10 Best Budget Tripods in 2024 — Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on Jan 03 2024

The quality of a photographer’s kit can significantly affect the standard of their work, and a tripod is one of the main components of that kit. Tripods make it much easier to capture the best moments without shakiness or exhausting your arms.

However, there are other necessary aspects of a photographer’s kit, such as the SD card, camera lenses, manual flash, and the camera itself. There’s no doubt that high-quality cameras can cost a fortune. This is why it’s essential to buy an inexpensive tripod without compromising quality.

What are the qualities of such a tripod? First, it should be durable and sturdy. No matter how much you pay for it, your budget tripod should at least last you a few years. Other than that, it should be stable, which is the most critical aspect of a tripod.

A good budget tripod should include a myriad of other qualities, which we’ll talk more about later. This article covers the 15 best budget tripod reviews and a complete buyer’s guide to simplify compiling your photographer’s kit.

A Glance at Our Winners in 2024

The 10 Best Budget Tripods

1. BOG Death Grip Clamping Tripod – Best Overall

The BOG Death Grip Clamping Tripod stays at the top of the list when it comes to stable precision. Durability is another one of its qualities as it’s made from high-quality aluminum. This tripod is ideal for hunting since it secures and supports the weight of any firearm you choose.

It has a non-marring rubber jaw insert that protects the firearm while securing it in seconds with the help of the quick-adjust clamping lever. So, whether you like to shoot while kneeling or standing, the 3-position angle lock accommodates all your hunting positions.

Lastly, you can count on some level positioning since this tripod features an integral bubble level. At the same time, you get free control of the tilt adjustment with its 360-degree pan movement.

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2. BOG Havoc Shooting Stick Tripod – Best Value

The BOG Havoc Shooting Stick Tripod is the ideal pick for those who prioritize steady shooting support. It features high-density foam grips that ensure stability, but it also has a highly lightweight body that makes it easy to carry on long hikes.

Plus, the camo print is ideal for hunting situations where you want to be as discreet as possible. Its twist-style leg locks also allow for fast deployment in kneeling and prone positions. The height can be pretty accommodating while standing.

You can also benefit from the USR shooting yoke that provides a 360-degrees pan for shooting comfort. Lastly, its retractable legs quickly turn the tripod from practical to portable.

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3. Primos Hunting Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Tripod Shooting Stick – Premium Choice

The Primos Hunting Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Tripod Shooting Stick is the epitome of versatility and stability at the same time. This tool is more than just a tripod—it’s a hunting trigger stick. This shooting stick tripod will accommodate your standing, sitting, and kneeling positions, no matter what terrain you’re in.

More importantly, its camo print helps you stay hidden from the target. The best part about this tripod is that it features retractable legs that lock in space, so you don’t need to worry about instability. The Primos trigger stick does its best to provide precise target acquisition regardless of whether you’re using a camera, gun, or optic device.

Lastly, aiming is also effortless with this tripod since it provides a smooth panning action.

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4. Amazon Basics 50-inch Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod Stand With Bag

The best part about this 50-inch Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod Stand is that it’s lightweight aluminum, making it easy to carry around. In addition, its height can be adjusted by its three leg sections to reach a maximum of 50 inches.

In addition, its three-way head is flexible enough to allow free tilt and swivel motion. It also lets you switch from portrait to landscape mode pretty swiftly. The tripod also features quick-release plates, which let you benefit from faster transitions between every shot.

While this tripod stand is high-quality, we wouldn’t recommend using it with a heavy-duty DSLR as it can only support up to 5 pounds of load. However, it’s worth noting that it comes with its own carry case.

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5. Neewer 2-in-1 Aluminum Alloy Camera Tripod

Another budget tripod we’d recommend is the Neewer 2-in-1 Aluminum Alloy Camera Tripod, mainly due to its high load capacity. The tripod can support up to 26.5 pounds of weight, which means you can easily mount your heavy-duty DSLRs onto this stand.

This tripod is unique because you can turn it into a monopod with one quick move. That’s right! This tripod features a detachable leg which you can use as a monopod with its fluid tripod head.

Overall, its legs have three sections that reach 71.2 inches once outstretched. Using flip locks to ensure stability while shooting, you can lock them into place. In addition, the fluid tripod head features a 360-degrees panning base, allowing you to achieve a swift swivel motion.

Moreover, the quick-release plates on the tripod ensure that you can mount your camera in seconds. While lightweight, it’s still pretty durable as this tripod is made from high-quality aluminum alloy.

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6. Magnus VT-300 Video Tripod System

Of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without the Magnus VT-300 Video Tripod System, which is made from long-lasting aluminum and rubber. Its legs feature three sections, reaching 64.1 inches once fully outstretched.

The best part about this tripod system is that it features quick-release plates, which expedite the mounting process for your camera a lot. Other than that, the legs’ flip locks help you lock the tripod into place so you can ensure stability while filming.

This tripod features a built-in pan and tilt video head, which allows you to access all angles without moving an inch. Lastly, the Magnus VT-300 carries its carry case, so traveling with your equipment is effortless.

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7. UBeesize 67″ Camera Tripod

The UBeesize 67″ Camera Tripod is ideal for reaching impressive height ranges since it can stretch up to 67.3 inches once you open all four leg sections. Plus, it’s made from durable aluminum, meaning it will last you very long.

The best part about this tripod is that it offers many shooting angles, such as portrait mode, landscape mode, high angle shot, low angle shot, and more. It even features a 360-degrees phone holder that can fit any smartphone.

Since it can support up to 6 pounds, we wouldn’t recommend mounting your heavy-duty DSLRs on it. This tripod is unmatched when it comes to stability since it has octopus legs that prevent motion blur.

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8. Torjim 60″ Camera Tripod

The Torjim 60″ Camera Tripod is unique because it features thicker leg tubes than any other tripod. In addition, since it’s made from durable aluminum alloy, you can expect it to last long no matter what kind of camera you mount on it.

Once fully expanded, this tripod can reach up to 60 inches. It also features leg braces and rubber feet to stabilize its position. Meanwhile, the three-way pan head allows for 360-degree rotation, tilt angle adjustment, and vertical angle adjustment.

Other than that, the tripod’s built-in bubble level allows for easy tilt movement. Plus, its quick-release flip-lock knob helps you shorten the tripod in seconds. Similarly, its quick-release plate helps you transition between shots rapidly.

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9. Endurax 66 Tripod for Camera and Phone

The Endurax 66 Tripod for Camera and Phone should suit you best if you prioritize portability. When collapsed, it measures a mere 18 inches, while it can reach up to 66 inches once fully expanded.

The flip-lock knobs on each leg help you lock the tripod into place instantly and ensure stability while shooting. If you want to transition quickly between each shot, its quick-release plate will help you do exactly that.

In addition, its three-way pan head features fast 360-degree rotation. With its help, you can achieve uninterrupted tilt and swivel motion. It can even hold up to 11 pounds of equipment at a time.

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10. Famall Professional Heavy Duty Tripod

The Famall Professional Heavy Duty Tripod is what its name entails—heavy-duty! It’s built from high-strength aluminum alloy with a 75-millimeter bowl base. While it’s no competition for our top pick, it can support up to 17.6 pounds of weight at a time.

The camera mounting process for this tripod only lasts one second since all you have to do is press the “Installation Mode” button. Then, you operate the locking knob to stabilize the camera.

Other than that, the tripod’s professional hydraulic damping supports swift 360-degree panning. The +90°/-70° tilt helps you achieve all angles while filming.

The tripod’s tube flip locking system makes it easier for you to stabilize your camera and shut the tripod down in seconds when you’re done. Lastly, it comes in its bag so you can carry it with ease.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Budget Tripods

Here are a few factors to consider while buying a high-quality, budget tripod.

Price

Of course, the first thing to consider while looking for a budget tripod is the price. It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option available, but if the tripod is under $40, its quality is probably not worth the savings.

So, a budget tripod should be affordable but not too cheap. Most high-quality budget tripods will cost anywhere from $10–$110, so look for options. Remember, a higher price tag doesn’t always mean higher quality.

A keen eye will be able to pick out a high-quality tripod based on its features, even if it costs $50. But, of course, you have to invest in other parts of your photographer’s kit, so remember to stay under budget!

Material

Other than the price, the material of the tripod is what matters most. Just because you’re paying a lower rate doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality! You must opt for a tripod that’s sturdy, durable, and has a higher load capacity.

Most tripods are made from either of these two materials: aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a lightweight material while still being durable. However, it’s pretty expensive in comparison to aluminum.

On the other hand, aluminum is just a more affordable alternative to carbon fiber while still being light and robust. So, we’d recommend going for aluminum alloy tripods if you’re on a budget. Tripods that feature rubber feet or other rubber features are also a green flag.

In addition, the tripod of your choice should be a little heavy-duty as it ensures more sturdiness. The sturdier your camera is, the more stability you can achieve while filming. The wind won’t knock your tripod over and damage your expensive DSLR!

Height

The height of a tripod is one of its most essential features. Firstly, the height of the tripod of your choice should be adjustable with the help of retractable legs. These legs are most commonly separated by 3, 4, or 5 sections that fall within each other.

The more sections the tripod’s legs have, the taller it’s likely to be. This adjustability allows you to film at any angle you want without crouching or kneeling in awkward positions. Instead, you can just raise your tripod to your desired level and continue filming.

Once fully expanded, an ideal budget tripod would be no less than 60 inches tall. But you’ll even find some tripods that can expand up to 78 inches! Other than its height, the locks on the legs are also important features to consider.

You’ll either find twist locks or flip locks on tripods’ legs. While twist locks are low profile, flip locks allow you to set your tripod in place in mere seconds.

Portability

Although it’s overlooked quite often, we can’t stress enough the importance of having a portable tripod. If the tripod has retractable legs, it’ll be able to fit inside any travel bag, making it easy for you to carry all your equipment.

Then, it’ll reach its full height once you expand it. When the tripod is fully retracted, it should be no more than 16 inches tall. Luckily, this is the case for all the budget tripods mentioned on our list.

In addition, it should be somewhat lightweight so you can carry it around with ease.

Load Capacity

The weight and load capacity of a tripod affect its quality significantly. On the other hand, the weight of a tripod ensures its sturdiness and stability, which comes in handy while filming professionally.

Meanwhile, the load capacity of a tripod determines how much weight it can support at a time. So, if you have a heavy-duty and expensive DSLR, it’s best to opt for a tripod with a higher load capacity. If you’re going to use it for your smartphone, the load capacity doesn’t matter.

DSLRs with lenses weigh no less than 10 pounds, so your tripod’s load capacity should at least be 15 pounds. However, it would be ideal if the load capacity goes up to 20 pounds or more.

Features

The main features to look for in a budget tripod are load capacity, maximum height, and stability. The load capacity determines how much weight the tripod can handle at a time, which should be high if you own a heavy-duty DSLR.

Other than that, the maximum height of a tripod is determined by its full potential once expanded completely. The taller the maximum height, the better. Lastly, the stability of a tripod is crucial since it allows you to get crystal-clear, still shots without motion blur.

Extra features to look out for include head and plate quality, tripod to monopod conversion, 90-degree center column, built-in bubble level, and a carrying case.

Conclusion

With its endless features and uncompromised quality, the BOG Death Grip takes the cake for budget tripods. Meanwhile, the BOG Havoc is a better option for those searching for something even cheaper.

Now that you’ve read through our top 10 picks and their key features, we hope you’ve made the process of choosing a tripod a little easier. To ensure that you get the best quality tripod while staying on a budget, follow our buyer’s guide and consider these factors while compiling your photographer’s kit.

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Featured Image Credit: Optics Planet