As a vlogger or YouTuber, there are certain tools you needs in order to record your video. Some items you can live without and some that you simply can not.
A tripod is definitely one of those! Whether you are shooting on the go or in a studio, a tripod goes along way in allowing steady and cinematic shots for your next YouTube video.
After recording close to 50 videos and accumulating over 3 million views, I have rounded up 5 of the best Vlogging tripods that are highly useful without breaking the budget!
Are Tripods Essential For YouTube Videos/Vlogs?
Yes, definitely!
Tripods are a great and affordable way of adding more functionality and quality to your vlogs or videos in an instant. Gone are the days of stacking books to use as a Tripod or balancing it on a desk.
So how does a tripod actually help? Simply put, this is very easily done as a tripod usually will give the creator more reach when recording yourself or your surroundings.
When combing a tripod on the bottom of your camera with a wide angle lens, you simply get more in frame, which means it is easier for you to tell your story. Not to mention it is more appealing and professional to the viewer or your audience.
How I Found The Best Vlogging Tripods
So after recording dozens of videos and also learning from other YouTubers. Here are some of the criteria that I look out for when I was researching for this guide.
Functionality: This is hands down the most important thing for me when looking for a great Vlogging tripod. It might look really pretty and seem cool, but if it doesn’t help me create better videos or make my life easier. Thens it’s simply not worth it. So I have only chose Vlogging tripods that have given me a TON of value.
Compatibility: There is nothing worse than buying a new piece of gear only to find out it is not compatible with your camera. Grrr! Because of this, I have chosen tripods that have the standard thread that fit into almost all DSLRs, compact cameras and GoPros. There is also the option to swap out if need be.
Weight: As YouTube creators, we tend to follow the story or narrative wherever it takes us. So having a tripod that can travel with us, without taking up too much room or weight is essential. In saying that, I have also included more heavier tripods for those who plan on recording in a controlled environment or studio.
Durability: After creating video content for several years, I have found that my gear comes and goes. However there are some well built and designed items that are still with me. So I have only included items that will give you great mileage and a product that you can depend on to make your videos.
Price: When looking for video gear, the receipt can quickly add up! So so add avoid this, I have included tripods that cross of all of the above, without breaking the bank. This means more money in your pocket!
Ok, so that’s my section criteria out of the way. Let’s get into the gear!
Top 5 Best Vlogging Tripods For YouTube Videos in 2022
1. Joby GorillaPod Tripod 3K Kit
If you’re a fan of Vloggers like Casey Neistat, then you have most probably seen this tripod. It is the iconic Joby GorillaPod which is kind of like an octopus tripod.
Instead of having ridged straight legs, it instead can me moulded and bended to fit any surface, object or position. This makes it one of the best Vlogging tripods as it can be used in so many situations.
The JOBY GorillaPod is built of sturdy ABS Medical-Grade Plastic along with rubber rings around the legs and clutches at the foot to maximize steadiness for your picture, regardless of the tripod’s numerous functions you wish to utilize. The GorillaPod 3K PRO Kit is designed for today’s multimedia makers who want to use the most up-to-date technology.
The GorillaPod Stand and the Ballhead 3K PRO are sold separately, bringing flexibility to the new generation of vloggers. The Arca-Swiss unity of the ball head allows you to use the very same plate on your DSLR across various support systems.
While the Joby is known for its flexibility, actually one of the biggest reasons a lot of Vloggers use this Joby GorillaPod is that it adds a lot of extra reach when recording in the selfie style format. This allows a creator to get more in frame and has more room for error when recording. Especially when using a wide angle lens.
Another great thing is that you can adjust this tripod quickly to any surface which is perfect for on the go Vlogging. You can also check out Casey Neistat’s latest cameras and best flip screen cameras for Vloggers to learn more!
Features
- Flexible tripod & ballhead for SLR and Mirrorless cameras
- Stability on any surface: over two dozen leg joints with rubberized ring and foot grips
- Capture better perspectives: flexible, wrappable legs
- Portable design for on-the-go: allows you to easily pack and carry
2. SwitchPod Tripod for DSLR’s and Phones
The SwitchPod is a product that originated from KickStarter. It was successfully backed and quickly became a super popular tripod for YouTubers and Vloggers.
In many ways, the SwitchPod is a hybrid between a rigid 3 legged tripod and a Joby GorillaPod. The articulating legs quickly open up and close when using a quick motion that allows a YouTuber to go from Vlog style recording to a table top tripod in literally under a second.
The tripod can be manipulated in many different ways. You can lose 2 of the 3 legs if you want a traditional one handed vlogging setup. It’s collapsibility and portability are a huge benefit to this tripod. You can easily store it in a bag or pocket and then rig it up in seconds when you’re ready to shoot. Plus it just looks so sleek!
The Switchpod’s purposeful design and high-quality posture are two of its best features. The creators of this product guarantee that it would be useful, not only for photographers, but also for filmmakers.
At the bottom of the mounting component, there’s a huge knob that you can turn, making it easy to tighten your camera or accessory without having to continually twist the camera or accessory directly.
We’ve all spent too much time trying to find the perfect balance after maneuvering the legs of bendy tripods or trying to make the swivel head perfectly parallel. This product fixes that problem. It’s simple and allows you to set up your camera flat with ease.
Features
- Rugged but lightweight aluminium alloy build makes the tripod nearly indestructible
- Easy to manipulate, removable legs for a portable design
- Mount equipped for both phones and DSLRs
- Quick and easy set up without the clunky-ness of traditional tripods
To better understand how the tripod actually works, heres a video from Peter McKinnon that covers it in more detail.
3. Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
Next up on my list is a great little tripod that is more suitable for the studio/ travel YouTuber.
If you’re in the market for a compact, light and extremely functional tripod, this Manfrotto Action Tripod is a great start. This tripod has a weight of only 3.05 pounds (1.3kg) which is makes it extremely portable and easy to cary on flights and on the go.
Being such a light tripod, it makes it ideal for travellers or someone who enjoys being active with their camera.
While being a light tripod it still has quite a lot of strength to hold larger cameras. For example, this Manfrotto Action Tripod would easily handle a mirrorless or medium sized DSLR camera like a Canon 70 or 80D.
The small action tripod has a shorter handle and a loosening and tightening wheel, allowing you to move around for the optimum angle and view.
Photographers will like the fact that the tripod’s head includes a Photography Mode. When activated, it unlocks the ball joint, allowing for a broad range of motion that comes near to 360 degrees, allowing you to produce some very unique perspectives and compositions.
Videographers will appreciate it, as well, since it has a Video Mode that allows you to move the head in the usual tilt and pan movements required for capturing landscapes, lateral movements, and other images.
This easily earns a number one spot in my list and I would highly this tripod to any new or experienced Vlogger.
Features
- Perfect for entry level DSLRs with standard kit lenses
- Universal 1/4′ attaching screw
- Built in quick release system
- Special adapter for Sony Nex 5R/5T included
4. Manfrotto Tripod Kit MHXPRO-2W Fluid Head
When producing great quality cinematic video, having a fluid head is almost a must as it provides that buttery footage we all crave.
Many good YouTubers such as MKBHD use fluid head tripods for those smooth panning shots. So when it comes to this Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W, you will then be pleased to hear that the panning motion is incredibly smooth and has the right amount of drag.
The attached head can hold up to 8 pounds of camera and equipment and has two fluid drag settings for smoother tilts. When you need to move fast, the quick-release camera plate allows you to remove your camera from the head swiftly.
The aluminum legs have a 10-inch diameter, and a central column with a triangular form that provides height while preserving torsional stability. Because of the spreader’s leg construction and independent leg height adjustment, the legs can be used on uneven terrain without the wobbling that ground-level spreaders might create.
The legs can be lowered to about 7.5 inches in four preset locking settings. With the optional ground level adaptor, you can go high or close to the ground.
Another great thing about this unit is that it is extremely sturdy. This is very important especially if you plan on using a larger camera with a well sized lens. Having that added stability sure does give a lot of peace of mind.
Having a strong aluminium body allows for steady and well level shots. That is why this made it into our best Vlogging tripods list.
Features
- Center Column: Rapid maximum height: 170 cm
- Fluid Head
- Column Tube Diameter: 0.63/64″ (25mm)
- Leg Angles: 25, 46, 66, 88, Safety payload 4 kg
6. Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini Tripod (Bonus)
This affordable and multi-use tripod is a great addition to any Vlogging setup. Firstly this Manfrotto Mini Tripod can be attached to iPhone’s, GoPro’s, Point & Shoot cameras and the list goes on.
While it is used as a tripod you can also use the legs as a handle grip for when Vlogging Casey Neistat style. When the tripod legs are extended it provides a stable and sturdy base that it great for long exposure and time lapse video.
The Pixi from Manfrotto is a nice little compact tripod that will suit the demands of some CSC and digicam users. It won’t take up much room in your camera bag, so it’s a handy little addition to have around.
It has an elegant design that’s both appealing and pleasant to hold, and the rubber feet can grip most surfaces. On level surfaces, they’re more secure than on inclined planes or irregular terrains.
If your on a tight budget, check out our article on the best tripods under $100.
Another great thing about this Manfrotto Mini Tripod is that it has a ball head mount with quick release. This allows you to manoeuvre the angle and composition for when shooting video for your Vlog. If you combine this versatile tripod with a great beginner Vlogging camera then you will be set!
Features
- 2-Piece Kit for GoPro cameras, Compact Cameras & Action Cameras.
- Lightweight and Potable Design.
- Push-Button Locking Adjustment.
- Universal Mount.
- Built in Spring for Quick release.
7. Manfrotto 504HD, 546BK Video Tripod Kit (Bonus)
If you’re in the market for the gold standard of best Vlogging tripods then this may be the one for you. This Manfrotto 504HD is used by many professional YouTuber/ Vloggers such as MKBHD.
The 504HD Head, the 546BK Tripod, and the 197 Camcorder Case are included in this Manfrotto combo. When used together, the two-stage aluminum 546BK pro video tripod and the revolutionary 504HD fluid video head form a robust, adjustable pair. The camera setups can handle a weight of around 16.5 pounds. This compact system provides strong, stable 75mm ball-based support.
With this Manfrotto 504HD Tripod, you get a 4 step counterbalance setup that provides great stability and quick setup. Also with this tripod you can get great smooth pans and cinematic shots with the ball Bearing drag system.
This tripod is on the more expensive end of the price scale but you definitely get great craftsmanship and features that allow you to really step up your video game.
If you’re thinking about investing in this Vlogging tripod it may be worth while to have a professional camera to take advantage of it. Combine this tripod with a great Vlogging camera and you have one stellar setup!
Features
- 4-step counterbalance system ensures
- Ball Bearing drag system
- High rigidity structure
- Ergonomic controls
- Classic twin leg designs
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you don’t need the most expensive or best looking tripod for your Vlogs. What the most important thing is that you choose a product that will best serve your needs whether you are creating a travel channel, car channel, cooking channel or a daily Vlog! Thanks for reading and happy creating!
Learn more about Vlogging cameras and gear
yo says
When the blog is sponsored by Manfrotto xD
DSLR Camera Handle says
Nice Post! Thanks for sharing
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Neeraj sharma says
Thanks for sharing the informative article.