Love to do food photography? You will get surely agree on the thing that a perfect food photograph is quite enough to initiate the carving.
It’s just about a few perfect pictures and the sales of your restaurant will be on the top. But is that so easy to perform?
I mean to say that food and photography are two different things and if not done properly can ruin the impacts as well.
You need to take care of perfect angles and most probably the overhead shots.
It would be difficult to carry out your camera over the food to capture a perfect click. Movements can anytime ruin it.
To make it easier for the users, we have come up here with the best tripods for overhead shots options.
Contents
- 9 Best Tripods for Overhead Shots & Food Photography
- 1. Neewer Tripod Monopod with Rotatable Center Column
- 2. K&F Concept TM2515T Aluminum DSLR Camera Tripod
- 3. Zomei M8 75 inch Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head
- 4. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Aluminum Tripod Legs
- 5. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod Kit
- 6. Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit with Horizontal Column and 3-Way Head
- 7. Manfrotto Befree Ball Head Tripod Kit
- 8. Vivitar Horizontal Arm Professional Camera Tripod & Monopod
- 9. Tycka Tripod Boom Arm
- How to Choose the Best Tripod for Overhead Shots & Food Photography
- Stability
- Body
- Payload
- Height
- Centre Column Orientation
- Ball joint or head
- Spirit
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is overhead tripod?
- How do you take overhead shots with a tripod?
- Do you need a tripod for food photography?
- Which tripod is best for food photography?
- What is the need of carrying a tripod stand for capturing overhead shots?
- Is the best tripod for overhead shots an expensive option?
- Is tripod stand for overhead shots difficult to port?
9 Best Tripods for Overhead Shots & Food Photography
1. Neewer Tripod Monopod with Rotatable Center Column
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| | NEEWER Camera Tripod Monopod with Rotatable Center Column for... | 1,102 Reviews | Check Price |
It would be quite unfair if we do not add Neewer Tripod Monopod with Rotatable Center Column in the list of the best tripod for overhead shots.
It is one of the finest options being present in the market that can easily withstand the weight of about 26lbs on it. In short, you can now easily make use of this wonderful tool for using various camera and lens options.
It is a convertible tripod stand that offers versatility over a wide range of functions. Coming up with built-in panoramic markings on the underside of ball and socket head, you can make use of this wonderful tool for capturing some amazing panoramic shots.
If we talk about its construction, it is an aluminum tripod stand that offers you durable usability over a wide range of operations.
It is one of the lightweight options that you can conveniently carry along with you whenever required. Providing you with the facility of capturing some amazing overhead shots, you can easily extend this wonderful tool up to 75 inches overall.
Adding more into its features, the center column is also there to adjust and mount it upside down to enjoy various wonderful low angle shots.
Versatility is one of the most amazing features this tool offers to the users. It is not only a tripod stand but in fact, you can easily use it as a monopod as well with the help of a removable leg.
The presence of leg locks twisted knobs is the feature that makes it quite easier to enjoy multi-angle positioning very conveniently. So we can say that best tripod for overhead food photography and it comes at the best price, means good value for money.
Neewer Tripod Monopod Review
Pros
- Rotatable center column for fine shots
- Quite cheap and value for money option
- Lightweight and easy portable construction
- 75 inches maximum height
- Versatility of operations
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Non-removable screws
- The leg angle locks are quite hard to unlatch
2. K&F Concept TM2515T Aluminum DSLR Camera Tripod
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| | K&F Concept 67 inch Camera Tripod Horizontal Aluminum Tripods Portable... | 1,004 Reviews | Check Price |
Aluminum alloy travel tripod with ball head.
Max. Tripod Height (column extended): 170cm
Min. Height (picked up for transport): 43cm Invertible
Max. Height without extended center column: 136cm
Column: Yes
Decentrable column: Yes
Leg sections: 5 Sections
Lock: screw type Leg
Angles: 3 angles ( approx. 25º, 60º, 90º)
Load capacity: 6-8kg (10kg according to manufacturer’s documentation)
Net Weight: 1.6 kg (including head)
Convertible into monopod: Yes
It is a light version of the K&F Concept TM2534T, which maintains its main characteristics:
- 2-section telescopic column
- Inner column can be positioned horizontally
- Tripod can be converted to monopod
- The outer column can be reversed
The TM2515T is a 5-section tripod, primarily intended for travel, to fold the tripod into as small a transport position as possible.
In that transport position it measures about 43cm.
The legs are made of aluminum-magnesium alloy.
The blocking of the sections is by means of a thread system.
The legs are independent, each of them can be placed in one of the three tilting positions.
The column includes a hook at the bottom to add extra weight.
The included ball head has an internal diameter of 28mm. The ball is made of aluminum alloy and the friction system is by means of a resistant plastic internal clamp. The patella is locked by means of a lever located on the side.
The head includes a 360º turning mechanism (for panoramas for example) that allows a very smooth turn. The twist lock is carried out by means of a lateral screw located at the base.
The quick release shoe is compatible with the Arca Swiss system (universal standard) with which we can use any plate compatible with this system (third-party shoes, L-bracket, etc.)
The upper part of the head includes a spirit level.
The tripod can be converted to a monopod . One of the legs can be unscrewed and is attached to the central column or the head depending on the configuration that interests us most.
The monopod can reach a height of 176cm.
K&F Concept TM2515T Aluminum DSLR Camera Tripod Review
Opinions / rating
We must always bear in mind that if we choose a travel tripod (small and light) we are sacrificing other characteristics: stability above all.
With the K&F Concept TM2515T we have basically all the features of the other tripods with a decentralized column (TM2534T, SA254T1…) but in a smaller and lighter format.
It seems to me a very complete and very compact tripod.
Perhaps the only downside from my point of view is that it tries to cover many characteristics or many situations. I personally prefer to have a bigger tripod for certain situations (where I want stability) and a simpler travel tripod just for that, for traveling.
But logically each user has their preferences and specific needs. And this TM2515T offers an ‘all in one’ that is very attractive.
3. Zomei M8 75 inch Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head
Coming up with the next in the section Zomei M8 75 inch Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head is the perfect model to capture some amazing food photographs and the best tripod for overhead shots.
It is an aluminum and magnesium alloy tripod that offers a durable usage over a wide range of functions. If you are looking for a tripod stand with some extra height advantage, it is just the right option to grab in.
Coming up with a very sturdy size that can be easily extended up to about 75 inches including supplied ball and socket head, it is the perfect camera tripod stand option to capture overhead shots very conveniently.
Storage and portability are one of the two major attributes that impart in the success of a particular product. Coming up in a very compact design and size, users are free to collapse and fold it when not in use for convenient storage and transfer.
In short, we can also say that you can now easily carry this tripod along with you at various locations of photoshoots as it is the best tripod for food photography. Each leg of this tripod stand is being parted into four sections that offer it the flexibility over packaging.
Adding more into the features, the center column is also there in a horizontal position that makes it an amazing solution to perform a variety of tasks very conveniently.
The ball and socket head being involved here is quite sturdy and you can easily use and manage it as per their preferences. You can now easily capture some beautiful pictures instantly without making any extra efforts for those.
Zomei M8 Travel Tripod Review
Pros
- Lightweight option
- 72 inches adjustable height
- Compact design and size
- Central column anti-shock mechanism
- Quick flip leg locks
Cons
- Poor release plate setup for ball heads
- Ball heads wear off quickly
4. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Aluminum Tripod Legs
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| | Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Aluminum Tripod for Sony, Nikon, Canon DSLR... | 251 Reviews | Check Price |
Coming up with the very first name in the list Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Aluminum Tripod Legs is one of the finest options that suits well to the need of both amateurs and serious enthusiasts.
You can read our Vanguard Alta Pro 26AT review.
It is one of the leading tripod stands in the market that is supposed to provide a good price deal without compromising with the quality.
Coming up with a convertible center column you can easily extend the height of your camera in both the directions i.e. horizontally and vertically as well.
The tripod stand is well designed to hold and support the majority of camera brands and models hassle-free.
You can now easily use any of your DSLR cameras on this aluminum constructed tripod stand. As the construction material is aluminum, the product is not supposed to be too heavy and can be easily carried along even on longer trips as well.
Adding more into its feature rubber grip is also there at the feet of this tripod stand that offers a better grip on various platforms. The product is supposed to provide multi-angle leg positioning and hence you can easily use it for various events.
The presence of sturdy flip locks on the legs is one additional thing that ensures users about perfect locking of legs while usage.
If we talk about its height, it can be easily adjusted between 590 mm to 1500 mm which means that you can easily use it for a wide range of operations without having any issues.
The presence of a stop-n-lock mechanism is one of the best things you can use for secure repositioning of the central column in just one movement only.
You just have to spend a few seconds of yours to set up and stabilize your tripod on various grounds.
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Tripod Review
Pros
- Central column anti-shock mechanism
- The lightweight and easily portable option
- Quick flip leg locks
- Panhead ergonomic handle
- Easy adjustable on uneven grounds as well
Cons
- No involvement of the fluid head
- Start bubbling while using heavy lenses and camera equipment
- Poor loading capacity
- Offers restricted movements for panning
5. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod Kit
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| | Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod Kit,Black | 1,500 Reviews | Check Price |
One of the best-selling tripods for being one of the most complete and reliable on the market for the price it has.
It includes ball bearing ball bearing in the position you want with smooth and precise movement.
Central column configurable from 0 to 180o and swivel, with a measurement of 55 cm including the ball joint and shoe. The 3 legs fit all types of terrain at angles of 25, 50 and 80o and are divided into 3 sections.
It reaches a maximum height of 174 cm with the central column extended and 72.5 cm of minimum height. Capable of carrying a maximum of 6 kg, perfect for heavy SLR cameras and telephoto lenses.
Carrying bag included in the box. Something that is appreciated, since other brands usually sell it apart at exorbitant prices (Manfrotto), is also very comfortable.
It has a weight of 2.6 kg. It has a level of bubbles in the chassis.
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod Review
6. Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit with Horizontal Column and 3-Way Head
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| | Manfrotto 055 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Head | 794 Reviews | Check Price |
This Manfrotto tripod is built of aluminum and is one of the most robust models capable of supporting up to 8 kg. Its price is higher than that of other models because it includes a professional kneecap Manfrotto 3D MHXPRO-3W.
It is available without a kneecap at a much cheaper price with which you can mount the patella that best suits your needs.
Supports 8 kg weight even with the center column placed at 90o. Its legs can be configured in up to 4 different angles to place it in any position.
Maximum height of 183 cm with extended column, 155 cm without column and minimum of 9 cm, perfect for macro photography.
Weighs 3.5 kg one of the heaviest, something to consider when transporting it although that weight makes it one of the most reliable and stable.
3D ball joint with folding controls included. Easy Link connector designed to attach accessories such as flashes or reflectors.
Manfrotto 055 Tripod & 3 Way Pan/Tilt Head Review
7. Manfrotto Befree Ball Head Tripod Kit
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 | Manfrotto Befree Advanced Lever 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod with... | 625 Reviews | Check Price |
Thanks to its solid construction and design, this equipment provides excellent stability to your camera for taking pictures or making video recordings. It also has an adjustable height of up to 144 cm, which can be retracted to be conveniently stored in your backpack.
Despite being an expensive model, it is a favorable investment thanks to the solidity and robustness of its design, which guarantees stability.
Every professional photographer should have his photography equipment to get the best shots without missing a single detail. This excellent tripod could be the ideal complement for your camera. Its main advantage is its functional design, which gives you great stability, load capacity and portability.
Some users have left their comments on the net where they point out that the legs of this tripod are not equipped with a locking system that allows them to be separated and kept in this way.
However, you can easily stabilize manually. The good thing is that its score is high and the people who have bought it have shown their satisfaction and endorse its quality and resistance.
Considered by users as one of the most versatile tripods today. It is backed by the renowned Manfrotto brand, synonymous with quality. It is a light, portable tripod, but at the same time robust and resistant. The ideal companion for your camera on your travels and adventures.
8. Vivitar Horizontal Arm Professional Camera Tripod & Monopod
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 | Vivitar VIV-MPT-700B 67-Inch Monopod (Black) | 5 Reviews | Check Price |
Coming up with another wonderful tripod for overhead shots option, Vivitar Horizontal Arm Professional Camera Tripod and Monopod is a wonderful performer that you can use for performing multiple tasks.
It is one of the most famous brands among the photographers that have carried on its tradition of quality at the best value of the price. It is an aluminum constructed tripod stand that just weights about 3.5 lbs total.
It means that you can easily carry it along with you on your various trips. Moreover, the tool is perfectly being prepared to carry out a weight maximum of about 15.5 lbs. It means that you can easily adjust different cameras and lens sizes on it.
Easily extendable about 67” along with ball and socket head, this tripod stand is a perfect option to capture overhead and panorama shots. If you want to carry this device as a monopod, you can easily remove the tripod leg attached to the center column.
The center column has been extended horizontally, so applying a counterweight would prove to be quite beneficial for you.
If you are looking for a perfect tripod stand for the studio, it is a great option with a shorter center column in a horizontal position.
Pros
- 67-inch maximum height
- The lightweight and easily portable option
- Quick flip leg locks
- Compact design and size
- Central column anti-shock mechanism
Cons
- Not suited for heavier camera and lens options
- Sticky options
- Construction is non-durable
9. Tycka Tripod Boom Arm
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 | Tycka Tripod Boom (12”6 Length, Capacity of 5kg), Camera Extension... | 13 Reviews | Check Price |
If you are already satisfied with your tripod and interested in improving your food photography experience especially with the overhead shots, Tycka Tripod Boom Arm is a very comfortable option to choose on.
It is a fully adjustable tripod boom that is well designed to support maximum camera and lenses from various brands.
It gets very easy to capture some amazing food photographs with the help of easy fully vertical and horizontal adjustable sources.
You can now easily adjust your camera settings to your preferred height and angle hassle-free. Adding up into it more, the presence of bubble level makes it easy to adjust the angle height very precisely.
Lightweight construction maximized camera and lens support, what else can you expect beyond that.
This 1.1 lbs tripod camera extension arm is an excellent option to choose for the studio, outdoor and macro photography options. If we talk about the installation process, it is quite easy and simple to assume.
It will hardly take your few seconds to set your camera on it hassle-free. So keep a new vision to the food photography and capture some amazing overhead shots easily.
Pros
- Stronger buildup, durable construction
- Sturdy tripod stands for various camera and lens option
- Lightweight and easy to port option
Cons
- Difficult to manage adjustable center column
- Tough to handle the installation
How to Choose the Best Tripod for Overhead Shots & Food Photography
The purchasing process of the best tripods for overhead shots & food photography gets very confusing for the first time users. It gets quite obvious to get confused with the so many options being present there in various sizes and budgets. Here are some tips that you need to keep in mind while performing the purchasing process.
What kind of tripod is better?
Although all tripods share the principle of holding the camera, there are differences between one model and another because each one has different characteristics. The price can vary a lot from one to another, so we recommend that, before asking how much it costs, you review the product specifications well.
There are basically two types of tripod depending on the material. Aluminum tripods, which are usually cheaper, but very stable because they weigh more, so they are ideal for harsh environments, you just have to carry a little more weight.
Carbon tripods are lighter, but they are also more expensive. These are ideal to carry around without getting so tired, but they are not very functional to carry large and heavy cameras. Regardless of the type of tripod you choose, note the following:
Stability
Camera shaking is one of the most common problems we usually face. Try to choose the one without spikes so that you can effortlessly use it indoors.
We will prefer you to select the tripod stand with rubber feet to enjoy some fine photography shots. It will not only reduce the camera shocking but also enables it to keep the camera rock solid.
Body
The tripod legs and the vertically moving center column correspond to the tripod body. Make sure it is a quality material and a structure according to the weight of your camera. The height it can reach also depends on the size of the tripod body, so we recommend that you review these measurements.
The legs must be able to be locked at different heights and this lock can be screwed or flanged, a feature that will depend on your preferences because both mechanisms can be very safe.
Payload
Payload options is another wonderful feature to look in. You need to make sure that the tripod stand you are going to use is quite capable of holding up your camera and lens properly. So don’t forget to look forward to your gears first before buying a tripod stand for overhead shots.
Height
If you are looking for a tripod stand for overhead shots, it must have maximum height. Having a tripod stand with adjustable legs and height along with adjustable central column will going to be a great idea to go on.
Centre Column Orientation
If you are willing to capture some amazing food pictures, you need to look forward to the tripod stand with the adjustable center column.
Whether it is about adjusting the height of your camera or it is about adjusting the camera angle, it is the only source that can make everything easier for you.
Ball joint or head
The head is where we put the camera and it has handles with which we adjust the framing or some camera movement while recording. It is advisable to purchase a tripod with an interchangeable head because the fixed heads make you have to change the entire tripod, with the production disadvantages that this entails. Also check that the ball joint can be used for a video camera and a photograph at the same time, that will allow you greater versatility.
Shoe
It is the small square piece that is screwed onto the camera to attach it to the tripod. Make sure it has a simple and standard mechanism, as its function is to provide the fastest and most practical way to put and remove the camera on the tripod so you do not have to screw it in each time.
Spirit
The level of spirit of bubble level is another most important thing to look forward while looking for a tripod stand for food photography. The spirit level ensures users to have straight and well-leveled shooting experience.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is overhead tripod?
Overhead Tripods are the tripods which are specifically made for overhead shots, you can also call them top down tripod, with adjustable height and arm length, and are made to support heavy weights to hold the camera overhead.
How do you take overhead shots with a tripod?
Set up you tripod according to you needed height, above the shooting subject. Make sure there is enough stability (most important) and then finally take the shot.
Do you need a tripod for food photography?
If you need the best overhead shots for food photography then yes you need a tripod which can take overhead shots. It will help us get more sharp and stable images.
Which tripod is best for food photography?
There are many options available in the market, some of the best brands for overhead tripods for food photography are available from companies like Neewer, Vanguard, Manfrotto, K&F Concept, ZOMEi etc.
What is the need of carrying a tripod stand for capturing overhead shots?
Camera shaking can affect any photography experience, to avoid such situations, you need to make use of tripod stand for capturing overhead shots.
The tripod stands not only offer you the ease of height adjustment but also makes it easier to adjust the camera angle as well.
Is the best tripod for overhead shots an expensive option?
Every tool comes up with a certain price tag that depends upon its features and users. If we talk about tripod stand for overhead shots, it is expensive but not so higher that no one could reach it. You can easily find different budget options in the marketplace, just choose the one as per your preferences.
Is tripod stand for overhead shots difficult to port?
No, most of the tripod stand for overhead options come up in compact and easily adjustable legs. You can easily adjust the height and angle of the legs as per your preferences.
If you need tips for food photography then read this 99 Food Photography Tips. And also if you’re confused and looking for some examples of some food photography shots, do check out these food photography examples. Although you may find a lot on Instagram.
Other than food photography, if you are interested in vlogging then you should check out the best tripods for vlogging. For GoPro owners should check out Best Tripods for GoPro. If you love to travel then here’s the review of the best travel tripod, check out Feisol Ct 3441sb Review.
Other tripod reviews you should check out –
- Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Review and Price
- Manfrotto BeFree Compact Aluminum Travel Tripod Review
- Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Review
- Feisol Ct 3441sb Review – Feisol Tripod Review
- Best Tripods for Overhead Shots & Food Photography
- Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Review
- Top 10 Best Vlogging Tripods for Vloggers
- Best GoPro Tripods: Reviews & Buying Guide
- AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod Review
- The Best Tripod for Canon Cameras
- Best Tripod for Nikon Cameras
- Best Tripods under $200 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
