Tripods are an essential part of the rapid-growing photography community. It is a crucial component of any photographer’s tool kit. They help you take breathtaking shots of landscapes, mountains, valleys, etc. Additionally, videographers have different requirements for camera tripods. So, distinguishing them can be a strenuous job. But don’t worry! We have got you covered. Here, we list the 8 best camera tripods for photography and shooting videos.
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1. Legged Thing Bucky
- Material: Magnesium
- Tripod Head: Type Ball Heads
- Color Metallic: Slate Grey
- Item Weight: 4 lbs
The 3 Legged Thing Bucky is an all-rounder. It is easy to carry and built with lightweight carbon fiber. Its legs stretch up to 6ft 2 inches (191cms), allowing you to take landscape shots comfortably. Furthermore, you can easily place this camera tripod in uneven, hilly areas.
Nonetheless, you will be impressed to know that the tripod stands are detachable and usable as a monopod. Due to the sturdy build and secure ball heads, it effortlessly holds high-weighing DSLRs. The tripod stands up no matter how big a zoom and heavy lens you attach to your camera. However, price-wise it is on the higher side. But photography enthusiasts hardly worry about that, do they?
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2. Manfrotto Element II
- Material: Aluminum
- Tripod Head Type: Ball Heads
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 3.4 lbs
If you are looking for a great budget travel tripod, the Manfrotto Element II surely needs a look. People are often doubtful about a budget product’s performance. But, the Manfrotto Element II is an excellent lightweight tripod with a twist-lock installed in its legs, providing stability while shooting pictures or videos.
The balls heads in this one are up to the mark as well. It handles premium cameras with utmost ease. Weighing only 3.41 lbs, the Manfrotto Element II fits easily on your backpack. Its Aluminum built along with the rubbery grip gives it a stunning look at this price. So, if you plan to purchase a new camera tripod, check this one out.
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3. MeFoto GlobeTrotter Aluminium A2350Q2
- Material: Aluminum
- Tripod Head Type: Ball Heads
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 4.6 Pounds
The MeFoto GlobeTrotter is an excellent camera tripod that is compact and easy to carry. Although it weighs around 4.6 pounds, it is easy to handle while traveling. The tripod legs stretch out to give you 165 cm of height. Nevertheless, it folds back to only 41cm.
The MeFoto ball heads are excellent; along with the legs, they can bear up to 26 lbs. However, the tripod only features two leg-lockable, lacking the usual additional lock; it still does a decent job. Also, MeFoto provides rubber pads, a padded carry bag, and metal spikes in the package. So, overall, it is an outstanding deal to crack.
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4. Manfrotto Compact Light
- Material: Aluminum
- Tripod Head Type: Ball Heads
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 0.73 Pounds
If you’re just starting as a photographer and don’t want to spend a lot of money on camera tripods, the Manfrotto Compact Light is a fantastic choice. It offers excellent value for money at just $50. Instead of a replaceable ball head, it features a tricky built-in screw. However, considering the price, you can quickly acclimatize to it.
The Manfrotto Compact Light also has a low load capacity and is unsuitable for heavy cameras. It does, however, operate well with mirrorless and lightweight cameras. Weighing only 0.73 pounds, it is very light and portable.
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5. Manfrotto BeFree 3-Way Live
- Material: Aluminum
- Tripod Head Type: Fluid Heads
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 4.85 lbs
Do you want a camera tripod that is ideal for video shooting also? Then, you must check out the Manfrotto BeFree 3-way Live. As you can make out from the name, it has a 3-way pan coupled with tilt that is ideal for video shooting.
The Aluminium legs are sturdy and provide perfect balance while the head spans and tilts for a perfect shot. At 4.85 lbs, you will get a video tripod minus the considerable weight. But, you have to keep in mind that it is not lighter than other available camera tripods on the market, and it is carriable for hours by attaching to the backpack.
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6. Manfrotto 290 Xtra Carbon
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Tripod Head Type: Ball Head
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 3.4 lbs
The Manfrotto 290 tripod stand is for wildlife and landscape shooters. It has an elevation of 165 cm. So, you can take eye-level landscape pictures with ease. However, it has a muscular build that fits to be a regular tripod stand in the studios as well. It uses a different three-head pan and tilt that might not be comfortable for everyone.
The 3.4 lbs don’t feel heavy to carry. Adjusting minor corners while shooting is not seamless. But if you pair it with a separate ball head, the results are fascinating.
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7. Manfrotto BeFree GT X Pro
- Material: Aluminum
- Tripod Head Type: Ball Heads
- Color: Black/silver
- Item Weight: 4.4 lbs
People who are into macro photography should go with this one. The incredible feature of this camera tripod is the central column that comes to a horizontal position by tilting 90°, and it only provides an elevation of 9 cm. So, food photographers will enjoy shooting with this one, and they can take exotic top-down shots of beautifully presented meals.
The twist-lock design in the tripod legs enables it to stretch easily. On top of that, the ball head can handle moderate camera loads, and it doesn’t weigh too much at 4.4 lbs. So, you can carry it for long hours.
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8. Joby GorillaPod 1K
- Material: Plastic
- Colour: Black/Charcoal
- Item Weight: 2.2 lbs
How can we miss out on this legendary product? The Joby GorillaPod 1K is one of the most popular camera tripods. Its flexible, tiny legs are easily placeable almost anywhere. Most importantly, though, its legs can bend in any direction allowing you to take the most intricate shots from difficult angles.
However, the product cannot handle loads of more than 1kg. So, if you think of using heavy DSLRs with this, look elsewhere. It has superb handgrip usability with a smartphone and lightweight mirrorless cameras. Being compact, it takes the slightest of space in your backpack!
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Conclusion
Depending on your budget, you can select any tripod mentioned above. The tripods mentioned above are performance-oriented designs from the best manufacturers around. However, we suggest you chalk out places where you will use it prior. So, it will make your job away easier. Additionally, don’t rush into making a decision. Check your camera equipment, and read the load capacity of the tripod stand before placing an order. Happy shooting!
