The 7 Best Camera Tripods for Photographers and Filmmakers

Looking For a New Tripod?

The quality of a photographer's or filmmakers work depends on many factors — skill, a high-quality camera, light, color, composition, and tripod. Without a reliable tripod, your shots can be downright shaky, and if you've ever struggled to focus through a blurry lens, you know this first-hand.

That said, finding a suitable camera tripod could be challenging. Lucky for you, we've done all the research so you can find one that best fits your style and needs. Before selecting, we considered durability, portability, and stability factors. As is customary at Moments, different team members tested each tripod using it in many conditions. We live-tested each unit for about one week, took photos, shot footage, and used it on different terrain.

You can trust that these are all quality contenders. In addition, they are equally capable of providing the stability and precision you need to get those breathtaking shots.

1. Moment Tripod Mount - for MagSafe®

Best For: iPhone Filmmakers

We now understand that your inspiration drips from your fingertips as a photographer or filmmaker. You can't imagine leaving the house without a camera, phone, or tablet. That's why we made this phone tripod. This unit helps you capture the scene like never before, specifically designed to be compatible with your Apple-based devices.

We engineered a proprietary magnet configuration that provides extra strength to prevent your phone from falling off the tripod. The connection is as robust as possible with custom-tuned magnets and a non-slip backing pad.

Whether connected directly to an iPhone, a third-party accessory, or one of our Moment Cases, you can be confident that (M)Force will hold your phone in place for whatever you're shooting.

This tripod is also lightweight and compact enough to fit in your pocket or bag easily, made perfect for portable travel.

2. Peak Design Travel Tripod

Best For: Traveling photographers needing a tripod as robust as their adventures.

Take this lightweight tripod with you when you do your thing on the go. If you're looking for a sturdy, travel-friendly tripod, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is your best bet.

Peak Design is a company with a reputation for making quality products, and we can't help but agree. We tested the carbon fiber version, which weighs 2.8 lbs (1.27kg) and packs only 15.4 inches (39.1cm), making it easy to throw into a backpack or camera bag. The aluminum tripod model measures 3.4 lbs (1.5kg).

A 360-degree ball head makes it easy to use, and the tripod is sturdy enough to hold a Canon 5D Mk IV DSLR with a 24-70mm lens. The tripod also has a phone mount that tucks away inside the center column.

We are confident that this camera tripod can handle harsh conditions on the road without any worries — the design is highly robust, and the material quality is excellent.

3. Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head

Best For: People who are just getting started with photography.

If you are on a tight budget, a tripod that offers a low price and high-quality balance, check out our pick here. Manfrotto's compact aluminum tripod is lightweight and offers impressive performance.

The Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum Tripod offers a practical compromise between a mini- and a full-size tripod. You can easily lock the camera in place with the built-in ball head and the single adjustment knob.

Additionally, it's a lightweight and compact tripod weighing only 800g, so it can be easily packed into a backpack and taken on the go. The Compact Light Tripod with Head is suitable for a wide range of digital devices weighing as much as 1.5kg.

If you're a photography newbie looking to experiment with tripods tentatively, you might consider the Compact Light due to its low price.

4. Benro Bat Zero Series Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod with VX20 Ball Head

Best For: Creators on the go.

The Benro Bat Zero Series Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod with VX20 Ball Head is a lightweight carbon fiber tripod that is easy to transport and set up.

Its reverse folding leg design makes it easy to set up and pack down when you're ready to head out. You'll appreciate the tripod's ultra-compact design as you hike, climb, or walk for hours.

The Benro Bat Series features five preset leg angles that allow you to place these tripods in positions that traditional tripods cannot. You can use your Benro Bat tripod anywhere. Whether in a desert, a canyon, or an ice cave, you can use your Benro Bat tripod anywhere.

The Bat Series tripod combines versatility with a quick multi-angle adjustment. The tripod can be quickly inverted to perform low-level photography without removing the central column from the tripod. It also comes with five adjustable preset leg angles.

5. JOBY GorillaPod 3K Tripod with Ball Head Kit

Best For: Low-stakes projects.

The Gorillapod 3K Tripod with Ball Head Kit is a favorite among the team because of the versatility it offers due to its rugged design. The GorillaPod, however, may not be the most efficient solution in all circumstances. Before choosing the GorillaPod, consider the needs of your project.

The GorillaPod 3K Tripod is most suitable for small-scale or low-stakes projects. Most professional photography or film projects will not be possible with this tripod. As a mini-tripod, its uses are limited, despite its flexibility. The GorillaPod 3K Tripod with Ball Head Kit stands only 9.4" tall and weighs 8.7 oz.

The mini tripod is best suited for cameras with smaller sensors and entry-level cameras like DSLRs. Some areas of the GorillaPod 3K are rubberized to improve its grip and stability on unstable surfaces. Other tripod parts are made from stainless steel and ABS plastic to ensure durability and sturdiness.

6. Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod

Best For: Photographers on a budget who want a comfortable and reliable way to capture photos and videos

The Manfrotto PIXI is the premier mini tripod for Compact System Cameras. Ideal for photographers needing a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-use support system.

Made from stainless steel and black Adapto polymer, the PIXI weighs only 6.7 ounces while supporting up to 2.2 pounds. The ball head features a 1/4"-20 camera screw and a novel locking mechanism that allows a single push-button adjustment and locking. In addition to cameras, the PIXI is compatible with iPhones equipped with the optional Manfrotto KLYP mount.

With the Manfrotto PIXI, you can flawlessly capture challenging video shots while keeping your hands steady. Want to remove the tripod legs? Capture professional-looking videos with the legs closed on the Manfrotto PIXI.

The push-button mechanism positions and locks the ball head swiftly, and intuitively. When pressed, the ball joint is released. Once the button is released, the ball is automatically locked in place.

7. Pivo Pod Tripod

Best For: Content creators looking to get the most out of their phone without sacrificing portability

Step up your content game. With the Pivo Pod Auto-Tracking Smartphone Mount Red or Silver, you can stream, vlog, live stream, chat, and more. This accessory is ideal whether you're a content creator, a business professional, or someone who wants to control their smartphone camera.

Their rotating capability allows them to track subjects and keep them centered in the frame. In just 10 seconds, the Pivo Pod Red or Silver can rotate 360°. Utilizing the Face, Body, and Action Tracking options, they can track people, objects, and movements based on movement. Even riders can stream or record their ride for later review with their Horse Tracking mode.

In addition, the Red and Silver Pods can remotely snap photos and create an array of complex and creative content with 12 Quick Create modes.

How We Tested

You want a tripod to handle travel and meet your social media needs. You want a tripod that can easily be adjusted and is lightweight. You want a solid, well-built tripod that doesn't break the bank.

We took our top picks and put them to the test. Every team member had to test a tripod at least once to ensure they got the best quality and results possible. Be confident, knowing that our recommendations on this list are solid, and check all the boxes we look at when purchasing.

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