Tripods are by far one of the most important and powerful photography accessories out there. They can be used in countless ways from allowing us to shoot at longer exposures to providing us with precise control over composition and even holding the weight of our cameras and lenses allowing us to shoot at ease for longer periods of time. Tripods have existed since the very early days of photography and for good reason. These invaluable tools are an absolute must-have for anyone serious about their photography.

Of course, many of us frequently shoot handheld, and with the phenomenal IBIS and optical stabilization in modern-day cameras, some might argue that tripods are slightly less useful than they used to be. perhaps there is some validity to this argument but at the end of the day, even with massive technological advancements, the simple nature of tripods and the plethora of benefits they provide make them an essential tool.

There are many different types of tripods out there all designed for specific uses and users. They range in functionality, price, material, and construction making it difficult for photographers to sift through their options and choose what’s right for them. Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve spent countless hours researching and comparing an overwhelming number of options. I’ve cut corners and tried to save a bit of money only to realize I purchased the wrong tripod for me and ended up buying another soon after.

Because of these reasons, I’ve decided to write a series of articles listing the absolute best and top-rated tripods within a few general categories. The idea is to sift through everything that’s out there and provide readers with a comprehensive list of really great tripods designed for specific uses. Today’s article will take a look at some of the absolute best budget tripods currently on the market. Be sure to check out our other articles discussing the best pro-level photography tripods and the best travel tripods.

Let’s take a look at our curated list containing 10 of the very best budget tripods currently available. This list contains a selection of 10 offerings from a variety of manufacturers that don’t exceed $150 in price. Every single one of these tripods is tried and tested and will provide great value for their price point. Of course, this is a subjective list containing tripods that are both highly rated and that we have selected as some of our favorites here at Backcountry Journeys. The following list is presented in no particular order. Alright, let’s get right into it!

Oben AC-1441 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-111 Ball Head

• Price: $140

• Load Capacity: 11 lb

• Maximum Height: 61.6”

• Minimum Height: 8.3”

• Weight: 3.3 lb

With tons of very good reviews, the AC-144 tripod from Oben is not only incredibly popular but it’s a great bang for your buck. This classic tripod will support all sorts of camera and lens combinations up to 11 pounds. With flip locks on the leg sections you’ll be able to quickly and effortlessly set it up and with three separate leg angles you’ll have a wide range in compositional control. All in all, this is a great tripod for the price point.

Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 Traverse Carbon Fiber Grounder Tripod With Ball head

• Price: $150

• Load Capacity: 12 lb

• Maximum Height: 65”

• Minimum Height: 9”

• Weight: 3.25 lb

This popular tripod from Davis & Sanford sits right at our maximum price of $150 but with tons of exceptional reviews and ratings, you won’t be disappointed. With a tall maximum height of 65 inches, lightweight and strong carbon fiber legs, a smooth and reliable ball head, and easy-to-use twist locks, this thing will get the job done. You can also swap the center column out with an included short column to get nice and close to the ground. Overall, this is a really solid offering.

Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 Aluminum Tripod

• Price: $150

• Load Capacity: 31 lb

• Maximum Height: 61.2”

• Minimum Height: 12.4”

• Weight: 3.9lb

This superb offering from Benro just might be one of the best deals on today’s list. Yes, it sits right at our maximum price point of $150 but with many exceptional reviews, across-the-board 5-star ratings, and a maximum capacity of 31 pounds, this thing is hard to beat. Perhaps it doesn't come with a head, is a bit heavier than other offerings and isn’t made of carbon fiber but overall this is a really solid tripod and you’ll get some great value out of the $150 you’d spend.

3 Legged Thing Punks Patti Tripod with AirHed Mini Ball Head

• Price: $100

• Load Capacity: 22lb

• Maximum Height: 64”

• Minimum Height: 7.25”

• Weight: 3.4 lb

The Punks Patti Tripod from 3 Legged Thigs is a really great choice for any photographer looking for great performance at a low price. With tons of really great reviews and ratings across the board, this thing is tried and tested. As a 4-section tripod with a removable center column, you can reach as high up as 64” while also getting quite close to the ground. Overall, this is a really solid option and for only $100 you’re getting a great deal.

Oben AC-1321 Aluminum Tripod with BA-106A Ball Head

• Price: $90

• Load Capacity: 6.6 lb

• Maximum Height: 57.5”

• Minimum Height: 8.3”

• Weight: 2.9 lb

The Oben AC-1321 is a great tripod for its price point. Perhaps it can only handle 6.6 pounds of weight but for photographers with lighter setups, this is a great option. This lightweight tripod that only weighs 2.9 pounds provides reliable support for all kinds of uses and with easy-to-use flip locks on each leg section you can quickly set it up and start shooting. This is yet another very solid option on today’s list.

Geekoto AT24Pro Dreamer 77” Aluminum Tripod

• Price: $115

• Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

• Maximum Height: 77”

• Minimum Height: 19”

• Weight: 3.4 pounds

This is one of the tallest tripods on this list and with a very attractive price of only $115, you really get a nice bang for your buck. Perhaps you can’t get super low to the ground and it certainly isn’t the most packable offering on this list, but if you’re looking for height, a really solid build with a nice ball head, and easy-to-use flip locks, you can’t go wrong with the Geekoto AT25Pro Dreamer. Overall, this is a great tripod that is built to last and works well at a very approachable price point.  

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum-Alloy Tripod Kit with SBH-100 Ball Head

• Price: $150

• Load Capacity: 15.4 lb

• Maximum Height: 68.1”

• Minimum Height: N/A

• Weight: 5.4 lb

With a ton, and I mean a ton, of really great reviews, this is likely one of the most popular and tested tripods on today’s list. Yes, it hits our maximum price of $150 but you really get a nice product for that amount. The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 is a classic tripod that will keep your gear steady and extends all the way up to 68.1 inches. With easy-to-use quick locks on the legs, a nice and smooth ball head, and more this tripod will get the job done time and time again. You can rotate the center column up to 90 degrees for greater flexibility in shooting. Perhaps it doesn’t compress to a small size and yes, it is a bit heavy, but regardless this Is a quality tripod for its price point.

Geekoto CT25Pro Craftsman 79” Carbon Fiber Tripod

• Price: $150

• Load Capacity: 26.5 lb

• Maximum Height: 79”

• Minimum Height: 19”

• Weight: 3.4 lb

With a staggering maximum height of 79 inches, this is by far the tallest tripod on today’s list. And with a reversible center column, you can still get quite close to the ground. The Geekoto CT25Pro Craftsman is a really nice tripod that sits right at our maximum price of $150. With a nice Arca-type ball head, a durable build, lightweight and strong carbon fiber legs and columns, and a versatile maximum capacity of nearly 27 pounds, you won’t be disappointed with this tripod.

K&F Concept D225C2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Arca-Type Ball Head and Monopod

• Price: $130

• Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

• Maximum Height: 55.5”

• Minimum Height: 17.7”

• Weight: 2.36 lb

The K&F Concept D225C2 Carbon Fiber Tripod is another great offering on this list. It is built well and with a robust carbon fiber construction only weighs 2.36 pounds. This tripod will work great with a wide variety of cameras and lenses as long as they aren’t super heavy. It also features an easy-to-use and versatile ball head. If you’re looking for a lightweight tripod that will get the job done at a very attractive price of only $130 then this is a great option.

Benro TSL08CN00 Slim Carbon-Fiber Tripod with Ball Head

• Price: $140

• Load Capacity: 8.8 lb

• Maximum Height: 57.6”

• Minimum Height: 15.7”

• Weight: 2.2 lb

And last, but certainly not least, we have arrived at the final tripod featured on today’s list. This popular offering from Benro is one of the lightest tripods featured in this article and for its weight and price, it more than holds its own. The Benro TSL08CN00 Slim Carbon-Fiber Tripod is a great option for photographers who are on the go and have lighter setups. Constructed from strong and rigid carbon fiber and featuring a great Arca-type ball head, you’ll be surprised with all this tripod is capable of.

Conclusion

And there we have it. This has been our curated list of 10 of the very best budget tripods currently on the market. With a maximum price point of only $150, all of these tripods will get the job done and are held in high regard. Again, this is a subjective list containing 10 tripods with great reviews that we are particularly excited about here at Backcountry Journeys. Of course, there are plenty of great options not included in this list and we always encourage you to do your own research before purchasing anything. That being said, I sincerely hope this article has been informative and educational, and that it helps make your tripod purchasing journey a bit smoother and less stressful. If you haven’t already be sure to check out our previous articles discussing the best travel tripods and the best professional tripods. We’ll see you on the next one and happy shooting!

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com