Yesterday, I was looking for a tripod to record videos for my YouTube channel and was overwhelmed by the outdated options that’s still there on the net. To buy such a simple tool I spent hours researching! I know having the right tripod will give me the edge over other vloggers because it increases the quality of my videos. So decided to go through with it to find the one that suits me. This post is a compilation of what I thought about before buying, summary and details of products that I considered and which tripod I bought in the end.
What are your requirements for a tripod ?
The first step is to understand your need for a tripod and how you will use it on a day to day basis. Here are some questions that will help you narrow down are requirements.
Do you vlog with your iphone/Android or DSLR camera ?
May be you already have a camera and the ideas for the types of videos now you just need to get the tripod. Or may be you are using your smartphone for recording videos. Or may be you use both your phone and camera!
Do you create most of the videos while you are moving or standing still?
Do you create talking head type of videos where you are seated or standing etc Or do you the “on the go” type of vlogger ?
Do you travel often ? Or hike mountains?? !!! If so, what’s the ideal weight you need for a tripod ?
Do you want to be able to rotate the camera or phone with the tripod ?
Some tripods have pan heads or fluid heads. This allows you to turn the camera in different directions. So you can create smooth motion shots.
Would you like to be hands off and have a remote to trigger recording ?
Would you like additional accessories like a microphone and lighting(e.g all in one) to be included with the tripod ?
How much can you spend on a tripod ?
What’s the maximum you can spend on a tripod? Remember that a good tripod can be used for years. So its worth it to get a good quality one upfront then buying another one a few months later. In my mind I was like, “this tripod might be 1 week worth of coffee at Starbucks for me, this one is 1 month of coffee” etc ..
The best tripods can be expensive, but you might not need the most expensive one. What you need is a tripod that’s good enough for what you are doing.
Best Vlogging Tripod DSLR Comparison
Here is a summary table of the options to consider. Each of these options are detailed below with latest (up to date) videos by tech experts.
| GorillaPod 325 | GorillaPod 5K Kit | Amazon 60 | Manfrotto PIX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designed For: | Point & Shoot Camera | Camcorder, DSLR, Mirrorless, Pro DSL | Compatible with most video cameras, digital cameras, still cameras, GoPro devices, smartphone adapters, and scopes. | iPhone (with KLYP), compact cameras, CSC's & entry level DSLR's |
| Weight | 0.11lbs | 1.63 lbs | 3 lbs | 0.42 lbs |
| Other | Can hold Lighting, microphone, Pico projector, action cam | Can hold Strobes, flash or video lighting, microphone, Pico projector, speaker | Extends from 25 inches to 60 inches, Carrying case included | Front Tilt -35° / +35° tilt range Material Adaptor+ stainless steel Panoramic Rotation 360 degrees |
| Price | Check current price | View price | Read reviews and price | Check price & availability |
JOBY GorillaPod Professional Tripod 5K
This one of a kind tripod is a first class answer for some vloggers because of its adaptability and transportability, making it the best handheld tripod for vlogging.
I can also be one of the best selfie stick for vlogging. It can function admirably as a static tripod, sitting on a table and work area. Numerous additionally utilize it as a short selfie-stick for in a hurry vlogging. It packs up well in a knapsack or little sack, so it’s extraordinary for movement. In conclusion, the adaptable legs can be folded over things, enabling you to put a camera where a tripod can’t fit.
In any case, the stature of this tripod is constraining, in light of the fact that it relies upon a table or a question which you can connect it. Its stature makes it a more specialty tripod, yet it is as yet truly outstanding in-class tripods in the scaled down classification. Gorillapod for vlogging is what famous vloggers like Casey also uses.
good: Very convenient. Adaptable legs. Low profile. Good weight with respect to overall size.
Not so good: Short. Joints can turn out to be less tough after some time.
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag
At the time of writing this post it is the best selling product for vlogging tripod amazon category. As the name implies, it actually is lightweight. 60-inches almost makes it possible for you film above the head of the tall person in front of you! The legs on the tripod pivot so can get the tripod into a stable position on a ground that’s uneven. At the bottom there is a hook where you can add weight. By doing this it lowers the center of gravity which make the tripod more stable.
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod is a good vlogging tripod for iphone. In addition it can hold GoPros and dslr cameras.
Watch this video to get a real feel of the AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod.
CLICK HERE FOR LATEST PRICE
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini Tripod
If your vlogging includes moving around and have a small budget this is an excellent choice. Overview of some features,
Compatibility with smartphones/DSLR
It has a universal ¼” screw thread. You can connect your smartphone. It can also be used with various cameras including GoPro cameras.
Supported Weight
I can support camera/phone weighing 1.4lbs with a focal length maximum of 85mm. Overall, supported weight is 2.2lbs.
Push-Button Mechanism –
Having this make it possible for you to get the ball head into position & locked in just one simple movement. When you are ready to change your position, just push the button again to release the ball joint, then the head moves freely. To lock the head into place, release the button.
Meterial
It’s made from with durable stainless-steel materials. There’s rubber feet to avoid risk of slipping.
Which tripods for vlogging did I end up buying ?
Can you guess ? I was torn between the vlogging tripod amazon and JOBY GorillaPod 5k. When considering the price and my usage of the tripod I felt that JOBY GorillaPod 5k suited me best. I make many videos on a day to day basis. I can also use it as a best selfie stick for vlogging. I also thought a bit about long term and if I get a dslr later on this is also known as the best vlogging tripod dslr that is on the low end. No regrets thus far!
When you consider all the accessories that you have for vlogging, your tripod might be the least expensive piece of gear but one very important. If you are generally still in the video then look for a tripod that is sturdy and durable, easy to adjust and don’t get knocked over easily. If you are the on the go type of vlogger, you’ll want a tripod that is compact (Fits into your backpack etc), lightweight and flexible (e.g able to rotate, have a remote etc). So make sure to identify your requirement and you’ll find it easy to find the perfect tripod to take your vlogging to the next level of quality.
Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. The products in this post contain affiliate links which help support this blog.
