The best tripod for photographers in 2022

   

 The best tripods for all budgets for you 

The best tripods open up all sorts of photographic possibilities. One of the most useful and relied-upon photographic accessories, the humble tripod provides secure and stable support for your camera, allowing you to capture images with slower shutter speeds than would be possible when using the camera handheld. Effects like long exposures, traffic trails, smooth panning – all these require the rock-solid support of a tripod. 

1. Manfrotto 190XPro4 

Our top choice of tripod right now is the four-section Manfrotto 190XPro4 ball head kit. A full-sized tripod with an XPro ball head included, it's got everything you need, and is going to be suitable for a huge majority of photographers.

Reaching a full operating height of 175cm while also shrinking down to a modest folded height of 57cm, the Manfrotto 190XPro4 is great for all situations. It's a relatively recent refresh of a popular Manfrotto model, and has a 90-degree pivot facility that means it can be swapped to a horizontal boom mode within seconds. The leg sections also use a new innovative locking lever design that allows them to be released from either side.

2. 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0

3 Legged Thing is a UK-based manufacturer with a deserved reputation among photographers for making fantastic, ultra-sturdy tripods. The Winston 2.0, one of the most recent models, is particularly impressive, able to extend to almost 2m in height, but also fold down to 61cm. 

Smartly design with clever engineering, the Winston 2.0 is quick to deploy, and has a solid build designed to resist flexing and vibration. Its leg and centre-column sections are constructed from 8-layer carbon fibre, making them lightweight but solid, and the leg diameter is thick all the way down. Pair it with 3 Legged Thing's AirHed Pro and you've got a truly exemplary tripod support system on your hands. 

3. Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30

The Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30 is at the top and of the size spectrum for a ‘travel’ tripod, but its simplicity, rigidity and ease of use mark it out as a top choice for landscape shooters, hikers and any outdoor photographer who needs to travel light but still have the best support possible – and Benro’s VX ball head is just brilliant.