Camera Accessories

Reviews Of The Top 5 Tripods For 2023

Even though many of today’s cameras and lenses already have incredibly effective image stabilization built in, there are still some situations, like when taking time-lapse or macro photos, where it makes sense to mount your camera on a tripod. We spent 60 hours researching tripods and 30 hours putting 16 of the most promising models through their paces before deciding that the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 kit was the most durable setup for difficult shooting scenarios. Among the tripods we tested, it has the tallest maximum height and is very stable. It can withstand years of use and is also simple to set up and take down.

Alta Pro 2+ by Vanguard 263AB100

Of the tripods we tested, the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 offers the best balance of stability and height. Its legs can angle outward at four different angles (most models only offer three), bringing the camera closer to the ground, and its angling center column allows you to position the camera in a variety of ways when the tripod is set at any one of those leg angles. It has the tallest maximum height (68.2 inches). When collapsed, it is a little heavier and longer than some other models, but it is still compact and lightweight enough to carry around for a day of shooting. These additional weight and height also increase its stability and versatility.


Up to 15.4 pounds can be supported by the Alta Pro 2+. Even when we mounted professional-grade equipment that was heavier than any of the cameras and lenses we suggest in our guides, it remained remarkably stable during our tests. There are three extendable segments on each leg, and while we noticed some wobbling in the lowest segment when the legs were fully extended, it wasn’t enough to impair our ability to take pictures and was a common occurrence with all the tripods we tested. The Alta Pro 2+ is the tallest tripod we tested when the center column is fully extended, standing at about 68.2 inches (not including the head), making it easier for taller photographers (those over the average height of 5 feet 6 inches) to use. (The height is approximately 57 inches at its tallest when the center column is collapsed.) Remember that all tripods are most stable when the center column is lowered flush against the top of the legs, even though the center column is comparatively stable when extended.

Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB

The Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB is the tripod for you if you prefer to shoot while moving or if you like to use two stabilized cameras at once. It has all the same features as our top pick, including a multi-angle center column, but is smaller and lighter. Additionally, it includes an adapter that enables you to attach a second camera to the center column while it is horizontal so that you can take pictures with two cameras at once.

River Runner Tripod Kit Sirui W-1004K10

Since it’s made to prevent sand or dirt from clogging any sliding parts, Sirui’s W-1004K10 Tripod Kit River Runner is well worth the extra cost if you intend to regularly submerge your tripod in water. The W-1004K10 is a well-made, simple-to-set-up camera with a smooth-adjustable ball head. With a 33.1-pound load capacity, it can accommodate even a large lens that you rent for a once-in-a-lifetime nature trip. It doesn’t have a tilting center column like our other picks, but when you’re knee-deep in a lake, you probably won’t notice.

Manfrotto MII Element

The Manfrotto Element MII travel tripod is the best option because it provides enough height and stability in a small, highly portable package. It can collapse to a length of only 16.7 inches and weighs only 3.4 pounds, but it can still be extended to a height of just over 62.9 inches and support up to 17.6 pounds of equipment. Although it costs less than most of the competition, it was one of the most stable travel tripods we tested. Other important characteristics of the Element MII that we look for in a travel tripod include easy-to-use twist leg locks and straightforward ball head control. Even more useful add-ons are included, such as two bubble levels that can be used to maintain perspective.

SR-Sirui P-204

A tripod might actually get in the way if you like to photograph fast-moving sports or wildlife, or if you enjoy taking pictures of birds and other moving subjects. A monopod is what you need in that circumstance, and the Sirui P-204SR is our top pick because it is tall, sturdy, and versatile. With an included accessory, this monopod can even be converted into a tabletop tripod thanks to the removable base’s three sturdy feet, which offer excellent stability when mounting equipment. The P-204SR is a respectable 63.5 inches tall with the base attached and 57.9 inches tall without the base.

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