Ranking of the Best Desktop Camera Tripods in 2024

For those who make money as photographers, videographers and bloggers on YouTube, special equipment is simply necessary. Now we will talk about table tripods.

Using a tripod is an easy and affordable way to instantly improve the quality of your photos and videos. This improvement occurs due to changes in stabilization, composition, panning, etc. In this article, we'll break down a list of the best table tripods for all budgets, cameras, and applications. Everyone has a chance to shoot professionally.

Top best tabletop tripods for all budgets, cameras and uses

Professionals advise using a tripod for the best photos. For avid photographers, this is a must-have camera accessory that helps you capture the perfect shot. When using a tripod, you can shoot from long distances without having to worry about accidentally shaking the camera. Or set up group shots with the self-timer. There are many ways to use the device when shooting, so we recommend that you pay attention to the rating of the most common table tripod models.

The range includes: monopod, DSLR tripods, mini tripods and even trending tripods from the best brands. We recommend that you take a look at the various model reviews and determine which option is right for your camera needs.

Whether you're looking for a monopod, mini tripod, or a standard device, there is a great selection today from top brands including Manfrotto and Velbon. The tripods of the latter are very popular. They are well built and reliable, and they also offer a number of features to make it easy to get the perfect shot.

Best Travel Camera Tripod - Gitzo GT1544T Series 1 6X Traveler

Specifications:

• Material: carbon fiber;
• Maximum load: 8 kg;
• Max. height: 142 cm;
• Folded: 42.5 cm;
• Leg sections: 4;
• Weight: 980 g;
• Price: about $ 600.

Gitzo is owned by the same parent company as Manfrotto and specializes in high quality tripods for hobbyists and professional photographers.

The GT1544T is designed for those who need a tripod with high load capacity without sacrificing durability or functionality. To that end, each of its leg sections is made from 6-inch Gitzo carbon fiber, which provides excellent rigidity and helps reduce overall weight.

Gitzo's patented design allows each leg to bend 180 degrees, allowing them to fully wrap around both the center column and the small tripod head (not included). It can carry up to 8 kg and has a maximum increased height of 142 cm.

• Legs bend 180 °;
• Withstands up to 8kg of load;
• Suitable for both professional photography and beautiful amateur shots.

• Tripod head is not included;
• No bubble level;
• Not always stable;
• Dear.

Velbon Ultra 655

Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum;
• Maximum load: 4 kg;
• Max. height: 154 cm;
• Closed length: 37.2cm;
• Leg sections: 5;
• Weight: 1.3 kg.;
• Price: about $ 160.

Velbon makes decent budget tripods well suited for use with lighter cameras and lens combinations.

The recently announced Ultra 655 is the flagship model in the Compact System range and is ideal for medium DSLRs and standard upscaling.

It utilizes the patented Velbon Drive Roller System (TSS), in which each leg extends the entire inner length of the outer leg casing, providing a strong, stable maximum height of 154 cm, as well as an impressively compact 37.2 cm when folded.

The bottom of the center speaker can be removed, allowing the tripod to be set at just 13.3cm, completely untie your legs.

• Patented Velbon Driven Roll System (TSS);
• the bottom of the center column can be removed;
• stable and reliable.

• Withstands up to 4kg of load;
• Suitable for use with lighter cameras and lens combinations.

Sirui Easy Traveler ET-2204 - the best tripod

Specifications:

• Material: carbon fiber;
• Maximum load: 12 kg;
• Max. height: 144 cm;
• Closed length: 43cm;
• Leg sections: 4;
• Weight: 1.37 kg.;
• Price: about $ 300.

The ET-2204 comes with an E-20 ball head mount and uses a lever mechanism that is easy to open and close even with gloves on, for example on cold days.

Each leg can be set to one of three angles: 21, 52 and 81 degrees, while a shorter center column also fits, allowing you to shoot from a minimum height of 13.5 cm.

The center speaker also features an equipment hook, non-slip rubber feet, and two foam leg heaters for easier use in cold or wet weather. Legs can be rotated 180 degrees to cover center column and E-20 ball head for 43cm closed length.

Sirui also offers the ET-2004 in an aluminum case for an order of magnitude cheaper, but it's better to choose from carbon fiber - such a tripod is lighter and stronger.

• Withstands heavy loads (up to 12kg);
• There is a hook for equipment;
• Legs turn 180 °;
• Made with carbon fiber;
• Ball head;
• Lever locks with lever mechanism.

• Not identified.

3 Legged Thing Evolution 3 Pro Roger Alloy

Specifications:

• Material: magnesium alloy;
• Maximum load: 30 kg;
• Max. height: 165 cm;
• Folded: 40 cm;
• Leg sections: 5;
• Weight: 1.67 kg.;
• Price: about $ 300.

The Legged Thing 'Evolution' Series 3 consists of four models: Brian, Roger, Steve and Nigel. While Steve is primarily intended for studio use, the other three models are claimed to be tripods.

Roger is the cheapest and still the most nominated Brian. The main difference is that Roger has magnesium alloy legs.

The same very robust ParaLock locking feet with TPR 80 reinforced clamps are also available for use in all weather conditions. The Roger also shares the same modular design as other Evolution 3 models, so users can order additional accessories.

You can even unscrew one of the legs and use it as a monopod.

• There are sturdy ParaLock interlocking feet;
• Accessories from other Evolution 3 models can be used;
• Can be used as a monopod;
• Withstands heavy loads.

• Leg material - magnesium alloy. Not practical, these tripods are often less durable than aluminum or carbon fiber tripods.

Best for landscape photography and composition - aluminum Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB

Specifications:

• Weight: 2 kg;
• Collapsed Height: 24.75 ";
• Extended Height: 65 ";
• Maximum load: 7 kg.;
• Price: about $ 200.

Shots of breathtaking landscapes are, one might say, the main bread for every photographer. It's a great way to go outside with your camera and learn how to take amazing pictures.

Bloggers and online sellers often take photos of layouts and compositions. But what exactly is the best tripod for such photos?

Our site invites you to pay attention to the Vanguard Alta Pro model, which will perfectly serve its owner. What are its benefits? Unique legs that can be positioned on any plane, allowing you to shoot over a wide range of surfaces and landscapes.

• Unique legs;
• Professional, suitable for both indoor and great landscape shots.

• Heavy enough.

Best for iPhone - Manfrotto Mini Tripod

Specifications:

• Weight: 230 grams;
• Collapsed Height: 5.31 ";
• Extended Height: 5.31 ";
• Maximum load: 1kg.;
• Price: about $ 30.

In the last couple of years, smartphone users have become more serious about their cameras. You don't have to look far to see that the latest iPhone Xs have amazing sensors that capture professional-grade photos.

So just like a professional camera, an iPhone or smartphone also deserves its own tripod. Manfrotto Mini is designed for smartphones and has a very lightweight design that can simply fit in your pocket! Folding the legs together also makes it a great iPhone monopod.

• compact size when folded;
• light weight;
• ergonomic shape;
• comfortable to hold.

• poor equipment.

Best for video - Magnus VT-4000 Floating Adjustable Head Tripod System

Specifications:

• Weight: 7.9 kg;
• Collapsed Height: 27.2 ";
• Unfolded Height: 59 ";
• Maximum load: 3.6 kg.;
• Price: around $ 150.

The modern world dictates other rules to the community, and today video is a priority format for promotion. If you want to shoot popular videos and clips, using a tripod is absolutely essential!

After researching the various models on the market for a long time, the choice fell on the Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head, which is extremely functional and will not make a massive hole in your wallet.

If you plan to record video that requires panoramic shooting, tracking or flipping, this tripod should be yours. It also has a sturdy 59-inch aluminum body and a 3.6kg payload so it can handle the largest DSLR cameras.

Surprisingly, this model is made of aluminum alloy and has three locking legs, a three-way head with 360-degree swivel function and a quick release plate. Which confirms the fact that a "budget" tripod doesn't necessarily mean a bad product.

• Budgetary due to the material used - aluminum alloy;
• There are three fixing legs;
• Three-way head with 360 degree swivel function;
• Quick release plate.

• Not detected.

Best Tripod from Manfrotto - Manfrotto Befree Advanced

Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum;
• Maximum load: 8 kg;
• Maximum height: 151 cm;
• Closed length: 40cm;
• Leg sections: 4;
• Weight: 1.59 kg.;
• Price: around $ 180.

The Manfrotto Befree Series is a great option if you want to use a compact four-piece tripod for travel. Here we are looking at Befree Advanced, which is designed for serious amateur photographers on the move.

It features the excellent Manfrotto 494 ball head with three controls to lock the ball head, adjust friction and pan the camera 360 degrees. The 200PL Pro board is compatible with RC2 and Arca-swiss.

However, it doesn't hold as easily as Manfrotto's old-fashioned 200PL Quick Release Plates.

The locking lever on our sample proved to be very strong, pressing firmly on every part of the leg without any signs of slipping. The legs can be set in three angular positions, guaranteeing complete shooting versatility for all the creative ideas that may arise outdoors.

Overall, the Befree Advanced is a sturdy 4-section aluminum tripod. This model won't rank as the lightest or cheapest travel tripod, but it is durable, durable and will certainly handle the challenge of providing a stable base on all the different types of terrain that a photographer may come across when traveling.
With a maximum load capacity of 8.8 lbs, this tripod is best suited for home DSLR camera use. While great for photography, the gadget is also doubly suited as a video tool. This tripod is equipped with a 360 ° panoramic head, it is great for panoramic shooting or tilting shots.

Another little thing that users will definitely appreciate are the significant grip on the tripod legs and the adjustable head level.

• Good grip on the legs;
• Adjustable head level.

• The price is not cheap;
• Heavy enough.

Best of Benro - Benro Slim

Specifications:

• Material: carbon fiber;
• Maximum load: 4 kg;
• Maximum height: 146.3 cm;
• Closed length: 51cm;
• Leg sections: 4;
• Weight: 1.01 kg.;
• Price: about $ 140.

A review of this carbon fiber tripod at a very affordable cost may sound too good to be true. But that's exactly what Benro has achieved with this Slim model (TSL08CN00). There are not many modern additions in design, but the price primarily includes the stability and reliability of the legs, as well as an excellent quality ball head.

So how did Benro achieve this incredible success? The answer lies in creating a simplified model that avoids many of the decorations common to other manufacturers. You don't have reverse gusset legs for shorter packaged lengths or removable monopod or foam handles on the legs. It's just an old fashioned tripod.

But that doesn't mean the design is simplistic. The carbon fiber four-legged feet can be set independently at three corners, and the pivot feet locks can be opened together in one half-turn motion. All controls are large and short so they can be easily closed.

Benro's complete ball head has a neat design, with two buttons for switching the camera to portrait format. However, the usefulness of the graduated panoramic base is somewhat compromised by the fact that it shares the lock with the main ball mechanism.

The design also has a couple of flaws. Rectangular locks certainly look good in blue. However, not all users will want to handle them in cold weather - a rubberized finish would be more practical.

This Benro Slim carbon fiber tripod set has a few downsides, but it's easy to forgive for the bargain price. Overall, this is a great budget option when you can get around them by shooting in natural light.

• Complete ball head;
• Stable and reliable.

• The main ball mechanism and the lock are separated by a graduated panoramic base - inconvenient;
• Not always practical rectangular locks;
• Neat but slightly old-fashioned design
• More suitable for shooting in natural light.

Manfrotto 190 Go!

Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum;
• Maximum load: 7 kg;
• Max. height: 146 cm;
• Closed length: 45cm;
• Leg sections: 4;
• Weight: 1.67 kg.;
• Price: about $ 200.

The Manfrotto 190 series has been around for many years, but the 190 Go! the first model in which Manfrotto used rotary foot locks instead of lever locks.

190 Go! is also the lightest and smallest model available today. However, the model is still robust enough to support DSLR cameras and 70-200mm f / 2.8 lens.

On the other hand, it is equipped with an Easy Link that can be used to attach accessories such as an LED indicator or reflector. 190 Go! also comes with an adjustable center column that can be set at 90 degrees to help create creative inclines, as well as four separate leg angles that allow for more flexibility.

• Lightweight and practical model;
• Swivel legs are used instead of lever locks;
• Equipped with Easy Link connector, can be used to attach accessories such as LED indicator or reflector;
• The center speaker is adjustable - can be set to 90 ° and plus a 360 ° swivel function.

• Sturdy, but not for heavy loads;
• Not always stable;
• The price could be lower.

Best Carbon Fiber - ZOMEi Z669C

Specifications:

• Weight: 3.4 kg;
• Rolled Height: 14 ";
• Extended Height: 6 ";
• Maximum load: 7.3 kg.;
• Price: about $ 140-150.

Experience has shown that when a user switches to carbon fiber, there is no going back. Some of the most rewarding benefits of using a carbon fiber tripod are that they are extremely lightweight, more durable than aluminum and metal, and can hold a lot more load. At the same time, they are usually a little more expensive, but in our opinion it makes sense to pay a little more.

Compared to others on this list, the Monopod ZOMEI Z669C Portable Carbon Fiber Tripod weighs similar but has a maximum payload of 7.3kg, which is pretty remarkable for a device weighing just 3.4kg.

Just like all good tripods, the Zomei has a reversible center column, 5 swivel legs, a 360-degree metal head with a level, and it can also turn into a monopod - completely round.

• Material - carbon fiber;
• Good carrying capacity;
• Metal head with level;
• Turns into a round monopod.

• Not identified.

Best for Astrophotography - Dolica GX600B200 Proline GX Series

Specifications:

• Weight: 3.4 kg;
• Rolled Height: 20 ";
• Extended Height: 60 ";
• Maximum load: 11.3 kg (15 lb);
• Price: $ 50.

When it comes to capturing stars in the sky, there are only two things you need from a tripod. The first is an extremely stable base and the second is the movement of the ball head. One large tripod that has both of these features is the Dolica GX600B200.

It also features a retractable center hook that is great for hanging a sandbag or backpack for added stability. A very valuable tool for any photographer!

• Stable on all surfaces;
• Retractable center hook;
• Large carrying capacity;
• The ball head can be rotated 360 °.

• A bit heavy.

Best for Blogging Videos - Joby GorillaPod

Specifications:

• Weight: 455 grams;
• Collapsed Height: 11.4 ";
• Extended Height: 11.4 ";
• Maximum load: 3 kg.;
• Price: up to $ 25.

There is no doubt that Vloggers have taken the world by storm in the past 2 years. Typically, to start Vlogging, you need a camera with a flip screen and preferably a tripod.

After doing a few tests, the stainless steel Joby GorillaPod is sure to be a godsend and an extremely valuable tool. In essence, this tripod provides a wider angle of view and also allows the camera to be positioned in an infinite number of positions. The joint seams also allow this tripod to attach to almost any surface.

• Compact dimensions;
• Quick preparation for work;
• High strength and stability even with heavy chambers;
• Adapter screw included (for professional head installation);
• flexible legs that rotate 360 ​​degrees to grip anything.

• Not identified.

Best for real estate and architectural photography - Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290

Specifications:

• Weight: 2 kg;
• Rolled Height: 24 ";
• Extended Height: 58 ";
• Maximum load: 3.6 kg.;
• Price: about $ 150.

Architectural photography requires certain technical equipment.

One tripod that is ideal for this type of shooting is the Manfrotto MK290XTA3.

This model has an extremely solid build quality that provides a stable platform suitable for real-time shooting. This unit also has a 3-axis movement, allowing for the micro-adjustments needed for indoor and outdoor photography or portrait shots.

• The Manfrotto MK290XTA3 can be adjusted very precisely thanks to its 3-axis movement;
• Stable;
• There is a stable platform;
• Robust build.

• You don't always need so many additional settings.

Dolica AX620B100 62-inch - ideal for shooting people

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.8kg;
• Collapsed Height: 22.5 ";
• Extended Height: 62 ";
• Maximum load: 7.25 kg.;
• Price: up to $ 50.

Users should love the excellent balance between functionality and good build quality. For the price, this model is also quite affordable and competitive. The device is used for a wide range of applications such as landscape photography, portrait photography, astro photography and wedding photography.

This is why the Dolica AX620B100 easily earns a popular favorite for photography, video, YouTube filming and more. Dolica is also a respected brand, so you can be sure you are getting a quality product!

• Ideal for photographing people;
• Affordable price;
• Perfect for both photo and video shooting;
• Fast installation and packing back.

• Not detected.

Best for Hiking - Neewer Carbon Fiber 66 "

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.8kg;
• Collapsed Height: 21 ";
• Extended Height: 66 ";
• Maximum load: 11.8 kg (26 lbs);
• Price: up to $ 100.

If you have been looking for your tripod for a long time or have been choosing among various manufacturers' offers for a long time, you will surely agree that there is a monopod, tripod, tripod for each application. In many ways, the user needs almost the same functions from a tripod for landscape photography and for hiking. However, the added ability to turn the tripod into a monopod is a very important feature for hiking and photography.

It is the Neewer Carbon Fiber Tripod / Monopod that catches the eye when making an overview, which has a wide array of features, including a carbon fiber construction, swivel legs, spiked feet, rubber grip, and a ball head that provides 360-degree range. Combine these characteristics in one and you have one multi-purpose tripod!

• Carbon fiber construction;
• Swivel and spiked legs;
• Rubber grip;
• Ball head with 360 degree range.

• Not identified.

Best Touring - JOBY GorillaPod SLR Zoom

Specifications:

• Weight: 340 grams;
• Rolled Height: 12.5 ";
• Extended Height: 12.5 ";
• Maximum load: 3 kg.;
• Price: up to $ 50.

Next on our list is the JOBY GorillaPod. The design is rather strange, it looks like some kind of octopus. In fact, this is one of the best lightweight travel tripods on the market as it comes in at 340 grams. True lightweight that strikes a professional!

This device can literally attach to any surface including trees, poles, rocks, benches, making it extremely functional. It can also handle DSLR cameras weighing up to 3kg.

Our site highly recommends this tripod for Vloggers, Bloggers, Travelers and other hobbyists as its small footprint and adaptability are unmatched.

 

• Lightweight and compact, with good carrying capacity - can handle cameras up to 3kg;
• Attached to any surface - very functional;
• Flexible legs.

• Not detected.

Best for GoPro - JOBY GPod Mini Magnetic

Specifications:

• Weight: 40 grams;
• Collapsed Height: 6.7 ";
• Extended Height: 6.7 ";
• Maximum load: 310 grams;
• Price: up to $ 50.

Just like the iPhone, GoPro deserves its tripods too. If you own a GoPro, you know about the variety of accessories for your camera, but where do you start?

One accessory that stands out above the rest is the JOBY GPod Mini, specially designed for GoPro. Just like the aforementioned Joby tripods, this one can attach to just about any surface. It also has magnets built into the base of the legs, allowing it to attach to any stainless steel surface.

• Flexible and lightweight tabletop tripod;
• There are magnets at the base of the legs;
• Easy to attach and hold steadily;
• Affordable price.

• Not identified.

conclusions

First of all, you need to understand that there is no perfect tripod for everyone. Every professional or amateur photographer chooses his ideal model from the many on the market. There are three main characteristics - stability, lightness and reasonable price, but at the same time a tripod can combine no more than two of them. That is, in any case, you need to clearly understand the place where the tripod is used and then choose your model. By the way, it is often for the same reason that professionals usually have several tripods for different occasions.

There are a great variety of models and also a lot of manufacturers. Mostly Chinese. But, in order to minimize the mistake when buying, it is recommended to pay attention to three - Gitzo, Manfrotto and specialized Joby GorillaPod. Most likely, it is for the last two, since these tripods are the most popular now and are best represented in stores. A good tripod cannot be cheap: really high-quality models from Chinese manufacturers are not much cheaper than the aforementioned "big three". Therefore, there is no point in risking buying a cheap gadget of dubious quality.

When it comes to material, the choice is often between aluminum and carbon tripods. Aluminum tripods are cheaper, more stable and heavier. Carbon ones are much lighter, usually less stable and more expensive. The lower wind exposure of aluminum tripods is precisely due to their greater weight. But carbon absorbs vibration more effectively, which means it behaves better with telephoto lenses.

Equally important is how far and how long you have to carry the tripod. Don't overestimate your strength.

Choosing a tripod for your camera

So what should you look for when choosing and what characteristics should a tripod for a camera have to become an indispensable assistant for a photographer? The choice of a photo tripod should start with defining the list of its tasks. For example, in studio work or at home shooting, the weight of the folded tripod and the length are not so significant, but for outdoor shooting and, especially, for travel, where all grams of weight are calculated, this is an important point. It is worth paying attention to the height of the device in the maximally unfolded form and the maximum load in order to choose the right model both "for growth" and for your equipment. The included case will be very useful for fans of outdoor shooting, if you do not have a backpack with the appropriate mounts.