Owning one of the best tripods is an absolute must if you're a photography. Whether you're an astrophotographer or scoping out dramatic landscapes, having a good tripod can help you set up the perfect angle and ensure your camera has the stability you need. And this Black Friday is the perfect time to pick up a great deal — like the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced with 3-way Live head, which is currently just $179.95 at Amazon.
Below, we've rounded up our picks of the best tripods on the market to suit all types of shooting. You'll find the pros and cons of each model we've selected, as well its main features and who it might be best suited to.
If you're on the lookout for an ultra-portable option, we've also rounded up the best travel tripods. Some of these models support additional accessories like interchangeable feet to handle different types of terrain when shooting outdoors.
Kimberley Lane is a landscape & seascape photographer living in South Wales. Originally using photography as a way to cope with health issues, she aims to portray a feeling of calm and peace through her images. Her work has been featured in a number of national photography magazines.
The quick list
Best overall
A serious bit of kit for serious astrophotographers — it's not cheap, but you need to pay for exceptional quality.
Best for portability
Designed with travel in mind, this tripod folds down into a neat, sleek package that's perfect for fitting into a suitcase or backpack.
Best for multiple disciplines
For photographers who shoot multiple different photographic styles, it's an absolute joy, but it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
Best lightweight option
If weight is your concern, look no further, as this is the lightest aluminum tripod you're likely to find.
Best affordable option
A decent tripod on the more affordable end of the spectrum, this tripod will do everything you need it to do.
Best for versatility
This tripod has many different configurations and accessories to choose from and can handle an impressive load capacity given its light weight.
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Best for awkward positions
A solid, sturdy and versatile option that can handle almost any shooting position you require.
Best for shooting low to the ground
An incredibly versatile, lightweight yet capable tripod that's great in almost any situation — particularly shooting low to the ground.
Best for studio photographers
For heavy setups in a professional environment, this tripod would be ideal — but it doesn't come cheap.
Best for flexibility
Different from most tripods, this flexible tiny tripod can elevate the way you capture footage. A great option for vloggers and mobile content creators.
Best for beginners
A fantastic beginner tripod from a reputable brand, this tripod from Benro would be a fantastic addition to your growing kit.
Best tripods we recommend in 2024
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Best overall
✅ You need durability: If you use your tripod a lot and need something that's going to withstand tough terrain and adverse conditions, this will suit you well.
✅ You want something that will last: The exceptional build quality means this tripod will last you for years.
❌ You don't have a big budget: This is a serious bit of kit with a high price tag, so if you don't have the budget for it, you’ll find cheaper but very adequate alternatives.
❌ You're a casual user: This tripod could be overkill if you only use your tripod every now and again, or if you're a beginner.
🔎 Benro Mach3 TMA37C An impressive tripod built to withstand anything you throw at it, it can cater to multiple shooting styles and is a fantastic choice for anyone who is serious about photography. As expected for such a high-end tripod, though, there is a high-end price tag to match. ★★★★½
We think the best tripod you can currently buy is the Benro Mach3 9X CF. It's a professional-grade tripod with a premium build and a clever, flexible design. The only downside we found is its equally premium price tag, which may put some amateur photographers off.
The Benro Mach3 9X CF is built to shoot on all types of terrain thanks to its spiked feet, which guarantee a good grip on most surfaces. It's also extremely weather-proof, so you shouldn’t fear taking it out in adverse conditions.
During our Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C review, we found its short center column great for shooting low to the ground and experimenting with different angles. It's ideal for creative photographers who want extra flexibility to set up their shots.
A big downside, however, is that the tripod doesn't come with a tripod head, which further adds to the expense. That does mean you can get a head that perfectly suits your camera and shooting style, but it's worth bearing in mind if you're conscious of your budget.
It's important to note that there are two different versions of the Benro Mach3 9X CF tripod on the market: one is made of aluminum and the other is made of carbon fiber. This isn't unusual: many high-end tripods will come either in carbon fiber or a choice of both. Both materials are hard-wearing but carbon fiber tends to be more lightweight — and it typically comes with a higher price tag.
The same is true with this Benro tripod: the carbon fiber model comes with a higher price tag. But we've found the aluminum version to be surprisingly lightweight, and it's just as durable. We think it's only worth paying the extra for the carbon fiber model if you need something that's extra portable where every gram of extra weight counts.
Even considering the price tag, there are few better tripods on the market than the Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C. It’s an excellent, durable bit of kit for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
- Read our full Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37AC review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Chunky but surprisingly lightweight. |
| Performance | Durable, reliable and incredibly capable. |
| Functionality | Offers a range of configuration options. |
Best for portability
✅ You want to travel with it: More than just lightweight, it's specifically designed with travel in mind. It folds down neatly with no protruding parts to effortlessly fit into your luggage.
✅ You shoot with your smartphone: It features a novel smartphone mount, so users who shoot with their smartphone are covered.
❌ You're on a budget: This tripod is on the more expensive end of the market, so it may be inaccessible to many.
❌ You want a tall tripod: Despite having 5 leg sections, this is far from the tallest model we’ve tried, which may be annoying for taller users.
🔎 Peak Design Travel Tripod An impressively compact tripod that's built with travel in mind, folding down into a super sleek package that you can take anywhere. It's not the tallest, or the most affordable, but we think it's worth the money. ★★★★½
The Peak Design Travel Tripod topped our list of the best travel tripods and is also a worthy runner-up in this guide. It has an elegant and well thought-out design, built for travel photographers or astrophotographers who travel to remote locations to escape light pollution.
When it's folded, there are no gaps between the Peak Design Travel Tripod's legs. It makes a surprising amount of difference in how compact this tripod is compared to other models we've tested. It measures 15 inches in length and 3.1 inches in diameter when folded, so it should easily fit into just about any camera bag. It's also ideal for stowing in your luggage if you're taking it traveling.
Like the Benro Mach3 tripod above, you'll find both an aluminum and carbon fiber version of the Peak Design Travel Tripod on the market. As to be expected, the carbon fiber version is lighter, but only minimally so: The aluminium model of the Peak Design Travel Tripod weighs 3.4lbs (1.6kg) while the carbon fiber model is 2.8lbs (1.3kg). We're not sure it's worth the extra asking price considering both are as equally hard-wearing.
In our Peak Design Travel Tripod review, we praised how compact the ball head design is, noting that it's smaller than almost any other tripod on the market. There are no extra levers or knobs sticking out anywhere, making it easy to transport. The camera plate, on the other hand, isn't quite as good, as you'll need a hex tool in order to attach it – a very fiddly task, especially if you're shooting astro in the dark.
Once it's all set up, however, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is extremely secure, its feet very sturdy at the bottom of the legs. It's not quite as tall as some other tripods on this list, but we love how versatile it is. It's capable of shooting just 5.5 inches (14cm) from the ground, for example, and if you want to shoot with your phone's camera, there's a handy smartphone mount in the center column.
- Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Narrow, space saving design. |
| Performance | Easy setup and takedown. |
| Functionality | Not as tall as some tripods. |
Best for multiple disciplines
✅ You often use your tripod: For frequent use over multiple photography disciplines, this tripod will serve you well.
❌ You don't want to spend loads: While we do think it's worth the higher price point given the quality, it’s not the best option if you don't want to spend a lot.
🔎 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed 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 is incredibly compact when folded. ★★★★½
Funnily enough, the Punks Brian tripod from 3 Legged Thing manages to be one of the tallest tripods we've reviewed and one of the most compact. When it's fully extended, it measures nearly 74 inches, but it folds down to an incredibly compact 16 inches. It's an impressive range, and if you're a tall person who finds some tripods annoyingly short, we think the Punks Brian is well worth considering.
Its eight layers of 100% pure pre-preg carbon fiber give it a premium, incredibly sturdy feel ensuring that it is light enough for everyday use. The five leg sections twist and untwist into place in an easy motion. We particularly liked the textured rubber grips you can find on all the knobs and leg twists which make it easier to use with cold hands or in damp weather conditions.
In our Punks Brian tripod review, we called it an excellent choice for landscape or astrophotography work due to how adaptable it is to various terrains. Different feet are available for it, including spikes and claw grips, meaning you can customize it to suit the ground you’ll be placing it on. You also get a nylon drawstring bag for the tripod and microfiber bag for the AirHed.
The fact that the center column of the Punks Brian tripod can be detached to use it as a monopod makes it even more versatile. While we expect most users will stick to using it as a fully-fledged tripod, it's a nice touch and definitely handy for shooting awkward angles or selfies.
If we're being picky, we found the hex-key-enabled connector plate a little inconvenient at first. Despite this and the high price tag, we think it's worth it for the quality feel and versatility.
- Read our full 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Light and portable. |
| Performance | Hex key can be challenging in the dark. |
| Functionality | Multiple leg positions. |
Best lightweight option
✅ You have heavy kit: We found it to be very sturdy and can hold loads of up to 19.48 lbs / 8.84kg.
❌ You want a travel tripod: Although it's an incredibly lightweight tripod, it is fairly large when collapsed so it wouldn't be the best option for traveling.
🔎 Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum 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. ★★★★½
Nobody wants a heavy tripod. In fact, we'd wager that most photographers will choose a tripod based on how light it is (while remaining robust, of course). Weight is even more important if you're a travel photographer, or someone who loves to move around with their kit in tow. If that’s you, we absolutely recommend the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced tripod, one of the lightest models we've tested.
Despite being so lightweight – 3.3lbs (1.5 kg) – it's made of aluminum rather than carbon fiber, so you're getting all the benefits of lightness without having to pay a premium for the more expensive material. It’s also remarkably well-built.
In our Manfrotto BeFree Advanced tripod review, we praised this tripod’s solid center column, which offers a lot of support thanks to its own fastening mechanism. While it doesn't hold the biggest load of all the tripods on this list (just under 20lbs), your camera alway feels reassuringly secure on top of the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced.
One of the best features of the Manfrotto Befree Advanced tripod is its versatile ball head, which allows you to position your camera at any angle and has a firm locking mechanism to keep your camera safe and secure in whatever position you set it in. This, alongside the four-section legs offering three different angled positions, makes it a very flexible tripod for framing your perfect shot.
Despite being made of aluminum (and having no carbon fiber version), the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced tripod somehow manages to be not all that heavier than its carbon fiber rivals. And being aluminum means it comes in with a lower price tag. It does, however, have some compromises in order to keep the weight down: Pertinently, it only extends to 59 inches (150cm) when it's fully extended, so you might want to keep that in mind if you're on the taller side.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight but large when collapsed. |
| Performance | Easy and quick setup. |
| Functionality | Strong center column. |
Best affordable option
✅ You're on a budget: While it doesn't have the bells and whistles of more premium models, it'll do what you need it to do and comes at an affordable price.
✅ You're a beginner: It's easy to set up and take down, making it a good option to get started with.
✅ You want to shoot video or panoramas: The smooth 360-degree panning on this tripod is a standout feature that will appeal to videographers.
❌ You want to shoot at unusual angles: This tripod doesn't shoot low to the ground, and the central column can't fold down to 90-degrees.
🔎 Manfrotto Element MII For beginners, this is a great option that won't break the bank. If you want something simple that does the job with no complications, it would suit you well. ★★★★
The Manfrotto Element MII is a fantastic entry-level tripod that's ideal for hobbyists, beginners or anyone on a tighter budget. It has a lightweight aluminum build that is easy to set up and operate. The Element MII also has an attractive patterned design on two of its legs, while the third one is encased in a rubber grip for easy carrying.
We think this tripod is a perfect balance between sturdiness and light weight. In our Manfrotto Element MII review, we found it very easy to carry around, but it also withstood some very windy coastal conditions, even with a relatively light camera setup on board. We also loved that it comes with a detachable hook that can be screwed into the bottom of the central column for added weight.
There's nothing fiddly about the Manfrotto Element MII: Its twist locks and fast-opening legs make unfolding it a painless and stress-free process. It's something you might take for granted, but some tripods can be more difficult to set up, so the fact it’s very easy to start using is much appreciated.
It's also worth noting that the Element MII comes with two spirit levels on the ball head, one for shooting landscape and another for portrait. They're very handy to ensure you're level before you start shooting, but annoyingly, once your camera is in place, they become obscured. It feels like a bit of a design oversight, but it's not a total dealbreaker.
One of the main drawbacks of the Element MII tripod is the fact that its central column doesn't rotate. If you like to get creative with your angles, you might find this a little restrictive as you can't shoot at 90 degrees. On the other hand, depending on your photography style, it might not affect you at all. It does at least have a 360-degree panning function, which we've found to be excellent — particularly if you're shooting panoramas or tracking a moving object.
There's also a carbon fiber version of the Manfrotto Element MII tripod which offers a little more portability thanks to its lower weight. It's worth considering if keeping the weight down is important to you.
- Read our full Manfrotto Element MII review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminium or carbon fiber variants. |
| Performance | Sturdy but lightweight. |
| Functionality | Easy to put up and take down. |
Best for versatility
✅ You need something portable and sturdy: Despite being lightweight at only 4.1 lbs, it can handle an impressive maximum load of 14.3 lbs.
❌ You're on a tight budget: This isn't the most expensive option on the market, but there are cheaper options available if you're on a tight budget.
🔎 Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod This tripod is lightweight, portable, easy to put up and down and has a whole load of different options to choose from in regards to build and construction. That said, it may be too pricey for casual photographers. ★★★★½
Manfrotto's 190 Go! range of tripods are designed to be quick and easy to operate, with signature 'M-lock' twist locks that help you to set up your tripod in a matter of seconds.
In our Manfrotto 190 Go! review we tested out the carbon fiber version, but the aluminum version, which is both cheaper and lighter, is an appealing option for anyone looking for quality on a tighter budget. This tripod weighs just 3.66 lbs (1.66kg), but you can still mount an impressive 33.1 lbs (15kg) of kit on it; we had no problem mounting a heavy-duty DSLR setup nice and securely.
The Manfrotto 190 Go! offers a great amount of flexibility thanks to the four different angles that the legs can be adjusted to (25, 46, 66 and 88 degrees). If you like to shoot at unique angles, then, you'll more than likely find this Manfrotto tripod to be more than adequate, particularly considering that the center column can be swung out by 90 degrees. We think it's great for macro shots in particular and if you want to get an alternative perspective on a striking landscape.
We particularly like the 'Easy Link' attachment of the Manfrotto 190 Go!, which allows you to attach various accessories to your tripod. It's hidden underneath a rubber cover in the top casing, and it can hold accessories such as an LED light reflector. It may be a bit superfluous for some users, but we think it'll come in handy for many photographers.
The Manfrotto 190 Go! tripod is on the pricey side, which might put it out of the budget of more casual photographers. If your budget stretches to it, though, we’d whole-heartedly recommend it: Its lightweight build and versatile features make it a worthy competitor to more expensive carbon fiber models.
- Read our full Manfrotto 190 Go! review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminum and carbon fiber variants. |
| Performance | Super easy to assemble. |
| Functionality | Choose from different construction, heads and leg sections. |
Best for awkward positions
✅ You want to shoot in different positions: This tripod is capable of getting itself into many weird and wonderful positions, with the legs splaying out to almost 90º to the center column.
✅ You're on a budget: If you need a sturdy tripod that won't break the bank, this is a great option.
❌ You want something lightweight: This tripod is heavier and bulkier than many others on the market, so it's best suited to backyard astrophotography or if you're not going to venture far from your car
🔎 Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB If you don't plan on walking too far with it, it's a sturdy, reliable and affordable option which gives you the ability to shoot very low to the ground. ★★★★
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod is a great tripod for most photographers, but you'll find it particularly appeasing if you like to shoot from different positions and angles. It's one of the most adjustable tripods on this list: Almost every part of it can adjust in some way, which is very handy indeed.
Its legs can go from 25 to almost 90 degrees, meaning it can go almost flag to the floor, and its central column can be retracted and angled at 90 degrees from the legs. In other words, your tripod can be just 10 inches from the ground and your camera can be pointing directly upwards.
If you're an astrophotographer, the Alta Pro is a fantastic choice; capturing a star trail will be made easy and you won’t have to worry about judder coming from a sudden gust of wind. It also helps that this tripod is pretty easy to set up, as you only need to push one button to adjust the legs.
While it’s super sturdy and reliable, it’s also quite heavy and bulky to carry around. Weighing in at over 5 lbs and still measuring 30 inches long even when fully folded down, the Vanguard Alta Pro isn't a tripod that you want to be transporting very far on foot and it won't fit in any airline carry-on cases.
Our main complaint about this tripod, though, is that it doesn't make use of a D-ring. Instead, as we explained in more detail in our Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB review, it uses a fiddly screw fitting that needs a coin or tool to tighten and untighten. The tripod comes with a tool, sure, but it feels like an unnecessary annoyance when you’re setting it up.
Still, the Vanguard Alta Pro tripod is an excellent and versatile piece of kit, especially suited to photographers who want to get creative with their angles.
- Read our full Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Very flexible legs. |
| Performance | Clip legs easy to put up and take down in the dark. |
| Functionality | 90º central column gives a good range of movement. |
Best for shooting low to the ground
✅ You want to shoot low to the ground: Its lack of center column keeps this tripod light and makes it more flexible than most.
✅ You want something versatile: This is a great tripod for almost any type of terrain thanks to its interchangeable feet.
❌ You need a tall tripod: The Benro Tortoise 24C is shorter than most, so if you need something tall, this isn't it.
🔎 Benro Tortoise 24C If you want a versatile, lightweight tripod with an excellent build quality, you can't go wrong. It's not the tallest tripod but if you plan on shooting low, this is the model for you. ★★★★
The Vanguard Alto Pro featured above was all about shooting in weird and wonderful angles, but this tripod, the Benro Tortoise 24C, should be your main consideration if you like shooting low. The selling point of the Tortoise is that its legs can get very close to the ground, offering you a sturdy base for shooting from low angles.
But there’s more to this tripod than that. In our Benro Tortoise 24C review, we praised the tripod for its versatility and its sturdiness. Sporting a carbon fiber body, the Tortoise is extremely light while remaining very reliable — it can hold up to 30.9lbs, so it's good to be used with most photography kit.
If you like to travel around and shoot on different types of terrain, we think the Benro Tortoise 24C is a great choice. It has interchangeable feet, offering stability on just about any surface. There are rubber grips as standard, but you can add spikes if you need to dig into soft, uneven ground for added stability.
If you're very tall, however, you might want to bear in mind that the Tortoise 24C isn't the tallest tripod out there. That's because it doesn't have a center column. The positive of that is that it keeps the tripod extra light and compact, but its maximum height of 51 inches will likely be a problem for some users.
- Read our full Benro Tortoise 24C review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight and compact with a carbon fiber body. |
| Performance | Very easy to set up and take down (even in the dark) |
| Functionality | Lack of center column means it's shorter than some tripods. |
Best for studio photographers
✅ You have a heavy setup: The max load capacity of this tripod is 33 lbs/15kg, ideal for studio or professional photographers with extra accessories.
✅ You want precision: The leg angle selector, 90-degree center column mechanism and 360-degree rotation markings make it easy to frame your perfect shot.
✅ You will be shooting in cold weather: The Quick Power Lock levers on this tripod are very glove-friendly and it can be operated as low as 22°F/-30°C.
❌ You're a wildlife photographer: The setup on this tripod can be a bit noisy and may scare away potential subjects.
❌ You don't want to spend loads: If affordability is a factor, this tripod is not the one for you.
🔎 Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 A tripod best suited to studio photographers who use many different accessories, or to astrophotographers. However, it's expensive and could be overkill for beginners. ★★★★
If you're looking for a sturdy, well-built tripod that's versatile, the Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is a great choice. While its name might not exactly roll off the tongue, this is an excellent tripod that's loved by professionals and amateurs alike.
In our Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review, we praised its build quality which makes the tripod capable of handling loads of up to 33lbs. We also encountered no camera creep when pointing our D800 up towards the sky for several hours, which is a big bonus for astrophotographers.
Its aluminum body features convenient grips on two of its legs for ease of transport. The legs are each divided into three sections and are easily adjustable thanks to Quick Power Lock levers. We love the fact that this mechanism means you can extend and lock the leg sections even while wearing gloves, but it's worth noting that it's not completely silent, so perhaps not the best choice for wildlife photographers.
We like how adjustable this Manfrotto tripod is. Each leg can be adjusted to either 25, 46, 66 and 88 degrees, and the center column can be adjusted 90 degrees too. Combine that with the 360-degree rotation of the ball head, and you have a lot of versatility at your fingertips.
It's also worth mentioning that the Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 tripod comes with an Easy Link attachment which allows you to add numerous attachments to it. It's great for adding things like a flash, a microphone or, if you're shooting astro, a night vision torch.
With something this sturdy and precise, however, there has to be a trade-off, and in this case it's the weight. The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is pretty heavy, which is why we mostly recommend it for studio use. While you can obviously travel around with it, it’s definitely not the best choice if you're often on the go. But for sheer resilience? You’re unlikely to find a tripod much better than this.
- Read our full Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Made from aluminum. |
| Performance | Legs are strong and reliable. |
| Functionality | 90º central column gives a good range of movement. |
Best for flexibility
✅ You're a vlogger/videographer: The GorillaPod would be ideal for daily vloggers and content creators because you can attach it to almost anything to capture your footage.
✅ You travel a lot: It's incredibly lightweight and compact, very easy to travel with.
❌ You need something sturdy: The GorillaPod isn't designed to be sturdy or rugged, so if you have heavy kit or you often shoot in adverse weather, this is not the tripod for you.
🔎 Joby GorillaPod 5K The GorillaPod is quite a niche product, so it's not for everyone, but it's ideal for on-the-go shooting or for content creators who need novel ways to capture their footage ★★★½
Think all tripods look the same? The Job GorillaPod 5K absolutely bucks that trend by being something completely different. It probably won't appeal to traditional photographers but it's a nifty piece of equipment that we think is worth considering if you want something lightweight, portable and you're not afraid of trying something different.
Rather than having straight legs, the Joby GorillaPod 5K has articulated, rubberized legs with multiple ball joints. They can be arranged into multiple positions and they're designed to be wrapped around an object to hold it in place. You can wrap it around a railing, for example, or a pole, creating a stable grip for your camera.
It's pretty effective at doing that, but you need to bear in mind that the GorillaPod 5K's maximum load weight is much less than that of other tripods, coming in at just 11lbs. That's plenty for a full-frame camera and kit lens, but we would be very wary about mounting our most expensive equipment on it.
The ball head is more traditional in style, with two knobs — one for setting the horizontal position and one for rotating the ball head. It also has an Arca-Swiss connector plate, allowing for easy camera mounting via a D-ring.
There are pros and cons to this unique design. The setup allows for great versatility of shot choice, and in our Joby GorillaPod 5K review we noticed that the tripod's low profile makes it very resistant to any wobbles caused by the wind. We wouldn't necessarily recommend it for astro-style shooting, however, as levelling it pointing upwards is a little tricky. Its usefulness is also reliant on you having something to attach it to nearby. Without a fence or a pole to wrap the tripod around, you're not going to get very far.
Newcomers to photography might enjoy the novel nature of this tripod, but for seasoned photographers, the Joby GorillaPod is unlikely to meet all of their stabilization needs. That said, it is the lightest tripod on our list at only 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg), so it might make a handy backup to carry around on days when you're not sure if you'll need your full kit.
- Read our full Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight with flexible legs. |
| Performance | Easily attaches to various objects and surfaces. |
| Functionality | Practical for on-the-go scenarios. |
Best for beginners
✅ You're a beginner: This tripod is a good option for beginners who don't want any of the complicated setups or bells and whistles that come with more advanced tripods.
✅ You don't want to spend loads: Benro isn't a cheap brand, but this option is very affordable for what you get.
✅ You don't always use a tripod: This tripod is lightweight and compact enough to carry with you just in case you need it when you venture out.
❌ You use your tripod a lot: While it's not a bad tripod, some aspects are cheaply finished and would wear out quickly with a lot of use. If you intend on using your tripod a lot, we'd recommend investing in a more high-end option.
🔎 Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod A decent option for a beginner or someone who doesn't always use a tripod, it's compact and lightweight enough to carry with you 'just in case'. This is one of the more affordable options by Benro. ★★★½
For those nights when you're trudging between vantage points or when you might need a tripod but don't quite know what the day has in store, you can't beat the Benro Slim travel tripod.
This tripod is compact and well-constructed. It's designed with portability and movement in mind and has everything that a beginner landscape or astrophotographer needs to get started in nightscapes and long-exposure photography.
The Benro Slim comes in two forms: one made out of carbon fiber and another made of aluminum. As you'd expect, the aluminum model is slightly heavier but slightly cheaper. Whichever model you go for, though, you'll find it has excellent build quality — something Benro is known for as a brand — and they're both reasonably priced, even the carbon fiber model.
Its small, lightweight build means that the Benro Slim tripod has been designed with smaller, mirrorless camera systems in mind. But we've been pleasantly surprised to find that it's more than capable of supporting the weight of DSLR cameras and zoom lenses.
It's helpful that it's so easy to put up and take down too: If you're an astrophotographer, we've even found it easy to do in the dark. Helping matters are the anodized aluminum leg twists, which are locked into place with just half a twist, saving time and making the process simple and painless.
- Read our full Benro Slim tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact and lightweight, but some cheap finishes. |
| Performance | Easy to put up and take down with simple leg twists. |
| Functionality | Max load capacity 8.8 lbs / 4kg. |
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your most pressing questions on the best tripods in 2024, from what type of tripod is best to answering what a payload is and does.
What is the best tripod for cameras?
The Benro Mach3 TMA37C tops our list of the best camera tripods overall thanks to its versatility and sturdiness. It has a short center column which gives it extra flexibility and spiked feet for extra grip on soft terrains. This tripod is intuitive to use and has sturdy leg locks which operate easily even when wearing gloves.
What is the best tripod for beginners?
What is the best budget tripod?
The Manfrotto Element MII is the best tripod for beginners. It's affordable, with a maximum height of 63-inches (160cm) and a folded height of just 16.9-inches (43cm). This tripod comes in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants and is best suited to beginner camera gear, which is typically slightly lighter.
How many legs does a tripod have?
Tripods have three legs. The term 'tri' comes from the Latin 'tres' or Greek 'trias' which means 'three.' However, tripod legs can have multiple sections. There is no limit to how many leg sections a tripod can have, but they typically vary between one and five.
The Joby GorillaPod 5K has one leg section because its legs are flexible and don't extend in the traditional sense. The Peak Design Travel Tripod, on the other hand, has five leg sections.
Generally, the fewer leg sections a tripod has, the more stable it is. However, a tripod with fewer leg sections may not pack down as small as one which has more. Note the size difference between the Benro Mach3 TMA37C (three leg sections, folded height: 24.6 inches) and the Peak Design Travel Tripod (five leg sections, folded height: 15.4 inches) to see how that works.
How does a tripod work?
A camera tripod can be used to stabilize a camera while while shooting photos or videos to keep the shots still. This is particularly useful when shooting with longer exposures when camera movement during said exposure will blur an image, but tripods can come in handy for shooting landscapes, wildlife, sports, and more.
Bluriness tends to be unwanted when taking stills photographs, however some photographers like to use Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) to deliberately blur an image in one direction for artistic affect.
ICM is typically done through the use of a tripod head which can be locked off to move in one direction only, like a three-way head, rather than a ball-head which can move in 360-degrees.
What makes a good tripod?
Aluminum vs carbon fiber tripods: Which are best?
Most tripods are made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. The latter is much lighter and therefore easier to carry around, but typically more expensive. Aluminum tripods are generally cheaper but slightly heavier and can get colder, affecting handling and functioning on colder nights when taking astrophotographs.
There are a few things to consider before you grab one of the best tripods to ensure it meets your requirements. These are namely stability, portability, weight and price.
You'll have to weigh what you want to prioritize, especially if you're using one of the large and heavy best zoom lenses for your night sky images.
Removable feet, in-built spirit levels, and tripod head compatibility are all things to consider when picking your tripod. You can also check out our guides for the best lenses for astrophotography, and the best camera backpacks.
As you can see from our selection above, there's a lot to consider when investing in a tripod. But they're essential if combined with any of the best cameras.
What does tripod payload mean?
A tripod's payload is the maximum weight (in pounds or kilograms) that it can support. The payload is the combined weight of the camera, lens and any camera accessories attached to the tripod. You'll need to add up the combined weight of all these items to see if a tripod will support the gear you're planning on using.
Bear in mind that a tripod may support payloads greater than its stated maximum payload, but its sturdiness and resistance to wind may be compromised if you decide to chance it. So if a big gust of wind blows through and you're over the payload, the tripod may fall over.
What height tripod do I need?
Smaller travel tripods don't always offer enough height for easy camera operation if you're on the taller side.
Most of the models in this guide have legs that can be splayed wider to allow the camera to be set up quite close to the ground. The lower center of gravity can increase stability for long-exposure night sky photos, but flexion in the legs must be noted when doing this.
Tripod legs: Twist or flip locks?
Tripod leg sections are extended either with flip or twist locks. While twist lock designs tend to be more secure, some manufacturers like Manfrotto have bucked the trend and designed very secure flip locks.
Should I change my tripod feet?
Tripod feet are generally made from a thick rubber to ensure good traction on a range of surface. Many models are designed with the option to unscrew them and attach either spiked or clawed feet for better grip on rougher ground or softer surfaces such as sand.
How we test the best tripods for astrophotography
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best tripods to buy here at Space.com, we make sure to put every tripod through a rigorous review to test each product fully. Each tripod is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions and performs in the field.
Each tripod is carefully tested by our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who thoroughly know their subject areas. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each tripod and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy each tripod is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date stabilizing technology and look at its weight and portability. We'll also suggest if a particular tripod would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best photographing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on tripods, whether you should purchase one or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
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