Save money. Buy a better tripod the first time.

This article first appeared in 2017 and isn’t as much a tripod review as it is about stressing the importance of getting the correct equipment the first time. Updated 4/9/2025.

One of the most important parts of any photographer’s gear should be a tripod, but not just any tripod. You need a good-quality tripod. Both amateurs and pros need a tripod. There will be instances, such as shooting in low light, that will require the use of a tripod to avoid those dreaded blurred images.

Why you need a good tripod

A good tripod is a game-changer for wildlife photographers and nature photographers (and others), and here’s why it matters. First, stability is critical when you’re shooting in unpredictable outdoor conditions—think windy plains or uneven forest floors. A sturdy tripod keeps your camera steady, reducing blur from shaky hands or environmental factors, especially during long exposures or when tracking moving animals at dawn or dusk when light is low.

Second, shooting wildlife often demands patience. You might be waiting hours for the perfect shot—a cheap tripod with wobbly legs or a flimsy head risks collapsing under the weight of a heavy telephoto lens or worse, tipping over and damaging gear. A quality tripod, built with durable materials like carbon fiber or aluminum, can handle the load and the abuse of rugged terrain. If you are photography in running water, you’ll also want a very sturdy tripod.

Third, precision matters. High-end tripods offer smooth, adjustable heads—ball heads or gimbal heads—that let you track a bird in flight or a deer on the move without jerking or sticking. This fluidity can mean the difference between a crisp action shot and a missed opportunity. Cheaper models often lack this finesse, making it harder to nail focus on fast or distant subjects.

Finally, comfort and efficiency. A good tripod with quick-release plates and easy height adjustments lets you set up fast when a fleeting moment—like a predator mid-hunt—presents itself. It also reduces physical strain during long shoots, keeping you focused on composition rather than fighting your gear.

Simply put, a cheap tripod is not the answer, but you don’t have to spend a thousand dollars either. Your camera may only weigh eight pounds, so a tripod that will hold a camera that weighs 10 pounds may sound sufficient, but often times, you’ll get a lot of camera shake. Don’t waste a hundred or even a couple of hundred dollars on a tripod. If you can’t afford what you need, wait and save up. It’s well worth the wait.

My gear

I have used the Oben CT-2391 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (discontinued) along with the Sirui K-40X Ball Head for years now.

Doing animal and nature photography, I needed a tripod that could withstand being setup inside a stream or other area of slow-moving running water if need be and not shake. This of course is also important for low-light shots. When I first bought my gear, the Oben CT-2391 ran $449.95 and the Sirui K-40X Ball Head ran $165.25. You’re either gasping for breath at the total investment of $615.20 or you realize that you can spend over $2000 on Linhof and Gitzo brands. You can go cheaper if you choose an aluminum tripod but I chose carbon fiber because it was lighter weight. While the combined weight of the head (1.54 lbs) and tripod (3.45 lbs) is nearly five pounds and not “ultra light” per se, I would rather know that my equipment isn’t going to fail me and carry the extra weight.

The Oben CT-2391 has a 39.6 lb load capacity. The Sirui K-40X Ball Head has a 77 lb load capacity. These two combined are plenty sufficient to hold my Nikon D810 with an attached Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens.

This, of course, is overkill for a smaller camera. You can get away with a cheaper ManFrotto tripod.

My purpose of this article has nothing to do with reviewing tripods (while I listed and stand by what I use) but to help others save a couple hundred dollars starting out in their photography career. A tripod exists to hold and secure a camera. If you put your camera on one that cannot support it and it shakes, then it defeats the whole purpose. The saying “it’s better than nothing” does not apply here. For wildlife photography, where timing, clarity, and durability are non-negotiable, investing in a solid tripod isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. In addition, this article was first written in 2017, and I still have the same tripods and zero trouble.