Best Budget Tripod
The right tripod can be the difference between a steady shot and a blurry one.
Whether you’re looking to capture adrenaline-surging videos or take stunning wildlife photography, a great tripod should be a top priority.
The great news is that you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on one either, as there are plenty of excellent budget options available.
Here’s what to expect in this article:
- Reviews of the best budget tripods
- A brief buyer’s guide
- Your burning questions answered in a FAQ
Without further ado, here are our top picks…
👑 Our Pick for Best Overall
⭐ Our Other Top Picks for Budget Tripods
- Best of the Best: Manfrotto Compact Advanced
- Best Budget Tripod for Travel: K&F Concept 62” DSLR
- Best for Video: Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit
Best Budget Tripod Reviews
Manfrotto Compact Advanced (👑 Our Top Pick)
The best budget tripod in our view is the compact advanced model from Manfrotto.
What you get for your money with this offering from Manfrotto is nothing less than a fantastic tripod suitable for all compact DSLR cameras. This tripod affords rock solid support for your camera, and folds down to a satisfyingly small size which makes it perfect for use on the go.
One of the standout features of this model is the 3-way head which gives you all the adjustability you need to capture the perfect shot every time. The two levers attached to the head make it easy to shoot video with this tripod too, should that be your intention. The levers are short to optimise the portability of the tripod, so you can pick it up and move on without lugging unnecessary weight around.
If you fancy yourself as an outdoor photographer or videographer, then you can’t go wrong with this highly convenient tripod. Perhaps best of all, due to its compact nature it fits down in just about any backpack making it suitable for urban adventures and outdoor treks alike.
Features:
- 3-way head
- Suitable for compact DSLR cameras
- Reaches height of 65 inches when extended
- 2 control levers
- Compact
- Includes protective bag
K&F Concept 62” DSLR (💸 Best Budget Tripod for Travel)
This budget tripod from K&F is loaded with neat features which make it perfectly suited for travel use.
This seemingly heavy-duty tripod doesn’t sacrifice any of the stability of a larger frame with its compact size. The legs are solid and sturdy, so you can set up shop in windy conditions without having to hold it steady. It’s also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at a mere 2.99lbs, which should make it a breeze to carry around wherever you are. The maximum height you can get out of this tripod is 62 inches, and the minimum height is 16.1 inches, which gives you the scope to take shots from all kinds of angles.
You can open this nifty tripod with a single hand, and pack it away just as quickly as you folded it out. This makes it ideal for those spontaneous moments that unfold out in nature. You can respond to events quickly to make sure you get the perfect shot without sacrificing the focus with this tripod.
The ball head gives you 360-degree shot capability, which can make for the most amazing panoramas. It also allows you to capture a scene or environment without needing to constantly pick up and set up the tripod again.
Features:
- Lightweight design
- Maximum height of 62 inches/Minimum height of 16.1 inches
- One hand opening
- Ball head
- Quick release
Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit (🎥 Best for Video)
If you’re serious about creating the best outdoors videos on the go, then you’d struggle to find a better budget tripod than the infamous GorillaPod from Joby.
While there are many variations of the GorillaPod available, fit for all different types of camera, we chose the 5K kit due to its compatibility with the best DSLR cameras and camcorders. It can support a weight of up to 5kg, which is more than the other tripods in the GorillaPod range, and it even supports the use of pico projectors, speakers and other useful gadgets.
As for the tripod itself, what is there to say other than it’s the first choice of many popular Youtubers like Casey Neistat and Roman Atwood?
The reason why many Youtubers and Vloggers favour this tripod is primarily due to its outstanding versatility. You can use it as a vlog camera support, bending the individual links to get the perfect fit for you. Alternatively, you can set it up on anything from a tree to a ledge with its flexible wrap around design if you want to record a professional-looking video outside. While some of the traditional style tripods might struggle to stay upright in windy conditions, the GorillaPod stays firm due to its clamp-like legs which hold on tight to almost any surface.
The head rotates up to 360 degrees, and can also be tilted up to 90 degrees. This gives you the opportunity to find the perfect shot every time, no matter where you are.
The best part about the frame though? It’s size.
This ultra compact tripod folds down to a single stick shape making it incredibly easy to carry around in any bag. If you are the type of person who loves nothing more than spontaneous urban adventures, or last-minute photography trips out into nature, then you’ll love the convenience of this tripod. It’s also a dream for those times you need to travel and would rather not pack away a large or heavy tripod to use with your camera.
Features:
- Adjustable segmented design
- 360 degree panning head
- 90 degree tilt
- Suitable for most cameras and camcorders
Kodak PhotoGear 2-in-1 Tripod & Monopod
You’ll surely have heard of Kodak when it comes to cameras and related equipment, so you know you can trust this tripod from the popular brand.
Aside from looking sleek and sturdy, this tripod boasts both monopod and tripod functionality. For those moments you need a steady shot in an outdoor location you can use it as a tripod, and when you want a great vlogging setup you can use it as a monopod. The legs extend to give you a maximum height of 70 inches with the tripod, and 64.5 inches for the monopod.
One of the more interesting features of this tripod is the rubber swivel feet which give you plenty of stability for whatever surface you need to set up on. This combined with the 3-way smooth swivelling head and 360 degree tilting give you plenty of options for capturing the best shot or video possible. It can also be adjusted in mere seconds with its quick flip-lock and built-in bubble level to know when you’re even.
This tripod is ideal for travel due to its lightweight, compact design and the free carry bag it comes with. There’s also a bonus tripod e-guide included so you can get to grips with using it for the first time.
Features:
- Maximum height of 70 inches
- Rubber swivel feet
- 3-way swivel head and 360 degree rotation
- Quick release
- Includes carry bag and tripod e-guide
A Tripod Buyer’s Guide
If you’re in the market for a budget tripod, but you’re not sure exactly what you need, this brief guide should help steer you in the right direction.
Suitability
The first thing you should consider before you invest is which tripod will be suitable for your needs,
If you’re looking to start a career as a vlogger then you’ll want to find one which supports either compact cameras or smartphones, and one which is lightweight enough for you to carry around comfortably.
A good example in this case would be the Joby GorillaPod, which is favoured by many popular Youtubers like Casey Neistat for its incredible versatility.
If you’re serious about photography or videography and you want to capture some incredible shots outdoors, then you’ll want a tripod that extends to around eye level height and can support a DSLR camera.
If you travel a lot and want to take your camera with you, then you’ll need to factor in the size of the tripod when it’s folded down and check that it will fit down in your backpack or luggage.
Height
The height that a tripod extends to is important since it will determine what type of shots you can capture.
If you invest in a tripod that comes up a little short, you might find that for long time lapse style shots or videos you have to bend down a lot to make adjustments.
For that reason, try to ensure the legs extend to your eye level if you plan on using the camera in one place for a long period of time.
The average height of a tripod is between 50-63 inches tall, and somewhere in that range should be adequate for most purposes.
You might also want to consider tripods which can get low to the ground with adjustable legs, since some shots may require a worm’s eye view perspective.
Related: What is a Gimbal?
Portability
Portability not only refers to how compact the tripod is for travel purposes, but also for taking it out and about.
If you always check luggage at the airport then it isn’t as important that you get the most compact tripod, but if you want one that you can take on weekend trips in your backpack then it is.
After all, you probably won’t have much spare room after you’ve packed your camera and any other accessories you might need like different-sized lenses.
You might want a more compact tripod for vlogging on the go, since it can take a toll on your forearm if you’re holding a lot of weight.
Video or Photo
A tripod that’s great for taking photos might not be the best when it comes to shooting video footage.
What makes a tripod more apt for video is an adjustable head, and an easy to use control arm for the head.
With video, it’s possible you’ll want both steadiness and movement, so you will need to find a tripod that lets you achieve both effortlessly. A traditional photo tripod might prove too static or rigid for this purpose.
Free Quiz: Find Your Ideal Gear Setup in 1 Minute or Less 📷
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Tripods
Which is the best tripod for DSLR?
It depends on what you want to use the tripod for.
If you’re looking for a highly portable tripod that’s excellent for regular travel, you might prefer a lightweight model like the K&F Concept 62”.
This tripod is great for DSLR cameras and has some neat features like quick one-hand opening and closing for capturing those spontaneous moments that occur when you’re out and about.
If you’d rather have a tripod that’s best for vlogging, making Youtube videos or versatile use then you’ll love the Joby GorillaPod.
The GorillaPod is an excellent tripod which features a flexible segmented design that can wrap around anything from a branch to a chair for a professional-looking photo or video.
It can also be bended into a position that’s most comfortable for you to hold should you want to create some vlog-style content.
What tripod do Youtubers use?
One of the most common tripods that Youtubers use is the Joby GorillaPod.
There are different variations of this tripod to suit all budgets, and cater for everything from smartphones to vlogging cameras.
What makes this such a popular choice among well-known Youtubers like Casey Neistat is its versatility and flexibility.
Whether you want to hold the camera in front of you vlogger-style, or set it up around a tree or on a rock to capture unique footage, you can do it easily.
Since the legs of this tripod bend at each individual link, you can use it in so many ways, unlike with the rigid legs that the majority of tripods have.
Related: Which Camera Do YouTubers Use?
What tripod height is the best?
The average tripod height, once extended, usually sits between the range of 50-63 inches tall.
This allows for great landscape photography since it is more or less at the average human eye level.
A good general rule is to find a tripod that can reach your eye level, since it will depend person to person on what that height is.
However, if you’re looking for a compact option or one that is suitable for travel, you might find that shorter legs are necessary.
You need to consider exactly what you’ll use the tripod for, and importantly whether or not you’ll travel a lot with it. Travelling with a tripod can be a real headache if you don’t find one that fits comfortable down in your suitcase or backpack.
How do I choose a tripod?
To choose a tripod that’s right for you, there are several key factors to take into account.
First and foremost, it has to be compatible with your camera. There are tripods designed specifically to hold smartphones, DSLR cameras, compact cameras etc. If it can’t support the weight of your device, then you’ve got a problem.
Once you’ve found some options which are compatible with your device, you’ll need to answer the following questions:
- Do you travel a lot?
- What kind of photography are you going to do?
- Do you enjoy recording video too?
- What height is best for the type of photography you want to do?
Related: Best Vlogging Camera Under $100
The Final Word from Run Gun Shoot
If you’re looking for a great budget tripod, you need to make sure it fulfills the criteria which you value most.
Whether you need a versatile tripod, a portable tripod, or a video-compatible tripod, there are some excellent options available to you.
