The best video tripods are an essential accessory for any serious video shooter or content creator – and they aren’t necessarily the same as the best tripods for photography. Whereas photo tripods are all about rock-solid stillness, good tripods for video should be able to facilitate smooth movement of the camera, enabling tracking shots and panning.
This is why the best video tripod isn’t just a set of legs, but also needs to include a smooth fluid head, which will allow the operator to manipulate and move the camera in ways that feel natural to the viewer. The tripod also needs to be capable of supporting a decent amount of kit, since video setups tend to be heavier than photography ones – not just due to the heavier cameras, but also given the need for extra mounted accessories like monitors and microphones.
Video tripods can get quite pricey in the professional realm – but there are plenty of affordable options as well as the high-end tripods. We’ve included a mixture in this guide, to ensure there’s a great video tripod here for you. If you’re still building your video setup, you may also want to check out our guides to the best cameras for video and the best camera bags for filmmakers.
Our top picks
Pros:
- Strong carbon fibre construction
- Suited to video and photography
- Smooth panning head
Cons:
- Still a little bulky when folded down
As more and more content creators are expected to supply both video and photography these days, it can be a good idea to invest in a tripod that’s well-suited to both. The SmallRig FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fibre Tripod Kit is just that — constructed from strong carbon fibre, it can support plenty of kit (up to 10kg of weight), with spiked feet and individual leg locks that allow it to be positioned with ease on rough surfaces.
The head supports smooth panning movement, but can also be locked securely in place when required. An adjustable central column makes it easy to vary the height of your shots, and there’s also the option to remove a leg and convert it to a monopod. Plus, this may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, but any travelling videographer or vlogger will appreciate that the tripod comes with its own carry-bag for easy transportation. At a reasonable price, this is an ideal tripod for the solo or small-crew video shooter and if you already have the head, you can buy just the legs for a great price.
Pros:
- Head delivers smooth pan and tilt movements
- Maximum height of 181cm for elevated perspectives
Cons:
- Carbon fibre is more expensive than aluminium
- Head has max 5kg payload
When it comes to tripods, you can’t go wrong with Manfrotto, and the Manfrotto ONE Carbon Fibre Hybrid Tripod with 500X Fluid Head is a superb combination for video shooters. This full-size professional tripod is fast-deploying thanks to the XTEND system which is capable of deploying all leg sections at once. It also extends to an impressive maximum height of 181cm, while closing down to just 81cm for easy transportation. If you need a low angle, it can get down to just 29.3cm, and the removable rubber feet can be swapped for spikes for outdoor grip.
Constructed from rigid, lightweight carbon fibre, the Manfrotto ONE Carbon Fibre Hybrid Tripod is a sturdy option for supporting a hefty video rig. The 500X Fluid Head supports up to 5kg of kit for smooth pan and tilt movements and the Xchange quick release enables quick and easy head and accessory swaps.
Pros:
- Ultra-affordable and travel-friendly
- Weighs just 2.53kg
- Manfrotto snap-on quick-release plate
Cons:
- Lower payload capacity than others (rated to 3-6kg)
If you’re on a shoestring budget, the SmallRig Video Tripod Kit CT210 is a great choice. Available for a wallet-friendly price, it still delivers a solid level of support for up to 6kg of camera kit, and comes with a fluid head that includes a Manfrotto snap-on quick-release plate for easy camera mounting. It’s constructed from aluminium and weighs just 2.53kg, so you can take it on your travels without worrying about it weighing you down too much.
The adjustable central column can be reversed for low-to-the-ground shooting, and one of the legs can be removed and converted into a monopod if necessary. If you do some of your shooting on a phone, the SmallRig Video Tripod Kit CT210 also comes packaged with its own smartphone holder, as well as a carrying bag for transportation and a weight to hang for extra stability.
Pros:
- Ultra-rapid deployment
- Amazing durability and longevity
- Durable, lightweight and strong
Cons:
- Professional price
Professional videographers and serious filmmakers need the best of the best in all aspects of their gear, and video tripods are no exception. The Sachtler Flowtech 75 MS Carbon Fibre Video Tripod is a professional-grade tripod designed for such a user. Its rapid deploy system allows it to go from folded to fully set up within seconds. With the versatile hinge locks, you can take the tripod quickly down to its minimum height of 26cm or up to its maximum height of 153cm, and the payload rating of up to 20kg means it can support video rigs of all configurations.
A quick attach/release foot mechanism makes it easy to swap from spiked feet to rubber feet as the situation requires. It’s priced for professionals rather than hobbyists, but if you need top-end quality then Sachtler is one of the best choices you can make in video accessories.
Pros:
- 75mm bowl is widely compatible
- Well-engineered counterbalance system
- Touch-illuminated bubble level
Cons:
- Professional price
- 10kg max payload
Another impressive tripod for pros and serious filmmakers, the Camgear Elite 8 MINI CF MS is designed for versatility. With a 360° pan and +90/-75° tilt range, it makes it easy to get the angle you need, while the counterbalance system offers ten levels of tuning for precision and stability. The drag for panning movements can be adjusted depending on how fast or slow you want the movement to be, and there’s also a handy bubble level that can be illuminated with a touch — useful when shooting in low light.
The 10kg payload means the tripod is designed for lightweight to mid-range systems. It sets up quickly, folds down small, and the height range runs from 64cm to 154cm, giving you a good level of flexibility.
FAQs
What should I look for in a video tripod?
When choosing a video tripod, you’ve got to look for stability and smooth panning. You want to look for sturdy construction, adjustable legs, a fluid head for seamless movement, and a good load capacity to support your camera. Quick-release plates and easy height adjustments are also essential.
Why is a fluid head important for video tripods?
A fluid head allows for smooth, controlled movement when filming, which is essential for professional-looking footage. It ensures that pans and tilts are steady without jerky or sudden movements, making it easier to capture cinematic shots.
How tall should my video tripod be?
The ideal height for your video tripod should be adjustable to at least eye level. A tripod that extends beyond your own height gives you flexibility for high-angle shots, but it's equally important that it can collapse to a low level for low-angle filming.
What material is best for video tripods?
Tripods made from aluminium are durable and affordable, while carbon fibre options are lighter but more expensive. The choice depends on whether you prioritise portability or robustness, especially for outdoor filming.
Can I use a photography tripod for video?
While some photography tripods can work for video, they may lack a fluid head, which is essential for smooth camera movement. If you're serious about video production, investing in a dedicated video tripod will provide better results.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography specialists, store staff, and industry partners work together to review our buying guides and advice articles. We also monitor emerging trends and listen closely to customer feedback, ensuring our recommendations stay current and relevant to what photographers and filmmakers are actually looking for.
By carefully curating the products we recommend, our guides are designed to offer clear, trustworthy advice that helps customers choose the right kit with confidence.
If you would like further advice, our contact centre team are here to help. You can also reach us via email or social media. And remember, if you purchase based on our recommendations, your order is covered by our full returns policy.
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