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10 Best Tripods Under $100 in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

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Tripod on the ground

Tripods can elevate your photography to the next level, but that doesn’t mean you want to spend a large amount of cash to get one. You also don’t want to buy a budget tripod only to end up disappointed when you go to use it.

Staying on budget is just as important as taking great photos, and with the tripods on this list, you can do both!

After looking through the top tripod options and reviews, check out the comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you pick out the perfect tripod under $100.

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A Glance at Our Winners in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Carson TriForce Tripod Carson TriForce Tripod
  • Great mix of price and performance
  • Versatile height range
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Konus 3-POD 9 Photographic Tripod Konus 3-POD 9 Photographic Tripod
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to transport
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Stable tripod
  • Wide height operating range
  • Vanguard VS-82 Table Tripod Vanguard VS-82 Table Tripod
  • Portable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Konus 3-POD 6 Photographic Tripod Konus 3-POD 6 Photographic Tripod
  • Lightweight
  • Great height range
  • Easy to transport
  • The 10 Best Tripods Under $100

    1. Carson TriForce Tripod — Best Overall

    Carson TriForce Series 3-Way Fluid Panhead Aluminum Lightweight Tripod

    Maximum height 62.6 inches
    Minimum height 25.75 inches
    Weight capacity 6.6 pounds
    Weight 3.5 pounds

    If you’re looking for the best overall tripod under $100, it’s hard to top what the Carson TriForce Tripod offers. With a maximum height of 62.6 inches, it’s more than tall enough for most applications. It also has a minimum height of just 25.75 inches, which is a great operating range.

    Furthermore, it’s lightweight at just 3.5 pounds, and it can handle up to 6.6 pounds. That’s not a large amount of weight, but it is enough for most amateur photographers’ camera setups. Finally, you don’t have to spend the full $100 budget with this camera, so it opens things up for other accessories if you want them.

    Pros
    • Great mix of price and performance
    • High enough weight capacity for most amateur cameras
    • Versatile height range
    • Lightweight and portable
    Cons
    • Slightly tall minimum height

    2. Konus 3-POD 9 Photographic Tripod — Best Value

    Konus 3-POD 9 Photographic Tripod

     

    Maximum height 54 inches
    Minimum height 21 inches
    Weight capacity  3.3pounds
    Weight 2.2 pounds

    Just because you have $100 to spend doesn’t mean that you want to spend that much! The Konus 3-POD 9 Photographic Tripod is an excellent choice for small cameras, spotting scopes, and binoculars and is the best tripod under $100 for the money.

    The maximum height is a bit low at 54 inches, but that’s tall enough for most people. It’s also super lightweight and collapses down to just 21 inches, making it easy to take wherever you want to go.

    Just keep in mind that it can only handle 3.3 pounds, so if you have a DSLR or another bulky camera, this tripod likely won’t work for you.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Great for small cameras, spotting scopes, and binoculars
    • Lightweight
    • Easy to transport
    Cons
    • Low maximum height
    • Low weight capacity

    3. Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod — Premium Choice

    Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod

    Maximum height 49.61 inches
    Minimum height 15.75 inches
    Weight capacity 5.5 pounds
    Weight 2.1 pounds

    If you want the best tripod that $100 can buy, this is it. It is going to max out your budget, but you’ll be getting a top-notch tripod. It uses a twin-bubble leveling system that ensures that you get everything set up perfectly for your photos, and it has a sturdy base that works in a wide array of environments.

    At only 2.1 pounds, it’s lightweight, and it collapses down to just 15.75 inches, making it easy to transport. While the 5.5-pound weight capacity isn’t that much, it is enough for most amateur photographers’ cameras. Just double-check if you’re using a DSLR or another bulky camera option.

    That said, this tripod does take your full $100 budget, and it has a low maximum height. But for everything that it offers, it’s still an outstanding choice.

    Pros
    • Lightweight and easy to transport
    • Twin-bubble leveling system
    • Stable tripod
    • High enough weight capacity for most amateur cameras
    • Wide height operating range
    Cons
    • Full budget choice
    • Low maximum height

    4. Vanguard VS-82 Table Tripod

    Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod

    Maximum height 9.875 inches
    Minimum height 9 inches
    Weight capacity 5.5 pounds
    Weight 0.9 pounds

    The Vanguard VS-82 Table Tripod isn’t a conventional tripod, but you don’t always need that. This is a tabletop tripod that you can put on countertops, tables, boulders, trees, and just about anything else to capture photos.

    Since you’re getting a table tripod instead of a full-sized one, you won’t have to spend as much, and it’s easier to take it wherever you need it. Moreover, it swivels a full 360 degrees, enabling you to capture photos from any angle no matter how you set up the tripod.

    It’s perfect for smartphone selfies, compact cameras, and other small cameras, and with a 5.5-pound weight capacity, it can handle small DSLR cameras too.

    Of course, if you do need a full-length tripod, this won’t do the trick.

    Pros
    • High enough weight capacity for most amateur cameras
    • Portable
    • Lightweight
    • Swivels 360 degrees
    • Easy to set up and use
    Cons
    • Only a tabletop tripod
    • Limited height range

    5. Konus 3-POD 6 Photographic Tripod

    Konus 3-POD 6 Photographic Tripod

    Maximum height 65 inches
    Minimum height 21 inches
    Weight capacity 3.3 pounds
    Weight 2 pounds

    The Konus 3-POD 6 Photographic Tripod has an outstanding operating range that tops out at 65 inches and goes all the way down to 21 inches.

    It only weighs 2 pounds, so you can put it in a backpack and take it wherever you need it with ease. Even better, it’s available for a great price, so you don’t have to spend your full $100 budget to get it.

    However, it can only handle 3.3 pounds, so it’s only an option for smartphones and compact cameras.

    If you’re using a DSLR or even a mirrorless camera, it simply won’t have the weight capacity that you need to support those cameras.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Works for small cameras, spotting scopes, and binoculars
    • Great height range
    • Outstanding mix of price and features
    • Easy to transport
    Cons
    • Low weight capacity

    6. Barska 40in Compact Lightweight Tripod

    Barska 40in Compact Lightweight Tripod

    Maximum height 40 inches
    Minimum height 714 inches
    Weight capacity 5.5 pounds
    Weight 0.55 pounds

    If you don’t need that much height from your tripod, the Barska 40in Compact Lightweight Tripod might be the way to go. It only has a maximum height of 40 inches, but for many applications, that’s more than enough.

    A low maximum height means this tripod can collapse down to just 14 inches. Combined with the 0.55-pound weight, there’s not a “full-sized” tripod on this list that is easier to transport.

    It’s also affordable, well below the full $100 budget. It’s not perfect, but if you don’t need it to go over 40 inches, it’s as close as you’re going to get.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Great weight capacity for a small tripod
    • Affordable
    • Easy to transport
    Cons
    • Low maximum height

    7. Konus 3-POD 8 Table Tripod

    Konus 3-Pod 8 in Table Tripod

    Maximum height 15.3 inches
    Minimum height 77.8 inches
    Weight capacity 5 pounds
    Weight 1 pound

    The Konus 3-POD 8 Table Tripod is a table tripod, but it offers a bit more versatility compared to most table tripods. For starters, it goes all the way up to 15.3 inches. While that’s not a huge height, it is enough to give you a few more options.

    It’s also one of the sturdiest tripods on this list, so you don’t have to worry about your camera shaking or if it can handle a makeshift countertop wherever you’re at.

    It collapses down to just 7.8 inches and only weighs 1 pound, so it easily fits into backpacks and purses. But it is only a table tripod, and if you need extra height, you won’t get it from this tripod.

    Pros
    • Great weight capacity for a tabletop tripod
    • Lightweight
    • Versatile height range for a tabletop tripod
    • Sturdy design
    • Affordably priced
    Cons
    • Tabletop tripod

    8. Manfrotto Compact 4-Section Tripod Kit with Ball Head

    Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum 4-Section Tripod

    Maximum height 51.57 inches
    Minimum height 15.35 inches
    Weight capacity 3.3 pounds
    Weight 2.03 pounds

    Manfrotto is one of the best names in the tripod business, so when you have a chance to pick up one of its products for less than $100, you know that you’re getting a great deal. This tripod is not quite up to the same standard as its professional-level products, but those cost quite a bit more.

    Manfrotto didn’t tarnish its name with this tripod, it’s just not the most versatile. First, the maximum height is on the low end of things at just over 51 inches. Second, the maximum weight that you can put on this tripod is just 3.3 pounds.

    That’s large enough for most compact cameras and smartphones, but if you’re using a DSLR or something bulkier, it probably won’t work. Still, it’s from a top name in the industry, and it’s a high-quality option.

    Pros
    • Great mix of price and performance
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Top name brand
    • Wide range of height options
    Cons
    • Low weight capacity
    • Low maximum height
    • Not great for uneven surfaces

    9. VICTIV Aluminum Travel Tripod

    VICTIV Aluminum Travel Tripod

    Maximum height 72 inches
    Minimum height 9.5 inches
    Weight capacity 24 pounds
    Weight 3.92 pounds

    The VICTIV Aluminum Travel Tripod is an excellent option to consider, but keep in mind that it will push your $100 budget.

    The first advantage that this tripod offers is its 72-inch maximum operating height. That’s far higher than most other tripods, which automatically unlocks new possibilities. But despite its high maximum height, it breaks down to just 9.5 inches, giving it a phenomenal working range and the ability to easily transport it.

    Finally, it has a maximum load capacity of 24 pounds, so it can handle just about any camera that you might have. So, if you do have a large camera and a $100 budget, this might be the perfect tripod for you!

    Pros
    • High weight capacity
    • Versatile operating height range
    • High maximum height
    • Lightweight and compact for easy transportation
    Cons
    • Close to the maximum budget

    10. Polarduck 66″ Camera Tripod Stand

    Polarduck Camera Tripod Stand

    Maximum height 66 inches
    Minimum height 22 inches
    Weight capacity 8.8 pounds
    Weight 3.1 pounds

    The Polarduck 66″ Camera Tripod Stand has a maximum working height of 66 inches and a maximum load capacity of 8.8 pounds, making it a great tripod option under $100.

    It collapses down to a compact 22 inches, and it’s fully functional at that height too. This gives it both a wide operating range and the ability to easily transport it, especially considering the 3.1-pound weight limit.

    However, it doesn’t have the sturdiest feet. It’s perfectly fine for studio settings, but if you’re looking for something that you can use when you’re out and about, this probably isn’t the option for you.

    Pros
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Great mix of price and performance
    • Good maximum weight capacity
    • Versatile operating range
    • High maximum height
    Cons
    • Not sturdy on uneven surfaces

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    Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Tripod Under $100

    While the perfect tripod for you is out there, sometimes it can be a challenge to narrow it down to just one. Check out this buyer’s guide to help you narrow things down.

    Looking at the Weight Capacity

    When looking at tripods, it’s essential that you consider the equipment that you plan on pairing it with. Whether it’s a camera, a spotting scope, or binoculars, you need to take into account how much everything weighs.

    While it can be tempting to try to save a few bucks with a lightweight tripod, if your gear weighs more, you’ll end up with a sagging or damaged tripod in no time, and that’s no good for anyone.

    There’s a wide range out there, and the tripods on this list go all the way up to 22 pounds, so unless you have a heavy camera setup, there should be something that will work for you.

    aluminum tripod
    Image Credit: eriger, Pixabay

    Consider Your Needs

    When you’re selecting a tripod, this is what everything comes down to. You need to consider how high you need the tripod, how often you plan on using it, and where you plan to use it.

    Options like the Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod work great in outdoor settings, while the Polarduck 66″ Camera Tripod Stand is probably better as a studio tripod.

    Think about where you’re going to use your tripod and what you need it for, so it’s easier to narrow things down. Keep in mind that you can’t add or remove height to a tripod after you purchase it, so evaluate what you want to use your tripod for and go from there!

    photographer using tripod
    Image Credit: Pixabay

    Transporting and Using Your Tripod

    The world has enough equipment that sits in one place because it’s too much of a headache to move around and use. The last thing that you want to do is add to that list, so you want your tripod to be able to collapse down to a smaller size and be lightweight.

    At this price range, you’re more likely to use a tripod for sporting events, family events, photographs while hiking, and other recreational activities. Basically, you want to be able to easily transport it.

    This is an important factor because the easier it is to move, the more likely that you’ll use it!

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    Conclusion

    If you’re still debating about what tripod is right for you after reading the reviews and the buyer’s guide, just know that there’s a reason the Carson TriForce Tripods is the top choice. It expertly combines affordability and functionality into a single product that you can enjoy using for years to come. Of course, if you really want the best tripod that you can get for $100 and don’t mind spending it all, Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod is an outstanding choice.

    Regardless, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great tripod, and all the options on this list prove it!


    Featured Image Credit: Piqsels

    About the Author Robert Sparks

    Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.