Is an Expensive TRIPOD Worth It? (How to Choose Best Budget Video Tripod for Filmmaking & DSLR)

Do you need an expensive tripod for filmmaking? Is an expensive tripod worth it? This week we're looking at tips for buying the best tripod for video and filmmaking. We also do a budget tripod review. Sachtler VS Manfrotto VS OConnor tripods - what's the difference as a videographer or creator in a cheap vs expensive tripod? How to choose the best video tripod?

Whether you are looking for the best tripod for vlogging, best tripod for DSLR, or the best tripod for video, we'll show a variety of options and the benefits of buying an expensive tripod for film. As filmmakers our tools can be expensive, but buying a budget tripod for video can lead to some issues. It may not have the pan or tilt drag that you need for larger cameras. SO if you a tripod for cinema production verses a smaller camera, make sure to know the camera package weight you'll need to support.

Is there a best budget tripod for video? Or should you invest a bit of money for an expensive tripod? When choosing a tripod for your camera, assess what your needs are. What weight? Where will you be using it - in the sand? The forrest? Or studio? Choosing a camera tripod will depend on these factors.

In our experience our tripods have lasted much longer than our cameras, and the cheap tripods we bought for film have broken. So putting a little more budget in your tripod fund, will likely benefit you in the long run. An expensive tripod vs cheap tripod can pay it back and makes filming much smoother on set. So what is the best tripod for youtubers?

Tripods for videography are different than tripods for photography or vlogging. If you want to be able to tilt and pan smoothly and have adjustments for drag, investing in a nice tripod can be well worth it whether you're a Youtube creator or cinematographer. Check out some of the best tripods 2020 that we recommend in the video including the Sachtler 18 tripod review and the OConnor 1040 fluid head, and the Manfrotto 503 and 504 tripods.

If you have any questions on the techniques used in this review video, please send a note in the comments. Thanks for watching Is an Expensive TRIPOD Worth It? (How to Choose Best Budget Video Tripod for Filmmaking & DSLR), in our Film Jams series!

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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:

TRIPODS

LENSES

CAMERAS

AUDIO GEAR

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Other equipment we use to film:

CAMERAS

LENSES

TRIPODS

MICS

LIGHTS:

PHOTO GEAR

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Special Thanks to the St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission Digital Creator Program

Disclaimer: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It doesn't cost any more for you, and helps support the channel so we can continue to make more videos like this. Thank you for your support!

#IsAnExpensiveTripodWorthIt #BestTripodForVideo #BestBudgetTripodForVideo

[dslrrookie]

Love the intro 😂. Choosing a tripod is so hard when you’re starting out!

[youarehere]

I just lost my Neewer tripod during vacation, left it on top of my car and took off, at least I still got the plate with my camera. Time to shop for a replacement.

[rajkumarmurugan]

Your Video are Amazing, so Helpful. Thank you

[al_muftah]

I started with a Gitzo tripod when I used to do photography back in 08 and the tripod still works perfectly. Switching into videography I started with a Benro tripod which was okay, I knew I needed something better. When the Flowtech 75 was announced I got one immediately with the FSB 8 video head. Now since I have larger camera setups such as Red/ Arri with cine glass I was looking into getting the Oconnor 1040 tripod system, that's both head and legs. unfortunately with the coronavirus lockdown and quarantine had to postpone it since all jobs got cancelled.

[Jonathan-wmju]

So you are saying that my Amazon basics tripod can't hold my Red rig?

[anthonypeirce]

i would like a sachtler FBS 8 for filming fast moveing things ETC aircraft at airshows plenty of time to save for one for 2021 airshows

[Aviatorspot]

I tried few tripods with fluid head, still not very smooth panning/tilting, causing jerky motion. I do filming aviation video of aircrafts takeoff and landing. So what is your advice which tripod? I am looking at the Sachtler Ace tripod.

[dianaquinones]

Best Tripod video. I don’t need to watch anymore. I just need about 1, 200 now lmao

[tacsmith]

I bought that exact $100 tripod. Mine broke pretty quickly as well. It last three years but that was with me maneuvuering around the issues. The slide locks stopped locking fully. The holders snapped like you said. And the head would get loose sometimes and I'd have to tighten it constantly... Got so used to it that when I finally got a good tripod it was jarring to me lol.

[ladyesther]

I am using a Slik AMT that has been discontinued (pro 330 DXB). Can you recommend anything comparable? I just need a good, super easy tripod for studio filming. I am still trying to get the dude I borrowed the Slik from to sell it to me since it meets my needs, but he's on the fence. :( Sad face. :( I want good quality but basic basic! Thank you.

[RangerStudios]

I will say that not all bargain tripods are bad. I've had great luck with a company called Caryer. Not only do their products work, but they stand behind their products. Might be worth checking out if on a budget. Also look at Benro, which usually has great sales on tripods.

[MexicanMovie]

I've got a Vinten Vision Blue (fluid head/tripod combo) that i use most of the time but also have an older super heavy duty (weighs 24lbs i believe) O'Connor aluminum tripod that i use when i set up my C300 in the woods and leave the area while it films for a few hours for wildlife.... super stable even on windy days, but getting it all out to the woods ain't easy if you're alone, especially if you're a puny weakling like me :)

[peacecreature]

IM SO LOST SOMEONE HELP! I have the canon c300 mark ii and need a good quality tripod that's not too expensive. Looking at some used ones, Lots of parts are sold separately. Some are just the legs, or the head. Can i combine different brands of legs/heads? Also do I need to get a "tripod base" for my camera?

[freejay]

Picked up a second hand aluminium Sachtler FSB4 for $400 recently in great condition...using a bmpcc4k rig on it .
Hitting maximum weight on it but works fine

[akhiantony]

The budget is low but I need a tripod for arri Alexa xt where can I buy pre owned tripod.

[hardipusa]

What’s the cheapest do you think a o Connor 2575 can be picked up for ?

[rsmstudios]

The question I have for a beginner with a very low budget to buy a bunch of gear (tripod, microphones, lights, etc.), what about the little guys? My budget was blown out of the water watching your video. What about the little guys who don't have a lot of money and are just starting out and don't have $12, 000 cameras? Thanks for the video...but this looks like it is still geared for the professionals.

[benikochuveetil]

Sachtler fsb 10, Sachtler DV 12 SB, Sachtler Video 15 SB and Sachtler Video 18 S2.

which of the above fluid heads would you recommend when using a 600m lens + 1.4x TC with the sony f5m2? the rig weighs 8-10 kilos.
i think i favour the Sachtler Video 15 SB head, because it offers 7 positions of drag, and is lighter and cheaper than the 18s2. will the fsb 10 and dv 12 offer similar performances for pan and tilt?

i use the fsb8 + speedlock 75 legs now for the 600mm lens, and have been wanting to move to a 100mm fluid head.

[erthaldop]

found a good deal on an used sachtler video 18 and i’m tempted to buy it 🤔 was looking for a fsb8 but my ursa mini pro gets pretty heavy with a shoulder rig and big lens

[MobileFilmmaking]

great video. i always choose tripods based on price.