A tripod is an essential tool when it comes to taking professional quality videos. It's something that most photographers would tell you is a must-have item. But, in reality, choosing the right tripod can be a real challenge. We'll take a look at some of the main things you need to consider when buying a tripod.
How to choose the best tripods for video? This article discusses the best video tripods and suggests various top models that are out there today, and how to select the right one for your needs.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: COMAN KX3636 Video Tripod
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Best Budget: SmallRig AD-01 Video Tripod System
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Best Compact: Manfrotto Travel Befree Live Aluminium Tripod
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Best for Heavy Load: Manfrotto MVH502A Professional Video Tripod
Video Tripod Reviews
1. COMAN KX3636 Video Tripod
Specifications
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Material: Aluminum
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Weight: 9 Pounds
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Weight limit: 22 Pounds
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Min- Max Height: 33 – 74 Inches
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Tripod Head Type: Fluid-heads
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Pros
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Good ball joint knob
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Superb panning
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Accessory ports
Cons
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No plate tool is provided
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Not idea for backpacking
Product Summary
This Coman fluid head tripod is completely loaded with features, including a strong construction, a bubble leveler, a mid-level spreader, and a huge maximum height of 188 cm.
Its 3/8" expanded platform is one of its main selling points. This is fantastic since you can install a crane, slider, or monitor on it. This video tripod can accommodate a slider and a camera that weigh up to 10kg.
Last but not least, while being constructed like a tank, it is quite hefty. As a result, you might choose not to bring this tripod trekking.
2. SmallRig AD-01 Video Tripod System
Specifications
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Material: Aluminum
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Weight: 9 Pounds
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Weight limit: 17.64 Pounds
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Min- Max Height: 33-73 Inches
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Tripod Head Type: Fluid-heads
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Pros
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Built-in magnetic wrench, ronin S2 plate switch
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Heavy max load
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Lightweight design
Cons
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No second pan handle mount
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Plastic joints and levers
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Feels somewhat flimsy
Product Summary
There is a magnetic wrench included into the quick-release camera plate. It features ports for attaching various accessories. Additionally, the mount contains three 1/4′′-20 threaded holes that you may use to attach monitors, phones, mics, flash etc.
With a 75mm ball bowl, this tripod for a video camera is simple to level. This makes it simple to control the picture's horizontal axis.
3. Manfrotto Travel Befree Live Aluminium Tripod
Specifications
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Material: Aluminum
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Weight: 3.6 Pounds
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Weight limit: 3.3 Pounds
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Min- Max Height: 15.75 – 59.45 Inches
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Tripod Head Type: Fluid-heads
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Pros
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Low min height
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Compact
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Great for travel
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Light carbon fiber material
Cons
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Not great fluid head
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Low feet quality
Product Summary
The Manfrotto video tripod is a compact model if you are looking for the best video tripods. In fact, Manfrotto tripods alone might fill a complete essay.
This tripod is ideal for travel filming, as you may probably tell from its name. It is exceptionally sturdy and light, making it ideal for travel because it is composed of carbon fiber. This could be the best option if you want to record your video team on the go.
However, it can only carry a weight of up to 4kg. It can certainly manage a smaller video camera without a problem, but if you were after anything larger, you might need to seek elsewhere.
4. Manfrotto MVH502A Video Tripod
Specifications
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Material: Aluminum, Rubber
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Weight: 12.1 Pounds
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Weight limit: 22 Pounds
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Min- Max Height: 16.14 – 64.76 Inches
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Tripod Head Type: Ball Heads
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Pros
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High max load
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Heavy
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Easy Link connectors
Cons
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Heavy
Product Summary
Another Manfrotto video tripod in this list is this MVH502A model, a powerful weapon at 5.9kg. One for those with the means to carry a little bit more. So, the amount of weight it can support is more than other models, a massive 20 kilos.
It can be used to record with any camera gear you desire since it is so sturdy and robust thanks to aluminum construction. Additionally, its ground-level spreader adds additional stability.
The fluid head's primary benefit is that it enables perfect, fluid panning shots.
Video Tripod FAQs
1. Why is a tripod necessary for filming?
Without a sturdy tripod, your shaky hands can blur the picture, ruining the clarity. Hence, having a tripod will provide stability, and is required to create quality videos.
2. Are heavier tripods better?
No, it’s not necessarily true. Although heavier tripods usually tend to cost more, they might not always be a good idea. A light tripod with quality feet or legs can serve the purpose just as well.
3. What qualities should a video tripod have?
Tripod legs, often known as sticks, are classified according to their height and weight capability. Consider the lowest and highest heights you shoot at before you start looking around. Take your camera weight into account as well.
Final Thougth
The video tripod can be used in both amateur and professional levels. Depending on the use and type of project, the tripod can be selected accordingly. The features to take into consideration include stability, mobility, and weight capacity. A good video tripod should be sturdy, strong, light-weight, and mobile. If you have specific requirement and want to find the most reliable one, the COMAN KX3636 Video Tripod is a good option.
