It extends to a maximum height of 69.12 inches, or a folded height of 28.12 inches. Weight is no issue either, as this stable, durable tripod can support up to 15.4 pounds. It’s not overly heavy, at 5.38 pounds, but its bulk means that you may not want to carry it around all day when shooting on location. Non-slip, spiked rubber feet are useful for keeping the tripod in place. It’s packed with other useful features too, including a quick-flip leg lock, an instant swivel stop-and-lock (ISSL) system that allows for quick repositioning of the central column, and a removable hook for hanging camera accessories. A carrying case is also included. If you’re looking for a strong, reliable tripod, especially for studio shooting, the Alta Pro 263AB 100 has plenty to offer. The aluminum design folds into its compact carrying case, making it easier to carry as you travel. When it’s time to set up your shot, use the twist locks to easily adjust and secure the height and angles of the carbon fiber legs. The sturdy ball head is quick to operate so a photographer can quickly align the camera for a shot, and the included plate is compatible with Manfrotto and Arca-Swiss, the most common standard head attachments. Yes, it’s on the more expensive end of the scale, but many photographers are happy to pay for the quality and reliability that comes with Manfrotto products. Use it with your camera’s self-timer for epic selfies, capture unique angles when shooting outdoors, or set up some beautiful landscape shots—it’s up to you. You can also adjust the 360-degree ball head to position your camera perfectly. You can use the Patekfly with your mirrorless, GoPro, DSLR, or even your smartphone, but don’t go overboard on the weight—it’s not designed to hold over 28 ounces. It’s affordable as well, plus its small size means it can easily fit in your backpack while hiking or traveling. It’s only 12 inches in height, meaning it can’t do everything that a traditional tripod can do. However, this fun accessory might be just what you’re looking for if you crave the flexibility to shoot from anywhere. The legs are easy to adjust and can take the tripod from 25 inches all the way up to 60 inches, giving you plenty of versatility, with rubber feet to grip uneven surfaces. It also offers two different bubble levels so you get a straight shot in both landscape and portrait orientation. It’s a basic but solid tripod that puts function over form. The GlobeTrotter is created with users in mind, offering a quick setup and a sturdy frame that will hold your camera securely in place. It uses twist lock legs that work with an anti-rotation system to allow for fast repositioning, with rubber grips to hold the legs in place. The balance plate itself is a precision-matched Q series ball head with Arca-Swiss compatibility and bubble level to prevent uneven pans and camera head movement. It also supports 360-degree panning, ideal for shooting video or taking panoramic landscapes. While the GlobeTrotter is a serious investment, both amateurs and pros will appreciate all it can do—plus, it’s strong enough to keep your valuable camera equipment safe and locked in position. The Gitzo’s ball head rests on a 2.36-inch DSLR camera base, and with smooth controls and tilting between -90 and +40 degrees, there are few shots that can’t be perfectly positioned with the Gitzo. When it comes to premium tripods like the Gitzo, you’ll notice amazing build quality. All of the parts move smoothly and effortlessly, folding down and setting up is fast, and the tripod has the strength and durability to stay perfectly still, even in wind. While this is above and beyond what some photographers need, pros and keen amateurs need a high-quality tripod that can match the caliber of their camera. David Beren is a tech writer with 10+ years’ experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless.
What to Look for in a DSLR Tripod
Portability - DSLR cameras are already a bit bulky compared to their point-and-shoot brethren, so if you’re a photographer who’s constantly on the go, you’ll want a tripod whose legs collapse as compactly as possible. Also, look for a tripod that isn’t too heavy; you should be able to find a quality one under 5 pounds. Budget - No matter if you’re a hobbyist or a professional, you shouldn’t need to spend a lot on a tripod. There are plenty of choices available that you can buy for around $150 and still retain some fancy features. If you want to splurge, though, you can spend up to $1,000, which gets you extremely light but high-quality legs that fold down to about a quarter of their length. Durability - The long, telescoping legs of a tripod can break if you’re not careful, so if you’re out shooting in the wilderness, you’ll likely need something very durable. Tripods come in an array of materials, but carbon fiber or aluminum are the most reliable.
