Tripods are a must-have for fantastic-looking panoramas, long-exposure shots, videos, and more. They have become a necessity for professionals and enthusiasts alike. However, a quality tripod can be quite expensive.
Since many of us can’t spend a huge amount of money on a tripod, we have decided to find some trustworthy tripods under $100 that are currently on the market. They’re not only easy on the pocketbook, but also of high quality.
As we know, the market is packed with a variety of tripods that offer several features for your DSLR or mirrorless camera bodies, and they mainly come with aluminum and carbon fiber construction.
Scroll down to know more about the best tripods under $100 for your camera.
1. Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum Tripod
The Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod is a lightweight and compact tripod suitable for travel and many other photography applications that require entry-level cameras with kit lenses. It features an adapter if you are planning on using a heavy, DSLR HD camera.
As the tripod has been mainly designed for an entry-level shooting setup, the maximum load capacity is only 1.5 kg. Its maximum working height is 61 inches and the tripod can be folded down to about 17 inches, an ideal length for incredible landscape shots. With strong aluminum tubing, it becomes less shaky and weighs only 2.65 lbs.
Thanks to its 360-degree panoramic rotation, you can capture stills and videos in any direction without moving the tripod. You will find a pistol grip alongside the wheel that allows you to loosen or tighten the mount using your thumb.
The quick-release plate of the tripod supports a number of devices. By pressing a lever, you can easily switch between photo and video modes.
2. Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch ProLine Aluminum Alloy Tripod
Priced a little lower than the above Manfrotto tripod, the Dolica AX620B100 features aluminum construction and has a maximum load capacity of around 13 lbs. So, if you need a tripod that can hold your heavier DSLR and lens setup, this is your best deal.
It folds down to only 23 inches and can be extended to 62 inches. You can remove or invert the center column that keeps the tripod rock-steady, though this feature is what makes it an excellent tripod for macro photography.
The tripod features a quick-release plate and allows you to capture 360-degree panoramic shots. Using its quick-release flip locks, you can deploy it within no time. It brings along a single-lever ball head, which is the most highlighted feature.
By twisting a knob you can lock the pan or tilt operation while the two bubble levels on the plate ensure precision. It comes with a 5-year warranty. Overall, the Dolica AX620B100 offers a lot for a very reasonable price.
3. JOBY GorillaPod 3K
JOBY is a great tripod manufacturer. It has produced a number of options that are ultra-versatile and designed to fit different camera systems.
With a load-carrying capacity of 6.6 lbs, this tripod can hold most standard lens and camera combinations. If it doesn’t suit your needs, you can get JOBY’s GorillaPod 5K with a maximum load capacity of 11 lbs.
One of the greatest features of Joby’s GorillaPod tripod line is their adjustable legs that allow you to deploy them on almost any surface or wrap around objects such as a tree branch, or a pole. That’s why these tripods are well-loved by photographers, vloggers, and content creators.
Additionally, this tripod is equipped with a ball head, making it perfect for various photography needs. So, we can safely say that this is one of the best tripods under $100. You can find more reasons why in our JOBY GorillaPod review.
4. Bonfoto B690A
With a total weight of only 2.6 lbs, the Bonfoto B690A tripod is great for travel and landscape photographers. Its central column features 360-degree rotation, offering you a lot of freedom to capture creative shots.
Thanks to the reversible legs, It can be folded down to only 14.5 inches. The maximum payload capacity is 17 lbs, meaning you can easily mount most of your camera-lens combinations.
When fully extended, it can reach a maximum working height of around 53 inches. Although it may not be enough for some, it’s still quite reasonable for a standard shooting setup. For quick and easy deployment, there are 4-section legs with flip locks. The center column can be flipped upside down for macro shots.
This full-sized tripod also comes with hooks (if you need some extra stability) and an interchangeable ball head for smooth panning operation.
5. Neewer Portable Aluminum Alloy Camera 2-in-1 Tripod Monopod (Budget Winner)
This tripod from Neewer is a full-sized option that can be used as a monopod as well. When it comes to creativity, it offers a lot of freedom. You can adjust the center column at various angles, meaning the tripod can be used for several photography genres and helps you get outstanding results.
As for the construction, the tripod features a strong magnesium-aluminum alloy body and can handle a maximum payload of up to an impressive 33 lbs, making it a perfect choice for your hefty DSLR-lens setup.
It can be extended to 72.5 inches and has a minimum height of 25.6 inches with a folding height of 26.4 inches. For uneven terrain, you can independently adjust the length of each leg. The invertible center column helps you shoot macros and can be aligned to capture extremely low-angle shots.
The tripod is equipped with a perfect ball head that ensures smooth panning motion. People who are looking for an ideal 2-in-1 system, this can be the best option for under $100.
Tripods Under $100 and Your Setup
Getting the best tripod is really important for any serious photographer. Before you plan on buying one, you need to determine its weight, height, load-carrying capacity, and several other features that may help enhance your photography experience.
Luckily, you can find a solid and easy-to-use tripod without breaking the bank. For professionals and semi-pros, our recommendation is the Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod due to its compact size, versatility, and compatibility with many full-frame DSLRs. In our opinion, it’s the top choice of our list and can last for over a decade if it remains in good hands.
