When shopping for photography and video equipment, the actual cameras and lenses get most of the limelight. While this makes sense considering they have the greatest impact on the quality of the product, plenty of other accessories are vital to producing great footage as well. One of the more important accessories happens to be the tripod. The best tripod for vlogging is a crucial piece of equipment specifically because no matter how good the camera and lenses, shaky footage will ruin every shot, every time. As such, it is important to make sure that the tripod you get can accomplish the myriad of tasks you may ask of it. Of course, figuring out which is the best tripod for vlogging can be difficult. That is why we have put together a list of the 10 best tripods for vlogging, highlighting what each does best. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the tripod for streaming to suit your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Tripods for Vlogging in September, 2020
1. Best Smartphone Tripod
KobraTech Cell Phone Tripod
KobraTech might not be the first name you think of when you consider photography equipment, but the brand was founded with one particular goal in mind: make the best tripod for a smartphone possible. While this is not the perfect tripod for all situations, it is safe to say that KobraTech did achieve their stated goal and has made the best tripod for smartphones that we found.
Smart Features
First, this tripod comes with an adapter that will securely hold almost any smartphone–though that does not apply to other smart devices. This adapter can also be used to shoot in portrait or landscape settings. On top of that, this tripod also comes with a Bluetooth remote shooter and also features an adapter for the popular GoPro.
Standards
Pros | Cons
- Is a less expensive tripod
- Has a standard ¼-20 mount
- Has 3 flexible legs
- Has a ball head
- Head made of stainless steel
- Has Bluetooth remote shooter
- Has GoPro adapter
- Feet have rubber grips
- More plastic than preferred
- Smartphone adapter is finicky
2. Best Compact Tripod
Geekoto Ultra Compact Tripod
Geekoto is another company whose name is unlikely to ring too many bells with customers, though it is also one of the brands that we reviewed which specialize exclusively in tripods. In fact, it seems as if Geekoto has staked its entire premise on this singular product. This could otherwise be risky, but thankfully, the Geekoto is an excellent tripod and the best compact tripod for vlogging we saw.
Construction
One of the best qualities about the Geekoto is that fact that its legs and body are made out of aluminum . This is the most durable material used for tripods and one of the lightest as well. This is especially important for compact tripods as they are often designed to pull double duty as both a studio tripod and a location tripod.
Mount
Pros | Cons
- Made of aluminum
- Can be used as a monopod
- Knob locks are stable
- Has 360-degree ball head
- Has quick release plate
- Has acceptable weight capacity
- Has a maximum height of 58”
- Can add counterweight
- Is a fairly expensive tripod
- A somewhat heavier tripod
3. Tallest Tripod
BC Master Camera Tripod Dslr
BC Master might be a name that you recognize, but it is likely not for photography equipment. In fact, this brand is far more well-known for their device chargers than they are for their photography equipment. That said, they are definitely making a wave or two and are especially useful for those people who need an extremely tall shot. That is because this is the tallest tripod that we found.
Maximums
The height of the BC Master extends to a surprising 75” which is 3” taller than 6’. If you need to shoot over a crowd or just require a high angle to get that perfect effect, this tripod can provide that for you. Even better, the BC Master also has one of the better maximum weight capacities at 17 pounds.
Stability
Pros | Cons
- Has the tallest maximum height at 75”
- Has a maximum weight capacity of 17 pounds
- Can add counterweight
- Made of aluminum alloy
- Has 360-degree ball head
- Has quick release plate
- Has a bubble level
- Has flip and knob locks
- Is a somewhat expensive tripod
- A somewhat heavier tripod
4. Best Bluetooth Tripod
UBeesize Flexible Tripod for iPhone and GoPro
UBeesize is another company that we saw that sells exclusively online which allows them to offer products at lower prices than many of their competitors. As another bonus, the UBeesize brand focuses exclusively on photography accessories with special attention paid to smartphone photography. Though they have stiff competition, their Bluetooth options are second to none.
Smartphone
Like a few other products covered, this tripod is designed to be used primarily with smartphones, but it lacks some of the versatility of its competitors. Thankfully, UBeesize makes up for that fact with the JAWS smartphone mount that holds the device better. On top of that, the Bluetooth 3.0 remote provides a reliable wireless control option.
Versatility
Pros | Cons
- Is a less expensive tripod
- One of the better smartphone adapters
- Has 3 flexible legs
- Is reasonably lightweight
- Better height than most smartphone tripods
- Has Bluetooth remote shooter
- Has GoPro adapter
- Feet have rubber grips
- Legs less flexible than others
- Not that durable
5. Best Tabletop Tripod
Mini Tripod Cell Phone Stand
It seems that the old guard may have rested on their laurels a bit too long as new up-and-comers continue to occupy spots on our list. A prime example of this would be the Clovis Supply Co who, like other brands on our list, was founded with the intention of serving a particular niche market better than anyone else. As such, it should come as little surprise that they have put out the best tabletop tripod on our list.
Stability
The name of the game for tabletop tripods is to make sure that the design allows for the most stable stand possible. The Clovis Supply CS50 accomplishes this in a couple of ways that are mostly centered on the legs. Aside from the fact that the legs are made of aluminum alloy, they feature a near flush base and use knob locks for added security.
Standard
Pros | Cons
- Made of aluminum alloy
- Has 360-degree ball head
- Is fairly lightweight
- Is a less expensive tripod
- Features stable knob locks
- Has a ball head
- Has standard screw options
- Has adequate weight capacity
- Limited maximum height
- Locks are not tight
6. Best Travel Tripod
Joby GorillaPod 1K Flexible Mini-Tripod
With smartphones improving their photography features at an ever accelerating rate, there is a veritable arms race for tripods within this market. However, the best tripods for smartphones should also be able to serve double duty for some of the lighter regular cameras on the market as well. The Joby GorillaPod agrees and offers the best travel option in the process of expanding their versatility.
Materials
One of the more notable qualities about the Joby is the materials that it uses. For this line of products, many manufacturers simply skimp on the quality materials to lower costs. However, the Joby makes it a point to provide quality and does so with a head that is made of durable stainless steel and a body made of fairly durable but extremely lightweight anodized aluminum.
Position
Pros | Cons
- Has reasonable a weight capacity
- Has a standard ¼-20 mount
- Has 3 flexible legs
- Has a ball head
- Head made of stainless steel
- Body made of anodized aluminum
- Is a lightweight tripod
- Has rubber grips
- Is a slightly expensive tripod
- Joints will wear out
7. Best Budget Tripod
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag
It might come as a bit of a surprise to see an Amazon brand product on our list, but the company sells virtually every product on any market. As such, they have an inside scoop on what makes a product a bestseller. Aside from the fact that the price must be right, the product must meet certain minimum requirements, and Amazon knows just what those are.
Stability
Though this tripod may seem a bit bulkier than others on our list, this actually helps it remain more stable. For instance, this tripod features not one but two bubble levels so you know the shot is straight on both the vertical and horizontal axis. The knob locks on the leg also help ensure that the tripod maintains a firm base while the counterweight hook offers further security.
Head
Pros | Cons
- Is a lightweight tripod
- Has 2 bubble levels
- Has maximum height of 60”
- Has a 3-way head
- Has quick-release mounting plate
- Has stable knob locks
- Can add counterweight
- Made of aluminum
- Is a slightly expensive tripod
- A somewhat heavier tripod
8. Best Professional Tripod
Zomei Light Weight Portable Carbon Fiber Tripod
Of all the brands on our list, none of them are as dedicated to the highest standards of manufacturing as Zomei. An exclusive brand of the Gearbest online store, the Zomei offers the best performing design and construction, though this tripod also costs more than any other product we reviewed and significantly more than most.
Construction
The Zomei is another tripod on our list that uses the industry-best material for their tripod with carbon fiber. The durability of this material combined with its lightweight quality allows this tripod to travel if need be or offer an excellent setup in any office or studio. The head is made of aluminum which further offers excellent durability in a lightweight package.
Stability
Pros | Cons
- Made of carbon fiber
- Has a maximum height of 65”
- Has a 360-degree ball head
- Has a bubble level
- Has a quick-release plate
- Can be converted to a monopod
- Has the best weight capacity reviewed
- Is extremely stable
- Is an extremely expensive tripod
- A somewhat heavier tripod
9. Best Hybrid Tripod
Ravelli Leight Weight Tripod
Ravelli continues the trend of fast-risers in a market that is already somewhat dominated by big players who rely as much on their brand name recognition as they do on the quality of their products. For Ravelli, they make it a point to offer a competitive product that checks all the boxes and comes in under most of the expensive brands’ price point.
Versatility
One area where Rivelli seeks to improve upon traditional designs is versatility. Aside from the fact that this tripod offers a solid performance, it is one of the easier tripods to convert into a monopod and provides just as good of a performance in that capacity as well. The flip locks of the legs only make this transition quicker and seamless.
Stability
Pros | Cons
- Is made of aluminum
- Has a maximum height of 72”
- Can be converted to a monopod
- Uses convenient flip locks
- Can add a counterweight
- Has 2 bubble levels
- Has a weight capacity of 10 pounds
- Has a 3-way head
- Is a slightly expensive tripod
- The heaviest tripod reviewed
10. Best All-Around Value Tripod
Professional 72-inch Tripod for All
ButterflyPhoto may be a somewhat recent company, but they have wasted no time filling their virtual shelves with a wide variety of photography accessories designed to provide an excellent product at envy-inducing prices. With that philosophy guiding the brand, it only makes sense that this is best all-around value tripod that we saw.
Maximums
One area where this tripod truly excels is in the maximum specs department. While it does not ring the bell as the best in any category, it is the second best across the board. With a maximum height of 72”, or 6’, and a maximum weight capacity of 20 pounds, this offers nearly the best of both worlds and can take any shot with virtually any piece of equipment.
Stability
Pros | Cons
- Is made of aluminum
- Has a maximum height of 72”
- Is a less expensive tripod
- Uses stable knob locks
- Can add a counterweight
- Has 2 bubble levels
- Has a weight capacity of 20 pounds
- Has a 3-way head
- A somewhat heavier tripod
- Not the most stable
Buyer’s Guide
Type
This is arguably the most important decision to make when purchasing a tripod for vlogging. While the materials, weight capacity, and other features should not be ignored, the type of vlogging you do will either be benefited or hindered by the type of tripod you use. Keep in mind, there are a few types that are liable to be more relevant to the most people, but there are a few that might be a good idea to have anyway just in case you attempt to make a unique format from time to time.
Tabletop – This is likely to be the most common type of tripod used for vlogging specifically because so many vloggers film from the comfort of their home in front of their computer. Granted, there are plenty of vloggers who film in other contexts, but with the rise of YouTube, vlogging in front of your computer, so you can keep track of the video in real time, is simply the quickest and most efficient way of vlogging.
A tabletop tripod will be the shortest tripod available. This is in a large part because it is generally intended to film a sitting subject, so the need for a tripod with extended height is unnecessary. A tabletop tripod will also generally have one of the widest beses to ensure that any disturbance of the table does not disturb or knock over the tripod as well as preventing the sound of the vibrations from traveling through.
Travel – After the tabletop tripod, the travel tripod is generally the next most popular due to the rise of travel and destination vlogs. That said, there have arguably been more advancements in the way of travel tripods than any of the other types in a large part because travel tripods have such a wide range of specific demands that are not conducive to filming. A capable travel tripod needs to accomplish three primary tasks that are all contrary to one another.
First, a travel tripod needs to provide excellent stability. This is a standard for all types of tripods, but it is easily more important for travel tripods since they are used in spaces which are often inherently uncontrolled. A travel tripod must also be small enough and light enough to be easily carried around. This size limitation definitely makes providing a stable tripod all the more difficult since it will have less weight and a smaller base to provide additional stability.
Finally, a travel tripod will need to be able to film in a variety of angles and circumstances. Unlike a studio or office–whether at home or at a commercial building–travel tripods do not have the scaffolding or other infrastructure on hand to accommodate more challenging shots. As such, it is important for travel tripods to be more flexible in terms of positioning. The progress alluded to earlier have shown themselves as travel tripods which use flexible legs that can be positioned to grip a variety of surfaces and offer solid stability even at angles or upside down.
Compact – A compact tripod can also be called an enthusiast’s tripod. This kind of tripod generally takes the form of the classic tripod design and function but is simply not as robust or capable as a professional tripod. While this tripod will often be smaller than a professional tripod, it will still just as often extend to a reasonable height of between 3 to 5 feet–though they will regularly have a minimum height shorter than a professional tripod.
That said, there are plenty of legitimate uses for compact tripods, and numerous professional grade compact tripods exist. Of course, the size of a compact tripod is often the most limiting factor in regards to whether it is appropriate for a professional shoot or not. Specifically, compact tripods rarely have a large enough weight capacity to handle some of the professional cameras with extensive lenses.
As such, compact tripods are an excellent option when using a DSLR or mirrorless camera in an area that you can at least somewhat control. For instance, vlogging in a neighborhood or on a city street that is not too busy can make great use of a compact tripod. Of course, if you vlog from an office and require numerous heights of eye-level or lower, this is likely an ideal candidate–like for makeup tutorials.
Professional – This is obviously the highest end of the tripod spectrum and may actually be a bit overkill for all but the broadest vloggers. Specifically, the cost of a professional tripod will rarely make it a worthwhile purchase that justifies its value. These types of tripods are noted for their stability, durability, and features. While there is certainly nothing wrong with using a professional tripod to vlog, you may want to ask yourself if you actually need a professional tripod.
This kind of tripod will generally provide the maximum specs that you use to judge the market. For instance, the weight capacity between a professional tripod and any other type can be stark where a professional tripod will often have a maximum weight capacity double that of other types–and the very best professional tripods can even stabilize speakers at the same time as well. Of course, unless you are using extremely heavy equipment, there is likely no need for a tripod with that kind of weight capacity.
Another area where professional tripods usually exceed the other types is in maximum height. Much like with maximum weight, the maximum height of a professional tripod will often be used for specific circumstances, like if you are trying to film an even with a lot of people and need to see over the crowd. In this instance, tripods can extend to over 6’, but rarely to most vloggers find themselves in a setting where they will require that kind of height clearance. In fact, you are more likely to simply experiment with different shots to simply justify that feature.
Materials
Outside of the type, the materials used to construct the tripod will play an outsized role in determining which is the best option available. However, unlike with the type of tripod, the material used has less to do with what type of blog you make and more to do with whether or not carrying weight is a factor. Unless you are a travel blogger, the options generally follow a price-based scale of quality.
Aluminum – Aluminum was once the king of tripod materials offering the best combination of durability with a lightweight design. However, that spot has been overcome by newer materials. As such, aluminum, which was once the premier tripod material, has been relegated to the lower tier options. It is still one of the strongest materials used, but it is nowhere the lightest–though this may not necessarily be all that relevant for studio vloggers. As such, it can provide a great value for a fair number of vloggers who do not need to carry their tripod from location to location.
Basalt – Basalt is likely one of the least common materials used for making tripods. This is in part due to the fact that its emergence is fairly recent, but its actual physical properties come into play here as well. Basically, basalt is the lightest material used since it has a glass fiber core surrounded by layers of this somewhat brittle material. This means that it is also the least durable material. Essentially, unless you are a travel vlogger constantly setting up in controlled spaces, this is likely not a great material to use.
Carbon Fiber – Carbon fiber has become the veritable king of tripod materials. Aside from the fact that it is lighter than aluminum, it is also more durable than aluminum as well. This makes it the most durable material commonly used for tripods and it is nearly as light as basalt. Of course, with qualities that are either the best in class or nearly so, this is by far the most expensive material used for tripods too. Still, this is a great option for either studio or location vloggers. For travel vloggers, it should special value since being able to carry it for long distances and not having to worry about it breaking make it the clear winner.
Conclusion
Finding the best tripod for vlogging is actually as much about identifying your specific setting and needs more than necessarily picking the tripod with the best features. While a feature-laden tripod is certainly nice to have, you may be overspending. Of course, some people legitimately do require a professional-grade tripod for vlogging.
In this instance, we recommend the Zomei, and the comparison is not even close. First, this is one of the few tripods on our list made of carbon fiber so it is both lightweight and incredibly durable. This fact is made all the more apparent with the highest rated weight capacity we reviewed at over 30 pounds. Combined with a solid 65” maximum height and it covers all the bases and more.
If you are one of the more common studio or office vloggers, then the best tabletop tripod is what you need and the Clovis Supply C50 is likely your best bet. Though it does not have much in the way of height adjustments, it features an incredibly stable design. On top of that, it is made of aluminum which allows it to be both durable and lightweight.
