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After researching over 60 models, our photography experts purchased 10 of the best tripods available on the market. We tested each option side-by-side in both urban and natural environments, from mountain landscape shots to portraits with a city backdrop. We set up each model on stable and uneven terrain, played with angles, turned all the knobs, and pushed all the buttons. It's not a matter of if, but when, your tripod gets dropped or knocked over, so we also conducted tip-over and drop tests on each product. DSLR, mirrorless, and point-and-shoot cameras were all used in testing to explore a variety of potential uses and offer you informed recommendations. We did the hard part. Now, you just need to find the right tripod for your perfect shot at the price you need.
Editor's Note: We updated our tripod review on April 16, 2024, to include information on our testing process for these products. We also note that the 3 Legged Things Punks Travis tripod has been updated.
Doesn't come with a swivel head (you need to buy your own)
The Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 was our favorite model of the bunch. This midweight tripod compacts down to 19 inches and stands at a tall height of 63.5 inches to the base plate. It offers 360 degrees of swivel, with the ability to mount cameras of all sizes on the head of your choice. While many other contenders have several knobs and a less easy-to-use interface, the Manfrotto only uses one, with an additional push button to release and extend the shaft of the tripod, offering a variety of positions. You can position it as low as three inches off the ground in portrait view. We may not choose to lug it along on a long hike, but it's portable and a decent weight given its size.
As is typically the case, quality costs a little extra. The Manfrotto MT190 is one of the most expensive options we tested, though we feel it still offers great value for what you get in return. During our stability tests, this model was second to the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+, which also topped the charts in versatility. Our primary gripe is that the Manfrotto doesn't include its own head, so you need to purchase one separately. For those shopping for a general-use tripod, this is our favorite for its winning combo of versatility, portability, and a reasonable weight without being over-engineered.
The Manfrotto flicklocks were secure and easy to use.
Extremely lightweight and easy to pack for the trail
Easy to use
Decent durability for the price
Removable plate
REASONS TO AVOID
Very unstable when fully extended, especially in the wind
Plate loosens over time and can't take heavy loads
Very short when fully extended (50 inches)
The Amazon Basics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod offers decent functionality at a weight that's as low as its price. We've carried this option through urban and mountain settings and nearly forgot we were carrying a tripod because it's so light. We were able to use the Basics 50-inch for nighttime photography, and it met all basic needs for our shots. For an approachable price, you get quality materials and functionality that'll hold up your light DSLR, point-and-shoot, or even iPhone.The all-in-one design doesn't allow you to change out the head or any components, but it's simple to use and operate. The Basics 50-Inch also offers a three-way (pan and tilt) head with a removable plate (not Arca-swiss style) with a small D-ring on the plate.
Like any lightweight tripod, stability is the most significant caveat. In long-exposure photography, this model produced blurry images when things got windy, causing the tripod to experience more shaking. The construction also leans more on plastic, so you'll need to be gentle if you want this tripod to last. We think the Amazon Basics is best for those who shoot on more modestly sized cameras- the head slowly slips with more robust DSLRs. If you require a little more stability, we'd recommend the Phopik 77 or the more compact UBeesize 67. If weight or price is your top priority, this featherweight tripod offers great value for use with smaller, lightweight cameras.
Simple and compact, the Amazon Basics Lightweight is a high-value option.
The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ is a super stable and high-quality tripod that sets up in a myriad of positions. Designed with durable aluminum construction, beefy legs, and a wide base, it's the most stable option we've tested. When fully extended and shaking the base of the legs, it takes less than two seconds to get a level photo set up and stays stable even when the wind picks up. The three-section leg design features twist locks that are easy to take down and put up in less than thirty seconds. It stands tall (65 inches) and can take ground-level photos as low as ground level. Its hefty ball-socket joint allows 360 panning capabilities (with degree markings), while the Arca-swiss style plate is sturdy and reliable. With a high load capacity and additional attachments, you can use it with any small or large DSLR and its accessories. What's more, this versatile setup will allow you to take photos from all angles, with the center post converting into a monopod and even flips upside down.
The large and heavy packed size makes this tripod great for any car trip, but it's not ideal for backpacking or lightweight adventures. It features a lot of knobs, some of which appear to serve the same function, and learning how it operates takes more time than most other units we tested. If you're looking for a lighter tripod that still offers decent stability, we'd recommend the 3 Legged Thing Punks Travis. Some would say the Vanguard is overengineered, but if you are searching for a high-quality, super stable, and techy option- this should be at the top of the list.
The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 100 Aluminum Tripod is a stable option that morphs into various shapes to get you shooting at an angle.
Updated Since Testing
3 Legged Things released the Punks Travis 2.0 as the updated version of this tripod. The 2.0 features largely the same design, but the leg locks are designed to be sturdier and grippier. The legs are detachable, and the unit can be converted to a monopod. We're linking to the 2.0 in our review, but note that our review still shares our account of the previous version we originally tested.
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Travis boasts incredible load capacity in a durable, lightweight package. This aesthetic, genre-bending option has excellent packability that allowed us to hoof it up the trail without needing a bigger pack or bigger thighs to get our camera gear up a mountain. The 3-Legged Thing claims a staggering load capacity of 39.2 pounds, and we're happy to report we confirmed this in testing. With such an impressive capacity, we felt comfortable using larger DSLR cameras with this tripod, and our long-exposure photos came out clean, especially when using a weighted bag to aid stability. When you want to bring your nice camera into the backcountry or on a rough travel stint, consider the 3-Legged Thing as your photography companion.
We should note that twist-lock tripod legs are an acquired taste. As such, the 3 Legged Thing takes some getting used to if you're accustomed to flicklocks. If you're in the market for a lighter-weight tripod featuring flicklocks, we would recommend directing your attention toward the Phopik 77. The 3 Legged Thing twist locks are well-built with metal threads and made it through rigorous testing in the dirt and grime without compromise. But, we would consider another contender if you aren't a fan of twisting your tripod's legs to extend or shorten. Accidentally leaving one joint unlocked is common, and we caught ourselves occasionally having to tighten the legs during testing — something we never had to do with flicklocks. Also, the screw-tightening system for the mounting plate is slower and less user-friendly for some photographers who prefer a quick release. Ultimately, this tripod should top your list if you're searching for a highly capable tripod that won't break your back, your camera, or the bank.
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Travis has a standard ball head that allows for quick and easy angle adjustments.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
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Our tripod research and testing was thorough and objective. We researched dozens of options before hand-selecting our testing lineup.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
How We Test Tripods
Our testing is rigorous, comparative, and objective. We conducted thorough research into the market before purchasing the tripods seen in this review. We packed these products into our cars and backpacks, then set them up on uneven terrain in a variety of conditions, including wind, sand, rain, and sun. We timed their setup and takedown, assessed how easy each was to adjust, and evaluated stability with heavy cameras. We take note of aspects like versatility, portability, and quality of build. Our testers are longtime, published photographers with a passion for gear and are gifted (or cursed) with detail-oriented minds.
Our tripod testing is divided across five different metrics:
Ease of Use (25% of overall score weighting)
Stability (25% weighting)
Versatility (20% weighting)
Portability (20% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Why You Should Trust Us
This review is brought to you by our experts Amber King and Zach Lovell. Amber has been writing and taking professional photos for gear reviews for over seven years, writing and testing for 25+ different categories. Using a Canon EOS 7D, she has specialized in outdoor photos and product shots. Zach has worked in product testing and photography for over a decade. Specializing in outdoors photography, Zach's photos have appeared in many publications (both in print and online), such as Alpinist Magazine and the American Alpine Journal. Amber and Zach both have strong opinions on tripods and regularly use them in their line of work.
These tripods come in many different shapes and sizes. Are you looking to take your first photos or perhaps you're looking for a studio-grade option? This review has great ideas for your consideration.
Analysis and Test Results
When looking at the selection, we focused on tripods with full extension, designed for DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras. All have a screw for an iPhone adaptor, but they aren't specific for iPhones. After hands-on testing with each product, we rated each design across five important metrics. Take a look to learn more about how each product performs comparatively.
Value
When considering a tripod's value, consider how much you use your tripod and for what type of photography. For occasional, light use with a smaller camera like a point-and-shoot, getting a simple and inexpensive tripod might provide excellent value, such as the Amazon Basics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod. This model is several times less expensive than other models tested and is among the lightest tripods in our line-up. For photographers who are hard on their gear, the 3 Legged Thing Punks Travis is a light option with excellent durability that's almost unheard of for its weight.
The 3 Legged Things tripod offers stability typically found in higher-priced options.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
At its price point, the 3 Legged Thing may initially seem pricey, but its mostly-metal construction will last far longer than cheaper models that use more plastic in their build. For a less expensive option that still has much to offer, the Phopik 77 carries your dollars far with a bunch of features, including monopod capability and a decent ball head. For more committed photographers, the Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 offers professional-grade quality that will last for a long time, and our photographers here at GearLab wouldn't bat an eye at its price.
Ease of Use
How easy a tripod is to set up, adjust, and alter shot angles rises to the top of many photographers' priorities. First, we time how long it takes each to be taken down and set up. Second, we assess the functioning of all adjustment knobs to manipulate camera angles. Being able to change camera angles quickly can be a game changer if shooting sports/wildlife or trying to capture an image with the best natural lighting. People may say "golden hour" when referring to sunset and sunrise times, but many of us would agree it's the "golden five minutes" when referencing photography.
We compared each option in the same locations at the same times to more fairly size up each tripod's ease of use.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
For the final variable in this metric, we examined the pre-mount system and whether or not it's interchangeable with other plates. Using all these variables, we can assess which is easiest to use and which simply takes too much time to make adjustments and/or set up.
Timed Set Up
Set-up time is important, especially when you want to whip out your tripod quickly to capture a special moment. The fastest to set up is the Vanguard Altra Pro 2+. It has only two twist locks on each leg that are rock solid, making it easy to grab most of them at once, twist to a quarter turn, and have the legs up and ready to go in under 15 seconds. Other twist locks' legs seem to be flimsy, without a stopper mechanism, and aren't as fast as flip locks. The Vanguard twist locks are by far the best design, with the Manfrotto MT190 having the best flip locks on the market.
Once we got used to them, twist locks like those found on the 3 Legged Thing were as fast or faster than flicklocks.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
Tripods with shorter flicklocks are easier to grab in one hand and open up with ease. For example, the two Amazon Basics models could be set up in 18 seconds alongside the Phopik 77. The Manfrotto MT190 was set up in a mere 15 seconds. Amazon Basics 60-Inch only has two flip locks per leg, while the 50-inch has three flip locks per leg. Ultimately, you'll intimately learn the fastest way to set up your tripod- whichever option you choose. Some need those precious seconds to get the photo — others will value this less.
Ease of Take-Down
Take-down times varied from the setup times. We find that those with larger flip locks are easier to grab and close all at once than twist locks. The times for take-down ranged from 25 seconds to 52 seconds. Both Amazon Basics models prove to be super easy to take down as well, collapsing and storing in just 25 seconds. Of the twist and lock options, the Vanguard Altra Pro 2+ is the fastest as the twist locks are solid. Those with slower times were twist locks without stopping mechanisms. Some can accidentally be unscrewed, which takes more time to adjust and successfully take down with ease.
Adjusting Angles and Camera Attachment
Adjusting angles, panning, and attaching the camera are incredibly important when using a tripod in the field. The models tested fall into two main categories — 3-way and ball-swivel heads. Those with removable heads (so they can be interchanged with other options) with independent adjustments are ideal. The Manfrotto MT190 doesn't come with a head, but any of the heads from Manfrotto we've worked with offer incredible angle adjustment- you just have to spend more money on an already expensive tripod. The Vanguard Altra Pro 2+ does include a ball head, and we found it to work exceptionally for any of our photography needs.
Options like the 3 Legged Thing include smooth and easy-to-use ball heads.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
Most of the tripods we tested use a ball-swivel head; this is the type of head we prefer to work with, as precise camera angles are easy to achieve and fast to adjust. The best utilize a metal ball head, like the Vanguard Altra Pro 2+. In fact, all those with a ball and swivel joint are metal. Those that are well-oiled and smooth offer excellent pano control, like the 3 Legged Punks.
The 3 Legged Punks has a screw attachment style compared to a quick release.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
The design of the attachment plate is critical in design. The camera plate must provide security so the camera doesn't move. More importantly, it should be detachable so you can ensure you don't accidentally strip the internal housing that the screw fits into on your camera. Our favorite plates are Arca-style options that are large with an additional safety pin and rubberized pads to prevent lateral movement on the plate. Once again, the Vanguard Altra Pro 2+ is our favorite, as it features this design. All the ball and swivel joint camera heads tested utilize a detachable plate.
The Manfrotto Aluminum 4 Section is a simple design with one adjustment knob and offers the option for you to choose your own camera attachment.
Credit: Amber King
Of the 3-way (pan and tilt) camera heads, the Amazon Basics 60-Inch utilizes the most stable base plate. The Amazon Basics 50-Inch also has a removable plate, but it's much smaller. The UBeesize 67 and the Aureday 74 are also made with 3-way heads, and they include screw-on pan handle attachments in case you're using your camera or cell phone for video work. The design of the UBeesize and the Aureday are virtually identical, besides the Aureday offering another seven inches of extension- though its stability when fully extended was uninspiring with a heavier camera.
Stability
A tripod's stability is of the utmost importance- the cameras or cell phones we put on top of a tripod are likely worth several times more than the tripod itself. A single tip-over of your tripod could cost you thousands of dollars if it causes your camera to break. To test stability, we set up all products over flat and uneven terrain to investigate the security of our precious photo-taking electronics. In these more complex setups, we gently applied a few pounds of sideways pressure to the tripod's top in all directions and recorded each option's performance (or lack thereof).
We assessed each option's stability in a variety of contexts including fully extended.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
We also set up each tripod in the wind and took a one-second exposure at three different heights. We even tested each outside at night, setting our camera for long exposures (~20 seconds) to get photos of the magnificent starry sky above. Those with the clearest images and best construction win in this category.
The most stable product tested is the Vanguard Altra Pro 2+. The Altra Pro is also the heaviest, featuring thicker legs, a wide base, and rubberized feet with a large surface area. Generally speaking, the heavier it is, the more stable it is. This is the only one of the fleet that, when fully extended, could still take a timed exposure and get a clear shot. The Manfrotto MT190 comes in second. When vibrating them both at the base, the Vanguard took under two seconds to find stability at top height, while the Manfrotto MT190 section took almost six seconds. Other lighter and less stable contenders took even more time. At the regular height, both had similar stability performance.
Wider rubberized pads (center) offer better stability than thinner options (left). The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ has the widest rubberized pads which feel stable, even over uneven terrain.
Credit: Amber King
Of the lighter options tested, the MeFOTO Roadtrip Classic stands out with its solid, rubberized feet and wide base. However, when fully extended, it gets shaky, much like other contenders in this review. The Phopik 77 also offers decent stability relative to its weight and price but is best at more modest extensions.
All of these tripod options have hooks under the main post, which provides more stability as you add more weight. Look for this feature if you buy a lightweight tripod.
Credit: Amber King
Many tripods feature a hook or eyelet underneath the main post. You can use this to hang a backpack or extra weight to create an even more stable tripod, with the advantage of a lower carry weight. A bunch of products in this review include this hook, such as the Phopik 77, the 3 Legged Thing, the Benro Carbon Slim, and MeFOTO Roadtrip. Between options, these hooks have some nuanced differences. Some options offer retractable hooks, some are actually eyelets, and materials range from aluminum to plastic. The Amazon Basics 60-Inch also has a large hook but is less durable, flexing under a heavier load. The Aureday 74 and the UBeesize 67 are very lightweight tripods that truly rely on their stability hooks for long-exposure photography- we only wish they weren't made with plastic.
If you want to make your tripod a little more stable, compact the first section of the legs, which is usually the thinnest and wobbliest. Also, use a remote control (or a timer) to take photos, especially when using a timed exposure. Pressing the shutter button yourself introduces shake/vibration into the camera.
Load Capacity
In the day and age of content creation, along with 4K or even 8K resolution video cameras with massive sensors and bulky lenses, some people's rigs have grown to fairly substantial sizes. If you're going to be sticking a piece of camera equipment that costs as much as a decent car on your tripod, you'll want to be sure that it's not going to buckle under the weight. It's hard to top the 3 Legged Thing when it comes to supporting a massive camera — it is built to hold up to 39.2 lbs. PHOPIK 77 and MeFOTO Roadtrip Classic can each hold up to 17.6 lbs, while the Manfrotto and Vanguard versions we tested are good for up to 15.5 lbs.
Versatility
Options that contort to all the weirdest positions and angles score highest in this category. Those that extend high and can take pictures close to the ground in seemingly unbalanced positions also do well.
What contorted positions can you put your camera in? The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ has a removable center post that offers versatility in its construction.
Credit: Amber King
Some can convert into a monopod when you only need one leg for stability, while others are welded together and can't be taken apart. For our purposes, if it can change shape stability and come with a plethora of features, it's more versatile to use in an array of conditions.
The Vanguard Altra Pro 2+ is among our favorites for its removable center post that can be set to a variety of positions. It also has several attachment points for accessories like ring lights or microphones. The Manfrotto MT190 also offers excellent versatility, with the center column able to swing out 90 degrees and can get your camera three inches from the ground.
The Manfrotto Aluminum 4 Section features a central post that can be manipulated on the three-axis to give you a variety of angles for your shots.
Credit: Amber King
In the versatility lens, we also appreciate the variety of cameras that can be used. The Aureday 74 and the UBeesize include cell phone mounts that are easily mounted to the tripod's head- though you can buy an inexpensive cell phone mount for any option. Some also have the ability to be switched to a monopod, such as the MoFoto Roadtrip, Phopik 77, and 3 Legged Thing. These options all have a leg of the tripod that simply unscrews and takes a matter of seconds to have your own monopod.
Lockable shoulder joints like those found on the Benro Carbon Slim allow you to flip out the legs for a variety of adjustable heights.
Credit: Amber King
Shoulder locks are also an important feature to look for when versatility is considered. Many, like the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+, Benro Carbo Slim, and MeFOTO Roadtrip, have at least two levels of locking capabilities. This allows you to take stable photos at lower heights. The MeFOTO Roadtrip can also be inverted to take macro shots.
The MeFOTO Roadtrip inverts so you can take stable macro shots! Just one of the many versatile features of this awesome tripod.
Credit: Amber King
Portability
The ability to lug around your tripod is an important part of your shopping, whether carrying it a few minutes from your car for a family portrait or a few weeks while traveling. When evaluating portability, we weigh and measure the packed size of each option. We also looked at the carry bag included and how easy (or difficult) it was to carry the tripod over uneven terrain.
We found that the lightest options generally sacrifice performance and stability for their portability. Even though the Amazon Basics Lightweight 50-Inch (one pound, 3.4 ounces) isn't a fully-featured or super stable model, it's the lightest tested, making it an excellent choice for carrying when light loads are essential. We tested it extensively while backpacking on a three-day trip, and it serves its purpose well. Strapped to the outside of a backpack, it felt like we were carrying hardly anything at all. The Amazon Basics Lightweight 60-Inch (one pound, 11.40 ounces) is a taller, more stable version of the 50, but the packed size is 25.5 inches versus the 18 inches that the 50-inch model takes up. The 3 Legged Thing bent the rules of tripods with excellent stability relative to its packability. At three pounds 9 ounces, it's not the lightest option, but it was easily carried to our favorite backcountry areas, and it could handle our heavier cameras.
The Manfrotto Compact 5-Section gets really tall, but compacts into a small package; this is an excellent feature that any photographer can appreciate.
Credit: Laura Casner
Larger contenders like the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ (five pounds, 5.05 ounces) didn't score as well in this category. Of the mid-weight options, the Manfrotto MT190 can condense to just 19 inches, whereas the Vanguard is a touch bit longer. However, all models are great options if you just need to put them into the car.
A look at the packed sizes of all tripods tested. We took the time to weigh and measure each one.
Credit: Amber King
Durability
Durability can be a challenging and frustrating part of a tripod to investigate. You spend your hard-earned cash on a product you think is the best, only to discover a few months later that it doesn't hold up to the photography grind you need. To reduce the chances of this happening, we put every product through the ringer. We performed several drop and tip-over tests and took each product on demanding photo shoots in the mountains and in urban sprawls- where each option was set up in mud, snow, dirt, oily asphalt, gravel, and grass. As with all testing here at GearLab, we took extensive notes every step of the way.
Once we received all the products, we comparatively evaluated them. It is no surprise that we are most impressed with the construction of the Vanguard Altra Pro 2+. Not only is the full construction outfitted with aluminum and metal, but any of the plastic used is heavy-duty and durable. All adjustment knobs are smooth, solid, and clean. This is a highly durable option that'll last you a long time.
The tilt test was done to every product in testing to assess durability.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
Many of the options in our review are on the lighter side, and that sometimes comes at the cost of durability. The Aureday 74 and UBeesize have plastic 3-way heads that began to show signs of wear towards the end of their testing. They couldn't hold a larger (and heavier) camera in the desired position as the camera slowly tilted all the way to the end range of motion. Adversely, the 3 Legged Punks handled all of the abuse we threw at it- performing as well on the first day of testing as the last. The Phopik 77 also showed decent durability besides the plastic flick locks loosening over time.
It's likely you'll drop your tripod atleast once while carrying it between shot locations, so we performed a drop test on every option. We found better durability in the heavier tripods, generally speaking.
Credit: Zach Joseph Lovell
Materials that a tripod is made of are a crucial part of durability. The Benro Carbon Slim uses carbon fiber in its design, which is excellent from a materials standpoint, but the spinning locks on the legs prove to be less durable than you'd expect for the price. Overall, while many of these products aren't made of super durable materials, except for the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+, they'll still last you a while if you treat them with care.
The Bento Carbon Slim goes anywhere easily. What do you require of your tripod?
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
As you search for your next tripod, take confidence in us here at GearLab to provide you with honest recommendations that are informed by rigorous and unbiased testing. While we all have different requirements with the plethora of options out there, we hope to steer you in the right direction to find the best tripod for your needs without overspending.
