Unlike my Lens Recommendations post, this one is going to be far more simple, because tripods and monopods only have one job, to stabilize. We’ll give a little more attention to details on the heads, because they tend to have more options available. In short, strength is the biggest concern with tripods and monopods… how well does it stabilize and how light does it travel are the only questions that need attention.
TRIPODs:
Budget Pick
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod
I’ve heard it said “There are two kinds of tripods… Lightweight tripods, and good tripods.” I see the truth in it. This is the cheap way to get there, for sure, and there is a cheaper amazon model, but it’s shorter and I have found it to be a little too short at times, so that’s why this one gets my pick. You could go this way, but even by pushing the shutter button, you’ll see flex in this model and others like it. If you can afford something sturdier, there’s a lot more bang for your buck in the next option.
Value Pick
Rangers 57” Ultra Compact Aluminum, Ball head
The balance of sturdiness and price, this model would be great for professionals and amateurs alike. This one will travel well and keep your camera from moving, too. It’s highly recommended.
Pro Pick
Manfrotto MT055XPRO3
Now, Manfrotto is kind of the king of the castle in the tripod and monopod game, and they aren’t particularly cheap, but they are very well made and it’s the kind of product you’d only need to buy once in your life, whereas the cheapest options listed here are sure to be for the short term. This tripod, as with most higher end tripod, expects that its user will have a specific kind of head they will be wanting to use, so it doesn’t come with a head standard. See below for details on different tripod heads.
MONOPOD:
Manfrotto MM290C4US 290
Again, Manfrotto takes the cake. Not much to say, these monopods can be just as strong but travel lighter than tripods and are very handy if you’re going to be on the move like at a sporting event. Monopods rely on your own two legs to be the other 3 supports of a “tripod” of sorts. Not for everyone’s shooting styles, but this is a good model of one, I can assure you of that if you’re in the market.
HEADS:
Budget Pick
Eagle Eye Ball Head
The ball head is a basic kind of head, it is pretty easy to extrapolate how it works. The main mechanism is ball shaped which means the camera can be pointed virtually anywhere. Not being limited to vertical and horizontal motion comes with ups and downs. It is very nice to be able to put your camera wherever you like, but finding perfect horizontals or verticals can be harder with these knob-versions than with grip-versions of ball heads, like the one listed below.
Value Pick
Manfrotto MHXPRO-3W X-PRO 3
Here’s a head that foregoes the freedom of the ball head in favor of the predictability of more precise controls. This would be good for those who are shooting with time to spare, like with still life images, real estate photos, and landscapes, to name a few. In these situations, composition must be just right, and a ball head is too finicky to be enjoyable.
Pro Pick
Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head
The Grip Action heads are one of my favorite systems. They carry the ease and functionality of the ball heads, well, because they are ball heads, but they don’t rely on the clunky screw-knobs to tighten them into place. With these, you just grip the handle, and the ball becomes free, you position your camera to exactly where you want it, and when you let go, the mechanism around the ball tightens and it sticks in place. Super easy to compose with, you get solid stabilization with great speed, too. The best of both worlds.
Got a favorite tripod or head that you use? Leave it in the comments below for the rest of us!
