Every keen photographer will want to have one of the best tripods in their kit. A tripod is not only great for keeping your camera steady on long exposures, but it can also aid you in experimenting with new and creative angles. Whether you're shooting in a studio or outdoors in the wild, picking up one of the best tripods is going to serve you well.
It's easy to assume that all tripods are built the same: it supports your camera on three legs — how different can the cheapest one be in comparison to the most expensive? Well, we're here to tell you that there's a vast difference, and owning a quality tripod can really set your photography apart.
It's also worth noting that certain tripods are made for certain types of shooting. You'll find tripods designed with rough terrains in mind, for example, while others might be better suited for traveling with.
We've taken everything into account when rounding up our picks of the best tripods, and most of the tripods on this list have been tried and tested by our own experts. In each section below, you'll find the pros and cons of each one we've selected, and we've noted the areas they're strong (or weak) in.
We've also rounded up the best travel tripods if you're primarily looking for an ultra-portable option. Some models also support additional accessories like interchangeable feet to handle different types of terrain when shooting outdoors.
Remember it's Amazon's Prime Day event on 16th and 17th July, so if you're thinking about making a big purchase, it might be worth waiting to see if there's a price drop for this annual sales event. We'll level with you (no pun intended), we haven't seen that many discounts on tripods historically, but there are often deals to be had on the best mirrorless cameras and best cameras.
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 serious price tag, so if you don't have the budget for something as pro-grade as this, there are cheaper alternatives.
❌ You're a casual user: This tripod could well 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, 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? The equally premium price tag, which may put some enthusiast 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 durable enough to withstand shooting in any weather.
There are two versions of this tripod on the market: One made of carbon fiber and another made of aluminum. Unsurprisingly, the carbon fiber version is the more expensive of the two, but both are surprisingly lightweight and equally durable. If you're looking for something extra-portable, though, the carbon fiber model is the lighter of the two.
Thanks to the Benro Mach3's short center column, it's great for shooting low to the ground and experimenting with different angles. It's ideal for creative photographers who want to set up shots with flexibility.
A big downside, however, is that the tripod doesn't come with a tripod head, adding extra expense to this purchase. It does at least mean you can get a head that suits your camera and shooting style, but it's worth bearing in mind if you're conscious of your budget.
Even bearing this in mind, though, there are few better tripods on the market than the Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C. This is an excellent bit of kit for professionals and enthusiasts alike, which will last for years to come.
- Check out the Best cameras for photos and videos
| 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 being lightweight, it's specifically designed with travel in mind, and it folds down neatly with no protruding parts, and fits effortlessly into a suitcase or backpack.
✅ You shoot with your smartphone: It features a novel smartphone mount, so users who create content with their smartphone will be covered.
❌ You're on a budget: This tripod is on the more expensive end of the market, so may be inaccessible to anyone on a budget.
❌ You want a tall tripod: This isn't the tallest tripod we've tried, despite having 5 leg sections, 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 also stands as a worthy runner-up here. It has an elegant and well-thought-out design ideal for travel photographers or astrophotographers who need to journey to a remote location to escape light pollution.
When the Peak Design tripod folds down, it leaves no gaps between the legs, making it smaller and more compact than most other travel tripods we've tested. It means it's smaller than most, and it'll fit easily into your luggage or camera bag: it measures just 3.1 inches (7.9cm) in diameter, in fact, which, coupled with its 15-inch length when folded, makes it very compact indeed.
There are two models of the Peak Design Travel Tripod available: an aluminum and a carbon fiber version. The carbon fiber tripod is slightly lighter, but it comes in with a higher price tag. And, really, the weight difference between the two is nominal: The aluminum version weighs 3.4lbs (1.6kg) while the carbon fiber version is 2.8lbs (1.3kg). In our opinion, it's not really worth the extra cost.
In our Peak Design Travel Tripod review, we praised how small and compact the ball head design is, noting it's small than almost any other tripod on the market. There are no extra levers or knobs sticking out anywhere, which keeps things nice and tidy (and easy to transport!). The camera plate, on the other hand, isn't quite so good, as you'll need a hex tool in order to attach it — if you're shooting astro in the dark, it's a very fiddly task that you probably could do without.
Once it's all set up, however, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is extremely secure, with its feet feeling very sturdy at the bottom of the legs. It's not quite as tall as some other tripods on this list, but we love its versatility — it's capable of shooting just 5.5 inches (14cm) from the ground. Oh, and if you want to shoot with your phone's camera, there's a handy smartphone mount in the center column, which is a nice touch.
- 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 might not be 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 folds down incredibly compact. ★★★★½
The Punks Brian tripod from 3 Legged Thing seems to have found the perfect balance between being one of the tallest tripods we've reviewed (nearly 74 inches when fully extended) while also being one of the most compact when folded up (at only 16 inches). This makes it remarkably versatile, appealing to taller people who still need something that is easy to carry around with them.
It has a very premium feel, with its eight layers of 100% pure pre-preg carbon fiber ensuring that it is light enough for everyday use, while also being incredibly sturdy. The five leg sections twist and untwist into place, and we particularly liked the textured rubber grips that you can find on all the knobs and leg twists. This makes it especially easy to use with cold hands or in damp weather conditions.
In our Punks Brian tripod review, we said it's an excellent choice for landscape or astrophotography work due to how well suited it is to different terrains. We particularly like that different feet are available, including spikes and claw grips, meaning you can customize it to suit the ground you're going to be placing it on.
Making it even more versatile is the fact that the center column of the Punks Brian tripod can be detached, allowing you to use it as a monopod. While we expect most users will stick to using it as a fully-fledged tripod, it's a nice touch and we appreciate the extra functionality — it's definitely handy for awkward angles, or if you're shooting selfies.
If we're being picky, we found the hex-key-enabled connector plate a little inconvenient until we were used to using it, but the whole tripod is well constructed, and you also get a nylon drawstring bag for the tripod and microfiber bag for the AirHed. Although it falls into the higher price range, we think it's worth it for the quality feel and versatility that you get.
- 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 (yet still robust) it is. It's even more important if you're a travel photographer, or simply a photographer who lives to move around with their kit in tow. And for those people, we can't help but recommend the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced tripod, one of the lightest tripods we've tested.
Despite being so lightweight - 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) - it's actually made of aluminum rather than carbon fiber. It means you're getting all the benefit of lightness without having to pay a premium for the more expensive material. Win-win, in our opinion.
In our Manfrotto BeFree Advanced tripod review, we praised how well built it is, with its solid center column offering 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.
The build quality and security comes at a slight cost, though, as this isn't the most compact travel tripod out there. It's a small price to pay, and one we'd say is probably worth it, thanks to the high-end features like wraparound twist-lock rings on the leg choices, and an aluminum 200PL PRO base plate. So unless you absolutely need a really compact tripod for travel, it's a trade worth considering.
One of the best features of this 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.
At 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), it's barely heavier than most carbon fiber rivals, making it excellent value for money. Although, as is often the case with travel tripods, some compromise has been made on the height to keep the weight down, so it may not be best suited to taller people since it only reaches 59 inches (150 cm) when fully extended.
| 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: This is a decent option for anyone on a budget. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the higher-priced models, but it'll do what you need it to do.
✅ You're a beginner: It's easy to setup and take down, and there are no complicated bits to contend with, 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 would be 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's a lightweight aluminum build that is easy to set up and operate and has an attractive patterned design on two of the legs, with the third leg being encased in a rubber grip for easy carrying.
We think this tripod offers a perfect balance since it is both sturdy and lightweight. In our Manfrotto Element MII review, we found it light and compact to carry around, but it also withstood some very windy coastal conditions even with a relatively light camera setup on board. It also comes with a detachable hook that can be screwed into the bottom of the central column for added weight, should you need it.
It's a very easy tripod to set up and start using, too. 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 it comes highly 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.
The main drawback of the Manfrotto Element MII is that the central column doesn't allow for any rotation, meaning you can't shoot at 90 degrees. Depending on your photography style it might not be an issue at all, but it's worth noting. On the other hand, the 360-degree panning function on the tripod is excellent: It's silky smooth and very useful for shooting videos, panoramas or tracking moving objects.
If you're looking to upgrade, the Manfrotto Element MII also comes in a carbon fiber version, which should be even more lightweight than the one we tested, and there's also a version with Bluetooth remote control if that appeals 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 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. Though 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, being both cheaper and lighter, is an appealing prospect for anyone who's looking for quality on a tighter budget. It weighs just 3.66 lbs (1.66kg), but you can still mount an impressive 33.1 lbs (15kg) of kit on it and we had no problem mounting a heavy-duty DSLR setup nice and securely.
The legs on this tripod can be adjusted to four different angles (25, 46, 66 or 88 degrees), which offers you great flexibility to shoot unique angles. You also have the option of swinging out the center column at 90 degrees, which is particularly useful for macro shots or shooting landscape with an alternative perspective.
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 various tools like 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 still on the pricey side, which might put it out of the budget of more casual photographers. But if you can afford this, we don't think you'll be disappointed with it. Its lightweight build and versatile features make it a valuable 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 great affordable option that provides a lot of versatility with the ability to shoot very low to the ground, is sturdy and reliable. ★★★★
If you like getting creative with your photography, shooting from a number of different angles and positions, the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is a great choice of tripod. Almost every part of this tripod adjusts: its legs can go from 25 degrees to almost 90 degrees, and the central column itself can be retracted and angled at 90 degrees from the legs. Set it up in just the right way, and you can point your camera directly at the sky from just 10 inches above the ground.
If you're an astrophotographer, then, the Alta Pro is a fantastic choice, making it easy to create long-exposure shots of the night sky. Capturing something like a star trail will be made easier than ever without having to worry about judder coming from a sudden gust of wind, for example. It also helps that it's pretty easy to set up, with the leg adjustments being a simple case of pushing just one button.
While this tripod offers great versatility and stability, the downside is that it is quite heavy and bulky to carry around. Weighing in at over 5 lbs and still measuring 30 inches long even when fully folded down, this 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, which we're used to. As we explained in more detail in our Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB review, it instead 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 extra, unnecessary annoyance when you're trying to set 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. If you're into astrophotography, it should be a serious contender for you.
- 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 also helps it be much 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 something versatile, lightweight, and 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 tripod for you. ★★★★
The Vanguard Alto Pro tripod 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 that's not all this tripod is good for. In our Benro Tortoise 24C review, we praised the tripod for its versatility and also for its sturdiness and build quality. Sporting a carbon fiber body, the Tortoise is extremely light but still very reliable — it can hold up to 30.9lbs, so it's good to be used with most photography kit.
It's great for most terrains too, thanks to its interchangeable feet. It's equipped with rubber grips on the bottom as standard, or you can change them out for spikes, letting you sink into the ground for extra stability.
However, the Benro Tortoise 24C doesn't have a center column — and that's one of the reasons its able to remain so light and compact. It does mean that it's shorter than other tripods, so it's not the best choice if you're going to need extra height when shooting. But staying close to the ground? This is the tripod for you.
- 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 utilize a number of different accessories. Although it makes a good tripod for astrophotographers, 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, we threw heavy praise on its build quality, finding it capable of handing 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 easily adjustable thanks to Quick Power Lock levers, and each is divided into three sections. We loved 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 noise-less, so perhaps not the best choice for wildlife photographers.
If you're a seasoned photographer, you'll love the level of precision you're able to achieve with this tripod. You can select the precise angle of each leg, for example, choosing between 25, 46, 66 and 88 degrees. There's a 90-degree center column mechanism too, and the ball head has 360-degree markings all the way around which make it easy to rotate your camera whether you're shooting video or tracking a moving object. This tripod also has an Easy Link attachment on the top section that allows you to attach accessories such as a flash, LED reflector or microphone.
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, and that's why we recommend it most for studio use. While you can obviously travel around with it, we definitely wouldn't recommend it if you're often on the go. But for sheer resilience? They don't come 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 take traveling.
❌ You need something sturdy: The GorillaPod isn't designed to be super sturdy or rugged, so if you have heavy kit or you often shoot in adverse weather, there are more suitable options.
🔎 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
The Joby GorillaPod 5K isn't your usual type of tripod. It's probably not going to appeal to traditional photographers, but if you like trying out funky innovations and tend to seek out creative photography opportunities, you might find a lot of use in the GorillaPod. Particularly considering how lightweight and travel-friendly it is.
Rather than having straight tripod legs, it has three legs made from articulated ball joints, each with rubber grips wrapped around them. The idea is that you wrap the GorillaPod around any object you want — like a fence pole, or a railing — in order to create 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: 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 more advanced tripods have.
✅ You don't want to spend loads: Benro aren't a cheap brand on the whole, 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 might 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 use 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 if you don't use your tripod a lot, it's compact and lightweight enough to carry with you 'just in case'. We rate Benro as a brand, and this is one of their more affordable options. ★★★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 compact, well-constructed tripod was 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.
While initially intended for mirrorless systems, the Benro Slim pleasantly surprises by also supporting the weight of DSLRs and zoom lenses. It's easy to put up and take down in the dark and features anodized aluminum leg twists that secure into place with half a twist. It uses a standard Arca-Swiss connector plate that slides in easily and is secure enough for a range of mirrorless and DSLR lenses.
| 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. Take a look below.
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 affordable tripod for beginners 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, due to its slightly lower payload.
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 defined limit to how many leg sections a tripod can have, but they typically vary between one and five. Most tripods have three or four leg sections.
The Joby GorillaPod 5K has one leg section because its legs are flexible and don't extend in the traditional sense. However, the Peak Design Travel Tripod 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 leg sections. 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?
Some people argue that smaller travel tripods don't always offer enough height for easy camera operation but that depends entirely on how tall you are and it's not quite so important for astrophotography.
Most of the models we've reviewed here 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. But which is better? 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 and many models — but not all — 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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