1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best for portability
4. Best for multiple disciplines
5. Best lightweight option
6. Best affordable option
7. Best for versatility
8. Best for awkward positions
9. Best for studio photographers
10. Best for flexibility
11. Best for beginners
12. Tripod FAQs
13. How we test
Every serious photographer needs one of the best tripods in their arsenal to help capture crisp, clear shots. Whether you're into astrophotography, travel photography, or even online vlogging, a tripod can be the difference between a blurry shot and one slightly marred by shaking hands. They're also handy for keeping your precious (and probably expensive) camera secure and steady, even over difficult terrain. They're now dropping in price for Black Friday so be sure to check out our Black Friday deals hub for the best discounts on tripods.
Depending on what you plan on doing with your tripod, there are a variety of options available, with features such as flexible legs or telescopic bodies that fold away neatly. Our expert team of reviewers has put these tripods to the test out in the field and noted what we loved about them, and what we thought was missing. We've also noted the maximum height the tripod can reach and the maximum weight it can hold, so you can cross-reference these stats with your specific camera and lens combination.
If you're still looking for your perfect camera companion, we've also tested the best cameras and best beginner cameras to help you choose. Or, if you're particularly keen on capturing starscapes, then we've also rounded up the best cameras for astrophotography and the best lenses for astrophotography. If you're not sure if astrophotography is your thing, read our astrophotography for beginners guide.
The quick list
Best overall
A serious bit of kit for serious astrophotographers — it's not cheap, but you need to pay for exceptional quality.
Best for portability
Designed with travel in mind, this tripod folds down into a neat, sleek package that's perfect for fitting into a suitcase or backpack.
Best for multiple disciplines
For photographers who shoot multiple different photographic styles, it's an absolute joy, but it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
Best lightweight option
If weight is your concern, look no further, as this is the lightest aluminum tripod you're likely to find.
Best affordable option
A decent tripod on the more affordable end of the spectrum, this tripod will do everything you need it to do.
Best for versatility
This tripod has many different configurations and accessories to choose from and can handle an impressive load capacity given its light weight.
Load the next 4 products ↴
Best for awkward positions
A solid, sturdy and versatile option that can handle almost any shooting position you require.
Best for studio photographers
For heavy setups in a professional environment, this tripod would be ideal — but it doesn't come cheap.
Best for flexibility
Different from most tripods, this flexible tiny tripod can elevate the way you capture footage. A great option for vloggers and mobile content creators.
Best for beginners
A fantastic beginner tripod from a reputable brand, this tripod from Benro would be a fantastic addition to your growing kit.
Best tripods we recommend in 2023
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Best overall
✅ You need durability: If you use your tripod a lot and need something that's going to withstand tough terrain and adverse conditions, this will suit you well.
✅ You want something that will last: The exceptional build quality means this tripod will last you for years.
❌ You don't have a big budget: This is a serious bit of kit with a serious price tag, so if you don't have the budget for something as pro-grade as this, there are cheaper alternatives.
❌ You're a casual user: This tripod could well be overkill if you only use your tripod every now and again or if you're a beginner.
🔎 Benro Mach3 TMA37C An impressive tripod built to withstand anything you throw at it, it can cater to multiple shooting styles and is a fantastic choice for anyone who is serious about photography. As expected, for such a high end tripod, there is a high end price tag to match. ★★★★½
The Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C tripod is surprisingly lightweight, despite its chunky appearance. While it's not specifically designed for travel, it caters to the flexibility and portability needs of landscape photographers and astrophotography enthusiasts. This tripod is built to withstand tough conditions and deliver reliable performance in any weather. Its durability, reliability and impressive capabilities make it a fantastic choice for photographers who are serious about their craft.
The Mach3 series of tripods offers a variety of options, including both carbon fiber and aluminum versions. The carbon fiber model is lighter but comes with a higher price tag compared to the aluminum model. While buying the head separately increases the overall cost, it provides the flexibility to customize the tripod to your specific requirements. On the bright side, the extra investment offers added features like spikey feet and a shorter center column, which can be quite useful when you're shooting close to the ground.
The carbon fiber version of this tripod does come with a higher price tag, and it's important to acknowledge that it may be a significant investment for some photographers. However, it's worth noting that the price reflects the exceptional quality you'll receive. With its durable construction and meticulous attention to detail, this tripod is built to last for many years. Your investment will pay off in the long run, as you'll be able to rely on this tripod's enduring performance and enjoy its impeccable craftsmanship for countless photography pursuits.
- Check out the Best cameras for photos and videos
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Chunky but surprisingly lightweight. |
| Performance | Durable, reliable and incredibly capable. |
| Functionality | Offers a range of configuration options. |
Best for portability
✅ You want to travel with it: More than just being lightweight, it's specifically designed with travel in mind, and it folds down neatly with no protruding parts, and fits effortlessly into a suitcase or backpack.
✅ You shoot with your smartphone: It features a novel smartphone mount, so users who create content with their smartphone will be covered.
❌ You're on a budget: This tripod is on the more expensive end of the market, so may be inaccessible to anyone on a budget.
❌ You want a tall tripod: This isn't the tallest tripod we've tried, despite having 5 leg sections, which may be annoying for taller users.
🔎 Peak Design Travel Tripod An impressively compact tripod that's built with travel in mind, folding down into a super sleek package that you can take anywhere. It's not the tallest, or the most affordable, but we think it's worth the money. ★★★★½
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is an impressively compact tripod that caters to photographers of all genres, not just astrophotography enthusiasts. Its sleek and clever design maximizes space efficiency, leaving no wasted room. This tripod's super-sleek and compact package allows it to effortlessly fit into a daypack or your luggage, making it a great choice when space is limited. It's a versatile solution that ensures convenience and ease of transport.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod, although designed for travel, isn't the absolute lightest travel tripod in its category. It's available in both aluminum and carbon fiber versions, with the carbon fiber option being lighter, but also more expensive, as expected. The weight difference between the two is minimal, with the carbon fiber model weighing 2.8 lbs and the aluminum one weighing 3.4 lbs. In our opinion, the minor weight savings of the carbon fiber model doesn't justify the additional cost. We think the aluminum model, at 3.4 lbs, provides better value for your money.
As we discussed in our Peak Design Travel Tripod review, the height of this tripod might be a bit of an issue for taller users. Despite having five leg sections, it is around ten inches shorter than comparable models available on the market. But, if you're using it with a camera that has a fully articulating screen, this shouldn't be an issue.
Although the Arca-Swiss quick-release tripod plate is incredibly stable and capable of supporting loads of up to 20 lbs, it does require a hex key to lock the camera in place, which is a bit tricky to do in the dark. Another neat travel feature is a swivel lever to rotate the ball head, meaning nothing protrudes and gets in the way.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is an excellent choice for astrophotographers who value portability and speedy setup. It's compact when packed and performs admirably outdoors.
- Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Narrow, space saving design. |
| Performance | Easy setup and takedown. |
| Functionality | Not as tall as some tripods. |
Best for multiple disciplines
✅ You often use your tripod: For frequent use over multiple photography disciplines, this tripod will serve you well.
❌ You don't want to spend loads: While we do think it's worth the higher price point given the quality, it might not be the best option if you don't want to spend a lot.
🔎 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed A premium tripod with the price tag to match, but a fantastic option if you're looking for durability and quality. It can support heavy loads and folds down incredibly compact. ★★★★½
The Brian tripod by 3 Legged Thing is a highly portable travel tripod that incorporates some pretty solid engineering design. As we noted in our 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian Tripod review, it's simultaneously one of the tallest tripods when fully extended yet also one of the most compact when folded down, which is no mean feat.
While it's not the absolute lightest tripod around, weighing 3.1 lbs, it's still quite portable for daytime and nighttime use. Although it does come with a higher price tag compared to its closest competitors, we think the investment is worthwhile because of its exceptional build quality and premium feel.
We found the tripod easy to set up and pack away, even in low-light conditions, thanks to the bubble grips on the knobs and leg extenders. However, attaching the camera is a bit trickier because you need to use a hex key instead of a D-ring, which can be challenging, especially in the dark. But they do provide a tool for it that attaches to the tripod's body with a carabiner to help you out.
The Brian tripod by 3 Legged Thing can handle up to 30 lbs without any issues, even when we attached a heavy DSLR with a short zoom lens. While we did notice some instances where the camera seemed to 'fall into place' after setting up with a very long lens, this appears to be related more to how the weight is distributed than the actual weight. Overall, it's a minor concern for a kit that otherwise fulfills the requirements of an enthusiastic astrophotographer.
- Read our full 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Light and portable. |
| Performance | Hex key can be challenging in the dark. |
| Functionality | Multiple leg positions. |
Best lightweight option
✅ You have heavy kit: We found it to be very sturdy and can hold loads of up to 19.48 lbs / 8.84kg.
❌ You want a travel tripod: Although it's an incredibly lightweight tripod, it is fairly large when collapsed so it wouldn't be the best option for traveling.
🔎 Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum An incredibly lightweight tripod at a very reasonable price that ticks all the boxes, but it wouldn't be the best option for travel due to its larger size when collapsed. ★★★★½
Carbon fiber tripods are known for being lightweight, but they tend to be more expensive than aluminum ones. The Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod takes a practical approach by offering a reasonable height and price point. It achieves this by using aluminum materials, which strikes a balance between weight and cost.
The perfect tripod to use at night needs to be three things: a lightweight tripod that is portable, has quick-setup and quick-takedown fittings, and rigidity and solidity that can be trusted to hold your camera steady even in windy weather. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod ticks all of those boxes. It's one of the lightest aluminum travel tripods we've tried, but it's not the most travel-friendly design because it takes up a lot of room in luggage. However, its exceptional build quality and reliability in the field still make it a solid choice.
As we found in our Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod review, it has an unusual fold-down configuration whereby the three legs fold through 180º to meet the ball head. Even though we initially found it fiddly, it's simple to do in the dark once you get the hang of it.
This tripod features legs with four sections that you can adjust easily using twist locks. When fully extended, it reaches a height of 59 inches. You can attach your camera using a handy D-ring, and it's compatible with both RC2 and Arca-Swiss plates. They also offer a carbon fiber version of the same model, which is more expensive but a bit lighter at 2.75 lbs.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight but large when collapsed. |
| Performance | Easy and quick setup. |
| Functionality | Strong center column. |
Best affordable option
✅ You're on a budget: This is a decent option for anyone on a budget. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the higher-priced models, but it'll do what you need it to do.
✅ You're a beginner: It's easy to setup and take down, and there are no complicated bits to contend with, making it a good option to get started with.
✅ You want to shoot video or panoramas: The smooth 360-degree panning on this tripod is a standout feature that will appeal to videographers.
❌ You want to shoot at unusual angles: This tripod doesn't shoot low to the ground, and the central column can't fold down to 90-degrees.
🔎 Manfrotto Element MII For beginners, this would be a great option that won't break the bank. If you want something simple that does the job with no complications, it would suit you well. ★★★★
The Manfrotto Element MII is a fantastic entry-level tripod that's ideal for hobbyists, beginners or anyone on a tighter budget. It's a lightweight aluminum build that is easy to set up and operate and has an attractive patterned design on two of the legs, with the third leg being encased in a rubber grip for easy carrying.
We think this tripod offers a perfect balance since it is both sturdy and lightweight. In our Manfrotto Element MII review, we found it light and compact to carry around, but it also withstood some very windy coastal conditions even with a relatively light camera setup on board. It also comes with a detachable hook that can be screwed into the bottom of the central column for added weight, should you need it.
This tripod is easy to set up quickly, thanks to its twist locks and rapid leg opening system. The ball head mechanism includes spirit levels for both landscape and portrait orientations, although you'll need to set this up before you mount your camera because it gets obscured once the camera is attached.
One drawback we found is that the central column doesn't rotate to allow you to shoot at 90 degrees, which may or may not be a dealbreaker for you depending on your photography style. But we really enjoyed the 360-degree panning function on this tripod, which was silky smooth and would be great for anyone looking to shoot videos, track objects or create panoramic shots.
If you're looking to upgrade, the Manfrotto Element MII also comes in a carbon fiber version, which should be even more lightweight than the one we tested, and there's also a version with Bluetooth remote control if that appeals to you.
- Read our full Manfrotto Element MII review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminium or carbon fiber variants. |
| Performance | Sturdy but lightweight. |
| Functionality | Easy to put up and take down. |
Best for versatility
✅ You need portable and sturdy: Despite being lightweight at only 4.1 lbs, it can handle an impressive maximum load of 14.3 lbs.
❌ You're on a tight budget: This isn't the most expensive option on the market, but there are cheaper options available if you're on a tight budget.
🔎 Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod This tripod is lightweight, portable, easy to put up and down and has a whole load of different options to choose from in regards to build and construction. Though it may be too pricey for casual photographers. ★★★★½
Advanced photographers and enthusiasts who need a portable, reliable base for their camera continue to appreciate the Manfrotto 190 Go! tripod series— even though it was launched almost five years ago. The price has only dropped slightly since our hands-on Manfrotto 190 Go! review of the carbon fiber version, which shows it's still a desirable product that will stand the test of time.
You have various options to pick from when it comes to the 190 Go! tripod. You can select between carbon fiber or aluminum builds, various types of heads and different leg sections. What makes them stand out is how quickly you can set them up. The high-end model might be a bit expensive for hobbyists or occasional photographers, but the more budget-friendly aluminum version could be a better match.
The tripod is super easy to assemble, thanks to its 'M-lock' mechanism. With a simple twist, you can unlock the legs and adjust the height in no time. It comes with useful features like a 90-degree central column that can swing out horizontally and a Link attachment for adding extra accessories.
You can adjust the leg positions to four different angles: 25, 46, 66, or 88 degrees. Despite being lightweight at only 4.1 lbs, it can handle an impressive maximum load of 14.3 lbs, so it's both portable and sturdy for any of your various photography needs.
These low-profile M-locks not only make setting up fast but also result in sleek legs without any parts sticking out that might snag on your bag while packing. The rubber grips on the locks are also easy to locate and grasp, even in the dark.
- Read our full Manfrotto 190 Go! review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminum and carbon fiber variants. |
| Performance | Super easy to assemble. |
| Functionality | Choose from different construction, heads and leg sections. |
Best for awkward positions
✅ You want to shoot low to the ground: This tripod is capable of getting itself into many weird and wonderful positions, with the legs splaying out to almost 90º to the center column.
✅ You're on a budget: If you need a sturdy tripod that won't break the bank, this is a great option.
❌ You want something lightweight: This tripod is heavier and bulkier than many others on the market, so it's best suited to backyard astrophotography or if you're not going to venture far from your car.
🔎 Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB If you don't plan on walking too far with it, it's a great affordable option that provides a lot of versatility with the ability to shoot very low to the ground, is sturdy and reliable. ★★★★
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB offers great flexibility for shooting at various angles and positions. You can easily adjust the legs from 25 degrees to nearly 90 degrees relative to the central column using a simple thumb-press button. Additionally, the central column can be retracted and angled at 90 degrees from the splayed legs. When combined with the ball head, you can position your camera to point directly upward at the sky from as low as 10 inches above the ground. This setup is perfect for astrophotographers, allowing you to capture long-exposure shots of celestial objects like star trails without worrying about your shot being ruined by sudden gusts of wind.
While this tripod offers great versatility and stability, the downside is that it is quite heavy and bulky to carry around. Weighing in at over 5 lbs and still measuring 30 inches long even when fully folded down, this isn't a tripod that you want to be transporting very far on foot and it won't fit in any airline carry-on cases.
Another slight annoyance we encountered in our Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB review was that instead of the convenient D-ring we're used to, the connector plate on this tripod comes with a fiddly screw fitting that requires a coin or tool to tighten and untighten. Although they provide you with a tool to do this, it did feel like an unnecessary faff when better options are available.
Overall, this is a highly versatile tripod that makes getting a good astro shot easy, but it's probably best suited to people who like to engage in astrophotography from their backyard or who are able to drive most of the way toward their destination spot.
- Read our full Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Very flexible legs. |
| Performance | Clip legs easy to put up and take down in the dark. |
| Functionality | 90º central column gives a good range of movement. |
Best for studio photographers
✅ You have a heavy setup: The max load capacity of this tripod is 33 lbs/15kg, ideal for studio or professional photographers with extra accessories.
✅ You want precision: The leg angle selector, 90-degree center column mechanism and 360-degree rotation markings make it easy to frame your perfect shot.
✅ You will be shooting in cold weather: The Quick Power Lock levers on this tripod are very glove-friendly and it can be operated as low as 22°F/-30°C.
❌ You're a wildlife photographer: The setup on this tripod can be a bit noisy and may scare away potential subjects.
❌ You don't want to spend loads: If affordability is a factor, this tripod is not the one for you.
🔎 Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 A tripod best suited to studio photographers who utilize a number of different accessories. Although it makes a good tripod for astrophotographers, it's expensive and could be overkill for beginners. ★★★★
The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is a sturdy, well-built tripod that is designed to appeal to professionals and amateurs alike. It has an impressive maximum payload of 33 lbs and in our Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review, we encountered no camera creep when we left our Nikon D800 pointing up at the sky for several hours.
The tripod features an aluminum construction with convenient grips on two of its legs, making it easy to carry. Each leg is divided into three sections, and the Quick Power Lock levers make extending and locking the leg sections a breeze. They are user-friendly even when wearing gloves in cold weather, but they can be a bit noisy, which may not be ideal for wildlife photographers who need to maintain silence. Additionally, there's an Easy Link attachment on the top section that allows you to attach accessories such as a flash, LED reflector or microphone.
Seasoned photographers will love the precision you can get with this tripod. There is a leg angle selector button at the top of each leg which allows you to choose between 25 degrees, 46 degrees, 66 degrees and 88 degrees. You also get a 90-degree center column mechanism, and we particularly appreciated the 360-degree markings around the ball head to help you rotate the camera for video or panoramic shots.
The main downside to this tripod is the weight. It's fairly heavy to carry around with you, but we think this is a fair payoff for the stability and sturdiness you get. We were still able to walk around half an hour with it with no problem. With its precision, high payload and the fact it can operate at temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C), we think this would make a great tripod for astrophotographers.
- Read our full Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Made from aluminum. |
| Performance | Legs are strong and reliable. |
| Functionality | 90º central column gives a good range of movement. |
Best for flexibility
✅ You're a vlogger/videographer: The GorillaPod would be ideal for daily vloggers and content creators because you can attach it to almost anything to capture your footage.
✅ You travel a lot: It's incredibly lightweight and compact — very easy to take traveling.
❌ You need something sturdy: The GorillaPod isn't designed to be super sturdy or rugged, so if you have heavy kit or you often shoot in adverse weather, there are more suitable options.
🔎 Joby GorillaPod 5K The GorillaPod is quite a niche product, so it's not for everyone, but it's ideal for on-the-go shooting or for content creators who need novel ways to capture their footage ★★★½
Unlike most standard tripods featuring extendable legs and complex knobs, the Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod offers a different approach with its articulated ball joints and tiny size. This unique design distinguishes it from traditional tripods. Weighing just 2.09 lbs and measuring 15 inches in length, it stands out due to its exceptional light weight, portability and versatility.
The design of the tripod allows it to be securely fastened by twisting and shaping it around various urban elements such as railings, trees and other structures. It proves equally effective when utilized in natural landscapes. It can also stand up by itself, but we found that it wasn't as stable in this configuration.
Constructed from a blend of aluminum, plastic and stainless steel, this tripod has the durability needed to support weighty DSLR cameras with zoom lenses, as well as lighter devices like smartphones. However, there's a notable limitation: you have to find something to attach it to when setting up your shots. This means you won't have the same creative flexibility as you would with a traditional standalone tripod. We noted in our Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review that it was made with content creators, vloggers and Instagrammers in mind due to its portability and ease of on-the-go use. If you're using it for an astro shoot, it would be really difficult to level it, so if that's your specialty, we'd say it's probably not the best option.
It's a great option if you're just starting out with photography but for those who are more into it, it's more of a bonus addition to your kit for those 'just in case' moments rather than a replacement for a full-sized tripod.
- Read our full Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight with flexible legs. |
| Performance | Easily attaches to various objects and surfaces. |
| Functionality | Practical for on-the-go scenarios. |
Best for beginners
✅ You're a beginner: This tripod is a good option for beginners who don't want any of the complicated setups or bells and whistles that more advanced tripods have.
✅ You don't want to spend loads: Benro aren't a cheap brand on the whole, but this option is very affordable for what you get.
✅ You don't always use a tripod: This tripod is lightweight and compact enough to carry with you 'just in case' you might need it when you venture out.
❌ You use your tripod a lot: While it's not a bad tripod, some aspects are cheaply finished and would wear out quickly with a lot of use. If you use your tripod a lot, we'd recommend investing in a more high-end option.
🔎 Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod A decent option for a beginner or if you don't use your tripod a lot, it's compact and lightweight enough to carry with you 'just in case'. We rate Benro as a brand, and this is one of their more affordable options. ★★★½
For those nights when you're trudging between vantage points or those days when you might need a tripod but don't quite know what the day has in store, you can't beat the Benro Slim travel tripod. This compact, well-constructed tripod was designed with portability and movement in mind and has everything that a beginner landscape or astrophotographer needs to get started in nightscapes and long-exposure photography.
While initially intended for mirrorless systems, the Benro Slim pleasantly surprises by also supporting the weight of DSLRs and zoom lenses. Its remarkable build quality, thanks to its well-known manufacturer, is available at a surprisingly reasonable price, even for the carbon fiber model. This tripod serves as a dependable companion that's compact enough to slip into your camera bag, and its lightweight design ensures you can keep it close at hand whenever you need it.
It's available in both carbon fiber and aluminum versions which differ only in weight and price point, as you'd expect, the aluminum one is slightly weightier but also slightly cheaper. It's very easy to put up and take down in the dark and features anodized aluminum leg twists that secure into place with half a twist. It uses a standard Arca-Swiss connector plate that slides in easily and is secure enough for a range of mirrorless and DSLR lenses.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact and lightweight, but some cheap finishes. |
| Performance | Easy to put up and take down with simple leg twists. |
| Functionality | Max load capacity 8.8 lbs / 4kg. |
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your most pressing questions on the best tripods in 2023 from what type of tripod is best to answering what a payload is and does. Take a look below.
What is the best tripod for cameras?
We think the Benro Mach3 TMA37C is the best camera tripod overall. It ships with a short center column attachment for more flexibilty when shooting and also spiked feet for use on softer terrains. It's intuitive to use and has sturdy leg locks which operate easily even when wearing gloves.
What is the best tripod for beginners?
What is the best budget tripod?
The Manfrotto Element MII is the best affordable tripod for beginners with a maximum height of 63-inches (160cm) and a folded height of just 16.9-inches (43cm). It comes in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants and is best suited to beginner camera gear which is typically slightly lighter than professional cameras.
How many legs does a tripod have?
Tripods have three legs. The term 'tri' comes from the Latin 'tres' or Greek 'trias' which means 'three.' However, tripod legs can have multiple sections. There is no defined limit to how many leg sections a tripod can have, but they typically vary between one and five, with three and four leg sections being the commonest.
The Joby GorillaPod 5K has one leg section because its legs are flexible and don't extend in the traditional sense. However, the Peak Design Travel Tripod has five leg sections.
Generally, the fewer leg sections a tripod has, the more stable it is. However, a tripod with fewer leg sections may not pack down as small as something with more leg sections. Note the size difference between the Benro Mach3 TMA37C (three leg sections, folded height: 24.6 inches) and the Peak Design Travel Tripod (five leg sections, folded height: 15.4 inches) to see how that works.
How does a tripod work?
A traditional camera tripod is used to stabilize a camera for photography or videography in order to keep compositions still. This is useful during longer exposures because camera movement during the exposure will blur an image. Often this is unwanted when taking stills photographs, however some photographers like to use Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) to deliberately blur an image in one direction for artistic affect.
ICM is typically done through the use of a tripod head which can be locked off to move in one direction only, like a three-way head, rather than a ball-head which can move in 360-degrees.
What makes a good tripod?
Aluminum vs carbon fiber tripods: Which are best?
Most tripods are made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. The latter is much lighter and therefore easier to carry around, but typically more expensive. Aluminum tripods are generally cheaper but slightly heavier and can get colder, affecting handling and functioning on colder nights when taking astrophotographs.
There are a few things to consider before you grab one of the best tripods to ensure it meets your requirements. These are namely stability, portability, weight and price.
You'll have to weigh what you want to prioritize, especially if you're using one of the large and heavy best zoom lenses for your night sky images.
Removable feet, in-built spirit levels, and tripod head compatibility are all things to consider when picking your tripod. You can also check out our guides for the best lenses for astrophotography, and the best camera backpacks.
As you can see from our selection above, there's a lot to consider when investing in a tripod. But they're essential if combined with any of the best cameras.
What does tripod payload mean?
The tripod payload is the maximum weight (in pounds or kilograms) that it can support. The payload would be the combined weight of the camera, lens and any camera accessories attached to the tripod. Add up the combined weight of all these items to see if a tripod will support the gear you're planning on using.
Bear in mind that a tripod may support payloads greater than its stated maximum payload, but its sturdiness and resistance to wind may be compromised. So if a big gust of wind blows through and you're over the payload, the tripod may fall over.
What height tripod do I need?
Some people argue that smaller travel tripods don't always offer enough height for easy camera operation but that depends entirely on how tall you are and it's not quite so important for astrophotography.
Most of the models we've reviewed here have legs that can be splayed wider to allow the camera to be set up quite close to the ground. The lower center of gravity can increase stability for long-exposure night sky photos, but flexion in the legs must be noted when doing this.
Tripod legs: Twist or flip locks?
Tripod leg sections are extended and secured with either flip or twist locks. The twist lock design tends to be more secure but some manufacturers, notably Manfrotto, have bucked the trend and devised some particularly secure flip locks.
Should I change my tripod feet?
Tripod feet are generally made from a thick rubber that has good traction on an array of surfaces and many — but not all — are designed with the option to unscrew them and attach either spiked or clawed feet for better purchase on rougher ground and sand.
How we test the best tripods for astrophotography
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best tripods to buy here at Space.com, we make sure to put every tripod through a rigorous review to test each product fully. Each tripod is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions and performs in the field.
Each tripod is carefully tested by our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who thoroughly know their subject areas. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each tripod and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy each tripod is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date stabilizing technology and look at its weight and portability. We'll also suggest if a particular tripod would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best photographing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on tripods, whether you should purchase one or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
