So you’re looking for a tripod and you don’t want to break the bank? There are a lot of Tripods available in the market and it’s very difficult to find the best one. Here we present 6 best tripods under 100 and these tripods will help you to minimize the risk of any movement.
So, let’s find out what is the best tripod under 100 dollars.
A tripod is one of the most simple and basic pieces of camera equipment out there. The word “tripod” basically means three-legged or three-footed, and that’s exactly what it is – a three-legged stand that can be used to support a camera.
The use of a tripod allows you to easily maintain the stability of your camera to lessen shake and improve the all-around sharpness of the shots that you take. So don’t let your production look like some handheld video that you made on vacation when you were 10! Instead, use a quality tripod for professional stabilization.
Of course, there are tripods out there for use with all the different types of cameras. We’ll be covering a number of those right here in this article.
The Evolution of the Tripod
Tripods were originally conceived for use with the huge video and still cameras of the past. Before, the only way to take video was to use a huge camera that was almost impossible to carry and hold steady for any length of time.
Now, with the advent of smaller video cameras and ultra-light DSLRs, it’s much easier to shoot videos with a minimal amount of shaking.
However, videographers are only human and there is only so much strength in your arms. If you’re shooting hours of video, you are going to get tired eventually, and that’s one of the primary reasons for using a tripod. Apart from the aforementioned issue of eliminating camera shake and unsteadiness.
There are a number of good tripods out there that you can use to better control your video camera and shoot stable and non-shaky video footage. And many of them are quite inexpensive. Here is a list of good tripods that you can get for under $100.
Best Tripod Under 100
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite tripods that cost less than $100.
1. AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod
This is a very light-weight tripod, coming in at only 3 pounds, but it can carry around 6.6 pounds of weight. Which, handily, is about the average weight of the heaviest DSLR cameras out there.
There is a quick mounting plate that fits most standard DSLRs and allows you to quickly set up your camera in time to take the shots you need. This plate works with the majority of tripods out there.
As it is a compact and lightweight tripod, the AmazonBasics is easy to store and transport, which makes it a very handy tool for the videographer on the go.
It is a little short, however. You can only extend it from 2 feet to 5 feet. It does have rubber feet, though, which helps improve the tripod’s overall stability.
The best thing about this tripod, aside from its price, is the three-way head, which allows you to quickly and smoothly tilt and swivel the camera. There is also a portable bag included in the package.
Pros
- Start at 25 inches and maximum extension of 60 inches.
- Basic tripod, good for beginners.
- 360-degree horizontal rotation and 270 degrees vertical rotation.
- Can tilt 90 degrees to the right.
- Tripod is lightweight.
Cons
- Though this tripod is lightweight, it’s not the best for outdoor use.
- This tripod is for use on flat surfaces like indoor or beaches.
- It can be rotated 360 degrees horizontal and 270 degrees vertical, but it’s not capable of moving in multiple directions.
- Lightweight tripod with adjustable-height legs and rubber feet
- Compatible with most video cameras, digital cameras, still cameras, GoPro devices, smartphone...
- Recommended max load weight is 6.6 lbs (3kg) for optimal performance
- Weighs 3 lbs; Extends from 25 inches to 60 inches when center post is fully extended; Carrying case...
- Two built-in bubble view levels and 3-way head to allow for tilt and swivel motion; portrait or...
2. Slik U9000 Tripod
The Slik U9000 Tripod stands on three aluminum-alloy legs tipped with rubber feet equipped with metal spikes that you can twist in and out. This makes it a good tripod to use when working outdoors, as it will dig into the turf and minimize slippage on tricky surfaces such as wet grass.
When you’ve moved back indoors, you can twist the spikes in and the tripod will then stand on rubber feet that will also minimize slippage but won’t damage floors.
The Slik U9000 only has a maximum height of 59 inches or about 5 feet. So if you are a very tall person, it might be difficult to get the tripod to hold your camera at a comfortable eye level. It also weighs only 3.5 pounds, but can handle loads of 4.5 pounds.
One advantage of the Slik U9000 is its 3-way fluid effect pan head that allows you to easily and smoothly move the camera to get the shots you desire.
Pros
- Minimum height 22 inches and the maximum at 59 inches.
- Handle up to 4.5 lb (around 2Kg).
- It can be used outdoors and on almost any surface.
- Speed release includes in Slik U9000.
- Rotation 360 degrees and tilted 90 degrees backward and forward.
- Almost every camera suitable for this tripod.
Cons
- Its height is good but it will be difficult for a very tall person to hold the camera on a comfortable eye level.
- Aluminum-Alloy Legs, Flip Locks
- Geared Column, Center Brace
- Simultaneous Pan-and-Tilt Head
- Independent Portrait Orientation
- Rubber Feet with Twist-Out, Metal Spikes
BEST TRIPOD UNDER 100 DOLLARS
What Are Tripods Under 100 Dollars?
Tripods are a must-have for any photographer or filmmaker. They help to stabilize your camera and allow you to take sharper, more detailed images.
The best way to find the right tripod is by looking at what features are most important for you, whether that’s stability, weight capacity, or flexibility in height settings.
The one thing that every good tripod has in common though is affordability: no matter which option you choose, it will always be cheap.
For those of you who are looking to buy a tripod, but don’t want to spend too much money, there is an answer. There are many tripods under 100 dollars that will suit your needs just as well as the more expensive ones.
3. Magnus VT-300
This portable video tripod system is designed to work with DSLRs as well as small and even large camcorders. The Magnus VT-300 weighs 5.8 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 15 pounds. The maximum height that this tripod extends to is around 64.3 inches or about 5.4 feet.
The Magnus VT-300 has a built-in fluid effect video head that allows you to quickly and smoothly tilt your camera a full 360 degrees up and down.
It comes with a quick-release camera plate that enables you to quickly and easily mount your camera to take the shots that you need.
The Magnus VT-300 is light enough to move to any location even whilst carrying extra equipment, as the tripod is so lightweight. It has flip locks on its legs and the camera is secured using this tripod in part because of its sure-grip rubber feet.
This tripod extends about 64.3 inches, so even tall people can hold the camera at a comfortable eye level.
Pros
- Maximum height of 64.3 inches.
- Handle up to 15 lb.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor locations.
- A rubber grip feature to secure the camera.
- Easy to use. Professionals and beginners both can use it easily.
There is no critical issue or problem with this tripod but some users wish for an extra few inches. Overall this is one of the perfect tripods under 100.
- Portable Video Tripod System | Supports DSLRs, Small | Large Camcorders | 15 lb Weight Capacity,...
- Quick-Release Camera Plate Included | Integrated Center-Column & Mid-Spreader
- Two Leg Stages, Three Sections | Flip-Lock Leg Locks | Carry Case with Shoulder Strap Included
- In The Box: VT-QRP30 Quick Release Plate for VT-300, 350 & 400 and VPH-20 Tripods, Pan Bar, Carry...
- The tripod legs extend at two leg stages at the release of flip-locks. The legs feature replaceable...
4. Kamisafe VT-1500
The Kamisafe VT-1500 is a tripod that was specially designed for film and video shooting. Its legs are made of light-weight aluminum alloy, making it portable but very strong. It is a fluid head tripod which makes it ideal for taking smooth and steady panning and multi-angled shots.
The Kamisafe VT-1500 has a maximum load capacity of 22 pounds. It can be extended to around 5’4 feet in height and shortened to around 2’ feet in height for easy storage and portability.
The legs are tipped with non-slip rubber feet which help the tripod retain its balance even on rugged ground.
Its head allows you to 360-degree rotate whilst filming, able to tilt 90 degrees up and down and its double-lock mechanism is impressive, too.
VT-1500 uses 1/4 inch screws and 3/8 inch standard mountain screws.
The legs are tipped with non-slip rubber feet which help the tripod retain its balance even on rugged ground.
Pros
- Maximum height 65 inches.
- Handle 22 pounds of weight.
- 【Professional Video Tripod System】our Kamisafe VT-1500 Video Tripod with Fluid Head provides...
- 【Easy and Quick Set-up Design】3-section tripod legs with flip-locks system allow you to extend...
- 【Panning Rotation Angle Smoothly and Fluidly】The detachable fluid drag pan head has a tilt range...
- 【Great Portability with Carry Bag】The folded size of the tripod is only 24"/ 61cm and can be...
- 【What You Get】1 x VT-1500 Video Tripod with Detachable Fluid Head, 1 x Carry Bag, 1 x Should...
5. BONOFOTO B671C
The BONOFOTO B671C is a carbon fiber tripod. Being made of carbon fiber makes it sturdy, lightweight and budget-friendly.
This tripod only weighs about 2.52 pounds, but it has a maximum weight capacity of 17.6 pounds. It is more than capable of supporting most of the DSLR and video cameras out there.
The BONOFOTO B671C has a compact folded height of 15.4 inches but it can be extended to almost 55.12 inches (4.5 feet)
The feet of this tripod end in high-friction rubber foot mats which keep them from sliding on most surfaces. One of the legs is removable, so you can easily convert this tripod into a monopod if you want to.
This tripod has a ball head and three lock knobs. You can get a 360-degree panoramic panning effect that is great for when you want to capture landscapes or are taking video of a large group of people.
- Telescoping Shaft: Double shaft design makes the tripod more compact when folded.
- Broad Compatibility: 1/4” standard screw on the mounting plate, which is compatible with dslr,...
- Flip-flock Design: Upgraded tripod leg lock greatly enhanced the stability of the tripod.
- Precise Ball Head: 360 degree horizontal swivel and 90 degree vertical platform with 3-way head...
- Assurance: 24-hr customer service are always ready to help; for more information, please refer to...
BEST TRIPOD UNDER 100 DOLLARS
Advantages of Using Tripods Under 100 Dollars
• Prevents camera shake.
• Gives a more stable platform for taking shots.
• Allows you to easily adjust the height of your shot.
• Can be used interchangeably as a tabletop tripod or a full-length monopod.
6. Manfrotto MKCOMPACTADV-BK Tripod with 3-Way Head
This lightweight and compact tripod weighs only 3 pounds but can support around 6.6 pounds of weight. This makes its weight capacity more than enough to support most of the DSLRs that are currently out there.
The Manfrotto Compact Advanced Tripod is very stable and easy to use. The head and the resistance adjustment settings are good and allow for very fluid panning and tilting shots.
The tripod has a low maximum height of only about 5’2 so if you’re very much taller than that you might want to look into another option.
- Quick release
- Foldable 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
- Supports up to 6.6lbs
What You Need To Know About Tripods
A tripod’s main job is to hold up your camera and keep it steady. This enables you to take steady shots for long periods of time without tiring yourself out. Even if your camera has image stabilization technology, a tripod is still a good piece of equipment to have. Most tripods are easy to transport and set up and, best of all, they are very budget-friendly.
The most common materials for tripods are aluminum and carbon fiber. These two materials are equal in terms of stability and strength, but different when it comes to weight and cost. Carbon fiber tripods are more lightweight than aluminum tripods, but are also a little bit more expensive.
What To Look For In a Great Tripod
In order to ensure that you are getting a good tripod for video shooting, you need to look for a few important features. First, look at the tripod head. The head is where you mount the camera. Most tripod heads are movable, so you can both pan and tilt your camera without taking it off the tripod.
For the purpose of shooting video, you should look for a tripod that has a fluid head. These are specially designed to offer you greater and smoother control when panning or tilting the camera. A fluid head has three locks, one to lock the camera into position, and the other two to control the tilting and panning movements of the camera.
Fluid head cameras also have tension control, which you can adjust to control the resistance to tilting and panning. This allows you to better control the motion of the camera for smoother footage. Note: Not all of the tripods featured in this article have a fluid head. If you go for the more budget tripod options, then you do compromise on some of the solid features like fluid heads.
If you can’t find a budget tripod with a fluid head camera, which can be rather expensive, you should look for a 3-way tilt or a pan head camera. You can also buy a fluid motion head separately at a later date when you have a bigger budget.
Tripod Considerations – It All Starts With The Base
Secondly, you need to look at the tripod’s legs or base. You need to consider the strength of the legs and the overall weight capacity of the tripod you are thinking of getting. It should be able to carry your camera’s weight comfortably. The last thing you want is your tripod to suddenly collapse just as you are lining up the perfect shot.
In line with this, you also need to consider your tripod’s feet. They need to be able to grip the ground and not slip during a crucial moment. It’s best to get a tripod with rubber feet mounted on metal hardware.
Another thing to consider, if you shoot outdoors a lot, is to get a tripod with rubber-metal spikes as feet. This allows you to better position your tripod on dirt or grass. Make sure, though, that there are accompanying rubber covers that you can quickly put over the spikes for when you need to shoot indoors again or on a solid surface such as wood or cement.
Lastly, make sure to check what the tripod’s maximum height is. Tripod legs are telescopic, which allows you to extend or shorten the length of the legs to suit your own height. You want to be able to extend the tripod so the mounting plate can be at chin-height. Otherwise, you’re going to spend most of the shooting time uncomfortably bent over.
All of these are important and worthwhile considerations when you’re looking at the best tripod under 100 dollars.
Best Tripod Under 100 – In Conclusion
When you purchase a tripod, you don’t need to break the bank. And I hope this article has proved that.
There are plenty of great tripods out there for a reasonable budget. It’s important to go with quality manufacturers like the ones we’ve mentioned here. For instance, a company like Manfrotto has been producing filmmaking gear for decades and they have a long track record of great quality.
Also worth considering are things like use case (what you’re going to be using the tripod for), as well as things like weight and durability.
Weight comes into play when we consider that most filmmakers will be traveling a lot and will need their tripod to be easy to carry (and stow away), especially when we consider things like flying.
Durability is also of
I hope this guide to the best tripod under 100 dollars has been useful to you. Did we leave out your favorite tripod? Let us know in the comments just below here.
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