Last updated on March 5th, 2023
Are you looking to explore the best tripod under 50? As a photographer, it is essential to upgrade your gadgets because these tools define the sharpness and depth of your images.
We firmly believe that a tripod is an excellent tool for a beginner to sharpen their skills with new techniques.
However, shopping for your first tripod isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It requires crucial considerations of factors that define user experiences, such as load capacity, height, weight, material, and construction.
We know how overwhelming the buying process can get so keep reading to explore our comprehensive guide on budget tripods and make a well-informed buying decision.
In this article, we’ve listed the top 9 best tripod under 50 that are Budget-Friendly with good quality.
Let’s Drive-In!
How To Pick The Best Tripod Under $50?
Before we review our top 9 picks for the best tripods under 50, let’s look at some important factors.
Your user experience as a photographer is defined by the tripod’s durability, flexibility, and functionality. Budget tripods are notorious for fragile materials, excessive weight, or lack of sufficient height.
Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize research and seek products from credible and industry-leading manufacturers. Ultimately, you have to select a tripod that is ideal for your preferences, comfort, and required functionality.
Here are some factors you must consider:
1. Height & Weight
Two crucial factors to consider, the folded length and weight of your tripod define its functionality. If you typically take pictures at home or in a studio, you don’t really need a lightweight tripod.
However, if you’re an avid traveler or content creator, you need a lightweight tripod with an extended folded length.
2. Material
The material and construction durability of the tripod. People often steer clear of tripods under 50 as they feature cheap plastic construction.
However, there are budget tripods featuring aluminum, carbon fiber, and galvanized rubber constructions.
3. Load Capacity
This determines the overall weight capacity a tripod can carry. What equipment are you planning to use with your tripod?
While mirrorless cameras and smartphones are light, DSLRs and heavy lenses increase their weight. If you work with heavy lenses, you need maximum capacity.
Luckily, most budget tripods offer additional mounting options for remote controls and phone mounts. In the past. we’ve made the mistake of investing in a budget tripod without examining the load capacity.
After attaching the DSLR and GoPro device, we realized the tripod isn’t built to carry so much weight. Luckily, there was no damage to the equipment.
4. The Tripod Head
Most tripods under 50 feature a built-in plastic head with 306-degree spinning and tilting flexibility. This head is non-changeable; however, there are some options with a removable ball head.
5. Stability
If you’re shopping for a lightweight travel tripod, stability is a factor you need to consider strongly.
Most lightweight tripods lack stability and can cause grave damage to your lenses and camera if they trip over.
Many affordable tripods feature a tiny hook at the bottom to improve stability. If you’re adamant about buying a lightweight tripod, you can always hang a large bottle of water to improve stability.
Types of Tripods
1. Pocket
Pocket tripods are ideal for those who seek lightweight portability. Typically, these portable tripods weigh up to 3 lbs, with a capacity to carry up to 5 lbs and an extended height of 30 inches.
They are optimal for self-portraits and offer a more functional alternative to selfie sticks. If you’re an active Vlogger or content creator, this is a great choice for your Live sessions and event coverage.
However, these compact tripods are not designed to offer stability on the ground. You can always place them on a table or countertop while making cooking videos or Live Q&As.
Another important thing to note is that pocket tripods don’t extend vertically, which will require some adjustments on your part. It is best to place these on a table or flat surface for comfortable use.
2. Travel
A cheap tripod usually focuses excessively on portability, which can compromise the functionality of the gadget.
However, a portable tripod is lightweight and compact, and easy to carry in a backpack. We strongly recommend a compact tripod that will vertically fit in your backpack or carry-on.
Angling the tripod sideways not only takes up too much space but can also damage the tripod.
Mostly, affordable travel tripods feature a mediocre plastic build, while more expensive varieties include carbon fiber and aluminum tripods.
Since you’re shopping on a budget, we urge you to focus on a lightweight and easy-to-carry tripod within this range.
The weight and height are important considerations, as is the load capacity. Ideally, aim for a portable tripod that weighs 3-6 lbs, with a capacity to carry at least 5 lbs and an extended height of over 50 inches.
3. Studio
A studio tripod is an excellent tool to help you sharpen your in-studio images and explore exciting themes. These are the best kinds of tripods to play around with – sturdy, heavy, and strong.
If you usually work in your studio, this is an excellent investment. With this one, you don’t have to worry about weight, but length is a crucial consideration.
Typically, studio tripods weigh more than 6lbs, with an extended height of over 70 inches
9 Best Tripod Under $30 to $50 in 2023
Picking out the best tripod under 50 is not a difficult task. Almost all good and high-quality tripods are affordable.
Right before you go shopping, check out our 9 best camera tripods under 50 in 2023.
1. Polaroid 72″
Key Features
- Material: Rubber
- Tripod Head Type: Pan Heads
- Color: Basic
- Folded Size: 280mm
- Weight Limit: 1200 Grams
- Item Weight: 0.66 Pounds
- Maximum Height: 28 Centimeters
- Minimum Height: 28 Millimeters
Polaroid 72 is one of the best tripods under 50 that offer superior value for money and multipurpose functionality.
Polaroid a notable manufacturer, has created a remarkable portable tripod with this popular model designed for beginners.
It features a pan head with a quick-release mechanism and non-slip rubber feet for superior stability and precision.
The Polaroid 72 features sturdy aluminum construction, with an extendable height of 145 cm and a folded height of 56 cm. It can comfortably support a load of a maximum of 4.00 lbs.
If you prefer to experiment and take photos from different angles, choose this powerful equipment. Although all elements of this model are of the minimum price, the functionality is good.
It is the best tripod under 50, due to its convenient design. At the same time, the price is very reasonable. So, I recommend it for users on a tight budget.
While it’s not the most compact design, it is incredibly lightweight and portable. It is an ideal option for adventurers and hikers but not suited for heavy lenses and DSLRs.
2. Regetek 70″ Camera Tripod
Key Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Tripod Head Type: Pan Heads
- Color: Black
- Folded Size: 18.8 inches
- Weight Limit: 8.8 Pounds
- Item Weight: 3.63 Pounds
- Maximum Height: 177.8 Centimeters
Regetek 70” is another good budget-friendly travel tripod that is immensely popular amongst travelers. It has a nice build quality that ensures longevity.
Regetek 70” is fully compatible with smartphones, DSLRs, mirrorless, and action camera devices. It can hold 8.8 lbs load capacity with foldable features for travel.
This tripod has a 3-way flexible pan and tilt head that provide 360° rotation panoramas to built-in bubble view levels.
This tripod comes with a monopod that makes it ideal for those who like hike and adventurers. I included this tripod in the list because of its excellent flexibility.
The most notable thing is that you can quickly change the model to a monopod or tripod without any difficulties.
Overall, Regetek 70” is an ideal choice for those who are looking for an excellent tripod for the price.
Whether you do photography or videography it provides smooth stability. Even the tripod is stable in all alongside wind gusts. On top of that, it is a good quality tripod for travel.
3. UBeesize 67 Tripod
Key Features
Key Features- Material: Aluminum
- Tripod Head Type: Pan Heads
- Color: Black
- Folded Size: 18.8 inches
- Weight Limit: 11 Pounds (5kg)
- Item Weight: 3.09 Pounds
- Maximum Height: 150 Centimeters
UBeesize 67-inch is an amazing travel tripod under $30. It has built with eco-friendly rubber feet, durable aluminum alloy legs, and a flip-lock that ensures your every use is safe and reliable.
It is compatible with DSLR/cameras, iPhones, and other devices too. But the interesting fact is, It comes with a bonus Phone Clip and a Bluetooth remote for phone (10m/30ft control range) coverage.
This feature can help you well in photo shooting, logging, Facebook or YouTube Live streaming, etc.
It can be the most user-friendly lightweight travel tripod that is easy to carry during long hikes. It can hold a Max load weight is 5kg/11lb.
You would like Ubeesize 67, especially if you’re searching for the best tripod under $30. Overall, I think it is a great choice for amateur photographers, who like to travel a lot.
You can even travel to surroundings and easily attach them to trees and different posts, chairs, and other furniture.
I highly recommend this tripod for those who usually take photos and make videos on the move.
4. Patekfly Flexible Tripod
Key Features
- Material: Silicone
- Tripod Head Type: Ball Heads
- Color: Black
- Item Weight: 1.76 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches
- Compatible Devices: DSLR, iPhone, Phone
Patekfly is the most flexible camera tripod that comes at very affordable prices. It is a lightweight and flexible tripod that is compatible with a professional camera or your smartphone.
The stability is really good due to more than two dozen joints, that are joined with TPE on the tripod legs. It is built with high-quality aluminum and special silicone that ensure durability.
Patekfly is a versatile tripod that comes with a flexible leg. It will allow you to prevent any shaking or wobbling from your videos while filming.
The Patekfly tripod will place or attach to any kind of surface. Even if you are filming, you can capture the most creative photos and videos from any angle. Because It ensures that it will stay in a fixed position.
Overall, If you want the best tripod under 30, look at the Patekfly flexible model. One thing I like about this tripod is the ability to rotate the camera in any position. This means that you can take panoramic images of 360 degrees.
However, you can give it a try, hopefully, you will not regret it, because it’s All in all, a great tripod!!
5. Fotopro UFO Series (Best Flexible Tripod)
Key Features
Key Features- Material: Rubber
- Tripod Head Type: Pan Heads
- Color: Basic
- Folded Size: 280mm
- Weight Limit: 1200 Grams
- Item Weight: 0.66 Pounds
- Maximum Height: 28 Centimeters
- Minimum Height: 28 Millimeters
Fotopro UFO is an excellent flexible tripod for photographers. It’s built with a high-quality material, which secures long-lasting with high performance. In terms of Durability, it’s a great tripod indeed.
Note: Fotopro UFO is made of aluminum and rubber. So, in these cases, AVOID repetitive bending at the same position.
The UFO Legs can bend and twist into any shape you want. It is so flexible that can be curved or attached anywhere like a tree branch, fence, bench, bicycle, etc.
It even, allows you to capture different angles on the way to go. The UFO bendable legs can stand in your favorite position without any burden.
The Fotopro UFO comes with only 215 grams of weight and 28 cm of the size that can hold a max load of 1200g( 2.64lb).
The tripod could be easily put in your knapsack and help you travel without any hassle.
Overall, this is the best camera tripod in terms of high endurance. Even it will remain safe and sound in any situation, like wind, dirt, or water.
The Fotopro UFO tripod is very compact, so you can fit it in a regular backpack. So, this can be your next warrior.
6. Amazon Basics 60
Key Specifications
- Weight: 2.72 lbs
- Maximum Load Capacity: 6.6 lbs
- Folded Height: 23 inches
- Extended Height: 62 Inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Legs Lock: Twist Lock
Highly recommended for those who seek portability, Amazon basics 60 tripod is extremely affordable and super-functional.
It made it to our list because of its compatibility with multiple devices and extraordinary features.
A winning product from Amazon Basics, this portable tripod comes with a 3-way head to support flexible swivel and tilt motions.
This budget tripod is fully compatible with DLSRs, GoPro devices, video cameras, and smartphones.
It can support a load capacity of 6.6 lbs maximum, but it is ideal to limit your weight to 3 kg to avoid compromising stability.
It will help beginners improve their image sharpness by ensuring quick transitions between shots.
We experimented extensively with this lightweight tripod and truly enjoyed the portrait and landscape views with its two built-in bubble view levels.
Many professionals disregard it as a low-quality tripod, judging by the price tag rather than its power-packed features. Its fluid tripod head is powered by a simple mechanism that allows easy panning and tilting.
The Amazon Basics 60 features a crank that makes it easier to adjust the center column for superior stability and higher precision.
7. JOILCAN 75
Key Specifications
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Maximum Load Capacity: 11 lbs
- Folded Height: 19 Inches
- Extended Height: 65 Inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Legs Lock: Locking Clips
The JOILCAN 75 is an aluminum tripod that comes with 4-section tripod legs powered with locking clips and easy height adjustment mechanisms.
It allows photographers to experiment with multiple angles with its flexible twilt and pan movements. It is capable of handling panning motion splendidly, thanks to its 3-way pan head.
But unlike our other picks for the best tripod under 50, its head tilt and pan are limited to 90-degree flexibility.
However, the tripod overcomes this minor shortcoming with its smooth portrait orientation and easy forward-backward tilting.
Photographers share that this tripod is ideal for capturing racing cars on the highway and improving image sharpness while chasing lights.
This tripod is compatible with multiple devices, including IPAD tablets, DSLRs, and cameras.
The manufacturer claims that it can carry heavy cameras, but we wouldn’t recommend putting expensive gadgets at risk.
Some consumers have reported issues with stability, especially while working with heavy-duty lenses.
Product specifications reveal that this tripod features radial braces in the center to enhance stability and resistance.
Moreover, the rubber feel swivels improve stability on rugged and uneven terrains. While the product has garnered positive reviews on Amazon, we remain skeptical, considering the manufacturer lacks a proven track record.
8. KODAK PhotoGear 2-in-1
Key Specifications
- Weight: 4.59 lbs
- Maximum Load Capacity: 8.8 lbs
- Folded Length: 21.5 Inches
- Extended Length: 70 Inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Legs Lock: Flip Lock
Kodak is a trusted and well-established brand, and its products have commanded authority for almost a century. This prized quality tripod by Kodak is one of the best tripods under 50, with its superior durability and functionality.
It is the only camera tripod on this list that is ideally suited to a professional photographer’s needs.
It packs up all the features that one expects from a high-end product with a budget-friendly price tag.
The KODAK PhotoGear 2-in-1 features a quick-release plate, an adjustable center column, and a head that offers fluid flexibility. But what makes it an exceptional investment? Its sturdy build and simplistic design.
We absolutely love the sturdy and sleek aluminum finish. Professional photographers often shy away from plastic tripod heads, but this high-grade tripod is a quality investment.
It offers a convertible combination of a tripod and monopod to enjoy incredible flexibility for indoor and outdoor shoots.
It is ideally suited for nature and travel photography, alongside studio photoshoots and outdoor portraits.
We were extremely excited to try this one out and our experience was nothing short of delightful. We love how this tripod is affordable and offers striking versatility with its innovative 2-in-1 design.
The swivel rubber feet and solid aluminum build make this tripod a reliable partner on gravel, rock, and grassy terrains.
9. Endurax 60
Key Specifications
- Weight: 1.45 lbs
- Maximum Load Capacity: 6.6 lbs
- Folded Height: 17.5 Inches
- Extended Height: 60 Inches
- Material: Aluminum & ABS
- Legs Lock: Twist Lock
The popularity and positive reviews bagged by this tripod reserved it a spot on our best tripods under 50 list.
While Edurax 60 is a relatively new player in the industry, this tripod has garnered a positive consumer response. It delivers a solid aluminum construction and supports 360-degree panoramic shooting.
This camera tripod is ideally suited for in-studio and travel photography endeavors, alongside portrait and landscape shots.
It supports vertical and 360-degree panoramic shooting, making it an ideal companion for nature photographers.
Beginners who wish to improve their transition speed between shots will find this a worthy investment.
The quick-release plate allows photographers to attach and remove their devices within seconds. If you like switching from a DSLR to a smartphone camera from time to time, this feature will help immensely.
We like how the built-in bubble-view supports enhanced horizontal alignment – very helpful for beginners who struggle with leveling the camera.
If you seek a tripod at a low price that supports easy maneuverability and enhanced stability, this may prove a good fit.
However, it is pertinent to note that this review is based on customer reviews on Amazon. Our team is a bit skeptical about the manufacturer’s credibility and the stability claims given the lightweight design.
We have tried our best to mention the best of best tripod under $50 that will suitable for all. And try to provide a well-informed buying decision for the cheapest tripod that matches your needs and budget!
Benefits And Potential Issues Of Budget Tripods Under $50
While you’re exploring the best tripods under 50, it’s also wise to take a moment to weigh the pros and cons. A budget purchase comes with many benefits, but in most cases, it compromises quality – forcing you to make the purchase again.
As a photographer, you can’t afford to entrust the safety of your precious cameras and expensive lenses to an unreliable tripod.
As a beginner, it is ideal to avoid hefty investments and maintain a flexible budget to continue experimenting and upgrading gadgets.
A budget tripod is a great investment, as long as you’re focused on quality, construction, and versatility. Cheap tripods are notorious for falling apart, damaging equipment, and breaking apart during long commutes.
Lofty Claims Vs. Functionality
While a budget tripod will give you basic functionality, it will struggle to support heavy equipment despite the lofty claims.
Manufacturers design a product based on consumer demand and preferences and typically, budget tripods are designed for beginners, Vloggers, and social media influencers who usually work with their smartphones.
It is very rare for affordable tripods and lightweight travel tripods to support heavy lenses without wobbling. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore the best options in tripods under 50.
Manufacturer Credibility
While shopping for the best tripods under 50, we firmly believe that it is best to stick with reliable and trusted brands. Kodak, UBeesize, and AmazonBasics are trusted manufacturers.
Interestingly, most high-end players who command a larger market share, like Manfrotto, deal with higher price tags.
We believe this exclusivity stems from the desire to deliver an unmatched and uncompromisable standard of quality.
Addressing Professional Requirements
While a budget tripod will deliver passable load capacity and simple functions, it can never match a high-end tripod’s efficiency.
Professional photographers, especially nature-buffs and wildlife photographers, work with fleeting moments. Naturally, this requires fast and efficient transitions between shots.
There’s no second to lose, and a professional tripod supports fast transitions with enhanced flexibility and 360-degree rotation.
User-Friendliness
Many customers complain of fumbling with the tripod head and struggling to attach and remove devices after buying cheap tripods.
When it comes to defining the user experience, it’s the little features that count. How quickly can you attach and remove a device?
How easy is it to adjust the length as you shoot on the go? Also, How flexible is the tripod at supporting panoramic shooting and backward tilting?
Does the tripod feature a quick-release plate? Luckily, you can ensure this feature by conducting extensive research and exploring some of the options we’ve listed above.
Durability
Durability is a prominent issue while working with lightweight and budget tripods. Most photographers complain of breakage and components unscrewing while traveling through rugged terrains.
Nature photographers complain that even the best tripods under 50 are rarely compatible with long and arduous mountain journeys.
If durability is an important concern, we recommend exploring options from our picks for the best tripods under $100.
Is It Worth Buying A More Expensive Tripod Than $50?
We believe the real question is: can you afford to buy a more expensive tripod than $50? Our buying decisions are often restrained by our buying power.
However, it isn’t necessary to buy an expensive tripod just because you have money. Especially when you have a strong and valid reason to start and experiment with a user-friendly and basic design.
Experts and seasoned photographers advise beginners to start with entry-level camera models and gadgets. Overloading your arsenal with high-tech equipment and expensive tripods will not help you up your game.
You’ll just end up losing a lot of time fumbling with gadgets and setting up equipment rather than studying the landscape/subject.
FAQ’s: Tripod Under 50
Is a Tripod Really Necessary?
It is based on your purpose and what you going to do if you buy a tripod. A tripod is necessary if you want to make a better stable photo or video.
Is an Expensive Tripod Worth it?
Once again buying a tripod whether expensive or cheap depends on your purpose. Usually, an Expensive tripod is a higher-end tripod with a nice build quality.
It is simply going to be more reliable, flexible, and Lightweight, especially over the long term purpose. Cheap tripods on the other hand may work fine for a while, but sooner or later they will have some issues.
Overall, if you have long-term goals then buy an expensive tripod. Or if you want just hold a tripod to practice then buy a cheap tripod.
How Much Should You Spend on a Tripod?
How much you are ready to spend on your tripod it’s really up to you. Usually, a good tripod costs around $ 50 to 250, but there are more expensive available on the market.
Within $50 to $250 you will get a very good tripod that can be reliable, lightweight, and flexible.
What is the Best Tripod Under $50?
There are many tripods out there that come at a very cheap price. We make a list of the ten best tripods under $50 if you want to buy a tripod, pick any of them that don’t make you worry.
Final Thought!
Tired of looking for the best tripod for photography? No wonder, nowadays the choice of tripods is huge. And the number of features gets you easily confused.
So, how do you choose the tripod that fits your needs? You can get the best budget tripod, but you have to use a little common sense before you buy one.
We all want our camera accessories to fit our needs, function properly lasts for a while, and not make us go broke. I am the same way as you. It’s no different when you’re buying the best tripods under 50.
Hope this article helps you to find the best tripod that fits all your needs. If you like this article please share it with your friends or family. If you get any confusion around this article please do comment below.
I’m a videographer and travel photographer. I created this website to help you buy a Tripod or Gimbal for your DSLR, GoPro, or Mirrorless camera. I tried and reviewed most of the Tripod, Monopod, or Gimbal currently available on the market.