Since you have to just hold the camera still, do these actually make much difference ?

Depends on the scenario. If youre planning on plonking the monopod down and balancing the camera on top, they might not help that much, but then if you brace the monopod leg against something it can become much, much sturdier. Ive wedged mine in a few rocks before to good effect, but mine is more a walking stick with a camera thread attachment.

In good day light I would say probably not as the conditions allow you to get quick shutter speeds, in lower light they are more beneficial and give that bit of extra sturdiness, try actually holding a camera steady at a low shutter speed.

Like Zpyder I use it as a walking stick, and has the Manfrotto quick release head so I can switch between that and the tripod easily.

But... I dont use it as much as I should and I would question if it was worth spending the money, you can get by with freehand and a tripod, the mono pod covers the small gap in between

depends, if you have a really heavy lens on the camera it would probably help.. even if it just takes the strain off your wrists

For a 300mm+ lens having a monopod helps. Mostly mine is used as a walking aid but it does keep the camera at a set hight for panoramas too.

Key question is probably why use a monopod and not a tripod?

Quote from: BigSoyKey question is probably why use a monopod and not a tripod?

Setup time, maneuverability, space... theres plenty of reasons