The 10 Best Tripods For Camcorders
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in June of 2019. From thickly padded hand straps to high-tech, in-body stabilization systems, modern camcorders come with a litany of ways to help you steady your shot, but none work as well as the humble tripod. We've reviewed models to suit just about every level of videographer, from parents recording their kids' soccer games to professionals shooting weddings and other once-in-a-lifetime events. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Manfrotto MVH502A Ground System
2. Benro Basic Video
3. Benro S8 Twin
Editor's Notes
September 01, 2020:
With so many viable options on the market, we saw fit to add a pair to this ranking in the Cayer CF2451 and the Sony VCT-VPR1 Compact. Neither was liable to crack a top spot with the likes of Manfrotto and Benro around, but the Sony model is great for people who either mess up shots when they work with a zoom, or who need to be a distance from the camera when running it — perhaps to be in the shot themselves.
Of course, it is important to note that it's only designed to work with Sony cameras and camcorders, even though it's based on a USB connection. That Cayer model was worth mention because you can invert the central column to allow your rig to sit upside down near the ground, eliminating the need to spread its legs out to wide angles that would take up a lot of space. This can be a boon to experimental indie filmmakers or nature photographers looking to get macro shots close to the ground.
We also upgraded the old Neewer model to the Neewer Professional, which addresses the primary problem with its predecessor in swapping out many of its plastic components for aluminum. The downside is that it significantly increases the item's weight, making it a poor choice for shooters carrying their sticks any kind of distance.
June 14, 2019:
While it's true that there are plenty of cheap video tripods out there to match the wide assortment of off-brand camcorders, I wanted to ensure a higher level of quality when creating our ranking. As a result, we've only included models from brands respected in the photography industry, with the Neewer and E-Image models at numbers seven and four respectively riding that line. Vanguard seems to have slipped a little bit in the past few years, as its lineup was originally a draw away from more common companies of the early 21st century like Manfrotto and Slik. They still make a few nice tripods, but the likes of Benro and Manfrotto still hold the top spots for video, mainly due to their high-quality head construction, and particularly when looking at their counterbalance design.
Special Honors
Oberwerk 5000 Series This model comes from a company that builds hardware for astronomical purposes, and while it may be intended for use with astronomy binoculars, it can just as easily be used with a camcorder. Its head moves smoothly, and it boasts a pair of panning handles, making it suitable for use by both lefties and righties. oberwerk.com
4. E-Image EK60AAM Studio
5. Manfrotto Befree Travel
6. Cayer CF2451
7. Neewer Professional
8. Vanguard VEO 2 Pro 233AV
9. Sony VCT-VPR1 Compact
10. Vanguard Espod CX 1OSM
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).