David Brodosi's Tripod Guide

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience. 

David Brodosi put together this guide on the best DSLR tripods for the average photographer to try and save you some precious time and money before investing in a 3-legged friend!

At A Glance: David Brodosi's Top 5 Picks for DSLR Tripods

• Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP Brodosi's TOP PICK
• Rangers Ultra Compact Tripod
• JOBY GorillaPod SLR Zoom
• K & F Concept DSLR Tripod
• AmazonBasics Lightweight Tripod

There are hundreds of camera tripods available in 2019, which makes it all a bit overwhelming… especially when all you really need is an affordable, reliable way to steady your camera.


If you want to capture the stars at night, or convey the movement of water in a waterfall, or take a panoramic landscape shot… or maybe you just want a way to take a selfie?!

Whatever the case, this guide on the best tripod for DSLR users will definitely help you out.

Best Overall: Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100

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Released in 2010, Vanguard’s Alta Pro 263AB 100 aluminum tripod kit offers an exceptional value and feature-set that still feels new years after its original release. Weighing just 5.38 pounds, the Alta Pro extends to a maximum height of 69.12 inches (with a folded height of 28.12 inches when fully compacted). With a large maximum height, stability is crucial, and the Alta Pro delivers in that department, offering outstanding stability and payload capacity up to 15.4 pounds. Additionally, its 26mm three-section aluminum alloy legs adjust to 25, 50, and 80-degree angles to ensure photos can be captured from a multitude of angles, including extremely low angle photography.

David Brodosi

Vanguard claims the Alta Pro is the “most versatile tripod in the world” and they nail it with a hexagon-shaped central column that adjusts anywhere from 0 to 180 degrees. Additionally, the Alta Pro adds a slew of extras such as a quick-flip leg lock, non-slip spiked rubber feet and an instant swivel stop-and-lock (ISSL) system that allows quick repositioning of the central column with just one movement. It also has a magnesium die-cast canopy, an anti-shock ring, and even comes with a carrying case for added protection.

What makes for the best tripod for your camera? As with many things, the answer is complicated and involves multiple factors. A good tripod needs decent height, strength and sturdiness, that much is for sure, but it's worth asking other questions like how well does a particular model pack down? How easy is it to carry? Can it convert to a monopod, and can the central column be reversed for low-down close-ups? And that's not even getting into one huge question: how much does it cost?
So, as you might have guessed, choosing the best tripod for your digital cameracan be tricky. The options available to you vary considerably in size, price and features. If you already know the kind of tripod you want already, such as the best carbon fibre tripod, that makes the search a little easier. But if you need a little more help deciding what's right for you, then this buying guide will guide you – here, you'll find our pick of the top tripods available right now, for a range of different types of photography and different budgets.

David Brodosi

So how do you decide which tripod is best for your DSLR? Well, one important thing to note is that you’ll quickly find an overly cheap tripod can be a false economy, netting you a flimsy and unresponsive device that blows over at the first gust. But aside from price, there are a number of other considerations to make before purchasing a tripod -- speed of setup, versatility, portability and more. You’ll find a detailed run through of all the aspects to consider at the bottom of this buying guide.
Jump straight to: How to buy the right tripod
Our best advice, though, is to invest in the sturdiest tripod you’re prepared to carry, and to consider the type of photography you do. Outdoor photographers, for example, may benefit from an element-resistant, four-section tripod that folds down into a smaller space. Pro and enthusiast photographers would be wise to invest in a customisable modular tripod system, while beginners might prefer a cheaper non-customisable option with a simple three-way pan-and-tilt head.
How much will a decent tripod set you back? The short answer is that it varies. Tripod kits that comprise a set of legs and a head can range in price from around $15/£10 for a flimsy, often unbranded option, to about $1,500/£1,250 for a top-of-the-range option.

David Brodosi

With an eye on stability, load-bearing capacity, features, performance and price, we’ve selected ten sturdy tripods here, and we think they are the best you can buy right now…
hen it comes to image quality, the one piece of gear everyone recommends is the tripod. A good-quality tripod is one of the most important accessories you can get for your camera, but with so many new brands and options out there, choosing the right one can be a challenge. For this article, I spoke to the experts at the B&H SuperStore and have put my hands on 10 different full-sized tripods and tripod heads and can share with you my opinions on why they are recommended.
If you aren’t familiar with many of the options or components on a tripod, feel free to get some background in The Tripod Explained. The information contained in that article may help you decode some of the terms I will be using here.

David Brodosi

This list of recommended full-sized tripods will span a wide range of costs, and are listed from highest to lowest price (as of press time), but rest assured, regardless of the price, these tripods come highly recommended by the sales staff at the B&H SuperStore for all photographic needs and budgets.

1. Really Right Stuff TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod and BH-55 Ball Head

The old expression was that the best of something was the “Cadillac” of its kind. Well, Really Right Stuff supports are the Rolls Royces of the tripod world. The TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 carbon fiber tripod is a beautiful unit with a diamond-pattern carbon veneer, twist-locks, and rubber ball feet. The RRS TVC-33 Mk2 has a ratcheting system for the leg angle locks that lets you keep your hands free of pinching once you pull out the stop. Nice! Also, the metal parts are made from a CNC milling process from a solid chunk of metal, not from a mold, for extra strength and durability.

Really Right Stuff TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

The BH-55 Ball Head looks and feels like pure quality. Movements are silky smooth and the base has panning marks for panoramic work, dual 90-degree cutouts for going vertical, as well as a separate tension adjustment. RRS has different clamp options, but this BH-55 has a screw knob to lock the Arca-type-compatible plate. Both the legs and head have a load capacity of 50 lb and reach a combined height of 62.3".

Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Full Size Screw-Knob Clamp

For those who do not need the full 50-lb capacity of the BH-55, the BH-40 Ball Head is a fantastic alternative. Really Right Stuff is all made in the USA. The best part of owning an RRS tripod? You will never have to suffer from tripod envy.

Really Right Stuff TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Mk2 and BH-55 Ball Head

• Load Capacity: 50 lb
• Max. Height: 62.3"
• Min. Height: 7.8"
• Folded Length: 29.3"
• Leg Sections: 3
• Weight: 6.26 lb

2. Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod and GH1382QD Series 1 Center Ball Head

From another premium line of supports, the Gitzo GT2532 Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod features 8-layer Carbon eXact legs with a signature Gitzo veneer. The carbon portion of the center tube can be removed, leaving the shooter with a shortened center tube for very low-angle shooting from a minimum height of 6.3". Fully extended, the legs and ball head will reach 69.8" and support 31 lb. The GT2532’s chassis is made of magnesium and is powder-coated—again with that signature Gitzo look. Leg-angle adjustment tabs are spring-loaded and Gitzo placed O-rings on the tops of the G-Lock Ultra leg twist locks for extra sealing from the elements.

Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

The GH1382QD Series 1 Ball Head is a beautiful unit with a unique curving design, Gitzo powder coating, and brushed accents. The metallic ball is coated with a tungsten disulfide. I’m not sure what that is, but it sounds pretty cool and it gives the ball gorgeously smooth movement. A co-axial friction knob allows the main ball control to be adjusted, and there is a separate panning lock. The plate is Arca-type compatible, as well.

Gitzo GH1382QD Series 1 Center Ball Head

Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod and GH1382QD Series 1 Center Ball Head

• Load Capacity: 31 lb
• Max. Height: 69.8"
• Min. Height: 10.7"
• Folded Length: 30"
• Leg Sections: 3
• Weight: 4.8 lb

3. FEISOL CT-3472LV Elite Rapid Carbon Fiber Tripod with Leveling Center Column and CB-40D Ball Head

Another heavyweight option in our lineup, the 33-lb capacity of the FEISOL CT-3472LV Elite Rapid carbon fiber tripod and CB-40D ball head can support a lot of camera. The three-position leg-angle locks are unique to FEISOL and feature a release tab that protrudes from the chassis at the top of the legs. Anti-leg rotation technology keeps the legs tightly in place when the twist locks are tightened down. The twist-locks feature a minimalist design with smooth, but grippy rubber. A leveling center column allows for minor leveling adjustments and it can be removed and replaced with an included mount base to allow shooters to mount the head or camera directly to the aluminum chassis plate.

FEISOL Elite Tripod CT-3472LV M2 Rapid with Leveling Center Column

The all-black CB-40D ball head is a clean design featuring a separate pan lock knob, and a friction adjustment opposite the main knob. The quick-release is Arca-type compatible. With a load capacity of 55 lb, the alternate CT-3342 Tournament Rapid carbon fiber legs give you a larger capacity.

FEISOL CB-40D Ballhead with QP-144750 Release Plate

FEISOL CT-3472LV Elite Rapid Carbon Fiber Tripod with Leveling Center Column and CB-40D Ball Head

• Load Capacity: 33 lb
• Max. Height: 74.2"
• Min. Height: 6.84"
• Folded Length: 26.1"
• Leg Sections: 4
• Weight: 6 lb

4. Induro CLT203 Classic Series 2 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod and BHD2 Ball Head

The “Stealth” word in the Induro CLT203 Classic Series 2 tripod’s name refers to the fact that Induro has purposely designed the CLT203 to have a very low reflective design—no bling here! The legs feature foam pads and a very cool carbon veneer. The center column is reversible when you remove the weight hook, and a short center column is included as an extra for low shooting. Black leg-angle locks pull out and the legs can be adjusted to three angles. A bull’s-eye bubble level lives on the magnesium-alloy chassis, as does an accessory mounting point with two different threads. A carrying case protects the legs, and a tool pouch holds spike feet and a wrench for adjustments.

Induro CLT203 Classic Series 2 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod

The BHD2 ball head echoes the design of the CLT203 legs and it features a separate pan-control knob and co-axial friction adjustment for the main ball. A single notch allows vertical shooting and the top plate is Arca-type compatible with its own bull’s-eye level. Together, the pair allows a load capacity of 35.3 lb and a maximum height of 67.5".

Induro BHD2 Ball Head

From the Induro line, a sturdier alternative with a 3-way head is the CLT303 with the gorgeous PHQ3 5-way pan head. Also, there is a four-section alternative— the CLT204. And, if height is no object, the squatty brother to the CLT line is the Series 4 Baby Grand tabletop tripod with an incredible 220-lb capacity.

Induro CLT203 Classic Series 2 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod and BHD2 Ball Head

• Load Capacity: 35.3 lb
• Max. Height: 67.5"
• Min. Height: 19.3"
• Folded Length: 29.1"
• Leg Sections: 3
• Weight: 4.8 lb

5. Benro TAD37C Series 3 Adventure Carbon Fiber Tripod and V2E Triple Action Ball Head

The Benro TAD37C Series 3 Adventure carbon fiber tripod is very similar to the Induro I discussed above. The primary difference is the Benro is equipped with flip locks for the legs and a solo foam pad for carrying. The Benro leg flip locks may be the best in the business with very smooth action and an attractive design. The center column is locked down by a wingnut collar system and the triple leg-angle options are achieved by pulling out the locking cams to reposition the legs. The leg’s own bull’s-eye bubble level rides on the chassis. Maximum height with the head is 67.7" and the unit’s load capacity is 26.5 lb.

Benro TAD37C Series 3 Adventure Carbon Fiber Tripod

The beautiful Benro V2E Triple Action ball head is elegant and purposeful. A blue ball is enclosed in a smooth black body with blue accents on the main adjustment knob. The friction control is located coaxially on the main knob and a separate pan lock allows right to left movement. The Arca-type-compatible quick release has Benro’s unique P&T (pull-and-twist) Safety System that helps prevent accidentally dropping your gear from the top of the tripod.

Benro V2E Triple Action Ball Head

The aluminum alternative to the carbon TAD37C would be the Benro TMA37AL Long Series 3 Mach 3 and B3 Triple Action Ball Head, featuring a heavier capacity, twist locks, and taller maximum height.

Benro TAD37C Series 3 Adventure Carbon Fiber Tripod and V2E Triple Action Ball Head

• Load Capacity: 26.5 lb
• Max. Height: 67.7"
• Min. Height: 19.3"
• Folded Length: 29.1"
• Leg Sections: 3
• Weight: 5.1 lb

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience. 

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience. 

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience. 

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience. 

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience. 

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience. 

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven
and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’
progressively responsible experience.