Whether you are a top influencer or an upcoming vlogger who wants to take the game to a higher level, there is no doubt you must have been thinking of getting yourself a top-quality tripod. Tripods are valuable items that can increase the production quality of your vlogs.
Choosing or buying your first vlog tripod will be a unique experience that can go right or wrong, depending on you. In this article, we will go beyond telling you which tripods to buy. We will go further to show you the important factors you must put in place when picking a tripod for your vlog or as an influencer.
This tripod review has been broken down according to four categories including
- Video: fluid tripods that are excellent for smooth pans and tilts
- Photo: tripods that are lightweight and excellent for static shots
- Video Monopod: tripods with small footprint and are great for run-and-gun shooting
- Mini: low profile, highly portable tripods
Having said that, we will dive deep into reviewing these tripods one after the other.
1. Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom Flexible Tripod
This highly versatile tripod can also be used for on-the-go vlogging which has become a very popular way of shooting videos on social media platforms. It is also an excellent short selfie stick. You can assemble this item in your backpack and go with it while traveling.
Although the tripod has a great height that makes it limiting, it is quite flexible and you can wrap it around. You can place it on a table or any similar object that allows for attachment. This product remains one of the best in its class.
Features
- Head type: ball
- Tripod category : mini
- Maximum height: 4.7”
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Best use: outdoors, vlogging, documentary, selfie stick, tabletop, on-the-go
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Highly portable
- Great weight capacity for its size
- Low profile
- Flexible legs
- Easily packed for travel
Cons
- Joints may become less sturdy after some time
- Short for more professionalism
2. Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini Tripod
Nonetheless, its unique features still give it some advantages over the Joby Gorillapod. For example, the ball joints of the Manfrotto tripod do not loosen over time as the Joby tripod. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer to shoot over a table or desk. If your niche is around product description or you make more static shots, you should consider this product.
Features
- Head type: ball
- Tripod category: mini
- Maximum height: 5.1”
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Best use: tabletop, documentary, talking head, static, cinematic
Pros
- Easily affordable
- Low profile
- Highly portable
- Lightweight tripod
Cons
- Too lightweight
3. Magnus Mini Tripod
It is an awesome fluid head video tripod that is great for beginning your vlogger journey. It has a great weight capacity that can be an advantage and a disadvantage. However, you can be assured that this item will not break easily. It is a very sturdy tripod that will last some years.
Features
- Head type: fluid
- Tripod type: video
- Maximum height: 5.9”
- Weight: 8.8 lbs
- Best use: talking head, static, cinematic, motion
Pros
- Quite affordable when compared to similar products in its category
- Great weight capacity
- Fluid head tripod
- Great height for shooting excellent quality videos
Cons
- Build quality isn’t the best you can find
- Over time, leg clamps become loose
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4. Amazon Basics Lightweight Tripod
The price level also makes it an appealing product considering that it has plenty of great features.
Nonetheless, this isn’t a tripod that will do well with wear and tear. It is a cheap alternative tripod for vloggers and influencers who do not want to expend so much on a tripod. As such, do not expect top-of-the-range materials and qualities from it.
You will get more than enough value for your money if you use this tripod as intended – a static item.
Features
- Head type: tilt and pan
- Tripod type: photo
- Maximum height: 6”
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Best use: talking head, static
Pros
- Good height for vlogging
- Lightweight tripod
- Affordable device for entry-level vloggers and influencers
Cons
- No fluid head
- Build quality isn’t great
5. Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
Another great value of buying this tripod is that it has this incredible build quality that is reminiscent of top-quality tripods.
This is a static tripod that is capable of being used in several scenarios such as on-the-go vlogging, outdoors, and tabletop. Let us take a look at the features of this product.
Features
- Head type: pistol grip
- Tripod type: photo
- Maximum height: 6.1”
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Best use: motion, talking head, static
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great pistol grip
- Good height for quality production
- Lightweight tripod
Cons
- Not exactly a video tripod head
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Tripod for Vlogging
Tripods are not only great for cinematographers, vloggers and influencers are continuously using this great product to shoot their high-quality content. Many have realized that if you want to appeal to your audience, you have to invest greatly in your content production.
What better way is there than spending some money buying the best tripods for vlogging?
As a vlogger or an influencer, you have to get it right when choosing the right tripod. And it is what this article has set out to do.
Perhaps, you may be thinking of buying a tripod for your friend as a gift idea. Whatever it is that may be the reason for buying a tripod, this section will tell you the things you should look out for before spending that money.
Do you want the best value for your money? Here are the five factors to consider before buying that tripod.
First things first: Price
When buying anything at all, price has to be the first or the last thing you need to consider. It cannot be in between. In this case, if you are looking for a sub $100 tripod, you would have narrowed your options down. This would make it easier for you to find your perfect tripod.
The Five Factors
1. Motion or Static
Static tripods keep the camera in one place. As such, they cannot produce seamless pans and tilts. In most cases, this applies to photo tripods. Video tripods, on the other hand, have fluid heads. In this manner, they can produce smooth camera movements. So, you may have to choose between motion and static depending on your vlog needs.
2. Camera Weight
Tripods have limitations in terms of the camera weight that they can carry. While most vlogging cameras are lightweight, you may need more robust cameras to shoot more quality content. In this case, too, the weight capacity that you decide on will depend on the weight of the camera that you want to use it with.
3. Durability
Most affordable tripods are usually made of plastic. They have weaker joints and clamps and do not hold up well to wear and tear, especially when constantly transported. So, you may have to replace them quite often. On the other hand, more expensive tripods are made of sturdy materials and can withstand wear and tear. If your vlog is studio-based, you may not need the expensive tripods as the cheaper ones can hold up well in a well-ventilated room.
4. Height
Tripod height can be a great limitation to its use and functionality. Do you film while standing, sitting, or on the go? DIY vlogs may require taller tripods.
5. Portability
This is largely dependent on the vlog category. Travel vloggers will need highly por8, highly versatile tripods so they can shoot from several different angles, at several different locations. A product review vlogger who just sits at his desk to describe the pros and cons of an item doesn’t need a portable tripod.
In a Wrap
This article has shown you the best tripods for vlogging as well as going further to highlight the factors you should consider before buying a tripod. Irrespective of the level you have attained as a vlogger or influencer – beginner or expert – you will find a great tripod that can fulfill your production and budget needs.