Review of the best outdoor camera tripods in 2022

Since the invention of the first camera, photographers have used tripods to properly fix their camera and take a high-quality picture. Today, almost every phone has a camera. Taking pictures has long been a part of everyday life, because now photography has become easier than ever. Nevertheless, professional photographers have not gone away. After all, with the help of a smartphone, simple everyday pictures are usually taken. Like photographing work papers or taking a couple of random photos at a party. However, if you want to beautifully capture the best moments of your life or take a photo for a resume, then it is better to contact a professional with special equipment.

Although today's cameras can be carried by hand, there are many cases where it is inconvenient to do so.For example, if you are shooting with a heavy telephoto lens or you just need to fix the camera on a hill. In such cases, you can not do without a tripod.

Often, many are too negligent in the choice of this important accessory, which is why they later spend their nights in Photoshop, trying to straighten out what could have been avoided by properly placing the camera.

In our article, we will find out which brand of tripod is best suited for your needs, compare them in price and help you choose what you need.

ERA ECSA-3730

Price: ~1,500 rubles

Let's start our review with a cheap version of the ERA ECSA-3730, which, at the same time, is not inferior in its functionality to more expensive models.

The minimum height of the device is 57.5 cm, then telescopic legs are released with the help of latches, which allow you to raise it by 1.51 meters. To understand whether it is fixed evenly, you can use the built-in level.

The camera is mounted on a 3D head, which can be rotated in all directions to find the desired angle for shooting. After that, it can be fixed using a special fastener. For even fixation, it also has a built-in level.

The camera is fixed on a removable platform, which snaps into a special mount.Judging by the reviews, it is better not to use equipment for shooting more than 3 kilograms, as the head loses stability under heavy load.

Thanks to the lifting mechanism of the head, the camera can be raised even higher.

Rubberized swivel feet allow you to firmly set the tripod even on uneven floors.

It adds stability to the hook located in the center between the three supports, on which you can attach the load.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Ease of carrying. The device has a special case and a convenient handle for transportation.
• Large range of height adjustment. With the help of legs and a head, you can raise the camera almost to the level of human growth.
• Light weight. Since the tripod is made of plastic, it only weighs 1.31 kg.
• High stability.
• Low price

• Flimsy plastic supports. The telescopic legs are thin and made of plastic, so for some users they quickly broke.
• Plastic mounts will feel bad when working in the cold.
• The head, although quite mobile, cannot withstand a lot of weight and begins to dangle. In addition, it cannot provide enough smooth movement for professional shooting.

This tripod is quite suitable for amateur photography and studio photo shoots. Despite the shortcomings described above, it remains a good option for its price. However, for professional shooting, you should take something better.

HAMA Star-63

Price: ~ 1,800 rubles.

Having paid only 300 rubles, you can take HAMA Star-63. This model is better than the first one in some respects, which we will talk about.

Its height is slightly higher than the previous model. Now it can be adjusted from 66 to 166 cm. The telescopic legs are thicker here.The maximum width of the main tube is 26.7 mm. In addition, they are made of aluminum alloy and can withstand heavy loads.

2 built-in levels allow you to evenly adjust the head and the tripod itself. The 3D head is able to rotate in different directions. A special mount fixes the head in a horizontal position, and with the help of a handle you can rotate it up or down, as well as fix it in the selected vertical position.

The top platform with the camera can be tilted to the side for vertical shooting.

The maximum weight of the equipment that the head can support while maintaining stability is 4 kg.

The legs are fixed in the center in the extended state. Hinged rubber feet help it stand confidently on the ground, and if you attach an additional weight to the hook located below, this will add stability to it.

Advantages and disadvantages

• High versatility, allowing you to shoot in different styles;
• Good material for its price segment;
• Ease of carrying, the tripod has a comfortable handle and a good bag included;
• Multifunctional head for photographic equipment;
• Excellent stability

• Insufficiently smooth movement along the axes for professional video shooting;
• Perceptible weight. Due to the materials of construction, it weighs 1.7 kg, which may be a hindrance for some.

This model, without exaggeration, is the best in its price segment. It deservedly occupies high places in the ratings and will be an excellent purchase for a novice photographer.

JMARY KP-2264

Price: ~ 3,200 rubles.

This option is already more expensive, the design looks more impressive than the previously reviewed models and allows you to lay out the tripod to a greater height than the previous models.

Supports traditionally consist of 3 sections, retractable one by one.

When folded, it is 57 centimeters. If you fully expand it and unscrew the height of the head, then its length in this form will be 176 cm. But this is not the limit, judging by some reviews.

The rotating 3D head performs all the necessary functions, freely rotating in all directions. The camera is firmly fixed in it using a removable stand, which then snaps into a special mount. The platform can also be tilted to the side for vertical shooting.

The head is raised to the required height not with the help of a handle, as usual. A special screw is pressed against the pipe on which it is fixed. By squeezing the screw, you can quickly raise it by hand to the desired length and then clamp it back with the screw.

The maximum weight declared by the manufacturer is 4 kg. It’s quite a lot for itself, but it’s not worth overloading it, because when it exceeds the weight, it starts to stagger.

For proper installation, a level is built into it. There is no level in the head, so you will have to adjust the camera angle according to the image on the camera itself.

The tripod has articulated rubber legs with protruding spikes, which allows you to install it on any surface - uneven floors, tiles, loose earth. On slippery surfaces, the device also feels quite confident. Especially with a load suspended on a special hook.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The large height to which the installed equipment can be raised, 176 cm, is one of the best indicators;
• Good legs, allowing you to install it anywhere;
• Convenient case, more like a bag more than a case, if you forgot the bag, there is an equally convenient carrying handle;
• Possibility of installation of professional equipment up to 4 kg;
• The weight of the device is only 1.5 kg

• Overload intolerance. It is better not to install equipment heavier than 4 kg, since the head loses stability from this.

It is quite a suitable model for amateur photographers. It stands up well on any surface and is well suited for those who like to shoot from great heights.

BENRO T-600EX

Price: ~ 2,200 rubles.

This option is suitable for those who do not need a large height and do not have time for a long installation.

It is not as tall as, for example, JMARY KP-2264, it does not have a load hook, but it also has its advantages.

First of all, it is the simplicity of the design. Thanks to the fastening with just two clips, which are easy to open and just as easy to close back, it can be quickly assembled or disassembled.

The maximum length in this case will reach 1.46 cm. When folded - 57 cm.

To install a camera or video camera, a 3D head is used with all the ensuing functionality that allows you to rotate the camera in any direction you want to do it.

The camera is screwed into a special platform, which is placed in the head and snaps into place.

The head can withstand equipment weighing up to 3 kg and can be raised higher using a special bar.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Convenient fastening of two clips, allowing you to quickly assemble the rack;
• Stability and reliability (Despite the fact that there is no possibility to hang an additional load, it is quite stable even with its weight);
• Includes a carrying case;
• Light weight - only 1.46kg;
• Price.

• The handle for the lifting mechanism of the head is located on the left side, which causes inconvenience to many;
• There is a gap between the head and the contact pad, due to which the installed equipment may stagger, however, not all users have this drawback and most likely depends on the model;
• Poorly designed for filming in the cold;
• No hook for cargo.

This is one of the best tripods for the money. It is perfect for amateur shooting in the studio or just indoors. Many note the good quality of materials and the reliability of the design, so it can serve you for a long time.

SONY VCT-R640

Cost: ~ 4,500 rubles.

Let's move on from budget options to more expensive models designed for professional shooting.

Sony has long been famous for its electronics. She also produces tripods. The SONY tripod is made of aluminum alloy, looks beautiful and is very well assembled. Here you involuntarily pay attention to it, it is so impressive.

In the assembled state, its length is 54.8 cm. With the legs fully extended, the height increases to 144.1 cm. There is a built-in level for stability control. The length of each leg is individually adjustable.

The head is made of plastic and is pulled up with a special handle. The 3D head is equipped with 3 clamps. They firmly stop each side when turning the camera and you can not be afraid that it will hang out.

It is also worth noting the smooth movement of the head, unlike inexpensive models, where when shooting video, the camera can move as if in jerks.

The only downside is that the head is made of plastic, because for such a price tripods can have heads made of more durable materials.

The recommended weight of the installed equipment is 3 kg.

The legs are ordinary rubber without hinges. Nevertheless, it stands quite steadily, although it is desirable to put it on a flat surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Excellent build quality and all materials;
• Good stability even despite the absence of a load hook;
• Sufficiently smooth movement of the head for the most comfortable shooting;
• Price. We strongly advise against buying this device in the official SONY store, because it can be found much cheaper;
• A light weight. Only 1.2kg, which is why it is almost not felt in the hand.

• There is no case, which makes it difficult to transport;
• No level on the head;
• Light weight can also be a disadvantage, because when shooting outdoors, the wind can interfere with it;
• The absence of a hook. Having a weight hook would have helped with weight and stability, but alas.

Just a great option for non-professional shooting at home or in the studio. The smooth movement of the head allows you to shoot video without jerking and twitching. In terms of its parameters, it would even be suitable for professional shooting, if it were not for the heavy weight of professional optics, such as telephoto lenses.

Zomei Z-699C

Price: ~8,500 rubles.

Well, now, for comparison, let's consider an expensive professional tripod and find out how it differs from its cheaper counterparts, and whether it makes sense to pay almost $150 for it.

When you open the box, the first thing you see is an excellent quality bag that acts as a cover. It is in it that the tripod is packed, along with a head cover, a hex key, instructions in Chinese and English, and a carrying strap.

The length of each leg when folded is 34 cm.Each leg has four sections and expands up to 1 meter. The legs on which the tripod stands are rubber, for placement on the floor in a studio, room, or during urban shooting. However, if you want to shoot in the mountains or in nature, these legs can be unscrewed and replaced with metal lances.

The tripod is made of carbon fiber with brass metal inserts. A level is built into the center. The design is made so strong that with its own weight of 2 kg it can withstand weight up to 15 kg! That allows you to install any equipment on it at all.

The neck on which the head is attached deserves special mention. It's made of carbon fiber, like everything else, and can be flipped down for macro photography. When folded, its length is 21 cm and extends up to 39 cm.

The head itself is a ball type. It is a ball, on the upper part of which there is a platform for the camera, and the lower part lies in a metal bowl with a plastic edging. The ball is clamped on the sides by two clamps: one regulates the smoothness of the movement of the ball, the second fixes it in the selected position.

The head moves amazingly smoothly and smoothly, without jerking. It also has a level so that it can be set in a level position.

The platform for installing photographic equipment, 49x50 mm in size, has rubber inserts so that the camera does not scratch when it comes into contact with the stand. Also in the center is a bolt, which fixes the camera. The platform is tightly attached to the head in special grooves.

For possible weighting to the tripod, you can hang the load on a hook that can withstand a fairly large weight.

The maximum length of the fully unfolded structure with the head fully raised is 151 cm.

An interesting solution is the ability to turn a tripod into a monopod. The kit includes a special threaded connection. A screw with a double-sided thread is screwed into one of the legs, onto which a neck or a platform with a camera can be screwed on top. This solution can be useful if you are going to shoot in a very limited space. For example, a football match.

The maximum height of the monopod reaches 155 cm.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Durable, stable construction made of quality materials, and thanks to the high build quality, nothing wobbles, creaks or dangles;
• High load capacity, with a relatively small weight of 2 kg, it easily withstands photo and video equipment weighing up to 15 kg;
• Huge functionality that meets all the requirements of professional tripods, even allowing macro photography and disassembly of a monopod;
• Good solutions for transportation and use. The kit comes with a solid bag, there is a special strap for carrying around the neck of the tripod, and special covers are put on the upper parts of the legs for filming in the cold;
• Affordable price for such a device

• The camera mounting bolt is only for a screwdriver, which is not very convenient, since you have to carry an additional tool with you. However, it can always be replaced.

Very, very solid tripod, which is suitable for professional shooting. Huge functionality and reliability will serve him for a long time.

Before choosing a tripod, you need to evaluate the dimensions of your camera and clearly understand for what purposes the device is being purchased, in what conditions you have to shoot, you plan to do it professionally or for yourself.Only an analysis of all these factors will allow you to choose the right tripod.