Whether you are a photographer or a videographer, isn’t capturing the ideal shot in all different circumstances your dream? A steady camera is a necessity for every type of photography. For most people, a tripod is just an extra item that does nothing except prevent a camera from shaking, which is not true.
A tripod helps keep the camera still, and allows the photographers to take high quality pictures even in slow shutter speeds. They make it easier for the photographers to take their own pictures when no one is around to help. Tripods are expected to be very expensive, which is true in some cases, but if you are a beginner or a traveller who does not want to spend too much on a tripod without compromising on the quality, this buyer’s guide is for you.
We have listed and reviewed some of the best lightweight tripods you can get under $100. All these tripods are amazing in both quality and price, and can be your new best friend on adventures. Keep reading to find your camera a perfect fit.
Why Do You Need To Use a Tripod?
For most people, using a tripod is something only award-winning professionals should be doing. That is not right. Listed below are some reasons on why you need a tripod even if you are a beginner or photograph only for fun.
Photograph in Low Light
If you’re fond of sunsets and sunrises, a tripod is all you need to get a perfect shot. You might have to hold the camera for several minutes in the same position to get the shot you want. In these situations, having a tripod to hold the camera cannot just take the burden off your hands but also give the perfect in-detail shot.
Better Stability
In situations where longer exposure time is necessary, a tripod helps by providing stability to the camera. It minimizes the risk of any movement. It also helps the camera focus better no matter what you are capturing.
Stable Videos
Who doesn’t find wobbly hand-held videos extremely annoying. Using a tripod for your videos or vlogs helps make better and stable videos which are easy to understand and enjoy. A tripod can also help your videos look more professional and captivating.
Best Tripod Under $100
Below are listed our top picks for quality tripods under 100.
| SiteStripe Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
  | Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod | Buy on Amazon |
  | Dolica 60-Inch Aluminum Alloy Proline Traveler | Buy on Amazon |
  | AmazonBasics Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod Stand With Bag – 16.5 – 50 Inches | Buy on Amazon |
  | Polaroid 72″ Premium Tripod | Buy on Amazon |
  | JOBY GorillaPod 5K Stand | Buy on Amazon |
  | MACTREM Professional Camera Tripod with Phone Mount | Buy on Amazon |
  | AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag | Buy on Amazon |
  | JOBY GorillaPod SLR Zoom | Buy on Amazon |
  | Dolica AX620B100 | Buy on Amazon |
  | Ravelli APLT4 61″ Lightweight Aluminum Tripod | Buy on Amazon |
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod
If you are an entry-level DSLR owner with standard kit lenses and love to take lots of photos, this tripod is for you. The ergonomic joystick head with a scroll-wheel is easy to use and makes this laptop look very appealing. The grip on this tripod makes it easy for the users to capture smooth photos effortlessly.
This tripod is designed in high-quality aluminum and is furnished in a stylish black finish. The shape of this tripod makes sure that the camera orientation would not be an issue. Almost every camera can be adjusted in this tripod. It is made possible with the regulating dial with a round quick release plate. You can quickly attach any device without even needing a screwdriver.
The photo-movie selector feature enables the users to switch to their desired mode and obtain great photos and smooth movies. This tripod also includes a special adapter customized for higher-specification cameras such as the Sony Nex 5R/5T. It ensures quality results by increasing the surface of the mountain head.
If you are using a compact device with a tripod head in the off-center position, the required distance between your camera’s lateral edge and the 6.35mm thread should be 13mm. It is vital for optimum performance. The colors and the finishing of this tripod are unique, so cleaning the tripod with a standard white pencil eraser is advised.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Quick-release
- Full height tripod
Cons
- Bottom legs are thin
- Not suitable for massive bodies
Dolica 60-Inch Aluminum Alloy Proline Traveler
The Dolica AX600B250 is an extremely lightweight tripod, best to carry around when you are travelling. The aluminium alloy used in its manufacturing makes it easy to transport. It can also be stretched up to 60 inches, which means it can take perfect shots from heights preferred by the users.
This tripod is one of the best DSLR tripods. It can also work with a range of cameras that are below 8 pounds of weight.
This tripod also comes with a removable ball head and panoramic capabilities. The panoramic angle is 360 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees in vertical. You can keep the ball head on the tripod if you want to capture movable subjects. Suppose you want to capture static subjects like landscapes. Pan head tripod might be the most appropriate option. The legs locks of this tripod also work better than the twist style locks.
The center column of this tripod is also removable. It helps in taking the best low angle photos. The Dolica tripod also comes with a padded nylon carrying case and a tool kit. The quilted nylon case makes it easy to carry around.
Pros
- Lightweight
- High quality for the price
- Easy to transport
- It can be extended up to 60 inches
- Ball head can be removed
Cons
- Less sturdy when the legs are fully extended
- Can not support a lot of camera weight
AmazonBasics Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod Stand With Bag – 16.5 – 50 Inches
For most people, the only concerning thing while buying a tripod is the height. The AmazonBasics lightweight tripod can extend up to 50 inches, which is ideal as it can help you take exceptionally amazing photos and videos without creating strain to your back. It can accommodate a wide range of cameras, ranging from non-professional ones to professional ones.
This tripod weighs just over a pound, which makes it perfect for carrying around and transporting. It comes with a three-way head that not only rotates entirely at 360 degrees but also helps you shift from landscape to portrait mode. The rotation feature is perfect if you want to take a panoramic shot. You can turn the knob after adjusting the angle, to make secure the position. The quick-release plates ensure the fast transition between the shots.
The three legs of this tripod can be easily locked for height adjustment. The lever legs come with three expandable sections each. The height of each leg can be adjusted individually, as per the requirements. The gearless center post is extendable too and promotes comfortable movement. This lightweight camera comes with a zipper bag for storage and safety. The camera can fit other bags easily as well as it measures 16.5 inches when collapsed.
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Comes with a bag for storage
- Extendable lever legs
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy equipment
Polaroid 72″ Premium Tripod
The polaroid 72’’ premium tripod is designed keeping the needs of users in mind. According to the manufacturers, it is perfect for everyone from a casual photographer/videographer to enthusiastic!
This tripod is made from industrial grade lightweight aluminum so it can work for a long time. It comes with several extensive features like fluid pan-head. This feature allows the camera to remain at the angle users set them in for long hours. The built-in handle of this tripod is designed ergonomically, alongside having all-terrain legs tips, dual levels, and compact-footprints. The braced centre columns can be locked, which helps provide stability at uneven surfaces. The rubber feet ensure quality results without damaging the surface tripod is placed on.
The polaroid 72’’ premium tripod weighs 4 pounds. It can extend up to 6 feet, and after usage, it can be retracted to just 28 inches anytime. This allows the users to carry it easily anywhere they want. The legs can twist, locking them in place. It is also great for backpacking because of its lightweight.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Made from industrial grade aluminium
- Rubber feet
- Can extend up to 6 feet
Cons
- Less sturdy
- Not suitable for heavy equipment
JOBY GorillaPod 5K Stand
The JOBY GorillaPod 5K stand is one of the most favourite tripods of professional still photographers/ video makers and famous YouTubers. This Gorillapod is robust and provides reliable support to every equipment that is connected to it.
The sockets of this Gorillapod are machined aluminum and the ball in the head socket comes with a red anodized coating that ensures strength in the movement. The rotation of the ball head can be adjusted as per preference by the additional knob in this Gorillapod. The measurements for panoramic shots can also be seen on the sides of the ball head.
The Gorillapod is made of machined aluminum, ABS plastic, stainless steel, and TPE. It can hold gear weighing up to 11 pounds or 5 kilograms. It can not only carry a camera but also can handle large accessories and lenses.
The locking adjustment knobs are of two types. One controls the ball head angle and the other for panning the position. The Ball head features a numbered scale for panning. It helps in more precise movements while capturing panorama shots.
This Gorillapod weighs 13.8 ounces and is 15.2 inches tall. The knobs are soft to touch, and the black and red finish makes it a premium product.
Pros
- Highly flexible
- Excellent durability
- Can handle large cameras as well as accessories
- Stable on any surface
- Professional-grade
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
MACTREM Professional Camera Tripod with Phone Mount
The MACTREM professional camera tripod is made of high-quality aluminium, which ensures durability and stability. This easy to set up a tripod is stable to take a sharp picture and can handle a maximum load of 33 lbs.
This tripod is weighted at 2.9 lbs. Users can invert and fold it back to 180 degrees after usage, reducing its size to 17.5 inches. It’s lightweight and small size make it perfect for travelling. The tripod can also be detached as a monopod and can also be used as an alpenstock while hiking. The centre column of the tripod can also be turned upside-down to do microphotography. Users avail of this function while taking pictures of small items such as jewellery pieces.
This tripod makes the panoramic shots fun too. The 360-degree swivel ball allows the users to attach their phone or camera to the tripod and take panoramic shots by rotating the ball head. The height of the tripod can also be adjusted from 17.5’’ to 62.5’’ easily, just like the assembling.
The tripod also comes with a carrying bag.
Pros
- Compact and heavy-duty
- Excellent quality for the low price
- Sturdy and secure.
Cons
- The knob at the centre column is loose.
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag
If you are someone who values a budget price over anything else, this tripod is for you. The AmazonBasic tripod is very lightweight and easy to carry around.
The look of this tripod is fundamental. The legs have a single position and are held by the sliding brace in place. The sliding pair in the tripod also plays a vital role in the stability of it. This tripod has leg locks that help the legs of this tripod open at the same time. This makes setting up the tripod very fast, in literally seconds. The legs are also equipped with thick rubber feet, which ensure maximum durability.
The camera also has two bubble levels. One is above the legs to let the users know when the base is at the level, and the other one is on top of the camera plate to let the users know when the camera is at the level. The maximum weight this camera can hold is 6.6 pounds. This means it can handle several cameras but not the heavy ones.
Overall, this tripod is best for beginners. The highly adjustable legs and the centre post allows the users to achieve their desired height and angle with minimum effort.
Pros
- Quick-release plate
- Portable
- Beginner-friendly
- Legs and the centre post can be adjusted
Cons
- The user manual is not detailed
- May not work with all models of spotting scopes
JOBY GorillaPod SLR Zoom
The JOBY Gorillapod is a three-legged octopus-like tripod. All the legs have nine leg joints, to wrap the Gorillapod around anything you want. The rings around legs make it easier for the Gorillapod to stick around the surface. It is wrapped. This Gorillapod comes with legs with rubberized feet to keep the Gorillapod stable. It also helps in protecting the body where the Gorillapod is standing.
This Gorillapod can hold up to 6.5 pounds. The 360 pan allows more flexibility and will enable users to take more shots. This Gorillapod is made out of lightweight ABS plastic, zinc-aluminum, TPE Grip pads, and stainless steel, making sure that users are provided with both stability and flexibility.
The mounting plate on the top of the Gorillapod has a ¼” tripod screw. It comes with an adapter to turn it into a ⅜” screw. It allows for a broader range of motion for the camera. The camera’s ball head can rotate up to 360 degrees and can be tilted up to 90 degrees. A quick-release click helps the ball head to attach with the camera.
This Gorillapod can be easily carried anywhere and fit even in a bag as small as a laptop bag. The legs of this Gorillapod are not extendable. However, they can be curled or rolled to fit in remote places.
Pros
- Impressive strength and weight capabilities
- Flexible
- Rubberized feet for more stability
Cons
- A ball head is required as it does not come with the product.
Dolica AX620B100
This tripod is a perfect combination of functionality and practicality, which makes it ideal for a number of occasions like family gatherings, sports events, camping, and much more.
You can set the height and legs of this tripod as per your requirements. The legs can be adjusted into three angles;standard-wide angle, semi-wide angle, and full-wide angle. The tripod’s height is 22″ with a ball head when the tripod legs are at a standard-wide angle, and the center column is not extended.
Users are provided with more field of action as the tripod can rotate at 360 degrees in a horizontal position and 90 degrees in a vertical position. It can support equipment of up to 13.2 lbs.
The lowest tripod can go with tripod legs spread wide open. The center column would need to be raised in this position. You can keep the tripod sturdy by adding additional weight in the counterweight hook. The counterweight hook can be unscrewed and inverted in the second column. This will make the camera hang upside down along with the ball head. This technique can be beneficial if you want to take shallow shots.
This tripod also comes with quick leg flip locks that work better than the twist locks. The rubber foot of each tripod leg also has spikes. These spikes can be covered when the rubber feet are turned counterclockwise and visible when they are rotated clockwise.
This tripod comes with a quick-release plate as well.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rapid security focus
- Good height
Cons
- Can not handle heavyweights
Ravelli APLT4 61″ Lightweight Aluminum Tripod
The Ravelli APLT4 is widely known as the best aluminum tripod. This lightweight tripod can be transferred and carried around anywhere. The legs and the center channel are made from aluminum, while the head and section intersect made out of plastic.
The maximum height of this tripod is 61’’, which can be collapsed into 19’’ when the user wants to pack and go home. It offers a wide range of extensive features, like positioning the camera from normal landscape orientation to portrait orientation. The universal mount of this tripod makes it compatible with cell phones too.
The tripod also comes with a built-in bubble level and standard ¼’’ mounting screw alongside a quick release plate that helps the users adjust the camera in the tripod and take it out quickly. The gear-driven center column also extends up to 14’’.
This tripod comes along a carrying bag as well, which makes it easier to carry it along.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Spring-loaded and pushed very easily
- Rapid security focus
Cons
- It cannot handle heavy equipment.
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, choosing the right tripod is extremely important. The sharpness and depth in the field of your images depends on the stability of your camera, which can be provided best by a tripod. If you are capturing or vlogging through a tripod, you don’t have to worry about the balance too.
If you are looking for quality tripods in the best budget, we have listed the best tripods under 100 which can be a valuable investment. However, if we were to pick one tripod from the ones listed above, we would pick the AmazonBasic 60-inch tripod. This is the best lightweight tripod you can get under $50.
Select your favorite and start capturing or vlogging!
