Best Tripod To Buy — Pros, Cons, Prices for Any Budget

The Oben AC-1351 is a simple, easy-to-use tripod that is a great value for the money. It is one of the cheapest options on this list but it still offers a good amount of versatility. It comes standard with a BA-1113 ball head and a telescoping center column. The center column is also removable and capable of being inverted, further adding to its versatility.

The Oben isn’t the tallest, sturdiest, or most versatile option on the market but it does over a good number of options on the cheaper end of the spectrum, where many tripods in this price-range often restrict options or impose additional limitations. 

The Benro Rhino is considered a ‘travel tripod,’ which means it prioritizes portability and ease of use. Because of these priorities, certain concessions are made in other areas, and the overall build is slightly smaller. But the Benro Rhino is still quite large all things considered with a maximum height of 68.75 inches. It comes standard with a strong, fluid, VX30 ball head. The carbon-fiber design ensures that the unit remains tough and durable despite its travel-friendly weight.

This FEISOL tripod lands at the more expensive end of our list, and the head is sold separately, but the increased cost is reflected in the quality. FEISOL makes use of proprietary design elements that are unique to their brand such as specialized release tabs and ‘anti-leg-rotation technology.’

Although a ball head is not included in the base cost, it is possible to mount a camera directly onto the aluminum chassis plate. 

This option sets itself apart from the others with a unique design and color scheme. Its eye-catching look is truly besides the point since, as filmmakers and photographers, we’re prioritizing functionality above all else.

The leg and neck locks are slick and some of the best in the game, always secure yet easy to adjust.

The 3 Legged Thing also features monopod functionality. One of the legs detaches while retaining the AirHed 360 camera mount, effectively turning that single leg into a high-quality monopod; bonus points for versatility. This model is comparatively cheap, so it’s a great value all things considered.

The 190XPro 4 is the best Manfrotto offering to make our list. The variety of angles it is possible to achieve with this unit is near-unparalleled. This unit allows you to get creative and play around with flexibility options not offered by many other models. The design remains sturdy no matter what configuration it's in.

The 190XPro4 works best with the XPro ball head, but it can be swapped out for a 3-way head design if you have a preference. The XPro ball head is incredibly smooth for the price.

This tripod from the Really Right Stuff brand has a sleek design and excellent functionality. The TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber tripod is extremely durable; possibly the toughest tripod on the entire list. This thing can take a beating. If you do a lot of shooting out in precarious locations or plan on putting your tripod into dangerous situations, then this tripod might be your best bet.

The major downside to this tripod is that you will need to purchase a head for the tripod separately, but that holds true for many higher-end tripods. It pairs well with the BH-55 or the BH-40 tripod heads.

This is the best tripod for DSLR shooters. If you are not a DSLR shooter, then your best bet is to go with one of the other entries on this list, otherwise, it doesn’t get any better than the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP. It is sturdy, reliable, versatile, and, best of all, cheap. It makes use of a smooth pan head and is the best tripod for DSLR shooting in most instances.