The Best Camera Tripods for Photographers and Filmmakers

Stabilize your photos and footage with these quality-made camera and phone tripods.

Moment Tripod Mount Lifestyle 5

The quality of a photographer's or filmmaker's 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.

With that said, it can be difficult to find a suitable camera tripod. 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 it is customary at Moments, different members of our team tested each tripod by 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 stability and precision you need to get those breathtaking shots.

At a Glance

To Know

At the moment, we understand that your inspiration drips from your fingertips as a photographer or filmmaker. You can't even think about 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 with ease, made perfect for portable travel.

What We Love

It is compatible

These tripod mounts are compatible with any 1/4 "-20 tripod. The precision thread mount and low-profile aluminum construction of the holder keep it out of your way and out of the way when you're shooting.

Additionally, you can shoot in both landscape and portrait modes. Micro-angle adjustments are easier to make than ever before.

Durable and strong

Apart from being lightweight, their machined aluminum construction means they won't break. With fewer moving parts than a traditional phone clamp, these clamps are strong, streamlined, and ready to use.

Adjustable cold shoe arm for different size phones and cases

This cold shoe arm is so adaptable that you can use it with other size phones, cases, and stands. It fits securely to the tripod mount and stays in place even when you're shooting on the move.

The Details

 

What We Rate

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top of the Line

Payload

Mobile Only Point-and-Shoot DSLR Cinema Camera

Weight

Ultra Light Light Average Heavy

How High Does It Go

You’ll need a stack of books Shorty About head high Up in the clouds

How Low Does It Go

Always feels too high Under the waist Under the knee Almost on the ground

Packable

Fits in Fanny Pack Fits In Backpack Straps On Backpack Large Duffle Bag
Mag Safe Pro Mount Tall On Phone2 No Case thumbnail

Moment

Tripod Mount - for MagSafe®

The most seamless way to mount your phone! Turn any tripod MagSafe compatible using Moment Tripod Mount. Attach accessories with the included cold shoe mount

Buy for $69.99

To Know

Take this lightweight tripod with you for those times you will be doing 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 down to 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.

What We Love

Compact and portable

This lightweight tripod can withstand the rigors of life on the road: it's durable, serviceable, and backed by a lifetime warranty.

Ease of use

Thanks to an integrated phone mount, it allows you to take photos with the camera in your pocket. This omnidirectional ball head has a single, ultra-smooth adjustment ring that eliminates unnecessary bulk or confusion.

Quick setup and takedown

It has more mobile compatibility, ergonomic adjustment points, and thoughtful usability features at every corner than traditional tripods. It is significantly faster to set up and take down than conventional tripods.

The Details

Brand: Peak Design

Product Type: Tripod

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

 

What We Rate

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top of the Line

Payload

Mobile Only Point-and-Shoot DSLR Cinema Camera

Weight

Ultra Light Light Average Heavy

How High Does It Go

You’ll need a stack of books Shorty About head high Up in the clouds

How Low Does It Go

Always feels too high Under the waist Under the knee Almost on the ground

Packable

Fits in Fanny Pack Fits In Backpack Straps On Backpack Large Duffle Bag
Peak Design TT CB 5 150 AL 1 Travel Tripod Aluminum Moment thumbnail

Peak Design

Travel Tripod

Can a tripod be sexy? Oh yes, it can! Enter the Peak Design Travel Tripod. A pro-level, lightweight, travel tripod in a truly portable form

Buy for $379.95

To Know

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 that 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.

What We Love

It is affordable

The Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum Tripod is an affordable option for those who want a stable, lightweight tripod for relatively little money.

Quick and easy camera connection

With its single knob, you can quickly lock the camera into place. Also, In just seconds, you can attach your camera via the new quick wheel and the universal 1/4'' camera attachment.

You can take it anywhere.

The Compact Light is suitable for photographers who prefer to carry around a lightweight tripod. It weighs only 800g, so you can easily decide where to take this aluminum tripod.

The Details

  • Brand: Manfrotto

  • Product Type: Tripod

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

 

What We Rate

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top of the Line

Payload

Mobile Only Point-and-Shoot DSLR Cinema Camera

Weight

Ultra Light Light Average Heavy

How High Does It Go

You’ll need a stack of books Shorty About head high Up in the clouds

How Low Does It Go

Always feels too high Under the waist Under the knee Almost on the ground

Packable

Fits in Fanny Pack Fits In Backpack Straps On Backpack Large Duffle Bag
Moment Manfrotto MKCOMPACTLT BK Compact Light aluminium tripod with ball head black thumbnail

Manfrotto

Compact Light Aluminium Tripod With Ball Head

Manfrotto quality at this price!? It's a no-brainer! Get this fully functional light tripod if your gear is under 1.5kg. It will be your favorite travel tripod

Buy for $79.98

To Know

Here at Moment, we value portability and the freedom to work anywhere. 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 on end.

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 you're 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.

What We Love

You can position the tripod in different ways.

Thanks to the tripod's five individual leg angle settings, you can position the tripod in five different ways allowing you to focus on multiple shots.

You can use it anywhere.

The tripod is built for various terrains, shooting conditions, and weather situations. As a creator, this gives you more opportunities to produce the best work possible.

It's lightweight, compact, and super durable.

The Carbon Fiber Bat Zero Series Tripod weighs only 1.83 lb or 0.83 kg, making it light and easy to transport. It is made of carbon fiber, durable enough to withstand heavy-duty use, and small enough to be stored easily.

The Details

Brand: Benro

Product Type: Tripod

Best For: Creators on the go.

 

What We Rate

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top of the Line

Payload

Mobile Only Point-and-Shoot DSLR Cinema Camera

Weight

Ultra Light Light Average Heavy

How High Does It Go

You’ll need a stack of books. Shorty About head high Up in the clouds

How Low Does It Go

Always feels too high Under the waist Under the knee Almost on the ground

Packable

Fits in Fanny Pack Fits In Backpack Straps On Backpack Large Duffle Bag
Moment Benro FBAT05 AVX20 Bat Zero Series Aluminum Travel Tripod with VX20 Ball Head 55 6 thumbnail

Benro

Bat Zero Series Aluminum Travel Tripod with VX20 Ball Head (55.6")

Need an ultra-compact tripod? The Benro Bat Zero tripod is designed with 5 preset leg angles. It can take positions that traditional tripods are incapable of

Buy for $220.47

To Know

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.

What We Love

Set up anywhere

The GorillaPod 3K Tripod with Ball Head Kit is incredibly convenient. To get the perfect shot, you can set up the mini tripod on uneven surfaces, steep inclines, and other unstable settings.

Use with DSLR or phone.

The GorillaPod 3K Tripod with Ball Head Kit works with most DSLRs and smaller phones.

It's a great value.

The GorillaPod 3K Tripod with Ball Head Kit is great compared to other more expensive options that offer the same features.

The Details

Brand: JOBY

Product Type: Tripod

Best For: Low-stakes projects.

 

What We Rate

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top of the Line

Payload

Mobile Only Point-and-Shoot DSLR Cinema Camera

Weight

Ultra Light Light Average Heavy

How High Does It Go

You’ll need a stack of books Shorty About head high Up in the clouds

How Low Does It Go

Always feels too high Under the waist Under the knee Almost on the ground

Packable

Fits in Fanny Pack Fits In Backpack Straps On Backpack Large Duffle Bag
Joby Gorillapod 3k tripod with ball head kit 06

JOBY

GorillaPod 3K Tripod with Ball Head Kit

Get the most versatile small tripod out there! The Joby Gorillapod 3k Tripod with Ball Head Kit is perfect for both DSLR cameras and phones in a phone clamp

Buy for $84.99

To Know

The Manfrotto PIXI is the premier mini tripod for Compact System Cameras. Ideal for photographers in need of 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 in one swift, intuitive motion. When pressed, the ball joint is released. Once the button is released, the ball is automatically locked in place.

What We Love

You can shoot video hands-free.

You can easily adjust the Manfrotto PIXI and capture professional video hands-free, thanks to its push-button mechanism.

It's so lightweight you'll carry it everywhere.

The PIXI mini tripod is super lightweight, weighing only 6.7 ounces. You can carry it everywhere and capture photos or videos without having to carry around a heavier tripod.

It offers value for money.

Manfrotto's PIXI mini tripod is an excellent value considering its capabilities. It comes with a bunch of functions into a compact package and costs a fraction of what other similar products do.

The Details

Brand: Manfrotto

Product Type: Tripod

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

 

What We Rate

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top of the Line

Payload

Mobile Only Point-and-Shoot DSLR Cinema Camera

Weight

Ultra Light Light Average Heavy

How High Does It Go

You’ll need a stack of books Shorty About head high Up in the clouds

How Low Does It Go

Always feels too high Under the waist Under the knee Almost on the ground

Packable

Fits in Fanny Pack Fits In Backpack Straps On Backpack Large Duffle Bag
Moment Manfrotto MTPIXI B PIXI Mini Tripod black thumbnail

Manfrotto

PIXI Mini Tripod

Packing small? We get you! The Manfrotto PIXI is the perfect mini tripod for compact cameras and smartphones. Count on great quality, in a small package

Buy for $29.99

To Know

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 just someone who wants to control their smartphone camera.

Their rotating capability allows it 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.

What We Love

Quick creator modes

Pivo Pod's unique features can capture professional-quality content on its own, but the app's Quick Create modes will let you take your social media posts to the next level. Choose from 12 different modes, such as GIFs, Clone Trails, 360° Motion Timelapse, Tiny Planets, and Panoramas. The self-contained modes do not require editing skills.

It works with all apps.

Pivo Meet is a free app that you can use to make video calls or FaceTime. You can use your phone's native camera app or a third-party app to use Pivo Pod Red and auto-tracking. Even if your call recipient does not have a Pivo Pod, the Pivo Pod will still work.

Smart Capture via the Pivo Pod app

Take selfies without touching your phone by remotely triggering the shutter on your smartphone. The hands-free solution works well for individual and group photos. Smart Capture will take a picture when your fingers snap, you strike a pose, and after you say "cheese."

The Details

Brand: Pivo

Product Type: Tripod

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

 

What We Rate

Rugged Ability

Leave it in the studio Daily carry Traveler Mountain Goat

Build Quality

Cheap What You’d Expect Solid Top of the Line

Payload

Mobile Only Point-and-Shoot DSLR Cinema Camera

Weight

Ultra Light Light Average Heavy

How High Does It Go

You’ll need a stack of books Shorty About head high Up in the clouds

How Low Does It Go

Always feels too high Under the waist Under the knee Almost on the ground

Packable

Fits in Fanny Pack Fits In Backpack Straps On Backpack Large Duffle Bag
Moment Pivo TRPD Tri Pod thumbnail

Pivo

Pod Tripod

Need a tripod for your Pivo? Designed just for your Pivo Pods, the Pivo Tripod is lightweight and easy-to-assemble and a must for leveling up your creations

Buy for $79.00

How We Tested

At the Moment, we are a team of creators — we understand what fellow creators, like you, want from a tripod. You want a tripod that can handle travel and hold up to your social media needs. You want a tripod that can easily be adjusted and is lightweight. You want a tripod that's solid, well-built, and 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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