best budget tripod for video by Ali G Studios

Best Budget Tripods for Video

May 4, 2022
|In Tips
|By lorraine

Ever wondered how videographers get those smooth video shots and minimize camera shake?

For sure, the starting point is either a tripod or a gimbal! Tripods don’t need to be expensive, so here’s my take and review of the best budget tripod for video in 2022.

My name is Ali G, I am a Hong Kong-based professional photographer, NFT Artist, and social media workshop instructor. Over the years, I have helped to produce thousands of videos for different purposes.

In videography, we tend to focus on the lights, cameras and action. But besides that, there is a critical element that ensures the security and stability of the video. The tripod plays a crucial role in keeping the camera level stable throughout the filming process.

High-quality tripods are usually expensive which turns people away from buying such gear. Fortunately, there are several high-quality tripods that you can get at a lower price. Here is a list of the best budget tripods for video.

I highly recommend the Velbon DV-7000N. It comes with a two-way fluid head, 1.14-inch upper leg section, quick-release platform, and can hold up to 13.2 lbs. All these features allow you to film the video smoothly at almost all angles.

Of course, there are other great tripods suitable for different needs as well, and I will take a walk you through my choices with their detailed reviews.

Let’s get started!

Quick Summary

 

Best Budget Tripods for Video – Detailed Reviews

Here are my most recommended budget tripods for video.

Velbon DV-7000N

  • Key Features: Smooth Vel-flo 9 Mini-Pro, 2-way fluid head (PH-368), quick release platform (QB-6RL) and a spirit level, heavy-duty rubber-armored feet
  • Material: Aluminum and Rubber
  • Weight: 7.65 lbs
  • Height: 22 inches to 64 inches
  • Best for: Overall

 

The Velbon DV-7000N is our most recommended budget tripod suits users of all levels, but they are perfect for advanced users and professional videographers as well. It has built-in levels to help you check if your camera is perfectly horizontal, but the best part about it is the smooth head panning, thanks to the PH-368, 2-way fluid head.

It is also equipped with sturdy 1.14-inch upper leg sections, a geared center column, and centrally braced 3-section aluminum alloy legs, giving it maximum stability even in a low-angle setting. The tripod can hold a maximum weight of up to 13.2 lbs well.

>> Check Current Price and Info <<

 

Amazon Basics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod

  • Key Features: Lightweight, adjustable-height legs and rubber feet, Two built-in bubble view levels and a 3-way head, quick-release mounting plate
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 2.72 lbs
  • Height: 23.8 inches – 62.2 inches 
  • Best for: Budget

 

Lightweight tripods are recommended for travelers since they are easy to carry along in your backpack or luggage. One of the best budget lightweight tripods is the Amazon Basics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod.

As the name implies, it weighs only 2.72 pounds and can hold up to 6.6 lbs of load. It also has adjustable legs and rubber feet. This tripod is compatible with most video cameras, digital cameras, still cameras, GoPro devices, smartphone adapters, and scopes.

>> Check Current Price and Info <<

 

GEEKOTO 79 inches Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod Monopod

  • Key Features: 360° ball head, adjustable and expandable, multi-function, quick-release plate
  • Material: Carbon Fiber
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs
  • Height: 79 inches
  • Best for: Affordable price

 

The GEEKOTO Camera Tripod is another great option, especially for travelers since it is also lightweight and can be disassembled easily. It has detachable legs you can use either as a monopod or a tripod. Alternatively, it could also act as a walking stick or trekking pole, making it the perfect tripod for traveling.

The ball head allows 360° rotation and is attached with horizontal bubbles and a scale. The tripod legs have three adjustable triggers and retractable ring buckles that can be adjusted to different positions and heights.

>> Check Current Price and Info <<

 

Vanguard VEO 3+ 263AB

  • Key Features: Easy set, solid and easy clean twist locks, Arca-compatible, VEO 2 PH-38 3-way pan head, Innovative Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) system
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Height: 30.5 inches – 68.3 inches 
  • Best for: Versatile

Many videographers prefer flexibility in their tripods. In this case, the Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CP is just what you need. It is an aluminum tripod that offers 360 degrees rotation, perfect for different types of shots, from landscape to close-up.

It can extend up to 68.3 inches and carry loads up to 13.2 lbs. It is also portable since it can fold to 30.5 inches in length and weighs only 5.1 pounds. Its tripod legs are convertible into a monopod and can be adjusted. It has three set angles including 23°, 50°, and 80°, each of which can be secured into place using an innovative push-button lock.

>> Check Current Price and Info <<

 

Best Budget Tripod for Video – What to Consider?

When looking for a good tripod, you should consider the following:

Base

The base is important in a tripod since it is where you mount your camera onto the tripod itself. Get a tripod with a good base that can secure your camera in place for videography. This ensures that the camera is firmly attached and won’t shake as you film.

Weight

The tripod’s weight can affect its stability and its portability. Heavier tripods are more stable as their weight can help them lock into place and withstand external factors like the wind. However, they are harder to carry around compared to lightweight ones. 

Angle

Tripod legs are usually able to fold back to a certain angle. Some tripods can fold back up to 80 degrees, while some can even fold back to 180 degrees. However, it can only be locked into place at certain angles.

Height

Look for a tripod that matches your height and allows your camera’s viewfinder to be at eye level. This will make it easier for you to record videos since you won’t have to bend down constantly. 

Portability

If you are a traveling videographer, always consider its portability. There are solid tripods that are durable but very heavy and difficult to carry around. On the other hand, some tripods are lightweight and foldable so they are easier to transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions relating to choosing a budget tripod for video and their quick answers.

How Should I Choose a Tripod for Video?

In choosing a tripod for video, you only need to focus on five things. You have to consider how secure the tripod base is, its overall weight, the angles it allows, its maximum height, and its portability. 

What is the Best Budget Tripod?

AmazonBasics 60-inch lightweight tripod is the best budget tripod up to date. It is not the cheapest but its cost is reasonable considering the features that it has in store for you. It is solid, easy to set up, and very stable. 

What is the Best Tripod for Making YouTube Videos?

The best tripod for making YouTube videos depends on what content you aim to create. You won’t go wrong with the Velbon DV-7000N, but if you want to capture content from any angle, then go for the versatile Vanguard VEO 3+ 263AB.

 

Useful Information and Tips

To produce a high-quality videos, your camera should be level, so always check the spirit level on the tripod to make sure the bubble is in the middle before you tighten up the tripod.

Always adjust your position so you are in a comfortable position before and after panning or tilting.

Here are some great articles covering different gears for filming stunning videos:

 

Final Words

The Velbon DV-7000N is one of the top-quality tripods you can find at the same price point. It offers you many great features you need for shooting incredible videos.

This excellent price point tripod comes with a smooth 2-way fluid head and quick release plate so you can film quickly and smoothly. All the recommended tripods here are tremendous, and you will not be disappointed!

 

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Ali G Studios   IG: @aligphoto1   Youtube: @AliGStudios 

A big thanks to Phottix for the professional lighting equipment provided to Ali G Studios.

Disclosure: As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.