Tripod Buying Guide - 6 Features to Look For in a Good Tripod

A tripod is one of the best camera accessories for beginner photographers. But there are tons of tripods on the market with a variety of features and prices -- how do you choose the best one? In this tripod buying guide video, I give you 6 features to look for when selecting a tripod. I also give a tripod review of several tripods that I own and use on a professional basis: the MeFoto RoadTrip Classic and Manfrotto 055 with the Manfrotto 3 Way Tripod Head
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[@josephjohn3560]

After watching 8 reviews (pretty good ones I might add) about things to look in a tripod, yours is the most complete. I also have more than one tripod, including the Adorama 3Pod one that you mention, and yes that is my main go to tripod for traveling; I have to say that the ballhead that came with it is not that good, but as you said in the video, I can always get a better one. Thanks for the video, super informative.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Phew, glad to hear I'm not the only one with multiple tripods, lol. You're the first person I know who also has the Adorama 3Pod -- totally agree that the default ballhead sucks. Thanks for watching!

[@MollyFitzBrown]

Nice tips, I'm looking for something for my new a7iv for video and pictures (dont trust my old cheap tripod with my new camera lol)

[@Gemini_Connect]

Totally understand. I recently updated my tripods and really love the Manfrotto BeFree kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqe4fpeleJ5qaZI and the Peak Design tripod. I'd trust my A7IV on both!

[@rubbrdux]

Very helpful video. One thing you might mention if you do another at another time...Tell people not to make the mistake of buying a cheap tripod...I spent $25 on a Sunpak...because I thought I would need one sometime. It doesn't do what a tripod is supposed to do...keep the camera still and stable...Wasted money. The other thing you might want to cover in more depth is the uses of the various types of heads and how they can differ. I'm still looking for a tripod to buy and am thinking Manfrotto Aluminum Travel type with either a ball head or a fluid head...or at least one that could mount either head. I do mostly stills although I'm not ruling out some video in the future, so I would want to have a tripod that adapts easily to that. The selection of tripods is huge and the information about good, better, best is not that readily available. Thanks again for the video.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Oh man, that's a good and very important tip, and it applies for most camera gear. I have a big box full of cheap camera accessories that broke or failed, and I ended up having to buy the expensive one in the long run anyway. 😝In general, you can't go wrong with Manfrotto tripods. They're built incredibly well and while that means they're not the most lightweight or compact, they're very durable and worth the cost. Thanks for watching, Rick!

[@silentdoctor9645]

Really helpful overview of tripods. I was looking for advice on my first tripod for travel and nearly got sucked into a carbon one. The Mefoto aluminium vs carbon was really helpful and I ended up buying the aluminium. Thanks!

[@Gemini_Connect]

Nice. I've been using the aluminum MeFoto for years and it works really well.

[@rhythmofrunning5867]

Wonderful, wonderful video...clearly communicated and informative...thank you!

[@Gemini_Connect]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😀

[@nickaskham5723]

An excellent, clear review. None of the poor quality anecdotal stuff that ruins most reviews. Well done and many, many thanks.

[@alinutzasnowdrop]

Really apreciate your video. Very useful information, thank you very much. I have recently purchased the Sirui ET-1004 Easy Travel (Aluminium) and I absolutely love it. I was surprised to realise that it's actually pretty hard to find THE PERFECT tripod 😅 There were many tripods out there that I liked, but they were all using the rotating system to block the legs and I personally prefer the clips. I would've loved to be able to bend the center, as you did with the Manfrotto, or have the spikes at the end of the legs, but I guess I can live without those features. So yeah, pretty hard to find THE tripod. 😅 Anyway, I think you should definitely try Sirui next time, they make amazing tripods really! 😊

[@Gemini_Connect]

Nice, I've heard good things about Sirui tripods, but have not tried them out myself. I'd like to, but I think Martin will kill me if I buy another tripod, lol. Thanks for sharing your tripod story!

[@masterstacker2833]

Very informative. Good video. I just bought a Manfrotto 500AH video head to replace the ball head that came with an old but good Manfrotto 3001.

[@aqeelahmed2441]

Feeling lucky.. watching 1st video before buying my 1st tripod. Thank you

[@conversationswithchloe3958]

This was a great perspective video for me. It is certainly helping me consider what I need and don't need from a tripod. Does a pan head have the same amount of range of motion as a ball head?

[@luisfidalgo]

great info on Tripods, you covered very well most aspects, keep going !

[@Gemini_Connect]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@AugieLens]

Great video because your communication skills are excellent! Very smooth on your narrative! Great info and rationale.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Thanks Augie, I'm glad you found it helpful 😀🙏

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and tips 👌 Absolutely loved it ❤ Subscribed. Keep it rolling! Cheers 🍻

[@Gemini_Connect]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@jfarinacci0329]

Good content. Good review. Good articulation and information. Thank you.

[@iu1191]

Great video. Thanks for the explanation. Incredibly clear and helpful.

[@Gemini_Connect]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@horstschoninger1265]

Over the years I bought several tripods and heads. After I end up with a $900.-- + up tripod and a $ 470.-- RRS ball head. Since them I am happy for all different shootings. No more money wasting on flimsy stuff. I use tele lens for wildlife and action with Sachtler Fluid head.

[@thecerealfix]

This was fabulous! Thanks for all your candidness on the pros and cons and showing all of your tripods! I loved that you weren't sold on just one (and weren't trying to sell me on just one), and you covered so many aspects! Thank you!

[@Gemini_Connect]

That is so great to hear. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@michellecowan2469]

I just bought a Canon Dslr, and need a new tripod. Your breakdown of the pros and cons was extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@josephpatterson9993]

Nice job! very informative. Thanks

[@CFM.]

Thanks for this video. I am looking for a good tripod that does not break the bank ... this video introduced me to the MeFoto tripod so I am going to start searching for one

[@UrbaneHobbit]

Very thorough and approachable explainer! One question: with your first tripod, the Benro, is it not possible to remove the cheap head and swap with a better one? (Do some tripods only accept a head once, is what I guess I’m asking.)

[@Gemini_Connect]

Good question! Yes, it is supposed to be possible to remove and replace the head on the Benro tripod. However, the cheap head that I put on the tripod ended up getting permanently stuck. Haven't been able to remove it.

[@ashleymachado5146]

Just got the manfrotto 055 for $140! Super happy with it, so stable and strong. I’m using the savings to get a nice ball head 😊 Great video, thank you for the suggestions!

[@charliethompson7042]

Great price! Where did you get it? :)

[@camilarogo4403]

Found this video and LOVE IT 😍 thank you for it. Hope you make the video about the monopod because I think I will buy the Metaphoto 😁

[@Gemini_Connect]

Yay, so glad you enjoyed it! I haven't done a monopod video in the same style as this one, but here's a related monopod video follow-up - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGWZdaWDjM95l5Y

[@thalegacy6]

Excellent video, very informative. I now have my "recommend video" for tripods. Thank you for your time.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@paddypete1]

nice vid,i'm just a hobbyist when it comes to video and photography, i have 3 tripods small med and large, the large cost £14,med £7, and the small i made myself,no matter if you use cameras just for fun a tripod is a very useful addition to your kit and needn't cost you much

[@jt1190]

Thanks a lot for this video! I'm just getting into this kinda stuff and too many videos go in circles without getting to the point. Luckily you got me covered haha

[@Gemini_Connect]

Lol glad to hear it 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@MAFussell]

Hi Suzi! My go to tripod is also the MeFoto that you have. However, it does droop a bit with any real weight, and does not necessarily stop panning even with all the controls tightened. I hike with a Davis and Sanford Traverse TR553. It is aluminum, quite affordable, and very light and compact. It is not the most stable tripod and it does not extend as high as the MeFoto. Here's a tripod topic that could be interesting: have you ever tried a tilt head? I find them intriguing but I'm not ready to spend the money.

[@rubbrdux]

FYI , I went to my local camera store and bought a Manfrotto 290 that was on sale. It is pretty solid. A little heavy, ...but very stable. Exactly what I was hoping.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Awesome! So glad you found a tripod, and bonus points for being on sale. I hope it works well for you 😀

[@denituber]

Thank you so much for such a thorough video!

[@Gemini_Connect]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I have a couple of ball heads but use the three ways more often, all heads and tripods I use are manfrottos, my my favorite tripod is manfrotto 475b its heavy but very stable, that is set up with a video head . With the long lens on camera it's easy to turn the camera portfolio or landscape

[@klarab3599]

this is great presentation and explanation. very helpful. thanks a lot.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@delanopissoort7960]

Vanguard alta pro ab 263 (old version)has most of the features. Find it best beginner tripod

[@Gemini_Connect]

Nice. Thanks for the tip!

[@delanopissoort7960]

@@Gemini_Connect no problem. head can hold 10kg. Has spikes and rubber feet( u need to screw in the rubber feet to reveal the spikes). Legs can go almost 90°. Centre colum can come out and swivel at angles for those marco shots. Only down side i experience now its not an arca swiss head but if u buy without the head, its a nice aluminum tripod at a good price.

[@Roozy_Persepolis]

Best tips and tricks ,recommendations,and advice I have seen .Thank you so much.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Yay! I'm happy to be helpful 😄. Thanks for watching.

[@Roozy_Persepolis]

@@Gemini_Connect I ended up buying a Benro tripod. Looked at all the things you mentioned it made my pick easier.

[@music2soothmysoul]

Great video. Simple, good detail, easy to follow. Thank you very much. Happy Shooting📷

[@Gemini_Connect]

Thank you for watching! 🙏😊

[@3obardThawn3]

You just got a new subscriber!!!

[@PeaceOnEarth5077]

Good explanation 👍👌🙏🙏

[@ChandanaCTV]

Thank you so much! Very clear and precise. Helps alot!

[@ladyg2349]

Very good review. Clear explanation. Thanks.

[@Gemini_Connect]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching 😊🙏

[@sportkiteflyer]

Great video! (FWIW I have that very MeFoto Classic and that's a limited edition color they manufactured a few years ago. I've yet to see another one in the wild, actually.) ;)

[@Gemini_Connect]

Now that you mention it, I recall it being a limited edition color. Glad I got it when I did 😊

[@zoomboy57]

Nice review. For my work with I use both a Bogen/ Manfrotto 3040 geared center column and a Manfrotto 3221 and a 3047 4way head, a 3038 super ball head ( it's like the giant Swiss Arca) and a heavy 3055 ball head. I use the 3040 mostly with 8X10 Deardorff. the 3221is my go to for most work and is rock solid even shooting 400 2.8 or 600 4 and the legs have multi lock positions so I can even get down to within a foot of the ground. It's not for someone that wants to go light but they don't shake and won't tip over.

[@robmullen8100]

Thank you for the review .

[@BrianSmithSouthFlorida]

What tripod do you suggest for real estate photos and videos from an iPhone 11 pro?

[@Gemini_Connect]

The Peak Design tripod is my current favorite. It even comes with an optional phone mount. I'll be doing a video about this tripod soon!

[@BrianSmithSouthFlorida]

@@Gemini_Connect I am trying to figure out how to create silky smooth pans using my iPhone 11 pro...Is it possible with a tripod like this or do I need other tools?

[@Nola10261977]

Hello I have my skin care business, and I am interested in finding out which one of the tripods would you recommend for tilting, I make videos with my iphone and I like to get the people engaged but the tripod must be able to stand above my height which is 5/7 and or sit over my shoulder close to the product t show what I am doing?

[@Gemini_Connect]

I would go with a tripod like this - geni.us/mp4s5vW It gets up to 72 inches tall, which should be tall enough for your needs.

[@mayhemmorphs7482]

I am BRAND NEW to phtography/videography, so this may be a stupid question... but I'm going to ask it anyway. You mention a few times during this video that you can convert that one tripod into a mono-pod... but why couldn't you just leave the legs closed, and only extend one leg... instant "monopod" without having to take it apart? Is there a reason that this isn't done... or am I missing something?

[@Gemini_Connect]

Not a dumb question at all! Yes, you could close the tripod legs and extend a single leg, but the benefit of the monopod is making the whole rig more lightweight and easier to hold. Many tripods (even the compact, lightweight ones) are heavy with 3 legs, so by reducing it down to one, you save weight and it's easier to balance the camera that way. Hope this helps!

[@nakshipolly5666]

Model please,,,

[@bill3117]

Thank you for the guidance. I have a MeFoto A1350 and will be using it in Yosemite. I am a little worried about its stability with my Fujifilm XH-1 and my largest lens, a Fujifilm 100-400. I'll check the combo out before I go. If it is too wobbly I won't use this lens on a tripod.

[@Gemini_Connect]

I used the MeFoto for years, and although it worked well, it was definitely on the wobbly side. My newest tripods are the Peak Design tripod and the Manfrotto BeFree (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqe4fpeleJ5qaZI). Both are a lot more sturdy and I'd recommend them instead.

[@bill3117]

@@Gemini_Connect I will check them out. The Peak Design carbon is a too expensive for my use. Is the Peak Design aluminum as stable as the carbon, and better than my MeFoto?

[@gochurra5702]

Thank you so much !

[@pauloclemente8892]

Muy guapa

[@Marcos-S316]

Good info thanks

[@3obardThawn3]

hello from Kent Washington !!!

[@Gemini_Connect]

Howdy neighbor! 😊

[@afrinakter8622]

Price ?

[@flyinokie]

Thanks for the video, very helpful! Also, your neighbor spends a lot of time outside. :)

[@Gemini_Connect]

LOL so true! Thank you for watching!

[@betweenwonders1819]

Thank you for making this video, I learnt a lot! I want to buy a tripod because I am working on a short film where I will have to be in it:) But the thing is I don't have enough budget to purchase a really good one... is there any good budget tripod you can recommend (max height between 160-180cm) ? thank you so much!!

[@Gemini_Connect]

It looks like most tall tripods aren't the cheapest, but this one looks pretty good - www.amazon.com/dp/B01I1C8VGI?tag=geminiconne0c-20

[@betweenwonders1819]

@@Gemini_Connect Thank you so much for responding to my question! Unfortunately I was unable to purchase the one you recommended me above, I've already bought another one impulsively (it's Manfrotto MK290XT Tripod + 128RC Video Head) it's double the price of the Neewer one, I hope it's worth the price!

[@Gemini_Connect]

@@betweenwonders1819 Ahh, I see. Well you really can't go wrong with Manfrotto -- they are big and heavy, but they are super solid and will get the job done. Keep me posted and let me know what you think of it!

[@CCP600]

I’m looking for one to film the moon and be completely still. Any ideas ?

[@Gemini_Connect]

I'd go for bigger and heavier for the best stability, so the Manfrotto of the tripods in this video.

[@AlainLafleche1]

Great video like always thank you. To get even lower shot, some tripod like the Ifootage TC6 as removable columm, where you can connect a ball head without it for lower shot with the feet full open you can go 7 .7 inches. butI have two questions, one about the screw on top of the tripod is it standard to all ball head ? my second question is, what is the difference with a Fastbowl 75mm tripod ? can i use the same ball head ? and if i want to do photos and videos which one are the best ?....and the screw on top, is it the same size than a normal tripod ? Thanks, always enjoy your videos. ps: something is great with the gazelle ifootage, you can level your ball head just with the screw on top....so you dont have to play with the feet....with some company you have to pay extra to get a levelling top between you ball head and tripod.

[@Gemini_Connect]

There are new tripods coming out now like Peak Design's tripod that make it really easy to get low-angle shots. I hadn't heard of the iFootage, but thanks for sharing that one. The tripod plate on ball heads is generally going to be Arca Swiss, which is pretty universal and found on nearly all tripod plates, but there are some exceptions -- Manfrotto tripod heads and Joby tripod heads are ballheads, but they have their own unique tripod plates.

[@AlainLafleche1]

@@Gemini_Connect Thanks for all your infos !!

[@jjoannej]

You gave such a thorough review of the peak design bag that I knew this one would be just as informative! Hard to find reviews that are this thoughtful. Thank you!

[@Gemini_Connect]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you like the format 😊😀

[@lindastrobert4214]

Thank you for your explanations

[@Lance_lana9817]

what I like about the monopods is that you can attach third party selfies stick to it and a battery grip then put your GoPro on top and you can get it 22 feet in the air to make it look like you own a drone.

[@Gemini_Connect]

Yes!! Monopods are great for getting a tall perspective. Which monopod do you use?

[@Lance_lana9817]

Gemini Connect GEEKOTO 77'' Tripod that turns in to a momo pod.the ball grip works fine until you attach a telephoto lens then you have a 50/50 chance of it wanting to stay still but it’s my favorite travel tripod.

[@Gemini_Connect]

@@Lance_lana9817 Ah cool! I hadn't heard of that one, but looks like it has a very nice height to it. Thanks for sharing!

[@citizenwolf8720]

Nice video. Thanks for the info.

[@Gemini_Connect]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jaymeez]

Very Good Video 👍

[@rydaug79]

I have 2 questions. Is it really worth spending $700 on a tripod for landscape photography or will a $350 one work just fine?

[@Gemini_Connect]

Tough question! It's hard to compare values without looking at the models. Do you have any specific tripods in mind?

[@rydaug79]

@@Gemini_Connect well I have a Induro AGT114 Grand turismo which is now discontinued. I might have lost it though because I cant find it at the moment. I am looking at Benros and am leaning towards the Tortoise 1 series for $349 or even at 3 series for $449. Is a Gitzo or Really Right Stuff going to keep my picture from blurring any more?

[@Gemini_Connect]

@@rydaug79 That Benro Tortoise looks great! My first tripod was a Benro and it was excellent -- no complaints. I think you'll be fine with the Benro. IMO the main incentive for Gitzo and RRS tripods has been that they are more compact and lightweight and usually made of carbon fiber, which jacks the price up. But these newer waves of tripods are equally compact and more affordable, so it's harder to justify paying for a more expensive one unless you've got money to burn.

[@rydaug79]

@@Gemini_Connect ok second question. Are you single?

[@Gemini_Connect]

@@rydaug79 Not single, and haven't been for awhile.

[@williamberg6409]

Great info

[@Gemini_Connect]

Thanks William! 🙏