Looking for a tripod? Choose wisely. Other than a camera and a good lens, nothing can make a bigger difference in your photography than a good tripod. This is the place to find information, recommended models, and links to more information.
It is best to buy your tripod legs and tripod head separately. The best brands are interchangeable so you can match the legs you want with the tripod head that you want, even if they are from different companies.
For years I have been recommending Bogen/Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods. They are clear favorites with professional photographers.
For a “normal” size tripod (it comes up to the eye level of a standing adult male) I have been recommending the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 series and for a smaller and lighter weigh tripod I have been recommending the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 series. The primary disadvantage to the 3001 series is that you have to bend over a little to use it when standing up. At its maximum height, it doesn’t come up to the eye level of the average adult male. But it is small and light weight when those are primary considerations.
I’ve been using my 3021 and 3001 tripods for over 20 years and they have held up very well. I have replaced a few parts (like lever locks on the legs), but that is part of the beauty of products handled by Bogen Imaging, economical, easy to get replacement parts. The 3021 and 3001 models still turn up on the used market and make a great buy.
For a normal size tripod with the lighter weight of carbon fiber (and a higher price) I have been recommending the Gitzo Mountaineer series. You can more about these tripods and learn about desirable tripod features by reading Choosing The Best Tripods and Tripod Heads.
My recommendations haven’t changed, even though the series and model names have. The Gitzo Mountaineer series (and the related National Geographic Expedition series) is still my favorite series of carbon fiber tripods. The Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 series has been replaced by the Manfrotto 055 series and the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 series has been replaced by the Manfrotto 190 series. Specific recommendations follow.
If you are looking for a smaller, lighter, economical tripod that is still sturdy and very well made, it is tough to beat the Manfrotto 190 series. I prefer the Manfrotto 190XPRO3 and 190XPRO5Â because it is so convenient to move the center column to the horizontal position.
For a normal size tripod in the Manfrotto 055X series, I recommend the Manfrotto 055XPRO3 model which makes it easier to move the center column to the horizontal position.
If you want high quality in a lighter weight, and don’t mind paying a much higher price, I recommend the Gitzo Mountaineer series. I’ve been using the Gitzo Mountaineer G1228 Mk2 since shortly after it was first introduced. Model numbers have changed, but you might find the G1228 Mk2 on the used market.
The lighter weight of a Mountaineer carbon tripod tripod is a huge asset when carrying gear into the wilderness. I recommend the Gitzo GT1542T for a good combination of light weight, small size when closed (21.3 inches), reasonable maximum height with the center column down (54.3 inches) and a very workable maximum height with the center column up (62.6 inches). With the head off, it fits into an airline legal carry-on. It’s tall enough to do what I want it to do out in the wilderness. If you prefer a taller tripod, their are other models available like the Gitzo Mountaineer GT3541L which has a maximum height of 71.3 inches with the center column up.
An interesting and less expensive alternative to the Gitzo Mountaineer series tripods is the National Geographic Expedition MagFiber series. For the best balance of features for the outdoor photographer, I recommend the National Geographic NGET2. Closed it measures 22.6 inches. The maximum height with the center column down is 53.3 inches. With the center column up, the maximum height is 66.9 inches. It has retractable rubber feet for smooth floors and spikes for outside use. If I went out to buy a tripod today, this would be high on my list.
The Manfrotto, Gitzo, and National Geographic tripods are all distributed in the United States by Bogen Imaging. They are a first class company and I have dealt with them for years. You can find Manfrotto, Gitzo, and National Geographic tripods in this section of my photography store.
Really Right Stuff has added carbon fiber tripods to their product line up and they are first rate (and very expensive). At the more economic end of the tripod pricing scale for carbon fiber tripods look at Induro tripods.
For the photographer on a tight budget, for many uses you can get by with a smaller tripod like the larger models in the Gorillapod series, like the Gorillapod GP3 with the matching Joby BH1 ballhead, or the Gorillapod Focus with the matching Joby BH2 ballhead. Just make sure you get a size that will handle the weight of your camera and heaviest lens. You can find Gorillapods in this section of my photography store.
Purchase Link
You can buy these tripods (and tripod heads) in the tripod section of my photography store (which is powered by Amazon.com with Amazon’s great prices, efficient ordering system and excellent return policy)
Information Links
My article on the some of the best tripod heads.
My article on the best quick release system.
Information links for Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods:
Gitzo Mountaineer Series Tripods
Series Link
This is one in a series of articles that will guide you to the best of all things photographic. The rest are here: Buyer’s Guide: Recommendations For The Best Photography Equipment, Software, Books, Magazines, DVDs, Online Photo Labs and More.