The 7 Best Tripods for Real Estate Photography
The best tripods for Real Estate Photography are going to be a bit subjective depending on what exactly you are looking for out of a tripod. What I can tell you right off the bat is that I use the Manfrotto 055 Aluminium Tripod with the Kit Ball Head and absolutely love it.
I bought it 2 years ago and besides needing to give the legs a quick tightening every 4 months or so, I’ve had zero issues with it. I use it every single day on every real estate shoot and it’s been an absolute work horse for me. It easily goes down as my vote for the best tripod for real estate photography.
If you’re not sure which tripod will work best for you, want to learn more about what to know before buying a tripod, or are looking for some reviews on today’s best tripods for real estate photography, then read on!
Table of Contents
What to Know Before Buying
The best tripods for real estate photography are all going to have a few things in common. You’ll want to consider the following qualities before purchasing:
- Size and Strength. As real estate photographers we need our tripod to be sturdy above all else. Usually this means that the tripod needs to be somewhat large and well built. Whether you plan to shoot HDR or flambient, you need your tripod to not move at all. The better the build quality, the more study it will be.
- Adjustable and Adaptable. When photographing real estate the best available angle isn’t always going to come from a place where you can easily put your tripod. You’ll need one of the legs on a kitchen counter at times or all 3 legs on different stairs. The best tripods for real estate photography are going to be very adaptable.
- Durability and Cost. You’ll be using this tripod everyday and it’s going to be a workhorse. There is no sense in buying a cheap tripod only to have it break down in a year from frequent use. Likewise, there’s no need to break the bank from the most expensive tripods on the market which can literally be $1000+. Look for a nice balance between durability and cost.
If you’re interested in seeing all the gear I use on a daily basis and not just my tripod, check out this article I wrote: Inside A Real Estate Photographer’s Camera Bag.
Best Tripods for Real Estate Photography
Best Budget Options
Victiv Joilcan 80-Inch
Easily the best option for under $100. It’s definitely what I would call a starter tripod, but the Victiv Joilcan is a still a good tripod that can be used for many purposes.
If you want a decent, affordable tripod that is serviceable for Real Estate Photography but you can also go hiking with, this one’s for you.
Pros:
- Tall
- Light weight
- Most affordable on list
- Build quality
- All-in-one type tripod rather than Real Estate Photography specific
Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3
A solid tripod overall and a great value for the price. This Benro Series 2 is a good place to start if you don’t want to spend a lot of money but want a tripod that will last you a while.
Pros:
- Strong build
- Light weight
- Good Value
- All-in-one type tripod rather than Real Estate Photography specific
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP Kit
Although it isn’t a premium name, the Alta Pro 263AP is an excellent affordable option. A bit more well built than the Victiv Joilcan, you’ll notice the difference in it’s sturdiness. The only thing lacking with the Alta Pro is its adaptability when trying to get awkward angles.
Pros:
- Very Affordable
- Light but sturdy
- Good build quality
- Only 3 lockable leg positions
- 6′ maximum height
Best Overall
Manfrotto 290 Xtra Kit
Manfrotto is the premier name in tripod technology, so you know you are getting a quality product.
Although it’s lighter than the Manfrotto 055 below, it will work perfectly fine for virtually all real estate photography. The 290 Xtra is a great introduction to the Manfrotto brand which is sure to impress.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Manfrotto brand
- Light but durable
Cons:
- Less than 6′ tall
Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit
As stated in the beginning of this article, this is the tripod combo that I personally use. I prefer the ball head, but you can choose the 3-way head instead for no additional cost.
In my opinion, the quality you get with this combo at this price is unbeatable. If my 055 ever breaks down, and honestly that seems like a big IF, I’ll immediately buy another.
Pros:
- Great value for price
- Extremely sturdy
- Manfrotto brand
- Very adaptable
Cons:
- Large and heavy to carry
Benro TMA38CL Long Series 3
Benro is a favorite amongst real estate photographers and they make some very impressive tripods.
This specific model is very well built, tall enough for all your needs, and is a truly great tripod.
Pros:
- High quality build materials
- Extremely sturdy
- Very tall
Cons:
- Large and heavy to carry
Best for Video
Manfrotto 504X Fluid Video Head w/ Twin Leg Tripod
If you know that you are going to want to shoot high-end video soon or sometime in the future and price is not too large of a factor, this Manfrotto combo is definitely for you. The 504X Fluid Head is a premier piece of equipment for video.
If you want to use the tripod for photography as well, you can purchase a Ball Head for under $80 easily. This will give you a full professional photo and video set up for under $1000.
Pros:
- Extremely well built and durable
- Great for video and photo
- Highly adapatable
Cons:
- Expensive
Recommendations
If you plan to use your tripod for video and you’re not concerned about price, the Manfrotto 504X Fluid Video Head w/ Twin Leg Tripod is an amazing tripod that will last forever. If you’re like the rest of us and cost is a bit of a barrier, the Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit is the ideal choice.
Finally, if you’re just getting started in real estate photography, check out our Beginners Guide which is full of helpful tips and tricks. If you’re interested in reading more about today’s best gear for real estate photography, check out our Gear page as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tripod do professional photographers use?
Generally, the Manfrotto 055 is a widely used and loved tripod amongst professional photographers. It’s sturdy, durable, and extremely well made.
At what height should a real estate photographer shoot?
The general consensus is that the camera should be at roughly 4 to 5 feet off the ground. This gives the best perspective of most spaces around the house.
What is the best brand of camera tripod?
Manfrotto is and has been generally considered to be the best producer of tripods in the world. Although as of late, Benro has stepped up as a true competitor.