Table of Contents
Neewer Upgraded Carbon Fiber
The Neewer Upgraded Carbon Fiber offers a lot of the features and benefits of much more expensive models for a significantly reduced cost. Though some users may find its eye-catching red color to be a little too loud for their liking.
Vanguard Alta Pro 2 Plus
The most interesting thing about the Vanguard Alta Pro 2 Plus is that you can change the angle of its center shaft to suit a wide variety of needs, giving you a unique perspective that might not be possible with some of the competition.
Benro Tripster Travel
Shooters looking to get close to the ground will appreciate the spreadable nature of the Benro Tripster Travel , whose legs boast a handful of stops as you angle them outward. A 1/4″-20 female accessories mount lives at the base of the main column for added versatility.
Slik Pro 780DX
The adjustment bars on the head of the Slik Pro 780DX allow you to make changes to a single axis at a time, as opposed to ball types that are more freeform and can be difficult to dial into place. It’s a great tool for portrait photographers.
Manfrotto Element Traveller
If you’re in the market for a stand that can get surprisingly tall compared to its starting height, the Manfrotto Element Traveller is likely your best bet. It reaches up to 64.6 inches from a beginning position of just over a foot.
Gitzo Mountaineer Series 3
The Gitzo Mountaineer Series 3 is a step in a lighter and more durable direction than the company’s previous offering, making it a nice choice for anyone looking to test the limits of its construction. There are other products with similar specs that weigh less, though.
Manfrotto MVH502A
A standard bearer among independent filmmakers and birdwatchers alike, the Manfrotto MVH502A offers incredibly fluid movement along both axes, with a sturdy aluminum frame that can hold setups weighing in excess of 15 pounds.
Induro Number 2 Stealth
The legs on the Induro Number 2 Stealth fold up around its central spire, allowing you to break it down to an especially small size and pack it away or strap it to the side of your camera bag. It comes with a toolkit , so you can make fine adjustments to it as needed.
Benro Travel Angel Series 2
Weighing in at under four pounds, the Benro Travel Angel Series 2 is a carbon fiber selection that’s exceedingly portable and undeniably durable. Its center column can be combined with a removable leg to quickly convert it into a monopod.
Sachtler Ace XL
With one of the most highly adjustable video heads in its price range, the Sachtler Ace XL is great for videographers who need a lot of control over the speed and resistance available in their pans and tilts. Its mid-level spreader adds a good degree of stability.
