Tripods have been in existent since time immemorial and are a piece of popular equipment for photographers and videographers. However, the evolution of vlogging, photography, and videography from a hobby to an income earning opportunity, tripods which initially seemed like an unnecessary item are now more critical than ever. With Youtubers cropping up every other minute the value of these once “redundant” equipment is also growing for both the manufacturers and the users. While it is advisable to own a tripod, it all depends on the type of photos or videos that you intend to shoot.
There are three tripod variants which include:
- Ball head: that features a locking screw and ball and is the most common type of tripod.
- Fluid head: designed for video cameras, the fluid head features levers and gearing systems that help facilitate movement.
- Pan and tilt head: which is ideal for precision shooting and long-range photography it features levers that are used to control movement vertically and laterally.
Shooting without a tripod is possible, but it does become cumbersome after a while. But how do you know which tripod to choose from with the numerous product offerings available in the market? Below are the recommend seven best tripods under $100 that can work for both amateurs getting into the content creation world and the more seasoned users.
1. Joby Gorilla Pod
Intro:
A favorite vlogging Camera, the Job Gorilla Pad starts of our seven best tripods list just because it is one of the uniquely designed tripods in the market. The gorilla pod can be used for both handheld vlogging purposes and as standing tripod. It is flexible enough, and you can place it in whichever way pleases your heart. The construction of this tripod is excellent as is the quality and which features such as footpads that ensure it doesn’t slide off the ground it makes for an excellent under 100 purchase.
Pros:
- It has rubber rings and foot pads which prevent slipping and provide additional grip and hold.
- It has flexible legs that can be used for capturing different angles as well as expanding the range of your shots. The legs ensure you can maneuver your camera easily
- The leg joints of this camera offer stability and eliminate the possibility of shaky shots occurring.
- Made from German TPE, stainless steel, and Japanese medical-grade ABS plastic, this tripod is durable and will give you some good service before you need to replace it.
Cons:
- It relies heavily on lock switching.
2. Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
Intro:
A product from Lino Manfrotto’s line of products, the Compact Action tripod a five-section tripod designed to offer excellent support for your device and is very easy to maneuver. Whether you choose to use it with its legs retracted or pulled out, the joystick grip makes it easy to use and offers perfect hold.
It is important to note that the tripod does not come with a middle support bar. It is also has a pistol grip head which is where you attach your camera.
Pros:
- As the name suggests, this tripod is very compact and lightweight too which makes it great if you are traveling or are always on the move. P.S it weighs almost half the weight of some products on the market such as the AX620B100 Elite 62? Aluminum Alloy Tripod.
- It is effortless to use and secures your camera well on the quick release plate.
- You can choose which mode you want to shoot in and make the switch from a knob on the tripods grip head.
Cons:
- The tripod can only hold a maximum capacity weight of 1.5 kg so if your camera is more cumbersome than that; it could cause the tripod to buckle.
3. Mactrem PT55: Travel Camera Tripod
Intro:
Made using an aluminum alloy, this 55-inch camera tripod is designed/ suited for individuals who are continually moving. This is because not only is it compact, it is collapsible, foldable and extremely lightweight.
If you’re the kind of person who also considers aesthetics when picking a camera, then you will enjoy this tripod since you can choose from four colors variations and finally, it has a universal quick release plate which makes it compatible with most cameras.
Pros:
- Even though it is lightweight (it weighs just under a kilo) this tripod can support cameras almost five times its weight.
- You can use it anywhere because the four section lever lock legs offer great support for any terrain you are shooting in.
- It is very portable.
- It includes a carrying case for use when you are on the move and for protecting your tripod from damage.
- It has a 360-degree swivel function which great for panning.
Cons:
- Extending the center column of the Mactrem PT55 is not the easiest thing to do.
- Turning the tripod laterally requires lots of effort.
4. Ravelli APLT6B 72″ Lightweight Aluminum Tripod
Intro:
Dense Polyurethane Head, Rubber Feet and Aluminum Legs, are but a few of the things that characterize the Ravelli APLT6B 72”. This camera is an excellent option because it provides height when you need it, but it is also lightweights thanks to the aluminum material. It is equipped with two levers that work independently to ensure alignment to the head and legs.
The Ravelli is versatile both I functionality and portability. You can use the tripod to shoot in either portrait or landscape orientation, and it is also collapsible to 19inches thus making it easier to transport and move around. The ease of use is something that we can appreciate.
Pros:
- It is collapsible which make sit easy to transport.
- It is easy to use. The setup and detachment processes are quite forthright as it comes with the standard quick release plate.
- It has extra accessories such as a Carry Bag, Carry Handle, tilt/panhandle, smartphone adapter, and weight hook included in the bag which means that you not only save some coin you also don’t experience the hassle of trying to find the accessories.
- Unlike most tripods with ball mounts, you can easily tilt and pan on the Ravelli APLT6B.
Cons:
- Some users of the Ravelli tripod have complained about the durability of this product which is something that you should consider before making the purchase.
5. Dolica AX620B100 Elite 62? Aluminum Alloy Tripod
Intro:
This 62″ Aluminum Proline Tripod is a ball mount tripod equipped with amazing features such as the foam wrapped legs, a compass, aluminum alloy legs, an adjustable counterweight, and a level bubble indicator.
Even though the Dolica’s build is a mix of plastic and aluminum metal, the plastic does not compromise the tripod’s quality; however, it is not advisable to use cumbersome cameras. The rubber legs ensure that the tripod does not slip when in use. You will enjoy it even more when shooting in landscape orientation since the legs stay firmly in place, slide out naturally and are quite sturdy. When shooting videos, the level bubble head indicator will guide you on the levelness of your footage and even offer you guidance on how to adjust your tripod for the perfect shots.
Pros:
- It is equipped with a level bubble head indicator.
- You can include a counterweight on the tripod as it has a lever specifically designed to facilitate this.
- The height makes for a great addition if you are shooting distant images and in landscape mode.
Cons:
- It can only manage weight to a certain limit after which it is likely to cave.
- It is somewhat heavy.
6. Slik Sprint Pro II Tripod in Gun Metal
Intro:
With the legs sectioned into four, the Slik Sprint is great for every other day use especially if you travel a lot. With a foldable height of 18.5 inches, this ball mount tripod with aluminum alloy built is available in three colors namely, gunmetal, black or a mix of both.
Pros:
- It is effortless to setup
Cons:
- Not one of the sturdiest tripods available in the market.
7. Magnus VT-300 Video Tripod
Intro:
This fluid head tripod was designed with filmmakers, videographers and vloggers in mind. It can support both DSLR cameras, camcorders and any camera that weighs up to a maximum weight of 6.8 kgs. Its light weight makes it easily portable which is why it is ideal for the previously mentioned users. Other features that make it suitable for users include an inbuilt fluid effect video head that can pan 360 degrees and tilt either up or down. If you want to shoot fixed position shots, the independent tilt and pan lacks aid with this and make it easy to do.
It comes with the standardized quick release camera plate and a pan bar. You can change the height of this tripod to your liking by merely using the hand crank that lowers and raises the center column to the level you prefer.
Pros:
- It comes with a mid-level spreader that locks once you have secured the tripod’s legs in your position thus offering extra stability when you adjust the tripod.
- It is adjustable to a height of 64.3 inches.
- The rubber feet of the Magnus VT-300 are replaceable.
- If you are on a budget, this is one of the best tripods available since it delivers value for money.
Cons:
- The fluid mount can sometimes get tricky to use especially if you have no previous experience of use.
- The mix of plastic and metal in its construction is something that most users have complained about, but this should not stop you from purchasing the tripod.
Conclusion
Finding a tripod is not that difficult. There are numerous options that you can buy for below 100 dollars, and if your budget does not limit you, you can opt to spend even more on it. However before making your purchase, remember to check on the load capacity of the tripod, the size, the leg locks, the feet, its collapsible height, the build and finally the type. If most of these things check out, then you are good to go.
