topic Re: What tripods do you use and why? in Gear Guide

What tripods do you use and why?

SignifDigits — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:23:58 GMT

Tripods are an important item for some photography - astrophotography and landscape to name two, so it seems a good topic to discuss.

I've had a number over the years. For now I've settled on the carbon fiber versions (one travel and one not) of the Vanguard VEO 3+. I love the flexibility of their Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) system which allows all sorts of movement for setting up astro and macro shots and they come with a second slide-on head for a second camera, flash, etc. I find that I use the MACC system way more than I thought I might.

The travel version of the tripod fits my backpack, though it's heavier than I really would like. My old bought-on-clearane-at-BestBuy Sunpack is actually lighter and has served me quite well - took it to hold my RP and RF 100-400 with 2x extender to shoot the solar eclipse in 2024. It performed quite well.

I use the Move Shoot Move tracker for astro which is pretty smallish, so it works on the larger Vanguard. If ai had a bigger tracker I might need a bigger tripod.

I also have a Manfrotto PIXI mini that I put back into the box as i never use it, and a (fill in unheard of manufacturer here) monopod that I really never use. And, of course, several others that I've bought and tried and/or used at one time now gathering dust . NOT making the list are the super cheapo models that have also come and gone - actually one I still use for sitting a laser level on for construction, but not photography work. One of them was what I took my own engagement photo and some family photos with back in the dark ages now. I mean, with a remote they will work after all - just a lot more frustration in setting them up, getting the camera level, etc. So if you don't have $200 to sink on a tripod and are just getting started I see those all the time in the thrift stores - better than nothing, for sure.

So my list is

Vanguard VEO3+263P
Vanguard VEO3+T265HCBP (T for travel)
Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B, PIXI Mini (in storage) - may get a GorillaPod to replace someday
Fotopro compact carbon fiber (in storage)
Sunpack Travellite Pro (in storage, but some really fond memories with this one)
FANAUE MD-02 Monopod (never actually used it)

I got rid of my old big-monster tripods (mostly Manfrotto). They were rock-solid, however. What do you own and really use and/or take with you and why?

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

stevet1 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:53:53 GMT

SignifDigits,

I use a Geekoto X25 Defender 75".

I like it because of it's flexibility and it has a 22lb. load capacity.

Steve Thomas

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

zakslm — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:30:57 GMT

Great contribution to the community!

I have a Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod (that has a small and very useful ball head) that fits in a pocket on my camera bag and it's come in handy and I've used it more than I though I would. I sometimes use it to hold a second speedlite that is remotely triggered, as a desktop tripod for videos and of course, to get in a photo myself (using the self timer).

I have a Vangard travel tripod that I use as well and it's light but not as stable as the Bogen (Manfrotto) 3001 and pistol grip head that I used to have years ago. I wish I would have kept it and I am keeping an eye out for a used one or similar set up because as you said, that generation of Bogen/Manfrotto tripods are rock-solid and pretty much indestructible. I liked the how the leg sections were tightened by thumbscrews (and not lock levers). I knew those sections weren't going to slip.

Again, great contribution to the community.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

TomRamsey — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:43:44 GMT

I have three tripods that I use, two are using sparingly, one gets a lot of use. The smallest is a MEFOTO Daytrip which I've had for 9 years. It is a very small tripod, it expands a little taller than a tabletop. It came with a head that had a mini arca QR, which I swapped out for a regular arcaQR.

I have a Sirui T-1004SK T-S Aluminum Travel Tripod and bought a Sirui C10-S ball head to go with it, hated the ball head because it had a tiny knob and was very hard to tighten and bought a Avella V1 ball head for $26 on Amazon that is far superior to the Sirui. I keep this tripod in my wife's car so it is always ready.

My main tripod is an Artcise AS90C Carbon Fibre Tripod, I have an Artcise KB55 Ball Head and also an Artcise Gimbal. I bought this Tripod in June 2024 and use it a few times every week. This is a ridiculously sturdy tripod with a listed capacity of 88 pounds, it does not have a center column, and the smallest diameter of the four leg sections is over an inch. I would never do it, but I feel like I could hang from this tripod. Fully extended the camera sits over my head. The nice wide feet keep it from sinking in sand. I keep this one in my truck most of the time so I don't forget it on my early morning shoots.

Previously I had an Induro tripod as my main support, I had it for 15 years and the legs were getting to where I had to tighten them often. It was still usable so I donated it to a charity thrift store, so hopefully someone is putting it to good use.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

shadowsports — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:45:39 GMT

Good Morning,

Primary is a Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon with a 494 ball head. Also have a Zomei Q555 with twist lock ARCA head. It's aluminum.

Both of these are light weight for travel. Full size and good for basic tripod work or astro. They are feather weights so I don't consider them ideal for video, but you can get by in a pinch. Both are capable of holding the RF 100-500 or 200-800 on their foot without a problem.

+1 great topic!

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

ebiggs1 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:50:53 GMT

Manfrotto 3040 with fluid head.

And a Manfrotto 190 with gimbal head.

I have several others but I use these when I use or need a tripod, which is not very often since I don't do studio work any more. Tripods are too limiting for outdoor fast paced shots and who wants to carry something that isn't helping all that much. Not me it could better be another lens or camera.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

SignifDigits — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:20:54 GMT

Good point there ebiggs1. I could have also asked "how much has IS and IBIS, ISOs and image processing and/or other changes affected how you shoot changed your tripod usage?" I always have tried to avoid tripods - leaning more towards flash over a tripod, and was always a pretty steady shooter. I definitely prefer shooting handheld without flash now even with higher ISOs. I guess I got used to seeing grain in film. I definitely still need them for macros and astro, and sometimes for landscapes, waterfalls and blurred motion shots.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

stevet1 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:01:24 GMT

I posted this back in 2024 under the heading, "My tripod had a baby."

The larger one is a Geekoto. The smaller one is a Camvate.

Steve Thomas

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:15:36 GMT

"I always have tried to avoid tripods - leaning more towards flash over a tripod, ..."

IMHO, flashes as well as filters have become basically obsolete. Of course both still do have a small roll to fill but not anywhere near what they had at one time.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

justadude — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:28:38 GMT

While I do have a few less expensive tripods for my small film cameras, my main tripod is a Benro Induro Classic 4 section carbon fiber with the twist lock legs. I've had this one for about 20 years, and it is not only sturdy on breezy days, but I think it might be bulletproof as well (haha).

I'm not a fan of the Induro heads, so I have one of the nicer Manfroto ball heads on it. Can't recall the model number... but after 20 years, I'm kind of shocked I can still remember what brand it is without looking.

What I like:

* It's rated for 36 lbs, which is far better than anything I could possibly mount on it.

* The weather seals on the twist legs is fantastic. I use this tripod on sandy beaches in all types of weather. I use this on cold snowy days. Nothing seems to penetrate the seals, they twist like they did when it was new.

* Even fully extended, and with a heavy lens, it is sturdy. I rarely have to hang a weight on it.

* Padded upper legs, which is nice to grab on those bitter cold winter days.

What I don't like:

* Nothing yet. Ask me again in another 20 years.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

rs-eos — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:45:02 GMT

I use a Really Right Stuff setup. Very expensive (around $3,300 total). I really enjoy the modular system and it can hold whatever I throw at it (including heavier lenses should I ever go in that direction).

Shown in the attached image: tripod itself, ball head, leveling base, pano gimbal setup, nodal slide. I went with the quick release lever options. Atop the table at the bottom, the quick column (center column).

Not shown: claw and spike feet (tripod currently has the rubber feet installed)

This gives me:

Incredibly stable platform when needed (no center column).
Potentially very high weight capacities (depends upon what is used at the time. If just the ball head and legs, 50 lbs. If using the pano gimbal, that is limited to 15 lbs).
Easier height-adjust with the center column when prioritizing that over stability.
Different feet for various terrain.
Leveling base to make it super easy to create a level surface when legs are on uneven terrain, or legs at different lengths.
Single-row or multi-row pano setups with proper nodal points (camera can be placed in either horizontal or vertical position).
- For single-row (horizontal), I don't need the pano gimbal. I place the nodal slide on the leveling base and attach to the ball head.
- For single-row (veritcal) and multi-row, I use the pano gimbal.

This was a one-time purchase that should last me a lifetime. The only part I need to re-purchase is the L-bracket that mounts to my camera (depends upon the exact model of camera). The L-bracket allows easy attachment in either horizontal or vertical positions.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

ebiggs1 — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:08:01 GMT

Well to each his own but you can do exactly all that for one tenth of the cost. "I really enjoy the modular system ...", I hope you do, you should.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:09:53 GMT

Induro Hydra2 (now discontinued). O-ring waterproof seals on leg collars. Flexibility for pond/stream shooting.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

justadude — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:08:20 GMT

"Induro Hydra2 (now discontinued)"

Induro had such a great line of tripod back in the day. It's a shame that all they are making now is the three slightly different "Classic" Induro tripods.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

TomRamsey — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:06:18 GMT

Induro is now part of Benro, I think Benro has always done the manufacturing for them. But for the last five years or so the Induro line is Benro's top products. I had an Induro aluminum tripod for 15 years, good solid tripod. But the legs at the spider were needing tightened all the time, and they no longer had the parts to fit it properly.

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

justadude — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:19:10 GMT

I knew the three remaining Induro tripod models were sold by Benro, but I wasn't sure if the regular "Benro" ones were a complete different line. I did not know that Benro made the older Induro ones though, so that is good to know.

Luckily my 20(ish) year old Induro is still like new as far as the mechanics of it (no comment on scratches). I do have one nut that loosens up every 100 or so uses. I could get a lock washer, but it really isn't to that point yet. I'm honestly thankful that as often as I use this on sand (maybe 50% of the time) that the old rubber seals are still tight enough to prevent any of the fine grains from slipping into the legs. If this thing ever dies on me, I'll have to take a closer look at what Benro has to offer. Thanks for the feedback on the company, Tom!

Re: What tripods do you use and why?

SignifDigits — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:56:28 GMT

I meant to comment on the bluebird photo. I have a box in my front yard and I'm beginning to see them back and fighting over nesting spots. That was a great shot - love the "I'm building the nest" and "I'm bringing food" messaged in the shot. Catching that combined action, I suspect, might be one in a million. Yeah, yeah, it's a great pic, but what makes it so great for me is the moment that you captured.