Manfrotto, Joby, and Vanguard are the most popular tripod brands in the modern market considering the price-quality ratio. However, the range of tripod companies is huge and keeps growing, so you can find a decent budget tripod without spending a fortune. For instance, you can purchase high-quality yet affordable models from Gitzo, Neewer, and Sirui. The cost of such tripods varies from $10 to $1,500.
Recommended models: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4, Manfrotto Befree
The company was founded by Lino Manfrotto, a photographer, who created equipment in his garage. In the beginning, he specialized in the production of light stand pieces, and over 10 years, he released his first Manfrotto tripod. The product was highly appreciated in the photography world and the company kept growing. Over time, Lino purchased Gitzo and Bogen.
Currently, Manfrotto is not only one of the best camera tripod brands, but also a reputable manufacturer of gear for mobile photographers. You can hardly find a larger collection of gear for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals.
Recommended models: Joby GripTight ONE GP, JOBY GorillaPod 325
If you like photographing and filming dynamic objects with Go-Pro cameras, you have probably heard about this brand. It originated from San Francisco Bay Area and is currently available in Petaluma, CA. Joby has a relatively short history but it achieved immense success in the market in 2006 with its lineup of flexible tripods. Nowadays, it also produces GripTight products for mobile devices.
If you are on the lookout for innovative small camera mounts, smartphone mounts, and related photo & video accessories, this is one of the most suitable camera tripod brands to choose. In addition to cutting-edge technologies used for producing such equipment, the Joby team brags about the sturdiness of their tripods.
Recommended models: Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB, Vanguard Vesta 203AP
The history of this brand starts in 1986. The headquarter is in Myanmar but there are also centers in the UK, Spain, and the US. The range of products you can find on the official site isn’t limited to tripods only but also includes camera bags, hunting optics, and more.
The company differs from other manufacturers on this tripod brands list with amazingly flexible models. In fact, photographers can adjust legs and center columns to place a camera upside-down against the ground, arch it over a river, and the like. Though Vanguard’s tripods aren’t the cheapest ones, they are within a reasonable price range.
Recommended models: Gitzo GT1545TUS, Gitzo GT3542L
Gitzo was founded in France in 1917 and first operated as an individual brand. However, it was acquired by the Vitec Group over time and is now owned by Manfrotto. It is rather old and has earned a reputation of a company that created top-tier tripods. Of course, such models have a high price.
Though the brand specializes in the production of carbon fiber tripods, you can also find some aluminum options in its collection. However, you should opt for carbon fiber models if you want something functional and stylish.
Recommended models: Neewer 72 inch, Neewer Portable Aluminum Alloy
If you are looking for good tripod brands that don’t charge 5-digit sums for their products, Neewer is worth checking out. It appeared in 2010 with a special focus on the social-media environment. The company creates tripods under $100, including some very cheap tabletop models and aluminum kits for as little as 50 dollars.
Despite the low price, the quality of Neewer tripods is on point. Of course, you can’t prefer these models to pro-level tripods for wear-and-tear usage but can fully rely on them for short studio photo and video sessions.
Recommended models: Sirui 50″, SIRUI AM-25S
This brand is also rather young considering that it was established in 2001. The main office is located in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, but Sirui products are popular far beyond this region. At first, the company specialized in the development and selling of optical lenses and their components, smart optoelectronic products, and optical instruments.
But later, they started to produce carbon fiber gear. In fact, if you google the most reliable camera tripod brands that focus on making carbon fiber models, you will see Sirui at the top of the list. Besides, the company is feted for the development of affordable video tripods and heads.
Recommended models: Bonfoto B690A, Bonfoto Q310
Compared with other camera tripod brands, this one is less known but it has nothing to do with the quality of products or the variety of technologies used. Currently, Bonfoto Photography is a part of a multi-nation Xuzhou Dongkeweiye Technology and it is developing at a fast pace.
In their catalog, you can find more than tripods and tripod heads. I came across this brand when was searching for video models and was amazed by how unique and quality their models are. As for the prices, they are rather moderate. If you want a user-friendly and stylish tripod for your photo and video sessions, you should have a closer look at this company.
Recommended models: Induro GIT305L, Induro GIT203
Induro is one of those tripod companies that prioritize quality over quantity. The team of seasoned designers and developers makes top-notch tripods and accessories for active outdoor use in challenging conditions. All their tripods undergo rough tests to ensure customers get impeccable products. Most models are manufactured from carbon fiber and have fine gimbal heads.
Though the company doesn’t top this tripod brands list, it is much praised by sports and wildlife photographers. Another interesting thing about Induro is that it primes educational webinars pump and actively participates in professional development projects.
Recommended models: Magnus VT-4000, Magnus REX VT-5000
Magnus decided to focus on the manufacturing of mini tripods and monopods to stand out from other camera tripod brands. Though it isn’t as famous as Manfrotto and Gitzo, it is gaining popularity very quickly.
If you are just starting out your photography business and have a limited budget, you can find a nice tripod among the Magnus assortment. In fact, some tripods cost less than $100. However, you have to compromise as the max load capacity is 13 pounds.
Recommended models: Slik Pro CF-734, Slik Pro 700
A 23-year-old photographer and engineer Takatoshi Shiraishi founded this company in 1948. For a long time, it was known just in that region, and only in 1987, there appeared the first Slik store in the US.
At first, the company made cheap models for the mass market but gradually shifted its production towards top-tier tripods, head and legs, and other accessories. Today, if you want a lasting yet reasonably priced friend or its constituent, you should visit the Skil offline or online store.
Recommended models: Dolica P250, Dolica GX650B204
Dolica is one of the most renowned tripod companies in California. The brand decided to make compact gear for different categories of photographers. However, there are several full-size models in its collection but they can be folded to strikingly small dimensions. So, if you are going to carry your tripod around, one made by Dolica will fit the bill.
Since the company frequently experiments with innovative technologies, it cooperates with skilled photographers, who test their new products. Thus, manufacturers can see the shortcomings and quickly fix them.
Recommended models: 3 Legged Thing Punks, 3 Legged Thing Patti
This brand immediately catches photographers’ attention with its name and impresses them even more when they start examining the offered tripods. With the desire to stick out from the crowd, Danny Lenihan, a professional photographer and founder of this company, decided to add some colorful elements to the tripod designs.
That was in 2010, and today, 3 Legged Thing is a go-to manufacturer of budget-friendly models for photographers from all over the globe. You can find decent travel tripods and many other interesting models for daily use. Though this brand lags behind trend-setting giants, it is one of the top camera tripod brands if you want a secure tripod without frills.
