10 Reviews: Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography (Mar 2024)
It takes the right tripod for every terrain. If you are looking for the perfect tool to win your wildlife photography game, we have prepared these ten best weapons for you. Check it out.
by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $1.28 - $449.98 · 530 views
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Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
Manfrotto
|
2
MeFOTO
|
3
Induro
|
4
Gitzo
|
5
Davis & Sanford
|
6
Vanguard
|
7
Geekoto
|
8
Mactrem
|
9
Manfrotto
|
10
Benro
|
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Product Name | 190XPRO Aluminium 3 Section Tripod | GlobeTrotter 64.2" Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod | CLT103 No. 1 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod | GK2542-82QD Series | TR654C-36 Traverse | Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod | 77'' Tripod | Professional Camera Tripod | 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit | Adventure 3 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod |
Features | Best overall | No more black tripod | Great build quality | High-end tripod | Lighter than aluminum | Unmatched versatility and stability | Great for any terrain | Lightweight aluminum | Maximum camera stability | Compact and lightweight |
Material | Aluminum | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon Fiber |
Dimensions | 23.23 x 4.72 x 23.23 in | 16.1 x 4 x 4 in | 22.64 x 30.48 x 58.46 in | 30.7 x 4.7 x 4.7 in | 18.5 x 5 x 5 in | 30.7 x 5.1 x 4.7 in | 18.5 x 4.9 x 4.9 in | 62 x 7.8 x 7.8 in | 29.13 x 5 x 5 in | 25 x 4.9 x 53.15 in |
Item weight | 4.41 lbs | 3.7 lbs | 2.82 lbs | 5.2 lbs | 3.25 lbs | 5.4 lbs | 3.37 lbs | 1.3 lbs | 7.7 lbs | 3.97 lbs |
Max. Height | 160 cm | 64.2 in | 58.46 in | 70.9 in | 65 in | 68.2 in | 77 in | 62.5 in | 72.05 in | 63.6 in |
Payload | n/a | 26.4 lbs | 30.86 lbs | n/a | 12 lbs | 15.4 lbs | 17.6 lbs | 33 lbs | 17.64 lbs | 30.9 lbs |
price | $449.98 | $369.95 | $329.95 | $1.28 | $199.99 | $146.54 | $79.99 | $69.99 | $429.88 | $309.95 |
Buy at | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on MeFOTO view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Induro view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Gitzo view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Tiffen view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Vanguard view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Mactrem view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Manfrotto view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Benro view product on Amazon view product on eBay |
Wildlife photography is only for those who dare enough to take high risks. You need special tools unless you are a beast handler who can easily conquer their savagery. Needless to say, tripods can really help take your wildlife photography game to the next level. However, considering that your backpack is full of all kinds of photographic kit, cramming a regular tripod will just torture yourself. That’s why you need a tripod that can lighten your load without sacrificing your photo quality. If you don’t have time to do it, calm down. You can use our review results for consideration. Here you go.
Table of contents
Product list
- Benro Adventure 3 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod : Compact and lightweight
- Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit : Maximum camera stability
- Mactrem Professional Camera Tripod: Lightweight aluminum
- Geekoto 77'' Tripod: Great for any terrain
- Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod : Unmatched versatility and stability
- Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 Traverse: Lighter than aluminum
- Gitzo GK2542-82QD Series: High-end tripod
- Induro CLT103 No. 1 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod: Great build quality
- MeFOTO GlobeTrotter 64.2" Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod: No more black tripod
- Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminium 3 Section Tripod : Best overall
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have you known these things?
What is wildlife photography?
The term wildlife photography refers to a branch of photography that focuses on documenting wildlife in its habitat. That way, a wildlife photographer must master two things: photography and field craft skills.
What to look for when buying tripod?
First, choose one with high stability because that’s the reason why a video tripod exists until now. Second, consider the material. If you want a lighter one, you can choose one made from carbon fiber. If you want a sturdier one, choose aluminum. Furthermore, the durability is so that you don’t buy multiple times. The rest is on you.
What are the advantages of using a tripod?
To take long exposure shots, you have to make sure the shutter is open for at least a couple of seconds with steady. That would be difficult without the aid of a tripod. You can also shoot a video with you in it at overhead, eye level, or, low angle with ease. Get a selfie without the arm-stretch, especially if your hands aren’t long enough to capture the beautiful scenery behind you. Lastly, you can try a timelapse.
What is the best tripod for me?
There are numerous factors that influence a tripod to be the best. First, from the product itself, of course, the material, stability, and other features. Meanwhile, no matter how great the quality is, it is not necessarily suitable for you. It depends on what terrain you use it, for professional or casual photos, you need a very expandable or pocket-sized one, the answer is on you.
10 Reviews: Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography (Mar 2024)
10.
Benro
Adventure 3 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod
Compact and lightweight
Photographing in a wild animal area will be troublesome if you have to carry a heavy tripod. The possibilities are twofold: You are exhausted and your shots are less than satisfactory, or you are being swallowed by a hungry lion. If you don’t want either‒or both‒to happen, use this tripod from Benro. It is compact and weighs only 4 lbs.
It is a beast, and steady, rock solid. It helps hold the weight of the setup I have, so there is no weight on my arms as I am taking pictures. It helps to be able to carry this weight as I'm waiting around taking local wildlife photos. This is the best $65 I've ever spent on photo gear!
Material | Carbon Fiber |
---|---|
Dimensions | 25 x 4.9 x 53.15 in |
Item weight | 3.97 lbs |
Max. Height | 63.6 in |
Payload | 30.9 lbs |
9.
Manfrotto
055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit
Maximum camera stability
Manfrotto is no stranger to the tripod world. Almost all of its products are popular among photographers and beginners. Moreover, this 055 model is the top of the line. It holds the device up to 19.8 lbs and ensures maximum camera stability. Ths tool 0-degree column and 4 leg angles that allow reaching any position.
I've been through a few tripods, cheap, rickety, and eventually covered in duct tape. This tripod is sturdy, well made, and solid. I am tall, and can get the camera up to eye level - a first for me. Yes, it's not particularly light, but if you're serious, that's a good thing. This is an excellent choice.
by C. Wilson
Material | Aluminum |
---|---|
Dimensions | 29.13 x 5 x 5 in |
Item weight | 7.7 lbs |
Max. Height | 72.05 in |
Payload | 17.64 lbs |
8.
Mactrem
Professional Camera Tripod
Lightweight aluminum
No need to be complicated anymore when you go to the wild because you can use this tripod as a monopod or hiking alpenstock. The material is made of aluminum but that doesn’t make it heavy. Starting from DSLR cameras, projectors, to telescopes you can use this tripod as long as it weighs no more than 33 lbs. What’s more, it is budget-friendly, so yeah, what’s not to like?
I'm a novice and this is the first tripod I've owned, so take this review with a grain of salt. I bought it to mount binoculars on for wildlife viewing. It seems to be really nice quality, easy to set up, and very light. I'm really pleased with it.
by SB2004
Material | Aluminum |
---|---|
Dimensions | 62 x 7.8 x 7.8 in |
Item weight | 1.3 lbs |
Max. Height | 62.5 in |
Payload | 33 lbs |
7.
Geekoto
77'' Tripod
Great for any terrain
Whether you are a DSLR or iPhone user, this tripod agrees to support you. The ball head can rotate 360 degrees making it easier for you to take in various animal activities around you. These tripods are made of lightweight aluminum which means they are lighter than the regular aluminum. Add this to your field kit; it works great in any terrain.
This thing is amazing. I get setup on almost any terrain. The legs and be moved and adjusted to any position and then be a solid mount for photography or scoping and area out. I do wildlife and landscape shots and nothing beats a good solid tripod when you are waiting for the one shot.
by R. S. Rehmel
Material | Aluminum |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18.5 x 4.9 x 4.9 in |
Item weight | 3.37 lbs |
Max. Height | 77 in |
Payload | 17.6 lbs |
6.
Vanguard
Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod
Unmatched versatility and stability
Well, let’s continue on to the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod. It extends up to 68.2 inches from its folded height which is only 28.2 inches. You can set its legs for 25°, 50°, and 80° with easy-release buttons for quick set-up. This tripod has unmatched versatility and stability which is suitable for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
This is a wonderfully made, light, agile and stabile tripod. Perfectly suited for a fast moving shoot environment. I have taken this in the field for wildlife shots and onto the street for news shots.
by Joe
Material | Aluminum |
---|---|
Dimensions | 30.7 x 5.1 x 4.7 in |
Item weight | 5.4 lbs |
Max. Height | 68.2 in |
Payload | 15.4 lbs |
5.
Davis & Sanford
TR654C-36 Traverse
Lighter than aluminum
Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 Traverse Tripod is made of carbon fiber which makes it less burdensome than aluminum. This point is certainly very helpful, especially if you remember that your backpack is full of cameras and heavy lenses. This legged tool can keep your camera safe and standing still even in the strong wind. Both DSLRs, mirrorless and point and shoot cameras are compatible on this tripod.
I'm a landscape, nature, wildlife and waterfall photographer and this is undoubtedly the best tripod I have ever used. The carbon fiber in this tripod is definitely light. I just did a 5 mile snow hike while in full winter gear and wearing spikes and packed this in the side of my Mindshift 26L photo backpack and couldn't even feel its weight. I'm 6'4'' tall and this tripod is the perfect height, right at eye level. It's super sturdy, easy to extend. I use a Sony a7 mirrorless fullframe with multiple lenses; Sony FE and Nikon F and this Davis & Sanford supports these systems very well.
by Will B.
Material | Carbon Fiber |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18.5 x 5 x 5 in |
Item weight | 3.25 lbs |
Max. Height | 65 in |
Payload | 12 lbs |
4.
Gitzo
GK2542-82QD Series
High-end tripod
If you’re okay with the budget, then this high-end tripod is made for you. Its price tag of over a thousand dollars gives you a top-notch ball head system. Additionally, it extends to a maximum height of 70.9 inches and folds down to 27 inches for easy transport. The material is sturdy will last for ages.
A good tripod makes difference in photography. This is one of those good tripods, and there is nothing I could find negative about this tripod. It is built quality and rigid, and will last for many years. They say, most things in life, you'll get what you pay for. I made a right choice buying this tripod.
by kk
Material | Carbon Fiber |
---|---|
Dimensions | 30.7 x 4.7 x 4.7 in |
Item weight | 5.2 lbs |
Max. Height | 70.9 in |
Payload | n/a |
3.
Induro
CLT103 No. 1 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod
Great build quality
Next up, the Induro CLT103 that comes in a traditional style but with a new twist from the Stealth carbon fiber pattern which is a 9x weave. Its great build quality can hold 55lb load capacity. Your purchase lets you enjoy a carbon fiber short column, a toolkit with spiked feet, wrench, and carrying case along with the tripod.
Very well made, sturdy. I have been using it for a couple months, several times each week with no issues. I put a Wimberly head on it and it makes wildlife photography much easier with better results. Love that it came with a zippered bag too. I don't usually do reviews but I would recommend this to any photographer, hobbyist to pro.
by CindyG
Material | Carbon Fiber |
---|---|
Dimensions | 22.64 x 30.48 x 58.46 in |
Item weight | 2.82 lbs |
Max. Height | 58.46 in |
Payload | 30.86 lbs |
2.
MeFOTO
GlobeTrotter 64.2" Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
No more black tripod
Black, blue, red, green, or titanium? All the colors are equally eye-catching, making it stand out from the crowd. The sleek design doesn’t weigh you down. It is ideal for travel since the carbon material is light, plus its 360-degree panning is perfect for capturing panoramas. Wrap it in a carrying case and bring it around the world.
I agonized for months over buying a Manfrotto tripod prior to an Iceland trip. I found this tripod and decided to take a chance that I can save a few bucks (always risky in photography) without losing quality... well this gamble paid off. Whether in the high winds, and slippery waterfalls of Iceland, tourist filled DC, or with dogs circling at home this tripod has stayed steady and kept my camera safe.
Definitely worth the gamble!
by JenM
Material | Carbon Fiber |
---|---|
Dimensions | 16.1 x 4 x 4 in |
Item weight | 3.7 lbs |
Max. Height | 64.2 in |
Payload | 26.4 lbs |
1.
Manfrotto
190XPRO Aluminium 3 Section Tripod
Best overall
The Manfrotto 190XPRO has stolen many hearts with all its excellent features. The design is sophisticated without being overwhelming. You can switch between vertical and horizontal column orientation in a second, without removing the camera first. The adjustable legs require effortless setup, thanks to the quick power lock levers that block and unblock each section. Plus, it provides an easy link for connecting accessories.
I paired this up with the $80 gimbal and it does a FANTASTIC job with my EOS 5D and Canon 400mm prime lens (f5.7). It is a game changer for nature photography!
by Dave
Material | Aluminum |
---|---|
Dimensions | 23.23 x 4.72 x 23.23 in |
Item weight | 4.41 lbs |
Max. Height | 160 cm |
Payload | n/a |
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Conclusion
Don’t harm yourself by carrying a regular tripod that is heavy on the terrain full of wildlife. It’s time for you to spend a little more money to guarantee your work and your life. Well, pick one and have a good battle!