The tripod adjustment can range from 21.5" to 62.5" - especially useful if you often take photos / videos from above. The tripod can also be converted into an ergonomic monopod with a soft foam grip (also serves as an Alpenstock).
Blue paint on legs gets scratched easily.
This tripod is renowned for the highest quality workmanship, so it is capable of withstanding an astonishing load of up to 33 lbs. As a result, you can record with expensive DSLR cameras with massive lenses on it without worrying about the safety of the equipment.
1/4” mounting screw
Spring-loaded holder for smartphones
21.5" - 62.5"
Aluminum alloy
Multi-angle ball joint, non-slip feet, counterweight hook at the bottom, carry pouch included
2.9 lbs / 33 lbs
2 years
The non-slip rubber feet guarantee stability on any surface, while the legs can quickly fold back when needed. The center column has a counterweight hook to secure the weighting there for even greater reliability.
Relatively small range of the remote control (less than stated).
The Torjim AX60 has received many positive reviews from professional photographers for its elaborate design: the axial lifting feature (with a hand crank) makes it possible to change the angle directly during video shooting without the risk of defocusing.
1/4” mounting screw
Spring-loaded holder for smartphones
17.6" - 60"
Aluminum alloy
Bluetooth remote control (uses "CR2032" battery), axial lifting (with a hand crank), Multi-angle ball joint, non-slip feet, counterweight hook at the bottom, carry pouch included
3.3 lbs / 11 lbs
1 year
Included is a Bluetooth remote control that has an astonishing range of up to 30 feet and allows you to take pictures from a distance (requires a "CR2032" battery to operate). Compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Some users complain about the quality of the case.
This model is ideal for bloggers and TV presenters who often record videos or broadcast live. Two multi-angle ball joints allow you to simultaneously attach 2 cameras (for shooting from 2 angles) or a smartphone and a light ring.
2 x 1/4” mounting screws
Spring-loaded holder for smartphones
15" - 50"
Aluminum alloy
Bluetooth remote control (uses "CR2032" battery), 360° transverse center column, 2 x multi-angle ball joints, non-slip feet, carry pouch included
1.07 lbs / ~5 lbs
1 year
The body and sections here are made of durable aluminum, so the risk of deformation of the structure is minimized. The multi-angle ball joint allows you to take a photo in a horizontal position of the camera or shoot a "vertical" video.
Not very stable on uneven surfaces.
This tripod from Tacklife is renowned for its versatility as it is compatible with smartphones, cameras, camcorders, trail cameras, laser measures, monocles, binoculars and even telescopic sights. You can also mount action cameras with the 1/4" mount threads.
1/4” mounting screw
Spring-loaded holder for smartphones
16.5" - 55"
Aluminum alloy
Multi-angle ball joint, non-slip feet, carry pouch included
1.3 lbs / 6.6 lbs
2 years
The set comes with a carrying bag made of polyester, which makes it easy to transport the tripod, and therefore will be very useful for journalists and mobile cameramen. By the way, when folded, the tripod is about 16.5 inches long.
There is no smartphone mount.
If you're just about to master the fun of photography, then this inexpensive and practical tripod should definitely be in your arsenal: you can experiment with portrait, landscape and macro photography with it, and get great shots.
1/4” mounting screw
16.5" - 50"
Aluminum alloy
Multi-angle ball joint, non-slip feet, carry pouch included
1.25 lbs / 4.4 lbs
1 year
High Quality Mount
Professional photographers are often on the lookout for top-of-the-line equipment that will let them do their jobs without fail. When it comes to camera mounts, they must be extremely durable and well-made, and anything less than that just won't do. The Mactrem CT62 62.5-inch Professional Camera Tripod is one model that gives professionals exactly what they want. This mount is made of a sturdy aluminium alloy body and provides extreme stability and durability that should last anyone for quite a while. Not only that, but the mount can actually hold a load of up to 33 pounds, so even those with expensive DSLR cameras with massive lenses won't have to worry about their equipment's safety.
The tripod adjustment on this camera mount ranges from 21.5 to 62.5 inches, which is especially useful if you often take photos or videos from a height. The tripod can also be converted into an ergonomic monopod with a soft foam grip, and can even serve as an Alpenstock, which all gives this model a level of flexibility above most others. In the end, those who are looking for the highest quality camera mount that is best suited for professional work will find this model to be one of the best ones available on the market.
Last updated price | $67.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07DCSW2V4 |
Lives Up To Its Reputation
The Torjim AX60 60-inch Camera Tripod has received a lot of praise from professional photographers, and for good reason: this model is one of the best ones available, and just about every small detail exudes quality. This professional camera mount has an elaborate design that makes it not only extremely convenient to use, but also very stable, giving photographers exactly what they need in a mount. As an example, the axial lifting feature, which utilizes a hand crank, makes it possible to change the angle directly during video shooting without the risk of defocusing the camera. Such a thoughtful detail is definitely worthy of praise, especially by any photographer who has run into issues in this area before.
Another area in which this mount excels is in its overall stability. The three-legged design provides an extremely sturdy stand that can keep the entire setup upright on virtually any type of surface, and the non-slip rubber feet provide an extremely firm grip, giving your camera the best stability possible. The centre column includes a counterweight hook for providing even further stability, especially when heavy equipment is mounted on the unit. Despite its stability, the legs can be easily folded up for carrying, allowing you to easily move the mount whenever you wish. All things considered, those who prize stability above all else will find what they're looking for in this camera mount.
Last updated price | $29.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07ZV4QX6C |
Great For Live Broadcasts
Are you a video blogger or presenter who often shoots live broadcasts all by yourself? If so, then you will definitely love the UBeesize HG50 50-inch Phone Tripod Stand. This camera mount gives you all of the features that you need to help operate your camera remotely while shooting live, letting you create the most professional-looking broadcasts with a minimum amount of work. This model includes two multi-angle ball joints that allow you to simultaneously attach 2 cameras for shooting from 2 angles, or which can also be used to hold a smartphone and a ring light. Whichever way you decide to use them, the multi-angle ball joints give you an extreme amount of flexibility in use.
Included with this mount is a Bluetooth remote control that has an astonishing range of up to 30 feet and allows you to take pictures or record video from a distance, so if you are someone who needs to both frame your own shots and do the presenting, you'll find this mount to be extremely useful for self-shooting. The mount is also compatible with both iOS and Android devices, so you won't have to worry about compatibility issues with your mobile device. If there is anything that can be faulted here, it would be the carrying case, which some users have stated is not of the best quality. Having said that, not all mounts even include one, so having a carrying case is a bonus, regardless of its quality. All told, anyone who shoots live broadcasts as a one-man team will find this camera mount to be exactly what they need.
Versatile Mount
Camera mounts aren't just useful for shooting videos or taking photos, Often, they can be useful for quite a few other different purposes. However, much of what it can offer will depend on the mount, and in what support it provides for other purposes. The ACKLIFE MLT01 55-Inch Lightweight Aluminum Tripod gives you a great mount that will be excellent for a wide variety of different purposes, while still being an excellent mount for photography.
The versatility of this particular mount knows no bounds, as it is compatible with smartphones, cameras, camcorders, trail cameras, laser measures, monocles, binoculars and even telescopic sights. You can also mount action cameras with the 1/4" mount threads, giving you a true multi-purpose mount that not only meets a variety of different needs, but does so in spectacular fashion.
Despite the flexibility of this mount, it doesn't have to give up anything in regards to its durability. The aluminum alloy body provides an extremely strong base for the unit that won't bend or break, even with heavy use. The multi-angle ball joint also allows you to take a photo in a horizontal position of the camera or shoot a "vertical" video while still allowing for an extremely stable base. At the end of the day, the flexibility that this mount provides its users makes it a solid choice, no matter your specific needs.
Basic Mount For Beginners
Not everyone needs an extremely fancy camera mount that is loaded with different features. This is especially true for beginning photographers, who want a cheap but effective mount to help them learn their craft. With the AmazonBasics WT3130T Tripod, this is exactly what you get - a no-frills mount that is extremely affordable yet able to provide beginners with everything they need.
Although this mount is pretty basic, that doesn't mean it is extremely limited in its usefulness. Quite to the contrary, in fact. This mount gives you the ability to frame and shoot shots in a variety of different angles, including portrait, landscape and macro photography, and get great results at that. Furthermore, the simplicity and ease of use of the mount let you do so with very little fuss, letting you focus on getting results instead of having to fight with your equipment.
The mount set includes a handy carrying bag that makes it a great choice for anyone who needs a mount that has portability in mind, including journalists and mobile cameramen. The mount even folds up into an extremely compact footprint, measuring only 16.5 inches long, so you get a truly portable device. The only thing missing here is a mount for a smartphone, so those who shoot primarily from their phone may need to find another model. For the rest, though, this high-quality but low-cost mount will be a great choice.
Last updated price | $15.55 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B00XI87KV8 |
What Is a Camera Tripod?
Any photo enthusiast knows that frustrating feeling when a handheld photo just doesn't come out right because of the slightest vibration that smears the picture and totally ruins the effort. Therefore, photographers often use a special pole with 3 adjustable legs, called tripod, to put their camera in a stable position and get a perfectly sharp shot, unaffected by the trembling hands and other vibrations. Any high-quality architecture masterpiece, nature, macro, and panoramic photographs are done with a tripod support.
Furthermore, tripods are often used in photo studios for getting clear, crisp portraits of a sitter. However, you can also see them used for shooting news reports, documentaries, concerts, and movies. Usually, a tripod comes with a special camera head that mounts on top of the center column. It provides better control of the camera movement flow and can be fixed in certain positions. But more of that below.
So, if you are gearing up your photo studio or getting ready for a long journey with a scenic route, you might also be interested in our review of the best camera backpacks with a strap for a tripod fixing to store and carry your camera kit around. But that's not all. You might also want to check out our pick of the best portrait lenses as well. And for those, who want to know the latest tendencies in the photo industry, we may recommend our fresh selection of the best mirrorless cameras.
What Features to Compare
Compatibility
A few words about compatibility. Most of the tripods come with a column that has a 3/8" screw for mounting the head. The head has, in turn, a standard 1/4" screw that matches the threaded hole in the bottom of the most cameras. Therefore, you can readily use your DSLR, GoPro or TV camera with any tripod from this review.
Maximum load
So, the first parameter to check out is the maximum load a tripod can support. If you don't know the weight of your camera with a lens, just google them separately and sum their weight. If you are worrying that a huge telephoto lens might disrupt the balance, look for a tripod with the counterweight hook at the bottom of the center column. Also, some models come with a leg spreader that has bracket arms for some additional stability.
Weight and material
The most common materials are carbon fiber and aluminum. The first one is lighter and somewhat better at vibration dampening, though they cost more than the metal ones. A bit heavier aluminum model can be helpful for shooting outdoors where lighter models can be simply kicked over by the wind gust. But carrying a heavy model for several hours can be tiresome.
Sections
As a rule, tripod legs have from 2 up to 5 telescopic sections. The bigger their number is, the more compact it will be when folded. Still, a large number of parts may affect the overall stability of the stand. The center column may also have 1 or 2 sections. There are lots of models with telescopic legs and adjustable center column.
Head types
Note, there are several head types that define the camera position. The ball head can be rotated all around and has a very smooth running, yet be careful not to bump it accidentally. The 3-way pan-tilt heads are usually cheaper and allow a more precise adjusting. The downside is that they have large handles that always get in the way and also many levers that you have to tighten up or loosen almost every time to move and fix it in a certain position. The gimbal heads are very specific and designed for holding large and heavy cameras.
Features
There are several features that can improve the usage of a tripod. For example, if the legs have pointy spikes on their ends, they will stand more securely on the soft ground. For shooting in a photo studio, you might need a taller tripod to take photos at the eye-level. The quick-release mount plate comes handy when you want to quickly change the cameras or when you need to take several handheld shots. By the way, some tripods can be transformed into a monopod that can provide some support for taking stable shots where you just can't unfold a tripod. Additionally, the package may also include some extra items like a pouch for the head or a carrying bag for the tripod itself.
Sources:
1. Simon Ringsmuth Tips for Choosing a Tripod Head, Digital Photography School.
2. Harry Guinness Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the Perfect Tripod, MakeUseOf. July 7, 2016.
3. Camera Tripods, Cambridge in Colour.
4. How to Choose a Tripod, MediaCollege.com.
5. Nigel Atherton Choosing a Tripod, What Digital Camera. June 19, 2016.
6. How to Attach a Camera to a Tripod, wikiHow. August 2016.
7. Nasim Mansurov How to Use a Tripod, Photography Life. January 10, 2015.
8. Jason Row When and How to Use a Monopod Instead of a Tripod, Light Stalking Photography. July 17, 2013.
9. Long Exposure Photography Tips, ExposureGuide.com.
10. Mark Myerson How to Photograph the Starry Night Sky: 7 Expert Tips, Shutterstock . July 9, 2015.