The best tripod for video should be sturdy, long-lasting and reliable. There's a tonne of choice out there in terms of what you pick, as plenty of different manufacturers make plenty of different models. Whatever kind of video you plan to shoot, and whatever camera kit you use, there will be a video tripod for you. But how to find it?
Picking the best tripod for video is no easy task, but it is a vital one if you want to improve the quality of the footage you're shooting. Fortunately there are models to suit every budget (in the same way as there are lots of cheap camera deals around at the moment) so even if cost is a real issue, you should be able to find a tripod to get the job done.
While it's perfectly possible to use pretty much any tripod as a functional video support, the best 4K cameras will work best with dedicated video tripods, and therefore we'd recommend taking one from the list we've put together in this article.
We've tested hundreds of tripods over the years, and these are the ones we feel will give you the best results for your buck right now. It doesn't matter whether you're shooting on a small CSC or a larger camcorder; each one of these models offers something that videographers will appreciate. This might be the design of its legs, the type of head with which it comes, or its flexibility and portability.
Right now we think the best video tripod available is the Manfrotto MVK502AQ Video Tripod with MVH502A Fluid Head, which offers a brilliant balance between strength and flexibility. Any filmmaker, whether they're using the best camcorders that cost thousands of pounds or an inexpensive setup with a light compact system camera, can make use of this exceptional support system. There are plenty more tripods that may fit the bill for you however, so read on to discover our picks of the best video tripods available right now...
Whether you’re using heavier rigs involving professional camcorders or a lighter setup that utilizes a DSLR or CSC, the combination of the Manfrotto MVK502AQ Video Tripod and the MVH502A Fluid Head is a superb choice. Offering a 20 kg payload, the spreader-less design of the legs also means that the tripod is quick to set up and pack down, and the tension-adjustable leg locks mean users can make regular adjustments to stop them from loosening over time. The feet can be set to spiked or rubberized thanks to the adjustable covers, making the tripod usable on a broad range of surfaces. So, indoors or out, on flat surfaces or more challenging ones, this model fits the bill.
Generally available for less than £199, this tripod/head combo is ideal for low-budget film crews, with its 6 kg load capacity ideal for the DSLR or mirrorless setups these crews will likely be using. Thanks to its quick-release platform and built-in spirit level, the tripod is quick to set up, making it excellent for run-and-gun situations. Well-armored rubber feet ensure it’ll grip onto plenty of surfaces, and the long control arm on the head, with separate pan-and-tilt adjustments, give it the feel of a studio model, without the cost.
Perfect for lightweight mirrorless bodies or smaller DSLRs, the Velbon Videomate 638 Video Tripod with PH-368 Head is one of the most keenly priced models here. The quick lever leg locks allow for fast setup, while the quick-release plate means it’s easy to switch to handheld shooting at a second’s notice. The PH-368 fluid head also allows for smooth camera movement, and the 1.98 kg weight makes the Videomate 638 perfectly portable. The 4 kg payload is slightly on the low side, but for most camera and lens combinations it should be more than enough.
If you're part of a film crew that needs to travel fairly light, Manfrotto's Befree range of travel tripods is definitely worth looking at. This carbon fiber model is not only incredibly lightweight at 1.1 kg, it also packs down well to just 34 cm, making it easy to store and transport when not in use. That 4 kg payload isn't going to support anything larger than a DSLR or CSC rig, but providing you aren't planning on using enormous camcorders, this tripod will more than meet your needs.
With a 4-step counterbalance system, the Benro S7 kit allows the user to precisely set the correct level of counterbalance for the weight of their rig, while continuous pan drag adjustment makes it easy to set the level of tension required. Pan and tilt locks operate independently, and there are also two 3/8in threads for attaching extra accessories like external recorders or monitors. As with some other options here, the rubber feet can be swapped out for spikes, making the tripod dependably versatile.
The central column of this versatile pro-video tripod features a built-in levelling ball and bubble spirit level, allowing users to quickly establish perfectly level shots every time. Its leg selectors can also be used to provide preset leg angles, allowing for quick deployment and setup. While crafted from aluminum rather than carbon fiber, it's nice and light too, and so useful for location shooting and those occasions when you need to be a little more mobile than usual.
Sporting a counterbalancing system to ensure that rigs of different weights are correctly balanced, this setup is designed for professional users – and carries a price to match. Additional threads allow for attachment of monitors and recorders, the tripod offers a leg angle selector for precise adjustment, and its extended height is the greatest on this list. Also, the carbon fiber build means that all the extra functionality doesn’t come with a significant weight increase.
The braced twin legs on this tripod provide impressive torsional rigidity, making for a thoroughly decent maximum capacity of 12 kg, with stability bolstered by a ground-level spreader. A 75 mm bowl attachment enables use of pro-level gear, while the incorporation of the 504HD head (also in the previous featured set) gives this set up a distinctly professional feel. Stylish and practical, this setup will suit small crews, or even single-person work.
