Can’t find a girlfriend?
Can’t find a tripod?
Well, I can help with the second one.
The tripod is the most well-known and important component of photography equipment; you’ll need one sooner or later, no matter what kind of photography you do.
A tripod, even an inexpensive one, can make a huge difference in one’s photos. Having that added stability can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Due to tripods being such useful tools, I’ve compiled a list of the best tripods under $50 so you may enjoy these benefits without breaking the bank!
After I finish describing what I believe to be the best tripods under $50, you’ll be greeted by a buying guide and further reading section, so make sure you read all the way through.
A Quick Look at My Favorite Tripods under $50
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Lightweight  | 10 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Most Versatile  | 9 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Mini Tripod  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best for Traveling  | 8.5 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Overall  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon |
Key Takeaways
- Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5 is the best tripod under $50.
- If you enjoy traveling and taking pictures, then you should consider purchasing the UBeesize TR60.
- The stability of a tripod is quite important because you don’t want to have blurry pictures.
Top 5 Best Tripods Under $50
5. Amazon Basics Lightweight Tripod – Best Lightweight
What I Like
- Lightweight
- Swift transitions between shots
- Simple crank-up height adjustment
What I Don’t Like
- Not for professionals
If you’re on a limited budget and want a lightweight tripod with a lot of versatility and amazing features, look no further.
Amazon Basics’ Tripod is composed of robust yet lightweight aluminum components. Even though it is inexpensive, it is built to last.
It’s small and lightweight, weighing only 1.25 pounds, which makes it quite portable.
However, don’t be fooled by the lightweight design; it can handle 4.4 pounds. It also comes with a carry bag, which will come in handy if you travel a lot.
Its three tripod legs may be fully extended to a height of 50 inches.
The quick-release mountain plate makes removing the camera from the tripod a breeze, resulting in swift transitions between shots. As previously stated, the maximum height is 50 inches (127 cm) and the minimum height is 16.5 inches (42 cm).
It has a simple crank-up height adjustment, making it simple for anyone to find their ideal height. You can move, tilt, and swing the scope vertically thanks to the handle.
Built-in bubble levels are located above the tripod legs and allow you to detect whether the tripod’s base is at the proper level.
Why should you buy it?
Why should you not buy it?
Dad jokes aside, this budget tripod from AmazonBasics is a great value tripod that will reward many photographers.
However, I wouldn’t recommend it to professionals; it’s a simple tripod with a small load capacity, which I believe will benefit hobbyist photographers more than professionals.
4. ZIKZOK 75 Inch Travel Camera Tripod – Most Versatile
What I Like
- Versatile
- Fits nicely
- Well-built
What I Don’t Like
- Contains plastic components
The next item is a tripod from Zikzok, a relatively unknown firm that is attempting to build a name for itself by offering cost-effective photography equipment.
This Zikzok tripod is extremely versatile, with an aluminum frame and metal mixed with plastic components. Surprisingly enough, it is a really well-built tripod for the price it comes with.
Measures 20.8 inches when folded; while it can reach up to 75 inches when extended; weighs only 2.8 pounds and has a maximum load capacity of 11Lbs
For safe storage, the PT80 portable tripod fits nicely into the included carrying case, making it ideal for photographers who travel frequently.
When you need to frame the shot just right, the five-section lever-lock tripod legs can easily accommodate custom set-ups on difficult terrain while the rubber feet promise stability in uneven terrains.
Why should you buy it?
If you’ve been thinking about giving a third-party brand a try, now is the time.
This budget tripod has received a lot of great feedback, and many people, including me, are pleased with what it offers. It’s adaptable, well-built, and can expand to a great height and fold down neatly. It pretty much checks all of our boxes.
3. Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2 Section Mini Tripod – Best Mini Tripod
What I Like
- Can be used with smartphones
- High quality
What I Don’t Like
- Limited hight
Manfrotto is well-known for their tripods and monopods, and they are well-regarded in the industry as high-quality and cost-effective tripods
They have a variety of tripods to choose from, but this time I went with their PIXI EVO Mini Tripod.
This small tripod is a high-quality, compact, and lightweight camera stabilization option. It’s compact and simple to use, making it ideal for small setups.
Its adapter and aluminum design keep it exceptionally light, allowing it to be carried anywhere without feeling clunky. Even though it is only a small tripod, it can support up to 2.5 kg of weight (5.5lbs). This means that it can support the average DSLR camera and mirrorless camera.
What was surprising to me is that this tripod has a ball head. Most tripods in this price range don’t have a ball head. The ball head on this tripod gets the job done, but it doesn’t take too much work to reach its maximum capacity. You should be careful with it because it’s not that great.
It includes two leg portions that adjust in five steps, allowing it to extend from a minimum of 4.3″ to a maximum of 7.68″ in leg height. Considering this is a tripod under 50 dollars, it lacks a quick release plate, which is understandable and expected for a product in this price range.
Due to the 90-degree tilt feature of the PIXIE EVO, it is also possible to shoot portrait photographs.
Why should you buy it?
I can imagine this tripod being really useful for vloggers because of its travel-friendly qualities; you can just stuff it in your backpack and take it with you everywhere you go, and you’ll get amazing photoshoots in return. Plus, the ball head addition is great.
Furthermore, it is a versatile tool that works well not just with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but also with action cameras and smartphones.
The only drawback I can think of would be its limited height, and the lack of a quick release plate, which is obvious why.
2. UBeesize TR60 – Best for Traveling
What I Like
- Quick release plate
- Pretty strong
What I Don’t Like
- Slightly big What I Like
Second, on the list we have a traveling tripod that will benefit walking photographers, you can pretty much take the Ubeesize TR60 anywhere.
The UBeesize TR60 is a handy travel tripod that you can take with you on a hike or just walking around town, It weighs only 3.3 pounds and has a maximum load capacity of 11 pounds.
Despite being lightweight, it is pretty strong because of the aluminum alloy legs. It also has unique foot pads that self-rotate and react to the terrain to provide additional stability.
What makes this camera tripod really versatile must be the phone clip and Bluetooth remote control, that allows you to capture fantastic selfies or use it for live video, for example. It can be used with either a mirrorless camera or an entry-level DSLR.
It comes with a pan head that isn’t quite up to par with the ball heads seen on more costly tripods, but it gets the job done.
It also contains a hook that can come in handy if you’re using the tripod in windy or harsh conditions and need to hang anything heavy for more stability.
Even though this is a budget tripod, it has a quick release plate, which is something that other tripods in this price range lack.
Why should you buy it?
Besides the traveling part, it is really versatile it has a bunch of features that you can make use of. It’s easy to use and has a quick release plate.
There’s hardly anything at fault with this camera tripod, especially when you think of the price it comes with. But there’s also nothing groundbreaking, in short words, it’s just a simple tripod that will benefit hobbyist traveling photographers.
1. Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5 – Best Overall
What I Like
- Compact
- multi-purpose
- affordable
What I Don’t Like
- Weight capacity
Last but certainly not least, Manfrotto make another appearance – that’s how good their tripods are; the latter being a compact and multi-purpose affordable tripod.
This camera tripod comes at a weight of this 2.64 pounds, which makes it a real featherweight. Despite its small weight, it does not seem fragile or unsteady, as is the case with many budget tripods.
This tripod does not have a ball head, but instead it has a ‘hybrid head’ which is a fancy word for a normal tripod head. However in its price range, this is expected.
When it comes to height, this Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod can go to a maximum of 61.02 Inches (155 Centimeters), which is on the shorter side, to be honest.
However, I think this is a tradeoff we should accept; simply put Manfrotto decided to compromise height for lightweight. Its folded size of 17.3 inches (44 Centimeters) inches makes it excellent for tossing into my backpack or putting over my shoulder.
As far as the weight capacity goes, sadly is another thing that this camera tripod lacks since it can withstand only 4.4 pounds of payload.
Anyway, on the top of the tripod is a joystick handle that allows you to grasp and move the tripod. It’s composed of ABS plastic and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
The camera can also be attached quickly and easily without having to bother with the settings thanks to the innovative circular fast release plate. Definitely the best camera tripod in its price range.
Why should you buy it?
Despite its drawbacks, this compact tripod Manfrotto remains a great contender that tops all the charts online.
When you think of the price it comes with and the value it offers, it is pretty much impossible to beat.
Get this “bad boy” if you need a really compact tripod for multi-purpose use, that’s it if you can live with its height and load limit. Definitely the best tripod under $50.
Factors You Need to Consider When Purchasing a Tripod
When purchasing a tripod, there are several factors to consider; you don’t want to just buy the first one you see.
Durability
People think of tripods as once-in-a-lifetime investments, yet we’d be delusional to expect a $30 tripod to last us a lifetime.
Nevertheless, you don’t want your tripod to break after a few uses.
Most tripods are made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber; each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so pay attention to the material used to build and determine which one best suits your needs.
For further information on this, feel free to read the following article: Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber Tripod
Stability
Stability would be one of the most important needs. You’ll need a tripod that can support the weight of your camera as well as any additional equipment you might have, such as lenses or additional LEDs.
What use is it to have a tripod that can’t handle your setup? An unsteady tripod might give you a broken camera and lens, you don’t want that, so always double-check on stability.
Portability
If you’ve ever had to carry a hefty tripod over a long distance, you know how unpleasant it can be. It’s critical to have a lightweight tripod that’s both robust and portable.
If you’re a traveling photographer, this is the section where you should focus the most.
Although finding a budget tripod that is both durable and portable is difficult, there are some excellent options.
Weight Capacity
The stability of the tripod is largely determined by the amount of weight it can support.
Again, if it can’t handle the weight of your setup, it’s meaningless. Before you buy, make sure you know how much your camera and its accessories weigh, and then check if the tripod can hold them even at high heights.
The higher the tripod is the less stable it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Use a Tripod?
Simply put, for better-looking content and for far better stability in hands. No matter how good of a photographer you are you will never be able to be as stable as a tripod.
Most budget tripods don’t have all the fancy features like a ball head, stabilizers, and other things, but if you are a beginner, you won’t need these anyway.
Should A Hobbyist Photographer Use a Tripod?
Why not?
I can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t especially given the ridiculously low price. Professional photographers, of course, use a high-quality tripod, but if you’re just photographing for the joy of it, a cheap tripod will be more than enough.
How tall should a tripod be?
Pretty much a tripod should be tall enough to hold your camera stable and nice to your eye level, so you can avoid bending over and all that.
For more information regarding this, check out: How tall should a tripod be?
Is it possible to get a decent tripod for under $50?
Yes.
Despite that they will fall short of their high-end counterparts, budget tripods will still do the job they set out to do.
Final Words
While having a limited budget can restrict you from buying the necessary equipment, luckily there are budget tripods that will work wonders even at a less-than-budget price.
The above budget tripods will do the work they set out to do just fine.
However, don’t expect wow performances from them, they still remain budget/entry-level tripods.
Further Reading
If you can go a bit higher. you might want to check the best under 200$ tripods, or if you want to keep things simple and nice, there are also under 100$ tripods.
The tripod head is the heart of the tripod. That’s why I recommend you get one of the best geared tripod heads you can get.
If you are someone that wants to shoot over-head videos, then I recommend you read our article on the best over head tripods.
If you need some extra equipment, like a softbox, I have rounded up some great softbox for product photography, or if you need a backpack for your camera I got you covered on that too, feel free to drop an eye to some excellent bags for cameras.
Camera Tester & Reviewer
I spend most of my time taking photos & videos of everything in sight. Yes, I am a stock photographer and I’ve probably taken more than 700,000 photos so far.
