There are really only two things you need to start Vlogging. One being a camera and second being a tripod. But what are the best Vlogging tripods and what makes them so important?
YouTube has come along way from funny cat videos and illuminati conspiracy theories. Now we have top of the line content that is like nothing else out there.
In fact some of these “one man” show Vloggers have larger audiences than mainstream televisions shows. Amazing! With this new transformation of creating video, so to has the tools required to make these videos.
Why The Need For A Vlogging Tripod?
Along with having a camera, a tripod is also a essential tool in any Vloggers tool kit. This gives you the Vlogger more control and reach with your camera.
Having that extra reach keeps our arm out of frame while still being able to utilise a wide angle view. Because of this we have created an awesome buying guide of the best Vlogging tripods to get you started.
Incase you’re in a rush, here is a snapshot our favourite YouTube Vlogging tripods.
- Joby GorillaPod (Editors Pick)
- Manfrotto Mini Travel Tripod
- Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
- CamRah Smartphone Tripod
- Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head Tripod
How We Found The Best Vlogging Tripods
Upon doing research for this article we first had to find out features and benefits made a Vlogging tripod great. Thankfully half of that research has been done with our team having over 5 years experience in videography and YouTube Vlogging.
Below are some things to consider and what we believe make a great video blog tripod.
- Functional: If a tripod doesn’t make your life easier as a Vlogger, then it’s simply not worth the investment. By seeking out a tripod that helps you create with less barriers is what matters most.
- Light Weight: With the nature of Vlogging, you tend to record on the go whether thats running to catch a plan or on a jet ski in Thailand. So having a light and travel friendly tripod is key to letting you get on with what you love.
- Price Point: So you have stumbled across a amazing tripod but you then turn over the price tag. Ouch! Some tripods are simply way over priced, so being aware of whats out there will help your back pocket.
- Adaptability: Vloggers use all types of camera from your mums point and shoot to thousand dollar DSLR’s. Having a tripod that can work with all these types of cameras is a must!
A Review Of The Top 5 Best Vlogging Tripods (Buyers Guide)
1. Joby GorillaPod (Editors Pick)
Joby GorillaPod Specifications
Weight: 1 lb (480 g)
Collapsed Height: 11.4″ (29 cm)
Extended Height: 11.4″ (29 cm)
Maximum Load: 3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Price: Click here to find the latest price
Joby GorillaPod Review
If you are fond of watching Vloggers (i’m sure you are) then you have most probably seen this tripod feature in many videos. However this isn’t by chance that this GorillaPod is adorned by Vloggers around the world. But why so?
- Extremely Functional
- Light weight and not cumbersome
- Travel friendly, short and long distances
- Its affordable (bonus!)
- Adaptable for DSLR, Point & Shoots, Smarphones & GoPro’s
- Bending the tripod adds extra stabilisation to the video
Above are the main reasons why Vloggers like Casey Neistat, RomanAtwood, Tanner Fox and David Dobrick choose this tripod. But when it comes to the functionality aspect, this tripod wins at giving extra extension which is hugely valuable when Vlogging.
Having that extra extension gives you a lot more control when trying to fit more in frame. This also gives you room to shift quickly while using a larger camera like a DSLR.
Being able to whip out your camera at a moments notice is the difference between getting a shot and falling flat. Having a GorillaPod definitely assists in helping you capture those moments on the fly. By having your GorillaPod and camera attached at all times, to can start competing in a instant.
Another cool thing i like about the GorillaPod is that it can literally be attached to any surface, object or thing. Trust me I’ve tried.
Usability and performance
No time wasting and no fuss.
Overall this is a great inexpensive product that i believe every Vlogger or video enthusiast should own regardless of your subscriber count. The cost to value ratio is off the charts and is without a doubt the number once choice for our best vlogging tripods list. Highly recommended!
2. Manfrotto Mini Travel Vlogging Tripod
Manfrotto Mini Travel Tripod Specifications
Weight: 0.51 lbs (238 g)
Collapsed Height: 5.31″ (13 cm)
Extended Height: 5.31″ (13 cm)
Maximum Load: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Price: Click here to find the latest price
Manfrotto Mini Travel Tripod Review
Next in our lineup of best Vlogging tripods is a hybrid between a traditional 3 leg tripod and the above mentioned GorillaPod.
Right from the get go you can tell this tripod is extremely small, like really really small. Coming in at only 0.51 lb and dimensions of 3 x 7.28 x 3 in. This makes it perfect for Vloggers who are conscious about keeping their setup light while still being functional with its aluminium legs.
While this tripod adds more reach when attached to a smartphone, GoPro or point and shoot camera, it doesn’t have the same flexibility as the above mentioned model. But thats a sacrifice when jumping down to a smaller model.
One thing to mention is that using this with a DSLR camera can be quite awkward. Using a DSLR will fit with a 1/4″ screw thread, but it is very top heavy as opposed to a GorillaPod.
While this tripod lacks some features it definitely picks up the slack in other areas which makes this a great alternative. One of the standouts that separates this rom other models is the quick release ball head movement. This makes it ideal for quickly setting up and composing a shot whether it be a time lapse or shoot and walk video.
I also forgot to mention that this Manfrotto is the cheapest tripod on this list at under $25.
3. Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod
Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod Specifications
Weight: 2.03 lbs (920 g)
Collapsed Height: 15.35″
Extended Height: 51.57″
Maximum Load: 3.30 lbs (1.5 kg)
Price: Click here to find the latest price
Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod Review
Next in our mugshot lineup of the best Vlogging tripods is the Manfrotto Compact Action tripod. If you are seeking a tripod that is more suited for studio use while being rigid, light, affordable and travel friendly, then this one might be for you.
After using this tripod on and off for the past two years, i have to say it has far surpassed my initial expectations from when i first purchased it.
I have used this tripod in heaps of locations from my room (studio), out hiking and on cary on luggage when heading overseas. For many tripods this would be hard due to the weight but this Manfrotto comes in at 2.64 lbs and packs down to 17.83 inches.
Having such a small footprint and being lightweight makes it great for chucking in the Samsonite carry on luggage or strapped onto the hiking pack. But how does it operate in the field? At the end of the day, thats what it really comes down to.
Usability and performance
Using this out int he field was a pleasure to use and uber quick to setup. With a quick release plate you can go from tripod to hand held in a instant. Also with the joystick like control you can manauver the head of the tripod quickly and lock it into place with its friction wheel.
Overall this a great prosumer tripod that is great for any Vlogger or enthusiast photographer. You simply cant go wrong with this one. It is hands down one of the best Vlogging tripods out there and comes highly recommended.
4. CamRah Smartphone Vlogging Tripod
CamRah Smartphone Tripod Specifications
Weight: 0.6 lbs
Collapsed Height: 10.8″
Extended Height: 10.8″
Maximum Load: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Price: Click here to find the latest price
CamRah Smartphone Tripod Review
Whats the best camera for YouTube Vlogging? Simply put, its the camera you have with you at any given time. 99% of the time you will always have your smartphone on you which makes it a perfect choice for recording your Vlogs.
Just because you’re using a iPhone or Android phone to record your video, it doesn’t mean its north worthwhile for its own tripod. In fact a smartphone is a great candidate for a tripod as its gives you a whole other level of control and functionality.
Look I’m not going to lie to you. This product is one of those cheapo Chinese tripods you typically find. But for under $25 its kind of hard to go wrong in my opinion. Like the above mentioned GorillaPod, you get similar flexibility and stabilisation with the octopus like legs.
Another thing that persuaded me to buy this for my iPhone 7 Vlogging setup was the added bluetooth remote. I’m a sucker for add-ons and this surprisingly worked really well for placing the tripod at a distance and remotely recording.
Final thoughts
Setting up this tripod for smartphone Vlogging was really straight forward with the clamp like adapter. Using this clamp adapter was a good choice by the designers as it allows to fit the biggest phones like the Samsung Notes with ease. However be aware that over time the clamp can get loose, so retightening is a must.
Overall this is a great little cheap tripod that is perfect for anyone getting into Vlogging with a smartphone. Also with a weight of only 0.3 ounces and dimensions of 8.2 x 5.2 x 2 inches. Its perfect for chucking in the bag or even your back pocket. Despite its minor flaws, this really is one of the best Vlogging tripods for smartphones.
5. Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head Studio Tripod
Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head Studio Tripod Specifications
Weight: 7.9 lb (3.6 kg)
Collapsed Height: 27.6″ (70.1 cm)
Extended Height: 59.0″ (150 cm)
Maximum Load: 8.8 lb (4 kg)
Price: Click here to find the latest price
Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head Studio Tripod Review
The great thing about YouTube and Vlogging is that there is no shortage of content for almost any category. Some of my favourite YouTube/Vlog channels are Kai W and Peter McKinnon who mainly focus on photography.
For these guys, a GorillaPod wouldn’t be best suited as they are mainly shooting in a studio where a traditional tripod is best suited. So maybe you’re in the same boat but wondering what would be the best all rounder studio tripod for a YouTuber?
Setting up this Magnus VT-400 was very straight forward and there were no surprises. With this product manufactured with iodised aluminium, the stability was very impressive. While the tripod extends to to 59″ a few extra inches would have been appreciated. But for studio work it was sufficient.
What i really cared about with this tripod was the fluid head movement and whether or not it can deliver fluid pans and smooth tilts.
Final thoughts
Doing forward and backward tilts also gave me a similar result using fixed counter-balance sprint set to 3.3 lbs. Despite its shortcomings, this tripod still delivers extremely well and is worth it for the amount of money saved. Overall this is a standout product and easily earned a spot in our best Vlogging tripods list.
Hopefully this guide has steered you in the right direction in finding the best tripod for your needs. If you want to learn more you can check out these useful resources below to help you get started.
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