Despite the fantastic image stabilization in today’s cameras and lenses, sometimes you just need a tripod for extra stability.Whether you’re doing time-lapse, macro, or eclipse photography, or you just want precise framing that can stay in place all day, a tripod could be the key to making your project go smoothly. And for a solo video project, you really need one.The Manfrotto MK190XPRO3-BHQ2 makes the most sense for people who are serious about photography, because even though it seems expensive up front, it’s built to last for decades. Its aluminum legs provide a sturdy base for rigs up to 15 pounds, it can hold your camera over 60 inches high, it folds down to just over 23 inches long, and the whole thing, with its ball head, weighs under 6 pounds.If you’re planning to travel, we also have picks for both light-duty and heavy-duty travel ’pods. Meanwhile, run-and-gun videographers, sports photographers, and anyone else seeking a single leg for their camera to stand on should look to our monopod pick. Smartphone shooters, meanwhile, can find options in our guide to the best tripod for iPhones and other smartphones.