Whether you're a beginner or advanced, these tripods under 450 €! will keep you happy for years!

Today we'll take a look at the TOP 5 Tripods under 450 €!

SmallRig CT180

We'll start right off with tripod from SmallRig, and specifically the CT180 model, which is precisely designed for shooting videos, live broadcasts, vlogging and other low-maintenance but also demanding events, especially outdoors.

So whether you're a beginner or a pro, this tripod will definitely suit you for several reasons.

The tripod has a compact and portable miniature liquid head that features solid damping to ensure smooth movement and beautiful shots, even though it is the cheapest tripod in our ranking.

You can tilt it from +90° to -55° and rotate it 360°.

This tripod has a removable non-slip lever and an Arca-type quick release plate for quick switching between handheld and tripod shooting, which can be useful for videographers at events where quick reactions are needed, for example.

What's both an advantage and a nice surprise with this tripod is that there's a built-in wrench attached to the head with a magnet, so you don't have to stress if you don't have your backpack with you at the time.

The tripod makes a strong impression on me, even though it's small. It's made of aluminum alloy, is compact, portable, and has great stability and load capacity. The head can hold up to 3 Kg and the whole tripod up to 15 Kg. You can attach any accessories you need to the top screw, including smartphones, mirrorless cameras and sports cameras, with three quarter-threaded holes in the leg joints allowing you to attach more devices and accessories, which will definitely come in handy. This tripod also has a weight holder underneath, so you don't have to worry about tipping over on unstable surfaces.

Another advantage over the other pieces we'll be featuring today is that a smartphone mount is also included, which is great for live streaming, vlogging, or shooting tick-tock. What's also great is that you can even turn this tripod into a monopod on one leg, which in turn can come in handy for things like weddings where you don't have time to fold up the tripod and carry it around with you.With the tripod you also get a black carry bag that is small, stylish, durable and even suitable for outdoor use. This bag is made from IPX4 waterproof fabric. So whether you're just starting out, or already working on bigger projects; this tripod will definitely not disappoint you and still give you some extra value unlike the other tripods we're about to show you.

You can buy it HERE.

SmallRig Heavy-Duty Fluid Head AD-01.

The next tripod is a bit more expensive; it is the SmallRig Heavy-Duty Fluid Head AD-01.

When you look at it, it's a classic tripod with rubberized feet and a fluid head. It is made of aluminium and has plastic elements. It has a new generation of head design and an updated quick release plate, also with a built-in wrench that allows for quick camera placement, which can come in handy for videographers at weddings, for example, who need to quickly switch from tripod to hand and move around in the field.

There are built-in screw holes in the head plate to mount lots of extra accessories.

You can rotate the tripod through 360° and vertical movement of +90° to -75°, and it has a weight capacity of up to 8 kg.

The three-eighths hole in the base of the head supports most tripods, arms, slides and other accessories with these screws.

It has a built-in bubble level and works with a 75mm bowl base for leveling. It has a three-piece extension to meet a variety of indoor and outdoor height requirements and a user-friendly quick-release lock. A beautiful and durable carrying case protects the tripod and makes it easy to carry to wherever you need to shoot. For me, this is the coolest tripod out there in the under 450 € category and I'd say the most durable, so if you're heading somewhere where height and durability play a part, I'd definitely recommend this tripod.

You can buy it HERE.

Manfrotto Befree Live

Even one of the highest quality brands on the market fits comfortably within the 450 € mark, and that's the Befree Live from Manfrotto, which is the most compact set of travel video tripods, designed for amateur videographers and vloggers who want maximum functionality even on the go.

Its compact size makes it easy to carry with you everywhere, while meeting the growing demand from content creators for a lightweight, ergonomic and travel-friendly tripod that is easy to carry. It will come in handy if you plan to record videos using DSLRs, compact system cameras or small camcorders.

When you notice it looks very similar to the first SmallRig CT180 tripod, and one of the biggest differences is that this one is much higher quality.

Why? Because Manfrotto has a factory in Northern Italy where they cold press and bend their tripods in a controlled manner. It's not pressing plastic on top of each other like in China, where they push the material through a mould when it's hot and this leads to scratches and micro bubbles with the result that after a year or two they start to warp. Especially with Manfrott you have service that will fix everything, but back to the tripod. It keeps the cameras perfectly stable on all types of terrain, including the most challenging, where these tripods from Manfrott are also tested, and always keeps the camera ready; this comes in handy for all videographers, whether you're a beginner or not.

This model features the new M-lock locking system, a new rotary lock developed by Manfrotto that will satisfy anyone looking for a quick, easy to use and compact solution.

What's more, the M-lock has no protruding parts and its mechanism closes perfectly around the head, so the Befree Live's center post slides effortlessly in and out of the storage pocket. Its ergonomic leg angle dial is designed to be used by both right and left-handed users, allowing anyone to intuitively change the angle and find the right tripod height.

The Befree Live tripod can be easily adjusted to three independent leg angle positions, ensuring complete versatility when shooting outdoors. the "spider" that this innovative model features also offers an Easy Link function, just like the Manfrotto 190 and 055 professional tripods, which allows videographers to increase their creativity by adding any accessory from lights to displays. But the small size of the Befree Live tripod doesn't mean compromising on strength or image quality. This solution guarantees very smooth movements thanks to the Befree Live Fluid Head, which features a smooth tension system when panning and tilting and keeps the camera in perfect balance thanks to a sliding video plate.

This lightweight travel video tripod is the optimal combination of portability, quality and ease of setup and operation. It weighs 1.6 Kg and can carry up to 4 Kg.

It feels like it is designed with one goal in mind - to allow individuals to express their naturalness through the camera with the confidence of having the support of a professional solution.

You can buy it HERE.

Libec TH-X.

Next we have the Libec TH-X tripod .

This is also Libec's new lightest tripod.

It's around 3.1 kg and has a load capacity of up to 4 kg with a height of 75.5 cm to 159 cm, which is suitable for videographers, shooting video with an SLR or for shooting and photographing documentaries, nature, social events, news sessions and other such events where you can take advantage of its light weight and simplicity. The tripod is fitted with a 65mm hemispherical head as well as a quick-release slide plate with a three-eighths thread. Also included is a padded carrying bag in which it won't get hurt.

It's the manufacturer's entry-level model and replaces the popular TH-650HD tripod; while offering sturdier legs that can be useful for heavier, more professional cameras. The quick-release slide plate is compatible with Sachtler and Manfrotto heads; but unfortunately not with LIBEC ALLEX, RS, or other Libec heads.

The head is fitted with a pair of rosettes for attaching handles or arms and other accessories, for example. Optionally, the tripod can also be equipped with the Libec DL-2RB wheeled base for movement on flat surfaces. I can recommend it if you are looking for a light and simple tripod for the set and for home use.

You can buy it HERE.

Manfrotto 500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X.

The latest tripod I have here is the Manfrotto500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X.

Here we have a professional camera tripod that offers incredible stability and smooth camera movement. The easy and smooth adjustment of the camera position ensures that videos will always be smooth and free of any unwanted vibrations; just like all Manfrotto tripods.

The tripod is made of aluminum and we talked a little bit about how Manfrotto makes their tripods a little while ago. The camera head is equipped with a mechanism that makes it quick and easy to adjust the camera to the correct angle, both horizontally and vertically.

The Manfrotto 500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X has a solid and stable base that allows for smooth 360-degree camera movement and height adjustment up to 173 cm. The head has a preset counterweight of 2.4kg at 55mm, but can support up to 5kg.

This tripod also has a three-eighths Easy Link connector for connecting an external monitor or other accessories you may need at the time.

The one-piece, 3-section, aluminum 190X tripod features a leveling post for quick and easy setup, easily expandable, adjustable feet, and Quick Power Lock levers, QPL for short, that quickly lock or unlock each foot section whenever you want to change positions. One of the biggest advantages of this tripod is its compact size and easy portability. The tripod is easy to pack up and carry, making it ideal for filmmakers and videographers who move from location to location frequently.

The only thing is, there's nothing to pack it in, as you get it as one of these five without a bag. I see the Manfrotto 500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X as the best choice for professional filmmakers and videographers looking for a quality camera tripod with high stability and smoothness.

Its easy operation, fast and smooth setup and durability are the main factors that make this tripod ideal for demanding professionals who are looking for the best performance and quality for their videos but want to stick in the Low-Budget section.

You can buy it HERE.

Compact, DSLR or mirrorless? Read our guide to choosing a camera and find out which device is best for you.

How to choose a camera

Are you planning to buy a quality camera and getting lost in the selection? Let's first read our guide on how to choose a camera that suits your needs and abilities.

To answer the question "How to choose the best camera?" there is no clear-cut answer. Whether you're figuring out how to choose a DSLR or a mirrorless camera depends on a lot of variables. So we've put together a quick guide that you can bounce ideas off of. Just remember that we're only talking about choosing a camera body. Lens selection is another chapter again.

Determine what you expect from your camera

The first and most important step in choosing a camera is to figure out what you expect from it. If you're a beginner, you probably won't need an expensive professional model. On the other hand, if you're not buying your first camera and you've already taken some photos, you'll have significantly higher expectations. Or are you looking for a lightweight travel camera to capture memories, with light weight being the main criteria? And that you plan to shoot videos as well as photos? Make a list of your requirements first, so you have something to go on.

While a regular compact will be fine for still photos from your holiday, you'll need to push the parameters a bit for snapshots and motion. However, always choose based on what you plan to shoot, don't assume that more expensive will always be better. Each genre requires slightly different specs, so it's a good idea to be clear if you're drawn towards shooting landscapes, sports or maybe the night sky.

Match your choice to your budget

Cameras vary really widely in price. Compact cameras can be had for a few thousand crowns, while high-end DSLRs or mirrorless cameras can easily cost a couple of months' salary and a kidney to boot. In fact, getting a camera body is just the beginning. Don't forget about lenses, tripods or camera bags. So keep in mind that the total cost is likely to be more than just the price of the camera itself.

How to choose a tripod: basic selection criteria

Every photographer and videographer knows that your best friend is not four-legged, but three-legged. With a tripod, you'll minimize shake and achieve a stable and smooth image. But how do you choose the perfect tripod for your needs?

How to choose a tripod for your DSLR? And which tripod is right for taking videos? Choosing a tripod deserves a moment of your time, because it's the only way to get a tripod that will support you and your equipment. In the following article, we'll summarise everything you need to know to choose one.

The most important questions for choosing a tripod

Before we get into the parameters, let's first ask a few questions that will guide you towards choosing the right tripod. Because even the most expensive tripod won't do such a good job if it doesn't meet your needs.

How tall a tripod do you need? Size matters. For comfortable handling of your camera or camcorder, choose a tripod that's appropriate for your height. The ideal height of a tripod corresponds to the height of the person who will be using it, because while lowering it is relatively easy, raising it just won't do.

Where will you use the tripod most often? A different tripod is suited for the field, another for the studio. For frequent carrying, you'll appreciate the lighter models; on the other hand, less weight often comes with less stability. That's why tripods for shooting video tend to be more massive than tripods for photography.

What are you planning to shoot and what kind of equipment are you looking for? Are you shooting product photography, landscapes or maybe the night sky? Along with a lens, a tripod is an absolute must-have in your kit. In addition to the height and design, you'll need to look at the right type of head, suitable load capacity, and other parameters, which we'll break down in a moment.

Basic tripod parameters

The range of tripods is quite wide, so let's take a look at their basic parameters to get a better idea.

Tripod height and dimensions when folded

To work comfortably, you shouldn't slouch when using a tripod. So choose one with your height in mind. In addition to the maximum height, it's also useful to know the minimum height so you know how much variability the tripod offers you.

If you often carry your tripod around, we also recommend paying attention to the dimensions when folded so you don't have to buy extra luggage to carry it. The legs of folding tripods are made up of several segments. The more segments, the more stackable the tripod will be when folded, on the other hand, this is redeemed by less stability.

Tripod material

A quality tripod has to be able to withstand something, so avoid plastic. Aluminum alloys and carbon fiber composites (called carbon) are the most common materials you'll see today. Aluminium is heavier and cheaper, carbon is lighter but also significantly more expensive. Another option is titanium tripods, which are also very strong and lightweight.

Tripod weight

The weight of a tripod depends not only on the dimensions but also on the materials used. While aluminium ones are quite bulky on the back, carbon ones tend to be lighter. As we indicated in the introduction, more weight is not always a disadvantage, if you need a tripod that can withstand wind gusts, less weight will be detrimental.

Tripod design

The most common tripods are so-called tripods, i.e. tripods with three legs and a central extendable column (which can sometimes be flipped 180°, allowing you to shoot as close to the ground as possible - an ideal feature for macro shoots). They offer great stability and can be found in a range of heights. Thanks to their good stability, you can also use them when taking shots at night.

In addition to classic tripods, you can also find mini tripods on the market, which are, as the name suggests, significantly smaller. Mini tripods can be folded into really compact dimensions, but they are also small when unfolded. They find their use mainly when travelling with lighter cameras or when shooting smaller products.

The third type is the so-called monopods. There is not much to say about stability, given that they have only one leg. You won't take night sky photos on them, but they help in lower light conditions and are much more operative than a tripod. They can effectively dampen vibrations and lighten your hands when using heavy equipment. Their other advantage is in the space and weight saved, and also in the much greater mobility of the photographer/camcorder. Thus, they find their use when photographing sports or animals.

TIP: If you need both a tripod and a monopod, you can choose from models that can easily be converted from a classic tripod to a lightweight monopod.

Tripod load capacity

Last but not least, think about whether you'll be using the tripod for a mirrorless camera with a lightweight lens, or whether you need it to carry a heavier DSLR with a proper telephoto lens. The value given on the tripod indicates the maximum load, you'll get ideal conditions if you get to no more than half that.

For more stability, it's a good idea to add extra weight to the tripod, often using a hook under the tripod head to hang your photo backpack with the rest of your gear.

Tripod head

An important part of the tripod is the head, which holds the camera itself. There are several types of heads that differ in the way they allow you to move your camera or camcorder. You can either get the head straight in a set with the tripod legs, or you can choose to get the legs separately and the head separately.

- Ball Head: Ball heads are small in size and light in weight. They can be used to quickly change horizontal and vertical positions at the same time. On the other hand, the impossibility of adjusting the vertical and horizontal axes separately does not allow a completely accurate composition. You can use it when shooting people, animals or sports.

- Three-wayhead: Three-way heads, or 3D heads, allow separate axis settings so you can play with perfect composition. The downside is more time-consuming setup. They are especially suitable for landscape, architecture or product photography.

- Video Head: Video heads are designed for smooth video shooting. The movement is in both axes simultaneously and allows for smooth tracking of the subject being filmed. The smoothest movement is provided by so-called fluid heads with a liquid damper.

Tripod price

Now back to reality. Choosing a tripod also depends a lot on your budget. So even if you are clear in theory what you can do without on a tripod, you may have to make some compromises. So think carefully about what's important to you and what's not so important. Definitely don't try to save on materials and workmanship.

Choosing a lens and lost in the parameters? Let's find out everything that's key to choosing the right lens.

How to choose a lens: A basic guide to choosing

How good the image you take depends largely on the lens you choose. So how do you choose the one that best suits your needs?

Right off the bat, we'd like to set the record straight that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all lens. It always depends on what you plan to do with the lens and what your requirements are. You'll need a different lens when you're shooting presentation videos, and a different lens when you're embarking on a career as a professional pet photographer.

What parameters should you look for when choosing a lens?

So what do you need to consider when choosing a lens? Whether you're looking for guidance on how to choose a Canon, Panasonic or even Sigma lens, the rules are pretty much the same. The following parameters should always be taken into account:

Focal length

The first thing you should think about when choosing a lens is the focal length. Lenses are then divided into fixed focal length lenses and zoom lenses or variable focal length lenses.

The focal length is given in millimetres and indicates the distance between the optical centre of the lens and the camera sensor. A short focal length (for example, 24 mm) provides a wider range and allows you to capture scenes with a large range, while a longer focal length (for example, 300 mm) provides a larger zoom and allows you to record subjects at greater distances.

Fixed focal length lenses are simpler in design so less can go wrong with them, simply put they tend to be of better quality and with better luminosity. That you have chosen and don't need to read any further? Unfortunately, every advantage is redeemed by a negative, in this case less responsiveness. Zooms, on the other hand, offer the advantage of being able to replace several fixed lenses at once, and they don't move around as much when traveling.

According to focal length, lenses are classified as follows:

- Fisheye (approx. 8-15 mm): Extremely wide-angle lenses that deliberately distort perspective

- Ultra-wide-angle (approx. 14-24 mm): Use them for landscapes, architecture and interiors.

- Wide-angle (approx. 24-35 mm): Useful for landscapes, architecture and reportage.

- Medium focus (35-100 mm): For natural views and portraiture.

- Normal (prime) lenses (50 mm): Match the angle of view of the human eye.

- Telephoto lenses (100-300 mm): Suitable for portrait, reportage or landscape.

Lens lenses are used for lenses with a wide range of lenses, for example

Another factor you should consider is the lens's luminosity, i.e. the ability of the lens to transmit light. Specifically, this is the ratio of the lens aperture diameter to the focal length. The aperture value also affects the depth of field. For shallow depth of field (out of focus background) you need a bright lens, for high depth of field you can get by with a smaller aperture.

Theluminosity is indicated by the letter f and a numerical value. Lenses with a lower number (e.g. f/1.4) let in more light than lenses with a higher number (e.g. f/4). In general, fixed focal length lenses have a better aperture than zoom lenses.

Translated, this means that the lower the number, the less time it takes to expose and the less risk of the image being out of focus. If you want to shoot or take photos in low light conditions, you can't do without a lens with a good aperture.

Image stabilization

If you're not going to be using a tripod all the time, you'll appreciate the ability to turn on image stabilisation to compensate for minor hand movements. Image stabilisation comes in handy at long focal lengths, for example, when you have to use longer shutter speeds and there's more chance of image blur, both when taking photos and videos. Of course, it won't fully replace a tripod, but it will still help a lot with shake elimination. The downside of stabilisation is that you pay extra for it and the lenses are also heavier.

Camera compatibility

You already have a clear idea of what you need in a basic camera. Now you still need to choose a lens that will be compatible with the camera body.

There are lenses for both full frame and Super35 or APS-C sensors. The main difference is the physical size of the image sensor. Full frame (full frame) lenses can be used on APS-C sensors, but there will be a change in the angle of view compared to full frame, specifically this change corresponds to the focal length multiplied by 1.6. And what do you mean by that? For example, such a lens with a focal length of 50 mm will behave like an 80 mm lens. If you were to use an APS-C to full frame lens, you would not render the entire sensor area and you would have black edges on the footage, or in the worst case, just a circle in the middle of the black box.

To make it not quite so simple, different brands use different bayonets (the system of attaching the lens to the body). The brands that make cameras and lenses (Sony, Canon, Nikon...) have specific bayonets. Lens manufacturers (e.g. Sigma) then make lenses in several variations to be compatible with the camera manufacturers' bayonets. So read the product descriptions well, which always include this information.

Many roads lead to our Prague showroom. One of them is by car.We are located at 291/21 Michelská Street and we are open for you from 9:00 to 17:00. And if you don't have a car, you can reach us by bus or tram from several directions - from Kačerov, Nusle or Vršovice. Get off right in front of our entrance. From tripods to cameras to streaming products, we're sure you'll find everything you're looking for. We have up to 7,000 products in stock for immediate collection, and if you choose personal collection on our e-shop, you will receive a call within 90 minutes. At Syntex, we have something for everyone, from beginners to major film productions. We'd love to have you stop by; we'll be happy to help you with your selection.

Team Syntex