This is a guide covering the best tripods for food photography.
You might be asking yourself, “I’m ready to go beyond the look of handheld photography but how do I know what tripod to buy?”
The truth is, there is no quintessential answer to that question.
Tripods come in all shapes and sizes.
If your photographic specialty is food photography, then you’ll find that the best tripod for food photography will not be the same tripod used by a wildlife photographer.
As a food photographer, you have a very specific type of photo that you take.
Either you’re shooting food and products in a studio that demands clean and crisp photos or taking an all-natural approach inside a restaurant where you’ll often be met with low light.
In both scenarios, you’ll want a tripod. But not just any tripod.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Tripod for Food Photography
- 🍅 Best Tripods with Aluminum Legs for Food Photography
- 🍆 Best Tripods with Carbon Fiber Legs for Food Photography
- 🥭 Best Tripod with Monopod Feature for Food Photography
- 🌽 Best Tripod with Flexible Legs for Food Photography
- 💸 Best Budget Tripod for Food Photography
How to Choose the Best Tripod for Food Photography?
Stability: A sturdy and stable tripod is crucial for food photography, as it will keep your camera steady and prevent blur in your photos. Look for tripods with heavy-duty construction and a low center of gravity.
Adjustability: A tripod that can be adjusted to different angles and heights is ideal for food photography, as it will allow you to capture the perfect shot from any angle. Look for tripods with multiple leg sections and a center column that can be extended or inverted.
Flexibility: A flexible tripod, such as a GorillaPod, can be useful for food photography as it allows you to position the camera in tight spaces or at odd angles.
Portability: If you plan to take your tripod with you when you travel or move around, look for a lightweight and compact option that is easy to pack and carry.
Table of Contents
7 Best Tripods for Food Photography
1. Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit
This tripod includes a three-way head. What a deal!
For that reason alone, it is a great tripod to start with.
It also can do overhead shots without an extra piece of equipment.
A bit heavy of a tripod to use as a walk around, but if you travel by car, or motorcycle and only plan a few hundred yards walk to your subject, this shouldn’t be an issue.
However, if you plan on backpacking this tripod, be ready for the extra weight of this model. It will wear you down within an hour or so. It is by no means small or ultra-lite.
Top of the line for the money spent!
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Top quality build
- Very sturdy
- Great quality
- Great “bang for the buck”
My Cons With This Tripod:
- The unit is durable but can be a bit heavy
2. Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 Aluminum 4-Section Tripod
This is probably the most “entry-level” tripod manufactured by Manfrotto.
However, it’s also their most compact model, which makes it perfect for on-the-go photography.
If you’re a food blogger then this is the perfect blend of high-end quality and versatility.
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Super lightweight and compact
My Cons With This Tripod:
- It does not come with a head — but you’ll want to experiment with your favorite
3. Manfrotto 290 Xtra Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod
Manfrotto is a great tripod manufacturer and this is no exception.
Sturdy tripod legs and a quality fluid head that doesn’t come loose and allows you to easily adjust the tension.
What I love about Manfrotto Tripods is that they all have a set screw in the part that attaches to the head to prevent the loosening of the tripod head.
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Super lightweight and compact
My Cons With This Tripod:
- It does not come with a head — but you’ll want to experiment with your favorite
4. Manfrotto 058B Triaut Camera Tripod
This tripod allows you to photograph from a high angle.
This is great when you need to capture those overhead shots.
A tripod like this is great if you want to work at table level.
It is rock steady and the primary extension legs shoot out and extend at the touch of a button. The secondary legs are of the twist variety.
This is a great value tripod when you’re in the market for an excellent tripod.
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Unique leg release
- Extremely quick setup
- Aluminum and steel construction
- Each leg can be adjusted individually
My Cons With This Tripod:
- The secondary legs can be a little difficult to extend
5. Gitzo GT2542 Mountaineer Tripod
Between the two, both Gitzo and Manfrotto are the brand names you’ll hear most often when talking about the best tripods for food photography.
Now that Manfrotto has bought Gitzo, they are one and the same yet still offer their own distinct personality.
While the 058B from Manfrotto is a powerhouse the Gitzo GT2542 is a tank. It will do everything you need and last you a lifetime.
Best yet, it gives your shoot an extra level of professionalism because it looks great.
My Pros With This Tripod:
- The carbon fiber legs offer extreme durability while keeping the tripod lightweight
- Supports up to 39 pounds, so every lens and accessory you have can be supported by this behemoth
My Cons With This Tripod:
- It does not come with a head — but you’ll want to experiment with your favorite
6. STURDY TIGER 75” Camera Tripod & Monopod
This tripod has a quality build!
This tripod is lightweight which is great for travel.
In use, the head has a smooth feel and can lock in pretty easily.
The center column mounts to the tripod leg which is removable which allows it to become a monopod.
Overall, can be considered one of the best tripods for food photography and overhead photography.
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Sturdy
- Quick release attaches securely
- Easy to move and tighten legs
- Creative way of incorporating a horizontal support
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Can be a bit on the heavy side
- The horizontal support can have some wiggle in it if not tightened correctly
7. JOBY GorillaPod Original Tripod
If you’re a professional food photographer, then the GorillaPod isn’t for you.
However, if you’re looking to get more stable photos in low-light environments for your own amusements, your food blog, or Instagram, then the GorillaPod can be a fun solution.
Its articulated legs are versatile and give you plenty of freedom—just make sure your camera is less than 11.5 oz!
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Great value
- A fun way to experiment with tabletop photography
My Cons With This Tripod:
- The weight limit is low — use a small camera or even just your cellphone
- The articulated legs are great to experiment with but are not super stable
Best Accessory for Food Photography
No matter what tripod you end up with, I suggest you also buy the following accessory to give you an even more stable bird’s eye view of your product.
Manfrotto 131D Side Arm for Tripods with 2 heads on 90-Degree
The Manfrotto 131D Side Arm will connect to your existing tripod giving you an unimpeded overhanging view of your subject.
There’s no easier way to take overhead shots and virtually no fiddling with legs and height to get your tripod to perfectly overlap your subject.
Armed with this, you’ll be taking overhead shots like a champ.
FAQ
Do You Need an Expensive Tripod for Food Photography?
An expensive tripod is not necessarily required for food photography, but certain features can make a tripod more suitable for the task such as stability, smooth pan and tilt, adjustable height, and portability.
What’s the Most Important Thing to Look for in a Good Tripod for Food Photography?
When looking for a good tripod for food photography, the most important thing to consider is stability. A stable tripod is crucial in order to take sharp, blur-free images. A good tripod should have a sturdy build and be able to support the weight of your camera and lens.
Food Photography is About Clean, Crisp Photography
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
However, most people agree that great food photography should be clean and crisp in its presentation even if it’s shot in low light.
To transcend your food photography, you absolutely need a tripod.
Specifically, ensure you get one that works well with on-the-go adjustments and that it is easy to set up, transport, and remain stable even when your camera is taking overhead shots.
Luckily, all of the tripods in this article do just that although it’s entirely up to you and your budget which one you choose.
However, if you have the money, investing in better tools will always make your life easier. When your business is photography then being more efficient means a wider margin of profit, so finding that balance is important!
Also, check out a list of the best cameras for food photography.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
