Rankings
The Joby PodZilla Large is a flexible tripod with an aluminum core, built-in bubble level, and a 2.5 kg payload, optimized for smartphones and small cameras. Its short 31.5 cm maximum height and inability to hold full-size DSLRs constrain certain applications. Perfect for mobile creators needing precise alignment.
The Joby GorillaPod 5K is a premium flexible tripod offering a robust 5 kg load capacity and durable aluminum construction. Its higher weight and price make it less ideal for ultra-light travel. Best suited for professionals needing sturdy support on uneven surfaces.
The ZOMEI Q111 is a lightweight aluminum travel tripod offering a 3-way pan head, quick-release plate and counterweight hook for versatile shooting. Its ambiguous load-capacity specs and some plastic components may limit confidence for heavier setups. Ideal for hobbyists and content creators seeking an affordable, feature-rich portable tripod.
The Joby GorillaPod 325 is an ultra-light, flexible tripod supporting devices up to 325 g with a 90° tilt ball head. Its limited load capacity and basic material construction restrict heavier gear. Great for casual photographers and vloggers seeking pocket portability.
The Amazon Basics Portable Tripod is a lightweight aluminum unit with flexible legs, a 3-way pan-tilt head, and a 2.994 kg load capacity, aimed at casual shooters. Its low load limit and stability issues at full height restrict heavier gear use. Perfect for hobbyists and smartphone users seeking an inexpensive, portable solution.
The Joby GorillaPod 500 is an ultra-compact, flexible mini-tripod that wraps around objects and weighs under 80 g, perfect for lightweight cameras. Its low load capacity and fragile build limit use to very light gear and careful handling. Best for hikers and travelers needing a pocket-size support.
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 0.08 kg | 0.37 kg | 1.18 kg | 0.392 kg | 0.052 kgbest | 0.079 kg |
2.994 kg | 2.5 kg | — | 5 kgbest | 0.325 kg | 0.5 kg | |
152.4 cmbest | 31.5 cm | 145 cm | 38.5 cm | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 71 cm | 33.99 cm | 50 cm | 30 cm | 17.5 cmbest | 20.5 cm |
| ↓ lower better | 50.8 cm | 31.5 cmbest | 50 cm | — | — | — |
3 | — | 4best | — | — | — | |
1 years | 2 yearsbest | — | — | 1 years | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||||||
Maximum Height (cm) | 152.4 cm | 31.5 cm | 145 cm | 38.5 cm | — | — |
Minimum Height (cm) | 50.8 cm | 31.5 cm | 50 cm | — | — | — |
Load Capacity (kg) | 2.994 kg | 2.5 kg | 3-5 kg | 5 kg | 0.325 kg | 0.5 kg |
Build & Design(4) | ||||||
Weight (kg) | 0.08 kg | 0.37 kg | 1.18 kg | 0.392 kg | 0.052 kg | 0.079 kg |
Folded Length (cm) | 71.0 cm | 33.99 cm | 50 cm | 30 cm | 17.5 cm | 20.5 cm |
Material | Aluminum | Aluminum core, rubber, plastic | Aluminum alloy with ABS | Machined aluminum, ABS plastic, stainless steel, TPE | Proprietary ABS plastic, stainless steel, TPE | ABS plastic body, stainless steel ball head, TPE rubber grip pads |
Leg Sections | 3 | — | 4 | — | — | — |
Features(2) | ||||||
Head Type | 3-way pan-tilt-swivel | Ball head | Pan Head | — | Ball head | Stainless steel ball head |
Bubble Level | true | true | false | — | — | — |
General Specs(2) | ||||||
Compatibility | Smartphones, GoPros, digital cameras, webcams, scopes | — | — | — | — | Standard 1/4-20 |
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years | — | — | 1 years | 1 years |
Accessories(1) | ||||||
Included Accessories | Carrying Case, Wireless Remote | Quick‑release plate, GripTight 360 Phone Mount, spirit level | — | — | — | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the PodZilla Large for its solid aluminum construction, excellent rubber-coated grips, and versatile phone mount that securely holds larger phones. The flexible legs and built-in bubble level are highlighted as practical features that enable hands-free positioning and precise alignment, making it a reliable tool for mobile creators.
Everyday users consistently commend the tripod's lightweight portability, flexible legs, and stable platform on uneven surfaces. The secure phone mount and compact size are frequently mentioned as strengths, while the inability to hold full-size DSLRs and occasional issues with very small phones are the main sources of criticism.
“"The rubber-coated grips felt excellent in hand and didn't cause fatigue during extended handheld use."”
“"an absolute classic" that has "been out for a while" and is "a fantastic GorillaPod if you've got a larger camera"”
Professional reviewers consider the ZOMEI Q111 a standout budget tripod that punches above its price class, offering solid stability, smooth motion, and versatile leg angles for a range of shooting environments. While they praise its portability and functional pan head, they note occasional jerkiness in fine adjustments and the confusing load-capacity specifications.
Everyday users consistently praise the Q111 for its lightweight design, reliable stability in windy or long-exposure situations, and excellent value for money. Common themes include appreciation for the adjustable rubber feet, quick-release plate, and counterweight hook, while recurring concerns focus on the unclear load-capacity limits and the feel of some plastic components.
Professional reviewers describe the GorillaPod 5K as a classic, versatile tool that delivers robust performance for heavy camera systems. Its flexible leg design and solid aluminum construction allow it to hold full-frame DSLRs with large lenses securely, while its compact size makes it suitable for on-location work.
Everyday users consistently praise the 5K's flexibility, portability, and reliable grip, noting that it enables creative shooting angles on challenging terrain. The main criticisms revolve around its heavier weight, higher price, and the need for precise balancing when loading it to its maximum capacity.
Professional reviewers commend the GorillaPod 500 for its innovative flexible legs, sturdy stainless-steel ball head, and ultra-lightweight portability, awarding it high scores for value-to-weight and capability. However, they caution that its delicate build and modest durability make it unsuitable for heavy-duty or rugged applications, and they note that cheaper alternatives exist for users primarily seeking basic support.
Everyday users love the tripod's pocket-size convenience, strong grip on uneven surfaces, and intuitive ball head, often highlighting its build quality and reliability in light-use scenarios. Recurring criticisms focus on its fragility, limited load capacity, and a perception that the price is steep compared to budget competitors.
