If you love photography, you know how amazing DSLR cameras are. But sometimes, just having a camera isn’t enough—you also need a tripod to capture the perfect shot. If you’re shooting in low light or capturing long exposures, a tripod is essential for keeping your camera stable and preventing blur.
Vanguard’s Alta Pro 263AB 100 aluminum tripod kit offers amazing value that’s sure to appeal to beginner and experienced photographers. If you’re always struggling to capture the perfect shot, the flexibility that comes with the Alta Pro might change the way 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, useful for macro photography and wide-angle shots.
Best Overall
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod
Great value for money
Impressive build quality
Versatility to adjust the tripod just as you want it
Bulky design makes it hard to carry
Carrying case could use some design improvements
It extends to a maximum height of 69.12 inches, or a folded height of 28.12 inches. Weight is no issue either, as this stable, durable tripod can support up to 15.4 pounds. It’s not overly heavy, at 5.38 pounds, but its bulk means that you may not want to carry it around all day when shooting on location.
Non-slip, spiked rubber feet are useful for keeping the tripod in place. It’s packed with other useful features too, including a quick-flip leg lock, an instant swivel stop-and-lock (ISSL) system that allows for quick repositioning of the central column, and a removable hook for hanging camera accessories. A carrying case is also included. If you’re looking for a strong, reliable tripod, especially for studio shooting, the Alta Pro 263AB 100 has plenty to offer.
Manfrotto is one of the best-known brands in the photography accessory space, and the Befree Advanced Travel Tripod lives up to the brand’s reputation. This light, durable tripod weighs under 5 pounds but can support a weight of up to 17 pounds, stabilizing even your heaviest camera gear. 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 in place, giving you the freedom to capture precise shots without worrying about blur.
Best Lightweight
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod
Super lightweight aluminum design
Easy set up is great for travel
Stable and durable
Expensive
Not all users like the twist lock design
The aluminum design folds into its compact carrying case, making it easier to carry as you travel. When it’s time to set up your shot, use the twist locks to easily adjust and secure the height and angles of the carbon fiber legs. The sturdy ball head is quick to operate so a photographer can quickly align the camera for a shot, and the included plate is compatible with Manfrotto and Arca-Swiss, the most common standard head attachments. Yes, it’s on the more expensive end of the scale, but many photographers are happy to pay for the quality and reliability that comes with Manfrotto products.
“This tripod is worth the expense, as pro photographers love the smooth setup and durability of the Befree Advanced.” — Katie Dundas, Product Tester
We love the Patekfly Flexible Tripod’s creative design. This small, tabletop tripod has three flexible silicone legs that you can bend, flex, or wrap around just about any surface to get your camera into the perfect angle. Attach the tripod to anything from a fence, tree branch, or chair, and you’ll still get a stable and secure shot.
Best Design
Patekfly Flexible Tripod
Flexible legs can be bent or wrapped to give you the perfect shot
Soft, durable silicone legs are built to last
Affordable
At 12 inches, it won’t replace your traditional tripod
Won’t support very heavy cameras
Use it with your camera’s self-timer for epic selfies, capture unique angles when shooting outdoors, or set up some beautiful landscape shots—it’s up to you. You can also adjust the 360-degree ball head to position your camera perfectly.
You can use the Patekfly with your mirrorless, GoPro, DSLR, or even your smartphone, but don’t go overboard on the weight—it’s not designed to hold over 28 ounces. It’s affordable as well, plus its small size means it can easily fit in your backpack while hiking or traveling. It’s only 12 inches in height, meaning it can’t do everything that a traditional tripod can do. However, this fun accessory might be just what you’re looking for if you crave the flexibility to shoot from anywhere.
Best for Portability
At only 3 pounds, it couldn’t be much lighter
Fantastic price
Adjustable legs make it easy to vary your height
Build design isn’t as sturdy as other tripods
The plate that holds the camera is plastic
The legs are easy to adjust and can take the tripod from 25 inches all the way up to 60 inches, giving you plenty of versatility, with rubber feet to grip uneven surfaces. It also offers two different bubble levels so you get a straight shot in both landscape and portrait orientation. It’s a basic but solid tripod that puts function over form.
Need a tripod packed with useful features? There’s plenty to like about the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter, a premium carbon fiber tripod available in five color patterns. It’s a lightweight 3.7 pounds, but it can convert into a 64.2-inch tripod and monopod. When you’re done, it neatly folds back to a more travel-friendly size of 16.1 inches, with a carrying case included—small enough to fit in your backpack or carry on. It can support up to 26.4 in weight, ideal for professional cameras and heavy lenses.
Best Features
MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Kit
Sleek carbon fiber design will last for years to come
Can support up to 26.4 pounds of gear
Easy to maneuver and position
Pricey
Locking mechanisms aren’t completely weather-sealed
The GlobeTrotter is created with users in mind, offering a quick setup and a sturdy frame that will hold your camera securely in place. It uses twist lock legs that work with an anti-rotation system to allow for fast repositioning, with rubber grips to hold the legs in place. The balance plate itself is a precision-matched Q series ball head with Arca-Swiss compatibility and bubble level to prevent uneven pans and camera head movement.
It also supports 360-degree panning, ideal for shooting video or taking panoramic landscapes. While the GlobeTrotter is a serious investment, both amateurs and pros will appreciate all it can do—plus, it’s strong enough to keep your valuable camera equipment safe and locked in position.
Professional photographers looking for a serious tripod that can handle their equipment could benefit from the Gitzo GK3532-82QD. The Gitzo itself weighs only 5.8 pounds, but it can support an impressive 46.3-pound load capacity, with the strength to hold your valuable lenses and gear. It’s highly flexible, with a maximum height of 63.3 inches and a minimum height of 6.3 inches. Carbon eXact tubing, modulus carbon fiber legs, and large leg diameters mean this tripod is stable on flat or uneven ground, with G-lock Ultra twist locks to secure each leg in place.
Best Splurge
Gitzo GK3532-82QD Series 3 Tripod
Precise engineering guarantees a steady shot
Load capacity of 46.3 pounds
Flexibility for lots of shooting options
Price puts it out of reach for many photographers
Ball head isn’t a quick release
The Gitzo’s ball head rests on a 2.36-inch DSLR camera base, and with smooth controls and tilting between -90 and +40 degrees, there are few shots that can’t be perfectly positioned with the Gitzo. When it comes to premium tripods like the Gitzo, you’ll notice amazing build quality.
All of the parts move smoothly and effortlessly, folding down and setting up is fast, and the tripod has the strength and durability to stay perfectly still, even in wind. While this is above and beyond what some photographers need, pros and keen amateurs need a high-quality tripod that can match the caliber of their camera.
About Our Trusted Experts
Katie Dundas is a freelance journalist and tech writer who frequently covers cameras, drones, and photography equipment.
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is our top overall choice, thanks to its versatility, clever design, and affordable price. If you prefer a more lightweight tripod for travel, the Manfrotto Befree Advanced is stable and durable, with a lightweight aluminum frame that makes it easy to carry all day.
David Beren is a tech writer with 10+ years’ experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless.
What to Look for in a DSLR Tripod
Portability - DSLR cameras are already a bit bulky compared to their point-and-shoot brethren, so if you’re a photographer who’s constantly on the go, you’ll want a tripod whose legs collapse as compactly as possible. Also, look for a tripod that isn’t too heavy; you should be able to find a quality one under 5 pounds.
Our reviewers spent 133 hours testing five of the most popular DSLR tripods. They used them in different settings with various cameras to find out what the strengths and flaws really were. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these tripods, from their price to their durability. We’ve outlined the most important points here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
Budget - No matter if you’re a hobbyist or a professional, you shouldn’t need to spend a lot on a tripod. There are plenty of choices available that you can buy for around $150 and still retain some fancy features. If you want to splurge, though, you can spend up to $1,000, which gets you extremely light but high-quality legs that fold down to about a quarter of their length.
Durability - The long, telescoping legs of a tripod can break if you’re not careful, so if you’re out shooting in the wilderness, you’ll likely need something very durable. Tripods come in an array of materials, but carbon fiber or aluminum are the most reliable.
- Will any tripod work with my camera?
- Because most camera mounts are standardized, almost any camera will work with any tripod. Virtually all tripods sold today have a 1/4-inch threaded mount, which pairs with a 1/4-inch port on the vast majority of cameras, allowing you to easily attach and detach your DSLR.
- When do I need a tripod?
- Tripods are great for stabilizing a shot in a number of circumstances, and a lot more convenient than some DIY solutions. Anytime your hands are a little unsteady and a faster shutter speed isn’t enough to accommodate for it, or if you want a big depth of field but a lower ISO (and thus need a long shutter speed), a tripod is a necessity. They’re also a prerequisite for any long exposure shots you’re taking, and very handy for posed shots where you need to frequently move been the camera and the subject.
- What size/height should my tripod be?
- A good rule of thumb is to buy a tripod that can be elevated to your eye level, eliminating the need for you to bend down to peer through your viewfinder. This not only saves your back, but it gives you a clearer look at your subject and a better idea of what the final photo will look like. This is especially important any time you expect to be waiting/looking frequently through the viewfinder, like if you’re waiting for a subject to appear or anticipating some specific action.
Because most camera mounts are standardized, almost any camera will work with any tripod. Virtually all tripods sold today have a 1/4-inch threaded mount, which pairs with a 1/4-inch port on the vast majority of cameras, allowing you to easily attach and detach your DSLR.
Tripods are great for stabilizing a shot in a number of circumstances, and a lot more convenient than some DIY solutions. Anytime your hands are a little unsteady and a faster shutter speed isn’t enough to accommodate for it, or if you want a big depth of field but a lower ISO (and thus need a long shutter speed), a tripod is a necessity. They’re also a prerequisite for any long exposure shots you’re taking, and very handy for posed shots where you need to frequently move been the camera and the subject.
A good rule of thumb is to buy a tripod that can be elevated to your eye level, eliminating the need for you to bend down to peer through your viewfinder. This not only saves your back, but it gives you a clearer look at your subject and a better idea of what the final photo will look like. This is especially important any time you expect to be waiting/looking frequently through the viewfinder, like if you’re waiting for a subject to appear or anticipating some specific action.
