As photographers, there are literally hundreds of accessories and add-ons we can get for our cameras. But one accessory that is paramount is our 3 legged best friend. And no I’m not talking about a 3 legged dog, I’m talking about the humble tripod!
A tripod, even a cheap and nasty one is a lot better than having nothing at all. But when it comes to certain cameras and photographic styles, there are specific design features that can make our lives a lot easier.
So what about tripods for the Sony A7 range of cameras? Well this is a question I asked myself recently after I picked up my very own Sony A7 II after reading dozens of raving reviews. So in this article, I will be covering what I believe are the best tripods for Sony A7 cameras.
How I found the best tripods for the Sony A7 camera range
With the introduction of the Sony Alpa A7 range of cameras in recent years, it has really changed the way many photographers now take photos. So here are some requirements I have made for picking the best tripods in my list.
- Weight: Right now is the easiest time ever to travel with a light full frame camera, especially a Sony A7 camera. So to keep that travel weight light, I have included tripods that you can easily take on your next overseas or hiking trip.
- Head type: When using my A7, I personally prefer a ball head which I have included in this list. I have also included a fluid head for all the videographers out there.
- Stability: I think we can all can agree that Sony A7 cameras aren’t cheap… So a tripod that can securely hold onto our cameras while delivering pin point sharpness is paramount.
- Portability: While a tripod may be light, it doesn’t always mean that it is portable. Because of this, I have added tripods that compact down to a good portable size.
- Price: We aren’t all made of money, but we also don’t want a bad product. So I have added tripods that strike a good balance between price and functionality.
Top 3 Best Tripods For Sony A7, A7 II, A7 III, A7S & A7R Cameras
1. Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Compact Travel Tripod
Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Compact Travel Tripod Specifications
Weight: 3.08lbs
Collapsed Height: 13.38″
Extended Height: 56.69″
Maximum Load: 8.8 lbs
Price: Click here to find the latest price
Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Compact Travel Tripod Review
Manfrotto is a well trusted brand amongst photographers for their constant range of great tripods. That tradition continues with this Manfrotto MKBFRA BeFree tripod. For me, it gave the best results with my Sony A7 II and Sony 18-105mm f/4 lens.
Right out of the box I could tell that this tripod was of extremely high quality which I have come to expect with Manfrotto. Once I took off the wrapping, I was able to setup and fully extend the legs in under 2 minutes. From there I attached my camera in an instant via the standard 1/4 thread.
What also made me opt for this particular model was the light weight (3.08lbs) and the small collapsed height of 13.38 inches. This allowed me to easily throw it in my pack or in most cases, attached to the outside of my pack which made it great for hiking, backpacking and going out to hard to get locations.
Overall I really enjoyed the light weight footprint with the smooth ball head which easily earned this tripod a number one spot on my list. Highly recommended!
2. ZOMEi Z818 Tripod/Monopod Combo
ZOMEi Z818 Tripod/Monopod Combo Specifications
Weight: 3.7
Collapsed Height: 18″
Extended Height: 72″
Maximum Load: 15 lbs
Price: Click here to find the latest price
ZOMEi Z818 Tripod/Monopod Combo Review
Up next on my list is the Zomei Z818 which I have been using with my Canon 70D for quite some time. Without me even knowing, this tripod/monopod was also a great fit for my Sony A7 as its incredibly light and is very stable. So even when using a telephoto lens, this tripod will be up to the task.
What I also appreciate about this tripod is the ability to turn it into a monopod which is great for action and wildlife photography. Setting up is very straight forward with removing one of the tripod legs and reattaching the ball head.
For me, the only real downsize of this Zomei Z818 is the minimum collapsed height of 18″. I wont be putting this in my bag anytime soon, but I still found it easy to attach to my pack. Overall a great and affordable tripod for any Sony Alpha A7 camera.
3. Manfrotto MVKBFR-LIVEUS Lightweight Fluid Head Tripod
Manfrotto MVKBFR-LIVEUS Lightweight Fluid Head Tripod Specifications
Weight: 3.9lbs
Collapsed Height:15.75″
Extended Height: 59.45″
Maximum Load: 8.8 lbs
Price: Click here to find the latest price
Manfrotto MVKBFR-LIVEUS Lightweight Fluid Head Tripod Review
Last but not least on my best tripods for Sony A7 cameras is one for all you videographers and YouTubers! Recently I have been making a lot of YouTube videos for my photography channel. So I thought I would get a nice fluid head tripod so I could get some nice pan and tilt movements.
Boy was I surprised with what some simple camera movements can do to a video! Even better is that all my video is in 4K so I think my viewers will appreciate that.
Overall this tripod has been great and is surprisingly light for a fluid head unit. If you want to up you video and photography game with your Sony A7, then this is a great option. Highly recommended! You can also check out my full guide on the best fluid head tripods for video.