3 Sturdy Tripods That Will Help You Capture Stunning Milky Way Images
When creating long exposures, you need a sturdy tripod, and these options are definitely that.
Astrophotography season is upon us in the northern hemisphere. Being out under the stars and capturing the beauty of the night sky is hard to beat. However, you have to be prepared. Having a great camera and lens combo is part of the gear equation. The other part is owning a sturdy, reliable tripod. When capturing Milky Way images, you’ll be shooting long exposures. This is where sturdy tripods come into play. A tripod that is tough, durable, stable, and easy to use in dark scenarios is necessary. The sturdy tripods we rounded up after the break will serve any photographer well.
3 Legged Thing Ray Tripod
In our review, we said:
“Overall, I have to say that the 3 Legged Thing Ray tripod and Airhed VU ball head have been a delight to use. I’m a big fan, so much so that I will start carrying a tripod around with me again on my adventures. The 3 Legged Thing Ray is stylish, easy to use, lightweight, and folds down into a beautifully compact unit that is easy to carry around. The Airhed VU ball head offers ultra-smooth operation and exceptional stability, even when under load.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $429
Fotopro EGL-65 Carbon Eagle Series Tripod with E-6H Gimbal Head
In our review, we said:
“Overall, the Fotopro EGL-65 Eagle Series carbon tripod is wonderfully made and a joy to use. You can mount any camera and lens combo on it with complete confidence. The ability to accurately and precisely dial in the exact angle you want for your camera means that any photographer will be able to get the exact composition they’re looking for. Loosen up the head, and you will be able to pan and track objects with ease. This Fotopro Eagle Series tripod will make a wonderful tool for serious photographers who demand the best in terms of build quality and sturdiness.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now used: from $814
Pro Tip: Astrophotography is an enjoyable genre of photography. Being able to capture the stars is an emotional and rewarding experience. However, if you’re new to it, astrophotography can be a little overwhelming. Sturdy tripods are just one part of being able to capture the stars. Read our Astrophotography guide and learn more about composition, the 500 rule, and more.
Vanguard VEO2 235CB
In our review, we said:
“What I seriously enjoy about the Vanguard VEO 2 235CB is not only its solid build quality but how simple it is to use. Vanguard gives you a head that just works without any fuss, legs that are quick to deploy, and a tripod slim enough to fit onto the bottom or the side of most photo backpacks.”
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $171.09