The Best Tripod Brands in 2024

Updated:
by David Em

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There are many tripod brands on the market. Learn which are the best brands so you can find a high-quality and ideal tripod for you.

Camera on a tripod in the mountains.
Photo courtesy of Canva.

When taking photos with long shutter speeds, you need a tripod to ensure the image is sharp. If you’re shooting handheld, your photos will end up blurry due to any slight shake or movement.

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With a high-quality tripod, you can take long exposure photos without worrying about blur.

It also allows you to use techniques like focus stacking or taking panoramas. Plus, good tripods are sturdy, adjustable, and compactable for travel.

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When you’re shopping for a tripod, the two common materials are carbon fiber and aluminum. Carbon fiber is the lighter and stronger option.

However, it comes at a higher price. Unless you have the budget, aluminum is the ideal choice if you’re a hobby or amateur photographer.

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Now, find out what the best tripod brands are, including information about their background, price, and best-sellers.

Photographer with text overlay.

1. Manfrotto

Manfrotto logo.
Logo courtesy of Manfrotto.

If you’ve asked around or searched for the best tripod, you’ve likely come across Manfrotto.

It’s one of the most popular and best-performing tripod brands in all of photography and videography.

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Manfrotto is based in Italy and was founded in the 1960s. The tripods from Manfrotto are known for being sturdy, high-quality, durable, and cost-effective.

While searching for Manfrotto tripods, you may come across Bogen. Manfrotto acquired Bogen in 1993. So today, they’re the same brand. Also, Manfrotto is owned by The Vitec Group.

Manfrotto offers aluminum and carbon fiber tripods. The prices range from less than $100 to more than $500.

The following are Manfrotto’s best-selling tripods:

Whether you’re new to photography or an experienced pro, Manfrotto makes a tripod that’ll suit your needs.

2. Really Right Stuff

Really Right Stuff logo.
Logo courtesy of Really Right Stuff.

Really Right Stuff is a high-end brand based in Utah and was founded in 1990. While its tripods are on the expensive end, they’re worth every penny.

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Really Right Stuff offers materials, such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, and aluminum. The tripods are designed and built well.

They also have some of the heaviest weight capacities, which allows you to load it up with the gear you need for your photo.

The following are the best-selling tripods from Really Right Stuff:

If you’re looking for a high-end tripod that lives up to its price, can handle a lot of weight, and folds into a small size, look no further than Really Right Stuff.

3. Gitzo

Gitzo logo.
Logo courtesy of Gitzo.

Gitzo is owned by The Vitec Group, which also owns Manfrotto. Like Manfrotto, Gitzo is very popular in the industry.

However, Gitzo is an older brand. It was founded in France in 1917 and makes high-end and durable tripods.

While most of Gitzo’s tripods are carbon fiber, you can find some aluminum ones. Even though Gitzo offers aluminum tripods, only choose the brand if you want a carbon fiber one.

It’s for professional photographers, and the carbon fiber tripods offer excellent performance and styling.

The following are Gitzo’s best-selling tripods:

Gitzo is a top-tier brand that continues to innovate and build some of the best tripods available.

4. FEISOL

FEISOL logo.
Logo courtesy of FEISOL.

FEISOL started as a carbon fiber tube manufacturer. In 2002, it expanded into tripods, monopods, and other camera accessories.

It’s a Florida-based company that’s known for its unique three-position leg-angle locks. FEISOL also stands out because they’re very light when you compare the same capabilities of other tripods.

Most of FEISOL’s tripods are around $300 to $600. However, you can get heavy-duty ones for more than $1,000.

The following are the best-selling tripods from FEISOL:

Overall, FEISOL offers mid to high-end tripods that are lightweight, sturdy, and come with a three-year warranty.

5. Magnus

Magnus logo.
Logo courtesy of Magnus.

Magnus is a brand that only makes tripods and monopods. While Magnus isn’t as old as other brands, like Manfrotto or Gitzo, it’s quickly growing in popularity due to being an affordable option.

If you’re new to photography or have a smaller budget, Magnus offers top-rated tripods for less than $100.

The main drawback is that it doesn’t have a high weight capacity, as most of the Magnus tripods can hold up to around 13 pounds.

The following are the best-selling tripods from Magnus:

Magnus is an excellent brand for budget-friendly tripods at a low price. It’s also great for mounting smartphones and smaller cameras.

6. Robus

Robus logo.
Logo courtesy of Robus.

Robus is owned by Gradus Group, which also owns Magnus. While Magnus offers low-cost tripods, Robus is a mid to high-end brand based in New York.

Robus offers some of the tallest and sturdiest tripods on the market. With the ability to be taller than other tripods, you can capture interesting and unique perspectives.

The following are the top tripods from Robus:

If you’re looking for pro-level carbon fiber tripods for less than $1,000, Robus is an excellent brand to consider.

7. Oben

Oben logo.
Logo courtesy of Oben.

Oben is another tripod company owned by Gradus Group. It sits in between Robus and Magnus when it comes to price.

Most of Oben’s tripods are less than $200, and you can choose between aluminum and carbon fiber.

Oben isn’t known for being a high-end tripod brand. Instead, it’s known for its practicality and durability.

The following are Oben’s best-selling tripods:

If you’re looking for a tripod that isn’t too pricey and is adventure-ready, Oben is a great brand to check out.

8. Slik

Slik logo.
Logo courtesy of Slik.

Slik was founded in Japan in 1948. It’s one of the oldest brands that adopted the features used today.

In 1977, Slik began selling a tripod that offered adjustable height, lever leg locks, and a quick-release shoe system.

Slik tripods are well-built and come with a mid-tier price tag. Most of the tripods are around $100 to $200. However, Slik offers several heavier-duty ones that are more than $500.

The following are Slik’s top-rated tripods:

If your budget is a few hundred dollars and you want a tripod that’s stood the test of time, Slik has excellent options.

9. 3 Legged Thing

3 Legged Thing logo.
Logo courtesy of 3 Legged Thing.

3 Legged Thing is a newer company, as it was founded in 2010 in the United Kingdom.

While 3 Legged Thing offers great tripods, they’re well-known for implementing color in their design. It’s what made them stand out in a market of black or silver tripods.

Another unique feature is the secondary locking system. It provides extra support.

The majority of tripods from 3 Legged Thing have heavier load capacities, leading to them being more expensive.

When you compare the price and load capacity, they’re rather budget-friendly. Most of their tripods can hold between 20 to 100 pounds, and the price ranges from $100 to $800.

The following are the most popular tripods from 3 Legged Thing:

Overall, 3 Legged Thing offers unique and sturdy tripods.

10. Vanguard

Vanguard logo.
Logo courtesy of Vanguard.

Vanguard was founded in 1986. It’s known for its versatile, effective, and affordable tripods. Most of the tripods are around $100 to $300.

Vanguard tripods are easy and quick to set up, which means you’ll be ready to shoot in no time.

The main downside is that they’re relatively long when folded. So, it’s not the best option if you have limited space when traveling.

Otherwise, Vanguard tripods are well-constructed and work for all types of photography.

The following are the best-selling tripods from Vanguard:

As a leading tripod brand, Vanguard offers lightweight and strong tripods at an affordable price.

If you’re a new or hobby photographer and don’t want to spend too much on a tripod, Vanguard has excellent options.

11. Peak Design

Peak Design logo.
Logo courtesy of Peak Design.

Peak Design was founded in 2010 in San Francisco. What started as a crowdfunded company has become a massive success.

Initially, Peak Design was known for camera clips and bags.

Then, they released one carbon fiber and one aluminum tripod. Both of them offer a 20-pound load capacity and are on the higher end with price.

However, the Peak Design tripods are incredible and worth every penny. They’re expensive but are perfect for travel. The tripods are lightweight, sturdy, and compact.

The following are the best tripods from Peak Design:

If you’re looking for a compact and well-built tripod with a decent weight capacity of 20 pounds, Peak Design is your ideal brand.

12. Sirui

Sirui logo.
Logo courtesy of Sirui.

Sirui was founded in 2001 in China. While Sirui is a manufacturer of cameras and lighting equipment, they also make monopods and tripods.

The tripods from Sirui are reliable, durable, and stable. They range from $100 to just over $500. They’re not up there with price, but they’re very durable and often underrated.

The following are Sirui’s best-selling tripods:

Sirui is an excellent tripod brand that can benefit photographers of all skill levels. Many of their tripods fold into a very compact size that’s ideal for travel.

13. JOBY

Joby logo.
Logo courtesy of JOBY.

JOBY became popular due to its GorillaPod, which was the first flexible tripod. It was founded in 2006 in San Francisco. Today, JOBY is a part of The Vitec Group.

The flexible tripods are versatile, durable, and perfect for travel. JOBY offers several models, ranging from tripods for smartphones to heavy DSLRs.

While the JOBY flexible tripods are excellent, there are drawbacks. First, they don’t extend. So, you can’t adjust the height.

Second, it’s hard to move the legs and find the perfect position. It takes a while to get used to it.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love using the JOBY GorillaPods.

The following are the best-selling tripods from JOBY:

The JOBY flexible tripods aren’t traditional. However, they’re effective, as long you’re fine with it not extending.

They’re long-lasting, as you can expect years of use with them staying in good shape.

14. Benro

Benro logo.
Logo courtesy of Benro.

Benro was founded in 1995 in China. Today, it’s one of the best tripod brands because they’re smooth, secure, and have excellent build quality.

Benro also owns MeFOTO and Induro, which are two other popular tripod brands. Combined, they make an excellent group of tripods across wide price ranges.

The following are the top Benro tripods:

Benro’s tripods are simple, easy to use, and strong. It’s one of the most versatile brands and perfect for use in any situation.

15. ProMediaGear

ProMediaGear logo.
Logo courtesy of ProMediaGear.

ProMediaGear was founded in 2009 in Illinois. It’s a high-end brand that makes impressive tripods.

The tripods are well-built and backed by a five-year warranty. They also have a sleek design that simply looks cool to carry and use.

As the name suggests, ProMediaGear makes tripods designed for pros. The load capacity for each tripod ranges from 60 to 125 pounds.

The following are the best tripods from ProMediaGear:

While they’re one of the more expensive brands, the quality is superb. ProMediaGear is an excellent tripod brand if you’re looking for something pro-level.

Conclusion

Overall, tripods are worth the investment because they ensure that your photos are sharp when using slow shutter speeds.

So, out of the 15 top tripod brands, which are the absolute best?

If you want to buy the best tripods on the market, go with Manfrotto, Peak Design, or Gitzo. You can’t go wrong with each of the brands. Their quality and durability are impeccable.

Featured image courtesy of Canva.

About David Em

David Em.

David Em is the founder of Portraits Refined. He’s a published portrait photographer dedicated to helping photographers develop skills, capture incredible photos, and build successful businesses.

About Portraits Refined

Portraits Refined (PR) is a media company that publishes the latest expert-backed portrait photography tips, in-depth camera gear reviews, and advice to grow your photography business. Learn more about Portraits Refined