Tripods are both loved and loathed by photographers. This essential tool makes possible certain situations that would otherwise be impossible to capture. Long exposures, timelapses, self portraits, food photography—”the tripod-saves-the-day” list goes on and on.
Now, that being said, tripods can be a handful. A tripod is yet another thing to carry and—let’s be honest—an awkward shape that can’t just be thrown in your bag like an extra memory card. Because a tripod is both an important but potentially frustrating tool, it’s critical to determine the right one for your needs.
The list below includes tripods BPW staff has personally tried and tested, and keeps a few things in mind:
Value: Is a $300 tripod really worth more than double the cost of another tripod? For the majority of photographers, no. If you are hiking to the top of the Swiss Alps, perhaps.
Size: We think that for practical reasons most photographers would like a tripod that can fit in standard luggage.
Durability vs weight: Any tool you purchase should be of good build-quality. A $20 AmazonBasics tripod made of plastic will not last more than a year. Cheap plastic tripods are poor investments and are often thrown into camera bundles; these aren't tools you want to depend on, so best to avoid. However, there’s no need for an iron-clad tripod that’ll make you strain your back. We’ve picked tripods that are aluminum or carbon fiber, both strong and easy on your joints.
Overall best buy: ZoMei Camera Tripod, $65
This tripod has been on our list for over two years and continues to impress us. We use several of these tripods for our workshops and they get run through week in and week out, by student after student, and they keep on truckin’. Hands down, best tripod for under $100.
Drawback: we notice the tripod head can get loose when students twist and pull without loosening the appropriate knobs. Easily tightened with the included hex key, and for $65 we are not complaining.
Our favorite upgrade: 3 Legged Thing Punks Patti Tripod, $120
A new addition to the list, the British tripod company “3 Legged Thing” (3LT) makes quality tripods that often fly under the radar as the company does not advertise much. 3LT divides its products by names, and “Punks” are the lower level tier, but that's not to say they aren't high quality.
For the last 2 years, the founder of the BPW has used a “Punk” for his commercial photography work and enjoyed it (thus the brand made its way to the list).
A great balance between light and strong, this travel-friendly tripod can twist, bend, and lower to just about any height you like. The addition of optional accessories is a plus for those who want to invest in a system that can adapt as their needs grow, making the 3LT system a good buy for beginners and advanced photographers.
The smallest of the group: MeFOTO RoadTrip Aluminum Travel Tripod, $160
The MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod has a fitting name as it’s all about portability and size. When folded down to its smallest size it measures just 15.4”, which beats the ZoMei by nearly two inches. The MeFOTO is a great option for those who need the most portable option for travel.
And don't let its small size fool you: The MeFOTO is designed for heavy cameras or a large telephoto lens, with a load limit of 17lbs. Also for the fashion-conscious, this slick tripod has seven color options to choose from.
Drawbacks: Our only concern is the leg locks. The MeFOTO features twist locks to extend the legs, which is a popular style but not preferable for some. Twisting in the wrong direction is commonplace and frustrating, so we prefer clamp locks instead. Nitpicking to be honest, but for some a considerable factor.
