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Best Camera Tripod

Is there really such a thing?

Well, that depends on what your budget is, the type of work for which you need a tripod, and various other factors. 

In this article, I’ll break down a few good choices that will guide you in selecting the right tripod for you.

As I’ve said before, it’s a good idea to max out your budget when it comes to buying a tripod. You want something solid and durable that will last you for years and years to come. In that regard, selecting the right tripod can become a great long-term investment.

Table of Contents

• Best Camera Tripod Under $100: Dolica Proline Tripod With Ball Head
• Best Camera Tripod Under $100 Runner-Up: Benro Slim Tripod Kit With Ball Head
• Bonus Option Under $100: Octopus.Camera OctoPad
• Best Camera Tripod Under $250: Manfrotto Element Traveler Tripod
• Best Camera Tripod Under $250 Runner-Up: Vanguard VEO 2 264AB
• Best Camera Tripod Under $500: Peak Design 5-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod
• Best Camera Tripod Under $500 Runner-Up: 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian Carbon Fiber 5-Section Travel Tripod
• Best Camera Tripod Under $750: Peak Design 5-Section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
• Best Camera Tripod Under $750 Runner-Up: 3 Legged Thing Winston Carbon Fiber Tripod System
• Best Camera Tripod Under $1,000: Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2 GT2542
• Best Camera Tripod Under $1,000 Runner-Up: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series
• Best Camera Tripod Over $1,000: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 4-Section Long Carbon Fiber Tripod
• Best Camera Tripod Over $1,000 Runner-Up: Manfrotto 608 Carbon Fiber Tripod With Nitrotech Fluid Video Head

Best Camera Tripod Under $100: Dolica Proline Tripod With Ball Head

If you're looking for an inexpensive tripod that's not short on features, the Dolica Proline is a great choice.

Priced under $50, this tripod offers a maximum load capacity of 13.2 pounds and a maximum height of more than 62-inches.

It's super lightweight, too, making it an excellent choice for landscape photographers and travel photographers alike.

At this price point, you don't usually find a tripod with an included ball head. You certainly don't usually find one with a quick-release plate and a bubble level, either.

This tripod has quick-release legs for easy setup and takedown, and they are thick, too, meaning they offer more stability for your shots.

There's a center-column hook for adding ballast when the wind kicks up, a reversible locking center column, non-slip rubber feet, and foam grips on the legs as well.

All this in a package that weighs just 2.9 pounds and folds down to under 23-inches in length!

Learn more about the Dolica Proline Tripod With Ball Head

Best Camera Tripod Under $100 Runner-Up: Benro Slim Tripod Kit With Ball Head

 

This tripod Kit from Benro is lightweight, has a slim profile, and folds down to a compact size for easy carrying. 

It features twist leg locks that make deploying its legs a quick process, a grooved center column that prevents twisting, and a center-column hook for adding ballast in windy conditions.

It has a load capacity of 8.8 pounds, three leg positions for uneven terrain, and a removable ball head too.

Learn more about the Benro Slim Tripod Kit With Ball Head

Bonus Option Under $100: Octopus.Camera OctoPad

Okay, okay...I know the Octopad isn't a tripod. But this thing is so incredibly useful and works so well that I had to include it on this list.

Its size makes it far more maneuverable than even the smallest travel or tabletop tripods. But don't let its small stature fool you.

Its weighted non-slip mat design offers an incredible amount of stability - far more than more conventional mini tripods or suction cup mounts.

I typically use my OctoPad to stabilize my GoPro. I even sit it on my dashboard in my car and use my GoPro as a dashcam - even offroad!

This thing doesn't slip or slide, it doesn't tip over or collapse under the weight of my GoPro, and the ball head clamps securely. Just what you need out of a solid support device for your camera!

Add in a standard 1/4-20 bolt for attaching your own accessories, a cable strap to keep your camera cables organized and out of the way, and a handy clip grommet to secure the OctoPad with a lanyard or carabiner, and you have the makings of a small, portable, functional, and useful stabilization device for your action cam, smartphone, small camera, light...you name it!

And at $26.95, the OctoPad is the least expensive option on this list!

Learn more about the Octopus.Camera OctoPad

Best Camera Tripod Under $250: Manfrotto Element Traveler Tripod

This is a big tripod in that it extends up to 65-inches, yet Manfrotto has worked its magic so that it’s lightweight and stable to provide your camera with the support it needs to capture clear, sharp images.

Like the Geekoto tripod described above, this one also offers both tripod and monopod functionalities.

Best Tripod For DSLR

You can enjoy a compact design that’s ideal for traveling, yet still have the support necessary to provide a stable base for a big DSLR with a big lens.

It has three leg angles to give you versatility in the shots you take, a telescoping center column for a little extra height, an aluminum ball head with an independent pan lock, and 5 leg sections with easy twist-lock mechanisms.

It’s also priced well below the $250 threshold - at the time of this writing, you can pick this tripod up for just under $150. That’s a great value for a tripod that can handle 17.6 pounds of gear!

Learn more about the Manfrotto Element Traveler Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $250 Runner-Up: Vanguard VEO 2 264AB 

Vanguard tripods have always gotten high marks for their quality of construction and functionality, and the VEO 2 264AB is no exception. 

Not only is this tripod easy to set up, but it also has an innovative central column that enables quick setup of the tripod - just 15 seconds total. That rapid setup is also helped by easy twist-lock leg locks that enable you to extend the four-section legs and lock them in place in mere seconds.

Like many other tripods on this list, this unit also has multiple leg positions and angles, a center column hook for ballast, and a ball head. It’ll support nearly 18 pounds of gear too!

Learn more about the Vanguard VEO 2 264AB

Best Camera Tripod Under $500: Peak Design 5-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod

Peak Design is one of the premier tripod companies in the world, and it’s obvious why this is the case when you look at one of their tripods. 

This 5-section aluminum tripod was designed from the ground up to be small, lightweight, and super strong.

When folded down, it’s about the size of a water bottle, making it one of the most portable tripods on this list. Yet, despite its tiny size, this thing can accommodate a whopping 20 pounds.

It’s also lightning-quick to setup and takedown, so you don’t have to worry about missing critical shots while you’re getting your gear in place. That’s due to the fast-locking, low-profile leg cams and rapid-deploy legs that extend, rather than flip over, like traditional travel tripod legs.

It has non-slip rubber feet, a center column hook, low and inverted modes for low-angle shots, and an omnidirectional ball head as well. It’s also backed by Peak Designs’ lifetime guarantee. Nice!

Learn more about the Peak Design 5-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $500 Runner-Up: 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian Carbon Fiber 5-Section Travel Tripod

Like the Peak Design tripod outlined above, this model by 3 Legged Thing is stuffed full of innovations.

Not only can it support up to 30 pounds of gear, but it has a tri-mount plate with hollowed spurs that allow you to use clip-on devices. The D-Ring and Toolz assembling allow for traditional spring hooks as well.

There’s a detachable monopod, multiple accessory options, a precision-engineered leg lock system that offers improved stability and rigidity, and an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate.

Add to that multiple spirit levels, a super ergonomic grip, and ultra-strong carbon fiber legs, and you have the makings of an excellent tripod.

Learn more about the 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian Carbon Fiber 5-Section Travel Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $750: Peak Design 5-Section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

This tripod is the same as the previous Peak Design tripod I featured above, the only exception being that this one is made of carbon fiber.

You get all the same goodies, including the same 20-pound load capacity, but with the added bonus of having ultra-durable carbon fiber construction.

Learn more about the Peak Design 5-Section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Under $750 Runner-Up: 3 Legged Thing Winston Carbon Fiber Tripod System

 

The Winston model from 3 Legged Thing sports precision-engineered aircraft-grade magnesium alloy construction that supports up to 22 pounds of equipment. In other words, it’s supremely strong and lightweight.

Its modular design means you get the benefit of being able to shoot photos from virtually on the ground up to 73 inches, and with its Paralock System, accidental disassembly is prevented while also adding further stability for the tripod. You get better grip too.

Furthermore, 3 Legged Thing designed this unit with a detachable leg to use as a monopod, a microphone boom, a camera boom, or a selfie stick.

Learn more about the 3 Legged Thing Winston Carbon Fiber Tripod System

Best Camera Tripod Under $1,000: Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2 GT2542 

If you have the budget for it, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tripod under $1,000 that’s better made than the Gitzo GK2542-82QD.

Sure, it’s name sounds more like an android from Star Wars, but this tripod is no gimmick - it means serious business.

This tripod and ball head kit is specifically designed for shooters that use a DSLR with a long lens (up to 300mm). As such, it is extremely sturdy and well-balanced with carbon fiber legs that offer excellent stiffness.

As a result of this impeccable build quality, this tripod supports up to 40 pounds of gear.

The included ball head offers ultra-smooth and precise movements so you can get the exact shot you want. It has a quick-release adapter and is designed to work with other plates as well.

Learn more about the Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2 GT2542

Best Camera Tripod Under $1,000 Runner-Up: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series

ProMediaGear makes some truly incredible tripods, and as a result, they’ve built a reputation as one of the best in the business.

Their Pro-Stix 34 Series tripod was built with professional photographers and videographers in mind. It’s tough, rugged, and can support up to 60 pounds.

The apex plate has a ⅜-16 mounting thread so you can add video heads or ball heads, sliders, or gimbals, just to name a few.

Its carbon fiber legs are constructed from 10 individual layers, meaning they are supremely strong. Add in tension-adjustable leg mechanisms, stainless steel foot spikes, and multi-adjustable leg angles, and you have the makings of a tripod that is strong, durable, and highly adaptable to your needs as well.

Learn more about the ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series

Best Camera Tripod Over $1,000: ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 4-Section Long Carbon Fiber Tripod

Like the 34 Series tripod from ProMediaGear I outlined just above, this 4-section carbon fiber tripod was designed and built with professionals in mind.

This particular model is rated up to 125 pounds, so there is ample leeway for adding tons of gear to this rig.

The apex of this tripod has an interchangeable flat plate/bowl mount with several ¼-20 holes to add accessories. There’s even anti-rotation pin slots to add further gear to the tripod.

The legs are made of carbon fiber for strength and have three adjustable angle positions that lock, that way you can adjust the tripod to suit virtually any shooting situation. Additionally, each leg has ¼-20 threads on the top collar for adding even more accessories.

With stainless steel foot spikes, you can use this tripod on slippery or uneven terrain without worry that it will slide around. That’s the peace of mind you want if you have 125 pounds of gear on it!

Learn more about the ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 4-Section Long Carbon Fiber Tripod

Best Camera Tripod Over $1,000 Runner-Up: Manfrotto 608 Carbon Fiber Tripod With Nitrotech Fluid Video Head 

If videography is your game, this is the tripod for you.

Specifically designed for video work, the Manfrotto 608 holds nearly 18 pounds of gear and includes a fluid video head for precise control during shooting sequences.

The variable continuous fluid drag system offered by the video head enables ultra-smooth and judder-free pan and tilt movements while filming. The head also has a ⅜-inch easy link system with an anti-rotation system that allows you to add Manfrotto arms for adding accessories to your setup, like an external monitor.

The legs have multiple angle selections and four leg sections so you have good flexibility regarding the shooting angle and height.

This tripod even comes with its own carrying case for easy transport! 

Learn more about the Manfrotto 608 Carbon Fiber Tripod With Nitrotech Fluid Video Head

 

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I've tested a ton of ball heads over the years. Some have been wholly unimpressive. Others have been just fine. But a few have been absolutely outstanding for a variety of reasons.

In this ball head buying guide, I present ten of the best ball heads money can buy.

The ball heads on this list have distinct benefits that make them among the top ball heads of 2020.

Acratech GP 

The Acratech GP has been my primary ball head for over a decade. It's proven it's longevity with a rugged design that's tough enough to stand up to the rigors of daily use.

This thing is built like a tank, but doesn't behave like one. By that, I mean that even though it can withstand a bomb blast (figuratively speaking, of course!) it offers super fine and delicate control that gives you the smooth, precise adjustments you demand.

Back in the day when I used big, heavy gear like my Nikon D850, an L-bracket, and a 70-200mm lens, I marveled at the Acratech GP's ability to maintain its precise movements. Of course, now that I've got a much lighter kit in the Canon EOS R, the GP ball head is more than enough to handle the load.

I personally use the red version, which is one of 20 made by Acratech. It doesn't have any functions beyond the black one, but it sure does look cool!

Basic Specs:

• Compatible with many quick-release plates
• 25-pound load capacity
• Quick-release lever
• Fits all standard tripods

Learn more about the Acratech GP ball head

Colorado Tripod Company Highline Mini

One of the ball heads that has surprised me the most in recent years in this little guy, the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Mini.

The funny thing is that this company has been sending me their ball heads to review, and when this one arrived, I didn't look at the details - I just started using it.

And after using it, I thought it would be something that retailed for $60-80 based on its build quality and features.

However, when I was on the phone with these guys to give them my feedback, the subject of price came up, and I was shocked to learn it's a $20 ball head.

Not only is this ball head incredibly affordable, but it's a perfect size that fits on top of my SwitchPod tripod. It's also super strong and does the job great with my Canon EOS M6 Mark II and my Canon EOS R.

Basic Specs:

• Universal knob clamp
• Integrated bubble level
• Panning knob
• Laser engraved degree markings

Learn more about the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Mini ball head

Colorado Tripod Company Highline Medium Ball Head

Whereas the Highline Mini ball head described above is the ideal companion for running and gunning, I've found the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Medium ball head to be the perfect addition to my home studio.

I use this ball head with Colorado Tripod Company's lever clamp (which is compatible with L-brackets and Arca-compatible plates) when I'm doing overhead shots in my studio.

There is a distinct clicking noise that tells me that it's 100-percent locked in, that way I have peace of mind that my camera isn't going to come crashing down on my head as I record.

Like the Mini, this ball head also really impresses with its build quality and durability.

Basic Specs:

• Universal knob clamp
• Drop-in window 
• Dedicated friction control
• Independent locking and panning knobs

Learn more about the Colorado Tripod Company Highline Medium ball head

ProMediaGear Sputnik

I use ProMediaGear tripods as two of my main rigs, and they are hugely impressive.

Given their performance, I wanted to try ProMediaGear's Sputnik ball head, and it certainly hasn't disappointed...

When this first came to me to review, my first impression was "Wow...this is really different."

As you can see in the images above and below, it's design is different from the other ball heads on this list. It includes a huge knob on the side that makes it really easy to make fine adjustments.

It should jump out at you just how big this ball head is. This isn't something you'd throw in your backpack for a quick jaunt to the woods!

But, the engineering of this thing is off the charts. The incredibly smooth motion is a joy, and the durable construction is a bonus too.

Basic Specs:

• Large knob makes locking the ball and leveling super easy
• 90-degree tilt capabilities in all directions
• C60 knob clamp

Learn more about the ProMediaGear Sputnik ball head

VanGuard Alta BH-300

Vanguard is probably better known for their outstanding tripods, but the ALTA BH-300 ball head deserves some love as an excellent option for photographers of all kinds.

The aluminum alloy construction makes it strong and durable, yet lightweight and easy to pack for quick trips.

It has a large lever lock for ease of use as well as ergonomic friction control and precision locking to get the ball head in the perfect position for the shot.

With three independent knob adjustments, you get micro-level fine tuning as well.

Add in a universal Arca-type quick release system, a built-in safety pin, and quick adjustments 360-degrees around, and you have the makings of a top ball head option for 2020.

Basic Specs:

• 66-pound payload
• 2 bubble levels
• Independent panning lock

Learn more about the Vanguard ALTA BH-300 ball head

Sirui K-40X Ball Head

What I like about the SIRUI K-40x ball head is that it exists at the intersection of quality construction and good value.

There are plenty of ball heads that are less expensive, but this one does a great job of giving you high performance without a huge price tag.

It offers a 360-degree panoramic function for ease of use and an Arca-Swiss type mount.

You'll find that each knob on this ball head is extremely easy to use while offering extremely effective locking. Yet, there is a gradual release of pressure on the ball so making fine adjustments is easy without losing all the grip.

Basic Specs: 

• Integrated bubble level
• Vertical and radial axes
• Safety button to prevent quick-release plate from disengaging

Learn more about the SIRUI K-40x

Manfrotto 057 Ball Head

Make no mistake - this is a huge ball head.

With a 65mm ball, this is one of the bigger ball heads on this list. It's also one of the heaviest.

However, for its size and bulk, it sure is a dream to use...

The action of the ball head is extremely smooth, and with lever-type locking knobs, you can much more easily tighten them.

This particular ball head has a top lock camera mounting plate. It offers Arca-Swiss compatibility while giving you a highly secure release method.

Though I no longer have my Nikon D850 and my Nikon 70-200mm lens, this is the ball head I'd likely use with that setup thanks to its robust construction.

Basic Specs: 

• 3 bubble levels
• Q6 top lock quick-release system
• 90-105 degree portrait selector

Learn more about the Manfrotto 057 ball head

3 Legged Thing Eclipse AirHed 360 Ball Head

One of the top claims to fame for the 3 Legged Thing Eclipse Airhed 360 ball head is its impeccable build quality. This thing can go toe-to-toe with ball heads twice the price!

This ball head can handle over 88 pounds of gear, so if you have a lot of gear, this could be a great option for you.

But despite the huge payload capacity, it's a lightweight option thanks to its magnesium alloy construction.

There's an integrated 360-degree clamp that's detachable, so you can get nice and smooth panning even if you're on uneven terrain. This ball head is also Arca-Swiss compatible.

Basic Specs:

• Separate panning lock
• Integrated bubble level
• 1.4-inch ball diameter

Learn more about the Three Legged Thing Airhed 360 ball head

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