The Best Tripods
One of the reasons we love tripods is because it enables you to capture moments you normally wouldn’t. It forces you to slow down and observe the world around you. And if you’re a photographer or videographer, a tripod is essential for your toolbox. A tripod keeps your camera from shaking when you need to slow the shutter speed for an ocean sunset or the San Francisco skyline at night. It also helps stabilize the camera for panning action shots, like recording your daughter’s soccer game or photographing a flock of geese jetting from a pond.
What to Look For
Whatever tripod you choose, we’ve found in our research that it should be competent in these three areas: flexibility, durability, and adjustability. If you’re looking for a highly adjustable tripod, look no further than our favorite pick, the Geekoto Tripod. The quick-release flaps allow you to expand and contract the tripod within seconds, even on inclines. If flexibility and portability are paramount, consider the Joby GorillaPod tripod. It’s small, durable, and perfect when space is at a premium. Read on below to see why we think these are the best tripods on the market.
Geekoto Tripod
Smooth and adaptable
Our pick for the best tripod is this one from Geekoto. It adjusts from 19 inches to an almost-touching-the-sky-height of 77 inches, giving you the flexibility of many different camera heights and angles. Better yet, the four-section column legs have quick-release flip locks, so you can adjust the height in seconds. The legs can be adjusted in three levels so that you can set up the camera on an incline. To change angles or get those beautiful panning shots, this tripod has a specially engineered ball head that rotates a full 360 degrees. You can use this tripod anywhere, indoors or outdoors. It is easy to carry as it shrinks down to 19 inches and weighs less than four pounds. You can also transform it into a monopod and use it to shoot handheld while on the move.
Pros
- We were impressed by how stable this tripod was, especially in windy climates.
- The panoramic ball head easily handles heavy lenses and DSLR cameras with fluid motion.
Cons
- The tripod bag does not have a pocket for additional pieces and tools.
Joby GorillaPod Tripod
Instead of having straight legs, the Joby GorillaPod tripod has flexible legs that you can bend into different shapes. You can make the legs straight like a regular tripod, curve it, so it becomes a handheld rig, or wrap it around a tree branch or a fence post to give you different angles. However you use it, this tripod will hold steady, so you get a great shot. It has a max weight of 6.6 pounds, so it is ideal for smaller cameras and other devices. This tripod gives you the capability to pan 360 degrees and tilt 90 degrees. Compact, lightweight, and durable, you can take this tripod anywhere.
Pros
- We loved how this tripod could flex and bend into different shapes. It’s perfect for providing image stability in small environments, like vehicles and crowded gatherings.
- It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, making it a perfect fit for backpacks and handbags.
Cons
- The max height is only 20 inches, though we’d argue that’s the GorillaPod’s selling point.
Acuvar Tripod
The smart choice
This is an excellent little tripod from Acuvar. It comes with different mounts giving you a variety of options for the type of devices you can use with this tripod. It has a regular camera mount for DSLR cameras, and it has a universal smartphone mount. This tripod is especially good for smartphones; it comes with a small wireless remote that works on most iPhone and Android phones. You can use the remote to take pictures from up to 30 feet away, and you don’t even need an app for the remote to work. Also, the remote is small and lightweight; you can keep the remote in your pocket or even attach it to a keychain. This tripod can extend up to 50 inches with a minimum height of 16.75 inches.
Pros
- Including both a camera and a smartphone mount gave us more creative options for photo and video shoots.
- The wireless remote for smartphones is fairly intuitive, which makes it a convenient tool for group shots.
Cons
- We wouldn’t use this tripod with bulkier cameras and telephoto lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the tripod?
Pull the legs out, and then extend them to your desired height. Then place the tripod in the location you want to shoot in. Then attach the camera to the mount using the included screw. Set up the tripod before you attach the camera. It is easier, and you avoid possibly damaging the camera.
Will my camera fit on the tripod?
It depends on the camera and the tripod. Check the product page for the weight limit of the tripod that you are interested in, and see if your camera is under the limit.
Can I use the tripod for other devices besides cameras?
Yes, you can use the tripod for other devices besides cameras. They just need to be under the weight limit and have the proper mount. Tripods work great for holding lights, telescopes, binoculars, and projectors.
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