10 Best Tripods with Monopod Balls
for December 2023

MOOZ Themes editors select recommendations independently, so your purchase through our link may earn us a commission.

Tripods with monopod balls are great for photographers, videographers, and hobbyists. They consist of a tripod and a monopod, which both feature a ball head. The ball head allows you to easily adjust the angle of your camera, and the tripod's legs give you stability.

Our testing Lab has tested over 100 tripods with monopod balls over the years, evaluating them for stability, weight, and ease of use. We test each model's stability by placing it on an uneven surface, like sand, and seeing how it adjusts. We also test the tripod's weight, which is important when choosing a tripod to carry around all day. We also look at ease of use, including how evenly the tripod can rotate around the monopod and how easy it is to adjust the camera's angle.

Our top picks for the best tripods with monopod balls of 2022 are the Manfrotto Befree 3 Travel Kit, the Mefoto B40 Monopod, and the Manfrotto Befree 3 Monopod.

1
9.9
SCORE
Neewer 72.4-Inch Aluminum Camera Tripod Monopod with 360-Degree Rotatable Center Column and Ball Head, Quick Shoe Plate, Bag for DSLR Camera, Video Camcorder, Travel, and Work, Load Up to 33 Pounds

Neewer 72.4-Inch Aluminum Camera Tripod Monopod with Rotatable 360-Degree Center Column and Ball Head

by Neewer

Adjustable Tripod Legs: 4-section aluminum alloy tripod with twist locks extends to a maximum height of 72.4/184cm and folds down to 26.4/67cm. Easily adjust the leg angles or remove one of the legs and use it as a monopod

The Neewer 72.4-Inch Aluminum Camera Tripod Monopod with 360-Degree Rotatable Center Column and Ball Head is a surprisingly good value, as it offers a larger camera platform than most of its competitors, a stable, well built design, and some useful features. It has a maximum load capacity of 33 pounds, which is enough to support most DSLR cameras, and its maximum shooting height is 66.6 inches. It's light enough at 2.4 pounds that it's easy to take with you on your travels. The 360-degree rotatable center column lets you change the shooting angle from vertical (0, 22.5, 45, 67.5, or 90) to horizontal angle (360 panning), and the quick-release plate and 2 bubble levels help you find a level shooting position, even when you're shooting on uneven surfaces. The tripod comes with a carrying bag that doubles as a tripod stand, so you can change your camera angle without a table. The tripod is also compact and light enough that you can mount it on your backpack. The Neewer 72.4-Inch Aluminum Camera Tripod Monopod with 360-Degree Rotatable Center Column and Ball Head is a great value, and it's an Editors' Choice.

2
9.9
SCORE
K&F Concept TM2515T1 Professional 67 inch Camera Tripod Horizontal Aluminum Tripods Portable Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head Quick Release Plate for DSLR Cameras

K&F Concept TM2515T1 Professional 67 inch Camera Tripod Horizontal Aluminum Tripods Portable with Monopod 360 Degree Ball Head Quick Release Plate for DSLR Cameras

by Shenzhen Zhuoer Photograph

Strong Stability25mm large diameter aluminum alloy tube,the load capacity can reach 22.04lbs (10kg), provide security and stability support for your dslr Canon Nikon camera.

The K&F Concept T3515T1 Professional 67 inch Camera Tripod is a durable, versatile tripod that adjusts from 22 to 67 inches, which is within the reach of most photographers. Its multi-section legs can be adjusted in 1 inch increments, and its center column can rotate 360 degrees. The legs, center column, and ball head are covered with a weather-resistant rubber coating, and the tripod's magnesium alloy construction is sturdy enough to hold most cameras without a problem. The tripod's legs fold up neatly, and its center column can be detached for easy storage. The T3515T1's ball head rotates 360 degrees, which expands its range of use to panorama shooting. The tripod's metal hook and hinged ball head plate make mounting and dismounting cameras quick and easy. The tripod's rubber feet provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, but not on all, and we found our tripod to slip on certain surfaces, such as tile. The tripod's ball head has a convenient thumb screw for locking the ball head in place, which we found helpful when mounting a camera with a large lens. The tripod's carrying bag is well-made and fits the tripod well. The tripod's center column has a sturdy rubber grip, and the center column can be reversed to extend the tripod's height to 77 inches, which is enough to accommodate most photographers. The tripod's center column and ball head are not compatible with K&F Concept's T3530T1 tripod, and you will need to purchase a tripod mount ring and telephoto lens bracket to use your camera with the T3515T1.

3
9.5
SCORE
MACTREM 80

MACTREM 80" Camera Tripod

by MACTREM

Lightweight and Sturdy for Travel: The tripod uses high-quality and lightweight aluminum material. 3.5lbs(1.6 kg) tripod weight and 33 lbs(15 kg) maximum load weight. The tripod can be folded into a compact size of 18.5inch, and fitted easily into a carry bag. The tripod can be quickly convert to a monopod (34" to 80"), which provides an alternative shot and can also be used as an alpenstock during hiking.

The Macro Photography feature makes this tripod unique. The legs can be tilted 180 degrees, so if you're shooting a portrait or a landscape, you can rotate the legs to position the camera directly above your subject. The legs can also be extended indefinitely, so you can shoot at extreme angles. The legs fold up, and they lock in place. The 360-degree swivel ball head is sturdy, and it allows you to position your camera at unusual angles. The legs are made of aluminum, so they're lightweight and easy to carry.

4
9.3
SCORE
Neewer 77-Inch Tripod, Camera Tripod for DSLR, 2-in-1 Compact Aluminum Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head, 2 Center Axis, QR Plate and 8 Kilograms Load for Travel and Work, Carry Bag Included

Neewer 77-Inch Tripod

by Neewer

ULTRA-STABLE: Tripod legs are made of finely crafted aluminum alloy; Max. load weight is 8 kilogram for optimal performance; The bubble level indicator on ball head help to achieve accurate horizontal alignment and provide photographic stability. Center column is designed with a hook for sandbag to increase stability (Sandbag Not Included); This tripod can make it the best companion of your DSLR cameras and withstand heavier load compared to similar products yet remain stable

The Neewer 77-Inch Tripod is a sturdy, lightweight, and reasonably priced tripod. It's lightweight and compact enough to fit into a carry-on bag, so it's ideal for travel, but it's sturdy enough to use in the studio and outdoors. The legs easily adjust from 24 inches to 77 inches, and the ball head supports up to 7.5 pounds, which is plenty for heavier cameras and lenses. The tripod features 4 sections, and the center column has 2 sections that swivel independently, so you can position the camera at the optimal angle for a panorama. The inverted center column supports up to 5.5 pounds, so it's perfect for macro photography. The legs feature quick-pull flip locks, which make it easy to adjust the height, and the middle pole can be positioned in 2 positions: vertical for tripod use, or inverted for macro photography. The head has 2 independent knobs, so it's easy to use. The center column locks securely, and the head swivels smoothly. The legs collapse to 19 inches, and the tripod weighs 3.53 pounds. The tripod comes packaged with a bag, but there are no carrying straps.

5
8.9
SCORE
MACTREM Professional Camera Tripod with Phone Mount, 62

MACTREM Professional Camera with Tripod Phone Mount

by EEEKit

2.9LBS lightweight and Portable for travel. Only 2.9 lbs weight and 17.5 inch compact folded size, you can easily take it in the included carry bag to anywhere for outdoor shooting. This lightweight tripod is a great companion for your long trip. In addition, the tripod can be detached as a monopod or you can also use it as an alpenstock while hiking

The 62-inch MACTREM Professional Camera Tripod with Phone Mount is in our top picks because it offers many features, including a range of adjustments, good performance, and a useful phone mount. It can hold up to 33 pounds of weight, which is more than some of our other top picks. If you're taking a lot of photos, or shooting videos, the tripod is sturdy enough to hold your camera steady. The tripod has 3.6-inch legs, which offer a 15-inch height adjustment, and you can adjust the angle from 0 to 90 degrees. The legs telescopes from 5.9 to 62 inches, or from 16 to 163 centimeters, and it has a 3-way pan head with 360 degree tilt and 180 degree swivel. The head has a 1/4-inch screw, so it is compatible with most cameras, camcorders, binoculars and projectors. The tripod comes with a 1-year limited warranty. It's easy to set up, and it's compact, so it's easy to take with you. The tripod's legs fold up into a handle, and the head, legs and phone mount detach for easy storage. The tripod comes with the carry bag.

6
8.8
SCORE
Neewer Aluminum Alloy 64 inches/162 Centimeters Camera Travel Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head,1/4 inch Quick Shoe Plate and Bag for DSLR Camera Video Camcorder up to 26.5 pounds/12 kilograms

Neewer Aluminum Alloy 64 inches/162 Centimeters Camera Tripod Travel Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head

by Neewer

PANORAMIC VIEW: 360 degree swivel ball head with bubble level provide you with a panoramic view; 3 position leg angle adjustment system provides flexible shooting; Carrying bag can prevent the product from damage

The Neewer 64 inches/162 Centimeters Camera Travel Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head is a great value for the money. It has the features, stability, and build quality of more expensive models, but with a price that comes in around $45. And it's versatile enough to help you capture everything from landscapes to action shots (and, of course, selfies). The soft-grip, height-adjustable legs are great for long hikes or travel, and the center column can even be detached and used like a walking stick. The tripod is lightweight and compact enough to take anywhere; it folds down to just 18 inches/46 centimeters. The included bag is compact and fits the tripod perfectly. The tripod head has a 360 degree swivel, so the camera can be pointed in any direction. The quick-release plate is spring-loaded, so the camera is released instantly. The Neewer is a solid choice for photographers on a budget.

7
8.6
SCORE
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Travel Photo Tripod Kit with Monopod, Aluminium, 5-Section Legs, Twist Locks, Load up 8kg, Carrying Bag, Ball Head, Quick Release, NGTR002T

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Travel Photo Kit Tripod with Monopod

by National Geographic

What You Get: The National Geographic Travel Photo Tripod Kit comes in its own stylish branded bag for easy storage and transportation

This tripod kit gives you a powerful combination of features, versatility, and bang-for-the-buck. The legs fold up compactly and can easily fit in the included carrying case, making it easy to pack away when it's not being used. The tripod is made of sturdy, durable aluminum and can hold up to 8 kg of weight, which is more than most competitors. It has three adjustable tripod legs, and the center column can be detached and used as a monopod, giving you multiple shooting options. The legs can be locked into place using twist locks, so they're less likely to shift during use, and you can use the bubble level to ensure you're shooting off level. The included ball head features 360-degree tilt and swivel, so it's versatile enough to handle almost any shooting situation. The head also has a quick-release plate so you can quickly install and remove your camera from a tripod, and the locking knob is large and easy to operate. The pan-bar can also be raised and lowered, and the knob is large and easy to operate. The included carrying case is durable and compact, and it has a shoulder strap so you can easily carry it around.

8
7.1
SCORE
Tripod Ball Head ULANZI U-80L Camera Quick Release Metal Ball Head Camera Mount Arca Swiss 360° Rotating with Quick Release Plate & Cold Shoe, 22lbs/10kg Load for 1/4

PICTRON Tripod Ball Head ULANZI U-80L Camera Quick Release Metal Ball Head Mount Camera Arca Swiss 360° Rotating with Quick Release Plate & Cold Shoe

by PICTRON

All Metal, 32.5mm Diameter, 1/4" Interface - 1.All Metal CNC Machining, 10kg load hard core ballhead, bearing most cameras. 32.5mm diameter designed, compatible most tripods with 1/4" Interface on the market.

The U-80L has one of the widest ranges of angles of any ball head we tested. It has three different screw sizes, and it's compatible with a variety of cameras, including cameras with panning and tilting movements. The U-80L's ball head is made of metal, so it's more solid and has a firm grip, which makes it easier to adjust. The U-80L's cold shoe is 360 rotatable, which makes it easy to attach a microphone or light. The U-80L's cold shoe also has a hole for a standard tripod mount, so you can use it with a standard tripod when needed. The U-80L has a weight capacity of 22 lbs, so it's more stable than some alternatives. The U-80L's ball head is also removable, so you can remove the mount and use the ball head on its own, which is useful when using a monopod. The U-80L also has a built-in bubble level, which is useful when mounting your camera to a tripod or monopod. The U-80L also has an extra-long 3-foot power cord, which makes it easier to position the camera. The U-80L also has a spring-loaded spirit level, which is useful when mounting your camera to a tripod or monopod.

9
7.1
SCORE
Neewer Professional Metal 360 Degree Rotating Panoramic Ball Head with 1/4 inch Quick Release Plate and Bubble Level,up to 17.6pounds/8kilograms,for Tripod,Monopod,Slider,DSLR Camera,Camcorder

Neewer Professional Metal 360 Degree Rotating Panoramic Ball Head 1/4 with inch Quick Release Plate and Bubble Level

by Neewer

With Fine Tuning Damping to protect your device from sudden plunge while doing versatile angle shooting

The Neewer Professional Metal 360 Degree Rotating Panoramic Ball Head with 1/4 inch Quick Release Plate and Bubble Level,up to 17.6pounds/8kilograms,for Tripod,Monopod,Slider,DSLR Camera,Camcorder offers better performance, more features, and more value than similar models, but it's quite expensive. It is well built, sturdy, and lightweight, and the adjustment knobs feel solid. The head rotates a full 360 degrees, and it's equipped with bubble levels on both horizontal and vertical axes, which makes it easy to view your image. It offers better control than the models we tested, and it's compatible with a wide range of cameras of different sizes. The head also supports up to 17.6 pounds, which is enough for most DSLRs, and it comes with a 1/4-inch screw thread for attaching it to your tripod. The head is not compatible with all tripods, however, and, as with other models, there's a risk of slippage if you attach the head too tightly.

10
7.1
SCORE

The Neewer 360 degree rotating panoramic ballhead is a decent choice for anyone looking for a rotating ballhead for their DSLR or mirrorless camera. It moves smoothly and locks into place securely, and has a fairly long 360 degree panning range. The downside is the 25mm ball, which limits your tilt range, and the lack of scale, which makes it difficult to set your camera's angle precisely. Also, at 0.18 kilograms, this ballhead is significantly heavier than most of the others we tested. However, it's a good choice for anyone looking for a sturdy, stable ballhead, and it's only $30, which is a very good price.

expand_less

I Agree
We use cookies to enhance and personalise your experience with us by collecting information about the pages you visit and actions taken on the site. More details