If your average tripod setup is a Ford, then this setup is equivalent to a Lamborghini. The TVC-33 is an all-around performer at the top of its class. All parts are made in America and Really Right Stuff is the industry standard in terms of quality. The price tag is high, but you get what you pay for. The TVC-33 Mk2 is their standard-height tripod. It weighs only 4.3 pounds yet it can support 50 pounds. It will securely stabilize your wide angle all the way up to your 800mm super tele. The BH-55 is widely regarded as the best ballhead ever made as well. This is an amazing combination. I personally use the TVC-24L and the BH-55. The TVC-24L weighs a little less and supports a little less, but since I often backpack or hike, the weight savings is worth it to me. Many also recommend Gitzo tripods, which are great, but I have heard of some quality issues in serious conditions, leg locks freezing, legs breaking, things like that. Really Right Stuff is the way you should go in my opinion if you’re splurging.

Still Very Good

Although a step below Really Right Stuff and Gitzo, Feisol and Induro have made some really great tripods as of late. If you don’t want to spend the money on the best, I’d recommend investing in this realm to still ensure you have a good setup that won’t let you down.

Feisol Tournament CT-3442 and Really Right Stuff BH-40 – $419.95 tripod, $415.00 ballhead

This is a great tripod option. It is very stable and actually weighs less than Really Right Stuff’ TVC-33. Feisol actually uses a lot of the same manufacturing practices that Really Right Stuff does to ensure the highest quality possible. The price is lower though, which is a win for us. Although Feisol’s tripod legs are very good, I’d recommend still looking to Really Right Stuff for a ballhead pairing. I’d recommend the CT-3442 with the Really Right Stuff BH-40.

Induro CLT204 Classic Series 2 Stealth and Really Right Stuff BH-40 – $330 tripod, $415.00 ballhead

This is another really good tripod for the price. If you can’t afford Really Right Stuff, I really recommend going the Induro or Feisol route. From my experience, I’d still recommend pairing either with a Really Right Stuff ballhead. Induro has grown a lot over the last few years and a lot of professionals in the field use Induro tripods. This is the model that I’d recommend. It’s carbon fiber, has a solid load capacity, and is backed by a lot of user reviews.

Budget Options

If you are looking to stay on a budget, I recommend looking at these options. No, they won’t be nearly as good as the categories above, but they are still serviceable. You might find yourself upgrading sooner than later however.

Oben CT-3535 Folding Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with BE-208T Ball Head – $179.95

Oben is my favorite budget brand. I won’t say their tripod systems are great, but for the money, I think they make good tripods. This is a fantastic travel tripod, it’s small, lightweight, and carbon fiber. Oben has decent ballheads as well. The legs are not as fluid or as stable as higher priced tripods, but they are good enough if you only use your tripod here and there.

MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Aluminum Travel Tripod – $169.99

1. L-Bracket

2. Quick Release Columns