You can have the best camera out there, but if you don’t have a reliable tripod, it could mean the difference between okay shots and great pictures. Tripods provide a stable platform, allowing photographers to carefully frame and compose shots, conduct long exposure shots, and use heavier lenses. Because cameras are so advanced these days, even many professional photographers may opt not to use a tripod, but there are plenty of choices for those needing the extra hand. Which tripods are right for beginners, and which stand out for professionals? We’ve done the research and have a list of the best camera tripods for a range of skill levels.
Whether you’re a tripod enthusiast or not, if you’re a pet owner, your phone’s feed is likely filled with snapshots of your furry companion. A survey reveals about one-third of pet owners have more pictures of their pets than their children or partners on their phones. This pet-centric phenomenon is highlighted by the fact that the average pet parent captures over 400 images of their pets each year.
Additionally, most of our time spent during special events is spent taking photos. A recent study shows the average person spends 40 percent of parties and big moments snapping shots. Investing in the proper camera equipment can take your photography skills to the next level, whether for pet photoshoots or capturing those special moments you want to remember forever.
When choosing a tripod, consider how light, durable, and adjustable it is. Also, make sure it can handle uneven terrain, has interchangeable heads, and folds easily. Dealing with a tripod that’s stubborn to pack up can be frustrating, especially after a long day of shooting. With the help of camera experts, we’ve selected the top seven best camera tripods that will help turn you into a professional and give you the perfect shots. Did we miss a favorite? Comment below.
The List: Best Camera Tripods, According to Experts
1. Peak Design Travel
Everyone seems to love this tripod, even though the carbon version is pricey. “The Peak Design Travel Tripod isn’t just useful for travel,” writes Digital Cameral World. “It packs down to just 39cm in length, so it’s easy to carry on outings and when hiking across the country, but it also extends high enough to work as a regular everyday tripod, and it has all the rigidity of a regular tripod too. The low-profile ball head is simple but brilliant, there’s a phone holder hidden inside the center column. It’s certainly no bargain, even the aluminum version, but for its combination of design finesse, compactness, and rigidity, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is out on its own.”
Space adds, “The Peak Design Travel Tripod is an impressively compact tripod that caters to photographers of all genres, not just astrophotography enthusiasts. Its sleek and clever design maximizes space efficiency, leaving no wasted room. This tripod’s super-sleek and compact package allows it to effortlessly fit into a daypack or your luggage, making it a great choice when space is limited. It’s a versatile solution that ensures convenience and ease of transport.”
According to CNET, “Its ball head is quick and easy to use, it’s sturdy enough to hold a Canon 5D MkIV DSLR with 24-70mm lens and it comes with its own grip so you can mount your phone on the tripod that tucks away inside the central column. It’s all extremely well thought-out and feels reassuringly sturdy — I certainly have no concerns about its ability to handle a rough-and-tumble life on the road.”
2. Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB
Struggling to get the perfect shot? Lifewire says, “The flexibility of this might change how you shoot. Its 26-millimeter three-section aluminum alloy legs adjust to 25, 50, and 80-degree angles, and the central column can adjust from 0 to 180 degrees, which is helpful for macro photography and wide-angle shots. It’s also packed with other valuable features, including a quick-flip leg lock, an instant swivel stop-and-lock (ISSL) system allowing quick repositioning of the central column, and a removable hook for hanging camera accessories.”
“The Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB is a full-size tripod with three sections, so it doesn’t fold down that small but it’s quick to set up and reaches a good height,” according to Digital Camera World. “It doesn’t feel that heavy for an aluminum tripod, and if you want to shave off a little weight, there is a carbon fiber (CB) version that’s only a little more expensive. The design and build are first class, the angled column works brilliantly and all the controls and adjustments have a smoothness and precision that you would expect to cost a lot more than this. If you don’t need portability but you do need height, adaptability, rigidity, and quality, this is ideal.”
Space says, “If you don’t plan on walking too far with it, it’s a great affordable option that provides a lot of versatility with the ability to shoot very low to the ground, is sturdy and reliable.”
3. 3-legged Thing Punks (Various Models)
Space calls this “A premium tripod with the price tag to match, but a fantastic option if you’re looking for durability and quality. It can support heavy loads and folds down incredibly compact.”
“All three of the 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 carbon fibre legs can be unscrewed and converted into a mini tripod with the addition of the option Vanz footwear,” according to Amateur Photographer. “There is also an option to attach one of the legs to the centre column to create a monopod or a microphone boom.”
GearLab writes, “The 3-Legged Thing Punks Travis boasts incredible load capacity in a durable, lightweight package. This aesthetic, genre-bending option has excellent packability that allowed us to hoof it up the trail without needing a bigger pack or bigger thighs to get our camera gear up a mountain.”
4. Benro Mach3
“The popular Benro Mach3 tripod is only the legs. But pair it with Benro’s top-selling GD3WH 3-way geared head, and you have a winner,” according to Expert Photography. “This is for photographers who need stability and precision adjustments. The tripod is solid and sturdy with a quality feel. The Mach3 comes in carbon fiber or the less expensive aluminum versions. You have the option of ordering the tripod with three or four sections. The four-section version is more stable. There is even an extra-long option if you need a taller tripod.”
Space writes, “While it’s not specifically designed for travel, it caters to the flexibility and portability needs of landscape photographers and astrophotography enthusiasts. This tripod is built to withstand tough conditions and deliver reliable performance in any weather. Its durability, reliability, and impressive capabilities make it a fantastic choice for photographers who are serious about their craft.”
“With interchangeable metal spikes and rubber pads for feet, the Mach3 gives you the option of using it as a monopod by unscrewing one of the legs,” writes Just Creative. “Thanks to its design, the four-leg section tripod folds down to a compact 23 inches, and the triple-angle facility for the legs is a breeze to operate. At maximum height, the Mach3 provides excellent stability, and the solid build quality adds up to a high-quality tripod.”
5. Manfrotto Be Free Advanced Travel
“An incredibly lightweight tripod at a very reasonable price that ticks all the boxes, but it wouldn’t be the best option for travel due to its larger size when collapsed,” according to Space.
This one also comes in either aluminum or carbon. Expert Photography says, “The legs are in four sections, and you can twist or lever locks. The locking levers are Manfrotto’s QPL Lever Lock system used on their professional-level tripods. You can adjust the legs independently at different angles, and the tripod converts to a monopod. The tripod comes with a Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head. It has easy adjustments with ergonomic and independent controls. The one thing missing from this model is a bubble level. The tripod plate is compatible with both Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto quick-release plates. This camera tripod includes a ‘spider’ feature that lets you add accessories like lights or reflectors to the tripod.”
“This light, durable tripod weighs under 5 pounds but can support a weight of up to 17 pounds, stabilizing even your heaviest camera gear,” according to Lifewire. “The Befree Advanced Travel, as its name states, is an easy travel companion thanks to its weight and compact size when folded. It locks securely, allowing you to capture precise shots without worrying about blur.”
6. Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro
Expert Photography says, “The tripod is compact and lightweight enough for traveling or hiking. And it sets up quickly and folds away into a carrying case. The tripod has five leg sections with an anti-rotation twist lock system. This lets you set up the tripod fast in all weather conditions. The legs can be angled independently for flexibility and locked into place at two different angles. You can detach one leg and remount the center column to turn it into a monopod.”
“Benro bills the MeFoto RoadTrip Pro as a 6-in1 tripod, which might raise concern that it’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but it’s actually a very capable travel tripod with a maximum height of 152.5cm and 1.5kg (3 pounds, 4.9 ounces) weight,” writes Amateur Photographer. “Two of its other functions include transforming into a monopod or a mini tripod, both of which are genuinely useful. It also comes with a smartphone clamp that fits in the head for when you’re not using your main camera.”
Filmlifestyle says it’s “quick to use and adjust” and has “easy controls.” It also comes with a five-year warranty.
7. Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod
Lifewire says, “The Amazon Basics 60-inch tripod has legs that are easy to adjust and extend from 25 to 60 inches, giving you plenty of versatility, with rubber feet to grip uneven surfaces. It also offers two different bubble levels, giving you a straight shot in landscape and portrait orientation. It’s a solid tripod that puts function over form. At only 3 pounds, it’s easy to carry around all day. A carrying case is included, and the tripod can support up to 6.6 pounds. That should cover most DLSRs and mirrorless cameras, but heavy telephoto lenses might be too much for the tripod’s capabilities.”
Popular Mechanics says this is a great option for “frugal shutterbugs…This AmazonBasics offering can support up to 6.6 pounds of weight, as well as extend from 25 to 60 inches. A head that tilts and swivels in three directions, a bubble level, solid construction, and a reasonable weight of 3.3 pounds.”
GearLab tested the 50-inch version and says, “We’ve carried this option through urban and mountain settings and nearly forgot we were carrying a tripod because it’s so light. We were able to use the Basics 50-inch for nighttime photography, and it met all basic needs for our shots. For an approachable price, you get quality materials and functionality that’ll hold up your light DSLR, point-and-shoot, or even iPhone.”
You may also be interested in:
Sources:
- Digital Camera World
- GearLab
- Amateur Photography
- Space
- CNET
- Popular Mechanics
- Expert Photography
- Lifewire
- Filmlifestyle
- Just Creative
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.