Introduction
The tripod supplied with the Seestar S30 (click HERE for my full review) is far from perfect, lacking features included with the Seestar S50 tripod. Below I will provide you with some of the best alternatives for the Seestar S30 that bring it on par with the Seestar S50 without compromising on the portability of the Seestar S30.
All of these tripods have been tested by myself and I highly recommend any of them as a replacement for the somewhat lacklustre S30 tripod.
Best Compact Tripod – K&F Concept Mini Desktop Tripod
I have been using the K&F Concept Mini Desktop Tripod for a couple of years already and to me made the perfect replacement for the S30 standard tripod, particularly useful is the extending legs, included ball-head joint and “pocketable” collapsibility.
The ball head mount includes a 1/4″ screw which fits perfectly to the base of a DSLR and allows you to level the camera accordingly using the integrated bubble level. I’ve found that not fully loosening the locking screw on the ball head allows for fine adjustment of the levelling.
The ball head can also be removed to reveal a 3/8″ screw that can screw into the bottom of your Seestar S30 and the tripod can be levelled using the extendable legs. You could also use the tripod with the legs collapsed on a table for a really sturdy mount given the leg locking mechanism.
Being 18cm tall and weighing only 700g it’s 6kg load capacity means it won’t struggle with the Seestar S30 or S50. Additionally in the future if you wish to upgrade to a star tracker or just want to shoot some DSLR astrophotography, this mount is a perfect multi-use tool.
The K&F Concept Mini Desktop Tripod is available on Amazon for <£60 and is often on sale with a free voucher for <£50.
Best Carbon Fiber Tripod – SMALLRIG 62″ Carbon Fiber Tripod
The SMALLRIG 62″ Carbon Fiber Tripod is a the ultimate tripod for the Seestar S30 and general usage, offering premium stability and features without sacrificing portability. Its carbon fiber construction makes it incredibly lightweight while still maintaining the strength to support heavier equipment.
The legs extend to a maximum height of 150cm, but the tripod folds down to a compact 40cm, perfect for travel. The included ball head features a 1/4″ screw with Arca-Swiss compatibility, making it ideal for mounting the Seestar S30 or a DSLR. For direct mounting of the Seestar S30, simply remove the ball head to reveal a 3/8″ screw.
The carbon fiber construction effectively reduces vibrations, a huge advantage for astrophotography. I’ve found the flip-lock mechanisms on the legs to be particularly user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments even in the dark.
Weighing just 1.25 kg and capable of handling loads up to 12 kg, this tripod easily supports the Seestar S30, S50 or any decent travel astrophotography setup with a star tracker. Additionally, its detachable center column lets you configure the tripod for low-angle DSLR shots or convert it into a monopod for added versatility.
At £145 on Amazon, the SMALLRIG 62″ Carbon Fiber Tripod is a worthy investment for anyone seeking an upgrade from the S30’s standard tripod that can also be used for sturdy astrophotography in the future.
Best All-Rounder – K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Camera Tripod
The K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Camera Tripod is an excellent all-rounder for the Seestar S30, providing an ideal balance of portability, stability, and versatility. Its lightweight aluminum build ensures it’s easy to carry while offering impressive durability.
The tripod’s four-section legs extend up to 163cm, but it folds down to a compact 39cm for travel. The included ball head has a 1/4″ screw with Arca-Swiss compatibility, making it perfect for mounting the Seestar S30, S50, or a DSLR. For direct attachment, you can remove the ball head to access the 3/8″ screw.
The aluminum construction, while not as strong as the carbon fiber tripod it is highly effective at handling vibrations, making this tripod well-suited for astrophotography.
Weighing just 1.15kg, this tripod supports up to 20kg, allowing it to handle the Seestar S50 or a DSLR with accessories comfortably. I did find however, that the 20kg limit should be taken with a pinch of salt. At maximum extension this tripod is not great for heavier loads and would work best with the legs collapsed to sturdily support this payload.
At the time of writing you can pick this tripod up for £45.99 (frequently on sale or with a coupon for less than £40!) on Amazon, the K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Camera Tripod is an affordable and versatile upgrade for anyone looking to replace the S30’s standard tripod or have a versatile and sturdy tripod.
Best Budget Tripod – The Seestar S30 Tripod
Honestly speaking the S30 tripod itself isn’t a terrible tripod if you’re just intending on primarily using the S30 itself. It may be worth saving some money to purchase a more general purpose tripod in the future as you enjoy your S30
While the S30 tripod doesn’t have an intuitive levelling mechanism nor any level of adjustability aside from flat, for the S30 it will do just fine and you will produce many a great image using just this tripod.
