Tripods are one of those must have tools for photographers and videographers. They are the foundation to getting stable, controlled shots for both photo and video work. Not all tripods are the same however. Just because it has 3 legs doesn’t necessarily mean it is the right tool for you. Today we break down the ProMaster tripod lines and who they may be best suited for.

Key Grip

Key Grip bridges the need between a heavy, double truss tripod and a lighter, compact tripod. It’s the perfect option for creators who want a tripod built for quality video content.

The most innovative feature of the Key Grip Video Head is the integrated tool storage cleverly concealed within the control handle. The removable handle is extendable and locks in place with a twist. Unscrew the aluminum cap from the end of the Key Grip handle’s soft, comfortable grip to reveal a set of hex keys. Your tools for fine tuning your tripod or monopod are never far from reach.

The Key Grip video head has separate panning and tilt movements, each with etched scales for precise settings, crucial for fluid results in your video. The tilt adjustment has tension control for smooth motions. This video head is perfect for balancing a mirrorless video rig with a cage or L-bracket attached.

The Key Grip Video Tripod Kits pair the Key Grip head with a set of compact, lightweight tripod legs available in Aluminum or Carbon Fiber. The collar contains a 55mm leveling base with 15 degrees of tilt and a bubble level, ideal for making fine adjustments to achieve a level setup without having to adjust the tripod’s legs. The Monopod Kit pairs the Key Grip video head with a monopod and 3-leg base. Remove the 3-leg base and install the rubber foot for a traditional monopod or use the stainless steel spike for more stability outdoors.

From the integrated tool storage to the lightweight frame, the Key Grip line is designed for creators to make quality video content anywhere.

Epoch Tripod

The Epoch is a tripod that combines vintage design with a modern photographic experience. Inspired by the design of vintage cameras, the Epoch brings photography back to its image making roots.

The 3-section Leg Design

The Epoch’s 3 rigid leg sections are made from high-strength, thin-wall aluminum for the appearance of an older stainless steel tripod without tipping the scales. The Epoch’s leg locks are machined from aluminum with a black and silver design that pays homage to the scalloped focusing ring found on some classic camera lenses.

The Collar and Column

Spring-loaded aluminum push buttons on the Epoch’s collar allow for independent adjustment of each leg to one of three possible positions. A ⅜”-16 connection port is found in the side of the collar for attaching accessories. The 2-piece center column can be reversed or shortened for ground-level work. Its height is adjusted by a twist-style collar lock which matches the design of the tripod’s leg locks.

The Pan/Tilt Head

The head may look old school, but it offers modern capabilities with a Dovetail (arca-type) quick-release system. The 4-way pan/tilt head offers a level of precision that can only be achieved when each axis has its own controls. Degree marks are etched into the head for precise measurement at each axis. Three bubble levels aid in setting the head up properly and especially for keeping horizon lines correct. Most heads offer panning motion from the base of the head – the Epoch adds a 4th plane of motion with an additional pan lock located at the top of the head.

The Epoch’s features make it ideal for macro and architectural work where precision is imperative. The stable 3-section design of the Epoch is excellent for landscapes, astrophotography, time lapses, and long exposures in tough weather conditions. It’s an exceptional choice for use with cameras of any size and is also well-suited for spotting scopes and binoculars. With its classic looks and contemporary performance, there’s nothing like the Epoch for inspiring your image making and achieving professional results.

Chronicle Tripod

The Chronicle improves the image capture process for creators by adapting to every way they want to use it. A completely new take on the ball head switches from camera to phone modes in seconds. The Flexor, a reimagined center column with an integrated 3-leg base, provides the ability to rapidly convert the Chronicle to a handheld stabilizer, tabletop tripod, or monopod. It’s a robust, multifunctional piece of gear with cleverly integrated features that's intuitive to use.

Reimagined Ball Head

An entirely new way to attach your phone or camera to the tripod’s ball head. With the turn of a knob, you can switch between a Dovetail (arca-type) quick release mount for your camera and an adjustable phone clamp. Never get bogged down again fiddling with tiny screwdrivers, adaptors, or additional parts - it's all integrated.

Flexor Multifunctional Center Column

In place of a standard center column, the Flexor can be removed from the tripod’s yoke to function as a handheld stabilizer for smooth video footage. Open the Flexor’s legs, and the unit becomes a tabletop or ground level tripod! Detach one of the tripod’s legs to form a traditional monopod by installing the upper portion of the Flexor, with the ball head attached, to the top of the leg. Unscrew the standard rubber foot from the monopod leg and install the Flexor’s bottom section, and gain a monopod with a sturdy 3-leg base! This base has a built-in ball joint for smooth panning and tilting, and a locking collar on the ball joint allows panning movements without tilt.

On top of these innovations, you'll have a solid tripod constructed with high-quality elements. Small details can make a big difference. We’ve added ¼”-20 and ⅜”-16 threaded accessory ports to the tripod’s yoke and bubble levels on both the yoke and ball head. The tripod’s legs feature 3-position angle adjustment. The feet on the tripod can be easily switched out to all-terrain feet.

The Chronicle goes above and beyond your everyday tripod. It’s ten pieces of gear in one that adds functionality at every step, in a contained package, for wherever life takes you. Whether you're taking family photos, shooting landscapes, or capturing anything from sports to astrophotography, take this tripod with you on both your day-to-day travels and bigger adventures.

Specialist Tripod

The Specialist series of tripods are a great fit for the discerning creator as they include many pro features. The machined aluminum ball head featured an arca-type compatible quick release plate for easy transitioning from shooting locked-off to handheld. When your camera is mounted to your tripod you can easily make ball head adjustments with the large tension knob. Within the larger knob lies a secondary knob referred to as the memory lock. This lets you to set a repeatable tension when moving the camera on the ball head, allowing you to dial in your compositions.

You’ll notice immediately that the legs feature PROlock leg locks, giving you the ability to instantly deploy and retract each leg section. Getting down to the base of the tripod you’ll notice a set of rubber feet that can be unscrewed to reveal retractable spikes for those moments when you need a little more “bite” into your shooting surface.

The center column on each Specialist Tripod also offers excellent flexibility when looking to increase the height of your frame without having to adjust your tripod legs. With the center column extended on the Specialist 532CK (our largest model) you get a whopping working height of 84.5”. You’d have to be exceptionally tall, maybe even an ex-NBA in order to stand at this height and use your camera’s viewfinder. Regardless, it’s nice to have the option! When you want to get your tripod low to the ground for a macro shot or a long exposure photo of a wave, you can remove a section of the center column and get your tripod down to less than a foot of vertical height.

The Specialist line is the best option for those looking for a maxed out tripod. We often find Specialist tripods being used by wildlife photographers shooting with large telephoto lenses. Pair them with one of our professional gimbal heads and you’ve got a very dynamic combination. Available in 3 different sizes, in both aluminum and carbon fiber, there is surely a model to fit your needs.

XC-M Tripods

When you need the ultimate in flexibility and portability, the XC-M line of tripods are your best bet. The name stands for eXtreme Modular Compact, so we are not joking when we say these are perfect for travel. Each unit has transverse folding legs, folding the tripod down to just 12.25” on the 522 model, 15” on the 525, and 16.75” on the 528.

Each of the three sizes offered in the lineup feature removable legs that can be converted into a monopod for those moments when you need more flexibility. They are also very lightweight, especially in their respective carbon fiber configurations. The 528 Carbon Fiber Model weighs approximately 3.5 pounds while still offering a max working height of 80”. Don’t let the lightweight design fool you, though. The 528 is a robust piece of equipment. I have personally used it in the backcountry, on the coast, and even in the desert. Oftentimes, I have paired it with my Sony A7SIII with a cage, monitor, and a 70-200 lens and it has handled it just fine! When I’m all done with the shoot, it folds right up and is easily transported on the side of my camera bag to the next destination.

What’s even better about this line is the additional accessories that you can use, expanding the number of use cases. You can add a set of all-terrain feet to your XC-M to give you a more solid footing when working on uneven or slick surfaces. This is particularly helpful when shooting in the winter when snow and ice are present. If you happen to find yourself shooting in colder environments, then you are in luck! Leg warmers can also be added to each leg to make for more comfortable handling while adding a layer of protection. Even with summer on the horizon these are still a great addition to your tripod as they help to improve your overall experience when using your XCM. Personally, I think they look nice as well!

If you are looking to get a top down product shot or a macro shot, can add the column tilt adapter. This allows you to extend your camera over your subject without having to worry about getting your tripod legs in the frame. It works by simply removing the existing center column and replacing it with the tilt adapter. From there you can insert the center column into the tilt adapter and tighten the flip lock. This is very convenient for product shots or unboxing videos. The XC-M accessories line also offers a Ground Level Adapter that takes the place of the stock center column. With the ground level adapter attached you can achieve a minimum working height of 6”.

Overall, the XC-M line is extremely versatile. If you are an avid adventure photographer or are looking for something that is relatively low profile while still offering excellent capability, then the XC-M line is definitely worth checking out.

Scout Tripod

Maybe you’re just starting out and you don’t want to break the bank but you’re looking for a great starting point in the world of tripods. The Scout is a perfect fit at the crossroads of value and functionality.

Each Scout Tripod features easy to operate leg locks to adjust the tripod to a maximum working height of 70.25” and a minimum working height of 6.25” (SC430 Model). The two-piece center column allows you to reach that excellent working range. Extend the center column to get that extra reach on the top end, or get low to the ground by simply unscrewing one of the sections.The one knob on the ball head adjusts your camera’s orientation. The arca-type quick release system on the ball head is great for quickly dismounting your camera when you want to grab a handheld shot.

A straightforward and functional design makes the Scout tripod a pleasure to use and a great starting point for those looking to get into photography.

Concluding Thoughts

Now that you know more about the ProMaster line of tripods, you can move forward with the one that makes the most sense for how you create. Still have questions? Reach out to one of the experts at ProMaster or stop by your local camera store to see the tripods in person.

Originally posted May 17, 2023. Updated October 28, 2024.