A steady camera is essential, a necessity for all types of photography in any situation that has its use. However, capturing ideal shots may be difficult when you are just relying on your grip. With an easy-to-use, reliable and sturdy tripod, you can easily set it up, adjust and place the camera in perfect position ready for whatever length of time you need it.
Tripods are especially helpful when you are taking night time and sunset shots that make use of natural lighting. In situations like these, camera shake may happen with slower shutter speed. This can readily be solved with a tripod that improves picture quality when taking photos of the perfect sunrise or sunset. When you are short of staff, bringing a tripod with you would be an angel. This camera accessory can hold cameras, camcorders and may serve as a light stand to keep flash units, slaves and other gadgets in place. You can do these things even without the assistance of other people. Tripods also help you take clear, perfect types of images, close up shots, action shots in sports photography and nature photography among others. With the right, efficient tripod, you can also be more creative as it helps you to get the framing right.
All tripods rely on a basic structure--it is three feet in length. They vary, however in size, material, features, and price. Below is our selection for the best tripod for all kinds of photo and video projects.
Peak Design Travel Tripod is a Kickstarter-funded product that is yet to be released on December 21, 2019. Despite not being released yet, camera enthusiasts and backers have already been filled with anticipation as creators of this tripod promised a top-quality tripod, unlike any other.
Features
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is available both in aluminum and carbon fiber versions. It promises to be equally versatile and compact in both versions. The feature that sets it apart from other tripods is its center column which is more triangular in shape, enabling sturdiness and support among its three legs. When these legs are packed tightly, any dead spaces while using it will be eliminated. Its small size is not a deterrent as it is designed to hold big and heavy DSLRs and telephoto lenses giving you the peace of mind that you deserve while installing your equipment. You can also use a smartphone on this tripod as it has a hidden phone mount in its center column.
Manfrotto is originally known for its larger tripods. However, the company recently took a new direction as it developed its Pixi Evo series. The Pixi series is designed for smartphones, point-and-shoot cameras, action cameras and mirrorless cameras that weigh up to 5.5 kilograms.
It is made of a sturdy and lightweight aluminum structure that packs down small to make it more convenient for travel and outdoor adventures even among entry-level DSLR users. Its ball head allows you to easily level the camera even on an uneven surface. The Pixi allows you to tilt the camera to a full 90 degrees allowing you to shoot in portrait mode. Moreover, you can also handgrip it when shooting a video.
Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod, Black (MTPIXIEVO-BK) costs $35.99.
A tripod wrapped in leather? The MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic Leather Edition Tripod surely oozes class and sophistication but also boasts of quality and functionality. It comes with an Arca-type Q1 triple-action ball head to guarantee stability for cameras up to 17.6 pounds in weight. The leather material is not just for aesthetic purposes but mainly, it helps you have a more comfortable, secure grip when holding the tripod. Its aluminum legs can be reversed and folded to come up with a compact 15.4 inches device, that can be conveniently transported. When in normal position, you can turn the twist-locks in its legs, extend the center column to achieve the maximum height of the tripod that can reach up to 61.8 inches.
The MeFOTO RoadTrip Air Tripod and Selfie Stick in One Kit - Titanium (RTAIRTTN) costs $125.98. The MeFOTO RoadTrip Air Tripod and Selfie Stick in One Kit - Orange (RTAIRORG) costs $119. The MeFOTO RoadTrip Air Tripod and Selfie Stick in One Kit - Blue (RTAIRBLU) with a price of $89, MeFOTO RoadTrip Air Tripod and Selfie Stick in One Kit - Red (RTAIRRED) at $119 an the MeFOTO 3.4" Short Column for MeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripods, Aluminum - (ASC31) at $0.95.
The Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is the best tripod if you are looking for flexibility, thanks to its legs that are made of a series of interconnected ball joints that can articulate in any direction. This makes the tripod able to grip anything, that its legs can get around. It comes in a variety of sizes and models. Some models are capable of holding up a DSLR with a decent-sized lens. For smartphones, Joby's GripTight tripod is the right tripod for you. Meanwhile, the GorillaPo 3K Kit is appropriate for mirrorless cameras with medium weight.
There are several JOBY tripods available on Amazon. For instance, the JOBY JBO1249-OEN GorillaPo Original is efficient for point and shoot cameras and is priced at $14.99. The Joby GorillaPod 3K Flexible Mini-Tripod with Ball Head Kit, With A Bonus ZAYKiR Phone Adapter costs $64.99. Meanwhile, the Large Octopus Flexible Tripod Stand Gorillapod for Camera Digital DV Canon Nikon costs $8.60.
This Silk Sprint Pro II is an easy-to-use, adjustable, lightweight tripod that helps you get the job done without extra frills allowing you the best value for your money. Each of the three legs allows three adjustable angle positions even on uneven ground or steps. It has a ball head mount that is capable of holding up to 4.5 lbs camera in an upright position. Mirrorless cameras or DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached to it are perfect for this kind of tripod.
SLIK Sprint Pro II Tripod with SBH-100DQ Ball Head - Gun Metal Finish can be bought at $89.95.
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH comes in a unique pistol-style grip that rotates on its ball head. It is a three-section tripod that features an uncommon three-position angle adjustment for more convenience in setting the legs at different angles--25, 50, or 80-degree angle spread from its original standard upright position. It can also go to an extremely low one. This tripod can carry up to 13.2 pounds and comes at an affordable price.
The Manfrotto MK190X3-2W boasts of a fluid head that can handle stills and video work. It has a compact design that offers an impressive performance. Its fluid head allows pans and tilts while recording videos. Its leg can accommodate 25, 46, 66, 88 angles and can carry up to 4 kilograms. It's center column has a maximum height of 170 centimeters. It is sold at $259.99
This Gitzo tripod can be a bit pricy but assures you of quality service. This carbon fiber tripod is a winner when it comes to weight, durability, and stability. Its lowest adjustable height can go up to 3.5 inches in low-angle mode, while its maximum height can reach up to 51.2 inches. This is best when working on unstable grounds, as its feet can be replaced with metal spikes for better stability. Amazingly, this tripod can support up to 55 pounds of load on top of it.
The MeFoto Classic BackPacker Travel Tripod is famous for its compact structure and color. It can easily be stowed and flexed, making it convenient to be placed inside a small backpack. It can manage to carry cameras of up to 8.8 pounds on its ball head mount. It is also available in different colors, ranging from silver to purple.
The Manfrotto 190XPro4 is a rigid and sturdy tripod with a reliable, rock-solid XPro ball head. It is made of aluminum material and is classified into two groups: the 190 and the 190go models. The tripod has redesigned its Quick Power Lock Levers and may include three-section and four-section aluminum legs. Carbon fiber alternatives are only available for the 190Go! series.