When shooting video, nothing is more noticeable and distracting than shaky footage. The best way to eliminate that is by buying a solid tripod that keeps your camera in one spot. We’ve scoured the internet and found the four best tripods out there for shooting video. They will all be discussed below.
The following sections will take an in-depth look at what makes each tripod perfect for video, and cover why we believe they are worthy of your hard earned money.
Contents
Quick Summary
- If you’re looking for an affordable Manfrotto tripod, check out the Manfrotto 290 Xtra. You get all the greatness Manfrotto is known for, but at a reasonable price.
- If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tripod, the Cayer BV30L could be the one for you. It has a strong twin tube aluminum design that will keep it safe for years to come.
- If you’re on a very strict budget, the Neewer Professional Video Tripod is a great choice. It has all the features you need to take great video at an affordable rate.
- If you don’t have budgetary concerns and simply want the best bang for your buck, check out the Manfrotto 504HD 546BK Video Tripod Kit. It has a great tripod and fluid head that will give you the best possible footage.
Who Should Buy This?
All the tripods on this list are great for indie filmmakers. Some are higher in budget with more features, and some are more budget friendly. No matter what your budget, picking up one of these for your next film shoot will allow you to get nice, smooth footage that looks extremely professional.
These are also great for YouTubers and content creators. If you like to vlog or travel and record your experiences, adding a tripod is often a great idea. All of the following tripods can give you super stable footage, and come with a smooth panning and tilting action as well.
Best Video Tripods: What to Consider in 2022
Size
Tripods come in various sizes. Some are extremely small, while some can be as tall as a person. That is why you need to pick the size and style that best fits your specific use case. We have listed the most used, average size tripods here to give you the most versatility.
Materials
You don’t want to buy a tripod made out of cardboard or flimsy metal. Finding a tripod made out of a high quality aluminum is best, as it is a lightweight metal that can also hold heavy equipment. There are also carbon fiber options out there that provide excellent results.
Fluid Head
A fluid head is the key to getting silky smooth motion shots from a tripod. When you pan your camera to get cinematic shots, you want your video to glide from side to side without any hitches or hiccups. That makes that happen. It is the real key to getting the best tripod shots for your videos.
When it comes to video, making the fluid head your priority is the best thing. A nice fluid head will give you the buttery smooth footage you are looking for. Behind that the size would be next, and the biggest range is the best, as it will make the tripod more versatile. Lastly would be the materials, as most tripods that are not super budget will be made out of decently sturdy materials.
Best Video Tripods: Our Picks for 2022
1. Manfrotto 290 Xtra
No brand has more respect in the tripod field than Manfrotto, and the 290 Xtra is one of their best budget models. This model is a great way to get into the Manfrotto line without spending hundreds of dollars. Despite the price, it has the build quality and features you would expect from a top line tripod.
While this model’s look and feel are very basic, it has everything you need to start making high quality videos. A nice height range that goes up to 67.5-inches in addition to a solid aluminum construction that can handle the rigors of traveling and shooting. It even has a great fluid head to give you those screen ready pan shots you’ve always desired.
- Size: 15.9” – 67.5”
- Material: Aluminum
- Fluid Head: Yes
2. Cayer BV30L
While few have heard of Cayer, their BV30L tripod system is a great way to shoot videos. It is affordable, durable, and has all the features you need to shoot amazing videos. Don’t let the name brand fool you, this tripod can stand toe-to-toe with anything on the market.
This tripod has a nice robust feel that makes it seem like a top end tripod, but it comes at a reasonable price. It can stretch all the way out to 72-inches, which is more than enough for some nice top down shots. The fluid head works very well, allowing you to get some great moving shots without much effort.
- Size: 33” – 72”
- Material: Aluminum
- Fluid Head: Yes
3. Neewer Professional Video Tripod
Neewer has been making a name for themselves as a budget filmmaker in recent years. This Professional Video Tripod fits perfectly in that category, making it a great product for a very fair price. Don’t let the low price fool you into thinking it is a lesser product, it is more than capable of being your main tripod for years to come.
The build quality isn’t quite as strong as similar high-end pieces, you can definitely feel the “plasticy” feeling on some of the parts. However, the legs and head of this tripod are well-built, which are the two areas where you need to be the most sturdy. The fluid head here has a nice smooth pan as well, meaning you can get any shot you need.
- Size: 28” – 61”
- Material: Aluminum
- Fluid Head: Yes
4. Manfrotto 504HD 546BK Video Tripod Kit
If you’re looking for a more high end, robust system for your next film, look no further than this tripod kit from Manfrotto. It has a 504HD head, combined with the 546BK tripod. That combination makes it the perfect video tripod for any production.
With a range up to 66-inches, this aluminum tripod feels sturdy and rugged at any height. The aforementioned 504HD head will give you some of the best video footage you have ever seen, no matter if you’re panning or tilting. This is the best tripod for all around video usage. It’s versatile, rugged, and gives you the most out of your camera.
- Size: 18” – 66”
- Material: Aluminum
- Fluid Head: Yes
Useful Tips and Resources
If you plan on recording videos from your smartphone and want to use a tripod, you will need to pick up a smartphone holder bracket. This will allow you to essentially clamp onto your phone, and attach it directly to the tripod to get those smooth shots you desire.
When picking a tripod, it’s also important to get a sandbag. These will hang from the 3 legs of the tripod and can be filled with anything from sand to gravel to heavy wiring. They will help keep your tripod stable and planted to the ground to give you extra piece of mind on windy days.
Final Words
Finding the right tripod is extremely important if you plan on making films or videos. They are a key piece of equipment that will make your footage look more professional, no matter if it’s a student film or high budget hollywood production. All of the four models in this guide are great options, you just need to see which fits your needs and budget.
Have you ever used a fluid head tripod? What is your preferred tripod brand? Let us know in the comments below!
