1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best for portability
4. Best for multiple disciplines
5. Best lightweight option
6. Best affordable option
7. Best for versatility
8. Best for awkward positions
9. Best for studio photographers
10. Best for flexibility
11. Best for beginners
12. Tripod FAQs
13. How we test
The best tripods for astrophotography are absolutely essential to get sharp images but they are also valuable for any kind of long-exposure photography, or other scenarios where cameras must remain stationary such as shooting video.
The best camera tripods should be simple to use, lightweight, and easy to fold up for convenient carrying. When fully extended, they should provide enough height to help with composing your shots. Most importantly, they should stay stable and steady while you're taking photos or shooting videos.
We have thoroughly tested, rated and reviewed the top camera tripods currently on the market. Our comprehensive list includes options for every price range and level of photography expertise, providing you with a range of choices to suit your specific needs.
Partner one of these tripods with the best cameras for astrophotography, best cameras overall or the best lenses for astrophotography, and the sky's the limit. Compose the angle you want, connect the camera to the tripod to keep it perfectly still to shoot the cosmos, and get those out-of-this-world astro images you've always dreamed of. Then, edit them with one of the best photo editing apps and you'll see them with maximum wow factor.
The quick list
Best overall
A serious bit of kit for serious astrophotographers — it's not cheap, but you need to pay for exceptional quality.
Best for portability
Designed with travel in mind, this tripod folds down into a neat, sleek package that's perfect for fitting into a suitcase or backpack.
Best for multiple disciplines
For photographers who shoot multiple different photographic styles, it's an absolute joy, but it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
Best lightweight option
If weight is your concern, look no further, as this is the lightest aluminum tripod you're likely to find.
Best affordable option
A decent tripod on the more affordable end of the spectrum, this tripod will do everything you need it to do.
Best for versatility
This tripod has many different configurations and accessories to choose from and can handle an impressive load capacity given its light weight.
Load the next 4 products ↴
Best for awkward positions
A solid, sturdy and versatile option that can handle almost any shooting position you require.
Best for studio photographers
For heavy setups in a professional environment, this tripod would be ideal — but it doesn't come cheap.
Best for flexibility
Different from most tripods, this flexible tiny tripod can elevate the way you capture footage. A great option for vloggers and mobile content creators.
Best for beginners
A fantastic beginner tripod from a reputable brand, this tripod from Benro would be a fantastic addition to your growing kit.
Best tripods we recommend in 2023
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Best overall
✅ You need durability: If you use your tripod a lot and need something that's going to withstand tough terrain and adverse conditions, this will suit you well.
✅ You want something that will last: The exceptional build quality means this tripod will last you for years.
❌ You don't have a big budget: This is a serious bit of kit with a serious price tag, so if you don't have the budget for something as pro-grade as this, there are cheaper alternatives.
❌ You're a casual user: This tripod could well be overkill if you only use your tripod every now and again or if you're a beginner.
🔎 Benro Mach3 TMA37C An impressive tripod built to withstand anything you throw at it, it can cater to multiple shooting styles and is a fantastic choice for anyone who is serious about photography. As expected, for such a high end tripod, there is a high end price tag to match. ★★★★½
The Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C tripod is surprisingly lightweight, despite its chunky appearance. While it's not specifically designed for travel, it caters to the flexibility and portability needs of landscape photographers and astrophotography enthusiasts. This tripod is built to withstand tough conditions and deliver reliable performance in any weather. Its durability, reliability, and impressive capabilities make it a fantastic choice for photographers who are serious about their craft.
The Mach3 series of tripods feature a range of different configuration options and come in both carbon fiber and aluminum variants. At this size, the weight difference between the carbon fiber and aluminum models is quite apparent but as expected, the carbon fiber model is going to set you back more money than the aluminum model.
Even though adding the head separately will make the tripod more expensive, it allows you to personalize it according to your own preferences and needs. On the bright side, you'll also receive some additional features for the extra money, such as spikey feet and a shorter central column, which come in handy when you're taking pictures close to the ground.
The carbon fiber version of this tripod does come with a higher price tag, and it's important to acknowledge that it may be a significant investment for some photographers. However, it's worth noting that the price reflects the exceptional quality you'll receive. With its durable construction and meticulous attention to detail, this tripod is built to last for many years. Your investment will pay off in the long run, as you'll be able to rely on this tripod's enduring performance and enjoy its impeccable craftsmanship for countless photography pursuits.
- Check out the Best cameras for photos and videos
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Chunky but surprisingly lightweight |
| Performance | Durable, reliable and incredibly capable |
| Functionality | Offers a range of configuration options |
Best for portability
✅ You want to travel with it: More than just being lightweight, it's specifically designed with travel in mind, and it folds down neatly with no protruding parts, and fits effortlessly into a suitcase or backpack.
✅ You shoot with your smartphone: It features a novel smartphone mount, so users who create content with their smartphone will be covered.
❌ You're on a budget: This tripod is on the more expensive end of the market, so may be inaccessible to anyone on a budget.
❌ You want a tall tripod: This isn't the tallest tripod we've tried, despite having 5 leg sections, which may be annoying for taller users.
🔎 Peak Design Travel Tripod An impressively compact tripod that's built with travel in mind, folding down into a super sleek package that you can take anywhere. It's not the tallest, or the most affordable, but we think it's worth the money. ★★★★½
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is an impressively compact tripod that caters to photographers of all genres, not just wide-field astrophotography enthusiasts. Its sleek and clever design maximizes space efficiency, leaving no wasted room. This tripod's super-sleek and compact package allows it to effortlessly fit into a daypack or your luggage, making it a great choice when space is limited. It's a versatile solution that ensures convenience and ease of transport.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is designed for travel, but it's likely not the lightest choice in this category. You can get it in either aluminum or carbon fiber versions, and the carbon fiber one is more expensive but lighter, as expected. However, the weight difference is only a small amount, with the carbon fiber model being 2.8 lbs and the aluminum one 3.4 lbs. In our view, the slight weight reduction of the carbon fiber model doesn't really justify the extra cost. We think the aluminum option, weighing 3.4 lbs, gives you better value for your money.
As we discussed in our Peak Design Travel Tripod review, the height of this tripod might be a bit of an issue for taller users. Despite having five leg sections, it is around ten inches shorter than comparable models available on the market. But, if you're using it with a camera that has a fully articulating screen, this shouldn't be an issue.
Although the Arca-Swiss quick-release tripod plate is incredibly stable and capable of supporting loads of up to 20 lbs, it does require a hex key to lock the camera in place, which is a bit tricky to do in the dark. Another neat travel feature is a swivel lever to rotate the ball head, meaning nothing protrudes and gets in the way.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod will prove a smash hit for astrophotographers, especially those wanting something easy to transport and quick to set up. It's compact when packed up and proves great for outdoor performance.
- Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Narrow, space saving design |
| Performance | Easy setup and takedown |
| Functionality | Not as tall as some tripods |
Best for multiple disciplines
✅ You often use your tripod: For frequent use over multiple photography disciplines, this tripod will serve you well.
❌ You don't want to spend loads: While we do think it's worth the higher price point given the quality, it might not be the best option if you don't want to spend a lot.
🔎 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed A premium tripod with the price tag to match, but a fantastic option if you're looking for durability and quality. It can support heavy loads and folds down incredibly compact. ★★★★½
The Brian tripod by 3 Legged Thing is a highly portable travel tripod that incorporates some pretty solid engineering design. As we noted in our 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian Tripod review, it's simultaneously one of the tallest tripods when fully extended yet also one of the most compact when folded down, which is no mean feat.
Although it may not be the absolute lightest tripod available, weighing in at 3.1 lbs, it remains comfortably portable for day or night use. While it comes at a higher price point compared to its closest competitors, we believe that it justifies the investment due to its exceptional build quality and premium feel.
We found the tripod easy to set up and pack away, even in low-light conditions, thanks to the bubble grips on the knobs and leg extenders. However, attaching the camera is a bit trickier because you need to use a hex key instead of a D-ring, which can be challenging, especially in the dark. But they do provide a tool for it that attaches to the tripod's body with a carabiner to help you out.
The Brian tripod from 3 Legged Thing can support up to 30 lbs, and it did so with no complaints when a heavy DSLR with a short zoom lens was attached. Even though we did find instances of the camera "falling into place" after being fixed in its compositions with a very long lens, we think it has more to do with weight distribution than the actual weight. But this is really the only small criticism for a piece kit that otherwise meets the needs of an enthusiastic astrophotographer.
- Read our full 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Light and portable |
| Performance | Hex key can be challenging in the dark |
| Functionality | Multiple leg positions |
Best lightweight option
✅ You have heavy kit: We found it to be very sturdy and can hold loads of up to 19.48 lbs / 8.84kg.
❌ You want a travel tripod: Although it's an incredibly lightweight tripod, it is fairly large when collapsed so it wouldn't be the best option for traveling.
🔎 Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum An incredibly lightweight tripod at a very reasonable price that ticks all the boxes, but it wouldn't be the best option for travel due to its larger size when collapsed. ★★★★½
While carbon fiber tripods are known for their lightweight nature, they do come with a higher price tag compared to their aluminum counterparts. However, the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod takes a practical approach by offering a reasonable height and price point, achieved through its mid-size construction using aluminum materials.
The perfect tripod to use at night needs to be three things: a lightweight tripod that is portable, has quick-setup and quick-takedown fittings, and rigidity and solidity that can be trusted to hold your camera steady even in windy weather. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod ticks all of those boxes. It's one of the lightest aluminum travel tripods we've tried, but it's not the most travel-friendly design because it takes up a lot of room in luggage. However, its exceptional build quality and reliability in the field still make it a solid choice.
As we found in our Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod review, it has an unusual fold-down configuration whereby the three legs fold through 180º to meet the ball head. Even though we initially found it fiddly, it's simple to do in the dark once you get the hang of it.
The tripod has four-section legs that you can easily adjust using soft twists. When fully extended, it reaches a height of 59-inches. To attach your camera, you'll use a convenient D-ring, and it works well with both RC2 and Arca-Swiss plates. They also offer a carbon fiber version of the same model, which is pricier but a bit lighter, weighing 2.75 lbs.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight but large when collapsed |
| Performance | Easy and quick setup |
| Functionality | Strong center column |
Best affordable option
✅ You're on a budget: This is a decent option for anyone on a budget. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the higher-priced models, but it'll do what you need it to do.
✅ You're a beginner: It's easy to setup and take down, and there are no complicated bits to contend with, making it a good option to get started with.
❌ You want to shoot at unusual angles: This tripod doesn't shoot low to the ground, and the central column can't fold down to 90-degrees.
🔎 Manfrotto Element MII For beginners, this would be a great option that won't break the bank. If you want something simple that does the job with no complications, it would suit you well. ★★★★
The Manfrotto Element MII tripod is a mixture of stylish design with practicality and ease of use. It would be a fantastic choice for any hobbyist or beginner photographer on a slightly tighter budget, and it is sure to last you through plenty of shoots.
In our review of the Manfrotto Element MII, we liked how easy it was to set up and take down, with the rubber twist locks and compact size — which even made it easy to set up and take down in the dark. It is strong but lightweight, and it can bear weights of up to 8 kg, which is sufficient for the majority of photographers. It has four leg sections and extends to a height of 160cm, which should be ample for most shooters.
While testing the tripod, we noticed a slight dip when fully extending and splaying the tripod legs, although this setup won't be needed in most situations, so we can't see it being a huge problem. Overall, if you're looking for a trustworthy and reasonably priced option that gets the job done, this tripod is an excellent choice. It fulfills its promises and delivers dependable performance for your photography needs.
- Read our full Manfrotto Element MII review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminium or carbon fiber variants |
| Performance | Sturdy but lightweight |
| Functionality | Easy to put up and take down |
Best for versatility
✅ You need portable and sturdy: Despite being lightweight at only 4.1 lbs, it can handle an impressive maximum load of 14.3 lbs.
❌ You're on a tight budget: This isn't the most expensive option on the market, but there are cheaper options available if you're on a tight budget.
🔎 Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod This tripod is lightweight, portable, easy to put up and down and has a whole load of different options to choose from in regards to build and construction. Though it may be too pricey for casual photographers. ★★★★½
Advanced photographers and enthusiasts who need a portable, reliable base for their camera continue to appreciate the Manfrotto 190 Go! tripod series— even though it was launched almost five years ago. The price has only dropped slightly since our hands-on Manfrotto 190 Go! review of the carbon fiber version, which shows it's still a desirable product that will stand the test of time.
There are multiple variants available; you can choose from carbon fiber or aluminum construction, different heads, and leg sections, but the speed with which each 190 Go! tripod can be operated is what sets them apart. For amateurs or casual photographers, the highest-end model is probably too pricey, but the aluminum variant, which is more affordable, might be a better fit.
The tripod is super easy to assemble, thanks to its 'M-lock' mechanism. With a simple twist, you can unlock the legs and adjust the height in no time. It comes with useful features like a 90-degree central column that can swing out horizontally and a Link attachment for adding extra accessories.
You can adjust the leg positions to four different angles: 25, 46, 66, or 88 degrees. Despite being lightweight at only 4.1 lbs, it can handle an impressive maximum load of 14.3 lbs. So, it's both portable and sturdy for any of your various photography needs.
These discreet M-locks not only enable quick setup, but also result in streamlined legs without any protruding parts that could get caught on a suitcase during packing. The rubber grips on the locks themselves are easy to find and get hold of, even in the dark.
- Read our full Manfrotto 190 Go! review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminum and carbon fiber variants |
| Performance | Super easy to assemble |
| Functionality | Choose from different construction, heads and leg sections |
Best for awkward positions
✅ You want to shoot low to the ground: This tripod is capable of getting itself into many weird and wonderful positions, with the legs splaying out to almost 90º to the center column.
✅ You're on a budget: If you need a sturdy tripod that won't break the bank, this is a great option.
❌ You want something lightweight: This tripod is heavier and bulkier than many others on the market, so it's best suited to backyard astrophotography or if you're not going to venture far from your car.
🔎 Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB If you don't plan on walking too far with it, it's a great affordable option that provides a lot of versatility with the ability to shoot very low to the ground, is sturdy and reliable. ★★★★
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB truly shines with its exceptional flexibility and versatile positioning options. Apart from the standard tripod setup, the legs can be extended from an upright position at a 25-degree angle all the way to nearly 90 degrees from the center column. The center column is also removable and can be tilted 90 degrees from the fully splayed legs, allowing the camera to be positioned as low as ten inches from the ground. This feature proves invaluable when you need the tripod to be perfectly still for capturing star trails or astrophotography, as the ability to get closer to the ground enhances the overall stability and quality of your shots.
With only three leg sections on each leg, there are only two clips to fix when setting up the tripod, and we found it to be sturdy enough to keep the camera still in a light-to-moderate breeze during long exposures. It was easy enough to put up and take down in the dark, though the same can't be said for the connector plate which requires a hex key. However, considering that the tripod comes with two plates, the idea is probably that you just leave it attached to your camera at all times rather than taking it off at the end of a shoot.
As we stated in our Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod review, this tripod is a brilliant all-rounder. If you shoot various styles of photography, this tripod could be a great choice for you. However, if you're primarily into astrophotography, it might not be the best option because it's a bit heavy at 5.38 lbs, and that might make you hesitant to carry it around at night. Nevertheless, it's still an excellent and versatile tripod considering its price.
- Read our full Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Very flexible legs |
| Performance | Clip legs easy to put up and take down in the dark |
| Functionality | 90º central column gives a good range of movement |
Best for studio photographers
✅ You have a heavy setup: The max load capacity of this tripod is 22 lbs / 10kg, ideal for studio or professional photographers with extra accessories.
✅ You want versatility: This tripod can accommodate studio shooting and is lightweight enough to carry with you to on-location shoots, giving the best of both worlds.
❌ You don't want to spend loads: If affordability is a factor, this tripod is not the one for you.
🔎 Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 A tripod best suited to studio photographers who utilize a number of different accessories. It's expensive and could be overkill for beginners or if used purely just for astrophotography ★★★★
The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is tailored to meet the needs of studio photographers who often travel outside the studio for on-location shoots. While it is primarily intended for mirrorless camera systems, tests have shown that it can comfortably accommodate a medium format setup as well. This tripod is crafted from aluminum, providing the same sturdy and durable feel you'd expect from studio tripods. However, it's designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around during short trips without any hassle.
This model comes with a fantastic feature called the Easy Link connector, which allows you to attach various accessories like arms, holders, lamps and reflectors. The legs are extended and locked in place using a modern power lock system that uses flip locks instead of leg twists.
In our Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review, we found it to be much more useful to a studio photographer working outdoors than it would be to an astrophotographer, and could quite possibly be overkill for beginners. That said, if you're planning on using lights creatively with the backdrop of the night sky, this could well be the tripod for you.
- Read our full Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Made from aluminum |
| Performance | Legs are strong and reliable |
| Functionality | 90º central column gives a good range of movement |
Best for flexibility
✅ You're a vlogger/videographer: The GorillaPod would be ideal for daily vloggers and content creators because you can attach it to almost anything to capture your footage.
✅ You travel a lot: It's incredibly lightweight and compact — very easy to take traveling.
❌ You need something sturdy: The GorillaPod isn't designed to be super sturdy or rugged, so if you have heavy kit or you often shoot in adverse weather, there are more suitable options.
🔎 Joby GorillaPod 5K The GorillaPod is quite a niche product, so it's not for everyone, but it's ideal for on-the-go shooting or for content creators who need novel ways to capture their footage ★★★½
Unlike traditional tripods with extendable legs and intricate knobs, the Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod takes a unique approach with its articulated ball joints. This distinctive design sets it apart from conventional tripods. Weighing a mere 2.09 lbs and measuring only 15 inches in length, it impresses with its remarkable lightweight, portability, and adaptability.
The design of the tripod allows it to be securely fastened by twisting and shaping it around various urban elements such as railings, trees, and other structures. It proves equally effective when utilized in natural landscapes with rocks and rugged terrain. It can also stand up by itself, but we found that it wasn't as stable in this configuration.
It's made from a combination of aluminum, plastic and stainless steel, which gives it the strength to support heavy DSLR cameras with zoom lenses, as well as lighter equipment and smartphones. However, one significant drawback is that you need to find something to attach it to in order to set up your shots. This limitation means you won't have as much creative freedom as you would with a regular tripod that stands on its own. We noted in our Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review that it was made with content creators, vloggers and Instagrammers in mind due to its portability and ease of on-the-go use. If you're using it for an astro shoot, it would be really difficult to level it, so if that's your specialty, we'd say it's probably not the best option.
It's a great option if you're just starting out with photography but for those who are more into it, it's more of a bonus addition to your kit for those 'just in case' moments rather than a replacement for a full-sized tripod.
- Read our full Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight with flexible legs |
| Performance | Easily attaches to various objects and surfaces |
| Functionality | Practical for on-the-go scenarios |
Best for beginners
✅ You're a beginner: This tripod is a good option for beginners who don't want any of the complicated setups or bells and whistles that more advanced tripods have.
✅ You don't want to spend loads: Benro aren't a cheap brand on the whole, but this option is very affordable for what you get.
✅ You don't always use a tripod: This tripod is lightweight and compact enough to carry with you 'just in case' you might need it when you venture out.
❌ You use your tripod a lot: While it's not a bad tripod, some aspects are cheaply finished and would wear out quickly with a lot of use. If you use your tripod a lot, we'd recommend investing in a more high-end option.
🔎 Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod A decent option for a beginner or if you don't use your tripod a lot, it's compact and lightweight enough to carry with you 'just in case'. We rate Benro as a brand, and this is one of their more affordable options. ★★★½
For those nights when you're trudging between vantage points or those days when you might need a tripod but don't quite know what the day has in store, you can't beat the Benro Slim travel tripod. This compact, well-constructed tripod was designed with portability and movement in mind and has everything that a beginner landscape or astrophotographer needs to get started in nightscapes and long-exposure photography.
Although originally designed for mirrorless systems, the Benro Slim exceeds expectations by easily handling the weight of DSLRs and zoom lenses. It boasts impressive build quality, thanks to its well-known manufacturer, and surprisingly, it comes at a reasonable price, even for the carbon fiber version. This tripod is a trustworthy companion that's compact enough to fit in your camera bag and lightweight, ensuring you can always have it by your side whenever you need it.
It's available in both carbon fiber and aluminum versions which differ only in weight and price point, as you'd expect, the aluminum one is slightly weightier but also slightly cheaper. It's very easy to put up and take down in the dark and features anodized aluminum leg twists that secure into place with half a twist. It uses a standard Arca-Swiss connector plate that slides in easily and is secure enough for a range of mirrorless and DSLR lenses.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact and lightweight, but some cheap finishes |
| Performance | Easy to put up and take down with simple leg twists |
| Functionality | Max load capacity 8.8 lbs / 4kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your most pressing questions on the best tripods in 2023 from what type of tripod is best to answering what a payload is and does. Take a look below.
What is the best tripod for cameras?
We think the Benro Mach3 TMA37C is the best camera tripod overall. It ships with a short center column attachment for more flexibilty when shooting and also spiked feet for use on softer terrains. It's intuitive to use and has sturdy leg locks which operate easily even when wearing gloves.
What is the best tripod for beginners?
What is the best budget tripod?
The Manfrotto Element MII is the best affordable tripod for beginners with a maximum height of 63-inches (160cm) and a folded height of just 16.9-inches (43cm). It comes in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants and is best suited to beginner camera gear which is typically slightly lighter than professional cameras.
How many legs does a tripod have?
Tripods have three legs. The term 'tri' comes from the Latin 'tres' or Greek 'trias' which means 'three.' However, tripod legs can have multiple sections. There is no defined limit to how many leg sections a tripod can have, but they typically vary between one and five, with three and four leg sections being the commonest.
The Joby GorillaPod 5K has one leg section because its legs are flexible and don't extend in the traditional sense. However, the Peak Design Travel Tripod has five leg sections.
Generally, the fewer leg sections a tripod has, the more stable it is. However, a tripod with fewer leg sections may not pack down as small as something with more leg sections. Note the size difference between the Benro Mach3 TMA37C (three leg sections, folded height: 24.6 inches) and the Peak Design Travel Tripod (five leg sections, folded height: 15.4 inches) to see how that works.
How does a tripod work?
A traditional camera tripod is used to stabilize a camera for photography or videography in order to keep compositions still. This is useful during longer exposures because camera movement during the exposure will blur an image. Often this is unwanted when taking stills photographs, however some photographers like to use Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) to deliberately blur an image in one direction for artistic affect.
ICM is typically done through the use of a tripod head which can be locked off to move in one direction only, like a three-way head, rather than a ball-head which can move in 360-degrees.
What makes a good tripod?
Aluminum vs carbon fiber tripods: Which are best?
Most tripods are made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. The latter is much lighter and therefore easier to carry around, but typically more expensive. Aluminum tripods are generally cheaper but slightly heavier and can get colder, affecting handling and functioning on colder nights when taking astrophotographs.
There are a few things to consider before you grab one of the best tripods to ensure it meets your requirements. These are namely stability, portability, weight and price.
You'll have to weigh what you want to prioritize, especially if you're using one of the large and heavy best zoom lenses for your night sky images.
Removable feet, in-built spirit levels, and tripod head compatibility are all things to consider when picking your tripod. You can also check out our guides for the best lenses for astrophotography, and the best camera backpacks.
As you can see from our selection above, there's a lot to consider when investing in a tripod. But they're essential if combined with any of the best cameras.
What does tripod payload mean?
The tripod payload is the maximum weight (in pounds or kilograms) that it can support. The payload would be the combined weight of the camera, lens and any camera accessories attached to the tripod. Add up the combined weight of all these items to see if a tripod will support the gear you're planning on using.
Bear in mind that a tripod may support payloads greater than its stated maximum payload, but its sturdiness and resistance to wind may be compromised. So if a big gust of wind blows through and you're over the payload, the tripod may fall over.
What height tripod do I need?
Some people argue that smaller travel tripods don't always offer enough height for easy camera operation but that depends entirely on how tall you are and it's not quite so important for astrophotography.
Most of the models we've reviewed here have legs that can be splayed wider to allow the camera to be set up quite close to the ground. The lower center of gravity can increase stability for long-exposure night sky photos, but flexion in the legs must be noted when doing this.
Tripod legs: Twist or flip locks?
Tripod leg sections are extended and secured with either flip or twist locks. The twist lock design tends to be more secure but some manufacturers, notably Manfrotto, have bucked the trend and devised some particularly secure flip locks.
Should I change my tripod feet?
Tripod feet are generally made from a thick rubber that has good traction on an array of surfaces and many — but not all — are designed with the option to unscrew them and attach either spiked or clawed feet for better purchase on rougher ground and sand.
How we test the best tripods for astrophotography
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best tripods to buy here at Space.com, we make sure to put every tripod through a rigorous review to test each product fully. Each tripod is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions and performs in the field.
Each tripod is carefully tested by our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who thoroughly know their subject areas. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each tripod and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy each tripod is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date stabilizing technology and look at its weight and portability. We'll also suggest if a particular tripod would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best photographing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on tripods, whether you should purchase one or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
