Top Picks for Astrophotography Tripods in the Year 2024
When it comes to astrophotography, having a sturdy and reliable tripod is essential. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of recommended tripods suitable for various budgets and needs.
High-End Option: Gitzo Systematic Series 5 Tripod
If you're looking for a high-end option, the Gitzo Systematic Series 5 Tripod is a professional-grade choice. Weighing just 6.2 lbs and standing at 61 inches, this 4-section carbon fiber tripod boasts an unbeatable weight carrying capacity of 88 lbs. It's a great choice for those who require the utmost stability and versatility for their astrophotography setup.
Budget-Friendly Options
For those on a tighter budget, there are several options available that offer a good balance of stability, height, and portability.
- Vanguard Alta Pro 2 : Often regarded as one of the best new tripods under $200, the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ offers great build quality and different head options, including a ball head which is ideal for flexible camera positioning in astrophotography.
- Sirui AM-284 Carbon Fiber: A well-reviewed budget carbon fiber tripod, the Sirui AM-284 provides a lightweight yet sturdy platform suitable for astrophotography, though it is on the shorter side.
- SmallRig AP-20 Carbon Fiber: Offering good value for the cost, the SmallRig AP-20 has a double center column which may affect stability or height adjustment slightly. However, it's still a reasonable starting tripod for astrophotography on a budget.
Portable Smart Scope Tripods
For portable smart scopes like the ZWO Seestar S30, an upgraded tripod like the ZWO TC20 can improve height and adjustability with carbon fiber legs and independent leg adjustments. It supports up to 66 lbs payload while being lightweight and compact, making it suited to lightweight astrophotography setups.
Landscape Astrophotography Tripods
If you're planning on doing landscape astrophotography, a gimbal head will not be suitable. Instead, a ball head is recommended for regular photography and beginner landscape astrophotography.
For a beginner DSLR tripod, a minimum payload capacity of 22 lbs is recommended. The K&F Concept Aluminium Tripod, with a payload capacity of 22 lbs and a weight of 3.4 lbs, is a budget-friendly option that stands at 68 inches and is light enough to travel with.
When considering a tripod for all-round astrophotography, it's essential to ensure it can carry the combined weight of your chosen equipment setup. For example, an example deep sky astrophotography setup (Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro, Celestron 8'' EdgeHD OTA, ZWO ASI1600MM) weighs 53 lbs (24 kg).
In summary, the best budget tripods for astrophotography often fall between $100 and $200, with the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ and Sirui AM-284 Carbon Fiber considered top picks for new purchases. Upgrading the tripod for specific smart telescope kits or combining with entry-level star trackers further optimizes astrophotography performance without a large cost increase.
Photographers seeking high-end astrophotography gear may opt for the Gitzo Systematic Series 5 Tripod, a professional-grade choice with an unbeatable weight carrying capacity of 88 lbs. For those requiring budget-friendly options, the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ and Sirui AM-284 Carbon Fiber offer a balance of stability, height, and portability. Portable smart scope users might be interested in the ZWO TC20 tripod, designed to improve the height and adjustability of scopes like the ZWO Seestar S30. In landscape astrophotography, a ball head is recommended over a gimbal head, and a tripod like the K&F Concept Aluminium Tripod with a minimum payload capacity of 22 lbs caters to beginner needs. When selecting a tripod for all-round astrophotography, it's crucial to consider its capacity to carry the combined weight of equipment setups, such as a deep sky astrophotography setup that weighs 53 lbs.
