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 professional tripods currently on the market. This list is the cream of the crop and contains some of the highest-rated professional tripods out there. Last week I wrote an article on the best travel tripods and stay tuned for articles diving into the best video and budget tripods.

Before we get into it, I’d like to mention a few things off the bat. First of all, I’d like to discuss exactly what makes these tripods “professional”. Of course, this is somewhat subjective but in general, these tripods have a better and sturdier build quality, they can often handle more weight than cheaper tripods, and they are built to last long and withstand heavy use. Another thing you'll notice is that this article is a little different than last week’s. Today We will list series or collections of tripods rather than individual products. This is simply because many of the best professional tripods are offered in a variety of slightly different variations or configurations within an overarching series or collection. For example, a high-end tripod may be offered in a variety of heights and maximum load capacities so that photographers can get the exact right product that’s suited to their needs. Because of this, we won’t be listing detailed specifications rather we will cover a few key selling points of each series/collection as well as a brief description.  It’s also worth noting that tripods in this category are often sold without a tripod head. Of course, they can be purchased with a head but many offerings are frequently sold separately. Again, this is due to the fact that when it comes to high-end professional tools, photographers are often looking for a very specific or specialized product rather than a more generic offering.

Furthermore, 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. On top of that, the following list is presented in no particular order. Without further ado, let’s get right into it and take a look at our curated list containing some of the very best professional tripods currently available for photographers.

Gitzo Mountaineer Tripods

Gitzo is widely considered one of the world’s very best manufacturers of professional-grade tripods. And by far, one of their most popular and highly rated offerings is the coveted Mountaineer series. These four-section tripods are incredibly well-designed, functional, durable, and built to withstand the test of time. With a removable and reversible center column, Gitzo’s ingenious G-lock system, the absolute highest safety standards, and a lightweight and strong construction consisting of carbon fiber legs/column combined with a durable yet lightweight metal top spider, these tripods are a top choice for professionals far and wide. And when combined with any of Gitzo’s top-rated tripod heads, the possibilities are endless. The mountaineer tripod series from Gitzo strikes the perfect balance between rigidity, portability, and performance.

Benro Tortoise Tripods

Another heavy hitter in the world of tripods is Benro. This company produces a very wide range of exceptional tripods for all sorts of uses and users. Some of their highest-performance and best-built offerings definitely fall into the ”professional” category but are offered at much more approachable price points than many competitors. If you’re looking for a tripod that is built to last, will work great, and that stacks up well against the competition then any of the offerings in Benro’s Tortoise series will suit you just fine. I personally use one of these tripods and I absolutely love it. If you want a relatively small, lightweight tripod that’s easy to travel with and that punches well above its weight when it comes to stability, capacity, and overall performance, then any of the tortoise tripods from Benro will work great.

Really Right Stuff Ascend Tripods

Really Right Stuff has been one of the premier choices of professional orographers for years. They manufacture some of the absolute best and top-rated tripods found anywhere, and one of their most popular and successful offerings is their iconic Ascend series. Offered in both compact and long-leg options, these tripods deliver world-class performance in a relatively lightweight and compact design. Striking the perfect balance between a great maximum height, weight capacity, and portability, the Ascend series hits the mark across the board. You can also choose to purchase any of the tripods in this series with or without a ball head depending on your personal preferences. If you want a truly great and versatile carbon fiber tripod from one of the best in the business, then this is a superb option.

Robus Vantage Tripods

Another very popular and highly rated collection of tripods that we had to include in this list, is the versatile and popular Vantage series of tripods from Robus. If you’re looking for a truly great tripod that offers maximum stability, a high-load capacity, and a wide range of height flexibility, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Vantage series. With extremely sturdy carbon fiber tubes, a stable mounting platform for tripod heads made of CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum, and much more, these tripods are popular and highly rated for a reason. On top of that these tripods are offered at approachable and reasonable price points that fall right in the middle of today’s list. If you’re looking for a great tripod that offers exceptional performance and that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg then this just might be what you’re looking for.

FLM CP Tripods

Continuing down our list we arrive at yet another very highly rated and very popular series of tripods designed for professionals. The FLM CP Series contains a nice variety of well-built and versatile carbon fiber options all at reasonable price points. Similar to the Robus Vantage tripods these offerings from FLM fall roughly in the middle of our list when it comes to price, and they more than hold their own when it comes to performance.  These three-section tripods feature strong and robust carbon fiber legs, easy-to-use locking mechanisms, durable and lightweight top spiders, and more. If you want to strike a nice balance between weight, performance, and price then you’ll have to check out the CP Tripods from FLM.

FEISOL Elite Tripods

Another brand that’s known for producing some of the highest-quality tripods on the planet is FEISOL. This iconic company sells a very wide range of products meeting the needs and requirements of all sorts of professional photographers. Their Elite series is by far one of their best-selling and highest-rated collections and for good reason. Available in both 3 and 4-section configurations these tripods give users the option to reach tall heights with a center column or get nice and close to the ground without one. Constructed with both lightweight and strong carbon fiber and CNC-milled solid block aluminum, these tripods are built to washstand heavy use and are made to last the test of time. If you want a versatile, professional-grade tripod that is held in high regard by the pros, then be sure to check out the Elite series from FEISOL.

Oben CT/CFT Tripods

Oben is yet another manufacturer that produces very nice products that are held in high regard by professionals that won’t break the bank. Similar to the Benro Tortoise series, the CT and CFT tripods from Oben are some of the more affordable on today’s list, but don’t let that fool you. These are still very capable, durable, and great products that will get the job done. These high-quality carbon fiber tripods are always rated very highly and are a great option for more budget-conscious photographers who want a nice product. Available in multiple configurations including both removable and 90-degree lateral center columns, these tripods offer a ton of flexibility and creative control. If you want an easy-to-use, durable, sturdy, and packable tripod that won’t set you back a ton, then you’ll have to take a look at these top-rated tripods from Oben.

Gitzo Systematic Tripods

As we move through today’s list, we’ve arrived back at one of the world’s premiere tripod manufacturers Gitzo. And this time we’re discussing an even higher performance option from this powerhouse. As their “top range” of tripods, the Systematic series truly is the best of the best from Gitzo when it comes to professional-level tripods. If you want the absolute highest performance offerings from one of the best in the world then you absolutely have to check out this series. If you want maximum stability able to handle heavy cameras and lenses then these are some of the strongest and most stable tripods out there.  These modular tripods can be used in a wide variety of configurations and of course, you can choose between their selection of top-notch heads depending on your needs. If you want the very best from Gitzo then this is what you’re looking for.

Really Right Stuff Versa Mk2 Tripods

Price Range: $1,140 - $1,320
Learn More at Manufacturer’s Website
Learn More at B&H Photo

Continuing the trend, we’ll dive right into another top-notch offering from one of the very best. If you’re in search of one of the absolute highest-performance three-section tripods currently available, then be sure to read up on the Versa MK2 series from Really Right Stuff. These tripods are used by countless professional photographers and the reviews more than speak for themselves. With a rugged and durable construction, their stable and versatile Fuji Modular Plates, high-grade CNC machined aluminum and carbon fiber manufacturing, and so much more, these tripods are truly exceptional. Designed to be some of the sturdiest tripods out there and to reduce any unwanted minute camera shake or vibrations, you really can’t go wrong with the Versa Mk2.

Benro Mammoth Tripods

As Benro’s top-of-the-line 3-section offering, the Mammoth series is a very impressive option that has received many stellar reviews over the years. These tripods are quite similar to the very popular Tortoise series but are larger, extend to taller heights, can handle significantly more weight, are more stable overall, and feature a very innovative and upgraded plate for mounting heads. The Quick level 75mm bowl makes it incredibly easy to achieve a level surface and of course, you can mount any 3/8” threaded tripod head that you like. The Mammoth series offers several sizes and configurations and Benro has really pulled all the stops with this one. If you want a great professional-level tripod set at a very reasonable and attractive price point, then definitely take a serious look at the Mammoth series.

Really Right Stuff Ultralight Tripods

Surprise, surprise we have a third offering from Really Right Stuff. If you haven’t noticed yet, we really like this brand here at BCJ and they have more than proven themselves over the years. Honestly, their entire product line is full of world-class products designed for professionals and their Ultralight series is no exception. Similar to their other 3-section offerings these tripods check all the boxes and work extraordinarily well. They will stand up to the elements, can support a good amount of weight, are very sturdy, and they will get the job done. The main differentiator, as the name implies, is that this series features tripods that are lighter and more travel-friendly. Perhaps they can’t handle quite as much weight or reach quite as high, but if you’re looking for a stellar tripod that is easy to transport and travel with then be sure to check these out.

FEISOL Tournament Tripods

And last but certainly not least, we have the Tournament series from FEISOL. These are very high-quality tripods that have received a countless number of phenomenal reviews. Perhaps they aren’t quite as expensive as the slightly larger and heavier Elite series from FEISOL but nonetheless they are exceptional. The Tournament is arguably their flagship series of products and when it comes to robust and impeccable 3-section tripods, it’s hard to beat. Using only the most advanced materials including aerospace-quality 7075 aluminum alloy and specialized carbon fiber legs, these tripods offer superb strength, durability, and stability. FEISOL has a reputation for producing some of the absolute best tripods on earth and their Tournament series spearheads their position as one of the top players.

Conclusion

And there we have it. This has been our curated list of some of the absolute best professional-grade tripods currently on the market. Again, this is a subjective list containing 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 professional tripod purchasing journey a bit smoother and less stressful. Feel free to check out our previous article on the best travel tripods and stay tuned for similar articles on both budget tripods and video 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