Vlogging is one of the 21st century’s most weird and wonderful inventions. The phenomenon has exploded in popularity over the past decade. The growing ubiquity of smartphones, affordable cameras, and YouTubers around the world means that more people than ever are sharing their everyday with the world. Looking for the best tripod for vlogging?
You’re in the right place. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore our top picks in 2021. The nature of video blogging calls for a slightly different kind of tripod than our typical reviews. If you’re unsure what you should be looking out for, check out our tips below.
How to Spot a Good Tripod for Vlogging – Things to Consider
The kind of content you create will determine the type of tripod that works best for you. When it comes to vlogging, there are a number of things to keep in mind when shopping. In this section, we’ll run through some of the main things to consider when finding your new accessory.
The more you know about this kind of tripod, the easier it will be to find one that works for you.
Handheld Features
If you go for the classic out-and-about style vlog that first cropped up several years ago, you should probably get a tripod that doubles as a selfie-stick. The ability to vlog in ‘handheld mode’ can make it much easier to get the shot you need.
Good vlogging tripods are usually a breeze to set up and make it simple to operate your camera with just one hand. Keep your eyes peeled for these features when shopping.
Durability & Weatherproofing
Keeping the discussion outdoors for the time being, it’s worth thinking about how weatherproof you need your new tripod to be. If you do a lot of nature vlogs, for example, you’ll need an accessory that can stand up to the elements.
Durability is another important factor. There’s no point buying a product if it’s just going to break down on you after a few weeks. A good tripod will serve you well for many years to come. Don’t settle for less!
Ease of Use
As a general rule, you’ll want a tripod that keeps things as effortless as possible. Vlogging is a fairly impromptu, ‘ad hoc’ artform. For this reason, you’ll need a tool that can be up and running almost immediately.
Unless you have a specific reason to opt for more pro-grade features, it’s best to avoid options that take ages to set up.
Height
This is a big one that many newbies overlook. The maximum and minimum heights of your tripod should be some of the first stats you consider. Your preference here will come from the type of vlogs you tend to record.
Think about the type of videos you usually create for your vlogs. Are you usually sitting? Standing? Walking about? The answers to these questions should help you decide which height ranges will work best for you.
Price
This all comes down to your own budget and the current size of your channel. If you’re already raking it in on every vlog you post, you can probably afford to pick up a super premium model.
If you’re just starting out, however, there’s no need to break the bank on a purchase like this. There are plenty of excellent tripods for vlogging that cost well under $100. Our advice is to start small and then branch out later if you feel you need to.
Compatibility
Most tripods use a universal threaded stud that works with most camera bases and accessories. That said, it’s worth double-checking that any product you consider will work with your camera.
Remember that if you film with a smartphone, you might need to pick up an extra smartphone mount or clip for things to work properly.
Accessory Support
With compatibility in mind, we wanted to briefly touch on accessory support. Some tripods out there come with built-in mounting options for microphones, lights, and other modular upgrades.
These can really improve the final result of your vlogs and are worth considering if you can afford them.
Your Vlogging Style
We’ve touched on this already but it bears repeating. Your starting point for this kind of purchase should be to think about the kind of vlogger you are. If you vlog from your bedroom, all you need is a super simple tabletop tripod.
If you walk around for your videos, you’ll need to consider something a little more versatile. It all comes down to the type of creator you are.
Camera Weight
Double-check the weight capacity for any tripod you’re considering. It’s very common for people to set up their new accessory, attach their camera, and then watch it topple to the ground!
Best Tripod for Vlogging – Our Top Picks
Right, let’s get into it! The recommendations below are some of the best vlogging tripods available online in 2021. We’ve tried to source options for a broad variety of use cases and price points so there should be something for everyone here.
What We’ve Considered for these Vlogging Tripods
We want to be a review site you can trust. If it’s featured in our reviews, we genuinely believe it’s worth your time and money. We consider the following when making product recommendations:
- Online reception/ reviews
- Feature sets
- Price
- Durability
- Reliability
- Compatibility
- Availability
- Much more
UBeesize Phone Tripod
First up is this very reasonably priced model from UBeesize. This brand has made waves on sites like Amazon in recent years thanks to its impressive line of affordable, effective camera accessories. This ultra-portable tripod certainly stays true to the family name.
If you move around a lot for your vlogging content, this is a great option in our opinion. At just 150 grams, you won’t think twice about bringing this thing along with you. Its flexible legs are very easy to reposition and seem to come with a fair bit of durability.
One thing to keep in mind about this vlogging accessory is that it’s designed to sit on top of raised surfaces and can’t extend very high. If you need a more traditional setup, this probably isn’t the way to go.
One thing that really stands out to us about this model is that it comes with a universal smartphone clip and a wireless remote. Considering the $16.00 asking price, this is a remarkable amount of value if you ask us.
For super-portable, smartphone vlogging that takes seconds to set up, it’s tough to go wrong with this one.
Who Should Buy it:
- Vloggers who move around a lot
- Those who don’t mind the smaller format
- People on a budget (it’s super affordable)
- Newcomers to vlogging
Who Should Avoid it:
- Those who need a more traditional tripod
- People who want an adjustable height
Mactrem Professional Camera Tripod with Phone Mount
If you’re looking for something that can cover all bases, this is a pretty foolproof option. Mactrem has packed a whole lot of versatility into what manages to stay a fairly affordable package.
For around $80, you get a fully adjustable height mechanism that moves between 17.5”and 62.5”, a buttery-smooth 360 degree swivel ball head, and a fantastic overall build quality. This is the way to go if you want full control over your vlogs.
Another reason that we’ve included this option from Mactrem is that it also doubles as a monopod for when you’re shooting on-the-go. This can be super useful for impromptu selfie shots or hiking videos.
As mentioned at the top of this review, any tripod you consider should be very easy to adjust, set up, and take down. The good news here is that this tripod is an absolute joy to work with. The leg mechanisms, swivel head, and mounts are all very easy to tweak. Your vlogging is about to feel effortless!
With a max load of up to 33lbs, this product can handle basically any camera you care to throw at it. It gets a huge thumbs up from us.
Who Should Buy it:
- Vloggers who need maximum versatility
- People who also need an excellent all-rounder tripod
- Those who like to shoot on-the-go (the monopod function works great)
- Vloggers who work quickly
Who Should Avoid it:
- Those on a budget
- Bedroom vloggers
Joby JB01507 GorillaPod 3K Kit
In the past few years, this style of ‘octopus leg’ tripod has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. They offer whole new levels of versatility that many traditional tripods just can’t compete with. If it’s a solid object, these accessories can probably cling to it.
For vloggers, this design feature can be a breath of fresh air. The ability to attach your tripod to just about anything can help you spend your time and energy on more important things. This particular model from Joby gets a lot of things right.
Its 360 degree swivel head is remarkably precise and can be adjusted very easily. One thing we love about the JB01507 is its modular design philosophy. It works seamlessly with the company’s broad range of video and photography accessories.
Anything from microphones to additional lighting upgrades can be bought in a handy ‘plug-and-play’ format. If you’re looking to take your outdoor vlogs to the next level, this is a great way to go in our opinion.
The 6.6lbs weight limit of this tripod should be more than enough for most vlogging cameras. Just remember that this product can’t reach particularly high. If you want to shoot from a higher angle, you’ll have to attach it to a suitable vantage point.
Who Should Buy it:
- Vloggers who need a modular, super versatile tripod
- People who record across many different locations, especially outdoors
- Those who value a speedy setup time
- Newbies
Who Should Avoid it:
- People who need an adjustable height
- At-home vloggers (cheaper options out there)
UBeesize 12’’ Ring Light with Tripod
Another excellent option from UBeesize, this time with a handy built-in ring light. If you record a lot of vlog or beauty content from home, this could be a welcome addition to your collection. The asking price of around $35 is also very reasonable considering that this is a 2-in-1 solution.
240 LEDs all work in tandem to kick out plenty of warm, bright light for your videos. They’re driven by 20W of power which should be more than enough for most requirements.
One thing that can be disappointing about some amazon ring lights is their lack of versatility. Not so with this option. You’ll have 5 color temperatures and 10 brightness settings to choose from. You’ll be able to tweak your vlogs to your heart’s content.
So how good is the actual tripod on this model? Fortunately, it’s every bit as useful as the other killer options on this list. It can extend up to 67 inches tall and features a satisfyingly stable base when compared to equivalent models in this price range.
The inclusion of a selfie-stick mode is also great to see here. We’re blown away by the level of flexibility on offer with this tripod. We’d usually expect an asking price significantly higher.
Who Should Buy it:
- Bedroom vloggers
- Beauty content makers
- Those who need a sturdy, adjustable tripod
- Bargain hunters
Who Should Avoid it:
- Vloggers who need portability
Ulanzi MT-16 Camera Tripod Mini Tabletop Tripod Selfie Stick
Not every vlogger needs an ultra-versatile premium tripod. For many of us, the simpler solutions often work best. This is certainly the case with the MT-16. Depending on your circumstances, it might just be your new favorite vlogging accessory.
If you create most of your content from one or two rooms in your home, the tabletop design of this tripod will be more than enough. The sturdy base feet are remarkably simple to set up and will be plenty durable for simple video creation.
Don’t go thinking that Ulanzi has built a one-trick pony here. The MT-16 also doubles as a very effective selfie stick for those times when you want to take your camera with you on the go.
For those who want to take things one step further, the company also offers optional microphone and lighting upgrades that clip seamlessly onto your tripod’s body. Considering the minimalist design of this one, it still packs a whole lot of punch!
With great durability, a reasonable asking price, and a design that was built from the ground up for vloggers everywhere, we’re big fans of this one.
Who Should Buy it:
- Indoor vloggers with simple requirements
- Those who need an occasional selfie stick
- People on a budget
Who Should Avoid it:
- Those looking for a more traditional approach
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit with Hybrid Head
If you’ve never worked with a manfrotto tripod before, you’re in for a real treat. The company has reached legendary status in the world of camera and videography equipment. This particular tripod offers spectacular versatility, durability, and performance at a very reasonable price.
If you’re a vlogger who’s constantly changing their shooting angle and camera setup, a product like this is a great way to go. With a height range of 17.32 – 61.02 inches, you should have more than enough wiggle room to get the shot you need.
One of the things that sets Manfrotto apart as a brand is how easy it is to work with their products. Every aspect of adjusting this tripod is an absolute pleasure. The leg mechanisms, ball head, and everything else can all be tweaked to your heart’s content.
We think this product would be a perfect fit for vloggers using a more pro-grade setup with either a DSLR or mirrorless camera. The 3.3lbs weight limit will be able to handle all but the bulkiest of shooting setups.
While it might not be the most portable option on this list, it’s an absolute steal if you’re looking for long-term versatility.
Who Should Buy it:
- Professional vloggers who need premium performance
- Those who hate long setup times
- Photography enthusiasts and videographers
Who Should Avoid it:
- Newbies
- Those on a budget
Vlogging Tripods – Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve found the recommendations on this page useful. Remember that the best tripod for vlogging is going to look a little different for everyone. The type of content you produce most regularly will determine the product that fits best with your workflow.
If you’re unsure, our advice is to start small and branch out later if you need to. There’s no point splashing out on an expensive pro-grade tripod if all you really need is a simple countertop solution!
Use our buyer’s guide and recommendations above to help you get started on your search. Whichever tripod you choose, we hope it serves you well as you grow your audience!
