You’re looking for best tripods under $200. Your search ends here. We will then give you a price estimate and provide insight about the best tripod under $200.
Really good and shake-free pictures are only possible with a tripod. It is particularly important with a camera tripod that it is safe and stable. After all, you want to trust him with your expensive camera.
You will find our recommendations for camera tripods and travel tripods under $200 first in a table, then we will present the models in detail.
You can also read our guide about best tripods for overhead shots.
In the general advice you will find out the differences between the tripod models and we will give you tips on purchasing a tripod under $200. Finally, we answer open questions.
Contents
1. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB
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 | Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod with SBH-100 Ball Head for... | 1,725 Reviews | Check Price |
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB stands out from the broad mass of tripods with its incredible flexibility. An always reliable companion for professional use in the photo or video sector.
Flexibility that is second to none
This unmatched flexibility and stability allows more angle adjustments than ever. The innovative, ultra-flexible MACC system (Multi-Angle Central Column) enables the center column to be tilted and fixed to any angle between 0 and 180 degrees.
This makes the tripod suitable for very unusual recordings. Regardless of whether it is about macro photography or special wide-angle shots. With the ISSL system (Swivel Stop-n-Lock), the center column is adjusted at the push of a button and quickly fixed again without losing any of its stability.
Stable and shock-absorbing
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB offers further advantages through optimal vibration and shock absorption. As a result, the camera is perfectly shielded from all external influences.
The tripod legs are fitted with quick-release fasteners, which can be used to adjust the angle at 25, 50 and 80 degrees. A patented premium die-cast base is also included. The hexagonal center column provides additional stability.
Mobile and practical companion
If you grab the tripod and use it on impassable ground, non-slip rubber feet are included on the one hand, and screw-out spikes are included in the scope of delivery on the other.
This means that the tripod really stands on any floor without weakness. In order to finally weigh down the tripod with a counterweight, there is a detachable hook for the camera backpack on the lower tip of the center column.
With the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB you get the fluid-like ball head SBH 100, which can be rotated smoothly and quietly through 360 degrees.
The excellent load-bearing capacity is achieved with the comfortably locking adjustment knobs. Fine adjustment is crucial, especially in the macro area, whereby the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB with the ball head SBH 100 fulfills this purpose extremely well.
Technical description
The center column can be adjusted from 0 to 180 degrees, which of course offers the greatest possible flexibility. The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is one of the most agile tripods on the market.
This is not only reflected in the center column adjustment. The individually adjustable leg angles of 25, 50 and 80 degrees also offer the photographer optimal working conditions.
Of course, a ball head can never achieve the same quality properties that a full-fledged fluid head has, but due to the fuid-like bearing of the ball head, it is of very high quality and runs smoothly.
This advantage is also evident with subtle movements. In addition to its smoothness, this panorama tripod head enables extreme wide-angle shots thanks to its 360 degree rotation.
This tripod is still one of the all-round tripods, which in addition to a large range of functions can also be reasonably light. With a load capacity of 7 kg, the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB also belongs to a very strong group in this regard.
Verdict – Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB
The tripod is relatively light and still offers a whole range of well thought-out applications. The entire package of tripod, tripod head and quick-release plate is available at a price of well under $200.
Macro photographers in particular rave about this tripod, as it is more flexible than almost any other tripod in its class with the individually adjustable center column and the matching leg angles.
2. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon
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 | Manfrotto Befree Advanced Lever 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod with... | 623 Reviews | Check Price |
As a tripod for vacation and hobby photographers, the Manfrotto Befree Carbon is a real recommendation. The low weight and easy operation outweighs everything that other tripods with a smaller pack size offer.
Lightweight, simple and flexible
A lightweight in this category is the Manfrotto Befree with its 1.25 kg and still a maximum working height of 150 cm. The carbon legs of this model can be opened and locked quickly and easily with twist locks.
Tip: On uneven ground, simply hold the tripod at the desired height, open the quick-release fasteners on the tripod legs, the legs slide out, and close the fasteners in the desired position.
In addition to the twist locks on the legs, the Manfrotto Befree offers twist locks on the center column and head. Overall, the Befree Carbon looks very high quality and well made.
Parade discipline of height and weight
The main discipline of the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon is the ratio between height and weight. Therefore, the tripod is ideal for use when hiking and traveling.
In order to achieve the very small pack size of 41 cm, the legs are stowed overhead and lie very close to the head and the quick-change adapter. Very successful and functional, only possible thanks to the ergonomically shaped tripod head.
The 494 ball head is supplied with the tripod, which enables the camera to be aligned smoothly and precisely. Particularly practical: the ball head has an independent panorama lock and friction control.
With a total load capacity of 8 kg, the ball head 494 is a very powerful model. If that’s not enough, however, you can switch to the slightly larger 496 ball head. This model offers a maximum load of up to 10 kg.
Verdict: Manfrotto BeFree Carbon
All in all, the Manfrotto Befree is a smooth and very well made tripod. The ideal companion for any tour outside of the studio. The material carbon brings the big weight advantage.
Although the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Carbon is one of the more expensive models in comparison, it is worth every penny due to its light and high-quality material. Workmanship, pack size and weight tear the tripod into the upper class.
3. Manfrotto Element Traveler Carbon Kit
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 | Manfrotto Element Traveller Small 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with... | 20 Reviews | Check Price |
Does a travel tripod always have to be particularly small? Of course, a small pack size is a great advantage when traveling. The Manfrotto combines a good working height of 164 cm and a small pack size of only 41 cm.
This tripod is an ideal choice, a sturdy tripod that is characterized by reliability, lightness and ease of use.
Large carbon statib
This range of tripods is available in different sizes and materials. Our choice fell on the lightweight carbon tripod with a working height of 164 cm. We see the price / performance ratio particularly well.
Flexible tripod legs
The flexible tripod legs, which can be aligned at different angles, have another plus point. A tripod leg can also be conveniently used as a monopod.
The foam rubber handle, like the rubber feet, provides the necessary hold. The screw-on spikes included in the scope of delivery are also well thought out in order to guarantee a safe stand even in rough terrain.
Macro and ground-level shots
The center column can also be used variably and can be inverted (after unscrewing the hook) to take pictures close to the ground. In terms of color, the tripod is available in different styles. But my tip is the classic black or gray tripod, as bright colors can be a deterrent, especially in animal photography.
Verdict: Manfrotto Element Traveler Carbon Kit
Manfrotto is simply a market participant that is hard to imagine life without. This Traveler tripod made of carbon is also light, compact and yet very robust.
There is also great praise for the 60-month full guarantee for product registration. It’s nice to see that a manufacturer trusts its products and passes this feeling on to the customer.
The tripod is ultimately suitable for everyone who is looking for a lightweight, yet large travel tripod. With the maximum load capacity of 8 kg, the tripod is also represented here in the front seats. Larger camera systems can also be used with this tripod.
4. K&F Concept 62” DSLR Tripod
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 | K&F Concept 64''/162cm DSLR Tripod,Lightweight and Compact Aluminum... | 7,078 Reviews | Check Price |
In addition to the premium manufacturers, there are also cheaper tripods that are located in a lower price segment. The K&F Concept TM2324 belongs to exactly this type of tripod. This is a compact tripod that can be quickly stowed in the backpack, which still does a very good job.
Light and compact
A large and particularly robust tripod is not always the right choice. Such large all-round tripods can be found more in the photo studio. The tripod K&F Concept, with its 1.36 kg and a pack size of just 46 cm, is much more mobile.
The tripod legs can be folded in 180 degrees for transport so that it can also be carried in a backpack. You hardly feel that one kilo more in your backpack.
Despite its compact dimensions when folded, the tripod can be extended to a maximum of 156 cm working height. For people of average height, the attached camera is then at eye level and can be operated without back pain. With a maximum load of 10 kg, the tripod can be used very variably.
Clamp locks on the tripod legs
There has always been a lively discussion in the photography community about the type of locks on the tripod legs. Twist or snap locks? Which variant is really the favorite?
Personally, I find clasp closures, like those of the K&F Concept, very easy to use. Especially with video tripods I am a big fan of it. For photo tripods, I find both variants acceptable. For the tripod described here, the clamps clamp tightly without being too stiff.
Thanks to the now standard angle adjustment buttons, the legs can be adjusted to different angles at the push of a button. On the one hand, you can gain height or, on the other hand, improve stability with wide feet.
Ball head with degree scale
The ball head is equipped with two locking screws. One fixes the 360-degree swivel movement and the other fixes the ball head in the desired position. Here, too, the material feels high-quality.
The rotary motion runs smoothly and smoothly without jerking or squeaking. This enables 360-degree panoramic recordings to be made without any problems. The quick release plate is also included and can easily be screwed onto your camera.
The above mentioned payload of 10 kg sounds great, but only applies to cameras that are perfectly positioned vertically. If the ball head is inclined, such a weight cannot be held. A system or DSLR camera is then enough.
Highlights of the K&F Concept tripod
- Reversible center column for close-to-the-ground and extraordinary shots
- Non-slip rubber feet ensure grip on any surface
- With the help of the spirit level, the image composition works even on uneven ground
- A weight can weigh down the tripod on the hook to ensure greater stability
Verdict – K&F Concept TM2324
Ultimately, the K&F Concept TM2324 is a compact and lightweight tripod that can also be used as a larger travel tripod. Nevertheless, it is high enough to take pictures comfortably standing. This robust and well-made tripod is particularly suitable for smaller DSLR or system cameras.
The tripod gets a little unclean with a correspondingly heavy camera combined with a very high working height. All round a successful and affordable entry-level tripod that really does a lot well and likes to accompany you on trips.
5. GEEKOTO CT25Pro
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 | GEEKOTO 79 inches Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree... | 1,085 Reviews | Check Price |
he manufacturer GEEKOTO is a rapidly growing company that specializes primarily in photo and recording accessories. A giant made of carbon – that describes the GEEKOTO CT25 Pro very well.
We chose this tripod mainly because it has an unbelievable working height of over 200 cm and at the same time promises a lot of stability with a low weight due to the carbon fibers.
In addition, with this model we have an incredibly flexible tripod that offers many possibilities to express yourself creatively.
Stability through carbon fiber
In order to give the tripod the necessary stability despite its size, the company relies on carbon. The material makes the tripod lighter than normal aluminum tripods and still has excellent stability with a load capacity of up to 12 kg.
In addition, carbon is not as temperature-sensitive as aluminum and neither absorbs the extreme cold nor the summer sun.
Flexible tripod
It’s not just the height that makes this tripod so special. An additional mini column is included in the scope of delivery. This makes it possible to take extremely narrow shots at a height of 20 cm.
But the tripod also offers other flexible functions. For example, the center column can be rotated 90 degrees to take particularly creative or portrait photos. In addition, it can be mounted in an intervening manner in order to take photos close to the ground or macro photos.
A tripod leg can be unscrewed from the tripod and used as a monopod. With the inserted central column, this creates an unbelievable maximum working height of 208 cm. This value is by far unique in our comparison.
Tripod legs with twist lock
The tripod legs are divided into three sections and can be fixed with a screw lock to ensure a firm stand. The usual rubber feet are also available and ensure a secure footing on slippery surfaces. The leg angle can also be adjusted to 20, 50 or 80 degrees using clamp fasteners.
Ball head with degree display
As usual with all-round tripods, the GEEKOTO CT25Pro also has a metal ball head. The degree scale is useful for taking clean panoramic images. The head can be swiveled the entire 360 degrees without stopping.
Verdict: GEEKOTO CT25Pro
The GEEKOTO CT25Pro is a very stylish tripod with incredible flexibility. Almost anything is possible, from shots close to the ground up to a height of 2 meters. Thanks to the production of carbon, the tripod weighs a total of just 1.5 kg and is therefore still very mobile.
Conveniently, a tripod bag is included. This makes this model, despite its absolute size, a pleasant companion and not only suitable for studio or home use.
6. SIRUI AM-025K + D-10K
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 | SIRUI AM-025K 52″Carbon Fiber Tripod,D-10K 360° Panorama Ball... | 212 Reviews | Check Price |
After we had already presented older Sirui models on this blog, it was of course only a matter of time before we turned to the Sirui AM0 series.
This series consists especially of small and light tripods, which are especially intended for travel and outdoor trips. Thanks to their very compact design, they fit in any backpack and are the perfect choice for travel photographers.
Compact carbon tripod
We took a closer look at the SIRUI AM-025K + D-10K. This travel tripod is a maximum 141 cm high and only 0.94 kg light carbon tripod with a ball head. The tripod legs can be folded over 180 degrees to save space so that the small pack size of 34 cm is achieved.
The telescopic center column can also be extended on the one hand, and also completely removed on the other hand in order to screw the tripod head directly onto the connection of the 3 legs. A practical addition is the leveling vial for aligning the camera image.
Snap hook for attachment
Unlike most all-round tripods, the SIRUI AM-025K does not have a hook to attach a weight to the center column. Sirui has opted for a snap hook. A weight can also be quickly attached to it. The big advantage, however, is that the lightweight tripod can be hung on the belt or backpack so quickly.
4 kg maximum load
Despite its small size, the tripod is designed for camera systems up to 4 kg. This is perfectly sufficient to work with most DSLM and DSLR cameras. The aluminum ball head of the Sirui is also designed to be flexible.
With the 360-degree panorama rotation and the “Savety Lock” to secure the adapter plate, it offers everything a travel tripod needs.
A positive side effect is the Arca-Swiss compatible adapter plate. The head has two separate locking screws, one for rotating and the other for tilting the ball.
Verdict: SIRUI AM-025K + D-10K
Ultimately, the Sirui travel tripod is a perfect companion. Thanks to its small pack size and extremely light weight, it fits on any hiking backpack and is hardly noticeable.
Unfortunately, this model does not offer the option of using one of the tripod legs as a monopod. If you want this additional function you would have to switch to another model.
This travel tripod is ingenious for your trips and journeys. The low price makes it worthwhile even for amateur photographers. Nevertheless, some professionals swear by the services of this stylish compact model.
What should I look out for when buying a tripod?
- Intended use
Whether the tripod fits depends on where you want to take the photo. If you walk a lot to capture the best subject, the tripod should not only be light and compact, but also cope with uneven floors and be padded. This is not only used for protection, but a sheathing of the tripod legs also increases the wearing comfort. Travel tripods are basically suitable for outdoor use, but there are also differences in terms of equipment. If, on the other hand, you need a tripod for the studio or the transport takes place in the trunk anyway, you can also use a large and heavy model. Travel tripods are sometimes only suitable for a load of up to 4 kilograms, which may not be enough for heavy DSLR cameras.
- Pack size & weight
With compact travel tripods, the pack size can be between an extremely handy 30 centimeters and still usable 50 centimeters. This means that some models even fit very well in the backpack, but a transport bag is almost always included. With large tripods, less attention is paid to the size, as the retracted tripod can measure 80 centimeters. In terms of weight, the light carbon material has general advantages. Travel tripods weigh between 1,000 and 1,600 grams including the head, which is a good transport weight. Large tripods use more material and are happy to weigh twice as much: the models weigh at least 2 kilograms, but they can also be over 4 kilograms. The transport is more complex.
- Tripod head
On the one hand, the tripod head must carry the camera securely and, on the other hand, it should also be used for convenient photography. Travel tripods are usually spherical heads. With a friction setting, the resistance at the ball joint can be changed so that the camera does not tip over. The alternative is a three-way pan head, here all directions of movement can optionally be released or blocked, which enables precise adjustment – for example for architectural photos. For landscape shots, on the other hand, the head should have a separate panorama axis. Usually there are one or more dragonflies on the head, which, like a spirit level, facilitate the optimal alignment of the camera. The camera is attached to the tripod head with a quick-release plate, which should be secured against slipping out.
- Center column
With the tripod legs extended, travel tripods reach a height of 1 to 1.5 meters. A working height of 1.7 or 1.8 meters is achieved thanks to the extended center column. This is the more economical way to get the right size. Models without a center column have correspondingly longer tripod legs, but that makes the tripod bulkier and heavier, which is why this design is rare for travel tripods. An extended center column shifts the center of gravity and offers the wind more surface to attack, which has a negative effect on stability. Good travel tripods are sufficiently stable, but only with a large model without a center column do you have perfect protection. Sometimes the center column can be swiveled, but this is usually only the case with large tripods.
- Tripod legs
The tripod legs are locked on travel tripods using screw locks. With larger tripods you will sometimes also find clamp fasteners. There is essentially no difference in reliability. The material of the tripod legs is now often carbon, but aluminum models are also available and mostly cheaper – but also heavier. Sometimes you have the option of removing a tripod leg and converting it into a space-saving monopod. This can be useful, but a dedicated monopod makes more sense. Padding or a rubber jacket on the tripod legs provide protection. In addition, many travel tripods have a load hook on the center column. The tripod can be additionally stabilized by a weight.
- Tripod feet
The tripod feet usually have a rubber cover so that the legs do not slip on smooth surfaces and are protected on stony surfaces. If the ground is soft or rocky, spikes are often included in the accessories so that the tripod feet can find support. If they are not included in the scope of delivery, they can be bought later. The shape of the spikes is different, so they are sometimes specially angled so that the tripod can be positioned perfectly. In addition, there is special equipment for the tripod feet, for example snow plates, to prevent them from sinking in. - Accessories
The standard accessories for travel tripods include assembly tools and a transport bag, although the latter can differ between the models in terms of its robustness and handling. There are also other accessories, some of which are included in the scope of delivery, otherwise you can buy them. This includes a specially short center column that allows you to take pictures just above the floor. In individual cases, a second quick-release plate is included; more often, replacement rubber feet or spikes and other elements for the tripod feet such as snow plates are included. Additional optional accessory arms can sometimes be connected via connections on the tripod.
