Are you in the market for a great photography tripod that won’t break the bank? While acquiring new gear is always exciting, this search can actually be quite confusing and sometimes exhausting. There are so many options available now, for an array of uses targeting a wide variety of consumers, that it can simply feel daunting finding the right place to even start. Luckily, there are ways that you can narrow down your search and make things easier for yourself.
Whether you love shooting sports, landscapes, or breathtaking night scenes, a trusty tripod is the most important must-have for every photographer or videographer. Not only does it help you shoot comfortably and provide your camera with a stable surface, but it makes it possible for you to keep your photos sharp even when you’re using slow shutter speeds—which, for most, is the most significant benefit of using a tripod.
If you’re a beginner or a professional without their favorite tripod on a trip, there are tons of affordable choices that you can quickly get your hands on. But at under $100, you’ll want to make sure that you’re spending on a good tripod that doesn’t skimp too much on the quality. So to be safe, go for any of our current top picks for the best tripod under $100.
What to Look for in a Tripod for Photography
Type of Photography
The first step is to determine what type of photography you’ll be doing. Are you a fine art landscape photographer who requires a kit that can be set up in a variety of uneven terrain and weather conditions? Maybe you are a travel blogger that needs a lightweight, on-the-go system that allows you to quickly pitch your tripod for cross country smartphone content? Maybe you are getting into macro photography and need something small but super sturdy? Whatever the reason may be, determining what your primary use is will help you understand what style of tripod you should be shopping for.
Load Capacity
Since I use my tripod for a variety of outdoor commercial uses, the overall weight that the tripod can support (load capacity) is my most primary concern. Since I know that I will be mounting a DSLR or mirrorless camera and professional grade lens on the tripod, I must first calculate the weight of my heaviest setup (camera + lens), and ensure that my new tripod can support that weight.
General Stability
The stability of a tripod usually comes from the source materials it was created from. It can also come from a unique design capability that spreads the mounted weight effectively across its base. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest material, but also the most expensive. Aluminum and alloy composites are next up in terms of strength and durability. This is often where you will find the best bang for your buck.
Maximum & Minimum Height
Last on the list of primary concerns is the maximum height achieved when it is fully extended and the footprint of the tripod when it is fully broken down for hiking and travel.
Weight
Another feature to consider when looking for a tripod is the overall weight of the tripod. If you’re traveling or running a lightweight system, the tripod weight is critical in keeping your gear bag light.
Ball Head & Quick Release System
The quality of the ball head and quick release system that attaches your camera or smartphone is also vital in the tripod. Along with this, you’ll want to look for design versatility that allows you to shoot at 90° angles or break down into a monopod for dynamic action and wildlife.
Best Tripods Under $100
We’ve determined what you’ll be using the tripod for and all of the essential key features to consider before your purchase. Now it is simply time to make your decision and get to creating! But wait, how much should you actually be spending on a tripod? If your budget doesn’t have the flexibility to accommodate the most expensive gear on the market, you are definitely not alone and are in luck! We’ve compiled a list of our 10 best tripod options under $100!
Even with a budget limit of $100, there’s a handful of top-rated tripod options that you can go for. However, what you choose will have to depend on your specific needs, preferred size, and type of tripod head.
Vanguard VEO 2 233CB 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head
This tripod under $100 has been called the backpackers dream as it weighs in at just 2.6lbs and supports over 5 times its weight! This 3-section carbon fiber design is the epitome of lightweight stability. Its arca-style ball head is easily adjusted to perfection with three ergonomic knobs that ensure your kit is in the prime position.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.2kg)
- Maximum Height: 57.5 inches (146cm)
- Load Capacity: 17.6 lbs (8kg)
- Folded Length: 23.2 inches (59cm)
- Leg Sections: 3
- Ball Head: VEO 2 BH-50 (Arca compatible)
- Material: Carbon Fiber
Vanguard VEO 2 204CB 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head
This tripod is very similar across the board to the above Vanguard VEO 2 model. However, it features an aluminum 4th column (center) that extends and securely tightens using the Advanced Twist Lock system. The load bearing capacity supports three times its own weight, making it a perfect lightweight companion for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.2kg)
- Maximum Height: 53 inches (134.6cm)
- Load Capacity: 8.8 lbs (3.9kg)
- Folded Length: 16 inches (40.6cm)
- Leg Sections: 4
- Ball Head: VEO 2 BH-45 (Arca compatible)
- Material: Carbon Fiber
JOBY GorillaPod 3K
If you’ve never used a GorillaPod before, the simple advice is to simply get one. It is a wildly capable unit that can secure your compact DSLR or mirrorless system to almost any surface imaginable. Plus, they are a blast to use and are an under-$100 tripod!
The ultra flexible legs make it a breeze to wrap around anything to get those steady shots from unique vantage points. It’ll help you generating content that simply wouldn’t exist without the adaptability of the GorillaPod design. This unit can support an array of heavy flashes, audio setups, and off camera video lights. This tripod is just as flexible as its wraparound legs.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 0.75 lb (340 g)
- Height: 12.52 inches (31.8 cm)
- Load Capacity: 6.6 lb (3 kg)
- Leg Sections: 3
- Material: ABS Plastic, Stainless Steel, TPE
Slik Sprint Pro III BH Travel Tripod
Touted as the ultimate travel ready under-$100 tripod, the Slik Sprint Pro III is light enough to stash in your carry-on, and game to go anywhere that you. Using the reversible center column, you can get as low as 6 inches to the ground. This makes it a wonderful companion for macro or wildlife photography.
When fully extended and secured using its no stress flip lock system, the tripod stands at over 5 feet. It’s capable of supporting a mirrorless camera and a professional grade lens. The all-metal ball head is supported by a single lever lock system that allows for quick and secure repositioning of your gear.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 2.2 lb (1.18kg)
- Maximum Height: Column Down 51.1 inches (129.79cm); Column Extended 62.9 inches (159.77cm)
- Minimum Height: 6.2 inches (15.74cm)
- Load Capacity: 4.4 lb (2kg)
- Folded Length: 18.5 inches (47cm)
- Leg Sections: 4
- Ball Head: SBH-100 DQ All Metal Ball Head
- Material: Aluminum
3Pod Orbit Tripod
The 3POD Orbit is simply a different breed of tripod as it employs the Orbit Overhead Shot System. This allows the user to not only adjust the height of the center column, but to pivot away from the body to allow for a variety of overhead, low-angle, macro and other difficult-to-get shots.
This center column also smoothly rotates a full 360°, at any angle. This lets photographers perform unique tracking and panning techniques. With each leg capable of opening up to multiple angles, including 85°, the ability of the user to generate literally any type of still or motion content is unparalleled at this price point. This tripod does not come with a ball head or mounting system, so this must be purchased as an add-on to this wonderful piece of kit.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 5.8 lbs (2.63kg)
- Maximum Height: 69 inches (175cm)
- Load Capacity: 18 lb (8.2kg)
- Folded Length: 25 inches (63.5cm)
- Leg Sections: 4
- Ball Head: Not included
- Material: Aluminum
Vivitar 82″ 3-Section Photo Video Tripod
The classic photo/video tripod that operates exactly how it should. User friendly and standing at almost 7 feet when fully extended, this tripod is not short on ability or function. It comes with a fluid video head that places the camera on a small, center mounted pedestal. It allows the focus to be the scene at hand, not hard to use gear. This kit comes with a carrying case and can support up to 11lbs of load bearing weight. It’s an intuitive workhorse that is worth every single penny.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 5.8 lbs (2.63kg)
- Maximum Height: 69 inches (175cm)
- Load Capacity: 18 lb (8.2kg)
- Folded Length: 25 inches (63.5cm)
- Leg Sections: 4
- Ball Head: Not included
- Material: Aluminum
Manfrotto Compact Action 5-Section Aluminum Tripod
You know that you’re going to get exceptional quality when you purchase Manfrotto products. The Compact Action 5 Section tripod is certainly no exception to the rule. Billed as a perfect unit for entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras with kit lens attached, this tripod will check every box for the passionate hobbyist looking to get sharper shots.
This 5-section aluminum tripod supports 4.4lbs of weight. It’s also operated by a joystick-style grip that allows you to switch between smooth video and stable photography with a single finger. Standing at 5 feet at maximum height, it allows for a variety of creative concepts. It weighs just 2.5 pounds, which means you to take it literally anywhere. This ultra user-friendly tripod would be an amazing addition to anyone’s kit, especially those at the beginner and intermediate stages of their creative path.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 2.56 lbs (1.16kg)
- Maximum Height: 61.02 inches (154.99cm)
- Load Capacity: 4.4 lbs (2kg)
- Folded Length: 17.83 inches (45.28cm)
- Leg Sections: 5
- Ball Head: Not included
- Material: Aluminum legs and technopolymer
JOBY Compact Action Tripod
In true JOBY form, this tripod has been updated to incorporate not only its tangibly awesome locks and levers, but it also employs a fun-to-use pistol-style grip that is perfect for photographers and videographers alike!
Employing the same quick release plates as the genre-defining JOBY GorillaPod 3K reviewed above, this allows the user to seamlessly switch camera mounts across the family of JOBY products. It gives you total freedom to let your creativity flow unhindered by cumbersome gear. At just 3.3 pounds and breaking down into a sleek carry case, this tripod literally offers perfect versatility while being extremely travel-friendly.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 2.55 lbs (1.16kg)
- Maximum Height: 17.83 inches (45.3cm)
- Load Capacity: 3.30 lbs (1.5kg)
- Leg Sections: 5
- Ball Head: Not included
- Material: Aluminum, Rubber, Steel, Plastic
SmallRig Tabletop Mini Tripod with Panoramic Ball Head
This is a true powerhouse mini table top tripod that affords unbelievable stability to use DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone and action camera systems. With rubber gripped feet, adjustable locking legs, and the ability to support a mind-boggling 48 pounds of weight, there is literally nothing that this tabletop tripod cannot handle.
While reviewers find it to be particularly useful for live streaming and product photography, the possibilities are endless and we can’t wait to see what you do with yours!
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 14.4 oz (410g)
- Maximum Height: 2.36 inches (60mm)
- Load Capacity: 44 Ibs (20kg)
- Leg Sections: 3
- Ball Head: Panoramic Ball Head
- Material: Aluminum Alloy
Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2 Section Mini Tripod
The perfect on-the-go travel tripod that affords the user a lightweight option for vlogging or casual travel photography. The 2-section legs open to multiple angles, making those tricky positions all the more achievable. The ball head rotates out 90° to allow for photo and video to be taken in portrait mode. It’s the ideal social media content creation tool as well! Manfrotto quality comes in big and small packages, and this tabletop tripod is a true testament to the latter.
Key features:
- Tripod Weight: 9.17 oz (260g)
- Maximum Height: 7.87 inches (20cm)
- Minimum Height: 4.13 inches (10.5cm)
- Load Capacity: 5.51 lb (2.5kg)
- Folded Length: 8.07 inches (20.5cm)
- Leg Sections: 3
- Ball Head: Not Included
- Material: Aluminum, Technopolymer
And there you go — 10 of the most popular and highest-rated tripod options on the market that are just under $100. We hope you find one that fits your needs and budget! And if you need something even more affordable, check out this article to see our picks for the best tripods under $50.
