, especially when combined with a Bluetooth shutter button on the stick's grip.

Safety for Your Phone

Imagine holding an expensive camera phone by your fingers when taking selfies solo or in a group. Contrast this with a well-designed selfie stick. The latter can provide added security and stability, reducing the risk of accidental drops and ensuring better control during photo and video shoots. Some models also come with wrist straps for extra assurance.

Easy to Carry

By design, selfie sticks are collapsible and lightweight. You can also deploy them faster than a tripod. Their compactness makes them take up little space in your bag; some can even fit into your pocket.

Can Double as a Tripod

Some versions come with tripod stands, so you have the best of both worlds. A selfie stick alone is quicker to set up and shoot with. A selfie stick with a tripod stand can be planted anywhere, is more stable, and is especially great for vloggers, enabling hands-free self-portraits and video recording.

The hands-free control is perfect for capturing time-lapse videos and long-exposure shots without any shakiness.

Why You Shouldn't Buy a Selfie Stick

If you're on a budget or prefer more minimalist gear, you may want to explore alternatives to a selfie stick. There can be a few other reasons, too.

Your Budget

Usually, selfie stick prices range from $20-$100. If you’re looking to save money (especially after buying an expensive phone), a selfie stick might be seen as a non-essential expense. But don't let money be the sole criterion. While high-quality selfie sticks can be expensive with extra features, many basic models are economical for anyone.

It Can Be a Distraction

Maybe you're a stealth street photographer or just someone who hates drawing attention. A protruding selfie stick is a magnet for pedestrian eyes. You shouldn't buy a selfie stick if you want to blend in and keep a low profile.

Prefer Alternatives to Selfie Sticks

Professional photographers with more advanced accessories like tripods, Gorilla Pods, pocket gimbals, and drones may not need the simplicity of selfie stick in their tool kit. Smartphone mounts are available if you don't want a smartphone-specific tripod. So, a selfie stick might be redundant for serious photographers.

Are Selfie Sticks Worth It?

A selfie stick may not be a good buy for the casual photographer. But if you are on the fence, try it out by borrowing one or buying a budget selfie stick. You will then have firsthand experience to guide your buying decision. When you feel that using a selfie stick has become a habit, consider the right model. A selfie stick's versatility has its benefits for enhancing the mobile photography experience.