Tripods and monopods are vital pieces of equipment for many photographers. But they can be a significant expense when you’re on a budget. Today, we take you through the best budget tripods and monopods for photographers.
Our favorite selection is the VANGUARD VEO 2. This is because of its professional features, build, and functions, all for a low price. For monopods, we love the Benro Adventure 3 Series. Its exceptional max weight and simplicity earn it a place at the top.
What’s the Best Budget Tripod and Monopod?
The best budget tripod and monopod on our list offer affordability, quality, and usability. The VANGUARD VEO 2 and Benro Adventure 3 Series top our lists. But based on your preferences, there are more options you can consider.
We divided the best budget tripods into tripods and monopods. Use the links below to find the most relevant section for you:
First, we list all 10 budget tripods and monopods and their strengths. Then, we delve into each one in more detail.
- Max load capacity of 17.6 lb / 8 kg
- Adjustable central column with hook
- 4-section legs with twist lock
- Lightweight and durable carbon fiber construction
- Includes adjustable carrying case
- Supports up to 15.4 lb / 7 kg
- Maximum height 63" / 160 cm
- 4-section legs for adjustable height
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Quick-and-easy setup
- Very lightweight and portable
- Maximum height of 51.2" / 130 cm
- 4-section design for easy adjustment
- Aluminum construction for durability
- Quick-release leg locks for fast setup
- Max load of 17.6 lb / 8 kg
- Quick setup 3-way head and quick release plate
- Adjustable height of 17.7 to 77’’ / 45 to 196 cm
- Compact and lightweight
- Stability with non-slip rubber feet
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Supports up to 26.5 lb / 12 kg
- Quick-release plate for easy setup
- 360-degree panoramic head
- Non-slip rubber feet
- 2-in-1 versatility (tripod and monopod)
- Quick-release leg locks for fast setup
- Universal smartphone holder good with most models
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
- Non-slip rubber feet for stability
- Quick-release mounting plate
- Adjustable center pole
- 3-way head with bubble level
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Carrying case included
Best Budget Tripods
1. VANGUARD VEO 2 265CB Carbon Fiber Tripod
| Brand |
Brand
VANGUARD
|
| Weight |
Weight
3.5 lb / 1.6 kg
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
17.6 lb / 8 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
59 inches / 149 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Carbon fiber
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Carbon-fiber body makes it lightweight
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a reliable, all-around tripod
|
This VANGUARD VEO 2 carbon fiber tripod has everything you need. It has excellent build quality. It’s portable, and it provides stability when shooting. It’s perfect for enthusiast-level photographers.
The tripod has detachable legs and a removable center column, which means it can be combined to form a monopod. It can extend up to 59 inches (149 cm) and shoot as low as 8.7 inches (22 cm) from the ground, giving you a great height range.
The ball head is removable. It can tilt 91 degrees in portrait orientation and 360 degrees in independent rotation.
It also has a reversible center column and a low-angle adaptor. This makes it a perfect tripod for macro photography and low-angle shots.
2. Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 4-Section Aluminum Tripod
| Brand |
Brand
Manfrotto
|
| Weight |
Weight
5.5 lb / 2.5 kg
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
15.4 lb / 7 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
63 inches / 160 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
The 90-degree column system offers more perspectives
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional photographers and enthusiasts
|
If your photography finances are tight, the Manfrotto MT190X Pro4 may push your budget to its limit. But it’s a solid and easy-to-use tripod recommended for serious photographers. This tripod handles almost 15.4 lb (7 kg), enough for a high-level DSLR.
This Manfrotto has a max height of 63 inches (160 cm). It goes down to 15.7 inches (40 cm) for lower-angle shooting. So, you have an excellent height range for a variety of shooting.
It uses a unique feature called Quick Power Lock. It lets you lock and unlock sections separately until it extends completely. This way, you can keep tweaking the legs with only one hand. It also offers a 90-degree column system to take photos from any perspective.
The MT190X Pro4 includes a bubble level and an easy link connector. It’s a reliable option for enthusiasts and professional photographers.
3. Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum 4-section Tripod
| Weight |
Weight
0.73 lb / 331 g
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
2.1 lb / 941 g
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
51.2 inches / 130 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Extremely lightweight
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travel photographers
|
Manfrotto is a famous brand among professional photographers. But it also has a few great options for beginners! One of their budget best-sellers is the Manfrotto Compact Light tripod.
As the name suggests, the Compact Light is so portable that you can put it inside a small book bag. It also features a pistol grip that gives you excellent control when adjusting the tripod head.
The downside of using Compact Light is that its legs are slightly flimsy, and they don’t go up as high. But if you have a lightweight camera, it shouldn’t cause any problems. After all, this tripod is specifically designed for entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
4. GEEKOTO 77-inch Tripod
| Brand |
Brand
GEEKOTO
|
| Weight |
Weight
1.5 kg / 3.4 lb
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
17.6 lb / 8 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
76.8 inches / 195 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
2-in-1 design, handles a large load
|
| Best For |
Best For
Landscape photographers
|
The GEEKOTO is one of the best budget tripods on the market. It’s an excellent option for travel and any outdoor photography.
One of the best features of this tripod is the rotating ball head. The head has a quick-release flip lock, so it’s easy to attach your camera. But the head is connected to the main body of the tripod with a ball joint, which gives the head 360 degrees of free rotation.
This compact tripod from GEEKOTO is strong but only weighs 3.4 lb (1.6 kg). It has a light frame but a weight capacity of almost 17.6 lb (8 kg). That’s strong enough for a professional-level DSLR camera with accessories.
Its max extended height is 76.8 inches (195 cm). But it folds to a reasonable 19.7 inches (50 cm), making it easy to carry. The GEEKOTO tripod also doubles as an excellent monopod.
5. K&F Concept 64-Inch Tripod
| Brand |
Brand
K&F Concept
|
| Weight |
Weight
1.3 lb / 5.8 kg
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
10 lb / 4.5 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
61.8 inches / 157 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Lightweight with a high max weight limit
|
| Best For |
Best For
Hikers or travel photographers
|
The K&F Concept tripod is the best option if you love to travel. Despite having an aluminum body, it only weighs 1.3 lb (5.8 kg). It’s strong and lightweight, which is what a travel camera needs.
This compact tripod is attractive to travel photographers because it can fit in small bags. That means you can place it in plane cabins without any issues. Despite the K&F Concept’s compact size, it extends to 61.8 inches (157 cm).
But this budget tripod’s best feature is its center column. You can configure it to support a camera for low-angle shots or remove it and turn it into a monopod for when you’re on the move.
6. KODAK PhotoGear 2-in-1 Tripod & Monopod
| Brand |
Brand
KODAK
|
| Weight |
Weight
3.7 lb / 1.7 kg
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
8.8 lb / 4 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
69.7 inches / 177 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Can be used as a tripod or monopod
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginner photographers
|
Kodak has been a household name for at least a century. So you can expect good quality when they release a budget tripod.
Kodak’s PhotoGear tripod has all the standard features in most budget options. It has a fluid head, a crank to adjust the center column, and a quick-release plate.
What makes the Kodak tripod different is its simplicity and build quality. It has a beautiful aluminum frame that’s sturdy and strong. The tripod head may be plastic, but it looks sleek and high-grade compared to its competitors.
7. Amazon Basics 60-inch Lightweight Tripod
| Brand |
Brand
Amazon Basics
|
| Weight |
Weight
2.7 lb / 1.2 kg
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
6.6 lb / 3 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
59.8 inches / 152 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Extremely cheap but practical
|
| Best For |
Best For
Those with a small budget
|
The Amazon Basics tripod may be the cheapest option on this list, but it has many features.
This fantastic tripod has a simple fluid head that lets you pan and tilt your camera. It also has a crank that precisely raises and lowers the center column without losing stability. It also features bubble levels to let you confirm if your tripod is straight or not.
The Amazon Basics tripod is not the most compact option on this list. It would stick out if you attached it to your backpack. But it’s a minor issue with this piece of equipment.
Strength is the more important issue. It can support up to 6.6 lb (3 kg) and handle bigger cameras. And its wide aluminum legs ensure a stable platform for your camera.
Best Budget Monopods
- Supports up to 8.8 lb / 4 kg
- 4-section adjustable legs
- Quick-and-easy setup
- Lightweight and durable
- Non-slip rubber feet for stability
- Foam rubber grip handle
- 3-section aluminum legs
- Quick-release leg lock
- Lightweight and portable
- Non-slip rubber feet
- Maximum height of 67" / 170 cm
- 4-section aluminum legs
- Quick-release leg lock
- Lightweight and portable
- Non-slip rubber feet
1. Benro Adventure 3 Series Aluminum Monopod
| Brand |
Brand
Benro
|
| Weight |
Weight
621 g / 1.4 lb
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
35.2 lb / 16 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
63 inches / 160 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Strong and robust build
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional photographers
|
Finding a budget monopod for heavy gear isn’t easy. But the Benro Adventure Series 3 monopod can handle a robust 16 kg (35.2 lb) yet has a reasonable price tag.
The monopod’s higher weight capacity makes it excellent for handling heavy lenses. It extends to 63 inches (160 cm) and, when closed, is 20.5 inches (52 cm) long. The monopod only weighs 1.4 lb (621 g), so it’s also a great travel tripod.
Unlike most budget monopods, this Benro has a rubber foot that helps keep the monopod in place. The foot articulates, so the monopod still allows for different angles. Other perks include flip-style locks for quick height adjustments and a foam grip at the top.
If your budget has a bit more wiggle room, the monopod is also available in carbon fiber. But the weight reduction is small, and the price hike is steep. That’s why the aluminum option is our top pick.
Like most monopods, the head isn’t included. Buying a tripod head allows further camera angle adjustments outside of the articulating foot at the base. We recommend the Benro 3-Way Geared Head.
2. Davis & Sanford by Tiffen Vista Trailblazer Monopod
| Brand |
Brand
Davis & Sanford
|
| Weight |
Weight
1 lb / 453 g
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
7.1 lb / 3.2 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
68 inches / 172 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Small and lightweight
|
| Best For |
Best For
Wildlife photographers
|
Camera supports don’t get much cheaper than the Vista Trailblazer. Its seven-pound weight capacity is on the low side for monopods. But it can support most enthusiast-level cameras.
The Vista Trailblazer extends up to 68 inches (172 cm). But it can also fold to 20.9 inches (53 cm) for low-angle shooting or packing. Flip-style locks adjust the monopod’s height quickly and easily.
The monopod weighs 1 lb (0.45 kg) and won’t add much heft to your bag. The bottom foot has a spike, which you can retract to use the rubber foot instead.
The Vista Trailblazer isn’t the most full-featured monopod. But it’s a good deal for photographers with tight budgets who want to try one.
3. Amazon Basics 67-inch Monopod
| Brand |
Brand
Amazon Basics
|
| Weight |
Weight
1.2 lb / 530 g
|
| Maximum Weight Allowed |
Maximum Weight Allowed
6.6 lb / 3 kg
|
| Max Height |
Max Height
67 inches / 170 cm
|
| Material |
Material
Aluminum
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Extendable shaft, retractable spikes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers on a budget
|
The Amazon Basics monopod checks all the prerequisites as a perfect everyday option.
Despite being about 1.2 lb (530 g), it can carry almost 6.6 lb (3 kg). For extra stability, you can attach any tripod head with a universal quarter-inch mount.
Our favorite feature is the four-section shaft, which extends up to 67 inches (170 cm). That’s a big plus, especially for tall photographers.
These added details built into the product make the Amazon Basics monopod unique. For instance, it has a rubber foot and a retractable spike for extra stability. It also features a cushion grip and strap, which lets you use it as a hiking pole!
Conclusion: The Best Budget Tripod and Monopod
The VANGUARD VEO 2 265CB carbon fiber tripod is the best budget tripod. It is lightweight, durable, and offers excellent stability. Its three-way pan head lets you easily adjust the angle and position of your camera. And its five-section leg locks provide added stability.
The Benro Adventure 3 Series aluminum monopod is the best budget monopod for us. Its great price and even greater abilities solidify it as the best at a great price. The price may be on the upper side, but it would mean you would never have to buy another monopod again!
This tripod and monopod are excellent choices for any budget-minded photographer. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and affordable photography equipment.
