If you are looking to take impressive pictures of the night sky, then you are going to need a solid and sturdy Tripod.
If you’re looking to get one for the first time or upgrade your current tripod, the common approach is to look through dozens if not hundreds of tripods until you ultimately decide to purchase one.
It may be a particular brand, review, or feature; either way, this can take a lot of time and effort.
Thankfully, I’ve conducted countless hours of research, looked across the market, even used one for several years to give you that time back!
Best Tripods For Astrophotography
Tripod Details
These are the tripods to consider if you want to obtain unique Astro-snaps without the need to spend astronomical amounts.
Here’s the selection of tripods to take your night sky photos to the next level:
Neewer Carbon Fiber Tripod (Editors Choice)
Tripod Material: Carbon Fiber
Movement Type: Ball Head
Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
Collapsed Height: 22.4″
Extended (Max) Height: 69.7″
Maximum Load: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
Summary:
In my opinion and experience, the Neeweris one of, if not the best tripods for Astrophotography. If you are looking for a tripod, this is the one to get.
Without going into too much detail, this tripod has been all that was promised when I decided to invest in it a couple of years ago.
There are little to no signs of wear even to this day and it works just as well as when I first unpacked it.
I have been able to capture some impressive Astrophotography photos during this time.
A particular feature of note is that one of the legs can be removed, turning into a Monopod.
This can be useful depending on the shots you are looking to take, your landscape, and your preferences.
The tripod legs are very versatile, and you can spread them out to interesting and useful positions.
The ball head, pan, and ball lock knobs work particularly well, they are fluid and provide the right amount of resistance.
You can move the tripod 360 degrees in any direction you desire; offering you truly panoramic shots.
You can easily reverse the center column for low-angle views, and adjust the height accordingly, which is great when in the field.
Overall the Neewer tripod is a brilliant choice for any Astrophotographer.
It’s a well-designed, sturdy, and brilliantly built tripod.
I would suggest this is the tripod you get.
- 2 in 1 lightweight tripod, one of leg can be used as monopod
- Quick release leg locking, giving a more convenient leg handling for shooting, vlogging, photography and videography
- Universal ball head design with 2 locks and 360° dial that photographers adjust angle free and quickly
- New generation of high density carbon fiber tube, using eight layer different angles carbon fiber staggered laminated, high temperature curing, high pressure strengthening polymeric structure
- This essential accessories kit for content creators also comes with a portable bag, easy to carry. Compatible with Sony Canon Nikon and other DSLR cameras.
K&F Concept S211 Tripod
Tripod Material: Aluminium
Movement Type: Ball Head
Weight: 3.99lbs (1.8 kg)
Maximum Load: 22 lbs (10 kg)
Summary:
Next, we have the K&F Concept S211 Tripod.
I thought it would only be fair to include it due to the number of Astrophotographers that use it and speak so highly of it on the Astronomy Forums I am a member of.
It works just like the other tripods discussed on this list already.
It is designed with four-section legs which help provide stability and a support structure of up to 22 pounds.
The 25mm large diameter aluminum alloy tube is a significant contributor to its foundation and structure.
It has a maximum height of 66 inches, which is not the highest here but should definitely be sufficient.
The horizontal center column can be used easily and quickly to manually adjust the height just to where you want it.
This is another compact and flexible tripod, that comes with excellent rotation abilities just like the tripods before it (360 degrees).
One of the best features is the bubble level which helps you to quickly find balance and obtain the best accuracy when you are taking photos.
Another important feature is the ability to remove one of the legs so you can use it as a Monopod.
Those legs are also very versatile, whereby you can place them at different angles for use on uneven grounds or surfaces.
- 【Transverse Center Column】Central column moves from 0 to 180 degrees, can be rotated 360°horizontally, to realize panorama shooting.
- 【Convenient & Flexible】5-section legs with quick release flip-locks allows you to adjust the working height from 22.4'' to 73'' (57cm-186cm) in seconds; Tripod legs can be adjusted in three levels of opening angle to stabilize on varying grounds and incline levels.
- 【Detachable Monopod】This tripod can be quickly disassembled with the central axis screw and transform into a monopod, providing an alternative way of shooting with ease.
- 【360°Panorama & Ball Head】The specially designed 28mm ball-head can rotate 360° and get free angles, allowing you to get the perfect shot and amazing panorama every time.
- 【Portable】4.12lbs / 1.87kg tripod weight and 22.04lbs / 10kg maximum load capacity； It can be folded to 16.93’’ / 43cm compact storage size and easily carried with bag.
GEEKOTO 77’’ Carbon Fiber Tripod
Tripod Material: Carbon Fiber
Movement Type: Ball Head
Weight: 3.4 lbs (1.54 kg)
Collapsed Height: 19″
Extended (Max) Height: 77″
Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs (12 kg)
Summary:
The fashionable orange and black Carbon Fiber variant of the GEEKOTO is another terrific tripod with a great spec.
GEEKOTO has been a great manufacturer of photography equipment, providing a number of well-designed and highly sought-after items for several years.
Their Carbon Fiber tripod is just one of the products across their professional range.
This tripod has all of the desired features in a tripod and compares very well alongside the other tripods that make up this list.
It has one of the highest maximum heights you will be able to find for a tripod, allowing you to extend all the way to 79″ in a matter of seconds.
The quick-release flip-locks are there for this very purpose helping you to transition quickly and safely.
One of the major benefits of this tripod is the ability to quickly disassemble it using the central axis screw.
You can even adapt it into an 81” Monopod which is a nice alternative when shooting the night sky.
If I was personally heading back into the market to buy a new Tripod, then this is another that I would be strongly considering.
- Carbon fiber: high-density carbon fiber, with good stability and light weight
- 360° ball head: The ball head can rotate 360° make it shooting around 360° and with horizontal bubbles, and a scale
- Adjustable and expandable: the legs of the tripod have 3 adjustable triggers and retractable ring buckles, which can be adjusted to different placemMulti-function: not only can be combined into a monopod, can be used as a trekking pole, but also can be upside down for low-angle shooting!ent positions and different shooting heights
- Multi-function: not only can be combined into a monopod, can be used as a trekking pole, but also can be upside down for low-angle shooting!
- Special design:ball head with 1/4 inches Quick -release plate,suitable for camera with 1/4 inches screw holes . weight hook for add stablity on the uneven ground
Buyers Guide
Tools for Astrophotography
If you are or want to become an Astrophotographer, there are two essential tools that are going to be required to take photos of the night sky:
- An Astrophotography Camera – a DSLR or mirrorless camera with the ability to open the shutter for at least 30 seconds;
- Solid, Sturdy, Highly Functional, and Versatile Tripod.
This buyer’s guide will focus on the latter; helping you to identify the right one for your current/future camera.
Why You Need A Tripod For Astrophotography
If you want to keep your camera extremely still, there is no other way or choice, than to get a tripod. In many ways, it is essential for Astrophotography. If you can then leverage the settings of: mirror lock, shutter speed, and lens focus, your photos will be the best they can.
Ultimately, any tripod is better than none at all, so I have included a range of options below to suit preference and budget.
There are a lot of things to look out for, particularly spec, functionality, and features.
Below I will outline some of the different features of Tripods that are available to purchase:
Features To Consider In A Tripod
When it comes to choosing a Tripod, you are going to specifically want to take a look at the features and functionality it provides.
It is these very things that ensure it performs to suit your own unique needs and requirements and makes sure you get the best quality you can for your budget and the price.
To be honest; Astrophotography can be quite a costly hobby.
I wish I had personally known this before I got started to set my expectations. Nonetheless, I still think I would start again even knowing this information.
Since I began, I have purchased four cameras, three different sets of lenses, but just one tripod. My tripod has lasted the longest, purely because I invested, to begin with, and got the right one from the very outset. A tripod is an investment that should last.
Below I have included the criteria to look for in a Tripod, and that all of the featured tripods include in my list to follow shortly below:
Stability
Without a doubt, this is the most important feature. Stability is the result of material quality, design, and great construction. the best tripods are typically built with more expensive components, like aluminum or carbon fiber.
Ball Head Movement
A Tripod with Ball Head movement is ideal for Astrophotography. They will give you a greater range of motion, enabling you to rotate at 360°.
This will provide you with maximum versatility for the perfect shot. They are also a lot more simple and straightforward to frame.
Lightweight
Despite being strong and sturdy, you do not want your Tripod to be too heavy.
This makes it difficult to move around which can be essential when out taking photos. Plus, the lighter it is, the easier you can transport it and take it with you on the go.
Load Capacity
The Load Capacity is essentially how much weight it can take from your Camera. The higher the Load Capacity the better the tripod will be.
This means it will be able to support your camera at increasing weights.
So without further ado, let’s now take a closer look at the best value Astrophotography Tripods.
I’ve included a range that will suit you regardless of your experience, plus I’ve included my own Tripod (which is also the editor’s choice).
Final Words
All 4 of the tripods included in this list come with fantastic customer reviews, experiences, and recommendations. They were all designed and built with the best spec (including 360° Ball Head Joints), and provide features and functionality that will make Astrophotography easier and far more successful for you. In many ways, you would not go wrong if you opted for any one of them.
These are all extremely versatile and portable tripods; light enough to be carried and easy to fold and store.
If you are considering the best tripods for Astrophotography, look closely at these. These are the best options on the market; combining price, quality, and an effortless experience.
In my personal experience, I would thoroughly recommend the Neewer. While I bought this several years ago, it has been very effective for me and I still continue to use it until this day (and it is still one of the best on the market).
However, if I was looking to purchase a new tripod for any reason, I would strongly consider the other three options.
I hope you enjoyed this guide and I wish you all the best in your own Astrophotography pursuits. If you have any questions on any one of these tripods, be sure to drop a comment below!
Looking for other astrophotography equipment? Then my other guides may help:
- Best Telescope for Galaxy Astrophotography
- Best Telescope For Astrophotography Under $500
- Best Light Pollution Filter For Astrophotography
- Best Equatorial Mount For Astrophotography
Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.