Best Mini Tripod Reviews 2017

When buying a tripod, price shouldn’t be your only guide, given that you might be lured into buying one of the many cheap tripods available, most of which fall short of some important feature or the other. That said, tripod prices vary across manufactures and the features each device offers, but be prepared to pay anywhere between $15- $100 and above for a handy camera stand that will last for years to come.

Some tripods come with a wide range of accessories such as cell phone adapters, which consequently may spike up the price. But if you aren’t going to be using your cell phone to shoot media, buying a tripod with this accessory is not the best decision.

Mini tripods, just like the name suggests, are cute, handy things that are perhaps the most reliable way to eliminate shaky shots. Further, mini tripods are great for shooting panoramas, family portraits, and a plethora of other situations that demand long exposures.

Mini tripods can be ordered with a wide range of features, but some of the noteworthy ones to look for include:

• Weight Rating – it’s important to check out how much weight a respective tripod can support
• Height – although mini tripods won’t match your height, ensure the tripod offers the right height for your project
• Tripod Legs most of the best tripod legs are made of carbon fiber, while those crafted with basalt, steel, and both generally offer between 3 and 5 sections on the legs. The more sections, the better the stability
• Tripod Feet – a majority of mini tripods are appointed with rubber feet to prevent slippage
• Center Column – this allows you to easily increase or decrease the height of the camera
• Tripod Head – one of the most important components of a mini tripod system, the head is what holds the camera securely in place and controls the camera movement
• Quick-Release System – Attaching a camera to a tripod using the thread system is a tedious affair. Most modern cameras can be attached to a tripod using a plate with a quick-release system

Mini tripods (or tabletop tripods) are the simplest and smallest solution in the tripod arena. These compact solutions are great for both novice and seasoned photographers and can be ordered in a wide range of types and sizes. Whether you’re an entry-level or avid photographer, look for a tripod that’s tall and durable. Further, a good mini tripod should consist of a detachable head and a 3-Way “Pan-Tilt” head. This type of head works great since it’s easy to use and offers great precision when shooting stills or video.

Ball heads are great alternatives to 3-way Pan-Tilt heads as they are compact in size and allow you to move the camera into any position with one control instead of three. Most mini tripod legs are made of aluminum or carbon fiber. This is an important component to consider because it dictates the weight and load capacity a mini tripod can handle. But take note that aluminum legs heat up in the sun and can rust if not properly cleaned. Carbon fiber legs are lighter compared to aluminum counterparts and also feature rust-susceptible components.

Mini tripods are easy to use, but the best one should answer a few key questions including the weight of your equipment, where you’re going to be shooting, and if you’ll be taking the tripod on the go.

3-4 section tripods are travel-friendly and are even easy to pack in small suitcases. If you’re going to be using your mini tripod in diverse environments, be sure to buy one that can withstand harsh conditions. This range of compact tripods can be set up easily, where it’s just a matter of spreading the leg sections, and locking them into place. Next, attach your camera or camcorder properly to ensure stable photos or video capture.