The Best Video Tripods (2020)
UpdatedThis is a list of the best tripods I recommend and use for video production.
This list is for tripods only - it does not include the fluid head that goes on top.
Tripods, also called sticks, are for support and stabilization. Fluid heads are for camera mounting, panning, and tilting.
My list for best fluid heads can be found here.
Before the list, here are some things to look for when choosing a tripod:
Load Capacity
Load is everything that is supported by the tripod - head, camera, lens, accessories, extra weight, etc.
The maximum weight that the tripod is rated to hold.
However...
This does not refer to the weight the tripod can hold before collapsing. It refers to the maximum weight the tripod can hold before the stability is compromised.
Therefore, I always recommend staying under 50% of a tripod's maximum load capacity at any time for the most safety and stability.
Dimensions
Pay attention to maximum height, minimum height, and folded length.
I recommend at least 60" of maximum height if you plan on using the tripod to capture people while standing up.
Minimum height will be important if you want the flexibility to capture low angles.
Be sure to get a folded length that will fit everywhere you need to carry and store the tripod without compromising the heights you need for production.
A fluid head will add a few inches to all of these dimensions, so keep that in mind.
Leg Types
- Single Legs
- Tube sections that collapse inside the section above
- Simpler and, usually, lighter compared to tandem legs
- Prone to twisting with camera movement, especially on heavier setups
- Tandem Legs
- Two parallel posts per section that collapse between the two posts in the section above
- More contact points at each connection provide better rigidity and stability
- Less prone to twisting during camera movement
- Combination Legs
- A single tube style but shaped similar to tandem style
- Best of both types wrapped into one
- My top pick, the Sachtler Flowtech, uses this design
In most situations, tandem legs are going to provide better stability for video production.
However...
Single legs can still work well for many lighter setups, situations that don't require a lot of camera movement, and lower budgets.
Materials
- Aluminum is the most common
- Best performance and durability for the price
- Recommended for permanent and semi-permanent situations
- Carbon Fiber is the second most common
- Strong but lighter than aluminum, but comes at a higher price
- Recommended for travel and mobile applications where weight is important
- Plastic
- Less cost compared to aluminum and carbon fiber, but less stable and less reliable
- Can work well for less critical parts like knobs and connectors to keep cost down
- Not recommended for legs or other critical components
Leg Locks
- Twist Locks
- Tighten and loosen legs with a screw/unscrew action around single post legs
- Usually don't catch on other things easily on single leg designs
- Cheaper = more turns to loosen/tighten = more time to operate
- Lever/Flip Locks
- Tighten and loosen legs with an open/close lever action
- Can be faster than twist locks
- Can easily catch on other things
- Speed Locks
- Usually similar to a lever/flip lock, but operate all leg sections simultaneously instead of one lock per section
- Newer and more expensive, so not as widely adopted
- Extremely fast and smooth when done right
- My top pick, the Sachtler Flowtech, uses this design
- Knobs
- Can be a screw that applies direct pressure to the inner leg when tightened
- Or operates similar to a lever/flip mechanism on tandem legs
- Least popular design
- Tendency to be the least reliable and have the shortest life span
This usually comes down to personal preference.
For example, I prefer twist locks on single legs for travel and lever/flip locks for basically everything else.
If you are constantly opening and collapsing the tripod, the type and quality of leg lock will definitely be important.
Base Mount
The part of the tripod where the head is attached.
- Bowl/Ball
- Bowl-shaped base that accepts a ball-shaped mount, allowing for quick and accurate leveling adjustments
- Recommended for most video production
- Popular diameters include 75mm, 100mm, and 150mm
- Size of bowl should be appropriate for the payload
- 75mm for payloads usually less than 15 lbs
- 100mm for payloads usually between 15 and 30 lbs
- 150mm for payloads usually greater than 30 lbs
- Flat
- A flat base, usually with a 3/8"-16 male threaded center post
- Most common for photography and lower budget tripods
- Can be mounted on an adjustable bowl base, but cannot be directly adjusted to level the head
- Can tend to come loose if there are no retention/safety screws tightened around the base
Center Columns
Center columns are typically used to give you a greater maximum height while keeping the leg sections shorter.
They are generally less stable and will usually increase the chances of vibrations reaching the camera.
Therefore, I only recommend a center column if you need the extra height or need the ability to adjust for various heights often.
However, I do use a center column when I do a lot of interviews back-to-back. This allows me the to only adjust one knob for differences in people's height.
Spreaders
Spreaders connect to each tripod leg and provide added stability. They are usually hinged and removable.
They prevent the legs from sliding outward on slick/uneven surfaces or from the amount of total payload weight.
There are two types of spreaders: mid-level and ground-level.
Both generally achieve the same results, and the one you choose usually comes down to preference or what is available with the tripod you want.
While spreaders are not always necessary, they are definitely nice to have, especially for heavier setups.
Now, on to the list...
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Sachtler Flowtech 75
This system is slick, and has become very popular.
The speed lock mechanisms are super fast and incredibly useful for quick setup and collapsing.
New leg design combines the benefits of single leg designs while offering added torsional strength found in tandem designs.
When you need a reliable system that gets out of your way quickly, this will not let you down.
Material: Carbon Fiber
Head Mount Type: 75mm bowl
Maximum Height: 60"
Minimum Height: 11"
Folded Length: 27"
Weight: 6.4 lbs
Payload Capacity: 44 lbs
My Favorite Feature: Outside-the-box design and engineering
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Manfrotto 755XB MDeVe
The cheapest tripod I recommend.
Solid support and good built quality that won't break the bank.
Material: Aluminum
Head Mount Type: Flat (3/8"-16 male threaded center post)
Maximum Height: 64.9"
Minimum Height: 16.4"
Folded Length: 25"
Weight: 5.25 lbs
Payload Capacity: 15.4 lbs
My Favorite Feature: Price
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Robus RC-5570
Incredible load capacity and maximum height for the price.
If you need a great overall tripod that can do most things well and won't break the bank - scroll no further.
Material: Carbon Fiber
Head Mount Type: 75mm Bowl and Flat (3/8"-16 male threaded center post)
Maximum Height: 70"
Minimum Height: 4"
Folded Length: 26"
Weight: 5.6 lbs
Payload Capacity: 55 lbs
My Favorite Feature: Includes 2 head mounts (75mm bowl and flat)
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Manfrotto 536
Reaching a height of nearly 80" at this weight and price is pretty rare.
A great option if you need a lot of height in a fairly portable package.
Material: Carbon Fiber
Head Mount Type: 100mm Bowl and 75mm to 100mm Bowl Adapter
Maximum Height: 79.9"
Minimum Height: 10.5"
Folded Length: 28.5"
Weight: 7.6 lbs
Payload Capacity: 55 lbs
My Favorite Feature: Includes 100mm to 75mm bowl adapter
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Savy Series II Camera Stand
Right... it's not a tripod. It's better!
"This one goes to 11..."
When you need a great support solution that requires the least amount of footprint, these stands are your answer.
Material: Steel
Head Mount Type: Customizable Options
Maximum Height: 108"
Minimum Height: 40"
My Favorite Feature: Fully customizable solution, complete with cupoholders, monitor mounts, headphone holders, and more!
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