I think every photographer is looking for the ideal tripod. I know that I have purchased three in my short life as an amateur photographer and didn’t like any of them. So, as I am want to do, I decided to ask experts in the field if they happend to have found their perfect tripod. The answers are wonderfully all over the place but most importantly most give explanations as to why they chose or settled on the tripod they use.
So if you’re in the market for a tripod, or maybe a second one, I think this will be a useful tool.
Below are the answers, in their words, along with links to their Instagram feeds and websites. I’ve included links to the tripods themselves and three photos from each photographer so you can get an idea of what kind of work they do.
Happy tripod hunting!
David Thompson – David Thompson Photography
“One of the valuable lessons I’ve learned with tripods, is to go ahead and purchase a tripod that is good, and will work with the needs you have.
I went cheap on my tripods early on, but regretted it later on. Only because the cheaper tripods weren’t very good. They were adequate for casual photography, but for durability, an in all types of weather conditions and environments, it suffered.
I now use both Really Right Stuff and Gitzo systematic carbon fiber tripods. They are by far the best out there. The model variations will differ for ones needs. I prefer 3 section tripods. Both tripods have lasted me a very long time. Both require little maintenance, which is mainly cleaning the tripod legs after shooting the coast.
The models I have are the Really Right Stuff TVC-33 (more info and order HERE) and the Gitzo GT3533S (more info and order HERE). Both are great and have no complaints about either one. Hope this info helps. DT”
Gaui H – The Icelander – Gaui Pic
“Hey man! I am using the SIRUI ET1204 Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit with E-10 Ball Head (more info and order HERE) the most! It is quite big and bulky for a traveller like me but it is very strong and quite “tall”! And it can handle my Fujifilm GFX100 in any weather:) – All the best, Gaui H”
Andrew Hancock – Andrew Hancock Photography
“Hello Kevin, Sorry for the lack of reply to your initial email and thanks for the kind words.
As for tripods, I have a few different ones that I use depending on the need. For cinema uses I have an OConnor. For my still photo uses, I have a Gitzo set with a gimbal head (more info and order HERE) and a Manfrotto set with a ball head (more info and order HERE). All three of them carbon fiber. I don’t really have any complaints about any of them. The Oconor is able to handle a large payload and is super smooth for using a cinema body even with long glass. The Gitzo setup is great for most things, especially with long glass that has a tripod collar. For wide angle applications it is limiting based on the setup of the gimbal head. My manfrotto setup is simple, compact and light and has withstood being in the water on the coast of Iceland and while all the metal elements are corroded in the saltwater from that icy bath several years ago, it still works like a champ. Hope that helps! Cheers, Andrew”
Pedro Oliveira – Pedro n the World
“Hey, Kevin, Tripods for me are secondary tools. I love shooting hand held, and unless I’m shooting something specific such as long exposure or in low light/low shutter speed, I keep it that way.
Because I travel a lot, I always go with the modular/collapsible carbon fiber ones.
After we lost my Manfrotto [494] (more info and order HERE) on the Saudi desert, I’ve been using the Benro [ball head] Fif19C (more info and order HERE), which I think it has been since discontinued.
My rule of thumb for tripods is: something equally sturdy, light, and that fits inside my carry on.
There are quite a few good brands out there: Manfrotto, Benro, Gitzo, etc.
I would stay away from the “Three Legged Thing” brand, though. The product is good, but the owner is a heck of an egotistical s.o.b.
I hope my gibberish will help somehow, Kevin. Happy Holidays, brother! -Pedro”
Luca J. Peterson – Luca J. Peterson Photography
“Manfrotto – These guys make the best tripods in my opinion, I have used other brands, but always come back to these guys as I love them.
Plus they have tonnes of options for all different price points and devices…. Italians ey…”
Wyatt McSpadden – Wyatt McSpadden Photography
“I’m not particularly fond of my tripod but it’s a necessary tool when making pictures requiring long exposures anywhere from 1/30th of a second to minutes long.
I want my pictures to be as sharp as possible 90% of the time. I’m not sure of the brand iI own but it’s lightweight & has a quick release device to put on to take off the cameraquickly. Find a camera store & take your camera to try out different tripods. I’ve been through many from the 4X5 camera days to now. Gotta have one if you’re serious. Best, Wyatt McSpadden”
“Hello Kevin, I have a Vanguard tripod leg (more info and order HERE) with a Manfrotto head (more info and order HERE).
I am quite happy with what I have right now. It can handle the weight of my camera and lenses, is quite sturdy, and gets high enough for the things I need to do.
not sure why you don’t like your current tripod, but there are many different models available and I am sure you will find one that works best for you. Wonho Frank Lee – Eater“
Don Komarechka – Don Komarechka Photography
“Hey Kevin, thanks very much for reaching out! Tripods come in two parts: the legs and the head. It’s important to be happy with both. For the legs, I use the Peak Design travel tripod (carbon fiber (more info and order HERE). It’s lightweight but the legs are sturdy enough for my full-frame mirrorless bodies in the field and in studio. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ball head they included, but you can get an adapter to use industry-standard replacements.
That replacement is the Platyball (more info and order HERE). It’s the absolute perfect tripod head for all of my work. The locking mechanism allows me to get exactly the positioning I need without any sag / shifting when I let go of the camera, which is incredibly difficult to engineer into a ball head.
So, there you have it. Not an inexpensive combination, but you know what? I understand why many people are not happy with their tripods. They didn’t invest enough into them. Sincerely, Don Komarechka”
Chris McGee – Chris McGee Photography
“Hey there Kevin. I use a Manfrotto and tbh I bought that in a time of need years ago based on price, weight, and functionality but mostly price. Tripods can get crazy expensive and as much as I’d love to have a smooth light weight steady tripod I’ve always just stuck with the one I bought years ago. As a photographer I get caught up in lenses and that kind of equipment more so just bc “glass” is king and you can never have enough quality lenses to shoot with. I use a tripod when using studio lights for a few reasons, one the shutter speed that syncs with the lights is much lower so you want full stability in those situations to achieve crisp shots, 2 product or model placement consistency is key when it pertains to editing. If you’re shooting a ton of work in the same scenario you want to do what I call prep work beforehand so I’m not having to take an extra step in the post work that could’ve been avoided. I definitely value my tripod but it is definitely on the lower end of the spectrum.
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Special Edition 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod – 494 Aluminum Center Ball Head (learn more and order HERE).
It doesn’t get low enough in some situations and isn’t as smooth as far as adjusting and holding a heavy camera as some are. Being that I mostly shoot freehand I’ve just learned to dance with who brung ya kinda thing. It definitely does what I need it to but it’s a far cry from the best.”
R.J. Hinkle – R.J. Hinkle Photography
“I use this tripod a lot Manfrotto 3021BPRO it’s an older model but I think they have an updated model. I use it with a ma grotto 410 geared head. It’s sturdy enough without being too bulky”.
Kathy M. Conzelman – Photography by Kathy M. Conzelman
“I use a Manfrotto tripod when I use one.”
Hello Kevin. I use a Peak Design tripod (learn more and acquire it HERE). I like it because it is sturdy and durable and closes small for portability. Only downside is that it’s quite expensive. Hope this helps!
Michael Shainblum – Michael Shainblum Photography
“Hey Kevin, I really like this one from Colorado Tripod Company but I have no clue when they will have new ones in stock. That’s probably the favorite I have owned so far for the money. Just a good bang for your buck. I also have heard amazing things about these ones FLM Tripods. Although I do not personally own one. They also seem like an awesome midrange option
For really cheap ones, Sirui tripods are a good low-cost option.
Then on the highest end, Really Right Stuff is bar none the best tripod company with the best products and customer service but costs an arm and leg to buy one, not something I can personally justify. Thanks,Michael Shainblum”
Philip Slotte – Philip Slotte Photography
“Hello Kevin, Thank you for reaching out. I use the Gitzo GT3532LS (learn more or acquire it HERE).
I bought it probably 6 or 7 years ago, so I believe it’s not available in stores anymore, but newer versions probably are. I’ve never had any problems with it, works perfectly fine and it is extremely sturdy in strong winds.
It can be a bit heavy and inconvenient when hiking and traveling, but nothing that has bothered me too much. Vänligen/Kind regards, Philip Slotte”
Dustin LeFevre – Dustin LeFevre Photography
“I think tripods are a big compromise. There is nothing convenient about lugging it around and setting it up but it’s utility is worth the trouble. My personal tripod is an old Gitzo GT1541T that has been through the ringer. It is light enough to not be a huge burden while being stable enough to keep most lenses steady unless there is a lot of wind. I enjoy it more than larger more stable tripods and for me it’s worth the trade off of ultimate stability of a larger tripod. Dustin LeFevre”
Zach Nichols – Zach Nichols Photography
“Thanks for reaching out. I currently use a K&F carbon fiber tripod but am not entirely in love with it. It was given to me by the company a while ago to try out and send back an image or two. I still use it and am content enough to keep it as my tripod but if I had to buy one, I’d look for a couple things. The things I have used and liked the most with tripods are mainly locking joints that use a clasp vs a twist to lock and then a nice ball head that has easy to use knobs and locks if that makes sense. I have heard people rant and rave about the Peak Design Tripod (learn more and aquire HERE) and would probably pick that one if I had to get a new one. I may even do so this fall to be honest before a trip to alaska. It is spendy but all good tripods are for sure. Hope this helps! -Zach Nichols”
Glenn Gordon – Glenn A Gordon Fine Art Photography
“Kevin, I use a heavy Manfrotto tripod, it’s a bit much to carry around but you’ll get steady shots with it.”
Scott Smorra – Scott Smorra Fine Art Wilderness Photography
“Hi Kevin, I use a Gitzo mountaineer carbon fiber tripod (more info and acquire it HERE). It works great and is lightweight and durable. It’s expensive compared to an aluminum tripod though. Sincerely, Scott”
“Hey Kevin, I don’t use a tripod often, but the one I do use I’ve been pretty happy with. It’s a Dolica Proline (not sure which model). I like that it folds up very compactly so that I can easily fit it in my backpack for hiking. But it’s still sturdy enough to hold my camera and not shake with every gust of wind. If I had to complain about it all, I believe one of the legs slides all the way out, if I’m not careful when unfolding it. Other than that, no issues. I’d consider buying the same brand again, but I’d also consider other options too when it’s time to replace it. Hope that helps! Donjay”
Erez Moram – Erez Moram Photography
“Hi Kevin, Thanks for contacting me. I use a Benro out-of-production travel tripod and I’m happy with it. If you need the tripod for a specific use let me know and I’ll try to recommend something.Kind regards, Erez”
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Ryan Dyar – Ryan Dyar Dramatic Landscape Photography
“Yo dude! I’ll give you my insight if you give me some BBQ. (Mostly kidding… mostly)
I use Really Right Stuff TVC24L legs (more info and acquire HERE) with a BH40 ball head (more info and acquire HERE). I’ve used it now for a decade in every environment you could imagine… literally from flowing lava to -36 degrees in the Arctic. I have beaten the hell out of it and it’s taken the punishment with ease. All it ever needs is a good cleaning and greasing once a year.
The price tag is pretty daunting, but it’ll last you a couple decades. I’m not even close to thinking about a new one. I’d rather drop $1500 for something that will last for 20 years than drop $200 every years for a tripod that’ll be loose and wobbly and need to be replaced every year. That’s just what I’ve found that works for me. Cheers, RyDy”
Tony Northrup – Tony Northrup Photography
Hi, Kevin. I really love my Gitzo Traveler tripods because they just feel great. They do the same thing as cheaper tripods, but it’s a nice, tactile experience. Tony Northrup
Pierce Ingram – Texas Photography
“Regarding tripods, I’ve tried a few and found one I really like. It’s a Leofoto tripod, specifically the LS-284C (more info and acquire HERE). For me, what was most important was lightweight and sturdy. Those two thins typically make for an expensive tripod made of carbon fiber, some of the best ones you can buy are from Really Right Stuff. Leofoto fits the bill for lightweight and sturdy, but comes in at a much lower price point. Reviews I had initially read were that it was the best imitator of RRS, so I decided to give it a try.
I’ve had mine for about 2 or 3 years now, it has logged hundreds of miles on the trail in the backcountry as well as on set and international travel. It is small, compact, and lightweight while still being able to hold a 70-200 zoom with full body DSLR. So it has been pretty much perfect for me and I would highly endorse their line of tripods and heads.
Hope this finds you soon enough to consider it before purchase. If it’s late and you already bought, I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you sooner! Pierce Ingram”
Andrew Slaton – Andrew Slaton Stills + Motion
“Hi Kevin, thanks for reaching out. I have the Manfrotto junior 410 geared head (get info and acquire HERE) and I love that, but the legs aren’t anything to speak of. I’m in the market for new, carbon fiber legs. Open to any suggestion you have… Thanks! Andrew”
Matt Eich – Matt Eich Photography
“Dear Kevin: I use a Manfrotto 190 (more info and acquire HERE) and am pleased with it. Best, Matt Eich”
Aaron Bates – Aaron Bates Photography
“Hi Kevin, Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for reaching out! For years I’ve used a mid-range carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod (more info and acquire HERE) and it looks like they don’t make my particular model anymore. I would recommend Manfrotto for their tough construction, and carbon fiber for the lighter weight (lighter than aluminum). I also use a Manfrotto ball head, and they’re usually sold separately. I love the long-lasting brand and haven’t had any problems with mine. As for many other things, you get what you pay for, and I’d recommend paying for a high quality tripod that will last for years of heavy use.
Hope this helps! Aaron”
Joe Barabon – Joe Barabon Photography
“Kevin, One reason I have found why people don’t like their tripods is because they are cheap. If you spend less than a hundred and fifty dollars, the only thing they are good for is to put hanging plants on them.
This is the tripod I travel with: Manfrotto Classic Tripod: 055CXPRO4 Four section tripod (learn more and acquire HERE). Make sure that these are the only letters and numbers
I also put a Manfrotto 498 Ball head on it. I have a quick release I’ve had forever and it would be hard to find…and expensive. There are several quick releases out there so just check out the one you want. Make sure it’s a perfect fit.
It fits in my suitcase and will go up to my eye and I’m 6’2”. It’s Carbon Fiber so it’s very light and strong.
Over the years, in my workshops I have found that people generally don’t like using one. The reason is that they have to carry the tripod in one hand and their camera in the other. When they decide on a shot, they have to put the tripod down and then attach the camera to it. This is not what I do.
The times I use a tripod is the Blue Hour, then sunrise and the sunset then Blue Hour shooting. I keep my camera on the tripod and then carry it over my shoulder. It’s light enough to do it and for me, it becomes one piece of equipment…not two.
Let me know what you think, Joe”
Kai Hornung – Kai Hornung Photography
“Hey Kevin,
I have been using a Sirui W2204 (more info and acquire HERE) with a RRS ballhead (more info and acquire HERE. I am content with it. But I wouldn’t mind an upgrade in the future. Best, Kai”
Christian Hoiberg – Christian Hoiberg Photography
“Hi Kevin,
I use a Fotopro EP E9 tripod (more info and acquire it HERE) and love it. Been using it for the past few years.
Christian Hoiberg”
Prajit Ravindran – Prajit Ravindran Photography
“Hi Kevin, I’ve been using this one for the last 4 years: Induro GIT404XL Grand Series 4 Stealth Carbon Fiber 71.1″ Extra Long Tripod, 4 Sections
I like that it can be raised up to 6 feet high and it can also be completely flat for low angle shots since it does not have a center column. It is also very sturdy and can handle large lenses well even in windy conditions. It also comes with three set of attachments(spikes, rubber feet) for the base of the tripod legs.
It is a bit heavy, so if weight was a concern I would go for the travel version from the same brand.
Thanks, Prajit”
“Hi there! So sorry for the slow response! I’m currently using the F38 from Ulanzi (learn more and acquire HERE) loving it for travel as its super lightweight! Pretty happy with it tbh. Finding it more than stable enough even as a super light option. Super fast to lock in the camera as well.”
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Michael Seeley – Michael Seeley Photos of Stuff
“I’m fairly indiscriminate for the tripods I’m setting at the launch pads. They’re left outside in pretty unfriendly conditions for days. Those are mainly whatever B&H has on sale at the moment. I’m generally not extending the legs, so almost anything better than an entry-level tripod works fine enough.
My main tripods, however, are Manfrottos. And I have a MOVO gimbal head I use on one of them. They’re great.”
Lara Jackson – Lara Jackson Conservation Biologist and Wildlife Photographer
“Hey Kevin, I hope you’re well and had a great weekend?
Thanks so much for reaching out! I used to have a Benro tripod and HATED it.
However, at the end of last year, I was gifted a tripod from 3 Legged Thing and I LOVE it. I would highly recommend them, it’s without a doubt the best tripod I’ve ever used. Lightweight but so sturdy, ergonomic, really cool designs and they’ve really thought of everything.
Check them out here and see if their products look up to scratch for you! Just to be clear, the company have never paid me (and I’m not paid to promote them), I just genuinely love their products. I have Bucky with ball head, and then a video head for wildlife filming. It happily supports my 100-400mm. Obviously I’m a wildlife photographer and only film on occasion which is why I didn’t go for the super heavy-weight professional wildlife filming options.
Anyway, I hope that helps! Thanks so much, Lara”
Lara Jackson | Conservation Biologist & Wildlife Photographer
Justin Clemons – Justin Clemons Photography
Hey Kevin, sorry for the delay on this. I am just getting back from taking a sabbatical and I am catching up on emails today.
I like this tripod (MeFoto). The main reason is that it is small and lightweight and great for travel. That was the main thing for me with being an editorial photographer. There are more stout and more intense. Try potheads out there, but this has just always worked for me.
Clark Crenshaw – Clark Crenshaw Photography
“I have an old Gitzo 340 and a big Studio ball head that I have used for over 20 years. It’s not very easy to adjust the legs and it’s fairly heavy but it’s solid as a rock and will hold steady with the biggest lens. Windy days can affect the lighter tripods. I also have an Induro and a Flashpoint tripod with much smaller ball heads on them. The legs are much easier to adjust and they are much lighter. I mainly use them when I go hiking or will be carrying them a lot. Under most conditions they do just fine. A light tripod on spongy grass on a windy day can give you problems. You can sometimes hang something under the ballhead to add weight and steady it a little more. Stay away from using the center post to add height to your tripod. Not stable. The Induro and several other tripods have these flip up levers to adjust the legs. They are probably the easiest to adjust. Clark”
Marco Grassi – Marco Grassi Photography
“Hello Kevin, With photo tours I’ve seen many people struggling with their tripods.
I personally have 5 tripods at home, but my favorite one is the smallest Gitzo Lightweight Series 0 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head, Silver & Black. (more info and acquire HERE). Great for traveling and hiking. It’s ultralight and if needed (never so far) it can be used in combination with a bag to make it heavier and more steady.
Hope this helps. For a full list of my favorite gear, please see this page.
All the best, Marco”
Max Aguilera.Hellweg – Max Aguilera.Hellweg Photographer + Director
“HI Kevin, I am very happy with my tripod(s), I have four, each used for a specific purpose. And I have my dream tripod, out of my price range.
My basic rule of thumb is having a tripod that is the smallest and lightest to carry, but be the tallest — the ability to shoot from an elevated position), but be the heaviest— such that it is stable, and will not vibrate or shake because of heavy wind, or ocean wave, or accidental touch or blow from my body, and be the shortest, so that it can be used to shoot from ground level. The tripod head must have a solid and truly functional quick release, so a camera can be placed on or taken off with ease.
My tripods
1). A Leica Table Tripod, with Leica Ball Head— I have owned this tripod for over 40 years. It is probably the first tripod I ever purchased, and I use it not on a table or other surface, but against my chest with the Lecia Ball at 90 degrees, using the camera neck strap— at tension- as third leg to brace the camera when shooting handheld at very low shutter speeds.
2) My still camera tripod legs is this is a gitzo GT5541LS — they do not make them anymore, but I would think there is another gitzo with these specs. While there are heavier gitzos, and taller, this one was smallest and lightest but tallest and heaviest. I use a Gitzo center column, which gives me added height, and flexibility giving that it is geared and can be raised and lowered with ease.
3). And to go super low, ie, right on the ground (the GT541LS will lower to about 5” above the ground), but I have a Foba Base Plate, and use this when I need to be ground level.
4) My video tripod legs is a sachtler Flowtech 75— it is all the things I describe as my rule of thumb for video, plus it Is quick to maneuver— the legs drop and raise in a second or two– which is very important for my work.
5) my dream fluid head for video, is the really right stuff cinema fluid head, but costs 5k and I just haven’t yet been able to afford one, but I love this head.
6) I use really right stuff quick release plates, and have several.
7) I use a ball head for my still camera, and the one I have is no longer for sale, for a long time, and there is not one like it, but I like the ALPA ball head, if I were to get another,
I work in large format— ALPA MAX, And with a Leica M series for reportage. And a Red Komodo for video. -max”
Andrew Fisher – Andrew Fisher Photography
“Kevin! How’s it going? I have a Rollei tripod but it’s a little bit heavy so I have a lighter/cheaper one that I use as well. It’s hard to find a tripod that works for every situation.
Thanks for reaching out! “
Guy Tal – Guy Tal Photographer, Author
“Hello Kevin, After more than 30 years in photography I can’t say I’ve ever met a photographer who likes tripods. They are always awkward to use and a pain to carry. The point is not to find one that makes you happy, but to learn to accept and to live with the inconvenience since it can be vital to successful photography. Think of it like the seatbelt in your car: nobody loves it, but you put it on to protect yourself and to increase the odds of arriving safely at your destination.
The main problem I see with tripods is that most people who buy them are looking to cut corners (size, weight, cost, etc.). It doesn’t matter how light and compact a tripod is at the shop or in your home. If it vibrates in the wind or if it doesn’t extend far enough or if it can’t handle the weight of your camera, then it’s pointless to carry it in the first place. As one photographer I know put it: there are two kinds of tripods, ones that are easy to carry and ones that are good 🙂
My advice to photographers is this: buy a good and rigid tripod from a good brand, even if it’s a bit costly, and learn to live with it. If you choose a good tripod from the start, even if it’s a bit pricy, you may never have to buy another one again. I’ve owned my Gitzo carbon fiber tripod for well over 20 years. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but it is sturdy and well-made. I hardly ever do any maintenance on it, and it has lasted me longer than most cameras I’ve owned Hope this helps, Guy