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Best Tripods for Video and Vlogging
Finding the best tripods for vlogging doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require thinking about what you actually need. A tripod stabilizes your video, keeps your shots steady, and frees up your hands while recording.
When shopping for one, focus on three things: weight, durability, and overall functionality.
Whether you’re shooting indoors or filming travel content, you need something sturdy enough to hold your camera without tipping over. At the same time, you probably don’t want something heavy and bulky if you’re carrying it around all day.
There aren’t a huge number of options to wade through, which actually makes the decision easier. Here are four of the best tripods for vlogging, along with what makes each one worth considering.
1. JOBY GorillaPod
This is the most popular tripod among vloggers, and for good reason. You can use it in three different ways.
First, it works as a standard tabletop tripod on any flat surface. Second, it converts into a selfie stick. Third (and this is the fun part), the legs are fully bendable. Want to wrap it around a tree branch? Go for it. Need to attach it to a pole or railing? No problem.
The JOBY GorillaPod handles weird angles and creative camera placements better than any other tripod out there. It’s incredibly versatile. JOBY also makes phone-specific versions that work just as well.
The legs are a bit chunky to grip, though that’s never been a real issue. The main drawback is that you need to carefully balance your camera and adjust the bendy legs to keep everything secure.
The JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro is the version most people go with. There’s a 5K Pro version too, but it’s noticeably bigger and heavier.
2. SwitchPod
Often called the JOBY GorillaPod alternative, the SwitchPod is portable and lightweight while still supporting heavier gear.
It works in two modes: selfie stick and standard tabletop tripod. The best part? Switching between modes takes just a couple of seconds. With the GorillaPod, you have to manually adjust each leg. The SwitchPod snaps between configurations almost instantly.
The design is sleek with slim handles that won’t eat up space in your bag. The handles are also ergonomically shaped, so holding it for long periods is comfortable.
On the downside, you’ll need to buy a ball head separately to mount your camera at different angles. And unlike the GorillaPod, the legs aren’t bendable.
It’s a solid stick and tabletop tripod that offers great stability in a compact package.
3. Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
If you need a full-size tripod that travels well, this is a strong pick. It’s stable, sturdy, and handles DSLRs and heavier camera setups without any trouble.
It supports up to about 3 kg of gear but weighs only around 1 kg, making it easy to carry. It’s compact when folded and extends up to about 5 feet when you need the height.
The Manfrotto Compact Action is one of the most trusted tripod options among professionals. You can set it up and walk away knowing your gear is safe.
4. Peak Design Travel Tripod
This comes in two versions: Aluminum and Carbon Fiber (the Carbon Fiber costs more, but it’s lighter). If I were a traveling vlogger, this would be my pick.
It packs down to roughly the size of a water bottle, which is pretty remarkable. The aluminum version weighs about 3.4 lbs, and the Carbon Fiber is a touch lighter.
The ball head is extremely flexible. You can rotate your camera in any direction, including full vertical orientation. If you want ultra-low angles, you can reverse and flip the center column to get the camera right near the ground.
It works with many different camera types, and yes, you can mount your phone on it too. Setup and teardown take about 30 seconds. This tripod honestly feels like it was designed with content creators in mind.
For an all-around recommendation: the JOBY GorillaPod wins on versatility, and the Peak Design Travel Tripod wins on everything else. Either one is a great investment depending on your shooting style.
Remember to pair your tripod with a camera that has a flip screen, since an articulated display makes life much easier when you’re filming yourself.
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