Best Tripod For Astrophotography
If you’ve ever seen beautiful images of stars in the night sky or a crescent moon glimmering in full view, you have probably had the natural impulse to try and capture such images yourself.
Astrophotography is one of the greatest fields of photography, and its results can yield some of the most stunning images a camera is capable of producing.
While skill can be continuously improved, your equipment is a constant, and the investment you make will either limit or unleash the caliber of photographs you capture.
This is why it’s imperative to research the best tripod for astrophotography and ensure that you choose the option that is best suited to your needs.
Why Use a Tripod For Astrophotography?
Novice astrophotographers might imagine capturing the stars and assume that one simply points and shoots as you would in other fields of photography. Because the subject of astrophotography is typically more difficult to capture though, additional equipment is necessary.
Other than a camera, the most imperative piece of equipment you will need is a tripod.
Given the low-light nature of the subject, even with a fast aperture lens you'll most likely be performing long exposures in order to take in as much light as possible. A tripod helps you do this in a stable and consistant way. Investing in a tripod is a great idea for photography in general, but are especially for important for astrophotography. Without a tripod, your attempts to capture the night sky could result in blurry, noisy, and generally low-quality images. A tripod can transform this and take your photos to the next level.
What to Look for When Buying a Tripod for Astrophotography
Now that you’ve decided to invest in a tripod, you’re probably wondering what features you should be looking for. Is a bigger tripod better? or should you opt for one that’s more compact?
Which tripod is the right tripod for you is dependent on your specific goals and interests, but there are a few qualities that you should look for.
Regardless of how you plan to use your tripod, you should be sure to consider the following features:
- Height: Look for a tripod that is adjustable and compatible with your height so you do not have to bend over constantly
- Weight: Consider a lightweight tripod that is easily transported
- Construction: If a tripod is made primarily of plastic, be suspicious. Look for options that are made of materials such as carbon-fiber or aluminum
- Head: There are several different types of tripod heads available. Find the one best suited to your photography goals
These are just a few considerations to contemplate as you are shopping for your tripod.
Of course, the first tripod you buy may not be the one you use forever, so consider this if you have plans to upgrade in the future.
Best Sturdy Tripod for Astrophotography
Sturdiness is one of the most important qualities to invest in when you are shopping for a tripod.
The iFootage Gazelle TC6 Carbon Fibre 3-Section Tripod With Centre Column is at the top of its class in this category, and that’s just one reason why it’s favored for astrophotographers.
This model features a host of tools for users that make it one of the easiest-to-use yet most advanced options on the market.
Perhaps its most striking feature is its superior sturdiness — with three legs, constructed from carbon fiber or aluminum, it is balanced elegantly by a center column that affords strength and sturdiness while maintaining its accessible design.
This makes it the logical option for aspiring and established astrophotographers looking for a durable and sturdy option for rugged outdoor adventures.
Best Travel Tripod For Astrophotography
Professionals looking for the best astrophotography tripod for travel will be faced with a plethora of options.
Of these options, the Vanguard VEO 2X 235CBP 4-in-1 rises to the top.
This pro-level model is the gold standard for travel tripods, and it’s easy to see why.
Its all-in-one design eliminates the need for additional equipment to lug around, and its ball head makes mounting and shooting easier than ever.
Versatility is the strongest feature of this piece, and travelers looking for a portable but professional option will be wowed by its quick convertibility from tripod to monopod.
Quick-twist legs and non-slip grips make this model all the more enticing to travelers with a wanderlust aimed at the stars.
Best Overall Astrophotography Tripod
When it comes to the best tripod for astrophotography, across every category, there are plenty of outstanding contenders that could take the top spot.
When purely considering the quality of construction, accessibility of features, and value of investment, one particular model shines above all others.
The Vanguard Veo 3+ 263CB Carbon Fibre Tripod is the one to rule them all — you need look no further than this model if you seek to invest in the best.
Combining excellent metrics in both sturdiness and accessibility, this tripod is built to be an indispensable tool.
Like other contenders on this list, it can easily be converted to a monopod for your astrophotography needs, but unlike competitors, it boasts a ball head, multi-angle central column, mount adapter, and ergonomic optimisation.
You need the best equipment for the best shots, and this, hands down, is the best tripod for astrophotography.
If you are ready to purchase a high-quality tripod for astrophotography that is both affordable and functional, look no further than C.R. Kennedy.
C.R. Kennedy is one of Australia’s leading distributors of cameras and photographic equipment. We offer a wide range of DSLR, mirrorless, full-frame and action cameras.
If you need more information check out more articles on the C.R. Kennedy blog.
