10 Best Tripods Under $100 [Buying Guide]

Best Tripods Under $1002

While it is possible to produce quality videos without any additional equipment, it is too much of a challenge to make it worthwhile.

At A Glance: Our 6 Best Tripods Under $100

One of the most critical pieces of gear that you can use to film your videos is a tripod, which will ensure that your camera remains stable for the whole duration.

Of course:

Whether or not you truly require a tripod for your purposes will depend on the kind of videos and photos that you’re shooting.

If you have a YouTube channel, it will be more than likely that you’ll eventually need a tripod, even if the style of video you make doesn’t require them.

Over the course of this article, we’re going to be giving you buying advice for finding the best tripod under 100 dollars.

3 Types of Tripods:

types of tripods

Considering the kind of tripod you need will narrow down your choices and make it much easier for you to pick the right one.

Keep in mind that specific styles of tripods will be more versatile while others may be specialized for a particular task, so it’s up to you to consider what you’re going to use it for.

Ball HeadPan and Tilt HeadFluid Head

Ball Head:

This is the most common type of tripod, and you’ve most likely seen one of them before. As you can guess by the name, these tripods feature a ball and a locking screw.

When you unscrew the tripod, you’ll be able to move the ball around in nearly any direction with the camera mounted to it before locking it again.

Ball head tripods have the disadvantage of making it difficult to make small adjustments to the angle, and they’re most often used for photography. You can use these tripods for videography, but you’ll find that they don’t provide the necessary vertical and horizontal stability when in motion.

Pan Head and Tilt Head:

A pan head and tilt head tripod features levers or controls that you can use to control the lateral and vertical movement independently.

This makes it much easier to achieve precision angles, and it’s the best choice for long-range zoom photography in which you may need to move the camera a tiny amount.

While you would expect a pan and tilt head to work well with video, it tends to be less suitable than a fluid head.

This is because a pan and tilt head will be relatively jerky in its movements, as it’s designed to be adjusted when you’re not shooting, such as when you’re setting up a shot for a photo.

Fluid Head:

A fluid head tripod is similar to a pan and tilt head in that it can control the lateral and vertical movement independently.

The one key difference between this kind of tripod and the pan and tilt head variety is that the fluid head is designed to work better with video cameras thanks to its smoother movement.

Fluid heads work more smoothly because they operate using smoother gearing systems that help keep the movement more uniform.

These kinds of tripods also tend to be more versatile because they are equally effective when used during photography, though they’re a little more expensive.

6 Best Tripods Under $100 in [2021]

Tripod ModelWeightHeightMax Weight Load
AmazonBasics TripodAmazonBasics Tripod
BEST OVERALL
Weight: 3 lbs
Height: 25 - 60 in
Max Weight Load: 6.6 lbs
Check Price
JOBY GorillaPodJOBY GorillaPod
BEST FOR VLOGGING
Weight: 8.5 oz
Height: 9.8 in
Max Weight Load: 6.6 lbs
Check Price
Rangers Lightweight Aluminum TripodRangers Lightweight Aluminum Tripod
BEST DSLR TRIPOD
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Height: 15-56 in
Max Weight Load: 26.5 lbs
Check Price
Dolica AX620B100Dolica AX620B100
EASIEST TO USE
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Height: 21.5 - 60 in
Max Weight Load: 13.2 lbs
Check Price
Ravelli APLT4 Aluminum TripodRavelli APLT4 Aluminum Tripod
BEST ACCESSORIES
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Height: 23 - 61 in
Max Weight Load: 8 lbs
Check Price
Mactrem PT55Mactrem PT55
BEST TRAVEL TRIPOD
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Height: 20 - 55 in
Max Weight Load: 11 lbs
Check Price

   WINNER   

1. AmazonBasics Tripod: Best Bang For The Buck

AmazonBasics Lightweight Tripod

Quality = 87%

Affordability = 96%

Why I Like It:

  • Bubble levelers
  •  Adjustable legs with leg locks
  • Eye level
  • Easy to assemble
  • Quick-release plate
  • Compact tripod – great portability 

Review:

This tripod combines everything you would need into one convenient product which is also available for a reasonable price.

First off, this model is 60 inches tall which allows it to be more versatile than others.

Each of the legs can also be adjusted on this tripod so you won’t have any trouble filming in places where the ground is more uneven.

The use of a quick-release plate for mounting ensures that you won’t have any difficulty snapping your camera on and off of this model and the mount works with most cameras.

This tripod is recommended for use with cameras up to 6.6 pounds and the performance will be diminished if you exceed this, so you’ll need a more rugged model for the largest cameras.

There are also two bubble viewers built into this tripod so that you can see whether it’s level from a few different angles.

In the end, this tripod is both simple to use and reliable, and that’s more than you can ask from most models in this price range.

Drawbacks:

  • Attachment points need more stability

   BEST FOR VLOGGING   

2. JOBY GorillaPod: Best Video Tripod Under $100

JOBY GorillaPod

Quality = 93%

Affordability = 84%

Why I Like It:

  • Flexible legs
  • High construction quality
  • Can be used as a grip as well
  • Rubber foot pads and rings
  • Very portable tripod

Used By YouTubers: Casey Neistat, Cameron Dallas and Sam Kolder

Review:

The JOBY GorillaPod is one of the more unique models you’ll come across thanks to the design of its legs. It’s also one of the best vlogging tripods.

This model has flexible legs which can be arranged in any way you please to ensure that it will stay positioned on a wide range of surfaces.

For example, you can use the legs normally, or you can wrap them around something.

If you don’t need a tripod, you can also use this model as a grip for handheld vlogging as well.

While you may think that this doesn’t sound like a very supportive tripod, you’ll find that the legs lock in place so that you won’t have any swaying or other issues with it due to their design.

The rubber rings around the legs of this tripod ensure that it won’t slide off of any surface you have it perched on.

There are also rubber footpads on this product so it won’t slide around when it’s on the ground either.

Overall, the build quality of this tripod is excellent, and its unique design makes it a lot more useful than many other products in the same price range, making it.

Drawbacks:

  •  Too much reliance on locking switch

   ULTRA COMPACT   

3. Rangers Lightweight Aluminum Tripod: Best DSLR Tripod Under $100

Rangers Compact Tripod

Quality = 96%

Affordability = 74%

Why I Like It:

  • Great build quality
  • Excellent level of precision
  • Quick-release locks
  • Easy to assemble

Review:

Finally, we’re also looking at this model from Rangers, which is more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but it is also much more precise.

Thanks to its excellent build quality, this tripod has much tighter tolerances than other products. This gives you the precision you need for photography and videography.

The control knobs on the ball mount let you adjust this tripod with relative precision, which is surprising for the amount of this variety.

This model is also surprisingly easy to use compared to other tripods, even less precise ones. This is because of the quick-release locks on the legs that make it much quicker to adjust your height.

Speaking of the height, this tripod ranges from 14 inches tall to 55 inches tall, which gives you a reasonable amount of height and an ultra-compact collapsed size.

Since this tripod is made out of an aluminum alloy, you’ll be able to benefit from enhanced durability but also the light weight.

Drawbacks:

  • Pricey
  • Quick release plate isn’t that quick

   UNDER $50   

4. Dolica AX620B100

Dolica AX620B100 Proiline Tripod

Quality = 92%

Affordability = 85%

Why I Like It:

  • Quick-release plate
  • Bubble level indicator
  • Locks for the angles and legs
  • Hook for a counterweight

Review:

This Dolica tripod comes equipped with some features that make it easier to use than other models.

For example, the legs on this tripod are wrapped with foam so that you can handle them more comfortable and you won’t have to worry about knocking into them.

There’s also a compass mounted on this tripod so you can easily keep track of the direction that you have it pointing in.

Another impressive feature is the level bubble indicator which will let you know whether or not your video will come out perfectly level and the direction in which you need to adjust it.

The use of a quick release plate also makes it easier for you to mount and dismount a camera from the tripod.

If you want to keep the tripod balanced with a heavier camera, you can also attach a counterweight to the hook on the underside.

Drawbacks:

  • Ball mount isn’t suitable for video
  • Extra heavy cameras won’t work 

   UNDER $35   

5. Ravelli APLT4 Aluminum Tripod

Ravelli Lightweight Aluminium Tripod

Quality = 90%

Affordability = 90%

Why I Like It:

  • Lightweight yet large tripod
  • Collapses into a small package
  • Comes with some extra accessories
  • Rubber feet
  • Quick-release plate

Review:

With a total height of 61-inches, this aluminum tripod manages to provide the height that you need while retaining a low weight level thanks to the material that it’s made out of.

This model also collapses to a height of 19 inches, which ensures that this model is suitably portable for use in remote areas.

As with the best models, this tripod also comes equipped with a quick-release plate, making it much more straightforward to set up and detach once you’re done.

Thanks to the handle, it’s a lot easier to pan and tilt this model precisely when compared to products that use traditional ball mounts.

The rubber feet that are installed on this tripod will ensure that it won’t slide around when you’ve got it positioned. You’ll also find some accessories included with this tripod which will end up saving you some money.

Namely, you’ll get a carry bag, but more importantly, this tripod comes with a smartphone mount.

Overall, the accessories make this tripod worth it, but if you already have them, you may have some better choices.

Drawbacks:

  • Lacking durability
  • Some wiggle room in the components 

   TRAVEL   

6. Mactrem PT55: Travel Camera Tripod

Mactrem PT55 Travel Tripod

Quality = 90%

Affordability = 87%

Why I Like It:

  • Highly portable
  • 4-section adjustable legs allow use on any terrain
  • Sturdy build is high-quality
  • Max load of 11 pounds

Review:

This 55-inch tripod is designed for those who are constantly on the move, so it is compact when it’s folded up and collapsed and also rather lightweight.

While this tripod only weighs around 2.6 pounds, it is much stronger than you would expect, as it can support cameras that weigh up to 11 pounds without getting unstable.

Even though looks may not be high up on your list of priorities when buying a tripod, this model comes in four different colors so you can personalize it to an extent.

This model also comes with a compact carrying bag that makes it much easier to bring around with you wherever you go and keep it from getting damaged.

The four-section legs make it much easier to position this tripod in unconventional areas while still getting a good viewing angle.

The nonslip rubber feet on this tripod make it so that even slippery surfaces are an excellent spot to set up your camera.

In the end, this model is the best choice for those who want to travel around with their camera.

Drawbacks:

  • Takes some effort to turn laterally
  • The Center column takes some effort to extend.

7. BONFOTO B690A

BONFOTO B690A

Review:

Bonfoto came up with an excellent quality of tripods in the market. 

To begin with the best part of this tripod, it has a standard size 0.25 inches screw that allows you to place or detach the camera or even your smartphone faster and have a mounting plate that helps you to hold your camera strongly.

Also, the mounting system keeps your camera away from accident drop. It takes only a few seconds to place or detach the camera. You can make videos or panorama pictures with its 360-degree movement feature.

It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically.

You can make pictures from any angle by using this camera.

This camera has a quality of fast transition between shots. It has four-section legs.

It can hold the camera weighing up to 17lb with a maximum height of 55 inches.

This Bonfoto has multiple scoping centers. The design of this camera is compact when folded.

Moreover, it includes adjustable-height, easy to operate, portable, can be folded up to 180 degrees, and the design has a compact size of up to 12.5 inches.

Putting your hand on a camera like this is a good choice for making videos. Especially, when you are going for an outdoor shoot.

Using it for travel shooting will be a good experience.

This camera does not take too much space to fit in your bag. Easy to carry, you take anywhere for your shoots.

Especially if you are a YouTuber or a content maker, so we prefer you to go for a bonfoto tripod because it settles on the ground without any problem. 

The clips of this tripod are very secure and are made up of a high-quality material of aluminum that makes it strong.

Features:

  • The clips of this tripod are very secure and are made up of a high-quality material of aluminum that makes it strong
  • It can hold the camera weighing up to 17lb with a maximum height of 55 inches
  • It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically
  • You can make videos or panorama pictures with its 360-degree movement feature.

Drawbacks:

  • The bottom of the legs sometimes slips.

8. Zomei Q555

Zomei Q555

Review:

Some tripods came up with a lot of features. If we talk about the Zomei Q555, you can carry it easily, it is not very heavy.

It is made up of a high-quality aluminum alloy that makes it strong.

This Bonfoto has multiple scoping centers. There is a non-slide rubber at the bottom of this tripod that helps it to not slip on different surfaces.

The design of this camera is compact when folded.

This camera has a quality of fast transition between shots. You can make pictures from any angle by using this camera.

There are three legs attached to it to place it on the surface.

It can hold the camera by weighing up to 1.2kg with a maximum height of 54 inches. The design of this camera is compact when folded.

This Zomei has multiple scoping centers.

The mounting system of Zomei Q555 prevents your camera from accidentally dropping. It takes only a few seconds to place or detach the camera.

It allows you to place or detach the camera or even your smartphone faster and have a mounting plate that helps you to hold your camera strongly.

You can make videos or panorama pictures with its 360-degree movement feature.

It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically.

If you plan to go to a mountainous area, you can pick this for shoots. You can easily adjust this tripod to rough and tough areas.

You can take this to the beach, it is capable of staying on the ground having a mud surface at the bottom.

Features:

  • You can take this to the beach, it is capable of staying on the ground having a mud surface at the bottom. 
  • If you plan to go to a mountainous area, you can pick this for shoots.
  • You can easily adjust this tripod to rough and tough areas. 
  • It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically.
  • The mounting system of Zomei Q555 prevents your camera from accidentally dropping and takes only a few seconds to place or detach the camera.

Drawbacks:

  • It is very light and moves with a bulky wind.

9. K&F Concept Tripod

K&F Concept Tripod

Review:

The K&F concept introduces different varieties of tripods.

The K&F concept tripod weights 3 lbs, easy to carry in travel. You can move anywhere withholding it.

It requires a small space to fit, highly portable, and very small for your travel convenience. 

The opening and closing of this tripod perform in just a few seconds.

The standing height of this tripod for the shooting is 62 inches at maximum and 16.1 inches at a minimum level.

There is a strong lock system in the legs of this tripod with a fast unlocking.

The clips of this tripod are very secure and are made up of a high-quality material of aluminum that makes it strong.

It allows you to place or detach the camera or even your smartphone faster and have a mounting plate that helps you to hold your camera strongly.

You can make videos or panorama pictures with its 360-degree movement feature.

It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically.

Especially if you are a social media influencer or a content maker, so we prefer you to go for a bonfoto tripod because it settles on the ground without any problem.

Moreover, it includes adjustable-height, easy to operate, portable, can be folded up to 180 degrees, and the design has a compact size of up to 12.5 inches.

Putting your hand on a camera like this is a good choice for making videos. Especially, when you are going for an outdoor shoot.

Using it for travel shooting will be a good experience.

The spring self-locking system adjustment knob, easy to release that ensures the stability of the angles for you do not need to worry about that.

Features:

  • If you are a social media influencer or a content maker, we prefer you to go for a bonfoto tripod because it settles on the ground without any problem.
  • You can make videos or panorama pictures with its 360-degree movement feature.
  • It allows you to place or detach the camera or even your smartphone faster and have a mounting plate that helps you to hold your camera strongly.
  • It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically.

Drawbacks:

  • Not Suitable for plane surfaces.

10. Dolica Proline Tripod 

Dolica Proline Tripod 

Review:

When it comes to innovation Dolica comes up with innovative tripods like Dolica Proline Tripod.

You can make pictures from any angle by using this camera. This camera has a quality of fast transition between shots. It has four-section legs. 

It can hold the camera weighing up to 17lb with a maximum height of 55 inches.

This Dolica Proline has multiple scoping centers. The design of this camera is compact when folded.

Also, the mounting system keeps your camera away from accident drop. It takes only a few seconds to place or detach the camera.

You can make videos or panorama pictures with its 360-degree movement feature.

It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically.

Moreover, it includes adjustable-height, easy to operate, portable, can be folded up to 180 degrees, and the design has a compact size of up to 12.5 inches.

Putting your hand on a camera like this is a good choice for making videos. Especially, when you are going for an outdoor shoot.

Using it for travel shooting will be a good experience.

This tripod is made up of aluminum proline that makes it strong. It provides a maximum height of 60 inches and a minimum height of 21.5 inches for shooting during the standing position.

This camera does not take too much space to fit in your bag. Easy to carry, you take anywhere for your shoots.

It has multiple scoping centers. There is a non-slide rubber at the bottom of this tripod that helps it to not slip on different surfaces.

The design of this camera is compact when folded.

Especially if you are a YouTuber or a content maker, so we prefer you to go for a bonfoto tripod because it settles on the ground without any problem.

Features:

  • The clips of this tripod are very secure and are made up of a high-quality material of aluminum that makes it strong
  • It also allows you to make videos or panorama pictures with its 90-degree movement vertically
  • You can make videos or panorama pictures with its 360-degree movement feature.

Drawbacks:

  • The bottom of the legs sometimes slips.

Choosing a Tripod Based on Your Needs:

Best Tripods Under $100

After going over the kinds of tripods that are at the top of our top pick list, you’ll have to take a look at your needs and where you typically use your tripod.

For example, if most of your shooting is done indoors, you can opt for a slightly smaller tripod that extends up to the height of an average person.

If you’re going to be working outdoors and you’ll need a massive range of movement, you may also need a taller tripod to give you the most angles possible.

Go over the most likely scenarios in which you plan on using your tripod and then think about what type would work best in those situations.

Choosing a Tripod For the Type of Camera You Have:

Up next, you’re going to want to think about what kind of camera you’re going to use.

If you’re primarily going to be taking pictures, then you’ll just need a tripod that you can keep steady.

When your photography reaches a longer range, you’re going to need to be able to make minute adjustments.

On the other hand, if you’re primarily going to be shooting video (check out amazingly cheap cameras for YouTube, you should try and opt for a tripod that will provide smoother panning and tilting.

Unless your video shoots are going to be entirely stationary, you’re going to want to be able to move your camera while you’re filming.

Watch this video for a complete guide on how to choose a tripod:

Conclusion!

Finding the best tripod under $100 for your camera can be a challenge without getting a chance to try it out, but it can be easier with the right guidance and information.

We hope that these reviews have helped you decide which one of these will work best for your needs.

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