In this article, I will walk you through the best tripods for mirrorless cameras. Your best tripod companion wherever you go.
When you’re ready to buy a tripod for your mirrorless camera you need to consider portability. Otherwise, it would just stay in your home if it’s heavy and bulky. Weight and size matter and it is always a determining factor whether to carry your tripod or not.
This was exactly the case of my first tripod experience (see the below image). In the early stages of my usage, the weight didn’t bother me at all (the reason I purchased it).
But as time went on, it became an extra load instead of a need. So I have decided and dispatched it to my brother to pair it with his Lumix GF2 (and now Nikon Z50).
When I got my Canon EOS M5 mirrorless camera, I needed a new tripod as well. This time I have learned from my experience and made sure I bought the right one for me.
So I decided and went on to purchase a carbon fiber tripod. It only weighs 2.17lbs and the leg has 5 sections. Stands at 1440mm in height when extended. Can mount a maximum load of 8kg (while EOS M5 with zoom kit lens 18-150mm weighs around 0.7kg).
Lighter tripods cost higher than a normal tripod and that’s the reality. In any case, what’s important is that you have to make the right decision to suit your own need. Then utilize it properly.
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5 Best Tripods For Mirrorless Cameras (Updated List)
# | Overview | Product | Tripod Rating |
1 | MeFOTO Roadtrip S Travel Tripod/Monopod | Budget-friendly | |
2 | Manfrotto MKBFRTC4GT-BHUS Befree Advanced | Lightweight | |
3 | SIRUI T-0S Series Travel Tripod (T-025SK+B-00K) | Best Value | |
4 | Benro SystemGo Plus Aluminum Tripod (FGP18A) | Best Travel | |
5 | Gitzo Lightweight Series 1 (GK1545T-82TQDUS) | Professional |
Why You Should Get A Tripod For Mirrorless Camera
I have discussed in my previous articles about digital camera accessories and pointed out that a tripod is a must-have accessory. This is true for anyone that owns a mirrorless camera.
Tripod will give you the ability to capture sharp images, especially in low light conditions.
Shooting long exposures, time-lapse and video recording could be done accurately with your mirrorless camera mounted on a tripod.
Any camera shake in those situations will result in blurry or distorted captures. Even if your mirrorless camera comes with IBIS. Or the lens that you are using has a shake reduction feature.
The use of a tripod will always serve its purpose in those given setting conditions.
It would also enable you to take your own solo shot. If you’re alone in a place or landmark and you want to have some keepsake of yourself in form of a photo memory, a tripod is your best friend.
What To Look When Buying Tripods For Mirrorless Cameras
Everyone has preferences on what is important or not when deciding on a tripod for mirrorless camera. Nevertheless, I want to offer my opinion on the most important things that the tripod for a mirrorless camera should have.
Weight
This is one attribute that has to be decided right from the beginning. When buying what kind of tripod you want to have always considered the weight. It will impact your desire and ability to carry this gear. Make sure though that you buy a tripod that can support the weight of your mirrorless camera.
Heavier tripods are more stable in the sense that they normally come bigger also. However, new technology made compact and lighter tripod design possible using premium materials (e.g. carbon fiber, aluminum, etc) that characterizes strength, stability, and durability.
Size
Another attribute that needs consideration is the size.
Consider minimum height when collapsed and maximum height when extended. Most tripods now are retractable and expandable. The best tripods for traveling are those that have 4-5 sections as they can be folded shorter. This means you can easily slide it into your backpack as it does not occupy a large space. But then again, you should check the maximum load it can hold.
Versatility
Multi-function tripods are emerging… some latest tripod designs can also be converted into a monopod.
Hence, consider buying a tripod that can be converted to a monopod so that you don’t have to buy these two gears separately when the need arises to use a monopod instead.
Likewise, look for a tripod that provides a quick-release plate adaptable to all cameras. This would enable you to be more flexible and could quickly unmount your mirrorless camera whenever you want to shoot handheld.
Best Tripods For Mirrorless Cameras Product Reviews
MeFOTO Roadtrip S Travel Tripod (Budget-friendly)
A 2-in-1 tripod as it can be converted into a monopod. The center column can be connected to a tripod leg to form a full-size monopod. (Check also Carbon Fiber version price)
Brand | MeFoto |
Material | Aluminum |
Weight | 4.14 lbs |
Folded length (approx.) | 13.98 inches |
Maximum height (approx.) | 59.4 inches |
Maximum Load | 17.6 lb |
Head Type | Ball head |
Leg Lock | Twist lock |
Leg sections | 5 |
Color | Black, Red, Titanium |
Monopod conversion | Yes |
Pros | Cons |
+ Fits to backpack | – Difficult to tighten large cameras (e.g. DSLR) |
+ Right price | – White tabs in between leg get stuck |
Manfrotto MKBFRTC4GT-BHUS Befree Advanced (Lightweight)
Considered a lightweight tripod for its group. The Befree GT leg-angle selector enables a shooter to change position without losing focus of its subject making it a tripod of choice. (Check Aluminum version it’s heavier but also cheaper).
Brand | Manfrotto |
Material | Carbon Fiber |
Weight | 3.42 lbs |
Folded length (approx.) | 16.93 inches |
Maximum height (approx.) | 63.78 inches |
Maximum load | 22.05 lbs |
Head Type | Center Ball head |
Leg Lock | Twist lock |
Leg sections | 4 |
Color | Black, Silver |
Monopod conversion | No |
Pros | Cons |
+ Portable and sturdy | – Not very stable |
+ Good for travel | – Head got stuck and cannot unscrew |
SIRUI T-0S Series Travel Tripod T-025SK+B-00K (Best Value)
Lightweight and compact travel tripod. The center column is extendable and can be removed as well. Stability might be an issue due to the tripod’s lightness. However, a load can be hung using the hook on the center column to make it more steady.
Brand | Sirui |
Material | Carbon Fiber |
Weight | 2.77 lbs |
Folded length (approx.) | 12.2 inches |
Maximum height (approx.) | 53.6 inches |
Maximum load | 13.2 lbs |
Head Type | Ball head |
Leg Lock | Twist lock |
Leg sections | 5 |
Color | T-025SK+B-00K |
Monopod conversion | No |
Pros | Cons |
+ Light and compact | – Not very stable |
+ Easy to use | – Need allen or hex lever to tighten base plate |
Benro SystemGo Plus Aluminum Tripod FGP18A (Best Travel)
The Benro SystemGo travel tripod is compact and versatile. The center column can be detached from its vertical position. Then can be rotated 180 degrees which create different shooting positions including horizontal and inverted positions. It also has an integrated or built-in monopod making it a good travel tripod because of its versatility.
Brand | Benro |
Material | Aluminum, Magnesium |
Weight | 3.51 lbs |
Folded length (approx.) | 18.1 inches |
Maximum height (approx.) | 60.6 inches |
Maximum load | 22 lbs |
Head Type | Ball head |
Leg Lock | Twist lock |
Leg sections | 4 |
Color | Black |
Monopod conversion | Yes |
Pros | Cons |
+ Excellent quality | – Lack rubber/foam grips on the legs |
+ More features including central column, monopod |
Gitzo Lightweight Series 1 GK1545T-82TQDUS (Professional)
As the price tag indicates this is a gear for professionals. Lightweight and sturdy carbon fiber tripod. The head base comes with a removable safety pin to prevent the plate from sliding out to help secure your camera.
Brand | Gitzo |
Material | Carbon Fiber |
Weight | 3.2 lbs |
Folded length (approx.) | 16.73 inches |
Maximum height (approx.) | 64.37 inches |
Maximum load | 22.05 lbs |
Head Type | Ball head |
Leg Lock | Twist lock |
Leg sections | 4 |
Color | Silver, Black |
Monopod conversion | No |
Pros | Cons |
+ Steady with heavy telephoto camera lenses mounted | – One foot got loose |
+ Lightweight and portable |
Tripods For Mirrorless Cameras FAQ’s
Does tripods come with a case?
Normally, all tripods come with a case bag with a strap for easy handling.
Does tripods have level bubble?
Most tripods come with a level bubble. In the above lists, Benro, Sirui, and Gitzo all have a level bubble.
How does it handle big mirrorless cameras?
Always check the weight of your mirrorless camera. If you intend to add heavy telephoto lenses to your gear, then buy a tripod with a higher safety load limit.
Conclusion
So that concludes our list of some of the best tripods for mirrorless cameras on the market today. As always is the case, buying the best tripod will always depend on your budget.
I would suggest however Benro SystemGo Plus Tripod because of its versatility and MeFoto Roadtrip S Travel Tripod as it can be converted to a monopod and is budget-friendly too.
So there you have it folks, once again thank you for reading. If you find this article helpful or you have some questions please leave a comment. I will try to answer them to the best of my knowledge