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Best Mini Gopro Tripods for Stable Shots
In this article I take a look at some of the best mini GoPro tripods. They will of course attach to any action camera that uses a mount adapter with a 1/4 inch thread insert.
A mini tripod is essential for recording stable shots, which in turn produce a more professional polished video.
Out of the 5 tripods in this guide, 4 are table top tripods and the Joby is the well known “octopus” style variant.
As a quick reference take a look at the table below to see which tripod is most ideally suited to certain types of filming and activities.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Manfrotto PIXI Xtreme Mini Tripod
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a table top mini tripod from Manfrotto, the makers of professional photographic gear and most notably quality tripods.
The Pixi Xtreme as it’s called has a ball head which allows you to adjust lateral, front and rear angle tilt by up to 35 degrees. This features is great for levelling off the tripod head.
I personally like having the ball head as a feature on my tripods. You do pay extra for this. If you don’t think you’d have any use for the ball head there are lower cost options from Manfrotto without this feature.
The big red push button shown in the pictures is the quick release lock for the ball head which works very smoothly in practice.
When the legs are folded the tripod acts as a selfie stick, although you will pick up hand noise on the internal mic, but that is not unique to this tripod.
There’s no need to buy a GoPro tripod adapter as one comes supplied. Note that GoPro versions below Hero 6 may not fit this adapter though.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
If you’re looking for a lightweight tripod to take hiking or travelling the Pixi Xtreme is ideal.
Great for timelapses, static shots using the timer to snap selfie scenic shots.
The technopolymer material is strong and rigid and the design has a nice ergonic feel to it.
Neewer Portable Compact Mini Tripod
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Neewer table top tripod is the heaviest of all the tripods in this guide. It does howver comes with telescopic legs that expend to a maximum height of 50 cm.
Each of the 3 rubber feet twist counter clockwise to unlock and extend to the desired height.
You can also unlock the legs to spread almost flat, which is ideal for really low angle shots or placement onto a table top.
The ball head tilts 90 degrees for portrait still pictures and Instagram aspect ratio videos. The bubble level ensures verticals are level in frame.
For a tripod that extends to over 19.5 inches, the Neewer still retains a degree of compactness.
The mounting plate is quick release, but you will need to buy an additional 1/4 inch GoPro tripod adapter to screw onto the plate.
The ball head rotates 360 degrees and is able to lock into place at any desired angle.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
For those looking for a more traditional style tripod to take a variety of still pictures, the Neewer Compact is worth considering.
Made from aluminium and durable plastic, the tripod has a strong and stable feel to it.
The telescopic legs and extendable centre column bring a lot of options to the keen action camera user when setting up shots.
JOBY GorillaPod SLR Zoom Flexible Tripod
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Of all the “Octopus” style tripods Joby are arguably the best in the business. I’ve made the mistake of buying cheaper alternatives in the past and they just don’t perform or last as well as a GorillaPod.
I’m sure most of you are familiar with how the GorillaPod works. For those who don’t, each leg has 10 or so ball joints that allow you to bend the legs into any shape.
The versatility of this type of tripod is that it can be mounted on trees, rocks and any uneven surface with ease.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
If you’re planning on hiking or travelling where you think a lot of difficult to get camera angles may be part of your video production. The Joby is the tripod to go for.
The ball head, quick release head is great for levelling up the perfect shot in extreme environments outdoors.
GoPro Shorty Mini Extension Pole Tripod
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
More of a hybrid type tripod / selfie stick on offer from GoPro themselves, the shorty does what it says on the tin.
It’s well made and extends far enough to shoot selfies with ease. Although for those looking to use it for more interesting POV a dedicated selfie stick would be a better option.
A point worth noting is that GoPro have decided to use a metal locking screw for the mount adapter. This does add a feel of robustness to the overall build of the tripod.
The legs close neatly, but it does suffer from hand noise travelling up the legs to the action cameras internal mic.
If your vlogging it may be worth using an external mic to improve sound in this instance.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
I really like the GoPro shortly as an addition to my action camera kit.
Whether I’d choose it over the Joby or the Manfrotto as my main mini tripod is unlikely.
For lazy days sitting in the park or for quick pieces to camera set on a table the GoPro Shorty is a solid option. Ideal for vlogging.
it’s a shame the price point is rather high in my view.
Pedco UltraPod Lightweight Camera Tripod
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pedco have come up with a simple yet effective design here with the UltraPod as they call it. It’s essentially a table top tripod with a velcro strap.
The velcro strap allows you to attach the tripod to a tree branch, pole or such. it’s not anywhere near as versatile as say the GorillaPod but it does come in at a far lower price point.
The head incorporates a small ball swivel mount that has a small degree of tilt. This can be locked off using the sturdy locking wheel underneath.
It’s a setup that works well for simple shooting styles.
The rubber feet do provide some grip on more slippery surfaces and its nice to see these as a feature on this tiny tripod.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary
A no frills table top tripod that is aimed at the budget end of the mini tripod market.
The velcro strap does give the Ultrapod a few extra tricks up its sleeve but it’s not going to provide anywhere near as much versatility as a dedicated “octopus style” tripod.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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