Very affordable
Requisite core functionality
Extremely lightweight
Slightly questionable build quality
Barebones accessories package
Somewhat limited range of movement
Design
Setup and Performance
Portability
Durability and Build Quality
Accessories Included
Price
Competition
Final Verdict
Specs
Design: Simple and unassuming
Setup and Performance: Completely serviceable, and surprisingly user-friendly
First, to snap the three legs out, you just pull them and then the cross-bracings automatically slides horizontally to form that classic three-leg layout. We found the movement and adjustments to be surprisingly easy and fluid. If you adjust the twistable barrel in the middle, it locks these cross-bracings into place giving you a firm pyramid. Each leg also has two adjustable, telescoping extensions that come out with clasps. This gives the tripod quite a bit of height. It’s billed at the mid-to-high-end at 60 inches, with the center pole fully extended.
The part you affix your camera to also offers a few helpful adjustment fixtures. First, there’s the classic pole grip guide that’s aimed more at videographers. Twist this handle to loosen and tighten the Y-axis adjustment of the camera. There’s a small wingnut closer to the stand’s top that lets you loosen and tighten the X-axis, giving you a solid range of motion. There’s even a level built into the top to ensure that you’re shooting from a flat, stable service—a nice addition to the entry-level unit. An articulating plate on the top the allows you to adjust the Y-axis even more dramatically. We found that this was mostly great from a panning and control perspective, but you won’t get the seamless range of motion you’d get from a ball head.
This really is the most affordable, solid tripod for the price.
Take a peek at our guide to buying equipment for digital video production.
Portability: Surprisingly lightweight but not the smallest
Durability and Build Quality: Passable, with some cause for concern
Check out our guide to using a tripod.
Accessories Included: Basic and barebones
Interested in reading more? Take a look at our selection of the best camera accessories.
Price: Great bang for the buck
Take a peek at our guide to the best tripods for smartphones.
Competition: Limited at this price point
Dollar for dollar, this is about the best deal you can find on a tripod—at least one that you’ll actually trust to hold your camera.
Need some more help finding what you’re looking for? Read through our best tripods for DSLR cameras article.
Similar Products We’ve Reviewed:
- Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB Tripod
- Vanguard VEO 265AB Tripod
- Manfrotto Befree Aluminum Travel Tripod
An affordable tripod for the hobbyist.
