There is a lot of equipment when you are doing photography, but one of the handiest things to have with you is a tripod. Whether you are an amateur or a pro, you can get tired of holding the camera, you want the stability a good tripod provides, or you want to take shots that require a longer shutter speed.
With the best professional tripods, you will have the support you need in the studio or outside it. To help you decide on the best one for you, we found some models worth looking into.
1. GEEKOTO AT24Pro Dreamer 77″ Tripod
We will begin with a GEEKOTO aluminum tripod which has an adjustable height from 19-77″. This is one of the best professional tripods and it has four legs which can be adjusted in a few seconds thanks to the quick release flip-locks. The legs can be put at three different angles depending on the ground and incline. If you are shooting on a hill, for example, you can still adjust the tripod. The height is not the only flexible feature of this tripod. It also has a ball joint that can rotate 360° so you can get beautiful panorama shots.
The GEEKOTO tripod is also easy to transport since it can be disassembled quickly, thanks to a central axis screw. This makes it a monopod, so you can put it in the bag and go. Also, the monopod version opens some different shooting options. Besides this, the tripod is pretty light at 3.37lbs. As for the load weight, this tripod can take up to 17.6lbs so it will certainly cover all your needs.
As for the price point, this tripod is somewhere in the mid-range, but it has absolutely everything you need if you are looking for quality, good design, and a travel-friendly tripod.
Read our GEEKOTO AT24Pro Dreamer 77″ Tripod review to learn more about it and see if it’s the missing piece in your kit puzzle.
2. Neewer Carbon Fiber 66″ Tripod
This next tripod model comes from Neewer, and it is made from carbon fiber, which makes it sturdy and durable. The material plays a big role in this tripod. There are eight layers of carbon fiber which is cured at high temperature, making it extremely structurally sound. Even though it is heavy-duty, it can be set in place in seconds, thanks to quick release leg locking.
Like the previous ones, this tripod’s height can be adjusted from 21.3″-56.3″. What is interesting is that Neewer’s tripod can be used as a monopod as well, and in that case, the height can be adjusted from 23.2″-66.5″. As for the load it can take, you can put up to 26.5 lbs on it, so it will satisfy all your needs even if you are a serious professional.
As for transport, this Neewer tripod comes with a bag, so you can easily fold and carry it. When folded it is 19.3″ long and it weighs only 3.40 lbs. This tripod has a heftier price tag compared to other professional tripods on this list, but its quality and flexibility justify it.
To get even more info on this tripod, have a look at our Neewer Carbon Fiber 66″ Tripod review.
3. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod
The next tripod comes from Vanguard, and it is made from aluminum with three aluminum alloy legs which can easily be locked and unlocked and will stay in place thanks to sturdy rubber feet. When fully extended, this tripod is 68.125″ high, but the legs can be adjusted.
There are three angles: 25, 50, and 80-degree, which gives you the opportunity to play with angles in photography as well. It also features a ball-head which can rotate 360 degrees. The central column moves from 0 to 180 degrees, which can help you take beautiful wide-angle shots. The ISSL system ensures that you can reposition the central column very easily without disrupting the stability of the tripod.
Vanguard’s Alta Pro tripod is also very easily transported from one place to another. When folded, it is 28.125″ long and weighs about 5.38 lbs. It is not very lightweight, but it is not so heavy that it would present a difficulty. This tripod belongs in the entry-level price range, but with all its features, it can still hold its own against professional tripods.
Get the whole story in our Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod review.
4. VILTROX VX-18M Professional Tripod
The VILTROX VX-18M is a professional, heavy-duty tripod geared towards camcorders. The ‘heavy-duty’ part refers to the load this tripod can take. According to their testing. It works perfectly with kits of 13.2 lbs making it perfect for the studio, but it can also take loads up to 22lbs. It has many different features which you can put to good use. One of them is a fluid drag video feature, then panoramic shooting thanks to 360-degree rotating head, and a good tilt range (90 degrees to the front, and 80 to the back).
This tripod is suitable for taking quick shots and action photos because you can level the head in two seconds due to the 60mm ball diameter. No need for readjusting legs and angles, and wasting the time you have for precious shots. Transportation is very easy as it includes a padded carry bag. You can fit both the tripod and the head together, and you are ready to go.
Find out more about it in our full review of the VILTROX VX-18M Professional Tripod.
5. Victiv 72″ Camera Tripod
Finally, we have the Victiv aluminum tripod which has an adjustable height (from 21-72″), and its four-section column legs can be adjusted to the exact height you need. The seller emphasizes the durability and sturdiness of this tripod, so if you decide to invest in it, you will not go wrong.
Moreover, you will get two products in one, since the Victiv tripod can be made into a monopod in just 30 seconds. This gives you different options while shooting, but also reduces its size and makes it easier to transport. Additionally, the head is very flexible and can rotate 360 degrees and tilt both vertically and horizontally. This enables quick adjusting of the camera, and you will be able to take all the shots you want.
As we already mentioned, this tripod is perfect for travel since it can be resized to a monopod and weighs only four pounds. For a pretty fair price, this tripod offers many features that much more expensive professional tripods offer.
Read our Victiv 72″ Camera Tripod review for more info.
6. AmazonBasics 60″ Lightweight Tripod (Budget Winner)
The next tripod we have is an extremely popular one, probably due to price/quality ratio. This AmazonBasics tripod extends up to 60 inches in height and has adjustable legs with rubber feet to keep it in place once you set it up. The height is adjustable (from 25″-60″) making this tripod pretty adaptable as well. It has a flexible head that can tilt in three directions. There are also two bubble-view levels and different options, such as portrait and landscape.
Since this tripod weighs only three pounds, it is extremely easy to carry, and you can use it in any setting. The AmazonBasic tripod can take up to 6.6 lbs, so it is compatible with most cameras, GoPros, smartphone adapters, and scopes. Thanks to the quick-release mounting plate, you will be able to transition between shots quickly.
What makes this tripod very popular is the low price point combined with high performance. This particular model is suitable for amateurs, beginners in photography, or someone who just wants to have a helping “hand” when taking a photo once in a while. However, it can also be used by professionals who do not have a great need for a tripod with amazing features.
Looking for Professional Tripods
As you can see, there is a good choice of professional tripods on the market for all budgets. All of them have a feature or two, which make them worth the money and set them apart from others. In any case, finding the best tripod for you will be much easier when you determine what you want from a tripod and exactly what you need.
You should look into how you will use it and how much money you are willing to spend on it. Our picks may help you in the process, and if you determine that some of these are a perfect match for you, you will not go wrong.
