Popular table top tripods that offer impressive stability and portability.
Table top tripods can really help us take better pictures by forcing us to think about composition and framing before we snap the shot. Such mini tripods are also great for taking photos in tight spaces or on unstable surfaces, which is especially helpful for those of us who like to get creative with our shots.
Choosing the best table top tripod requires careful consideration of stability, weight, load capacity, material, head type, and additional features. With the right tripod, you can capture stunning images and take your photography to the next level.
Head Type: Ball | Max Height: 5.2″ | Weight Capacity: 2.2lbs
Manfrotto MTPIXI PIXI is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of situations, making it a great accessory for taking high-quality photos. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around, which is a big plus for photographers who are always on the go.
In addition, it is designed to support a wide range of digital devices, including compact cameras, entry-level DSLRs, and even the iPhone.
The tripod also features rounded outer edges that create a comfortable and firm handgrip, making it easy to hold and use as a handheld camera grip. It is also durable and can withstand a lot of use, which is important for any mini tripod.
However, there are a few disadvantages to this table top tripod. Firstly, it has a weight limit of 2.2 pounds, which means it cannot support semi-professional and professional equipment. This could be a deal-breaker for some photographers who require a more heavy-duty tripod.
Head Type: Ball | Max Height: 11.8″ | Weight Capacity: 6.6lbs
JOBY GorillaPod has been around for over a decade, and it's become a popular choice for photographers and videographers alike. It's small and lightweight, making it easy to pack and take on the go.
Its flexible legs can wrap around almost any surface, giving you the ability to capture shots from unique angles that a traditional tripod wouldn't be able to handle.
Another great feature of this tripod under $50 is its ball head design. You can quickly and easily change the set-up of your camera rig, allowing you to capture some unique and exciting content.
Plus, the ball head can be adjusted for 360-degree panning, making it easy to rotate the camera for different shots.
Now, let's talk about the disadvantages. One issue with this table top tripod is that it can be a bit difficult to set up on uneven surfaces. Additionally, the legs can sometimes be a bit stiff, making it challenging to wrap them around objects.
Head Type: Ball | Max Height: 8.27″ | Weight Capacity: 3.3lbs
Benro KoalaPod is a compact, lightweight desktop tripod that is perfect for vlogging and social media content creation. It has flexible legs that can bend and grip almost anything, making it ideal for those adventurous content creators who want to capture unique shots.
It also comes with a built-in ball head with a 1/4-20 mounting thread, which makes it perfect for mobile devices and small cameras. Moreover, it can go vertical to capture live social media or video calls on the go.
However, like any product, the Benro KoalaPod does have its disadvantages. Firstly, while it's great for smartphones and smaller mirrorless cameras, it might not be suitable for larger cameras or heavy equipment.
Also, its flexible legs might not be as stable as rigid legs, so you need to be careful when using it in windy conditions or on uneven surfaces.
Head Type: - | Max Height: 6.2″ | Weight Capacity: 8.8lbs
Cullmann Magnesit Copter is incredibly lightweight table top tripod, which makes it perfect for traveling and taking with you on the go. Another great feature is that it's made of aluminum, which makes it very durable and long-lasting.
The Cullmann Magnesit Copter is also very stable and can be adjusted to any position you need. It has extendable legs and a tiltable central column, which makes it perfect for overhead close-ups or shots where you want to frame something from a particular angle. It also has a standard 1/4'' camera thread, which means you can easily mount a photo or video camera, and a hot-shoe fits a flash and a microphone.
However, there are also some disadvantages to this budget tripod. One of the main problems I encountered was that it can be a bit tricky to set up and adjust, especially if you're not used to using a tabletop tripod. Another issue is that it may not be suitable for very heavy cameras or lenses, so you have to be careful with the weight distribution.
Head Type: Pan | Max Height: 9.9″ | Weight Capacity: 5.5lbs
Vanguard VS-82 is a great table top tripod for those who are looking for a portable and lightweight option. The Vanguard VS-82 is ultra-compact, making it ideal for travel and outdoor photography.
Its two-way pan head and 360-degree swivel movement allow you to create stunning images and capture all kinds of movement in your photos.
One of the main advantages of this tripod for DSLR is its sturdy construction and flexible legs. The legs feature rubber feet that ensure a solid hold, while the head offers multiple pan movements so you can achieve a variety of camera angles.
However, there are a few downsides to the Vanguard VS-82. For one, it's not the most stable tripod out there, and if you're using a heavier camera, you may have trouble keeping it steady. Additionally, the tripod's height is quite limited, which can be a problem if you're looking to take shots from a higher angle.
Head Type: Ball | Max Height: 11″ | Weight Capacity: 6lbs
One of the advantages of using this tripod under $100 is its lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry around and transport wherever you go. Its compact size also makes it ideal for shooting from a tabletop or other raised surface, or for achieving stable low-angle shots when set on the ground or floor.
The tripod's ball head is another great feature that allows for quick and easy changes in shooting angles. It can pan 360 degrees and tilt up to 90 degrees in one direction for portrait orientation. Additionally, the aluminum construction of the center column adds strength and stability to the overall structure.
However, there are a few downsides to this table top tripod as well. One of the main problems is that it may not be suitable for heavier cameras or equipment, as it has a maximum load capacity of 6 pounds.
Additionally, some users have reported issues with the legs not extending or retracting smoothly, which can be frustrating during use.
Head Type: Ball | Max Height: 10.1″ | Weight Capacity: 8.8lbs
Being one of the best table top tripods, Sirui 3T-35 can hold up to 9 pounds of weight, which is impressive for its size, and it's compatible with a wide range of devices, from cameras to GoPros and more. The legs are flexible, allowing for five different positions and tilting up to 90 degrees, which is great for getting the perfect angle for your shot.
However, there are some disadvantages to this tripod. One of the main issues I've encountered is that the legs can be a bit stiff, making it difficult to adjust them quickly.
Additionally, the ball head can be a bit finicky, which can make it hard to get the perfect shot. It's also a bit pricey compared to some other options on the market, which may be a turn-off for some users.
Head Type: Pan | Max Height: 19″ | Weight Capacity: 6lbs
RetiCAM MT0 is lightweight, stable and very compact, which makes it perfect for photographers who are always on the go. The quick set up and easy-to-use features are also a big plus, as is the great value for money.
One of the main advantages of this table top tripod is the quick power lock lever, which allows you to open all the leg sections in just one motion. The intuitive leg angle selectors provide a wide range of preset positions that are suitable for most situations.
However, there are also some disadvantages to this iPhone tripod. One issue is that it may not be sturdy enough to support larger cameras, so it might not be the best choice for professional photographers who need to use heavier equipment. Also, some users have reported that the tripod can be difficult to adjust properly, which can be frustrating.
IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Manfrotto MTPIXI PIXI
OUR CHOICE
|
CHECK PRICE → | |
![]() |
JOBY GorillaPod
FLEXIBLE
|
CHECK PRICE → | |
![]() |
Benro KoalaPod
DURABLE
|
CHECK PRICE → |
If you're a beginner in photography, and you're looking for a table top tripod, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First off, you want to make sure the tripod is sturdy enough to support your camera and lens, but not too heavy or cumbersome to use. Look for one with sturdy legs and a robust ball head, as well as other important features to ensure stability.
Height. The height of the tripod directly influences its size when folded, which makes sense if you are looking for the best travel tripod or the device for outdoor photo sessions. Pay attention to the minimal height, which matters a lot for camera mounting or “frog perspective” shooting.
Load capacity. The load capacity determines the maximum weight of the device that can be safely mounted on the table top tripod.
Compare this indicator with the weight of your camera equipped with a heavy lens. This is a very important criterion that has a significant impact on the quality and clarity of images, as well as on the safety of the entire set.
Legs. Choose a tripod brand that offers sliding legs. Remember, the more modules it has – the higher the mobility is, and fewer number means better stability.
The fixation method also matters a lot. The ring is safer, the latch is faster to use. Sometimes, you may unscrew the legs and turn your desktop tripod into a monopod. Rubber feet support is the best variant, as it is the most universal.
More robust tripods have removable supports. They can be customized for different types of surface.