Tripods

Using a tripod can be a hugely helpful way to quickly improve the images you make. (Read: 3 reasons why you should use a tripod) I know what you’re thinking, tripods are big, bulky and hard to use. Not always true, if you know where to look, so I’ve done the looking for you. What follows are a list of tripods that I’ve used, owned or have gotten some great reviews. Some are tall, some are bendy, some are tiny but they all have one thing in common: they are all agile and light enough to be considered a part of your equipment arsenal as a pocket lens ninja.

Browse my recommendations and if you like what you see, you can buy it through my affiliate link to Amazon. You’ll pay the same as you normally would, but a small portion comes back to me to help support the site. Thanks!

Slik Sprint Pro II: About $90: BUY IT HERE

My current favorite light and agile tripod. I use this one ALL the time with my mirrorless cameras. It’s 18.5 inches collapsed. Max height: 64 inches. 4 leg sections. Under 2 pounds. Has “speed-release” leg locks for easy setup. Padded leg wraps. Quick release mounting plate (which you can keep on your camera for quick on / off the tripod). When I want a light but versatile tripod, this is the one I grab and bring along.

Joby Large GorillaPod SLR-Zoom: About $45: BUY IT HERE

A bit smaller than the collapsed Slik tripod (above), the flexible, bendy, prehensile and grippy legs of this octopus-like tripod allow you to bend and mold the legs to hold on to many supportive objects: tree branches, fence posts, stair railings, etc. Strong enough to hold an SLR camera (so no prob with a Mirrorless). Quick release, ballhead mount. Bubble level. Less than 10 inches tall. 8.5 ounces. Great if you want to go even lighter, but want versatility and enjoy bending things to grab onto other things.

Manfrotto Compact Monopod: About $35: BUY IT HERE

Okay so this isn’t a tripod. In fact it’s 2 legs short of being stable. But I wouldn’t sell it short just yet. A monopod can help you get some great shots. (Read my article on why you should shoot with a monopod.) I own several monopods, but this is the one I use most often. It’s light, easy to set up, collapses down to a decent size, yet extends to a nice height.

Rock Solid (larger) Tripod: Induro: About $150: BUY IT HERE

This is not a small tripod. The model I have linked here (65 inches) is good for my height (I’m 5’6″) and, fitted with a decent ballhead (like this one) is one of the sturdiest, rock solid, affordable platforms you can buy. I absolutely LOVE this tripod and use this when a little extra weight is not a problem and I need a rock steady mount.

Update: The Induro company seems to have gone “upscale”. Sad to see. They no longer produce the aluminum tripods that are both GREAT and inexpensive. It seems they now only produce carbon fiber models. I know several photographers who use the carbon fiber tripods and love them. Click here to see their current products.

Pedco Ultrapod II: About $20: BUY IT HERE

Small. Versatile. Light. Remarkably sturdy hard plastic. This is SO small and easy to throw in your camera bag. You might forget you have it until you need it, then BAM. Nice. I’ve used this many times for low level, long exposure, night shots. You can also strap it to poles, trees, etc. as an added bonus. The plastic ballhead is remarkably effective. Mine is beat up (over 20 years old) and still works like champ.

A disclaimer: The above links to products are “affiliate” links. If you click on them and buy the product through Amazon, I’ll earn a small commission. You won’t pay a penny more than you would have if you bought it on your own. I own many, but not all of the items that I recommend. I personally think they are fine products and can, in good conscience, recommend them. -Sonny