Many images will be improved if a monopod is used to stabilise the camera and lens. A monopod will not stabilise a camera to the same extent as a tripod, however it will aid significantly in obtaining sharper images. The monopod illustrated below can be used by itself or it can be used in conjunction with a tripod or monopod head shown below to assist in giving more freedom for camera movements.
The monopod gives much more freedom in crowded areas as it is much more manageable and does not get in the way of other people. The monopod will enable the photographer to take sharp images with shutter speeds which are two to four times slower than without the monopod.