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Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod Review
An honest look at the Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod: who it suits, who should skip it, its real specs, performance, and how it stacks up against alternatives.
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The Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod is a solid budget choice for casual photographers and vloggers who need a reliable, lightweight support for phones or compact cameras. It offers decent build quality, a fluid pan head, and a clever phone mount, all at a price that undercuts most rivals. However, serious shooters with heavy DSLR rigs should look elsewhere due to its lower weight capacity and plastic components.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Very affordable price point
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Included Bluetooth remote and phone mount
- Fluid pan head for smooth video
- Quick-release plate for fast setup
- Not sturdy enough for heavy DSLR or cinema cameras
- Plastic leg locks feel less durable than metal
- No bubble level for precise horizon
- Maximum height may be short for tall users
The Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod is one of the most popular budget tripods on Amazon, with over 18,000 ratings. But does it deserve the hype? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review. We break down who this tripod is for, what it does well, and where it falls short.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod looks like a typical entry-level tripod. It uses aluminum alloy legs, which keep the weight down to about 2.6 pounds. The leg sections twist to lock, and the whole unit folds down to 17 inches for easy transport. A carry bag is included, which is a nice touch at this price.
The build quality is decent for the money, but you can tell where corners were cut. The leg locks are plastic, and the center column is not as thick as on more expensive models. That said, for a tripod meant for smartphones and compact cameras, it feels solid enough. The fluid pan head is a standout feature, allowing smooth panning for video, and it comes with a quick-release plate that is compatible with standard Arca-Swiss mounts.
Performance and Stability
In real-world use, the tripod performs well within its intended limits. With a smartphone mounted, it is rock solid. With a mirrorless camera like a Sony A6000 and a kit lens, it also holds steady, even at full height. However, if you attach a heavy DSLR like a Canon 5D with a 70-200mm lens, you will notice wobble, especially in windy conditions. The rated capacity is 6.6 pounds, but we recommend staying under 4 pounds for best stability.
The center column adds extra height, but raising it reduces stability. For the steadiest shots, keep the column down and use the leg spread. The tripod has three leg angles, which helps on uneven terrain, but the spread is not as wide as on pro tripods, so it can tip on slopes.
Ease of Use and Handling
Setting up the tripod is straightforward. The twist locks are quick to operate, though they take a bit of practice to get used to. The fluid head has a separate pan and tilt lock, which is great for precise framing. The included Bluetooth remote is a bonus for group shots or selfies, and the phone mount is easy to attach.
One ergonomic issue: the leg locks are small and can be stiff when new. Some users report that they loosen over time, but that is rare. The tripod also lacks a bubble level, so you may need to eyeball the horizon or use a phone app.
Battery and Storage
There is no battery in the tripod itself, but the Bluetooth remote uses a small coin cell battery (CR2032) that is replaceable. The remote pairs instantly with your phone and works up to 30 feet away. The tripod folds compactly to fit in a backpack, and the included bag has a shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Common Buyer Complaints
Reading through thousands of reviews, a few issues come up repeatedly. The most common is that the plastic leg locks can crack if over-tightened. Another is that the center column can slip if you do not tighten the collar enough. Some users also wish the tripod were taller, as 60 inches is not enough for eye-level shooting for people over 5'10".
Despite these complaints, the majority of buyers are satisfied. Many call it a great value for the price, especially for beginners. The tripod is not perfect, but it does what it promises.
Comparison with Alternatives
If you are considering other budget tripods, the UBeesize 60-inch Tripod is a close competitor. It offers a similar feature set, but the Amazon Basics model often has a better pan head and a more reliable phone mount. The K&F Concept 60-inch Tripod is more expensive but uses metal leg locks and has a higher load capacity, making it a better choice for heavier cameras.
For a few dollars more, the Amazon Basics 50-inch Tripod is lighter and even more portable, but you sacrifice height and stability. If you are tall or use a larger camera, the 60-inch version is the better bet.
Who Should Buy This Tripod?
This tripod is perfect for casual users, travelers, and vloggers who shoot with smartphones or compact cameras. It is also a great first tripod for kids or teens learning photography. If you need a reliable, cheap tripod for occasional use, it is hard to beat.
Who Should Skip It?
If you are a professional photographer or videographer, or if you use a heavy DSLR with large lenses, skip this tripod. You will quickly outgrow its limitations and end up buying a more robust model. Also, if you need extreme height or precise leveling, look elsewhere.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod is a solid entry-level option that delivers good value for its price. It is not built for heavy use, but for the intended audience, it works well. If you are just starting out or need a lightweight travel tripod, this is a smart purchase. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Specs that matter
| Maximum height | 60 inches (152 cm) |
| Minimum height | 17 inches (43 cm) |
| Load capacity | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Head type | Fluid pan head with quick release |
| Leg material | Aluminum alloy |
| Includes | Bluetooth remote, phone mount, carry bag |
You are a beginner or casual user with a smartphone or a compact mirrorless camera, and you want an inexpensive, portable tripod for travel, vlogging, or family photos.
You use a heavy DSLR with a long telephoto lens, or you need a tripod for professional work that demands rugged metal construction and high load capacity.
Questions before you buy
Can the Amazon Basics 60-inch Tripod hold a DSLR?
It can physically hold a DSLR with a standard kit lens, since the rated capacity is 6.6 lbs. However, stability suffers with heavier setups, especially at full extension. For a DSLR with a large lens, consider a sturdier tripod.
Does it come with a phone mount?
Yes, the package includes a universal phone mount that clips onto the quick-release plate, plus a Bluetooth remote for hands-free shooting. This makes it great for smartphone photography and vlogging.
How tall does it extend?
The tripod extends to a maximum height of 60 inches (152 cm). With the center column raised, you get that height, but for comfortable eye-level shooting for tall users, you may need to bend slightly.
Is the Amazon Basics tripod good for video?
Yes, for casual video work. The fluid pan head allows smooth horizontal and vertical movements, which is a step up from fixed ball heads. But for professional filmmaking, you would want a heavier fluid head.
How does it compare to the Amazon Basics 50-inch tripod?
The 60-inch model offers a taller maximum height and a slightly higher load capacity (6.6 lbs vs 4.4 lbs). Both share similar build quality and features, but the 60-inch version is better for taller users and slightly heavier cameras.
