Table of Contents
Opteka CFM300
With five sections and multiple locking points, the Opteka CFM300 offers a lot of height adjustability. It is comprised of a combination of carbon fiber and magnesium, making it sturdy, yet keeping it lightweight at the same time.
Dolica WT-1003 67
The Dolica WT-1003 67 is built close to professional standards, but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, making it perfect for those on a tight budget. It boasts solid functionality, thanks to basic, but reliable, features, like a non-skid rubber foot and an NBR foam grip.
Amazon Basics Carbon Fiber
The Amazon Basics Carbon Fiber isn’t built to last you for the remainder of your career as a photographer, but its 22-pound capacity and maximum extension of 61 inches are impressive enough for it to warrant some serious attention.
Benro 4 Series S6
The Benro 4 Series S6 is available with either flip-locks or twist-locks, depending on which you prefer, and has a complete video head, making it ideal for professional videographers who want to add smooth pans to their work.
Dolica WT-1010 Ultra
The Dolica WT-1010 Ultra is a superbly well-built, smoothly-operating model that can handle equipment weighing up to 31 pounds. Its protective finish resists chipping and peeling to keep it looking new through years of professional use.
Manfrotto 290
The Italian Manfrotto 290 sports a robust, four-section pole constructed from sturdy and lightweight black anodized aluminum. Its flip-locks allow for a quick and sturdy setup, so you’re less likely to miss that perfect shot.
Benro 3 Series
If you prefer the feel of aluminum to carbon fiber, the Benro 3 Series is among the best options on the market. It’s ideal for shooters using small to mid-size cameras equipped with prime lenses, as it can support up to 5.5 pounds.
Sirui P Series
The Sirui P Series offers a wide range of features for taking photos and shooting videos. In wilder environments, you can remove its rubber foot to reveal a metal spike that can take hold in a variety of surfaces to stabilize your shot and protect your gear.
Neewer 5-Section Carbon Fiber
The Neewer 5-Section Carbon Fiber is a lightweight, durable, and inexpensive option for shooters on the go. It can extend from just over a foot-and-a-half to an impressive 64.2 inches, giving you a good range of positions for nabbing the perfect shot.
Manfrotto Xpro 5 Carbon Fiber
The FluidTech base on the Manfrotto Xpro 5 Carbon Fiber allows you to dial in exceptionally smooth movements at the bottom of the unit, which means you can achieve the kinds of pans and tilts previously only available with the aid of a video head.
