best travel tripod under 250

The best travel tripod for 2024: finest lightweight tripods for your camera

The best travel tripods are super-portable camera supports

• Best overall
• Best for budget
• Best Premium
• Best Design
• Best Versatility
• Best Lightweight

How to choose the best travel tripod for you

How we test travel tripods.

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best budget 4. Best premium 5. Best design 6. Best for versatility 7. Best lightweight 8. How to choose 9. How we test

Compact size and lightweight build are the name of the best travel tripod game, persuading you to pack one for outdoor adventures rather than leave it at home or in the studio, unlike the best tripods which can be very heavy and unwieldy. 

In 2024, there's the question of whether you need a tripod in the first place. After all, today's best cameras give plenty of reasons to leave the tripod at home , such as excellent high ISO performance and in-body image stablization. But believe us, there's still plenty of reason to fork out for a decent tripod . 

All of the models in this guide stand firm for long exposure photography, sharp photos and hands-free video while being small enough to be stowed in your camera bag . Most options included here are available in aluminium and pricier carbon fiber versions. Because travel tripods are quite small already, the minimal weight saved by using carbon fiber might not be worth the extra outlay of their aluminium counterparts. 

We've tested more than our share of tripods over the years, utilizing them while we're testing cameras and lenses – so we know if one offers incredibly stable shooting and decent value for money. Within this guide, we have gathered the best travel tripod you can buy right now and included further buying advice at the end of the guide.

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He’s also worked in video production with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi.

The quick list

Short on time? Use our quick round-up below to find the best travel tripod for you. Use the links to jump to our full write-ups for more in-depth coverage.

The best travel tripod overall

The 3-Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 boasts a full height of 73.2 inches / 1.86m and a stylish design. A truly impressive specification for the price.

Read more below

The best travel tripod for a budget

If you're looking for your first ever tripod, Manfrotto's budget friendly offering ticks all the boxes when it comes to delivering the basics at a good price.

The best premium travel tripod

Smooth operation and build quality that will last a lifetime make this the best option for those who are happy to pay for the best. 

The best travel tripod design

As one of the most compact travel tripods around, the Peak Design makes for a great travel companion, albeit at quite a high cost. 

The best travel tripod for versatility

With an articulating center column, this heavy travel tripod is able to capture unique angles while providing great stability.

The best lightweight travel tripod

A basic offering from Manfrotto that is incredibly lightweight and therefore perfect for taking on your travels.

• ^ Back to the top

The best Travel Tripods in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below, you'll find full write-ups for each of the best travel tripods in our list and a link to a full review. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

1. 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

When it comes to price and quality, the 3-Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 is hard to beat. For the price, you get an incredible level of versatility with the Brian 2.0, which can transform into a standard tripod, a tall monopod, or even a tabletop tripod when combined with the separately sold Vanz footwear.

The carbon fiber frame is lightweight at 3.70lbs / 1.68kg and provides a maximum height of 73.2 inches / 1.86m. This might be too tall for some, but it's always good to have the option – you don't need to use all the leg sections. Folding away to 16.5-inches / 42cm makes it easy to attach to a bag or throw in a suitcase.

As is custom in the Punks Brian 2.0 range, the tripod is available in either orange, blue, or black, depending on how much you want to stand out.

• Read our 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 review

2. Manfrotto Element MII

The Manfrotto Element MII is a fantastic budget option that does all the basics really well. At only $155 / £109 / AU$259 you're guaranteed to get everything that Manfrotto is known for, including great build quality and a well engineered head. 

The Element MII has replaced the Element Big, a change that sees a reduction in leg sections from five to four. These changes make it easier to set up and pack down. Unfortunately, it's only available in aluminum, which makes for a heavy package considering it's such a compact design.

By offering a fairly basic specification, Manfrotto is delivering simple tripod technology at a great price. Through the Element range of tripods, Manfrotto is trying to appeal to beginners and those on a budget. 

• Read our Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium review

3. Gitzo Traveler Series 1

Professional users looking for one of the best travel tripods should look no further than the Gitzo tripod Traveler series 1. All the boxes are ticked with a lightweight and excellent build, with an impressive extended height.

Oftentimes, with travel tripods, the parts don't function as smoothly as their larger counterparts. This is not the case for the Gitzo Traveler Series 1. Moving from folded to extended is a breeze, and the head is as strong and reliable as you'll ever need it to be. The ball head features separate pan locking, and its 32mm ball diameter is just about large enough to support a full-frame DSLR.

All of this premium quality comes at a price. The Traveler Series 1 costs $680 / £539 / AU$1,154 . 95. If you're in the market for a travel tripod that will last a lifetime and you're prepared to pay for it, then the Traveler Series 1 is a great choice.

• Read our Gitzo tripod Traveler series 1 review

4. Peak Design Travel Tripod

The Peak Design oozes a unique design that results in it being one of the most compact and lightweight options on the market. Thanks to the shape, the legs fold neatly into each other, which provides a super slim overall diameter.

The head is integral to the tripod, which takes a little bit of getting used to, and it lacks functionality. However, ultra-low-level and tabletop shooting is possible thanks to the centre column design, so although it isn't in the 'best for versatility' category, it would easily be competing for the top overall spot.

With great design comes a high price, especially if you opt for the lighter carbon fiber frame rather than the aluminium alternative. The 5 sectioned legs are strong, delivering all the stability you could need as you're out and about.

• Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review

5. Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB

The Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB is heavier and bigger than most of its competitors, something that will put a lot of people off, especially if they're doing a lot of travelling by foot. But with this weight and size comes a high level of stability that is ideal if you're shooting long exposures or time lapses.

One of the main things we love about this travel tripod is the articulating arm , which makes it possible to shoot at ground level. This is great for capturing unique and creative camera angles that would otherwise be impossible without defaulting to handheld.

Thanks to the ability to unscrew one of the legs, this travel tripod is also a very capable monopod, making it a highly versatile offering.

• Read our Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB travel tripod review 

6. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber

At 1.25kg, this carbon fiber travel tripod is as lightweight as it gets, perfect for taking with you on your travels. It can also fit into small spaces, with a foldable length of just 41cm. If you're after a tripod that blends into the background and doesn't bother you on long journeys, then Manfrotto Befree Advanced will be great.

The lack of weight and size usually results in poor stability, something that isn't the case with this tripod. The legs are rigid and robust, which is not always guaranteed on a travel tripod.

There is no getting around it; this is a basic tripod with limited features. With no monopog leg option and a limited maximum height, it might be worth going for the slightly heavier 3 Legged Thing Brian 2.0 Travel Tripod. But if all simply need a basic support, which is true for most photographers moist the time, then this is a great option.

• Read our Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod review

What to look for in a travel tripod

Choosing the best travel tripod isn't just about selecting the smallest and lightest model. Indeed, picking the lightest legs isn't always the best plan. Marginally heavier alternatives won't be a noticeable burden, but they can provide much more rigidity and versatility. 

Most of these tripods use a carbon fiber construction to save weight, but this ups the price. Some models also have aluminum counterparts. Each includes a compact ball head, but check carefully: a ball that's too small for a larger DSLR will become a precarious balancing act.

What makes a travel tripod

A neat trick shared by the vast majority of current tripods is that the legs swing fully upwards for stowage. The idea is that you first extend the centre column, then swing the legs up, so that the tripod’s feet end up encircling the head. This reduces the overall carrying length by up to 10cm or 4 inches. Indeed, many of the best travel tripods shrink down to about 30-40cm, making them small enough to fit inside a camera bag or rucksack, rather than needing to be tethered to the outside causing your bag to be unbalanced.

To give them a useful operating height, despite their small carrying size, most travel tripods feature four or even five telescopic sections per leg. Some go further still, with a two-section extending centre column. This naturally enables a greater maximum operating height, so you can be sure no matter how high your camera needs to be it will be able to get the shot you want.

The drawbacks are that each telescoping joint is an area of potential weakness, reducing rigidity, and the bottom leg sections are likely to be quite thin and spindly. A large number of twist or clip locks for all the sections also demands more time for setting up the tripod and folding it down again. 

Do I even need a tripod?

Today's very best mirrorless cameras and computational photography modes especially in smartphones and the OM System OM-1 that go a long way to eliminating the need for a tripod. We list 5 reasons why photographers no longer need a tripod that includes super-effective in-body image stablization for handheld shooting even with professional high-resolution cameras, in-camera HDR modes so you no longer need to do multi-shot exposure stacking, plus improved image quality at high ISOs. 

However, there are times and photography effects that still require a tripod. Tripods can be crucial for studio photography and for video work in general where you can lock off the camera in position for long periods and free up your hands. The same goes for long exposure photography, staging group photos, plus the times you need free hands to attach or remove accessories from your camera, like lens filters and mics. 

Significant advances in camera tech have put the once necessary photography accessory under threat, but there will still be a place for tripods for a long time yet. 

Tripods only have a fairly limited number of features. Despite that, we like to make sure we've tested every single part and compared them to others to see where each one stands apart from the rest.

We make sure to test our travel tripods over a period of time using a range of different cameras and lens combinations. Some tripods will be fine with specific cameras, but not others. By testing multiple types, we're able to see how ubiquitous each one is.

The process of folding and unfolding travel tripods is something that travellers have to do all the time. We therefore go through this process numerous times to see how each one feels and functions. 

Some tripods have features that are truly unique, such as the articulating center column on the Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB. Whatever the feature, we put it through its paces to see if it puts it above its competitors.

We do all of this while travelling around and thinking like photographers on the go. This helps us to make comments that are helpful for making informed buying decisions.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 

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Best Travel Tripods (2023): 9 Lightweight Tripods for Travel Photographers

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We have been traveling the world for the last three years and sharing our travel photos on Instagram and here on our blog. Over the course of our travels, we have found that a lightweight and compact travel tripod is one of the most important pieces of gear in our travel photography packing list .

You can take great travel photos without a tripod but there are certain scenarios where one is absolutely necessary. For example, if you want to shoot star photos, silky smooth waterfall photos, or cityscapes at night, you’ll need to have a good tripod. And rather than giving creative control to a stranger for your next selfie, traveling with a tripod will ensure that you get the exact framing you want.

A great travel tripod has to check a lot of boxes; it needs to be lightweight, compact, sturdy, and easy to set up. And a well-built tripod should last for years so it’s worth investing in a good one.

But purchasing a travel tripod can be overwhelming. And considering you’ll need to invest at least $100 USD (and probably closer to $300 USD) to get a high-quality tripod, you’ll want to make sure you pick the right one for your camera setup and photography style.

We have compiled a list of our 9 favorite lightweight and portable tripods for you to take on your next world trip. If you’re wondering what’s the best travel tripod for you, read on!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 9 Lightweight Tripods for Travel Photographers 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

What to Consider When Purchasing a Travel Tripod

Tripod material: aluminum vs. carbon fiber.

If you’re serious about travel photography then you’ll want to invest in a carbon fiber tripod.

Travel tripods are generally made from either aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is both lighter and stronger than aluminum, making it the preferred material for all high-end travel tripods. If you’re serious about travel photography then you’ll eventually want to invest in a carbon fiber tripod.

Unfortunately, carbon fiber is also significantly more expensive than aluminum which means you’ll be paying a premium to shave a few ounces off of your tripod. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind carrying a little extra weight, an aluminum tripod is perfectly acceptable until you can save up and purchase a carbon fiber version.

Tripod Weight

We recommend buying a travel tripod that is less than 4 lbs.

Weight is probably the most important factor to consider when searching for a travel tripod. And we recommend buying a travel tripod that is less than 4 lbs. But unless you’re embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip, you probably don’t need to worry about a few extra ounces.

And keep in mind that you’ll likely have to make some sacrifices if you want to shave weight off of your tripod. A lighter tripod will likely have a shorter maximum height and be a bit less sturdy than a heavier tripod.

Tripod Size When Collapsed

Look for a travel tripod that collapses down to 13-20 inches.

The second deciding factor when choosing a travel tripod is how small it will be when folded up. Whether you’re embarking on an international trip or taking your tripod on a weekend camping trip, you’ll want something that can easily fit in your day pack.

Look for a travel tripod that collapses down to 13-20 inches. Anything larger than that and you’re looking at a more traditional tripod. Any smaller and you’re probably going to be making some big sacrifices in terms of stability and versatility.

Tripod Height When In Use

Shorter tripods weigh less, but will sometimes limit your ability to get the exact photo you want.

Maximum height is often overlooked when buying a travel tripod. Many heavier tripods extend to 6 feet or even taller, but as you start looking at lightweight travel tripods you’ll notice that the maximum height starts to shrink.

Shorter tripods weigh less, but will sometimes limit your ability to get the exact photo framing that you want. And a shorter tripod also means you’ll have to stoop to look through the viewfinder.

You should also pay attention to how low the tripod can get to the ground as some photography situations will lend themselves to very low-angle shots.

Tripod Sturdiness

Heavier tripods are typically more sturdy than lighter tripods. And fewer leg sections and center column sections also means greater tripod stability.

The sturdiness of your tripod is quite important for two reasons.

• When shooting long exposures you don’t want to have even the slightest movement of your camera. A sturdy tripod is the first line of defense against camera shake. The same goes for shooting timelapse videos.
• If a strong gust of wind blows your tripod over, it can potentially destroy thousands of dollars of photography equipment in a matter of seconds.

Unfortunately, there is no quantitative measurement for a tripod’s sturdiness. Heavier tripods are typically more sturdy than lighter tripods. And fewer leg sections and center column sections also mean greater tripod stability.

Number of Leg Sections

More leg sections means your tripod will be more compact, but it also means your tripod will be less sturdy.

Almost all travel tripods have either 4 or 5 leg sections. More leg sections typically mean your tripod will be more compact and have a higher maximum height, but it also means your tripod will be less sturdy.

These days many travel tripods are designed with a 2-section center column. Similar to the tripod’s legs, more sections in the center column mean a more versatile but less sturdy tripod.

Style of Leg Locks

There are advantages and disadvantages to each style of leg lock, but twist locks are dominating the travel tripod market these days.

A tripod’s “leg locks” are the connection mechanisms that hold the sections of each leg together. They allow you to lock the legs in place when the tripod is in use and then unlock it so the tripod can be easily collapsed.

Leg locks come in 2 styles: twist locks and lever locks. Twist locks are more compact and low profile, but it’s not easy to see if they are fully tightened at a glance. Lever locks are bulkier, but when you snap the lever shut you know the leg section is firmly locked in place.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each style of a leg lock, but twist locks are dominating the travel tripod market these days.

Tripod Ball Head

Many tripods include a ball head but there are a few that do not. Keep this in mind when calculating the weight and cost of your new tripod.

Remember that you’ll need to have a ball head in addition to your tripod. This is the piece that screws onto the top of your tripod and allows your camera to easily swivel around and up and down while it’s mounted on the tripod.

Many tripods include a ball head but there are a few (such as the Gitzo Traveler ) that do not. In this case, you’ll need to purchase a ball head separately. Keep this in mind when calculating the weight and cost of your new tripod.

9 Lightweight Tripods for Travel, Hiking, Trekking, and Backpacking

1. sirui a1205 carbon fiber tripod with y-11 ball head.

In our opinion, the Sirui A1205 is the best value travel tripod on the market.

• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Tripod-only Weight: 2 lbs
• Weight with Ball Head: 2.66 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 14 inches
• Leg Sections: 5
• Maximum Height: 55.1 inches
• Minimum Height: 10.2 inches
• Max Load: 22 lbs
• Leg Locks: Twist
• Ball head Included: Yes

In our opinion, the Sirui A1205 is the best value travel tripod on the market. We have been using an earlier model of this tripod for the last three years and it has never failed us.

It is lightweight, sturdy, and compact – everything you could want in a travel tripod! Plus, it is surprisingly affordable for a carbon fiber tripod.

The Sirui A1205 weighs in at only 2.66 lbs with the ball head attached but can support 22 lbs of photography gear. This makes it the perfect companion for our D7500 and 18-200mm lens .

The only downside to this tripod setup is the included Y-11 ball head doesn’t have a tension knob. You can upgrade to a G-10X or K-10X ball head if you want a tension knob (we use the K-10X).

Check Price on Amazon

2. MeFoto Roadtrip Carbon Fiber Tripod

The MeFoto Roadtrip is the most popular entry-level travel tripod on the market.

• Weight with Ball Head: 3.1 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 15.4 inches
• Maximum Height: 61.6 inches
• Minimum Height: 15.35 inches
• Max Load: 17.6 lbs

The MeFoto RoadTrip is the most popular travel tripod on the market and for good reason. It’s designed to have everything you need in a tripod, including a well-built triple-action ball head, while still packing down to just 15.4 inches.

It’s loaded with handy features, including a bubble level on the ball head and a recessed hook on the center column so you can add weight for stability in windy conditions.

It extends to a maximum height of 61.6 inches making it the tallest travel tripod we review here. So if you’re tall and don’t like stooping over every time you use your tripod, then the MeFoto RoadTrip is the best option for you!

All of MeFoto’s tripods come in a variety of bright colors and their RoadTrip tripod even comes in a posh leather edition .

Check Prices on Amazon

3. Manfrotto Befree Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit

The Manfrotto Befree is an excellent all around travel tripod at an affordable price. It’s a solid combination of tripod weight, sturdiness, and value.

• Weight with Ball Head: 2.75 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 16.14 inches
• Leg Sections: 4
• Maximum Height: 59.06 inches
• Minimum Height: 16.14 inches
• Max Load: 17.64 lbs

The Manfrotto Befree is an excellent all-around travel tripod at an affordable price. It’s a solid combination of tripod weight, sturdiness, and value. The carbon fiber version of this tripod weighs in at just 2.75 lbs and collapses down to 16.14 inches.

A bit taller and bulkier than the Sirui A1205, while shorter and lighter than the MeFoto Roadtrip, it represents a happy medium between the two.

The Manfrotto Befree typically ships with a 494 Center Ball Head which, along with the tripod, can support a maximum camera weight of 17.64 lbs. It’s a triple-action ball head meaning it has an independent pan and tilts control knobs plus tension control built into the tilt knob.

Surprisingly, there is no spirit level on the ball head so you may want to invest in one for your camera’s hot shoe .

Manfrotto is one of the best tripod manufacturers so you can expect a quality product as well as a 10-year extended warranty and great customer service.

Manfrotto Befree Aluminum Tripod Kit

You can also save yourself about $100 if you opt for the Manfrotto Befree aluminum version instead of carbon fiber. It will only add 8.5 ounces (0.53 lbs) to the tripod.

• Tripod-only Weight: 2.53 lbs
• Weight with Ball Head: 3.28 lbs

4. Gitzo Traveler Series 0 Carbon Fiber Tripod

If you want the best travel tripod on the market and don’t mind paying a premium for it, then the Gitzo Traveler Series 0 is for you!

• Weight with Ball Head: 2.8 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 14.4 inches
• Maximum Height: 48.2 inches
• Minimum Height: 7.9 inches
• Ball Head Included: No

Gitzo is an industry leader when it comes to tripods and their travel lineup is no exception. The Gitzo Traveler Series 0 Carbon Fiber Tripod is extremely compact, lightweight, and beautifully designed. No doubt you’ll love this tripod if you purchase it. But be warned, Gitzo tripods are a premium product that comes with a premium price tag.

Also, you should take note that this tripod doesn’t ship with a ball head. We recommend pairing it with the Gitzo Series 1 Traveler Center Ball Head which adds 0.8 lbs to the overall weight of the setup.

We actually think that Gitzo tripods are a bit overpriced. The Sirui A1205 has almost the technical specifications but costs about one-third of the price. But if you want the best travel tripod on the market and don’t mind paying a premium for it, then the Gitzo Traveler Series 0 is for you!

5. Three Legged Thing Leo Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit

The Three Legged Thing Leo is perfect for travel photographers who want an exteremly sturdy tripod and don’t mind carrying a little extra weight.

• Tripod-only Weight: 3.18 lbs
• Weight with Ball Head: 3.86 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 13.67 inches
• Maximum Height: 55 inches
• Minimum Height: 4.75 inches
• Max Load: 66 lbs
• Ball Head Included: Yes

The Leo Carbon Fiber Tripod by Three Legged Thing is another impressive travel tripod. Perhaps the most sturdy travel tripod on the market, it can handle a maximum load of 66 lbs!

This little tripod folds down to just 13.67 inches when not in use. But even in such a small package, the Leo is rather heavy at 3.86 lbs. Keep in mind that it still weighs less than 4 pounds and is sufficiently light for all but the most extreme situations.

The included Airhed SWITCH ball head is incredibly strong, supporting a max weight of 80 lbs, but it’s a bit of a one-trick pony. It’s a single-action ball head meaning it doesn’t have a pan control knob and there is no tension screw. You may want to upgrade the ball head at some point for more fine-tuned control.

The Three Legged Thing Leo is perfect for travel photographers who want an extremely sturdy tripod and don’t mind carrying a little extra weight . It’s a great choice if you have a heavy DSLR camera or plan on using large zoom lenses.

6. MeFoto BackPacker S Aluminum Tripod Kit

The MeFOTO BackPacker S Aluminum Tripod is a terrific value for travelers who use a smaller fixed-lens camera or smartphone for photography.

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight with Ball Head: 2.54 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 13.19 inches
• Maximum Height: 54.7 inches
• Minimum Height: 13.2 inches
• Max Load: 13.2 lbs

The tripods we have reviewed so far are all great choices if you’re traveling with a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera. But if you’re carrying a smaller fixed-lens travel camera like the Sony RX100 or Canon G1 X then you can use a lighter-duty tripod and save yourself some cash.

The MeFOTO BackPacker S Aluminum Tripod is a perfect match for smaller cameras or cell phone selfies. It’s incredibly affordable but still lightweight (2.54 lbs) and sturdy. It can handle a maximum load of 13.2 lbs so you can still use it with all but the heaviest cameras and lenses.

The leg locks have deep grooves to provide a good grip while you are setting up or taking down your tripod. It has a dual-action ball head so you’ll have independent control over panning and tilt plus a built-in spirit level.

The MeFOTO BackPacker S Aluminum Tripod is a terrific value for travelers who use a smaller fixed-lens camera or smartphone for photography. As with all MeFoto tripods, the BackPacker S comes in lots of fun colors making it both stylish and functional.

7. Benro SLIM Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit

The Benro SLIM is one of the lightest full-size travel tripods on the market.

• Weight with Ball Head: 2.2 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 20.1 inches
• Maximum Height: 57.6 inches
• Minimum Height: 15.7 inches
• Max Load: 8.8 lbs

Weighing just 2.2 lbs with the included ball head, the Benro SLIM is one of the lightest full-sized travel tripods on the market. It’s a bit longer than the other tripods we’ve reviewed due to the legs not reversing when the tripod is collapsed, but that also means it’s a bit skinnier when collapsed. It is still small enough to make it plenty portable for a day hike or a weekend trip.

The Benro SLIM has spirit levels on both the tripod shoulder and on the quick release clamp which makes leveling the tripod a breeze. And there’s a weight hook under the center column if you need a little more stability in windy conditions.

The ball head is a bit spartan with just a single knob for controlling pan and tilt, but that’s just the price you pay to have a tripod this light and inexpensive.

8. Joby GorillaPod 5K Flexible Tripod

The GorillaPod 5K is perfect for unique angles or snapping photos while keeping a low profile.

• Tripod-only Weight: 1.06 lbs
• Weight with Ball Head: 1.63 lbs
• Tripod Size: 15.16 inches

The GorillaPod 5K is a bit of a different beast in terms of tripods. Each leg is made up of 10 sections so it can be twisted into an endless variety of different shapes.

This flexible tripod can be wrapped around fence posts, tree branches, car mirrors, or any other sturdy object you can find in your vicinity. Making the GorillaPod 5K perfect for unique angles or snapping photos while keeping a low profile.

It’s also sometimes handy to have a second tripod. For example, say you want to shoot a timelapse of a sunset on your iPhone while you’re capturing still images with your DSLR or mirrorless camera.

While we don’t recommend the GorillaPod 5K as your only tripod, it is certainly convenient to have in specific situations.

9. Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

A brand new travel tripod from Peak Design. Exceptionally compact and lighteight, but not as sturdy as we would like.

• Weight with Ball Head: 2.81 lbs
• Collapsed Size: 15.2 inches
• Maximum Height: 51.6 inches
• Minimum Height: 5.5 inches
• Max Load: 20 lbs
• Leg Locks: Lever

Peak Design is renowned for its innovative approach to photography gear. Thousands of photographers swear by their camera straps and clips . You’ll also spot travel photographers all over the world sporting their Everyday Backpack (we have the 30-liter version of this backpack in ash grey).

In March 2020, Peak Design released its much-anticipated travel tripod. The triangular-shaped legs fit together in the center making it extra compact when collapsed, and the redesigned ball head gives you a single adjustment ring that controls all movement.

It comes in either a carbon fiber version or an aluminum version with the aluminum adding 0.63 lbs. to the tripod but saving you ~$250.

While the new Peak Design travel tripod is exceptionally light and compact, it is not as sturdy as some of the other best travel tripods on our list. This tripod is best for lightweight cameras (potentially a mirrorless with a small to mid-size lens). Even if you’re under the load limit of 20 lbs, you’ll want to make sure you add some extra weight to the load hanging hook to minimize camera shake.

What’s your pick for the best travel tripod? Let us know below!

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About the Author:

Nick took his first solo trip abroad to Ireland and Scotland when he was just 19. Since then he has visited over 70 countries around the world (plus 45 states in the USA). He coupled his passion for travel photography with Val’s passion for writing and thus Wandering Wheatleys was born. He now lives in Asheville with his two rambunctious kids, Humphrey and Wilhelminha. Besides photography, Nick loves eating the weirdest food he can find in a country (sheep’s brain currently sits in first place) and making Val get up an hour before sunrise to make sure he gets “the good light”.

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The 12 Best Travel Tripods for Your Next Adventure

No matter where your wanderlust takes you, you’ll capture the moment better with this essential piece of gear.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

However, that premise goes out the window as soon as the shooting conditions change. If you want to shoot with a long exposure time, shoot in low-light or nighttime conditions, shoot video , or just want to take nice solo photos when you're traveling alone, you'll want a travel tripod.

While tripods are useful, they also tend to be bulky and heavy, so having a specific tripod for travel makes a big difference. Compared to standard tripods, travel tripods are usually smaller when collapsed, weigh less, and have smaller secondary parts like hinges, feet, and handles.

Not all travel tripods are created equal, though. Some are better suited to large DSLR cameras , while others may only work with smartphones. Here are the best travel tripods to consider for your upcoming vacation to suit all budgets, camera types, and experience levels.

Best Travel Tripods

Best Overall

Peak design carbon fiber travel tripod.

Geekoto Tripod, Camera Tripod for DSLR AT24EVO

Best Travel Tripod for Professionals

Dji osmo mobile se intelligent gimbal.

Best for Smartphones

Atumtek selfie stick tripod.

Best Travel Tripod for Heavy Cameras

Sirui am124 carbon fiber tripod.

Best Ball Head

Manfrotto element traveller 5-section tripod kit.

Best for Action Cameras

Gopro max grip + tripod.

Best Flexible

Fotopro flexible camera tripod.

Most Compact

Bze selfie stick.

Best for Video

Manfrotto travel video tripod.

The Expert: I'm a freelance travel writer and editor who focuses primarily on adventure travel, which means I often take photos for stories in challenging conditions. While landscape photos may seem easy, I often shoot scenes with moving water, night sky, and time-lapse shots, which all require a tripod. I've used many tripods while traveling and am very conscious of weight and size as I often come close to airline weight limits with my bags, especially if I'm already carrying a heavy camera and lenses.

What to Look for in a Travel Tripod

Not every travel tripod will be marketed as a travel tripod, so when selecting one to use during travel, there are a few specific factors to consider.

One of the two most important considerations is weight. Every pound counts when you're working against airline baggage weight limitations, especially on smaller planes or airlines with lower-than-normal weight limits. Sturdy studio tripods can easily weigh into the 15-plus-pound range, but for a travel tripod, you'll likely want to keep it somewhere around 4 pounds or less—roughly the weight of a pair of boots. Plastic travel tripods will probably be the lightest but potentially the least durable. Carbon fiber is extremely strong and lightweight, but much pricier.

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The second most important factor is size. Traditionally, tripods have (as the name belies) three telescoping legs. Travel tripods still have that feature, though many have uniquely shaped legs or modified center columns and handles to make them thinner and shorter when compressed, at least compared to a tripod not designed for travel.

Next, consider the weight capacity/limit: If you find an inexpensive tripod with small measurements, look at the weight rating before you buy it, especially if you have an SLR camera with heavy lenses. Every travel tripod should say the maximum weight it can hold. Keep in mind there are risks to exceeding the weight rating. Either the tripod will break or, more likely, the weight of your camera and lenses will cause it to tip forward, potentially damaging your camera.

Finally, look at the device that attaches your camera to the tripod (called a mount, or mounting plate) and make sure the mount will work with your camera. If you're buying a smartphone travel tripod, get one with a smartphone mount (usually a spring-loaded hook that grips across the back of your phone). If you're looking for a travel tripod for a DSLR, make sure your camera has a threaded hole on the bottom.

Look for a tripod with a quick-release plate to make mounting and removing your camera much. Quick release plates stay screwed into the bottom of your camera and snap onto your tripod, so you don't have to thread your camera in each time.

Note: You can buy tripod mount adapters, but you'll still have to deal with weight limitations—so you can usually mount lighter cameras to smaller tripods, not the other way around.

How We Selected These Travel Tripods

To choose the best travel tripods, I relied on my personal experience using travel tripods and talking with other photographers on their preferred brands and tripod features. From there, I narrowed down my potential picks, then researched user reviews, materials, and features for each.

Once I had a roundup of the top travel tripod options, I finalized my selections based on the best for each superlative below, intentionally choosing from a variety of brands, price points, and photography experience levels.

Peak Design doesn't make dozens of products within each category, but the ones it does make are incredibly well designed and engineered, and very intentional—there’s a reason behind every material and feature selection.

That seems true of the brand’s highly awarded travel tripod, which packs features like a hidden phone mount, a ball head with a twistable lock, extra clips for straps and attachments, and legs that can lower into an almost-flat position into a very lightweight package.

It may look like a standard tripod from the outside, but what makes Peak Design Travel Tripod so great for travel is its compact circumference. When packed, the tripod’s legs, ballhead, and adjustable central column fit together like puzzle pieces, allowing it to be much thinner than most travel tripods. Peak Design is also a B-Corp, is a member of 1% for the Planet, is climate neutral, and has a gear resale program to keep used gear out of landfills.

If you’re not hung up on name brands or particularly care about having a tripod that’ll be able to handle extremely tough conditions, consider the Geekoto AT24Evo. It may not be made with ultralight, ultra-durable materials like higher-end travel tripods, but you get features of much more expensive options in a relatively inexpensive package. That includes a ballhead for a full range of angles, a tall maximum height, a detachable monopod (akin to a selfie stick), and a quick-release plate.

This is an ideal budget tripod for tall shooters as it has an impressive maximum height of 77 inches, though that does come with a relatively long (19 inch) packed length.

Tripods with gimbals—weight-balanced devices that allow cameras to smoothly pan and rotate even while moving—were once solely the provenance of big-time Hollywood videographers. But now, with so many travelers making their living as professional content creators, travel tripods with gimbals have become much more common—and much more affordable.

This unit moves on three axes and the DJI app has built-in templates for easy shooting and editing. Features include motion stabilizing, single-finger controls, snap-on phone connectivity, and gesture control so you can stay in charge even when you’re in front of the camera.

The only downside is that the actual tripod part is fairly short, but that’s a fair trade-off considering it’s a travel tripod, camera gimbal, and selfie stick in one package small enough to fit in a jacket pocket.

For those who mostly take pictures on their smartphone, this unit has a convenient 2-in-1 design that’s ideal for traveling. It weighs less than 1 pound and folds down into a compact 12 inches, yet as a tripod, it reaches 51 inches tall. It can also be held as a selfie stick for those times you want a group photo.

This tripod is compatible with most popular smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and more. It comes with a rechargeable Bluetooth remote—a big bonus—that you can use for self-portraits while traveling solo.

It’s possible to find travel tripods that hold more than 26 pounds—but unless you’re a Hollywood cinematographer shooting on a massive video camera, they’re likely going to be overkill. The weight rating on the SIRUI AM124 Carbon Fiber Tripod is more than enough for heavy cameras with massive lenses, and I love that it has extra stability-focused features like retractable spikes on the feet and a central hook to add extra weight for counterbalancing the camera.

Aside from the price, the biggest downside is that photographers will have to make due with just a til-and-pan mount, or pay nearly $100 extra for the ball-head version .

The aluminum ball head on this travel tripod allows you to easily adjust your camera’s angle to capture any shot, with an independent 360-degree pan. It weighs less than 1 pound and extends to more than 56 inches, thanks to its five-section telescopic legs, which can also be positioned independently to accommodate any terrain.

The travel tripod has a maximum weight capacity of 8.8 pounds, making it best suited for small DSLR cameras, and a spring-loaded hook at the bottom of the center column to add weight for extra stability. It also comes with a carrying case for easy transport.

One of the reasons action cameras are great for travel is they can be mounted on almost anything—helmets, chest straps, underwater handles, and even the tips of skis and snowboards. But having multiple mounting options is useless if what you really need is a way to hold it still for time lapses or on-camera video recording.

Fortunately, the GoPro Max Grip + Tripod is both an extendable selfie stick and a tripod in one, and its compact size is one of the smallest I’ve seen. I keep my action cam mounted to it throughout my travels as the twist-locks are easy to deploy and the magnetic legs keep the tripod secure when I’m using it as a selfie stick.

The slim design is ideal for keeping the tripod mostly out of the frame on 360-degree action cameras, but it’ll work with any type of action camera that uses a similar mount.

This tripod doesn’t offer the height of a standard model, but its unique flexible (and waterproof!) legs can be wrapped around any surface—including trees, fences, poles, and more—allowing you to capture unique angles. The tripod comes with attachments for a standard camera, smartphone, and GoPro, and it has a ball head that easily rotates 360 degrees.

This travel tripod weighs just a few ounces, plus there's a Bluetooth remote control included for selfies. With a reasonable price point, the package is great value for all you get.

This selfie stick is as lightweight and compact as they come, allowing you to easily take photographs of yourself and your travel companions. It’s designed to hold smartphones, including popular iPhone, Android, and Samsung models, and it extends to 40 inches for good wide-angle shots. It also comes with a small tripod base and Bluetooth remote.

Keep in mind that this selfie stick is designed for smartphones only, not a heavy DSLR camera.

Capture stunning video footage while traveling with this tripod, which extends to nearly 5 feet and offers 360-degree panning for incredibly smooth images, thanks to its fluid video head. It also supports cameras up to 8.8 pounds.

Other top features include lever-style leg locks for fast setup, as well as a leveling ball joint to ensure perfect horizontal alignment on uneven ground. It has a removable pan bar and two camera adapters, and there's a carrying case included.

K&F Concept Concept Camera Tripod

Most tripods have a maximum height around 60 inches (5 feet), but this one extends to 69 inches, allowing you to capture those high-angle shots. The tripod weighs just over 3 pounds, and it has a high, 22-pound maximum weight capacity.

The aluminum-alloy tripod features a 360-degree ball head for panoramic shooting, and one of its legs can be removed to convert it to a monopod. Its inverted central axis allows for low-angle shooting, as well.

National Geographic Travel Tripod Kit

This travel tripod is your best bet for backroad adventures. Constructed of lightweight carbon fiber, it weights less than 3 pounds and easily converts to a monopod for nature photography. Plus, it comes with a durable carrying case.

Other highlights include five-section legs with twist locks, a 360-degree ball head, and three leg-angle stops for better stability on uneven terrain. Its 90-degree column mechanism allows you to shoot from ground level or directly overhead, and there's a spring-loaded hook on the tripod's bottom to hang it.

Travel Tripods that Go the Distance. Expert Suzie Dundas Offers These Buying Tips!

PM : What is the biggest difference between a budget travel tripod and an expensive one?

SD: The difference can vary quite a bit. Think of travel tripods as having three main points to evaluate: weight, size, and strength. You can generally have two of those without paying a lot. If you want it to be lightweight and small, it may not be very sturdy. If you want it to be sturdy and lightweight, it may not be that small.

If you want it to be small, sturdy, and lightweight, you’ll probably have to buy a more expensive one. So the biggest difference between an inexpensive travel tripod and a pricey one generally comes down to which of those qualities you’re going to sacrifice (or not).

PM : How important is thickness of a tripod?

SD : Thickness doesn't matter at all—what matters is the sturdiness. In general, it’s fair to say that thicker tripods will be more stable, but that’s not to say that there can’t be thin, stable tripods, especially if they’re made with strong materials like carbon alloys. The actual thickness of the materials is secondary.

The only exception to this may be if you choose a travel tripod with plastic legs (which will likely be an inexpensive option). You may want to go with something a bit thicker to reduce the chances of it breaking or getting bent if it accidentally gets sat on or smashed in your suitcase.

PM: Twist or flip?

SD : With telescoping legs, you’ll find two methods of locking the legs when extended: twist locks or flip locks. Twist locks are easy to use: twist the locks in one direction to lock them, twist them in the other direction to unlock (and collapse) them; It’s essentially a wringing motion.

Tripods with twist locks are generally less bulky, setup is quick, and the lack of extra levers means they’re less likely to get snagged or caught on straps and bags. However, it can be easier to think they’re locked when they’re not, and they can trap abrasive materials like dirt and sand in the mechanisms if not cleaned occasionally.

Flip-style locks have some kind of lever or tab you’ll flip to switch between locked and unlocked. These levers may add a bit of extra width or bulk to your tripod, and they’re a bit slower to set up as most tripods will have at least six of these levels on the legs.

However, buyers who are new to using travel tripods will likely benefit more from flip-style locks, as it’s much easier to tell with a glance if they’re locked or not, eliminating accidental falls. Twist locks also tend to be a feature of higher-end (i.e. more expensive) travel tripods.

PM : How much is too much to pay for one of these?

SD : How much is too much to pay for a travel tripod is an impossible question to answer, except in very broad strokes: plan to pay somewhere between $30 and $1,000.

Travel tripods designed for phones and action cameras will generally be cheaper than travel tripods for professional-level cameras. You can get a high-end, durable travel tripod for a phone for less than $100, and likely less than that.

However, if you’re shooting on a more expensive camera, you don’t want the device holding that camera to be too inexpensive or poorly made. You also want to ensure your travel tripod for a DSLR can maintain its integrity and strength even when knocked over on rough ground or airplane storage bins, banged around in your luggage, or handled roughly in transit. Cameras are expensive and you want to be able to trust your tripod to protect them.

That’s not to say you need to go much beyond the $300 range, but it does mean DSLR shooters won’t want to consider price as the most important factor. And if you’re shooting professional-level content with extremely long or heavy lenses, you’re probably looking more at the $500 range, especially if you add a DSLR gimbal attachment.

PM : What are some extra features to be on the lookout for?

SD : Travel tripods are certainly not as complicated as the cameras themselves, but there are a few features you need to consider. If you plan on shooting video, you’ll likely want a pan handle. It’s just what it sounds like—a grippy handle you can use to smoothly pan the camera.

Another feature on many, but not all, travel tripods is an adjustable center column. They allow you to adjust the camera height without adjusting the legs. They’re especially useful on travel tripods with flip-style locks that take longer to adjust or for taller photographers.

You’ll also want to look at the tripod head: the apparatus that allows you to move and swing the camera while still attached to the tripod. Many higher-end and professional travel tripods will have ballheads, which can rotate your camera at virtually any angle between 0 and 180 degrees.

The other most frequent travel tripod head is referred to as a “tilt-and-pan.” These generally allow you to move the camera to the left and right, plus forward and backward, but only at 90-degree angles. Travel tripods with ball heads offer a much wider range of flexibility for shooting and are quicker to adjust.

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

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7 Best Travel Tripods for Your Next Trip – Lightweight & Strong

Traveling with a tripod may not be convenient, but it can open the doors for creative photography or video. Here are 7 great options that won't weigh you down.

Camera Gear Guides | Tripod & Monopod Guides | By Mark Condon | Last Updated: April 2, 2024

To find the best travel tripods of the year, I tested over 50 different models from various brands at different price points

From the latest lightweight carbon fiber tripod to budget aluminium models, this guide will help you choose the best way to stabilise your camera while not sacrificing weight and space.

Great stability, useful features and compact design takes up less space in your travel bag. Available in carbon fiber or aluminium with life-time warranty.

A good camera tripod will let you blur flowing water or star trails for beautiful long-exposure photography, create an engaging time-lapse video, capture panoramic landscapes, or even take a self-portrait.

Tripods allow you to get sharper and clearer photos than shooting handheld, especially in low-light environments.

A great tripod for travel should be strong, compact, and lightweight to carry mirrorless and DSLR cameras with long lenses attached with minimal vibrations.

The top models should also offer unique features to make your shooting experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Based on my testing and independent research, here are the tripods you should consider for your next trip.

(I’ll update this list as new models are released, so keep checking back.)

Table of Contents

I’ve been a professional photographer for over 10 years, having traveled all over the world to shoot weddings.

Whenever I fly, I like to pack the lightest tripod available with a height and sturdiness that suits my needs for the event.

Over the years, I’ve used many different tripods, from budget to high-end.

For this guide, I reviewed a mixture of tripods I own alongside those supplied by various brands.

This is a summary of what I consider to be the best tripods for traveling the world, based on various essential factors outlined below.

Stick to the travel tripods on this list to narrow your choices to the top options for the average traveling photographer/filmmaker, and remember the following factors when choosing:

• Size (when folded) – The smaller, the better for packability.
• Height – closest to the user’s eye level is best if sturdiness/strength is maintained. Min height allows macro/close-up work.
• Weight – the lighter, the better if sturdiness/strength is preserved. Between 1 and 1.5 kg offers good strength to weight.
• Build – a carbon fiber travel tripod is lighter and stronger than the aluminium equivalent, but also more expensive.
• Sturdiness is measured by rigidity under load vs. maximum weight capacity and the number of leg sections (less is better).
• Value for money – the price is justified based on overall quality. It is within the budget of the average travel photographer or backpacker.
• Additional Tripod Features – anything unique that adds value.

The best portable tripod will be different for each person reading this article – only you will know which of the factors above are most important to your needs.

What is the Best Travel Tripod in 2024?

1. peak design | best travel tripod for mirrorless or dslr cameras.

Material:  Carbon fiber or aluminum alloy | Maximum height: 153cm / 60.2″ | Minimum height: 14cm / 5.5″| Folded length: 39cm / 15.3″ | Weight: (Alu) 1.56kg / 3.4 lb (CF) 1.27kg / 2.79lb | Feet: Pads (spikes optional extra) | Number of leg sections:  5 |  Max load: 9kg / 19.8lb | Further Testing: Peak Design Travel Tripod Review

• Ultra-compact storage
• Well-built and durable
• Quick to deploy
• Unique & innovative features
• Feels great to use
• Good maximum extended height
• Often out of stock
• Carrying case is tight
• Size: 10/10

The standout feature of this highly portable tripod is its unique ability to collapse into a tubular unit, similar in diameter to a can of beans.

When folded, there’s none of the ‘dead space’ which is typical of other tripods – it’s svelte enough to slide into the water bottle holder of the Peak Design travel backpack , with no protruding ball head and ultra-compact quick-release plate. Folded height is impressive, at only 39cm.

Users of travel tripods are sensitive to the packed volume of the tripod – this is where the Peak Design tripod excels.

• Max Height: 9/10

At full extension (153cm), it’s among the taller tripods for cameras tested – tall enough for comfortable usage while still retaining good rigidity. It’s best to avoid extending center columns if possible, particularly on windy days, but this is the case with all lightweight tripods.

• Weight: 8/10

Both the aluminum and carbon fiber travel tripods are relatively lightweight – there are certainly lighter products, but they often sacrifice strength and rigidity. The 29g weight saving for the carbon fiber tripod for camera use may not be worth the extra price

• Build: 10/10

As with all Peak Design products, the Travel Tripod is very well-designed and built. There’s also a lifetime guarantee – perfect peace of mind for backpackers and frequent travelers. Also great as a tripod for spotting scope use.

• Sturdiness: 9/10

Despite having 5 leg sections, the stiffness and damping of the Peak Design Travel Tripod is impressive.

With a maximum load capacity of 9kg, you can safely support any camera + zoom lens. In high winds, there’s a hook beneath the center column to hang a weight, like your backpack.

It’s the best tripod for mirrorless camera users based on average mirrorless body sizes and lenses. Some flagship DSLR cameras combined with heavy telephoto lenses may unbalance it, but these are minority cases.

• Features: 10/10

Innovative features that don’t exist on other travel tripods. (Bottom left: smartphone holder concealed in centre column.)

In testing, I found that the Peak Design tripod still has the most unique and useful features of any other lightweight tripod.

It’s undoubtedly the best camera tripod for anyone who values original design quirks, despite the fact that other DSLR tripod brands have frequently mimicked it since its release.

The stem of the ball head nestles between the tops of the tripod legs when collapsed, ensuring no protrusions and compact storage.

Lever locks can be controlled with one hand while you adjust the camera angle with the other, making adjustment of locking angles fast and efficient.

Legs slide in and out smoothly, and leg locks are strong yet easy to open – full deployment of all 5 sections is very fast.

The Center column hook conceals a mobile phone holder  neatly tucked away.

Rubber feet are replaceable for spikes, and the column can be inverted for macro photography camera setups. Even the protective case is well-designed, with all-over padding and not an inch of superfluous material.

The unique rounded design with legs that tuck away neatly makes this my pick of the best backpacking tripod.

Sliding it in and out of a side pocket is so much easier than even the most compact travel tripod – since nothing is ‘sticking out’, it’s almost like you’re stowing a smooth waterbottle.

• Value: 8/10

Reddit users agree that the Peak Design Tripod is worth it despite the high price.

This is by no means a budget tripod – you’re paying for a unique design and innovative features that don’t exist on other models.

A lifetime warranty is a huge benefit, making the price tag more justifiable.

The aluminium model is the best bang for your buck, although carbon fiber feels/looks better and has a slight weight advantage (I own the carbon fiber tripod).

Final Score: 64/70

Truly one of a kind, beating all other travel tripods with a unique space-saving body / ball-head design, fast leg deployment, impressive strength-to-weight ratio, and overall good looks, giving it that desirable x-factor. Lifetime warranty is a huge benefit. Highly recommended as the best lightweight tripod for backpacking.

Check the latest price >>

2. HEIPI 3-in-1 | Best Travel Tripod for Stability

Material: Carbon fiber (aluminium sub tripod) | Maximum height: 149cm / 59″ | Minimum height: 14.5cm / 5.7″| Folded length: 44.5cm / 17.5″ | Weight: 1.35kg / 2.97lb | Feet: Pads and spikes | Number of leg sections:  5 |  Max load: 25g / 55lb | Further Testing: HEIPI tripod review

• Stable and solid construction
• Useful and unique sub tripod
• Efficient locking ring
• Impressive maximum load
• Hidden mobile mount
• 2 tripods for price of one
• Currently available on Indiegogo only
• Slightly larger/heavier than Peak Design’s

With a similar tubular design to the Peak Design travel tripod, the HEIPI saves space in your backpack by eliminating any gaps between folded legs and retracted ball head.

Everything tucks in perfectly, allowing it to slide into its carrying case easily (much better than Peak’s overly tight one).

150cm is decent as a maximum height, but as with the other options, it still means tall photographers will need to stoop a little.

With a carbon fiber body and aluminium subtripod, the HEIPI is light at 1.35kgs (1.2kgs without the sub tripod).

This is a sweet spot for lightweight travel without sacrificing on stability in higher winds or grassy/unlevel ground.

However, for truly lightweight travel, there are lighter options.

The HEIPI feels very well built, with the legs sliding in and out smoothly and leg locks securing everything in place with confidence.

The ball head is robust and durable and looks like it can stand consistent outdoor use and the rigours of travel.

All 3 component pieces work with 3rd party accessories (3/8″) – slider, ball heads, tripods, etc.

• Sturdiness: 10/10

Here’s where the HEIPI excels and is unique among the tripods I tested.

A separate aluminium ‘subtripod’ is set inside the main tripod, adding to its rigidity when retracted.

When extended, since there are 3 legs in place of a regular singular centre column, it’s 3x as stable as other travel tripods.

Due to the increased stability, I consider it to be the best tripod for astrophotography at this price.

It’s also the best travel tripod for DSLR users who need something strong while remaining portable.

The subtripod is extended and deployed by a centre column lock ring, easily rotatable with a couple of hand twists.

Opening it completely releases the subtripod, which can be used for low-angle, macro photography, or even as a mini tripod for use on a table.

When used in conjunction with the main tripod, the subtripod adds rigidity far superior to using a single centre column. This is currently the only travel tripod with this feature.

Rubber feet can be screwed open to reveal spiked feet for use on sand, ice, grass or snow. You also get 3x hex keys, a water-repellent soft case, and a quick-release plate.

The detachable ball head is like an extra accessory that can be used on either tripod—the main one or the sub one.

There’s a handy bubble level and even a counterweight hook which allows you to add some extra stability by hanging your bag under the tripod.

By no means a budget tripod, the HEIPI is a high-quality product and is priced accordingly. It’s great value for a carbon fiber tripod with this many features.

Remember that you’re essentially getting two tripods for the price of one (the mini tripod is useful and unique, fitting snugly into the main one).

It’s currently only available on the HEIPI site, but it’s still a good deal cheaper than the equivalent carbon fiber Peak Design Travel Tripod.

Final Score: 65/70

Innovative one-of-a-kind concealed subtripod design provides stability when extended and retracted and offers two-for-one functionality. Excellent maximum payload means you can attach heavier cameras and telephoto lenses with no issues. Compact, space-saving design is perfect for backpacking.

3. 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey | Best Tripod for Backpacking

Material: Magnesium alloy | Maximum height: 147.5cm / 58″ | Minimum height: 18.5cm7.2″  Folded length: 35cm / 13.67″ | Weight: 1.5kg / 3.4 lb | Feet: Pads (spikes optional extra) | Number of leg sections: 5 (+ 2 section column) | Max load: 14kg / 30lb | Further Testing: 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey Review

• Multiple attachment points
• Stylish design
• Strong legs
• 14kg maximum load capacity
• Bubble level
• Colours not for every taste

Designed specifically for travel and lightweight backpacking, the Punks Corey packs down to an impressive 35cm / 13.67″, with the legs folding back 180 degrees over the center column, helping to create a slim overall packed diameter for your camera bag .

• Max Height: 8/10

At (147.5cm / 58″) extended height, the 3 Legged Thing is tall enough for comfortable usage while still having good rigidity.

Legs can be positioned at multiple locking angles or splayed close to the ground for low-angle or close-up travel photography .

At 1.5kg / 3.4 lb, the Punks Corey is a lightweight travel tripod for photographers who prefer to travel carry-on only. Its size/weight make it ideal as a backpacking tripod.

Aircraft-grade magnesium alloy construction is unique for travel tripods, offering excellent durability and one of the best strength:weight ratios. Excellent ball head design.

With 5 leg sections and a unique 2 section center column, the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey maintains great rigidity. A unique detachable d-ring under the column allows you to hang extra weight for increased stability. Impressive maximum load capacity of 14 kg / 30 lb.

Unique design and useful details make for a fun and functional tripod for backpacking.

Twist locks offer fast leg deployment. Double center column increases rigidity and allows efficient fine-tuning of overall height. Fast-adjusting AirHed Neo ball head with grippy knobs.

Precision-engineered leg lock system offers excellent stability and rigidity. 2 spirit levels (head/leg) for precise leveling. Ergonomic ‘bubble’ grip leg locks for all-weather use. Detachable monopod .

Invertible column for macro camera setups. 1/4″ screw foot with multiple accessory options. Tri-mount plate with hollowed spurs for clipping on accessories. Durable drawstring bag. ‘Toolz’ multi-tool, including hex key, coin key, key ring, carabiner, and bottle opener! Available in multiple attractive colours.

• Value: 9/10

Good value to suit most budgets. 5-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

Final Score: 63/70

Detachable monopod leg, the ability to splay the legs completely for low-angle work, unique detailing, friction control knob design, excellent strength:weight ratio and overall efficiency in use. Highly recommended lightweight travel tripod for backpacking.

4. Leofoto LS224C | Best Lightweight Travel Tripod for DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras

Material: Carbon Fiber |  Maximum height: 127cm / 50″ | Minimum height: 119cm / 47″ | Folded length: 47.5cm / 18.7″ | Weight: 1.42 kg (3.14 lbs) | Feet: Pads & Spikes | Number of leg sections: 4 | Max load: 6kg / 13.2 lb

• Lightweight & compact
• Sturdier than competitors
• Great ball head
• Unique removable centre-column
• Spiked feet included
• Lighter max load

At a folded length of only 47.5cm / 18.7″, the Leofoto tripod folds down nice and compact with everything fitting snugly into its included carry bag.

Since the centre column is removable and optional, there’s no negative space between all 3 legs, meaning that the folded tripod occupies much less volume when folded up.

The Lefoto tripod’s height is around 127cm / 50″, which is average among the tripods we tested. As with all travel tripods that focus on weight-saving and compactness, it’s not advisable to use the centre column for optimal stability unless the ground is completely even/stable and there’s zero wind.

• Weight: 10/10

The Leofoto LS224C is the lightest travel tripod I tested and much lighter than most others at its price point. Available only in carbon fiber, it weighs in at an impressive 1.42 kg (3.14 lbs) with the ball head installed, making it perfect for all-day backpacking or tight airline carry-on luggage allowances while traveling.

If you need an ultralight tripod for backpacking or solo travel, this is the model to get – it’s the best lightweight tripod for traveling I’ve come across.

• Build: 9/10

You may not have heard of Leofoto, but it’s a brand of Laitu Photographic, a manufacturer that has been making tripods and accessories since 2014. The LS224C is very well built and feels great when extending the legs. The leg hinge joints are nice and stiff, inspiring confidence when setting the Leofoto up.

Everything feels very stable on the Leofoto when the legs are fully deployed, and the centre column is unattached.

Obviously, this will reduce the tripod’s overall height, but it’s a small sacrifice for the greatly improved stability.

Source: The Center Column

As can be seen in the screenshot above, David from the Center Column rated the LeoFoto’s stiffness alongside much more expensive travel tripods.

• Features: 9/10

The LS224C is one of the few travel tripods we’ve seen that haven’t been designed around a centre column.

This is a great space-saver when packing light since the tripod can have its legs folded closer together, reducing the overall volume it occupies.

The twist locks on the leg joints don’t need to be twisted more than 1/4 of a turn before the legs release, making the tripod deployment fast and simple.

Leg locks can be pulled out to unlock the legs for them to be splayed to 55, then 85 degrees for close-up photography.

The rubber feet can be replaced with the included steel spikes for use on grass or soft ground – a nice feature not commonly seen on travel tripods at this price point.

Overall, this lightweight camera tripod ticks a lot of boxes making it a great buy no matter what genre of photography you’re involved in.

• Value: 10/10

With this kind of performance and features from such a light tripod for travel, it’s surprising to hear that the LS284C is available for under $200.

For such a compact tripod that weighs less and performs better than others twice its price, it’s incredible value for money.

Great build quality, impressively lightweight and stiffer than its competition. If you can get past the relatively unknown brand name, it’s an absolute bargain.

5. ZOMEI Z699C | Best Budget Travel Tripod for Beginners

Material: Carbon fiber |  Maximum height: 152cm / 60″ | Minimum height: 35cm / 3.7″ | Folded length: 35cm / 15″ | Weight: 1.3kg / 3.3lb | Feet: Pads and spikes | Number of leg sections:  5 | Max load: 15kg / 33lb | Further testing: Zomei Z699C Review 

• Great value for money
• Great for beginners
• Folds up nice and small
• Super light weight
• Converts to monopod
• Low quality protective bag
• Not ideal for cold weather/gloved operation

Folded up, the Zomei Z699C is compact enough to suit any small camera backpack . Folded height (35cm / 15″) makes it the smallest travel tripod I tested. Having a small tripod is great for traveling carry-on only, which is my preferred way to fly.

At full extension (152cm / 60″), the Zomei tripod is tall enough for comfortable usage while still retaining good rigidity.

Legs can be locked at multiple angles, or splayed close to the ground for low-angle or close-up travel photography.

• Weight: 9/10

At just 1.3kg / 3.3 lb, the plastic tripod head helps keep weight down. Carbon fiber construction offers the best weight savings.

Carbon fiber tripods are stiffer, lighter, more weather/corrosion/scratch-resistant, and in general, stronger than aluminium. They also look and feel nicer.

• Build: 7/10

Legs slide smoothly, and locks on each leg can be deployed all at once with one hand.

Grips could be larger/grippier for cold-weather / gloved operation. Leg grips are a nice addition and provides padding when in transit.

The plastic ball head is basic but includes bubble level. The protective bag feels low-quality but does its job.

Good rigidity and center column hook for additional stability.

Surprisingly sturdy considering its lightness – max load of 15kg / 33lb can support any camera/lens combination.

• Features: 7/10

The Zomei features everything most traveling photographers need.

Reverse folding design. Monopod conversion. Multiple leg angles, including inverted macro. Contoured rubber feet for flat and metal ‘spikes’ for outdoor/uneven surfaces.

Twist locks are great for fast deployment.

The Zomei Z699C is a great-value compact carbon fiber tripod . You won’t find carbon fiber at this build quality for less. It’s the best cheap travel tripod when you still need high quality and the best budget tripod for travel I’ve come across so far this year.

Final Score: 61/70

If you’re looking for great bang your buck this is the best affordable travel tripod. Details aren’t as impressive as higher priced rivals, but operation is decent and size/weight/strength are competitive. Easy and enjoyable to use for beginners.

6. Manfrotto Befree Live | Best Travel Tripod for Video

Material: Aluminum / Carbon Fiber |  Maximum height: 150cm / 59.06″ | Minimum height: 40cm / 15.75″ | Folded length: 40cm / 15.75″ | Weight: (Alu) 1.76kg / 3.9lb (CF) 1.36kg / 3lb | Feet: Pads | Number of leg sections:  5 | Max load: 3.9kg / 8.8lb

• M-Lock twist-lock system quick and convenient
• Fluid head tripod for smooth video panning
• Included carry bag
• Levelling ball joint for accurate alignment
• Hook for attaching accessories
• Fluid arm position can be adjusted
• No convertible feet
• No friction adjustment for panning

When folded down, the BeFree Live is a relatively compact tripod, especially considering it has that all-important fluid head and lever for smooth video panning movements.

However, the legs and head do not rest snuggly against the central core, making the entire volume of the unit larger than the other travel tripods we tested,

You could remove the tripod head completely to allow the legs to sit closer together if you want to pack it even tighter.

At 150cm / 59.06″, the maximum height is comparable to other travel tripods at this price point.

With its compact folded length of only 40cm / 15.75″, the height should be good enough for most travel photography.

The head itself weighs only 380g (0.84 lbs) which is really light for a fluid head and can hold up to 3.9kg / 8.8lb. As for the total weight of (Alu) 1.76kg / 3.9lb (CF) 1.36kg / 3lb, these are respectable for travel tripods for video.

There’s no need to opt for the carbon fiber model unless owning the most lightweight tripod is a top priority to you.

• Build: 8/10

Being a Manfrotto tripod, the BeFree Live is well-made and feels good in the hand when deploying the twist-lock leg sections.

The inverse foldable leg design is easy to operate, and everything sits nicely in the included carry bag.

• Sturdiness: 8/10

We tested the Manfrotto BeFree Live with a Sony a7IV and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens in average winds, and it performed well.

Unless you’re using a camera/lens setup that exceeds the max load, you shouldn’t have any issues with how sturdy it is.

• Features: 8/10

The arm of the fluid head can be fully adjusted, so it’s in the right position when you’re positioning the tripod.

When using the tilt control, there’s a tightening knob to open it up fully for a nice and smooth tilting movement.

The fluid head fits onto other travel tripods, so if you need to swap it for whatever reason, it’s simple to do so. There’s also a bubble level for precise setups.

It also features a feature called ‘Easy Link’ (standard 3/8” attachment) for optional accessories and a hook to attach a weight for stabilization.

At around $270, the BeFree Video is excellent value for money if you’re looking for travel tripods with fluid heads for shooting video.

Sure, you may be able to find cheaper, but it won’t be from such a reputable brand as Manfrotto. It’s the best video tripod at this price, and highly recommended.

Final Score: 57/70

The BeFree line of travel tripods is enormously popular, and this is the version intended for video shooters. Manfrotto is synonymous with making high-quality tripods, and the BeFree Live is no exception, available for a great price for backpackers who need a decent travel tripod for video.

7. Joby GripTight One GorillaPod | Best Phone Tripod for Hiking

Material: Plastic/Aluminum | Dimension: 1.34 x 1.57 x 6.50 in  Weight: 71 g (0.16 lbs) |  Max load: 325 g (0.72 lbs)

• Flexible legs
• Fits all smartphones
• Durable build
• Works as hand grip for vlogging
• Only 1-year warranty

As a mini (aka tabletop) tripod kit, the Gorillapod GripTight One is a lot smaller than other travel tripods and takes up little room in your travel bag – it’s so small, in fact, that it can fit easily into your pocket.

This makes it my top pick as best hiking tripod, when you don’t want to burden your backpack with a full sized light weight tripod.

• Height: 5/10

A small camera tripod such as a Gorillapod doesn’t have a fully extended height since it’s intended to be used with the legs partially splayed or bent to wrap around thin objects. It’s also an ‘attached’ ball head tripod, meaning that you can’t change the ball head for another.

Either way, you’ll usually be either crouching down or trying to find something higher to secure it to or balance it on.

It’s the best compact tripod if you’re really limited in space in your backpack or just need something to carry in a jacket pocket.

Weighing in at a tiny 71 g (0.16 lbs), this flexible tripod can be taken on every travel adventure without a second thought. It’s the best hiking tripod, so long as you don’t mind the lack of extension.

Made from ABS Plastic, Stainless Steel and TPE, the Gorillapod is the best tripod for travel when camera bag space is at a minimum. Obviously, it’s not as robustly built as some of the heavy-duty tripods , but it doesn’t need to be.

• Sturdiness: 7/10

The GripTight is designed for any smartphone, with or without a case (56mm – 91mm), such as all the modern iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. Leg joints are stable and strong, but you’ll need to find thin tubular objects to wrap them around or flat surfaces for optimum stability (since all leg lengths are identical).

The base of the mount features a 1/4″-20 standard tripod mount meaning that you can attach it to other travel tripods if you need some extra height.

Other than that, the key feature is the ability to wrap the legs around thin objects or use them all together as a handy grip while filming.

If you’re after the most portable camera tripod, nothing beats a Gorillapod, which can fit in a jacket pocket.

If you’re looking for the best tripod for hiking that is able to stand up taller like a traditional tripod, you’ll need look elsewhere on this list.

At less than $25, the GripTight One is amazing value for money, and the 1-year warranty is adequate for regular travel. This makes it the best mini tripod for anyone on a tight budget.

Final Score: 59/70

Gorillapods allow you to secure your camera to objects for a variety of shooting angles and added convenience when traveling alone. Rubberized ball joints provide grippy finger placement for one-handed selfies and vlogging.

FAQs about Travel Tripods

Do I need a tripod for travel photography?

Yes, a tripod will help you take better photos in low light when traveling by stabilizing your camera and reducing movement. This will allow you to use a slower shutter speed to capture more light without having to rely on a higher ISO which can introduce noise into your images.

A tripod can also be useful when taking timed shots or self-portraits, allowing you to include yourself in your travel photos.

That said, you can use any nearby object as a camera stand – rocks, walls, even the ground – as long as you don’t need adjustable elevation or optimal stability, you can use pretty much anything as a make-shift tripod.

How heavy should a travel tripod be?

It’s important to have a lightweight tripod for travel, so the usual trade-off between having a stiffer/more stable tripod that is heavier isn’t so relevant. As long as the tripod is strong enough to hold your camera and lens without swaying, try and find the lightest tripod you can – this will make your traveling experience more enjoyable.

How do travel tripods differ from regular tripods?

They are typically lighter, have more compact dimensions when folded, and are designed for easy transportation. Regular tripods might offer more stability and height but are usually heavier and bulkier.

Can travel tripods support DSLR cameras?

Yes, many are sturdy enough to support DSLR cameras and lenses, but it’s important to check the tripod’s weight capacity to ensure it meets your gear’s needs.

How do you stabilize a tripod?

You should set up the tripod on stable ground and only extend the number of leg sections that are absolutely required – try and avoid the centre column at all costs. If your tripod has a hook, hang something relatively heavy from it, such as your camera bag – just don’t exceed the maximum weight capacity.

Also, you obviously already know how many legs a tripod has , but do you know why they have 3 legs? It’s for optimum stability.

Are travel tripods stable in windy conditions?

While they are designed for portability and may not be as stable as heavier studio models, many come with features like hook weights for added stability in windy conditions.

Can travel tripods be taken on airplanes?

Yes, they are designed to fit into luggage or attach to backpacks, making them suitable for air travel. However, always check with your airline for specific carry-on restrictions.

How do I maintain my travel tripod?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the legs and joints, checking for loose parts, and, if necessary, lubricating the moving parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always ensure it’s dry before folding it away to prevent rust or corrosion.

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Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.

50 Comments

Hi, Thanks for this amazing piece of product. Last morning I was trying to find out which tripod is the best lightweight tripod that I should go for. Your article was very useful in this regard.

I started to learn about photography recently, but mostly by myself with the help of the internet. And I’m looking to buy a tripod for it. But until now I have no idea which type I should take on. Because everything looks good nowadays. I might buy the small and the big one, as I wanted to try vlogging and even take photography more seriously. I really want to think before investing money on them, because I have a problem with budgeting sometimes especially when everything seems like a good item to invest in.

Ah yes, paralysis of decision! I know it well, Lala… Why not just go for my number one recommendation, or the second option on the list (which is slightly cheaper)?

Sirui T025X. Only 752grams and folds to 30.5cm. Max height 1.3m. Great for mirrorless. I’ve been using it for couple years now and its always with me everyday.

Ah yep, some Sirui reviews coming here soon actually Izham. They’re great value for money.

A great comprehensive review thanks for sharing

Glad you liked it, David :-)

What would be your thoughts on this tripod? My friend told me to give it a try but I’m not sure if it would be good from my small camera (the camera is pretty light).

Thanks in advance

Hey Roland! What is your camera/lens? It looks like an ok tripod, but depends on what weight you attach to it.

After reading the travel tripod reviews I purchased a ZOMEI Z699C tripod for my travels. On the first trip the bottom section of one leg dropped off. It rolled off a jetty and was lost in the sea so I couldn’t recover it. Zomei is not responding to my emails concerning either a warranty claim or the supply of a replacement leg for a repair.

Hey Robert – when you say it dropped off, did you loosen the leg to the point where it came off? All tripods listed here will behave in the same way if you keep twisting and twisting a leg. I can reach out to Zomei on your behalf, but it depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Hi mark, you have put great effort but please also guide me that which is best shooting tripod among these with good quality and affordable price.

What are your criteria Rachel?

Thanks for the write up! I just purchased the Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini which was actually surprisingly cheap for a Manfrotto product. I plan on using it for Vlogs and my upcoming trip to NZ

Sure thing Lewis. I have that Pixi too – it’s a great alternative to the Gorillapod when you need something a little simpler.

I suppose there is a mistake in data about Gorilla weight.

Great spot Gienio! Thank you – I’ve fixed it now.

Here is my issue. I want a more compact version of the alta pro, something that is more between 3 and 4 lbs. Just not gonna happen. LOL.

Season’s Greetings! While the Oben CT3535 Carbon Fiber Tripod is good for a mirrorless or small DSLR with a smaller lens than the typical 70-200mm zoom, a much more robust Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod than CAN handle any 70-200 f/2.8 zoom on any DSLR or mirrorless camera, is the FLM CP26. It is absolutely Awesome, and the ball head has numerous features, some of which are unique to the brand, such as a Pan function that can ratchet 360 degrees in 15-degree increments…great for precise panoramas! It is superbly well made, a marvel of engineering and design! Highly recommended. FLM-Canada supplies the US. Happy Holidays!

If i’m not mistaken, the vanguard pro isn’t a travel tripod. This review is a bit misleading.

Actually, I stand corrected – maybe I should of read the start of the review!

Great review btw.

Is the Zomei review of the 669 or the 699? Obviously you mention the 699 a lot but the link and specs seem to be for the 669.

Hey Irvin, it’s the 699. I’ll double check those links – thanks for pointing that out!

Where are the tripods from 3 Legged Thing? I’ve got three different of them for different purposes. :)

Hey Peter, I intend to update this list in 2018 with a couple from 3LT – great tripods, I agree.

I spent ages assessing tripods before buying one a couple of years ago, so I was pleased my decision of a MeFoto Roadtrip was validated by your review which I just read now.

I’m completely happy with it, but I have to say, I bought a third party swiss arca plate. The one that comes with the tripod is virtually useless. Not only do you need a tool to tighten it, as you point out, but the rubber grip doesn’t protrude enough from the base to actually provide any traction. Which is a fancy way of saying it kept falling off. The plate I bought was this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008S6G09S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It has served me very well.

I also want to add that the two fixed positions of the legs hasn’t restricted me one bit, especially as you can take out the central column of the tripod and put it back in upside down, so the camera actually hangs underneath the tripod to get really close to the ground.

Thanks for sharing that Paul – good to know there’s a better plate out there for the Roadtrip.

The Velbon Ultra Voxi L is the best travel tripod that I have used. It’s folded length is only 36cm and I can set up and put away faster than any other tripod on the market.

I’ll add it to my list to review – thanks Dennis!

Very helpful thank you, I’ll be using it while I’m out in the field conducting research so really need to save space, the Pedco looks perfect for what I need.

What about 3 legged thing tripods? These are awesome, very well made, and I think outstrip a few of these recommendations… from a pro and amateur perspective. They also have the best customer support…

I’m due to review their new ‘Leo’ soon for this list actually Robin :-)

Good article Am going to try the OMEI-Z669C-PROFESSIONAL-CARBON-FIBER-TRIPOD Monopod important for me Thx

Mark, a good article, though I realize that selecting a tripod, like cameras or camera bags, is a subjective thing indeed! John, check out the Oben CT3535…it’s a sturdy little carbon fiber travel tripod that converts to a monopod. See specs online, but I can say that it’s great for a mirrorless kit, or even a small DSLR with a wide or mid-range zoom. The quality is quite high. IMHO, I’d avoid the cheaper tripods with a fixed center column or leg spread. They won’t work at all on uneven terrain!!

Hey Steve – thanks for the tip re. the Oben CT3535 – will check it out!

I’m a fan of the Rangers 55″ tripod/monopod; it’s simple, inexpensive, and gets the job done.

Ah yes, I need to add this one to the list Matthew – only came across it last month, but have been hearing lots of great reviews about it. Here it is for anyone interested.

Not sure how you could have possibly missed the most popular in terms of coverage (YouTube, forums, reviews, etc) the Sirui T-005X (or the carbon version Sirui T-025X.

What about the Sirui T-025X Carbon with C-10S Ball Head??? I heard is no less than the MeFOTO Aluminum Roadtrip, maybe even better.

I’ll have to check that one out, Omri – thanks for the tip.

Has anyone tried K & F Concept tripods?

manfrotto 190 290 vanguard veo

I have no access to camera shops locally, so this is very useful. The reviewer with Tiger were amazing. Thanks for sharing. ( Annice)

Bradley, yes, I agree that Gitzo is the best in terms of build quality and reputation, however, for about 1/3 the price, I find that the Oben CT3535 Travel Tripod is great for a mirrorless or small DSLR system. It is carbon fiber, with all metal control knobs, and quite well built.

The Vanguard Alta Pro is seriously the best tripod out there. I freaking love mine. To be able to shoot from directly above is great for product photography and stop motion.

Daniel/Mark, While I have no experience with the Vanguard tripod, and have no doubt it serves your purpose, I recently came across a unique and extremely high-quality travel tripod…the FLM “CP26 Travel Tripod”. It has super-strong 10x Carbon Fiber legs (26 lb load capacity!) with well-made twist locks, and a ball head that has several unique features that I’ve not seen in my 35 years of photography using tripods…For example, the “Pan” function permits butter-smooth normal panning, but in addition, adds a 15-degree ratchet function that is fantastic for us landscape/panorama photographers! There is also a “Tilt” knob that locks the ball head so that only one vertical/up/down plane is available. And finally, there is a “lock” function that locks the ball head from panning/turning, so that it can easily be unscrewed and/or mounted solidly. The kit comes with very well-made screw-on metal spikes, and folds up to a compact 15.5″ for travel. Quite ingenious and precision design overall, and highly recommended for travel!!  Bottom line: This FLM tripod simply exudes Quality. Here’s the link to that awesome tripod: https://www.flmcanada.com. Please tell Ari that Steve sent you. Thanks, and I think you’ll find the FLM CP26 Travel Tripod stunningly robust, and a work of art!

Hey Steve, thanks for that – very interesting indeed. I’ll see if I can get my hands on the FLM tripod you mentioned to review later this year.

I’m also a big fan of the CP-26 Travel. I have this and a CB43-FTR ball head and it’s excellent. I’ve taken it hiking in the Scottish Highlands, and regularly use it for my Sinar Norma large format camera. For me it’s perfect because of the load capacity and the exceptional ballhead. The friction control is very smooth, and when you have a heavy camera it’s also very important.

Hi, I think you are making a mistake of one order of magnitude in your weight difference calculation. For example, the weight difference of the two peak design tripod is 290 g, not 29 g. If it was only 29g, the carbon would not be worth it at all. 😊

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ABOUT YOUR EXPERT

Mark Condon has been a professional photographer for 10+ years and has used and reviewed hundreds of tripods for backpacking around Australia and overseas travel. He prefers to fly without checked luggage (carry-on only), so a lightweight tripod is essential.

MY TOP PICKS

• Peak Design Tripod
• HEIPI 3-in-1
• 3LT Punks Corey
• Leofoto LS224C

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Best travel tripods 2024: Lightweight and compact tripods

The best travel tripods are versatile, easy to transport and lightweight while still sturdy. Here are our favorites to suit all budgets.

The quick list

Best overall

Best for height

Best compact option

Best lightweight option, best for videographers, best for content creators, best stylish option, best budget travel tripod, best value for money.

• Travel tripods: FAQ
• How we test

1. The list in brief ↴ 2. Best travel tripod overall 3. Best for height 4. Best compact option 5. Best lightweight option 6. Best for videographers 7. Best for content creators 8. Best stylish option 9. Best budget travel tripod 10. Best value for money 11. Best travel tripods FAQ 12. How we test

If you're a photographer who likes to get out and about, having one of the best travel tripods in your kit can make all the difference. Whether you're an astrophotographer who hikes out to remote locations or a landscape photographer who likes to trek the rugged coast, a lightweight tripod is an absolute must. 

A tripod is a crucial piece of photography equipment that allows you to frame shots, take your time when setting up, and, most importantly, keep your camera steady in low-light conditions or when shooting long exposures. Combine one of the best travel tripods with the best cameras and best lenses , and you'll have everything you need to capture truly stunning photographs. 

Our team of expert reviewers have put these tripods through their paces in real-world conditions, taking note of their weight and dimensions so you can determine if they'll fit into your bag. Typically crafted from carbon fiber for lightweight durability, these tripods often feature telescopic design, collapsing to a compact size that easily fits into your carry-on luggage or one of the best camera backpacks .

We've made sure to highlight any trade-offs you may have to make for the lighter tripod, as some tend to have a more restricted payload than one of the full-sized best tripods . But overall, they can cut your overall kit weight right down and take up far less space than a traditional tripod.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is a novel travel tripod that is so narrow it can fit into cabin luggage. It is night-friendly and can support full-frame DSLRs and even smartphones.

Read more below

One of the best tripods we've seen, it comes with a detachable monopod and built-in phone mount. The carbon fiber tubes keep it relatively light.

This tripod is incredibly slimline and great for travel, but the lack of a center column brings pros and cons. It's not the tallest tripod out there, but it's lightweight and easy to transport.

A very light and compact tripod which can fold down to 13.6 inches, small enough to put in your cabin bag. We like the smooth operating ball head too.

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod's aluminum rig is as light and as solid a travel tripod as you’re likely to find, making it great for full-frame astrophotography gear.

The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit is a unique take on a tripod that can wrap around almost anything to hold 6.6 lbs (3 kg) worth of photography gear.

Load next 3 products ↴

An excellent quality premium tripod that looks stunning and performs just as well, but it does come with a premium price tag.

Best budget option

A 6-in-1 option, the Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro converts into a variety of styles to suit different styles of shooting. The legs utilize a twist and lock function.

The Punks Corey 2.0 is lightweight but it can support over 8x its own weight, and you can remove the legs to make it a monopod.

• Back to the top ⤴

Best travel tripods we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.

Best travel tripod overall

Peak design travel tripod.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ If only the best will do: This is an exceptional, thoughtfully designed tripod for photographers on the move. We found it hard to fault.

❌ You need more height: You'll only be able to reach a height of 60-inches with this travel tripod.

🔎  Peak Design Travel Tripod:  An exceptionally narrow and compact design makes the Peak Design Travel Tripod a key piece of kit for traveling astrophotographers after something highly mobile and with a fast set-up and takedown. ★★★★½

The Peak Design Travel Tripod earns the top spot on our list due to its slim, compact design that doesn't sacrifice stability, even with heavy DSLR cameras. When folded, the three legs and ball head seamlessly meet without any gaps, resulting in a compact package measuring just 3.125 inches in diameter and 15.4 inches in height. This makes it easy to stow away in luggage or camera bags. Additionally, it comes with a soft padded case featuring a waterproof zip and convenient carry handles.

We loved this tripod's speedy setup and takedown during our Peak Design Travel Tripod review , although we were slightly less fond of the camera attachment. The ball head (one of the most compact we've seen) comes with a tripod plate that attaches to your camera using a hex tool. While this was incredibly stable for long hours when shooting star trails, we can't help but feel that a tool-free D-ring plate would have been easier.

The tripod comes with a smartphone clamp, which is hidden under the center column — it's a neat feature that's very cleverly stowed away. While a tripod like this is perhaps overkill for smartphone photography, it's a welcome addition to take some quick snaps while you're setting up your camera.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod isn't the tallest tripod on this list: Its five leg sections allow for it to extend to 60 inches/152.4cm. It keeps the weight down when traveling, but if you're tall, it might not be the most convenient tripod to use. 

We should also note that there are two versions of this tripod available: One with an aluminum body and another with a carbon fiber body. The carbon fiber model is, as you'd expect, lighter than the aluminum option, but it's also significantly more expensive. And when the aluminum tripod is already very light at 3.44lbs/1.56kg it's hard to justify the extra expense.

• Read our full Peak Design Travel Tripod review

Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head

✅  You want one of the tallest travel tripods: This one reaches a maximum height of 66.3-inches. ✅ You want a detachable monopod: Monopods are better in certain situations, like sporting events where you have limited space. This model comes with a detachable one.

❌ You're sticking to a budget: This is another premium tripod, though it's a great long-term investment. ❌ You want something super lightweight: It's not heavy, but there are certainly more lightweight options out there.

🔎  Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head:  Although it's not cheap, for passionate photographers who need a lightweight, portable tripod capable of providing more height than most, this is a fantastic option. ★★★★★

The Rhino series of travel tripods is Benro's premium range, and this quality shows in practically every element of this tripod. The Benro Rhino FRHN24C has a detachable monopod, a phone mount, and carbon fiber tubes, so it has just about every bell and whistle you'd expect from a high-end tripod.

In our Benro Rhino 24C Two series review , we called it an excellent tripod and praised its sleek design, reliability and portability. It's not the smallest tripod on this list, but since it folds down to 19.3 inches, it's still very compact and is TSA-friendly. When completely extended, it measures 169cm (66.3 inches) so it should be tall enough for most users. As mentioned, it can be configured into a monopod, making it versatile for different types of photography.

Although this tripod is more expensive than others on this list, many professional travel photographers would find it a wise investment. The great thing about Benro is the range of height and size options available for each product. The Rhino comes in four different sizes and a choice between either four or five leg sections, so photographers can choose whichever size best suits their needs. 

We found it easy to set up and take down in the dark. The rubber grips were soft on the hands, and the interchangeable feet were a nice touch—we found that swapping to the spiky feet helped with stability when we were shooting in windy conditions. The VX25 head also has some neat safety features to prevent your camera from slipping off or being dropped, something many other tripod manufacturers don't think of. 

Overall, we loved this tripod and gave it five stars. Although it's certainly an investment, we think it'll last you a very long time.

• Read our full Benro Rhino 24C Two series review

Benro Tortoise 24C x GX30 Head

✅  You want to shoot low to the ground: The legs can splay out to almost 90-degrees, which is great for those shots where you need to be as low to the ground as possible.

❌ You want height: There's no center column, so it can't reach the heights that other tripods can.

🔎  Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod x GX30 head:  A sturdy and reliable tripod that will last you for years to come. It doesn't sit at the affordable end of the market, but for photographers who need something lightweight and user-friendly, you can't go wrong. ★★★★

When we first looked at this tripod in our Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod review , we couldn't figure out why it wasn't their primary travel tripod due to its weight and compactness. The Rhino wins out overall, but if these two particular factors are more important to you than height and versatility, we'd recommend the Benro Tortoise. 

There's no center column in the Tortoise, which is both a positive and a negative. It keeps the weight down considerably and folds down much smaller than other tripods, making it a fantastic travel choice. The lack of center column also makes the Benro Tortoise 24C tripod more flexible than most: Its legs can splay out at almost 90 degrees, allowing it to get extremely low to the ground. It's great for unique angles and compositions, then. 

But no center column also means that the doesn't extend particularly high — our 5'4 reviewer had to stoop to use it at full height. If that's going to be a problem for you, you might be best looking for another tripod. 

The GX30 head features two safety elements to prevent the camera from slipping off when you're putting it on or taking it off, but we thought overall the head was bulkier than it needed to be. The main ball adjustment knob protrudes out a fair amount when, in our opinion, it doesn't need to. That said, it's not impractical, we just think it could do with being smaller.

• Read our full Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod review

Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB Carbon Fiber Tripod

✅  Being lightweight is important: This tripod weighs less than 2 lbs but still has a maximum payload of 6.6 lbs. It folds down to 13.6 inches, too. ✅   You want an affordable carbon fiber tripod: This tripod is excellent value for money and a great price for a carbon fiber model.

❌ You're looking for a lot of height: This one can extend to a height of 51.6-inches which may be a bit small for some.

🔎  Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB Carbon Fiber Tripod: You won't find a travel tripod much lighter than this compact option from Vanguard. It would be ideal for those dark nights when you have to hike to get to your chosen location. ★★★★½

The Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB tripod is one of the lightest full-size tripods we've ever encountered, and it's the lightest on this list by a long shot, weighing just 1.8 lbs. It can extend to a height of 51.6 inches, which is not the tallest of the tripods in this guide, and hold a load capacity of 6.6 lbs (just about 3 kg). 

This tripod is perfect for travel or hiking, particularly if you're going to remote locations to shoot astrophotography under glorious dark skies. It can collapse down to just 13.6 inches in length, which is quite impressive. 

Although it may not be as tall as other tripods, its lightweight and compact design makes it an attractive choice. Photographers on the go will also appreciate its smooth-operating ball head, and overall, we think the build quality is top-notch.

The Vanguard VEO 3 GO is also a rather versatile tripod, given it can convert to a monopod and a selfie stick. Because of that, we think it's a great choice for videographers or photographers who like to get creative. 

It's worth noting that, despite being a carbon fiber tripod, the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB is surprisingly affordable. There is an aluminum model available, but it's not that much cheaper so in this instance, we'd recommend you go for the carbon fiber and keep the weight as low as possible (the aluminum version is a few ounces heavier at 2.1 lbs).

• Read more: Best mirrorless cameras

Manfrotto Befree 3 Way Advanced Tripod

✅  You're a videographer: The three-way ball head employs a hydraulic dampening mechanism to ensure the camera moves smoothly.

❌ You will get frustrated having to take the camera off your tripod: We found that we sometimes had to remove the camera from the plate to access the battery and memory card doors.

🔎  Manfrotto Befree 3 Way Advanced Tripod:  At 3.28 lbs, the Italian-made Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod isn’t ultra-lightweight, yet this aluminum travel tripod is not much heavier than its far pricier carbon fiber rivals. As travel tripods go, it’s not as compact when collapsed as others, yet it’s as advanced as any we’ve come across. ★★★★½

This isn't the lightest tripod on this list, but weighing 3.28lbs, the Manfrotto Befree 3 Way Advanced Tripod is still plenty light enough to take on your travels with you. In our Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod review , we praised its fantastic build quality and loved its strong center column, which makes this tripod ultra-reliable.

It's not just its build quality that's earned the Manfrotto Befree tripod a place on this list, though. It's very affordable, and we think it's an excellent cost-effective alternative to more expensive carbon fiber tripods. We also like that it comes with its own carry case — a nifty addition that adds even more value to its price.

This tripod can reach a maximum height of 59 inches and collapses to 15.7 inches when packed up. It has a reverse folding design which works fine for transportation, but it's not as compact as some other tripods on our list, and there are noticeable gaps between the legs which could waste space when packing it in a suitcase.

It comes with a new and improved ball head that features 360-degree flexibility and the 200PL PRO base plate attaches easily to your camera using a D-ring, which can be done anywhere and requires no extra tools, which is great when you're using it in the dark. 

The four-section legs are versatile, with three angled positions that click neatly into place and sturdy rubber feet to provide grip. While it's not the smallest or lightest travel tripod out there, it's great value for the quality you get.

• Read our full Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod review

JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod

✅ You'll be shooting from uneven surfaces: The unique flexible legs can bend around almost anything — a branch, handrail, fence post and so on. It can also be manipulated to be steady on rocks and uneven land.

❌ You have a lot of heavy kit: The payload is a pretty small 6.6 lbs (3kg). This is still enough for most casual shooters, but it's more suited to lightweight gear.

🔎  JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod:  The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit is a lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy travel tripod that enables you to shoot anything, anywhere. The ideal tripod for traveling and vlogging. ★★★★½

The JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro is an unusual-looking tripod that is very lightweight and surprisingly sturdy. The design of the legs means that you can attach it to almost anything, allowing you to shoot from any position or vantage point and opening up a world of creative possibilities — we had a lot of fun with this during our JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit review .

The main selling point of the GorillaPod is that it's extremely portable, weighing only 8.7 oz/463g and measuring 12 inches/30cm. It can carry a payload of 6.6 lbs/3kg, which isn't the most generous, but it's certainly enough for a mirrorless camera and lens setup. This makes it an attractive option for travel photographers, vloggers and content creators, who can buy a separate mount to attach their smartphones to it.

Along with its unique legs, the GorillaPod comes with an Arca-Swiss compatible ball head that can be panned 360 degrees. Coupled with 90 degrees of tilt, you can capture from practically any angle you like, making this an excellent choice for creative photographers and those who like to experiment with composition. 

The only downside to the GorillaPod 3K pro is that it doesn't come with a spirit level built to ensure your shots are straight as you set them up. But if you're shooting on a newer camera, many of them have a level feature built into their screen, so it likely won't be an issue. 

Make sure to evenly distribute the weight when setting it up to prevent any equipment from tipping over. Once everything was in position, we found it very secure and stable, even with a telephoto lens attached to the camera. Overall, it's an interesting alternative to conventional tripods and is highly portable for outdoor use.

• Read our full JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit review

Gitzo Legende Traveller Tripod Kit

✅  You want a stylish aesthetic: This tripod has been designed with a beautiful aesthetic in mind, and it performs just as nicely as it looks.

❌ You don't have a big budget: Though it is beautiful to look at, most of the tripods on this list do the same job but for a fraction of the cost.

🔎  Gitzo Legende Traveller Tripod Kit  If you have the money, we believe this is a pretty nice tripod to use, but we do have one criticism: there are many tripods on the market, including several that are included in this list, that can do the same tasks for a lot less money. ★★★★

While a tripod isn't usually a fashion statement, that changes when you lay your eyes on the Gitzo Legende. This is an absolutely beautiful tripod that features a high-end design — but it has a very high-end price tag to go with it.

Gitzo's entire Legende series focuses on premium and visually appealing camera accessories. But like the rest of the series, the Legende Traveller Tripod kit isn't just designed to look fancy; it's also a tripod that offers stand-out performance. It's expertly crafted with smooth dials, knobs and adjustments to make it a joy to set up.

The Legende Traveller Tripod Kit impresses with its meticulous attention to detail, including features like the custom-designed matte silver aluminum Center Ball Head and the stylish leather strap, enhancing its premium feel. 

It extends to a maximum height of 65 inches with the central column extended and collapses to a compact length of 16.9 inches when folded. Four leg sections can support loads of up to 17.6 lbs.

If you're willing to spend the money on it, we think it's a good tripod. However, we do have one criticism: many other tripods available, many of which we've mentioned in this list, can perform the same functions at a much lower cost.

• Read more: Best camera accessories for astrophotography

Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro

✅  You want versatility: This is really a six-in-one model — it works as a tripod, monopod, selfie stick, high hat (that allows for unique camera placement) and a table tripod.

❌ You want a super speedy setup: The twist and lock function works well, but setup time might take longer (as you have to twist and lock each section).

🔎  Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro:  This 6-in-1 tripod from Benro really can do it all — it can be a tripod, monopod, boom pole, selfie stick, high hat and tabletop tripod. ★★★½

The MeFoto Road Trip Pro tripod is the third option on this list, coming from Benro, one of the best tripod manufacturers in the market. This model is a little cheaper than the others, but it still offers impressive performance in a compact design.

Of course, there are some trade-offs. Its smaller frame means it holds less weight than some. It's also not the tallest tripod on the market, extending up to 60 inches/155cm. But we think they're trade-offs worth taking. At just 3.6 lbs, it's very lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack or in luggage.

It's also seriously versatile: In addition to being a tripod, the MeFoto Road Trip Pro can be configured into a monopod, boom pole, selfie stick, high hat, and tabletop tripod. It's suited to practically every type of photographer and videographer, and with so many options to choose from, it promotes creativity and experimentation.

We find the tripod's graduated panning scale quite handy because it helps you maintain a level position for smooth panning in video or capturing panoramic shots of the scenery. The twist locks work effectively, but it might take longer to set up if you have to twist or unscrew each one individually. Nevertheless, it's a hassle-free choice that won't strain your budget, making it an excellent option for amateur travelers looking to take photos.

• Read more: Best cameras for beginners

3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0

✅  You have heavy kit: The 3 Legged Punks Corey 2.0 can hold a whopping 30 lb (14kg) payload, that's 8x it's own weight.

❌ You don't like the look of it: We mean aesthetically — it certainly stands out, but it isn't for everyone. ❌ You need more height: The maximum height is 54.3 inches, which is on the shorter side of the scale of tripods in this guide.

🔎  3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0:  The Punks range is ultralight and ultra-compact and, amazingly, they can still support 30 lbs of weight, which is over 8 times their own weight of 3.95 lbs ★★★½

3-Legged Thing started as a grassroots business in the UK. Danny Lenihan, the company's creator, used his knowledge in lighting and photography to create highly versatile, lightweight tripods and other equipment.

The Punks series of tripods from 3 Legged Thing is designed with travel in mind. They feature a lightweight and compact build crafted from magnesium alloy. Despite their portable size, they boast an impressive weight capacity of up to 30 lbs, surpassing their weight of 3.95 lbs by more than eight times. 

The Corey 2.0 Tripod is 54.3 inches when fully extended, and when it's collapsed, it's just 14.2 inches long. That's super compact, making carrying it or packing it away an absolute cinch. We also appreciate that its feet can be swapped out in favor of a low-level/tabletop setup — and if you prefer, you can remove the legs entirely to opt for a monopod setup.

Even though we liked the tripod's vivid colors, solid designs and general performance, some seasoned amateurs or professionals might be looking for more bells and whistles, such as more complex head systems.

• Read more: 3 Legged PUNKS Brian tripod review

Travel tripods: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lightest travel tripod.

The lightest travel tripod we have tested is the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod ; it weighs just 1.02 lbs (463g). However, it's worth noting that it is a unique model that is designed to wrap around objects such as branches and fences. 

The lightest 'standard' tripod in our guide (which has extendable legs and can be used on the ground) is the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB Carbon Fiber Tripod, which weighs 1.6 lbs (725g). 

Can I use a travel tripod with my smartphone?

The answer is yes, you can. Some travel tripods come with a phone adapter, such as the Peak Design Travel Tripod , Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head and Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro, but if they don't, you can also purchase a tripod smartphone mount separately. This is especially useful for content creators who mostly shoot using smartphone cameras. 

Should I buy a Carbon fiber or aluminum tripod?

Carbon fiber tripods generally weigh less than their aluminum counterparts but cost more. Some models will cost significantly more, so if you want to save money on a tripod look to purchase an aluminum model. However, if traveling light is your priority then opt for a carbon fiber model.

For example, the Peak Design aluminum travel tripod costs around $380 at time of writing, whereas the carbon fiber version costs $650 which is $270 or 1.7x more expensive. However, the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204 aluminum tripod costs $130, and its carbon fiber version costs $150, just $20 or 1.25x more.  

What is the best travel tripod for astrophotography?

This depends on the overall payload (weight) of your camera, lens and camera accessories. We'd recommend the Peak Design Travel Tripod as the best travel tripod overall if your budget stretches. But a more budget-friendly option which we still rate highly would be the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB.

It's important to add up the weight of all the gear you will be place on any given tripod because all tripods have a maximum payload; see below.

What is a tripod maximum payload?

A tripod's maximum payload is the maximum weight a tripod is designed to hold rock steady when taking photographs or video footage. To calculate this, add up the weight of everything you will place on the tripod, which may include: The camera , a lens and camera accessories like an intervalometer /remote shutter release, flash, filter, or a star tracker mount .

If it is just slightly over the manufacturer's stated maximum payload for the tripod there's a chance things will be fine. But bear in mind that there are no guarantees for its stability, especially in high winds. If in doubt, go for a tripod that is designed to hold the maximum payload of your camera gear, even if it means investing a little more money.

Travel tripods are designed to be lightweight and compact, so it may be that none on this list will support your maximum payload. If this is the case, we'd recommend a bigger, more generalist tripod from our best tripods guide.

How many leg sections should my tripod have?

Between three and five leg sections is typically the most common. The leg sections are designed to extend to increase or decrease the tripod's height to aid composition. The Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head has four leg sections and reaches a maximum height of 66.3-inches. However, the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod which has a maximum height of 11.8-inches with just one leg section, but this is intentional because it's designed to wrap around and onto tall objects so 

If you're trekking or want to set up your camera on uneven ground, it's worth testing out tripods with multiple leg angles and the ability to adjust quickly. Usually, a small pin or lever at the top of the legs can be pulled out to increase the leg angle and therefore change the height and stability of the travel tripod.

How we test the best travel tripods

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best travel tripods to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every travel tripod through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each travel tripod is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions and its performance in the field.

Each travel tripod is carefully tested by our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each travel tripod and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.

We look at how easy each travel tripod is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date material, and also make suggestions if a particular travel tripod would benefit from any additional equipment to give you the best user experience possible.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on travel tripods, whether you should purchase a travel tripod or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

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Jacob Little is a photographer, writer and communications professional based in Bristol and Cornwall. His main inspirations come from outdoor adventure, travel, rural living and wild ways and crafts. Passionate about weaving the core principles of storytelling into his images, he approaches brand and copywriting work in much the same way. Conveying a compelling narrative is one of the main drivers behind much of his work.

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The Best Tripod

By Erin Roberts , Arriana Vasquez and Phil Ryan

Many of today’s cameras and lenses come with truly impressive image stabilization built right in, but there are always occasions—such as time-lapse or macro photography—when it makes sense to put your camera on a tripod. After spending 60 hours researching tripods and 30 hours testing 16 of the most promising models, we found the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 kit to be the sturdiest platform for challenging shooting situations. It has the tallest maximum height among the tripods we tested, and it’s very stable. It’s also easy to set up and break down, and built to withstand years of use.

Everything we recommend

Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100

The best tripod.

This stable, easy-to-use, and versatile tripod has an angling center column. It gets taller and has more leg-angle positions than the other models we tested.

Buying Options

May be out of stock

Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB

A tripod that can handle two cameras.

Smaller and lighter than our top pick, this tripod can also support two devices at once. But it’s a little less stable and slightly more expensive.

Sirui W-1004K10 Tripod Kit River Runner

A solid waterproof tripod.

This tripod doesn’t have an angled center column, but it’s quite sturdy, designed with a greater load capacity than any of our other picks, and (most important) waterproof.

Manfrotto Element MII

Best travel tripod.

The Element MII goes from backpack-sized to tall smoothly and quickly, and it provides sturdy support at a price lower than that of our other picks.

Sirui P-204SR

The best monopod.

This monopod is strong and stable, perfect if you like shooting subjects that require you to stay on the move.

If you need a more specific kind of support for certain shooting situations, we also have picks for people who dual-wield cameras , those who frequently shoot sports or wildlife , photographers who work in wet conditions , and frequent travelers . But all of the picks in this guide are geared toward full-size cameras. If you’re looking for a tripod for a smartphone, try our guide to the best tripod for iPhones and other smartphones .

The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 offers the best balance of size and stability of all the tripods we tested. It gets taller than any of our other picks (68.2 inches at maximum height), its legs can splay outward at four angles, and its angling center column lets you position your camera as low to the ground as you want. This combination means you can find a stable shooting position on all kinds of surfaces, whether the camera is up high or down low. The included ball head (the part that connects the camera to the tripod legs and allows adjustments to the camera’s position) is better than what you usually find bundled with tripods in this price range; it adjusts smoothly, locks down solidly, and has a quick-release plate for you to easily attach and detach the camera. With a 15.5-pound weight limit, this tripod is more than strong enough for any of the camera-and-lens combinations we recommend .

If you’re more of an on-the-go type of shooter, or if you like to shoot with two stabilized cameras at the same time, the Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB is the tripod for you. It’s smaller and lighter than our pick and has all the same features, including a multi-angle center column. In addition, it comes with an adapter that lets you mount a second camera to the center column when it’s in the horizontal position, so you can shoot with two devices at once.

If you plan to submerge your tripod in water on a regular basis, Sirui’s W-1004K10 Tripod Kit River Runner is worth paying more for, since it’s designed to keep dirt or sand from mucking up any sliding parts. Solidly built and easy to set up, the W-1004K10 has a ball head that adjusts smoothly, and its impressive 33.1-pound load capacity means that even if you rent a huge lens for a once-in-a-lifetime nature vacation, the W-1004K10 can handle it. It doesn’t have a tilting center column like our other picks, but you probably won’t miss that feature when you’re waist deep in a lake.

Manfrotto’s Element MII is an ideal travel tripod because it offers ample height and support in a highly portable package. Capable of collapsing to just 16.7 inches long and weighing a mere 3.4 pounds, it can nevertheless extend to a maximum height of just over 62.9 inches and support up to 17.6 pounds of gear. It was one of the most stable travel tripods we tested, yet it also costs less than much of the competition. The Element MII has other key features we seek in a travel tripod, such as easy-to-use twist leg locks and smooth and simple control of the ball head. It even has some nifty extras, including two bubble levels to help keep perspectives straight.

If you’re into shooting birds and other wildlife, or if you like to capture fast-moving sports, a tripod might just get in your way. What you need in that situation is a monopod, and the Sirui P-204SR is our favorite monopod because it’s tall, strong, and adaptable. The removable base features three sturdy feet that provide great stability when equipment is mounted, and this monopod can even become a tabletop tripod with an included accessory. With the base attached, the P-204SR stands 63.5 inches tall, and without the base it’s still a respectable 57.9 inches.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get a tripod, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: vanguard alta pro 2+ 263ab100, flaws but not dealbreakers, best for use with multiple cameras: vanguard veo 3t+ 234ab, a great waterproof tripod: sirui w-1004k10 tripod kit river runner, best for travel: manfrotto element mii, the best monopod: sirui p-204sr, sustainability and the environmental impact of tripods, other good tripods, the competition.

Arriana Vasquez has been doing both professional and hobbyist photography for over 10 years and worked for three years as a camera specialist at several camera stores in New York City. Her work ranges from fashion to nature and street photography. She has also contributed to Wirecutter’s guides to instant cameras , tripods for smartphones , and portable document scanners .

Erin Lodi is a photojournalist, writer, and professional photographer , and has a wide range of experience researching, testing, and writing about photography trends, techniques, and tools—including in her role as mobile-imaging editor at DPReview, the most popular camera review site on the web. She has been reporting on travel tripods for this guide since 2014, testing dozens of models and measuring performance in a variety of climates and situations.

Even with the image-stabilization systems built into many modern cameras and lenses, when you’re using slower shutter speeds, the slightest movement of the camera can result in blurry pictures. If you shoot a lot in the following situations, using a tripod will let you get shots that would otherwise be very difficult or even impossible to capture:

• Low light and longer exposures: When low light requires you to use a slower shutter speed, it’s best to keep the camera stabilized. (Experienced photographers tend to use the reciprocal rule to figure out whether they need to use a tripod.) Similarly, if you’re using a longer exposure to create a special effect—such as blurring the movement of a waterfall while keeping the background sharply focused, or capturing bursts of color from a fireworks show—you’ll get a much better result with a tripod.
• Remote triggers: You can take much better selfies and group photos with the camera on a tripod. You can either set the timer and run over to pose with the group or connect your camera to your smartphone and trigger the camera with the camera manufacturer’s app. Remote triggers are also useful when you don’t want to be near the camera—say, while you’re waiting for a hummingbird to show up at a bird feeder or for other wildlife to wander in front of your lens.
• Landscapes, panoramas, and HDR: Even if you’re shooting a landscape with plenty of light, placing the camera on a tripod lets you ensure that the camera is level for a straight horizon and that all the elements in the shot are properly positioned. Similarly, if you want to turn multiple shots into a panorama (stitched together in software), you need a tripod to keep everything evenly placed in the frame. And high dynamic range (HDR) images, which consist of two or more photos combined, require that those pictures be perfectly aligned. A tripod lets you take different exposures to get a better range of highlights and shadows while preserving alignment—the resulting pictures will more accurately reflect the scene you wanted to capture.
• Close-ups and telephoto shots: Whether you’re using a macro or telephoto lens, the closer you get to a subject, the more sensitive the camera is to even the slightest movement. Telephoto lenses also tend to be bigger and heavier than other lenses, so you might not want to shoot handheld for a long period of time.
• Images on the go: When you’re shooting under the above conditions while on the go, you’re likely to want a travel tripod, a model that collapses enough to be easily carried when attached to a hiking bag or placed inside a carry-on suitcase. Travel tripods are smaller and lighter than their full-size brethren, and though they might not be quite as stable or have as many extra features as bigger models, they make up for that in portability.

We’ve seen plenty of cheap tripods, but in general we’ve found that sub-$100 models are made with poor-quality materials, have less height adjustability, and are more difficult to set up properly. They might seem like a good value if you’re on a tight budget, but in reality your cheap tripod is more likely to break after a year of use (or sooner), meaning you’ll have to spend another $100 for a replacement. Our experience tells us that to get a truly solid, versatile, reliable, and full-featured tripod, you probably should spend around $150 or more.

But there’s also an upper limit to how much most people should spend on a tripod. While carbon-fiber models are slightly lighter than their metal counterparts, they are also far more expensive. Case in point: You’d have to spend an extra $70 to get the carbon-fiber version of our top pick , and doing so would save you only about 9 ounces.

With that in mind, we focused on quality aluminum models. To narrow things further, we looked at the following factors:

• Load capacity: This represents how much weight a tripod is designed to support. We sought models that could hold a camera-and-lens combination of at least 15 pounds, which is enough to handle even the heaviest camera bodies and lenses we recommend.
• Maximum height: We scouted for tripods that could reach at least 50 inches without the center column extended and at least 60 inches with the column extended, so even if you’re 6-foot-2 you won’t be too uncomfortably hunched over when trying to get that shot.
• Leg and center-column angling: We favored tripods that allow you to angle the legs outward for setting the tripod low to the ground, as well as to angle the center column for shooting directly downward or getting the camera closer to subjects for macro photography.
• The head: A good tripod head lets you position the camera at nearly any angle, and most have a quick-release plate that attaches to the bottom of a camera, allowing you to easily mount it on the tripod or remove it. Tripod legs and heads are often sold separately so you can upgrade them independently, although you can also find kits (such as our top pick) that include both. We recommend a ball head, which allows you to tilt and rotate the camera simultaneously. Ball heads tend to be more compact and easier to use than three-way heads, which let you adjust the amount of left/right tilt, up/down tilt, and rotation independently. (All of our picks include a ball head.)
• Length when collapsed: Although size is much more important for travel tripods , it’s always more convenient to carry something smaller.
• Leg grips: Tripod legs can get cold when you’re shooting on chilly days. Foam or rubber grips can keep your fingers happy—and give you a better grip than bare metal.
• Spikes: When you’re setting up on a soft surface such as grass, spiked feet can help set a tripod more firmly in place. That said, a lot of photographers don’t bother to use them. We looked for tripods that either include them or offer them as an optional accessory.
• Weight: If a tripod is really heavy, you won’t want to take it with you; if it’s too light, it won’t be sturdy enough. We looked for tripods weighing less than 6 pounds—light enough to bring along even if you’re also carrying a camera and a few lenses. If weight is important to you, our travel tripod pick keeps it to a minimum while still providing solid support for your camera.
• Longevity: A quality tripod should last way longer than a year or two, so we singled out tripods packaged with tools that let you retighten the legs as they come loose with time and usage, as well as a long warranty so you’re covered if something happens.

Between previous versions of this guide and the most recent 2024 update, we’ve considered approximately 65 tripods and tested 16. The list includes:

• 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey
• Benro MeFoto GlobeTrotter
• Benro SystemGo Plus FGP18A
• Manfrotto Element MII Video Monopod
• MeFoto RoadTrip Air
• MeFoto RoadTrip S
• Oben CT-3565
• Slik Lite AL-420M
• Slik Lite AL-420S
• Slik Pro 700DX
• Vanguard VEO 2 GO 265HAB

We also considered 5 monopods and tested 4. Those include:

• iFootage Cobra 2 A180-II
• Manfrotto Xpro Monopod+ Aluminum Four-Section with Fluid Video Head

Stability is the main objective when you’re using a tripod, so we mounted different camera-and-lens combinations to each tripod model to make sure it stayed steady with various setups and on different surfaces, including hardwood and carpeted floors indoors, as well as cement pavement, grass, and other uneven terrain outdoors. We purposefully used gear that was bulkier and heavier than the cameras and lenses we recommend in our guides, including the Nikon D5 and Z5 and Sony α6600 cameras with various lenses. The longest and heaviest lenses we used were the Nikkor 24–70mm f/4 lens and the Sigma 150–600mm f/5–6.3 lens.

We evaluated how easy it was to operate each tripod by setting up and closing down the legs and checking the leg-lock mechanisms. We checked the stability of the ball head, whether it moved when it was supposed to be locked, and how smoothly and evenly it moved when unlocked. We also examined each tripod’s build quality and made sure that the different parts didn’t get in the way of one another when in use.

Finally, we tested any special features; if a model had a movable center column, for example, we angled it into different positions.

The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 offers the best combination of stability and height of the tripods we tested. It has the tallest maximum height (68.2 inches), its legs can angle outward at four angles (most models offer only three) to bring the camera closer to the ground, and its angling center column lets you position the camera in a multitude of ways when you’ve set the tripod at any one of those leg angles. Although it’s a little heavier and longer than some other models when collapsed, its added weight and height increase its stability and versatility, and it’s still small and light enough to carry around for a day’s shooting.

The Alta Pro 2+ is rated to support up to 15.4 pounds. In our testing, it was very stable, even when we mounted pro-level gear that was heavier than any of the cameras and lenses we recommend in our guides. Each leg has three extendable segments, and although we experienced some wobbliness in the lowest segment when the legs were fully extended, it wasn’t enough to negatively affect our picture taking and was typical of all the tripods we tested when they were at full height. When the center column is fully extended, the Alta Pro 2+’s height (not including the head) is about 68.2 inches, the tallest of the tripods we tested, so it’s easier for taller photographers (anyone above the average height of 5 feet 6 inches ) to use without having to stoop much. (With the center column collapsed, the maximum height is about 57 inches.) Although the center column is relatively stable when extended, keep in mind that all tripods are most stable when you have the center column lowered flush against the top of the legs.

Setting up the Alta Pro 2+ is quick and easy: Just turn the two twist locks on each leg—they unlock with a simple quarter-turn—and then tilt the legs down so that they slide to full extension. You lock the legs with a similar turn in the opposite direction. We like the nice feel of the textured grips on the locks.

Those three-section legs offer four angles relative to the center column: 20, 40, 60, and 80 degrees (most tripods offer only three angles). That gives you more versatility in terms of both lower height and the ability to adapt to uneven surfaces. The angles are marked at the top of the legs, and the legs ratchet into place so you can hear and feel when they’re in position. With the legs at the 80-degree position, the tripod is almost level to the ground; this position is perfect for low-angle and macro shots, especially in combination with the tripod’s multi-angle center column. A bubble level helps you ensure that the tripod is level even if the legs are extended to different angles.

It’s easy to put the Alta Pro 2+’s center column into multiple positions: You just turn a couple of knobs, lift the center column (it automatically stops when fully extended, so it won’t come all the way out in your hand), and angle it to whatever position you want. The hexagonal column won’t twist when extending or retracting, making angled work easier. However, although this column is generally stable in its angled position, even when horizontal, be sure to check the balance: If the center column is positioned too far to one side, the weight of the camera and lens can cause the entire tripod to tilt over and fall—a law of physics that applies to any tripod with a multi-angle center column.

The included ball head and quick-release plate also work well. The ball head moved smoothly when we adjusted it, and it locked solidly into place. It has its own bubble level (to supplement the one on the legs), as well as a rotation gauge at the base of the head to help you duplicate panning positions when you’re shooting multiple images to stitch into a panorama later.

We also like the overall build quality of the tripod—none of the pieces seemed to be straining substantially even when we subjected them to heavy camera-and-lens combinations. The smoothness of the sliding parts was impressive, too. The Alta Pro 2+ feels like it will last a long time, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

In addition to the ball head and the quick-release plate, the Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 kit comes with Allen wrenches in case you need to swap out the head or replace a broken leg, as well as a carry bag with a shoulder strap. The bag isn’t as well made as those that accompany some other tripods we’ve tested, but it’s good enough for moving your tripod from one place to another.

Of the tripods we tested, the Alta Pro 2+ is one of the heaviest, at 5.3 pounds, and one of the longest, at 29 inches, when fully collapsed. If you’re hiking in the woods or traveling on a plane or train, you have smaller and lighter options (including our pick for travel tripods , or even our also-great pick ). But this Vanguard model’s weight helps provide stability, and its added height makes it more versatile—we think these are reasonable trade-offs for a full-size tripod.

Unlike the previous Alta Pro model, our former top pick, the Alta Pro 2+ has angled rubber feet instead of round rubber feet with retractable spikes; spiked feet are now an optional purchase . The rubber feet of the Alta Pro 2+ work well on uneven terrain, but we felt them slide a few times when we were shooting indoors on wooden floors.

Unlike some tripods, the Alta Pro 2+ has no hook at the bottom of the center column to hang a camera bag or other weight to stabilize the tripod. Instead it has a small canopy-suspension loop on the bubble level. The loop is very small, and we wouldn’t trust it to hold anything of measurable weight, but Vanguard makes a stone bag accessory that you can attach to the legs to add weight.

Some reviews on Amazon refer to issues with the Alta Pro 2+’s center column either coming off entirely when the owner is trying to angle it or not being able to tighten in place completely, but we didn’t encounter this problem in our testing. When we reached out to Vanguard, representatives explained that this happened because some units that were meant as photo samples accidentally ended up distributed for sale; the reps said it shouldn’t be a problem going forward, and we will be keeping an eye on this issue in long-term testing.

Whereas the Alta Pro 2+ is a great all-around tripod for most photographers in most situations, we think the Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB is a good alternative for people who like to shoot with multiple cameras or are frequently on the move. That’s because while the VEO 3T+ 234AB shares all the features we enjoy about the Alta Pro 2+, it's also lighter, smaller, designed with more flexible legs, and packaged with an additional accessory (the VEO+ MA1 adapter ) that lets you mount an extra device, such as a second camera or a smartphone, to the center column. If you can live with its sole con—a shorter maximum height—those are some compelling pros.

At its maximum height, the VEO 3T+ 234AB stands 57.48 inches tall, about 10 inches shorter than our top pick but still tall enough to keep most people from hunching over when shooting. Each leg has three sections that extend easily yet feel solid once you tighten the twist locks. The legs have three easy-set angles, but they can also invert up to 108 degrees. This represents a notable advantage over the Alta Pro 2+, whose legs can adjust only up to 80 degrees. And when fully collapsed, the VEO 3T+ 234AB measures 18 inches long, some 11 inches less than the Alta Pro 2+; in other words, what you lose in maximum height you gain in portability.

The VEO 3T+ 234AB offers a multi-angle center column that allows you to position the column (and the ball head) at various horizontal and tilted angles. Again, this design is great for otherwise challenging overhead and low-angle shots, and it’s especially helpful for capturing macro images. In addition to offering the multi-angle column, the VEO 3T+ 234AB can convert to a monopod—you simply remove one of the legs and mount the center column on top of it. The tripod includes spiked feet, though you have to switch them out with the default rubber feet whenever you want to use them.

This tripod can handle loads of up to 22 pounds, or about 6.5 pounds more than our top pick. As with all the other tripods we tested, we saw a slight bit of movement when we mounted a Sony α6600 with a Sigma 100–400mm zoom lens and fully extended the center column. There is an optional hook you can screw into the bottom of the center column that lets you hang a camera bag or other weight to help stabilize the unit (though you’ll need to remove this piece if you want to use the VEO 3T+ 234AB as a monopod).

The VEO 3T+ 234AB comes with the Arca-Swiss –compatible VEO BH-110S dual-axis ball head , which we found to be stable and secure during testing. The BH-110S also worked great with our Peak Design plate , locking in just as solidly as it did with the plate that comes with the ball head. Additionally, the VEO 3T+ 234AB includes a second mounting adapter, the VEO+ MA1 , that you can use when you’ve set the center column to a horizontal position. It easily slides onto the other end of the center column and locks into place with a quick-release lever. The VEO+ MA1 offers a standard ¼-inch tripod screw to mount a second camera, a smartphone (using a smartphone tripod mount ), or an action camera such as a GoPro.

If you plan to shoot with your tripod partially submerged in water or mud, the Sirui W-1004K10 Tripod Kit River Runner is worth spending more on for the peace of mind it can provide. Although all our tripod picks can stand up to the rain, waterproof tripods do a better job of keeping the dirt and sand from rivers and lakes out of the joints, which can destroy any sliding or moving parts. This waterproof tripod from Sirui (pronounced “sue-ray”) has comfortable controls and is well built and stable. It can’t match the height of the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+, and it doesn’t have the angling center column of either of our Vanguard picks, but it is the best tripod for fans of aquatic subjects.

The W-1004K10 provides very good stability, with a load capacity up to 33.1 pounds. The tripod weighs just 4.2 pounds and folds up to a compact 19.3 inches for travel. With the center column fully extended (which, as we noted above, sacrifices some stability), it reaches a height of 65 inches; with the column lowered, 53.5 inches.

From its four-section legs to the bundled ball head, the W-1004K10 looks and feels solidly constructed. Whether you’re extending the legs after releasing the twist locks or adjusting the angle of the ball head, the movements are smooth. This is especially true of the excellent ball head, which has separate controls for panning and locking, as well as a friction knob to adjust the tension on the control movement. It also has three bubble levels—in addition to the bubble level on the tripod itself—for photographers who need extremely accurate placement.

The tripod is waterproof up to the top of its foam grips, so you can step right into a river, lake, or ocean to get a shot. Those waterproof seals also mean that the W-1004K10 is protected from the dirt and sand you might encounter on your outdoor adventure. You can easily swap the stock rubber feet with the bundled spiked feet, and you can remove one of the tripod’s legs to convert it into a waterproof monopod. As with the VEO 3T+ 234AB, a hook on the center column lets you hang a camera bag or other weights to help stabilize the tripod. The bundled carry bag is well constructed, just like the rest of the kit.

Unlike our other picks from Vanguard, this Sirui tripod does not offer a multi-angle center column. This omission can make macro work more difficult, but it’s an acceptable trade-off if you need the W-1004K10’s waterproof design.

Because the W-1004K10 has four-segment legs, the last section of each leg is a little thin, so you give up a bit of stability when you fully extend all the legs. This drawback is common for four-segment legs, but it’s still something to be aware of.

If you plan to bring a tripod with you when you go hiking or on a vacation, you should consider a travel tripod that packs down small and won’t weigh you down too much. The moderately priced Manfrotto Element MII is both small and tall—able to unfold from a collapsed height of 16.7 inches to a maximum height of just over 62.9 inches. The Element MII was one of the most stable travel models we tested; although its three leg sections end in a narrow circumference, overall it felt just as stable as the Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB.

At 3.4 pounds, the Element MII weighs almost 2 pounds less than the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 , but it can handle even more load with a rating of 17.6 pounds—equivalent to far more gear than most people would ever need to support at once while traveling.

The Element MII features smooth twist leg locks with plenty of grip, as well as three leg-angle locks that snap into place and release with a simple push. Two knobs control panning and ball head rotation, and they work smoothly with secure tension. Two bubble levels help keep both your horizon level and your vertical alignment correct. You can also remove one leg and attach it to the ball head for use as a monopod.

The Arca-Swiss–style mount looks small, but in our tests it easily accommodated a Nikon Z5 camera with a 24–70mm f/4 lens. The mount includes a tiny handle that works great in a pinch if you don’t have an Allen wrench or a coin handy to tighten the plate to the camera.

The Element MII’s slightly spiked small rubber feet offer plenty of grip, as well. Optional rubber spikes are included in the bag with the tripod. Thankfully, the entire package is small enough to tuck into most backpacks or large bags.

Like many tripods, the Element MII uses twist leg locks. Although we prefer these to the flip kind for travel tripods—because they help keep the overall aesthetic sleek and are less likely to snag—they come with potential problems, too. Resist the temptation to over-loosen twist locks. It takes only a slight turn to loosen them; much more than that, and you may unintentionally discover that the legs are a bit tricky to put back together. Once they’re extended, also be sure to firmly tighten the twist leg locks. Unlike with flip leg locks, with twist leg locks it’s harder to tell whether they’re completely secured; use your hand to double-check.

Like most tripods in this category, the Element MII comes with a drawstring bag that you’ll likely end up discarding. There’s not much advantage to using a dedicated bag, as opposed to just tucking the tripod into a backpack or attaching it to a bag you’re already using in your travels.

If you often shoot subjects that keep you on the move—such as wildlife or sports that require a lot of panning—you may prefer the lightweight freedom of a monopod over a tripod. The Sirui P-204SR is tall, strong, and adaptable to almost any situation, which makes it our favorite general-purpose monopod. It has large, comfortable, rubberized twist locks for extending and retracting its three sections. It weighs just 3.3 pounds but can hold up to 17.6 pounds of equipment—more than our top tripod pick. In testing, it handled everything we mounted on it with ease, including a 4.5-pound Sony α6600 camera with a Sigma 100–400mm zoom lens.

The P-204SR features a removable base that can tilt up to 20 degrees. With the base, the monopod stands 63.5 inches tall; without the base, it reaches 57.9 inches. The base of the P-204SR had the largest feet of any of the monopods we tested, which gave it extra stability. Even when fully extended, it stood solidly with a Nikon Z5 camera and 24–70mm f/4 lens attached. Both rubber and spiked feet are included. One additional feature we love about this monopod is that the base, once you remove it from the body, can double as a small tripod (similar to the Manfrotto Pixi ) with the help of an included accessory.

This monopod doesn't come with a ball head, but the screw mount is reversible, meaning it has two thread sizes—one for cameras and one for tripod heads, so you can mount one if you want. In our testing we found that the tilting base gave us enough leeway to get most shots but not all. We definitely recommend a ball head if you’re into bird photography, since it’s much easier to angle only the camera upward instead of leaning the whole monopod backward. We tried the Benro BH00 ball head (which we discuss below ) with the P-204SR, and it worked great.

The best way to live a sustainable lifestyle is to create less waste, and a great way to create less waste is to invest in equipment that is made to last, repairable, and covered by a dependable warranty. As we state in How we picked , a solid warranty was one thing we looked for when deciding which tripods to test. All of the picks in this guide also come with an Allen key so you can retighten the legs as they come loose from use.

Although it might be tempting to pick up a cheaper tripod, such models are often made from low-grade plastic that you cannot tighten over time, and that you cannot repair if a part should break or crack. If you need a tripod and don’t have the budget to invest in one that’ll last, try searching sites such as Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace to see if other photographers are selling used but high-quality tripods at a discount.

If you currently own a tripod but are looking to upgrade, selling or giving away your old equipment is a great way to help others and keep excess materials out of landfills. If you have a tripod that’s not in good-enough condition to pass along, consider upcycling it.

If you need a cheaper tripod and don’t mind giving up a little stability and usability: The Benro SystemGo Plus FGP18A is simple to set up, solidly built, and only 3.9 pounds. It’s significantly lighter than our 5.3-pound top pick, and in its most compact configuration, it’s also noticeably smaller—18 inches versus the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+’s 29 inches. Despite its lightweight design, this tripod is well made and sturdy-feeling. And like the Alta Pro 2+, the FGP18A offers a multi-angle center column that you can position at various horizontal and tilted angles.

However, Benro doesn’t offer a package with a ball head, so you have to pick one up separately if you don’t already own one. We tested and recommend the company’s BH00 single-action ball head as a solid, inexpensive option. It has a snap-in quick-release plate that’s comparable to what you get with other tripods at this price.

The combination of the Benro SystemGo Plus FGP18A and BH00 ball head isn’t quite as stable as our top pick, especially when extended to maximum height, and this tripod’s adjustment knobs aren’t as easy to use. We found that the FGP18A’s center-column angle-adjustment knob was tight and difficult to move into position. And the knobs—including the center column’s height and pan-control locking knobs—could end up blocking each other depending on how we positioned them. But if you can live with those quirks, it’s a fine all-around choice.

If you want a monopod with its own quick-release plate : The iFootage Cobra 2 A180-II monopod uses a spring-loaded sliding collar to hold a quick-release plate on top. A similar mechanism lets you detach the feet at the bottom so you can turn them into a table-top style tripod like you can with the bottom of our monopod pick. You can also stack a second A180-II on top if you want to approximately double the height of the monopod.

While we found that the A180-II was comparable to our pick in terms of stability, maximum height (71 inches), minimum length (27.8 inches) and weight (3.1 pounds), we feel that the sliding collar may pose a problem to people with hand strength issues. It takes considerable force to move the collar. This helps hold it very securely in place, but might make it a bad choice for some people. We also liked the feet on our pick better, which are each about 1.5 inches longer than those on the A180-II.

Standard tripods

The Benro MeFoto GlobeTrotter is a simple but solid tripod with four-section legs. When fully extended, it was the most solid feeling of all the tripods we tested, and it’s rated to handle up to 26 pounds, more than any of our picks. It’s more expensive, though, and the center column can’t angle out like those of our top picks can. We also found that the twist locks required more turns to loosen and tighten than on our picks, which meant that this model took more time to open and close. Lastly, at 4.5 pounds, it’s almost as heavy as our pick but without the benefit of a multi-angle center column.

The 3Pod Orbit is a four-section aluminum tripod with a bundled three-way head. This relatively stable tripod has a multi-angle center column and feet with retractable spikes. However, during testing we found that the retractable spikes sometimes stuck out of the rubber feet—not far, but enough that they could damage a wooden floor. Also, the flip locks that controlled the legs were so tight that we had difficulty unlocking and locking them. When we used the supplied Allen key to loosen the tension a little so that we could more easily operate the locks, we found that the legs wouldn’t lock tightly enough.

The low-priced Slik Pro 700DX doesn’t do anything fancy: The center column doesn’t swivel or tilt, the tripod has no extras, and it doesn’t come with a head. However, Slik has a reputation for quality models on a budget, and for the price the 700DX is an impressively good, simple, stable tripod. It has a great maximum height of 70 inches, and it will probably survive the apocalypse.

The tripods in Slik’s Lite series feature a ball head, a detachable LED light, and a lever for easily locking and unlocking the tripod legs, but the Lite AL-420M and Lite AL-420S are too short to be contenders in this category. The Lite AL-420 can get tall enough to meet our requirements, but it has a maximum load capacity of only 4.4 pounds, a limitation that caused us to dismiss it for this guide.

Travel tripods

The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey travel tripod has comfy textured grips on each rounded leg lock, but it also has the most spindly legs of any travel tripod we tested, and in our tests they exhibited a significant amount of flex. It was also hard to lock in a specific leg-angle lock, and the price is at the high end of our desired range.

Oben’s CT-3565 carbon-fiber tripod and BZ-217T ball head package makes for a solid travel tripod—it’s even lighter than our travel pick and can be found for about the same price. On the downside, it’s just a bit shorter, and we didn’t like the feet as much. The Oben tripod comes with rubber-and-spiked combo feet, which can be a bit annoying when the rubber spins up (during transport or use) to reveal the metal spikes just when you don’t need them. (We’d argue that you so very rarely need them that this feature often feels like more of a hindrance.) In contrast, the small, slightly spiked rubber feet on the Manfrotto Element MII are everything that most people will ever need, with a bit more grip to the rubbery material, too. And the Element MII comes with optional rubber spikes, should you need them.

MeFoto’s RoadTrip S felt unstable compared with other travel tripods we tested. The leg-angle locks were trickier to use, too, requiring a two-fingered grip to release. MeFoto also offers the RoadTrip Air , which converts into a selfie stick and includes a shutter remote, but its collapsible leg system was harder to control than five individual leg locks, and we worried that a tiny bump to any of the five skinny leg sections could send the whole tripod—along with our expensive camera gear or smartphone—cascading down.

The Vanguard VEO 2 GO 265HAB is a little smaller and lighter than the Manfrotto Element MII, but it’s also more expensive. We loved how easy it was to use, with small upgrades such as comma-shaped pan and ball lock knobs that offer a better grip for making adjustments. But it doesn’t have any bubble levels, and it can reach the same height as the Manfrotto Element MII (64.5 inches) only if you extend the center column, which in our testing felt a bit less steady.

The Manfrotto Element MII Video Monopod is significantly smaller and less stable than our monopod pick from Sirui. It barely stood up on its own, let alone with a camera mounted. The included fluid head panned and tilted smoothly, but the base isn’t removable, making this model less versatile than our pick.

The Manfrotto Xpro Monopod+ Aluminum Four-Section with Fluid Video Head is big, heavy, and slow. The fluid head is dampened, and no matter how loose we set it, we still found resistance when panning and tilting. This design could make it difficult to track fast-moving action or wildlife. Although the tilting base is removable, the legs don’t lock when they’re tucked up, and they opened on their own during our testing. And instead of twist locks, this monopod has flip locks, which we found loud enough to be distracting.

Theano Nikitas contributed to this guide.

Meet your guides

Erin Roberts

Erin Roberts is a freelance writer reporting on cameras and camera accessories at Wirecutter. She started her career as a photojournalist working in newspapers—shooting film—and was the mobile-imaging editor at DPReview. She is also a professional photographer who has made her living photographing everything from rock stars to humpback whales.

Arriana Vasquez

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for powering, home office, cameras, and hobbies at Wirecutter. Her hobbies include reading and photography. Her photos have won several awards in various online competitions, and she is the producer and co-host of Old Books Podcast .

Phil Ryan is Wirecutter’s senior staff writer for camera coverage. Previously, over 13 years he covered cameras and other photo-related items for CNET and Popular Photography. As the latter's tech editor and then senior tech editor, he was responsible for maintaining and refining the lab testing for cameras, and as the main camera tester,  he used and wrote reviews of many of the cameras released in that timeframe.

Further reading

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If you want smoother, more professional-looking video from your smartphone, the Insta360 Flow is the best gimbal.

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The 10 BEST Travel Tripods – Ultimate Photo Guide [2024]

• Last Updated: February 2, 2024

If you’re in the market to buy the best travel tripod then we’ve got you covered! Working as professional travel photographers we have personally tried and tested countless products on the market, and now are ready to share our expert guide to the best tripods for travel in 2024!

Having spent almost a decade travelling the world on various photography assignments, from Antarctica to the Arctic and everywhere in between, it’s safe to say when it comes to gear, we know what works and what doesn’t.

While some accessories are a bit more generic than others, what we’ve found over the years is that selecting something as important as tripods is not so straightforward as one would think.

We’ve bought, tested, and eventually ditched, dozens of travel tripods since we first got into photography, and are always on the hunt for the best deals.

Editors Choice: Peak Design Travel Tripod

We’ve tested everything and officially declared this Peak Design product as our top selection for best travel tripods. It’s lightweight, reaches eye level, durable and packs down to the size of a water bottle. You can save a few bucks with the aluminium version or choose carbon fiber for the best in travel photography technology.

Table of Contents

Peak Design Travel Tripod

Punks travis system  , manfrotto befree, vanguard veo 2 go, joby gorillapod 3k pro, zomei iphone tripod, benro systemgo, gitzo traveler series 1, sirui t-005x, mefoto backpacker s , portability , best professional tripod: gitzo traveler series 1, most portable tripod: joby gorillapod 3k.

These days we have finally narrowed it down to our favourite few products, based on features, durability, portability and price, and after thousands of questions from friends and readers we have finally sat down to share our top recommendations from our experience.

But do you really need a tripod for travel photography?

You might think it’s a bit unnecessary, but truth is the travel photography you can create is going to be so much higher quality thanks to one of these essential tools.

Even the steadiest hands give off some shake, and the second you start diving into the world of long exposures, you’re going to need to keep your camera perfectly still.

Speaking of cameras, make sure you check out legendary guide to travel cameras here !

A lightweight travel tripod will provide crystal clear shots, time-lapse video, panoramas, and long-exposure looks at the night sky.

Besides helping create beautiful images, a tripod also comes in handy if you want to setup the camera to take a photo of yourself when no one else is around.

So why talk about the best travel tripods specifically, rather than just camera tripods in general?

Before you can set up your tripod and start shooting, you’ll have to haul your gear to the location.

Any traditional camera tripod may be capable of capturing the shot, but might be too heavy to carry with you.

Remember, you’ll have to carry every piece of gear you take on your hike and back every step of the way.

Photography equipment built for travel has one primary objective: be light weight.

Great travel tripods are small enough to slip into a daypack and strong enough to withstand a grouchy luggage handler to bring a quick and easy setup on the move. 

Even a professional travel tripod will compromise some operating features to be more portable.

Whether it’s a lower peak height or wobbly legs, a tripod built for travel won’t have the same comfort levels as a traditional tripod, but packability is priceless. 

The good news is, there are plenty of travel tripods that provide enough creature comforts and extra features that allow them to serve your needs beautifully, and we’re here to show you what the best options have to offer. 

This epic buying guide will cover everything you need to know to feel confident in your purchase.

READ MORE: Keen to become a better creator? Check out our expert guide to our best travel photography tips !

Whether your valuable equipment needs a strong max load, your far-reaching panorama requires great maximum height or your extreme adventures require durable carbon fiber construction, we’ve got the sturdy travel tripod for your next adventure.

There are loads of different components that make up a tripod kit, and no one secret formula to success. Tripod manufacturers and models all have different strengths and weaknesses that allow them to function in different scenarios.

In addition to showcasing the best-in-class tripods, we’ll examine some key points to consider when choosing the best travel tripods for you. So take a look, get your batteries charged, and start shooting with the best tripod for your needs.

The Best Travel Tripods 

We’re on our way to the mountaintop just before sunrise to grab an epic shot. And we’re not going to take just any old tripod with us.

To qualify for this buying guide, the tripods on our list offer the best overall value and utility.

Starting at the pinkies of the interchangeable rubber feet up to maximum height with a ball head attached, we expanded and compacted the leading lightweight travel tripods.

Whether you’re looking for something petite for a compact camera or a full-sized unit, read on to find the best travel tripod for your trip.

Peak Design isn’t just a company name – it’s a brand legacy. After revolutionising the industry with their Capture Clips and backpacks, their award-winning travel tripod was crowdfunded thanks to its smattering of unique design features that make it fit uniquely in every camera bag.

Peak Design spent four years working on this aluminium and carbon fiber travel tripod. An included ball head design that works with unique leg locks to reduce the mini tripod to the diameter of a can of tomato sauce and extend out to a maximum height at eye level. 

The ball-head of such a compact tripod may look funky, but the potential is there, and the ARCA -compatible camera plate works with most DSLRs.

You may feel a bit awkward swinging your camera around the first few shots, but this center ball-head is also one of the biggest reasons this tripod is so packable. Once you get the hang of operation, you may never switch back.  

It’s not the most affordable tripod out there, but any passionate photographer will tell you not to skimp on key camera accessories .

Don’t trust a cheap plastic base to protect your DSLR camera; trust in this sturdy aluminium version (or pay extra for the carbon fiber tripod, which we did ) backed up by a lifetime guarantee. 

• Packs down to the size of a water bottle
• Lifetime warranty
• Light, durable and versatile

If it wasn’t for the incredible product design at Peak Design, this Travis system would be the clear-cut champ of the travel tripod market – despite not even being created for travel first. 

At $100 less than their rival and with loads of valuable features, this three-legged thing is an excellent addition to any camera kit. 

While it doesn’t pack down to the same compact folded length as our editor’s choice tripod above, Travis has its own strengths. It’s not just trying to be the best travel tripod, it wants to be the only tripod you own. Whether you’re into standard travel photos, astrophotography or waterfall photography , this unit has you covered.

It’s tough to argue with some of its specs. With a great maximum heigh, durability, and strong tripod legs, there aren’t many shots you can’t capture with this tool. 

What we love most about this tripod is the number of professional features the photography-focused 3 Legged Thing brand brought to the little guy.

This system features extra foot options, a quick-release plate, and extension accessories normally reserved for professional tripods that cost hundreds more than this affordable option. You can build out your tripod any way you see fit.  

• Loads of customization options
• 11:1 load to weight ratio
• Ships with its own carrying bag
• Not a travel tripod first

Manfrotto’s BeFree line of travel tripods can be hard to navigate. The Befree tripods come at a variety of costs supporting loads of different features. 

While any model will give you a sturdy camera stand, our favourite BeFree tripod is the 2N1 model , which comes with monopod options.

Detach the center leg, and you’ve got the perfect selfie stick!

You won’t have to lug the entire tripod around when a monopod will do the trick. Put it all back together and you’ll have 4 different leg sections that help you get the shot at all levels.

That’s a great feature, and this robust travel tripod is way more than a one-trick pony. Twist locks clamp across the ball head and each leg allows plenty of height adjustment up to eye level. We love the simple brilliance of a good twist and lock tripod. 

No need to reinvent the wheel; Manfrotto instead took quality features and built them into a lightweight travel tripod affordable to photographers of all levels. 

They also have other models that are worth a look, such as the Manfrotto Befree Advanced.

• Can also be used as a monopod
• Wide selection of tripod models for various features
• Click or twist-lock options
• Doesn’t pack down as low as other models
• No carbon fibre models

Right away, we couldn’t believe that this affordably priced travel tripod comes with carbon fibre construction.

The ultralight and durable material carbon fiber is usually reserved for the most expensive travel tripod options, but Vanguard has made carbon fiber available at a fraction of the cost. 

If materials are the number one concern on your list, but price is a close second, this tripod makes the decision easy.

Set up requires five flip locks that allow the tool to reduce to a tiny size and expand up to eye level, all at less than three pounds. 

Shop around to find a VEO 2 Go package that includes a bubble level, cell phone mount and Bluetooth remote or whatever customisation options you want to bring along with you. One thing for sure, this bad boy is all about traveling light. 

• Packs down very small
• Carbon fibre at an affordable price
• Reversible centre column
• No carbon fibre option

There’s light, and then there’s this. A vlogger and amateur camera-man special, the slingy arms of the Joby GorillaPod 3k is always a go-to for travel photographers where space and flexibility are of the utmost importance.

This is not a full size tripod, as it won’t extend much higher than one foot, but it can be used just about anywhere and the 3k version is perfect for point-and-shoot or mid-sized mirrorless camera setup.

They’re so good, we have two!

The GorillaPod travel tripod can be wrapped around trees, poles or mounted easily to ledges, walls, and car hoods for quick and beautiful shots.

The larger 5K tripod has a larger max load that can support DSLR cameras, but this slim 3K tool supports smartphones and go pros and fits into any daypack. 

The legs of this Joby tripod are flexible, allowing you to find stability and center the horizon on all sorts of uneven surfaces. Above all else, this aluminum tripod is one of the more affordable options on our list. 

If you’re not shopping for a full size best travel tripod, look towards this GorillaPod to fit into every luggage and balance on every surface. 

• Super flexible legs
• Works in places where full-size tripods are banned
• Only extends 16 inches
• Won’t support a larger camera

For the travel photographer that prefers to leave their big DSLR or mirrorless cameras at home and stick to their favourite smartphone, the ZOMEi iPhone Tripod is the one for you.

For less than 20 bucks, you can secure your phone for stable action shots and easy selfies.

If you just want a few memories to send to the folks at home, you can casually throw this ZOMEi lighter tripod in your day pack and start exploring. 

It’s so light you won’t even notice it in your luggage, and once it’s time to shoot, you can take advantage of the three-legged tripod and remote control to capture yourself in motion just as easily as others. 

You can easily sling this tripod to whatever angle you need, making it a perfect option for capturing backyard skateparks and backflips. It’s also a great choice for budding vloggers who haven’t started raking in the ad revenue.

Remote shutter features allow you to stop and start live streams without walking up to the camera.

The affordability, remote start, and iPhone functionality make this a great first tripod, so you can see what a great set of three legs can do for your photography. 

• Most affordable tripod on our list
• Comes with a remote shutter
• Built to work with iPhones
• Can’t support a dSLR
• Five leg sections to clip through

The SystemGo gets a huge boost by Benro’s additional range of accessories.

It’s a tabletop tripod that can double as a mobile work or photo editing station with the GoPlatform that allows you to mount your laptop with the same protection and versatility as your camera.

Even without this fancy feature, this tripod would be worth a second look .

Benro’s center column helps expand your field of view, although unfortunately, you’ll have to supply your own ball head. 

Its affordability takes a hit because of all these additional purchases, but camera operators who want more choice will love this system.

The built-in monopod attachment grants you further control over your kit. You can detach the center leg and use the travel tripod as an arm-extending monopod if you don’t feel like lugging the entire arsenal. 

Look past all these extra features, and you’ll see a great, folding, sturdy tripod with a heavy operating capacity at a modest weight. 

• Doubles as a mobile workstation
• Can be used as a monopo d
• Includes a padded soft case
• Ball head sold separately
• Larger than other options on our list

Trust this piece of gear to be ready to roll before sunrise. Carbon fibre can sometimes sacrifice durability in the name of lightweight, but not this Gitzo .

Gitzo tripods are no less than three pounds of the best tripod functionality whittled down to travel size. 

This series is the closest thing to a professional-grade carbon fiber travel tripod on our list, and it still fits in overhead flight storage.

A Swiss Arca quick release ball head and reverse folding leg design allow you to stow this carbon fiber tripod and quickly expand the leg sections when it’s time to shoot. 

Five twist-lock sections are user-friendly and easy to activate to make getting the perfect height even easier. I feel further responsibility to nitpick ultra-expensive options, and we do wish the legs would extend to a bit higher than 58 inches, but overall this series is well worth the high price. 

Gitzo is arguably the number one name in tripods, and with their Traveler series, you can expect nothing less but the best stability and user-friendly features from this model. 

However, for most amateur and even professional photographers, we feel that other tripods can perform the same functions at a fraction of the cost.

The major exception to this is any travel photographers planning to shoot in extreme weather. You won’t find anything more storm-ready than this Gitzo.  

• Respected tripod brand
• Very durable
• High max load weight
• Quite expensive

Sirui’s aluminum travel tripod cemented its place on our list thanks to its incredibly low price point and high quality build.

If you’re not shopping for a cheap plastic iPhone only tripod, this is the most affordable travel tripod you can find that still offers the stability and performance to be worth bringing along. 

Don’t expect this tripod to rock a heavy load capacity; it’s simply a cheaper aluminum version of the best models on the market.

We love how lightweight it is, and the number of leg sections fold up nicely to stow the tripod in about a foot of space. 

We didn’t love the fact that twist locks split into five different leg sections even though the tripod head won’t reach near 5 feet high.

Oh well, they are what they are, the best budget travel tripods on our list. If you’re looking for no more than three legs and a high build quality ball head, look no further. 

• Very affordable
• Really lightweight
• Carbon fibre and aluminium hybrid
• Centre column doesn’t compact

To round out our best travel tripod list, we present another sturdy option that saves you a bit of money.

The Backpacker S doesn’t pump out eye-popping specs, but it does stay incredibly affordable and lightweight.

And most of us won’t need anything more than this sturdy tripod with Swiss Arca ball plates – no need for a hex key!

The ball-head allows complete 180-degree rotations of your camera, perfect for panoramas. You can have your choice of several bright colors, all with great functionality at an affordable price. 

It’s another high-quality aluminum tripod that isn’t trying to reinvent the industry.

Instead, Mefoto has presented affordable and lightweight travel tripods that prove you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to shoot with stability. 

• Can be converted into a monopod
• Additional mount available for phones and cameras
• Affordable and customisable
• Not built for all-weather
• Decent across the board but doesn’t have any exceptional features

How to Choose the Best Tripods for Travel

As you can see, there’s a lot of great options when it comes to selecting the best travel tripod!

By definition, tripods often look pretty similar – Three legs with varying degrees of leg locks come together at a ball-head camera mount, maybe with a quick release plate.

With so much standardisation in construction, how can one tripod be considered better than the rest?

While loads of budget tripods can provide a capable camera stand, there are only a few products that seriously consider each of the following factors.

To choose the best travel tripod for your next adventures, take a look at these factors and decide which ones are most important for your needs. 

Ask yourself how you’ll be travelling to your photoshoots. If you’re travelling with an entire car full of room, you won’t have to worry as much about tripod weight as you will if you’re looking for a compact travel tripod that is also a hiking companion. 

Long-term travellers living out of a backpack may not feel the difference in a pound or two, but should emphasise buying a tripod that compacts to a small size.

And, of course, we have to be able to afford the dang thing! 

READ MORE: Make sure you have a good way to carry your tripod by diving deep into our ultimate guide to the best camera backpacks !

Without portability, your travel tripod is just a tripod. Your tripod’s portability will be a combination of its weight and folding size. 

Weight is a straightforward factor to consider – less is more! However, a lightweight tripod may sacrifice a bit of durability to weigh next to nothing, and lightweight tripods are generally more expensive, such. asthe

Ask yourself how many miles you plan on walking with your entire load capacity on your back, and let that answer define how lightweight your travel tripod will be. The lightest options on our list weigh between 2-4 pounds.

The folded length is just as important as weight. The Peak Design Travel Tripod ’s ability to condense down to the size of a water bottle is what earned its title of the best travel tripod.  

We want the number of leg sections to fold down and fit inside our travel bag, but some ultra-folding travel tripods may sacrifice maximum load capacity and durability to bend further.

Visualise how you will be transporting your tripod weight and decide how important folded length is to keep everything inside your backpack.

Aha! The reason why tripods aren’t more portable across the board. I like my tripods to reach as close to eye level as possible, about 5 feet at maximum height. Anything more is a bonus, but anything less will start to lose value. 

Don’t forget to check out minimum folded height as well! You might want a tripod that can function with a leg angle selector at only a few inches off the ground for close-up shots, which can be handy for some types of landscape photography .

Not all 6-foot tripods are built the same, a lot depends on the number of leg sections it takes to get there.

Look at how the tallest travel tripod reaches its height and make sure it doesn’t sacrifice too much max load – we still need a sturdy tripod!

The more sections your tripod has, the smaller its folded height may be, but the more leg locks you’ll have to turn loose before your tripod is ready to shoot. 

I find that tripods with more than four leg sections start to be less sturdy and more annoying to lock up. 

Some of the tripods on our list are not cheap, especially if it’s a carbon fiber tripod. If you’re making a significant investment in your travel tripod though, you should expect it to last.

We’ve already touched on a few factors that impact durability; lightweight status, tripod weight, and leg sections. But the biggest indicator of your tripod’s durability is the build materials. 

Most of the tripods on our list use aluminum and carbon fiber. We do not recommend investing in a travel tripod made of plastic if you plan on taking it through the wringer.

Even if you don’t plan on bumps and bruises, the cheapest travel tripod won’t last more than a year or two, it will be flimsy and you wouldn’t even want to trust compact cameras on it.

Aluminum is a great middle ground. It’s not so expensive, and it’s not very fragile.

Travellers taking photos in normal weather conditions and exposing their gear to an average amount of wear and tear will be OK with the lightweight metal, and it still supports great maximum height.

Going near the ocean though, or want the best travel tripod on the market? You’ll need to look at carbon fiber tripods.

Carbon fiber is the strongest, lightest, and most weather-resistant material used in tripod construction, but also the most expensive. Invest in a carbon fiber tripod if you plan on shooting rain or shine. 

Some other tripods are made up of a combination of the two materials to strike up a middle ground. 

There’s a large amount of range in tripod pricing, and you can expect to get what you pay for. As you can see, you can find a good tripod for anywhere from $100- $400. Even higher if you’re looking at the Peak Design Travel Tripod (it’s worth the price tag though).

I strongly believe in investing in your gear, but you shouldn’t buy a travel tripod that costs more than your camera!

Some gearheads will swear by the most expensive options, but the truth is, casual travellers won’t need the features included on a $400 tripod. 

That’s a Wrap!

We broke out the zoom lens and examined the landscape of the best travel tripods on the market with everything we got. Hopefully, the image is starting to get a bit more clear.

While best travel tripod won’t affect your picture quality as much as your camera will, a sturdy, steady, and lightweight tripod will go a long way towards sharp images and safe camera use. 

Whether you’re trying to play with long exposures, vlogging, or working in low-light, our editor’s choice Peak Design Travel Tripod will help you perform to your fullest no matter where you’re shooting. 

Looking for other ideas? Here is our runner up in 2 different categories:

This special carbon fiber tripod won’t come cheap, but it’s the best we’ve tested, and you can always write it off as a business expense if you’re a pro.

The three-pound unit offers excellent stability, durability, and portability that will pay for itself during your first long hike or voyage.

Get the best deal for it here .

Incredibly small, flexible, and portable, this tripod can go anywhere you can. Add in the surprisingly sturdy ball heads at a reasonable price, and you’ve got a simple option focused on portability.

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Home » Gear » best travel tripods

The 10 BEST Travel Tripods (Up Your PhotographGame in 2024)

So you just bought your new pride and joy: a travel camera worthy of capturing your epic adventures. But now you’re out shooting and the moment comes when you can’t seem to get a good image. Perhaps there isn’t enough light or maybe it’s too windy; regardless, all of your pictures just look blurry, dark and just don’t seem to capture the epic scene laid out before you.

Other times, you may see some photographers’ work and think: “Wow! How did they get the milky way in their pictures” or wonder “how did they make those waterfalls look so smooth and dreamy?” Well, my friends, the secret is out: A good travel tripod is the reason. 

Admit it, you’ve seen photographers carrying around a tripod or pitching up at a viewpoint and wondered what on earth they need them for. Well, now you know and now you’re taking your travel photography seriously you’re ready to join the pros. When it comes to taking high-quality images, a lightweight travel tripod can be just as important as the camera itself. A great travel tripod might just be the thing that takes your photos to the next level.

Now you’ve decided to take the leap, get ready for a sea of confusing terms, endless options and various different price ranges. When it comes to the best travel tripods, it’s easier said than done to pick the right one for your trip and photography style. Which is why we’ve put together this guide so you can find the perfect travel tripod that fits your style.

Let’s jump into it!

Quick Answers: Best Travel Tripods of 2024

The best travel tripods of 2024, #1 vanguard alta pro, best overall travel tripod, #2 mefoto roadtrip, best travel tripod runner-up, #3 manfrotto befree, best travel tripod for backpacking, #4 zomei z818, best budget travel tripod, #5 gitzo traveler series 1, professional travel tripod, #6 mefoto globetrotter, best professional tripod runner-up, #7 joby gorillapod 5k, best tripod for under $100, #8 benro aero 4 travel angel, best travel tripod for video, #9 3 legged thing punks corey, best budget travel tripod for dslrs, #10 manfrotto 290 carbon fiber monopod, best travel monopod, what to consider when buying the best travel tripod, how we tested the best travel tripods, faq about the best travel tripods, final thoughts.

• Overall Best Tripod –  Vanguard Alta Pro
• Best Budget Travel Tripod –  Zomei Z818
• Best Professional Travel Tripod –  Gitzo Traveler Series 1
• Best Tripod for Under $100  –  Joby Gorillapod 5k
• Best Tripod for Video –  Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel
• Jump to ->   The List of 10 Best Tripods of 2024

Vanguard Alta Pro

• > 15.4 lbs capacity

Gitzo Traveler Series 1

• > 22 lbs capacity

Joby Gorillapod 5K

• > 11 lbs capacity

Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel

• > 8.8 lbs capacity

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• Load Capacity:15.4 lb
• Maximum Height: 68.1?
• Minimum Height: 56? but this is a misleading number
• Folded Length: 28.1?
• Weight: 5.4 lbs
• Leg Sections: 3 – Flip Locks

Though the Vanguard Alta Pro is almost 6 years old by now, it’s still one of the best tripods on the market today! Since the release of an updated version – the less than stellar Alta Pro 2 – the price of the Alta Pro has dropped even further as well, making this already budget-friendly travel tripod even more affordable.

The Vanguard Alta Pro uses an innovative system – referred to as MACC (Multi-Angle Central Column) – where the center column can be rotated on its axis up to 180 degrees, allowing for a horizontal and upside down compositions.

With such flexibility, you can position your camera in ways that would normally be awkward, like near to the ground and poking out to the side. The system is fairly intuitive and setting-up should take no longer than any other tripod.

• Innovative design that is still useful today
• Excellent price these days
• Well equipped to handle most cameras
• 15.4 lb load capacity may be a liberal number
• Will need maintenance
• Fidgety quick release plate

The legs of the Alta Pro are constructed of 3 sections and can be laid out nearly flat. Combined with the MACC, this ensures that you’ll be able to achieve some pretty crazy and unique angles. The legs use flips locks, which are convenient but will require periodic tightening as they are used.

The Vanguard Alta Pro is a little heavy because it’s made from aluminum. It’s rated to a hold up to 15.4 lbs but many users have commented that this number may be skewed as wobble can still be a problem with oversized DSLRs. Avoid using this tripod at its full extension.

The Vanguard Alta comes equipped with an SBH-100 ball head that is fairly sturdy. The quick release plate is not as smooth as other tripods – like the Manfrotto – but this is a minor gripe. Below the ball head, there is a bubble leveler as well.

Is the Vanguard Alta Pro For You?

Do you want one of the most innovative and praised tripods in recent memory? Want to take advantage of its recent price cuts? Then there is no better time to invest in the Vanguard Alta Pro! This tripod is very capable and has become well-loved over the years; in many people’s minds, it still one of the best tripods for backpacking.

The team are massive fans of this tripod and just love its versatility when it comes to positioning, in particular, the ability to adjust the centre column is priceless when you need to get down low. They also felt it was pretty light and its weight was a good compromise between being light and also being stable in windy conditions.

• Load Capacity: 17.6 lbs
• Maximum Height: 61.6”
• Minimum Height: 15.4”
• Folded Length: 15.4”
• Weight: 3.6 lbs
• Leg Sections: 5 – Screw Lock

For those who want a slightly lighter tripod than the Vanguard Alta Pro, the MeFOTO Roadtrip is an excellent alternative. This lightweight travel tripod is very adept and can still handle most photographic situations. It may not be as nifty as the Vanguard but the MeFOTO Roadtrip still has the cuts to get the job done.

Like most tripods, the MeFOTO Roadtrip’s legs can be set to three different positions: wide, standard, and free, the third of which is usually used for folding the legs up for packing.

I find that the second option is usually the most useful as it creates a base that most photographers will find optimal. The first is mostly used for getting the tripod low – though not so low as the Vanguard Alta Pro – to the ground. Changing the position of the legs is simply a matter of pushing and retracting a button.

• Quite light and packable.
• Can still hold larger DSLRs
• Can be converted into a monopod
• Can still suffer from wobble at times
• Legs are not as durable as others

Of note is the MeFOTO’s ability to be converted into a monopod, which is an increasingly popular feature in modern tripods.

By removing one of the legs, detaching the central column, and then connecting the two together (BOOM!) you have a monopod. This arrangement is great when you want to run and gun and don’t want to worry about carrying around a cumbersome three legged monster.

At 3.6 lbs, the MeFOTO is quite light. It’s rated to hold over 17 lbs of equipment though many photographers do complain that the MeFOTO still suffers from wobble especially when fully extended.

This is most likely a consequence of the tripod’s light weight in addition to the fact that the legs are broken into five sections, which is not ideal.

Is the MeFOTO Roadtrip For You?

Do you want a lightweight tripod that can handle a heavier DSLR a bit better? Do you like the idea of using a monopod? Then the MeFOTO Roadtrip may be the travel tripod for you! This sturdy tripod will give you that extra rigidity for your camera that, even though it’s not quite professional yet, should handle most situations.

The team loved how quick and easy this tripod was to deploy and adjust with the screw-able leg locks rather than clips, these are also a lot more durable too. The weight of this tripod though was the real selling point for the team and it made them feel like they were much more likely to want to take it with them on their trips.

• Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
• Maximum Height: 56.7?
• Minimum Height: 13.4?
• Folded Length: 15.75?
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Leg Sections: 4 – Flip Lock

If you’re looking for a conventional tripod that is very light and doesn’t sacrifice too much durability, then I suggest the Manfrotto BeFree. This reliable and lightweight tripod is great for wilderness backpacking in addition to demanding professional shoots. It has the usual bells and whistles that a good travel tripod should have and all at a great price.

The Manfrotto BeFree is very straightforward travel tripod that is not overly complex to use.

The legs can be arranged into the usual positions (wide, normal, and free) though the Manfrotto uses a slightly novel latching system to achieve this; it’s unique though in no way inhibitive.

The legs are composed of 4 sections and are locked via flip mechanisms. Like the Alta Pro, you’ll have to periodically tighten these locks. The feet of the tripod are made of rubber, which is good for gripping most surfaces. In my personal experiences, I find the feet like to fall off quite often, which easily fixed via replaced parts though still a little irritating.

• One of the lightest (aluminum) tripods available
• Very quick and easy to use
• Probably not suitable for larger DSLRs
• Can be unstable when fully extended – lack of a hook doesn’t help
• Feet like to fall off

The BeFree is remarkably light given that’s made of aluminum – ultralight photographers can upgrade to a carbon fiber version , which cuts about a half pound as well. The BeFree is rated to hold nearly 9 lbs, which makes it most ideal for mirrorless shooters.

Full frame DSLR shooters who use this travel tripod notice some wobbling in the frame especially and complain further that the lack of a hook on the central column, which is used to weight the tripod, leaves much to be desired.

For videographers, the Manfrotto BeFree can also be converted into a great travel video tripod via special video head sold separately. This accessory, the Manfrotto 502 Video Head , is very effective and does a great job panning.

Is the Manfrotto BeFree For You?

Do you want a lightweight travel tripod without sacrificing too much stability? Are you still looking for something affordable? Then check out the Manfrotto BeFree Travel Tripod! This tripod is easy-to-use, very packable, and won’t break your back or the bank at all. It has been my go-to for many years and I have no problem saying that it’s one of the best backpacking tripods out there!

Personally, this has been my go-to tripod of choice for the past few years and I’ve been super happy with its versatility, durability and weight. It easily fits inside my big backpack and honestly still keeps the weight down to a reasonable level for backpacking or short trips. I use this with my Sony A7III and 24-105 f4 lens and I have always found it super stable even in windy conditions.

• Load Capacity: ?
• Maximum Height: 65?
• Minimum Height: 22?
• Folded Length: 18?
• Weight: 3.7 lbs
• Leg Sections: 4 – Twist Locks

At around $100, the Zomei Z818 is a screaming deal. With a solid build quality, useful features, and the ability to convert into a monopod, this baby can compete with every comparable tripod out there.

I’m going to cut to chase here and say that the Zomei Z818 is very similar to the MeFOTO Roadtrip – shockingly so actually.

Many of the features found in the MeFOTO are also found in the Zomei like the screws locks, the hook in the center column, and the ability to be converted into a monopod. Even the locking mechanism for the Zomei’s legs is eerily similar in mechanics to the MeFOTO.

The Zomei Z818 is a slightly larger travel tripod than the MeFOTO Roadtrip. The Zomei’s maximum height is about 4 inches greater than the MeFOTO and the minimum height is about 7 inches difference. The Zomei is consequently heavier than the MeFOTO but only just barely.

The team felt this was their best backpacking tripod for a DSLR on a budget. They loved that for the price it was all made from high-quality aluminium rather than cheap plastic which made it feel much more durable. The fact that it can be turned into a monopod too really impressed them for such a well priced tripod.

• Cheaper than the competition
• Very similar to the MeFOTO Roadtrip
• No official load capacity?
• Suffers from some wobble with heavier loads
• Can’t be commended for being very original (I guess)

Oddly enough, I couldn’t find any official numbers for the Zomei’s load capacity anywhere on the web. Since it is so similar to the Roadtrip though, I imagine that the load capacity for the Zomei would be around 17 lbs.

I would also guess that it suffers from the same wobble as the MeFOTO does when using a heavier camera but this part I’ve yet to actually test.

Long story short, the Zomei Z818 is a great travel tripod, one that is comparable to the already impressive MeFOTO Roadtrip. The fact that it is $50 cheaper than the MeFOTO is the most alurring factor though. Those in the market for the best budget travel tripod will have to consider the Zomei Z818.

Is the Zomei Z818 For You?

Do you want a great tripod for an amazing price? Did you like what you saw with MeFOTO Roadtrip? Then give the Zomei Z818 a chance! Considering its functionality and low price, this guy takes the award for best budget travel tripod currently on the market.

• Load Capacity: 22 lb
• Maximum Height: 60.2?
• Minimum Height: 8.6?
• Folded Length: 16.7?
• Weight: 2.3 lbs
• Leg Sections: 4 – G Lock System

If money isn’t an issue for you, then the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is the best tripod, period. It’s one of the lightest, sturdiest, most intuitive, and most attractive photographic accessories that you can own.

There is no special, groundbreaking technology involved with the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 – it will not blow you away with new or futuristic features. No, the Gitzo does so well because of the quality of its parts and manufacturing. Like the best Italian food that you ever had, it’s all about the ingredients.

The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is made from high-grade carbon fiber materials, the quality of which the company insists is cut above the competition. Unlike many other tripods in this guide, the Gitzo Traveler is actually quite good-looking, fashionable even, thanks to the stylish finish on the carbon fiber.

• The best that money can buy
• Very light and very sturdy
• Just all around easy-to-use
• Very, very expensive

The legs are made from 4 sections and are locked in place by the company’s own patented “G Lock System.” This system is very efficient and quite inconspicuous, which only adds to the tripod’s already gorgeous appearance.

The Gitzo weighs a paltry 2.3 lbs and is rated to hold 22 lbs. It’s minimum height of 8.6” is one of the lowest on this list not including the GorillaPod.

I’d go further into the Gitzo’s construction but it’d be futile. I can only say that this is simply one the best tripods that one can buy. You will pay (a lot) for it but, in time, you’ll probably forget about the price. Note that the standard version of this Gitzo doesn’t include a ballhead – if you’re willing to spend the extra cash, you can buy a full set here .

Is the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 For You?

Do you want the absolute best possible travel tripod? Is money no issue? Then go buy the Gitzo Traveler Series 1. With near-perfect engineering and materials, this tripod is, in many photographer’s eyes, not just great for travelling, but everything.

I mean, the team were of course, very impressed by this tripod. But did they feel it was worth almost 500 quid, well, some of them did! The members of the crew who were photography aficionados felt that if your budget stretches this far, then you won’t be disappointed. The carbon fibre construction, twist lock extendable legs, and versatile positioning just make it feel like a real premium product and on top of that, it’s light AF and super compact… what’s not to like. Oohh, yeah, the price!

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• Load Capacity: 26.4 lb
• Maximum Height: 64.2?
• Minimum Height: 16.1?
• Folded Length: 16.5?
• Weight: 3.7 lb
• Leg Sections: 5 – Twist Locks

The MeFOTO Globetrotter is the larger, more capable version of the MeFOTO Roadtrip and is meant for professional photographers with heavier equipment. Made of carbon fiber and rated to hold a staggering 26.4 lbs, the MeFOTO Globetrotter can handle just about anything you or mother nature can throw at it.

When considering the MeFOTO Roadtrip vs the Globetrotter, the two function in many similar ways. Both have twist locks on the legs, three different orientations, and use the same button-like mechanism to set the legs.

Due to its carbon fiber construction, the MeFOTO Globetrotter suffers less from the wobble that the Roadtrip reportedly does while still remaining light. The MeFOTO Globetrotter retains the ability to turn into a monopod and, thanks to sturdier build, may even be used as trekking pole if you’re so inclined.

• Light for how sturdy it is
• Very cheap compared to the competition
• Can handle heavier loads and more adverse conditions
• Still $300+
• Little heavy for a carbon fiber tripod

The MeFOTO Globetrotter still uses the twist lock system as the Roadtrip. Again, whether or not you like twist locks or not – as opposed to flip – is a matter of preference. Granted, the Globetrotter’s weather sealing seems to be very effective and its joints do not appear to loosen as quickly as the Roadtrip. This travel tripod is built to last.

The most impressive part about the Globetrotter is the price though – at nearly half the cost of several of its competitors, the Globetrotter performs near equally as well.

At 3.7 lbs too it’s still reasonably light but this is where it falls short compared to the competition. Many carbon fiber tripods will come in at less than 3 lbs, which is why you buy the premium material in the first place and, thus, kinda defeats the purpose.

Is the MeFOTO Globetrotter For You?

Do you want a professional-grade tripod for a good price? Mind if it’s a little heavier than other carbon fiber ones? Then head come on down and get yourself a MeFOTO Globetrotter! This upgraded version of the Roadtrip will stand up to whatever you throw at it and won’t cost too much.

The team were pretty happy with this tripod for the price, it had that feel of a premium product without the extortionate costs in all honesty. The price vs weight vs stability made this tripod feel like it has really hit the sweet spot. The team also felt the red accents the tripod is available in was also a nice touch that made it stand out against the rest.

• Load Capacity: 11 lb
• Maximum Height: 15.2?
• Minimum Height: N/A
• Folded Length: N/A
• Weight: 17 oz
• Leg Sections: N/A

The Gorillapod 5K is Joby’s newest addition to its lineup and maybe its best yet! The 5K is a streamlined version of their previous Focus edition and expands upon its predecessor’s prowess.

With a very sturdy build, unbeatable lightness, the ability to get into otherwise hard-to-reach places, and great price, the Joby GorillaPod 5k is not only the best tripod for under $100 but also the best ultralight tripod.

Gorillapods have been around for a while. I’m sure that you’ve seen them wrapped around a railing or clinging to some tree at least once in your travels. Over the years, they’ve had a bit of a mixed reputation – though novel in their design, they just couldn’t hold up under harsh conditions or heavier loads; neither could they excel in composition because of their short stature.

• Remarkably sturdy
• Eminently light
• Very flexible
• Maximum sturdiness requires just the right leg setup, which can be tedious
• Limited to low angle shots
• Expensive if you’re buying the Joby ballhead too

The Gorillapod Focus and its current iteration, the Gorillapod 5K, have changed that. Built with high end plastics, rubber, machined aluminum, and stainless steel, the Gorillapod 5K is not the cute little tripod that you saw before. This thing can hold a serious amount of weight for its size – 11 lbs – and can support many high-end travel cameras.

The legs of the Gorillapod 5K are their usual flexible selves – being able to wrap many objects for stabilization – though these feel very rigid, perhaps too rigid much for some. You may find it a little tedious to adjust the legs, a process that was already frustrating enough in past models. Tediousness aside, this rigidity is a good thing though as that’s how the Gorillapod is able to hold more weight.

I’ve used the Gorillapod 5K several times while backpacking and feel very happy with it. I was still able to get good shots with my Fujifilm XT2 and certainly didn’t mind the lack of weightiness.

Is the Joby Gorillapod 5k For You?

Do you want the lightest possible tripod that can still handle your heavy equipment? Are you okay with using a tripod that’s only a little over a foot tall? Well then maybe it’s time to give Gorillapods a chance. The Gorillapod 5K is one of the best models ever produced by Joby and is devoid of many of the inherent flaws that has plagued its precursors.

Despite being Scottish slang for poop, the Joby was a roaring success across the team. The tiny, light and compact design meant it was suitable across the board for those using their phone to others using mirrorless cameras. What is also a massive selling point is of course how it can grip on pretty much anything, which the team felt in practice actually worked well, especially on lighter cameras.

• Maximum Height: 65.2?
• Minimum Height: 21.9?
• Folded Length: 21.7?
• Weight: 5.8 lbs
• Leg Sections: 3 – Flip Lock

Dedicated travel vloggers will need a specialized tripod to create the highest quality videos. One of the most useful tripods specifically for video right now is the Benro Aero 4. With a well designed video head and a sturdy set of legs underneath it, the Benro Aero 4 is more than capable of helping to create gorgeous videos.

The body of the Benro Aero 4 is designed very similarly to many other tripods in this guide. The legs and central column are made of tough aluminum.

The tripod is quite steady and doesn’t have much jitter too so long as your camera is no more than 9lbs. At almost 6 lbs, the Benro Aero 4 is a bit on the heavy side though not as heavy as some other professional grade cinematography tripods.

• Well-performing tripod head
• Still has the functions of a normal tripod
• Easy to set up and pack away
• Videographers are probably limited to shooting Micro Four Thirds and APS-C
• Some users report that the screws of the quick release plate are a little wonky
• Quite heavy

The legs are made from 3 sections and can be locked into fixed positions via a flipping mechanism. The legs can be arranged into the usual angular distances. Note that the widest angle that the Benro Aero 4’s legs can be set-up to is not as wide as other tripods though, thus the relatively high minimum height.

Like many other tripods these days, the Benro can be converted into a monopod as well. Simply remove one of the legs and attach it to the central shaft; easy as that!

The most important part of a good travel video tripod is the head though. The Aero 4’s flat video head is excellently designed and very efficient. Using the built-in handle, which is essential to capturing good video, the head pans very smoothly. There are several other knobs to control resistance further. There’s a quick release plate as well so you can mount your camera and start shooting in a single quick motion.

Is the Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel For You?

Are you a videographer who needs a specialized tripod? Do you use a smaller camera for video? If these sound right to you, then check out the Benro Aero 4! This is one of the best travel video tripods right now thanks to its compact design and superb flat video head.

The team felt this camera was a little niche but for those wanting to produce good-quality videos on their trip, this is the perfect solution. Often video tripods can be pretty heavy and sure, this one is compared to others on our list, but at the same time, compared to other video tripods, it’s not! The larger than normal ball head also neatly tucks away which the team were pretty impressed by.

• Load Capacity: 30 lbs
• Maximum Height: 58?
• Minimum Height: 4?
• Folded Length:13.7?
• Weight: 3.4 lb

The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey is a brawler of a tripod that swings way above its weight class. At 3.4 lbs this travel tripod is rated to hold up to 30 lbs, which is a huge number. With a robust design and atypical central column that can be converted into a monopod, the 3 Legged Punks Corey is a real contender.

The Punks Corey is made from rubber, aluminum, and titanium materials. The legs are composed of 5 sections and are locked via a twisting mechanism. The rubber grip for the twists feel good in your hands and looks pretty cool too with a gator-skin like pattern. The legs can be locked into three positions: 23 degrees, 55 degrees, and 80 degrees.

• Very strong
• Unique central column design
• Some may really like cosmetics of this tripod
• Tripod must still be set up properly to hold 30 lbs
• Removing central column can take some time
• Some may really not like cosmetics of this tripod

At its greatest extension, the Punks Corey is 58” high. Note that a tripod will always be more subject to shake as maximum extension is reached.

The Punks Corey’s central column can be removed, which can then be converted into a monopod – in conjunction with one of the legs – or to allow the tripod itself to get as low to the ground as possible. Without the central column, the ball head is rescrewed directly onto the tripod and the minimum height becomes 4”.

To be able to hold such a great weight, the ball head must be strong. The Punks Corey is AirHed Neo ballhead is just that.

Is the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey For You?

Do you want a beast of a tripod that can handle heavy loads? Want something that is functional as well as convertible? Then look no further than the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey! It’s better equipped to handle heavy DSLRs and is still able to perform all the usual duties that befit a great travel tripod.

The team felt this was a winner for their best budget travel tripod award (DSLR category of course!). The rubberised twist lock system was particularly appreciated especially when it came to shooting in inclement weather. The ability also to switch the central column to shoot underneath the tripod without any real fuss was also a huge selling point.

• Maximum Height: 59.4?
• Minimum Height: 19.3?
• Weight:1.1 lb

To be honest, this one kinda feels like cheating because this isn’t a tripod at all; it’s purely a monopod – a tool that only uses one leg instead of three. Don’t think that it’s inferior though; in the right hands, the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod can compete with any tripod. Trekkers can pack it away easily or even use it as a trekking pole, making it one of the best tools for wilderness photographers.

A few tripods already mentioned in this guide have had the ability to convert into monopods – let’s look at now why monopods are just as convenient as their three-legged compatriots.

With three legs, tripods offer near complete stabilization across two planes – a monopod only covers one. For many photographers, that single plane of stabilization is all that is required for getting good pictures. For those who are more active shooters, like hikers, sports photographers, and wedding photographer, a monopod is perfect.

• The lightest tripod/monopod in this guide
• Very, very sturdy
• Very packable
• Not as much stabilization as a conventional tripod
• May or may not save your hide
• Long exposures will be very difficult

The Manfrotto 290 is an exceptional monopod. Built from high-end carbon fiber, it would take a lot to break this thing. Its 4 sections are locked by flipping latches that are equally as reliable.

So strong is the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Tripod that some photographers may even use it as a trekking pole – there’s even a loop for your wrist.

Note that while the frame is secure, there’s always a chance that it may break should you take a nasty fall. It is, at the end of the day, meant to steady your camera and not save your life. Whether or not you choose to use it as a walking stick or hide it in your bag, the Manfrotto 290 Monopod will integrate seamlessly into your backpacking and camera kit.

Is the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod For You?

Do you hate the idea of lugging around a tripod? Think you have the steady hand to manage with just one leg? Then give the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod a shot. It’s a very well-made piece of equipment that monopod enthusiasts will approve of and it’s a great deal.

The team acknowledged how a monopod is maybe a little more niche and of course, has different uses, but they felt this was an awesome option for those wanting to go super light. They did however feel that it was light, stable and quick to adjust on the fly.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Why Invest in a Travel Tripod?

To me it’s a no-brainer: why buy an expensive travel camera if you can’t get the most out of it? With a tripod, you can do just this – unlock the full potential of your camera and get the best pictures possible.

With a tripod, you can shoot photos in conditions that would be near impossible if you were simply holding the camera in your hand. Selfies, light trails, long exposures; all of these and more are possible while using a tripod.

A good tripod will create maximum stability for your camera. Granted, some photographers get away with using features like image stabilization and lens stabilization – but these will only get you so far. At a minimum, you should at least have a small, lightweight travel tripod that will allow some sort of rigidity in certain circumstances.

With maximum stabilization comes maximum image quality. Where some novices may struggle in the wind, the dark or when trying to get that artistic composition, you will succeed. With the best possible travel tripod, you will take some of the best photos of your life.

As you dive further into the photographic world, you may even discover whole new ways of taking photos thanks to your travel tripod. Advanced techniques like HDR, focus stacking, and nightscapes will all be available to you thanks to your new travel tripod.

With this guide, you’ll receive lots of tips on what to look for in a great tripod and what constitutes a good investment. This guide has a ton of options, but I’ve made it easy to navigate so you’ll easily be able to identify a tripod that best fits your style.

So, first thing is first… what is your style?

What are you looking for in a travel tripod?

Are you looking for something small and easy? Maybe you are in need of something a little taller and sturdy?

Let’s dive deeper…

There are many factors to take into consideration when looking for the right tripod.

But the good news? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

A good tripod will be sturdy, reliable, flexible, and not weigh too much or be too big at the same time.

Sounds easy, right?

Ha, not always.

Most tripods will only be able to do a few of these things well; to have the perfect tripod would mean spending a lot of money, which many of us broke backpackers don’t have.

You obviously can’t have everything when choosing a tripod so you’ll have to be picky. Maybe you need something light or maybe you need something rock solid. Perhaps you’ll want a tripod that can bend in unheard of ways or perhaps you just want something simple.

Take into consideration the following points when looking for a tripod. Pick and choose which features are most important for you and then go for it!

Size and Weight

These are perhaps the most important aspects to consider when choosing a tripod for traveling as both have far-reaching repercussions. How you pack your tripod and how much of a burden it is are dependent on its size and weight.

Generally speaking, a larger tripod will be more able to handle heavier loads and adverse conditions. With size comes weight though and carrying around those extras pounds will fatigue you after a while.

If you want to cut weight, a smaller tripod will have the benefit of being lighter in addition to being less expensive. With a smaller tripod comes other compromises though: you will not have as much freedom when it comes to composing your shot and stability can sometimes be an issue.

You can have your cake and eat it too but it’ll cost quite a bit of cash. There are several professional-grade travel tripods that are physically large enough to be effective yet still weigh very little at the same time. These will be much more expensive though as they are almost always made of premium materials.

I personally think about these issues all the time and it’s a constant battle between preparedness and minimal weight. I have actually invested in two tripods – a Manfrotto BeFree and Gorillapod 4K – and alternate between the two depending on the shoot.

Material and Durability

As previously mentioned, material will play an important part in weight and price as well as overall durability. To put it simply: more expensive materials will be lighter, stronger, and more expensive while cheaper ones will be heavier, weaker, and less expensive. So unfortunately a cheap travel tripod might just weigh you down significantly!

Aluminum is the most common alloy used in the construction of tripods. It is a cheap, ubiquitous material that handles the elements well. Even though it’s technically weaker than carbon fiber, it’s still very durable. Most of the best budget travel tripods will be made of aluminum.

Carbon fiber is a stronger composite that is lighter and stronger than aluminum. It is a very reliable material that is used to manufacture all sorts of products that require the utmost durability like cars, safety vests, and even spaceships. Because it is hard to produce though, carbon fiber is markedly more expensive than aluminum.

Unless you are very adamant about cutting weight and are willing to pay the price, aluminum is a perfectly fine material . When used properly – as is the case with all of the tripods on this list – it’s very reliable. I’ve personally taken aluminum tripods into some very hairy situations and they’ve never failed me.

Load Capacity

Certain travel tripods can hold certain amounts of weight depending on their size, build, and overall quality. Lighter tripods may be less able to hold heavier weights but, then again, heavier tripods will be a burden on your back.

It is important to have a travel tripod that can properly hold your camera as it will ensure maximum image quality. A tripod that is struggling under the weight of a heavy camera will start to shake and sharpness will be affected. The tripod may even fall over, in which case you have a serious problem – fallen tripods can mean broken cameras.

Most travel tripods can handle a standard DSLR. Only in extreme situations do you need to worry about load capacity i.e. if you’re using a really bulky DSLR with a hefty lens or if you know you’ll be shooting in very windy conditions. In these cases, it would be wise to a travel tripod that is rated to carry more.

But especially if you’re looking for the best budget tripod for a DSLR, the weight of your equipment has to be a consideration.

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

Tripod technology really has come a long way. I remember using my parent’s old video camera tripod and thinking how rudimentary it was – the range of the leg’s motion was barely 45 degrees, the ball head was fitted with quark, and the metal construction felt like a bleacher seat.

How shocked was I when I bought a modern travel tripod and found out that it could do things like fold up and even be turned upside for extremely low perspective shots!

A good modern tripod will be malleable and have the ability to be set up in numerous configurations. Thanks to a system of adjustable legs and flexible hinges, travel tripod can do just this.

A tripod must be easy to use as well. All of those tricky motions and creative setups will mean nothing if it takes too long to get ready. Thankfully, most travel tripods do not suffer from such shortcomings. Only in special circumstances can a tripod be forgiven for being unwieldy.

Another important point: a tripod needs to be able to packed down to fit in your bag. If it’s too large or too cumbersome, you’re going to have problems traveling with. Thankfully most camera bags have special loop that can accommodate most tripods. Check out our guide on the best camera bags for good examples!

Tripod Head

Finding the best tripod head is just as important as finding a great travel tripod. A tripod head will enable even more customizable compositions and contribute to aspects such as weight, ergonomics, and load capacity.

A good tripod head will have a full 360-degree range of motion. Most modern-day ball heads allow for this. Ball heads will be free floating until locked into place by several clamps. Clamps come in the form of nobs or larger winged screws. Some photographers will prefer one of the other but I find this distinction to be negligible.

Other signs of a good travel tripod head will be features like a quick release plate, panoramic markings, and bubble leveler. Quick release places allow for optimal mounting of a camera and I always prefer having one. Panoramic marking will help guide you and maintain even composition while making panoramas. Finally, a bubble leveler will help make sure that an image is level to the ground.

Legs play an important part in tripod stability. Generally speaking, the more sections that a tripod leg has, the lesser the sturdiness. Try to find a tripod with as few leg sections as possible – around 3-4. Should you find that the legs are often shaking – for whatever reason – try investing in a stone bag , which will weigh down the tripod and limit shakiness.

The length of a tripod leg can be adjusted via a series of locking mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms come in two styles: screw and flip locks. Screws locks require a twisting motion to adjust while flip locks require, as the name implies, a flipping action.

In terms of usability, the difference between screw locks and flip locks is a matter of preference; some photographers find twisting to be a natural motion while others prefer flipping. Really, it’s up to you.

There a couple of disadvantages to take into consideration when choosing between locks. Flip locks will loosen over time and so will require periodic tightening. Twist locks will need to be used appropriately; if you twist the leg too loose, it may fall apart.

In the end, cash rules everything around us. How much are you willing to spend on a tripod? You get what you pay for, as they say, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get what you need and for a good price. Weigh all of the aspects highlighting in this section and then figure out what it’ll take to get the best possible travel tripod for you.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out the best travel gear. But when it comes to finding a good travel tripod for your next trip, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ve got a team of folks with various different experiences that have tested these 3 legged beasts out all over the world!

So each member of the team took each tripod out for a proper test drive over the course of a few weeks and on various trips across the entire bloody globe yo! They paid attention to things like how heavy each one was, durability, packability, size (both when fully extended and also when packed away).

We also looked at how it fulfilled its primary purpose, which is, of course, holding your camera! So that includes stability, manoeuvrability, ease of deployments and things like how many positions it can put your camera in … get your mind out of the gutter guys!

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced – It’s alright wanting to find the best cheap travel tripod, but we’ve got to still way up whether it offers good value for money! The more expensive gear was scrutinised to a higher level given its price tag.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best packable travel tripod?

While you can simply strap all travel tripods to the side of your backpack, the MeFOTO Roadtrip is the lightest and easiest to pack.

What makes a good travel tripod?

That depends on your personal need. These are the key features you need to think about: 1. Size and weight 2. Material and durability 3. Load capacity, ergonomics and easy use 4. Cost

What is the overall best travel tripod?

We’re very impressed with the quality and value of the Vanguard Alta Pro . It’s one of the most affordable tripods and ticks off all of the important key features.

Which travel tripod should professionals buy?

A professional tripod needs to be a bit higher in quality and offer great value. That’s why the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is the ideal tripod for pros.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

A tripod should be the first piece of equipment that you buy after purchasing a camera (then a camera backpack – check out the WANDRD PRVKE 31 ). They are perhaps the most useful tool in a photographer’s arsenal. As such, you must think wisely about what kind of tripod you buy for your travels.

Each travel tripod will appeal to a certain type of photographer. Mirrorless shooters who want something portable and inexpensive may want to invest in a Manfrotto BeFree. Perhaps you want something a little more suitable for a DSLR? In that case, maybe the MeFOTO Globetrotter is best. There really is a travel tripod for everyone out there.

Hopefully, we’ve covered all aspects so you can make an informed decision, whether that’s to pick one of the best cheap travel tripods or one of the more expensive numbers.

Figure out your needs and choose a travel tripod accordingly. With this guide, you’ll gain the necessary info to understanding what is best for you. Study it well and then waste no time in finding the best tripod for your travel needs! This is the beginning of your illustrious photographic adventures.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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If you have one of these cameras or have decided you’re you get one, there’s not really a need for a tripod. Pipe clamps for fitting and aligning stainless-steel pipe and fittings are just about every one of the same. Camera bags appear in lot of different size and shapes, so finding one ideal for you guessed it-your camera isn’t a struggle to accomplish, and receiving a good video tripod can be a breeze to perform, so anybody who desires to shoot professional videos just like the professionals do, they’re able to get a tripod that will assist them do it.

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Tested: Four travel tripods for every budget

Although image stabilization technology has come along in leaps and bounds over the past few years, there are few things you can do to improve your low-light or telephoto images more than mounting your camera on a tripod. But many tripods are heavy and bulky, making them inconvenient to bring along on longer hikes or when traveling by air. That's where the humble travel tripod comes to the rescue.

In this review we compare the following travel tripods:

• MeFoto BackPacker S - $159.95 list / ~$120 street
• Manfrotto BeFree Advanced - $324.99 list / ~$280 street
• Peak Design Travel Tripod - $599.95 list / ~$600 street
• Gitzo Traveler Series 1 - $1014.99 list / ~$600 street

Travel tripods are available across a very wide price range, from consumer models that cost not much more than $100 to professional-grade ones that can run into the high hundreds of dollars or more. But is it worth spending that extra cash, and can you expect a significantly better experience from a more expensive tripod? To find out, we rounded up a selection of name-brand carbon-fiber travel tripods spanning the pricing gamut for an in-depth, side-by-side comparison.

In many respects, all four tripods have a lot in common. They all come with quick-release plates that you can leave attached to your camera for quicker setup, for example. And they all have reversible center columns which also let you shoot straight downwards, something that can be handy for macro shooting in particular.

They also share locks and/or safety pins to help prevent your camera accidentally being disconnected, and sandbag hooks either at the end of the center column or on the side of the spider, from which you can hang some weight for extra stability. (Just remember to include this weight along with that of your chosen camera and lens when determining your required payload!)

In this review, we'll focus mostly on how these four tripods differ from each other, and their advantages and disadvantages in real-world shooting. Read on to find out how they performed, and which was our favorite.

• 1 Introduction
• 2 MeFoto BackPacker S
• 3 Manfrotto BeFree Advanced
• 4 Peak Design Travel Tripod
• 5 Gitzo Traveler Series 1
• 6 Conclusion

I know this is two years old article but... Gitzo is an etalon of tripod legs stiffness. Now I have the Gitzo 1545T that has excellent legs stiffness. But I also have an old Velbon EL Carmagne 540 and its stiffness is basically the same. Gitzo is more compact but the weight is almost same. Please do not compare Velbon El Carmagne series tripods with Velbon tripods from the Walmart. These are absolutely different "animals".

Nice review! My company producing photographic equipment including differnt types of tripods. How to contact you about cooperation? Thank you.

We have more than 16 years' OEM&ODM experience for many well-known brands.

The PD Travel Tripod would have been a truly great tripod if it had had just four leg sections instead of five. It's light, compact, ergonomically very good and stiff. Stiff, until you pull out the fifth leg sections, that is. Then it becomes flimsy and that is a pity for such a great product. I love mine nevertheless, but if a four section version became available, I would gladly accept the extra pack length and trade it in.

This is a decent selection of tripods. Very mainstream brands, other than Peak Design.

I would like to see DPReview build on this article by reviewing some other brands--Leophoto or FLM for example. Let's find out if some of these smaller makers are producing better tripods.

A folded diameter of 1cm for Traveler seems a bit low :)

What a waste. Any budget? How about including a $75 Slik Sprint? Sirui and Benro make some nice tripods that would fit into prices between the ones listed too.

I carry a Benro Slim CF, mostly because my local shop had one open box for $100 and I needed one. I was actually going to buy the Mefoto BackPacker, but the price on the Benro was too good to pass up & it felt a bit sturdier.

What I'd really like to see is a shoot out between two well known and TALENTED photographers both using a $600 travel tripod and a $40 travel tripod. My prediction would be that there would be no difference in the results.

Then let's really quantify the results based on making them have the choice of carrying around these tripods for 1 month and see how many times they left the $600 tripod at home.

Certainly no difference if studio and flash lightening.

Hmm... well known and TALENTED photographers generally (hopefully!) make a decent living from their photography and therefore invest in gear that gets the job done and only has to be bought once. So, they'd already have the $600 (or $1200) travel tripod and might say "if you can afford one, buy this brand then stop shopping and start shooting." No $40 tripod would be bothered with.

Of course, we should all be expected to make the best use of whatever we have available, even a $40 tripod. Will it be enjoyable (or profitable)?

With my Element Big Traveller Manfrotton made an effort to comply with current trends by having an ARCA head plate. But the plate screw heads protruded by about 2mm so you cannot slide camera on like my other equipment – has to be fully open to drop it in vertically. While Manfrotto’s response was disappointing my solution, not available to most, was to get a friend with a lathe to machine down screw heads so they were flush. Also I can only fit it into supplied bag if you reverse the ball head which is very tedious. Suppose it was to get the headline overall length down.

I have to say that I was a bit surprised when I purcahased one of the MeFoto tripods. For what you pay, they're actually quite good and in some cases, only slightly cheaper than the crap you find at places like BestBuy and WalMart (the Sunpack or Platinum branded ones for example).

I also like my Sirui A1205 CF tripod I got for about $200. Although it does have the double-column, it still a good travel tripod, quite light for hiking/carrying around, and sturdy (you do have to really lock down the columns to make sure it's steady, but it's not bad for $200).

I'd say if you're on a budget the aluminum tripods from MeFoto are quite good for the money. I had a RoadTrip aluminum as my primary travel tripod for years. Upgraded to the Sirui last year because I wanted CF. Thinking of getting a really small MeFoto tripod for urbexing....

I have had only 2 tripods for over 60 years of amateur work. They cost no where near that. I replaced the last one when some how the camera mounting screw fell out and could not be replaced. I never used a quick mounting plate. My new one, with a brAnd name Kodak, seems great, nice and stable, light and easy to carry. But, it can be used only with the quick release mount. Seems it wouldn't be a problem, but I just tried to mount my 35 mm F mount lens with FTZ onto my Nikon Z50 and found I had to remove the rapid release, the mount blocked the FTZ, which has its own tripod mount female. A minor nuisance, but a nuisanse any way.

@Mike Tomkins "Much flimsier than the other travel tripods in this review"

How was this tested and what impact does this have to picture taking?

I bought a Benro IT25 last year, had several good reviews. Have not used it in the real wild, but it works ok for my casual use.

Nice and useful in travel

"Four travel tripods for every budget" with 2 of them @ $600.00 LOL

How about "4 travel tripods under $100"?

I'll look at the guy's pictures who is carrying around a beat up, duct taped, cheap tripod before some gear head, no talent poser with a $600 'travel' tripod. Creating compelling images has little to do with spending ridiculous amounts of money for a tripod that folds down to 17 inches instead of 21.

Oh and one more thing Mike Tomkins you're based in Tennesee and your readers are 97% based in the USA. What is CM? Your tape measure is really metric? Really?

The sooner the USA comes across to the metric system, the better off you will be. 2020 is a good time to learn.

When a country using the metric system walks on the moon, I'll consider it.

Going by China’s progress you have 4 years. Based on what I know of the USA you should have started considering it about 6 years ago.

You don't seem to realise that most technical and scientific fields, especially NASA, do all their primary work in metric? Sometimes, to present to the great unwashed American public, it might require translation back into that archaic imprecise, error-prone Imperial measure. Photog sensor pixels, like silicon IC, are measured in nanometers not millionths of an inch or whatever. Micrograms, nanograms, picograms etc. Even scifi has advanced more than the 'real' America. I don't know about the very first series but Star Trek TNG went metric, as has every movie. I can't remember Kubrick's 2001 but Arthur C. Clarke would have advised him that the future, especially in space, was metric. Finally, even Imperial measures are now officially/legally defined in metric terms (for the same reason metric was invented--it's the only way to do it accurately and reproducibly) so in a very real-world sense, every American measure is metric, just laboriously converted to an arcane clumsy proxy.

"You don't seem to realise that most technical and scientific fields, especially NASA, do all their primary work in metric?"

Who said I don't realize that? What's that got to do with a website who's readers are 97% from the USA using the metric system? Makes about as much sense as him publishing the article in German.

mfinley: "Makes about as much sense as him publishing the article in German."

That only makes sense if NASA scientists use German (of course in the early days several crucial ones did, but being Germans they also spoke impeccable English). NASA actually speaks metric. Any and every American with a technical education or vocation speaks metric. What you show is that while your experts who put those men on the moon speak in the sole modern 'language' of science, the American public are stuck with baby (and babel) speech. As I said, even Star Trek does! So yes, it is good and appropriate that technical magazines--even populist ones like DPR--use the primary 'language' 100% used in this technical speciality. Instead of pretending it is otherwise. But then 40% of Americans are anti-vaxxers so what can be done with such people? It's just another 'mileage' marker on your route to a failed state.

Antivaxers? what are you going on about? NASA scientists? Technicians? Star Trek? This is an article about tripods not splitting the atom.

mfinley "This is an article about tripods not splitting the atom."

Then why did you bring up the moon landing? Answer: because you thought scientific sophistication and achievement was somehow done using Imperial measures, but as I pointed out, that is quite untrue, eg. by NASA. Remember their $100m accident that was due to a utterly unnecessary conversion between the two? (Someone inadvertently applied the non-metric data and the thing blew up.) You can deny it all you like but the reality is that the world is metric, including almost all American scientific and technical activity. Instead of fighting it, why don't you try training yourself in the universal language of science? (I think Thomas Friedman has the answer to that: "as dumb as we wanna be".)

"{You can deny it all you like but the reality is that the world is metric, including almost all American scientific and technical activity. Instead of fighting it, why don't you try training yourself in the universal language of science? "

Who cares what the rest of the world is using? You do understand that " "The rest of the world" doesn't read DPRreview don't you?

Why do you assume I don't know the metric system? We learned the metric system here in the 1980s it was taught in all the schools. This is the USA we did not choose to adopt it just as we didn't choose to adopt French as the national language.

So again, why do you publish an article using the metric system where 97% of the audience doesn't use the metric system? Why not publish it in Swahili too, that makes just about as much sense.

Americans sometimes get confused and think the world revolves around them. The reality is that the 97% statistic is wrong, and this site is global (after starting out in a metric country). The USA doesn't even have a national language, can you start on that after you go Metric?

Only two countries use the US system, Liberia and the USA, this is around 400M, the other 7.1Billion do not understand the concept of inches or miles.

Metric is the logical choice for all progressive countries.

mfinley: Why not publish it in Swahili too, that makes just about as much sense.

That would be true if 97% of the world spoke Swahili. It's funny logic because it you who is trying to justify using archaic measures which the vast majority of the world abandoned a century ago. You are the Swahili speakers! Also, how do you explain adopting a metric currency system?

Are you re-tarded or something? Who cares is 97% of the world uses the metric system? 97% or the readers of this website DON'T. Hard-headed, in denial or just butt hurt that as usual the world revolves around everything the USA does.

Let me guess, you or someone in your family own blue jeans, wear Nike shoes, you use I-tunes, owns an I-phone, wear clothing with US company logos on it, somebody in your family drives a Ford, search the internet using Google, use email, watch movies made in Hollywood, listen to music made by celebrities in the US, can name more people in American politics than I can, you drink Coca-Cola, somebody in your family has eaten at McDonalds this month.... in other words, the majority of your life or people in our family's lives, what you do on a daily basis revolves around what the USA makes, or sells or puts out in the world, but you want to pretend you are aloof? Funny,funny stuff in your pretend reality.

Remember how it works - we lead, you follow.

Oh I forgot, let's add - you've likely ordered something from Amazon and have a Netflix subscription.

Mfinley, and after your little rant....... you are still too insecure to accept Metric.

Thanks for playing along.

Yes that is it, I'm insecure to accept it. That's what the butcher said to me when I ordered 200grams of cheese, he said what the hell is a gram? I tried to explain it but he didn't want to go buy another scale just for me. When the cop pulled me over and said I was going 15 miles per hour over the speed I said that can't be right, can you give that to me in kilometers over the speed limit? He said no, this is America we use imperial miles. Same thing when I went to the hardware store and told them I needed 4.6 meters of rope, they said something wierd like we sell rope in feet and inches. I asked them to sell it to me in meters but they said I would have to come back in a few years after they ordered a metric tape measure.

But yes, you're so right, I live in a non-metric country but it's correct to say I'm insecure because I don't use the metric system while the rest of the population uses Imperial, that makes so much sense. That really cleared things up for me thanks

Mfinley, you’re still struggling, ill try to help.

Your LOCAL, butcher, Police and Hardware are suitably isolated from the world outside your State and National borders, this means they can operate outside of the metric system without confusing anyone locally (thankfully).

Dpreview is an INTERNATIONAL website, it makes little sense to impose a system that only two countries in the world use. The other 193 countries would get confused.

Almost all camera equipment is produced in metric speaking countries,

What imperial focal lengths are your lenses measured in? What’s the flange distance of your favorite camera in inches? What diameter is the front element on your favorite lens in inches? What size is your camera sensor size in inches?

Even RRS understand the need to speak metric.

If this is hard, you may not want to look at what size the tyres/tires are on your car?

I thought we were done already, but you go ahead, be special and have the last word....

So silly. International? Statistically nope.

DPRreview.com stats 94.7% North America 8.93M page view Avg. Visit Duration 3:44 Pages per Visit 4.61 Top Referring Sites: feedly.com15.06% my.yahoo.com9.03% amazon.com4.77% juzaphoto.com4.58% digicame-info.com4.20% 99.98% Organic search 0.02% Paid Top 5 Organic keywords dpreview4.63% sony a7c0.41% camera comparison0.33% nikon z6 ii0.33% dp review0.32%

Australia bite the bullet and adopted the Metric System progressively from 1966 and the road signs were converted in 1974 resulting in a marginal increased in speed limit 60 MPH became 100 KPH. I was going through University then and we had to deal with imperial units to metric units conversions such as Psi to kPa half way through my engineering bachelor degree !!!

I have three main criteria for a travel tripod. It must be less than 14.5" (36.8cm) so that I can carry it inside one of my camera bags (typically the Lowepro Mini Trekker). WIth or without the head attached. It must be light, and thus carbon fiber. And if it comes with a head, it must be Arca compatible.

The reason it must fit within the camera bag is simple; I don't want to accidentally hit someone with a tripod attached to the outside of my bag. Yes, sometimes I am in the country and I don't have to worry. But sometimes I am in the city, and I do have to worry.

It must be light, of course, so carbon fiber is a must.

And it must be Arca, because I have custom Arca base plates on all of my cameras and on the tripod supports of the longer lenses.

And so I personally have two options: a Sirui T-025x for ultra portable use, and a Promaster T525P with Acratech head (the head is carried separately). I usually use the Promaster.

By the cheapest that works for you. It's like buying a cane.

That may be true if you are on a very tight budget and have to have a tripod right now. But I have been through my share of cheap tripods. I finally said to heck with it and got a RRS. That or Gitzo or FLM....

They sell $150 hammers to pound nails. It isn't so much being on a tight budget, it's just that I don't use a hammer enough to warrant the price.

Then you are a smart person. You would be not smart to spend 1400 bucks on a RRS tripod and head if you don't shoot with a tripod a lot. I shoot with a tripod a lot....

K&F Concept tripod is more than enough for most people.

What.... I just saw this.... Big mistake DPR. Rare for you. What are you thinking? You said for any budget. Plus you included the Gitzo so that opens it up for RRS and the best travel tripod in the world (by far) is the Really Right Stuff TFC-14 Mark II. It has been the best for many years and in 2018 they came out with the second version of it. The BH-30 LR ball head goes with this it and has the quick lever release. And no travel tripod should ever have a center column! I don't care how tall you are. When you travel, you bend down a little if you have to. That is one of the sacrifices to get compact and light stability. Center columns are a huge no-go, especially for light travel tripods. Greg Johnson San Antonio, Texas https://www.flickr.com/photos/139148982@N02/albums

@Greg7579 "And no travel tripod should ever have a center column!"

Why? The center column can come in very handy in some situations, especially for a short travel tripod. One does not need absolute stability in every situation and even then, no tripod actually provides this.

Tsai, I have been a photographer for a long time and I must say I totally disagree with you. Center columns on a travel tripod is a rookie mistake for so many reasons.

Like what, vibration? Yaw? Bragging rights? RARELY a problem, even with my $15 Walmart hand cranked center column tripod, which I bought as a disposable during a trip but ended up bringing home. Would be nice to tote my geared head and center column tripod for pixel shifted hi-res images but that 40lb beast is married to my 8x10 "Green Monster". It pretty much stays at home.

"One does not need absolute stability in every situation and even then, no tripod actually provides this."

Good argument. I use a tripod also just because it helps me with the composition and not because I have to keep the camera steady. Here stability is obviously not a requirement. But most of the time a tripod is used, it is fair to assume that stability is a requirement.

Having said that, I can see that a geared, self-locking center column makes a lot of sense on a studio tripod which never leaves the photo studio. Set the tripod base low and use the geared & self-locking center column to select the desired height. Some weight is here advantageous because the tripod then doesn’t topple easily. Somewhat also true for a solid (heavy) field tripod, for example, when used for field work with a large (heavy!) large format camera. But after reading The Center Column's results regarding center columns effect of stability (link https://bit.ly/3nKPCMo) I agree that a truly lightweight tripod should not have a center column. Somewhat is a catch-22 situation: if truly lightweight enough then the center column is too unstable, if heavy enough that the center column is stable, then it's not lightweight enough!

$1000 for a tripod are you friggin smoking crack?

Thats small change for a Leica owner

I just got the Novoflex TrioBalance Q6/9, I think that it is the best and most versatile you can get for your money, I was very lucky to find it, because unfortunally it is no longer in production ? Though Novoflex still have it in a picture on their homepage, the one to the left in the upper photo here... https://www.novoflex.de/en/products-637/camera-support-systems/triopod.html I can see it is still listed in some photoshop dealers... https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1298133-REG/novoflex_riobal_o_6_8_tripod_base_with_integrated.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUJJgIU6a9M&list=PLokEyThO0pfPurpmzdFrCq246amUmF9L0&index=179

The Center Column has the Manfrotto ranking as one of the worst travel tripods. They use stiffness as one of the basis for their scoring and the BeFree Advanced has one of the poorest stiffness ratings which means potentially lots of vibration. That would be the one travel tripod I would stay from.

Very interesting reading though the comments and many personal recommendations.

IMO, one big factor many commenters fail to consider in their personal recommendations is that the tallness of the user plays a big role. A short person might be perfectly happy with a short and hence lightweight tripod - which most travel tripods are - while a tall person might need much more height for a comfortable working height.

I am 6'5" and really need at least 70" maximum height in a tripod. Quite challenging to find a "travel" tripod that is reasonable stable and is 70" plus in height!

The Manfrotto is the best. Only 4cm folded :)

For me the folded size is the most important. I can live with extra 100-200 grams but i want my tripod to fit in a small backpack when traveling.

Too bad you didn’t review a Leophoto tripod. The Ranger tripods are very high quality for a good price.

Why repost an old review as new?

I like this one for longer hikes, Rollei compact traveler no 1 carbon, lightweight and only 97 Euros.

https://www.rollei.com/collections/reisestative/products/carbon-stativ-compact-traveler-no-1

got off brand carbon fiber Q888C travel tripod for $140. old bogen 3028/3221 is used otherwise, couldnt be happier with both. sirui also make great tripods.

It's worth noting that you can easily address the lack of pano panning on the Peak Design head without replacing it entirely...

A panning clamp (eg Sunwayfoto DDH-05 or 07) can be clipped in on the fly atop the existing PD head, not only would this be cheaper (~$50) and add less bulk than a whole new head, but it would have some advantages over the panning function of most standard heads. Namely it'll let you use the existing head for leveling before panning via the added clamp.

I still wish PD had an alternate/larger head with this built in, but this solution has been very satisfactory for me and I'd easily take it over most heads with panning on the bottom... On my previous Sirui legs (T-1205X) I was using a small Sunway head (XB-28 II) which had a tiny panning clamp (even smaller than their DDH series) built into the head's ARCA clamp atop the stem.

I think RRS has a bunch of broad patents on pano clamps and that's why designs like that aren't more common.

I have 3 Tripods, an Innorel RT80C for when I need really steady, a Viking something or other for modest walking/hiking with my canon 5d's, and a Benro for when I travel light with my 2 canon m's ( infrared and normal). The most expensive was my Innorel at around € 140 and it's a beast, and they're all carbon fibre. Why not have a roundup of the cheap end of the market whether it be travel Tripods or big buggers?

Isn't this just a repost of an earlier article? And what about 3 Legged Thing? The Winston and Patti Tripods are my favorites, are lower cost than some of these options, and offer a lot of reliability, performance, and value.

Sirui - by far best value for money

Some ODM products are actually very decent, I paid a bit over $100 for a Fotopro X-4CE, which is actually just a slight upgrade to an Amazon brand tripod, but IIRC it's the lightest carbon fiber tripod on the market at 760g, and the build is solid.

One thing in the Peak Design's favour, which I don't think was mentioned: the extremely short minimum distance between camera platform and tripod shoulder point, which is the most stable point on any tripod. The more distance there is between the lens and this point, the more any vibrations are magnified. The other tripods (especially the Gitzo and MePhoto) with supplied heads are quite poor in this regard, effectively forcing the photographer to use a minimum extension of what looks like around 16cm. Tripods are important tools for many of us, so I'm glad that DPR did this review - I'd appreciate more on this area. I get a bit sick of reading about AF tracking and video specs, which are of zero importance for me, while important tools like tripods are covered very sparsely.

That’s why I have repeatedly commented and lobbied for technical tests by DPR. They have done them in the past. You may be right about shoulder point but another deficiency like Peaks unique head might be a problem. You just won’t know till you use objective scientific based testing.

Thanks for the comparisons. I'm lugging around a GT5542LS because when I need a tripod it must be a rock solid support that gets a viewfinder up to my eye. I have a far lighter (and far cheaper) Manfrotto 190 that, for various reasons, is left collecting dust under the stairs. If the Traveler Series 1 really is solid with no cost-cutting fiddly bits that break/fall off, I'd give it a go when my pack mule dies.

I think the table on the first page is wrong - it says the Gitzo is 1cm when folded - I very much doubt that.

Got a Cullman Carvao 816 TC. Useful for light(er) gear only.

ah we all get a prize..,

The Gitzo 0545t or 1555T could have been a good competitor in this field. Lighter than the 1545T but not as high max. Sturdy as well though.

Yup I have a GT1555 and a RRS BH25 ballhead. Excellent travel tripod and it fits sideways in a carry-on suitcase.

The Gitzo is really 42.5 x 1 cm ??? 1 cm?

Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Manfrotto.com | $324.99 (~$280 street)

No major retailer is selling this at "street" right now. Hmm.

I mean the GK-100-T

Whilst I have a 40-year-old Manfrotto tripod for work near the car boot (trunk), I have a Vesta 203AP for long hikes. It cost next to nothing (it paid for free parking at the mall). It is really sturdy and comes with a compact head and sets up in seconds.

https://www.vanguardworld.com/products/vesta-203ap

Manfrotto tripods have always been the best looking and most creative.

How come this months-old article turns up again?

My comment: Slik Sprint Mini III, $80, 33.5 x 8 x 8 cm, 860 g.

Personally I have and use the even more compact version I which, unfortunately, isn't made anymore. Wouldn't want to carry anything heavier when travelling.

Because we're repromoting some of the useful content published earlier in the year as we get close to the end of the month and things start to slow down.

Candor appreciated. I look forward to technical testing of tripods in the future.

@Barney Britton: Nothing to say against per se. With the surreptitious way in which you do it, not even a hint that it's a rehash except if someone would actually look at the date, you're fooling people into thinking they were seeing new stuff. Bad style for a journalistic product. Something one might perhaps expect from those mirror sites the makers of which can hardly write a proper English sentence, but not a serious site like dpreview.

Sorry if this has caused any confusion. The fact that it's a previously-published piece of content is clearly mentioned on the homepage, and the publication date is the first piece of information after the headline.

We're not a 'mirror site', as you know. And periodically re-surfacing group tests / roundups is something we've done for years. We only do it with 'evergreen' content that might otherwise be hard to find for casual site visitors.

First, sorry if this came across less nice than it should have been. And there's no need to be sorry except for your own reputation among readers who care about such things, or who are misled to comment on an old article as if it was a new one. My own "confusion" was limited, and my post was for your sake, not for mine.

You think it's ok because you've been doing it for years? Are you aware of the fact that there are other ways to reach your content than starting with your homepage, one of them being your own RSS feed? Can't remember when it was the last time I intentionally brought up your homepage. If I had to follow all my news channels by going through their home pages, I'd need to stop following most of them. And people don't look at the publishing date of an article on the top of the list to make sure it's not yesterday's news. Don't want to boast, but when someone who has been an internet professional for 25 years is fooled by this, I guess some others will be, too.

Barney, if it is a republication, then why didn't you learn from me and include the best travel tripod in the world (by far - not even close)? Didn't I tell you guys that last time and you said it was too expensive? But now you included the expensive Gitzo! That opens up the review for the best tripod in the world.... RRS. Come on....

You mean the new $1,400 Ascend-14? You'll be happy to know that I'm working on a writeup of that right now...

Barney, I didn't even know about that new tripod! Wow, just looked at it. I don't know much about it except the advert. But it has some kind of integrated head? I don't like that it has a center column. But worth a look and it is super compact and strong. Anyway, I was talking about the old tried and true great travel tripod Really Right Stuff TFC 14 with BH-30 ball head. I also have the TFC 24 with BH-40 ball head, but that is for more at home.

Yeah it's pretty fun, very full-featured. I'm hoping to have something written up soon.

Obviously the FLM CP38-L5 II is my choice of travel tripod. Obviously it is a much heavier and larger tripod than what the 'travel' category is defined of. Let me share my reasoning. Travel means to get to a place where one will probably never go again. Maybe few more occasions. So the relative chance of creating a reasonably good photograph is already thin. Why would any sane person lower that chance by using suboptimal tool when she/he travels/hikes to those exotic locations? How big is the weight gain? 1.5 kgs maybe? There are so many other ways to shave off that weight from a backpack...

"moTmeN" Never heard of FLM before reading your comment. Took a look at their website and ordered the FLM CP30-L4 II right away. With tripod head, maximum height is 70" plus without having to use a center column.

Completely agree with your reasoning why a suboptimal tripod won't do it.

The folded dimensions of the Gitzo are impressive! 42.5 x 1 cm

https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/travel-tripod-rankings/ a more scientific approach to measuring the charactersitics of tripod (and heads)

Travel tripod reviews + no folded dimension = fail

and 'inch'? Nobody in photo uses that anymore.

dan_darkroom Just a quibble of course—as basically I agree , but not quite nobody. There are 1 inch sensors

I did a ton of research, read a ton of reviews and finally went with the Sirui ET-2204 Carbon Fiber Tripod with K-20 Ball Head. Yeah, it's over 1kg but if you plan to use a FF and long Tele on your travels, not having your camera do a face plant with your uber light travel pod should be high on the priority list. This thing just feels rock solid when setup, it has a hook to hang a weight or you bag on to stabilize it, and isn't bad at all to carry. That and the price is hard to beat for what you get. I wanted flip locks and carbon, light but able to carry a FF and heavy Tele. This was the best bang for the buck I found.

If you are going to hike with a M43 or APSC and short primes or wide's, I suppose some of the lighter pods might be worth considering, but I'm feeling like a tripod still has to be stable to be worth carrying, especially for long exposures, otherwise I might as well just rely on the IBIS and leave the tripods at home... or just carry a mono pod.

Can recommend the Cullmann Mundo 522TC, if you want something really light and compact without spending a fortune.

These are ridiculous tripods. Expensive and made from carbon fibre and all still manage to be well over a kilo. If you are travelling and you are not weight sensitive, get something decently sturdy and accept that it will weight nearer 2 kilos. But if you're really travelling, anything over 1kg is just bogging you down. If you can afford the weight and you want something practical, take extra water instead.

Sunpak makes some very nice tripods for under $30. My guess is you couldn't see the difference in the resulting photos.

I have a handful of tripods, MSRP from $70 to $200, and all of them are annoying to use in one way or another, but the $70 tripod is the worst from a photographic standpoint - flexible legs and undersized ballhead mean that anytime even a moderately sized lens is put on the front - say, my 450g Olympus 14-54 lens - the camera sags, ruining my framing. Not worth using with a telephoto at all. The reverse folding tripod is finicky and surprisingly heavy, and my carbon fiber tripod is light, but is significantly longer than the other two (without being much taller when extended).

If I traveled with a tripod on a regular basis (or got paid for my photography), I'd love to have something like the Peak or the Gitzo - and having experienced cheap and mid priced tripods, I'm betting they'll make up their cost in fewer headaches and annoyances.

You can't tell the difference in the resulting photos -- because the person with the $30 Sunpak will never get them because they're wrestling with their tripod, or it's misaligned, or the lens has drooped, or whatever. It's not a matter of image quality -- it's "do you get the shot or not?"

I bought one of these cheapie tripods when I was on the road from a small town Wal-Mart in a "better something than nothing" moment, after my Arca-Swiss plate went missing and I couldn't find a replacement, and carried it for a couple of miles through Badlands.

It was a *nightmare* to wrestle with -- three times the size and bulk of my other one, yet a third as stable. Once I started shooting nightscapes it was a royal pain to get set up -- if I had to work quickly I'd have missed shots.

I don't have an expensive tripod -- but those $30 Sunpak plasticy tripods are awful. My g/f uses the MeFoto in this article: it's fine (holds her 300/2.8 in a pinch!), and a huge step up from a Wal-Mart tripod.

BBS - You clearly haven't tried to mount a professional DSLR and a 100-400mm lens on a $30.00 Tripod! Not gonna work, no way no how.

If you buy a cheap tripod, you buy twice. Been there done that.

You can get a remarkably good picture with a cheap lens -- like a $25 pawn shop nifty fifty.

You can get a remarkably good picture with a cheap tripod.

A cheap lens can be friendly to work with.

A cheap tripod makes you want to throw it off of a cliff.

This is conclusion of every review of photographic equipment ever written:

"size and load-bearing capabilities come at a cost, because it's also the heaviest in the group, and the largest once folded"

You can substitute any terms you want; aperture, weight, length, battery life, resolution, expected lifespan, cost, bit depth, repair service, fps.... but the result is always the same. Yet it's always surprising how many people object to this simple equation. As more states in the US legalize marijuana I expect more photographic consumers to cut their ties with reality.

Haha - you should try reading Laura Kuenssberg's political analyses on the BBC. The grand mistress of the closing caveat.

I. usually enjoy discovering new writers but a look at her bio indicates she’s yet another high born parasite and a ranking member of BBC royalty, the most odious kind of media hypocrite. She pretends to report on the leering, greasy-chinned viscounts and the remorseless, sociopathic billionaires of England’s ruling class while never letting on that they’re her friends and neighbors.

I'll go for the rock solid stability. That's the whole point of a tripod or else why even bother.

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Best travel tripods 2024: the top lightweight tripods to buy

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

As any travel photographer will tell you, stability is everything. It may seem to be mostly about location, composition, and what kind of camera you take on the road with you, but once you’ve found your perfect shot, you need to keep steady. 

If you’re planning creative shots or any kind of long exposure or repeated photography – such as landscape photography around sunset, time-lapses, or astrophotography – then a tripod is absolutely essential. Cue the best travel tripod.

You're not off the hook even if you're just planning to go on holiday with a smartphone. Though increasingly capable, smartphones’ cameras are still rather limited if you handhold them. You’ll be seriously surprised how much extra quality and creativity you can achieve by using a small tripod and a phone clamp. 

So in our buying guide, we've included options for keeping smartphones steady as well as custom-made travel tripods for the best travel cameras , DSLR , mirrorless , and compact cameras .

The best travel tripods you can buy today:

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you're after a reasonably heavy duty tripod for a DSLR or mirrorless camera using large lenses, look no further than this relatively lightweight tripod from Vanguard. This is a brand that tends to use aluminium, or for even more money, carbon fibre, but it usually stops short of providing full-length tripods. This design, weighing about 1.5 kg, is just 38 cm when folded, but reaches only 147 cm when it’s fully extended. So it's probably not the best choice if you’re a six-footer, though for most photographers it will provide more than enough height. The twist-and-lock legs are easy to extend and pack-up while moving, and the ball-head offers plenty of movement.

2. Manfrotto MKBFRTA4BK-BH Befree Advanced Tripod

This Italian-made tripod is clearly aimed at semi-pro landscape and astrophotographers who need to travel. With ‘M-lock’ lever legs rather than twist-legs and a ball head, this aluminium-crafted travel tripod has three four-section legs and a tough central column. Those legs unfurl easily enough, and lock into place, and each leg can pan through 180°. In fact, the legs actually go backwards on themselves, reducing the footprint for packing it in a suitcase. It weighs 1.5kg, and has a quick-release ball-head, though it takes some time getting to know it, so practice before you head outside in the dark. It’s a bit of a specialist tripod, but it’s worth its weight.

3. Manfrotto PIXI Evo Tripod

There are few travel tripods around that can support absolutely any kind of camera. The core tripod is small, pocket-sized, and weighs just 260g. It has a standard quarter-inch thread adapter, so can be used natively with any DSLR, mirrorless or compact camera. It also comes in two separately available configurations; one with a smartphone clamp fitted on the top, and one with a GoPro /action camera-compatible module. However you decide to use it, rest assured that it’s easily strong enough to cope with anything. It's also very easy to position. Pressing one button loosens the ball head, so you can find your exact position, while releasing the button locks it in place. Clever stuff, but although the camera can tilt to a full 90°, the angle of elevation is limited; you can’t shoot anything above you, for example.

4. Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod

The Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod is strong and sturdy, yet at the same time lightweight due to a carbon fibre leg construction. This premium-feel travel tripod has a further trick up its sleeve – one of its legs can be removed to transform it into a portable monopod. A carbon fibre construction, as opposed to the more affordable aluminium, inevitably means this premium look and feel tripod also comes with premium-ish price tag. It also needs a short period of familiarisation with its myriad features before becoming operationally competent.

• Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod review

5. Peak Design Travel Tripod

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is really expensive, but it's also the neatest travel tripod around, no doubt about that, and it’s also one of the lightest. The aluminium version has a high-end build, a very neat and compact design, and some excellent unexpected features – chief of which is that smartphone adapter – but it’s not immeasurably better, performance-wise, than a much more affordable travel tripod.  Still, though, if money is no object and you want the most premium travel tripod experience, then this is the travel tripod for you.

6. MeFoto RoadTrip Air Tripod

Reasonably large tripods are all about design, specifically how long the leg sections are when completely unfurled, and how small they are when packed up and ready to be put in a suitcase. The MeFoto RoadTrip Air is clever on all counts, reaching loftier heights than most travel tripods manage while being exceptionally small when packed away. It does all this by having an extra section in each leg, five parts rather than the standard four parts, though that doesn't add any instability. Weighing just over a kilo, the MeFoto RoadTrip Air attempts to go for another market altogether by suggesting that the central column and the included smartphone clamp (and Bluetooth remote) can be used as a selfie stick. Clever stuff, but that’s probably a different market.

7. MeFoto BackPacker Air Tripod

Known for its brightly coloured travel tripods, MeFoto has here produced an excellent product for owners of action cameras, mirrorless cameras and smartphones who want a ‘proper’ tripod capable of significant height. At its core is HyperLock, three five-section legs and a central column (which also detaches to act as a separate selfie stick) that extend – by just a twist – from a compact 26.5cm to a whopping 151cm. However, it’s at its most stable at 110cm before its central column is extended, so photographers should look at this as an emergency tripod for travel rather than as a ‘main’ tripod. Also in the box is a adjusting ball head, a screw-on mount for a smartphone, and even a wireless Bluetooth remote for taking selfies and super-stable shots. 

8. Joby HandyPod

Sometimes you just want a small, pocket-friendly, but steady and capable tripod for occasional shots. Cue the HandyPod, a simple aluminium tripod that will perform almost any task well. Any camera or smartphone mount can be attached thanks to a standard tripod thread, and once attached that device can swing through 360° on the HandyPod’s ball head. That ball head can be locked in position using a simple push-button mechanism, and while the legs’ rubber pads add stability, the HandyPod has a dedicated handgrip so can be used off the ground for panning video shots. Also available is the HandyPod Mobile package, which adds Joby’s GripTight One GorillaPod universal mount for smartphones. 

9. XSories Deluxe Tripod

Here’s a great example of the kind of commodity tripod that dominates the market, and yet this particular one is exceptionally good at what he does. Firstly, it weighs almost nothing, clocking in at just 65g. It's also very slim, so can easily fit into a trouser pocket or jacket pocket. On top is a small ball head for flexibility, and a standard quarter-inch tripod thread that attaches to any compact camera, or any cheap smartphone clamp that can be had for a few quid. In practice, it's halfway between a bendy, Joby-style tripod and a rigid design. Although it can be used as a standard straight-legged tripod, there is easily enough give in the legs to wrap round something, such as a fence post or a tree branch. Don't bet on putting too much weight on the XSories Deluxe, but if you have a small camera, or phone ( and a separate screw-on clamp ), it does the job very nicely.

How to choose the best travel tripod

The travel tripod market is split to serve the kind of device you’re using, of course. For phones, it's largely a commodity market, because the tripod and the clamp that keeps your phone in place don't have to bear much weight. Consequently, these types of tripods can cost just a few quid and are easy to travel with.

Lightweight designs are what the rest of the market aims for, with tripods designed for DSLR and mirrorless cameras much larger, but often manufactured from very lightweight materials. Consequently, they can be expensive. In fact, at the top end of the market, just shaving a few grams of the weight usually explains the high price. 

Happily, in-between cheap smartphone designs and expensive top-end configurations for expensive cameras, there are a fleet of smaller, tougher travel tripods that are good for all kinds of equipment and scenarios. Amazon is usually the best place to head for travel tripods, as you can get hold of highly-rated products for sometimes a fraction of the high street price. 

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Jamie is a freelance journalist, copywriter and author with 20 years' experience. He's written journalism for over 50 publications and websites and, when he's not writing, spending most of his time travelling – putting the latest travel tech through its paces.

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Savvy Travel Advice

Guide to the Best Travel Tripods

Last updated: April 22, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 13 Comments

Travel tripods are an essential tool for many travelers who want to improve their photography. A travel tripod can make it easier to capture better travel photos and allows for more creativity and advanced photography options.

So we wanted to share our guide to the best travel tripods out there on the market today. As professional photographers, we travel nearly everywhere with a tripod for our photography, and we regard a travel tripod as a must-have item for any keen photographer—amateur or professional.

Travel tripods come in a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes to fit just about any travel budget and style. From super compact mini tripods that can fit into a purse or day bag to heavy-duty professional travel tripods. We’ll help you find the best tripod for your next trip!

Whether you are completely new to the idea of using a tripod or are a long-time tripod user looking for an upgrade, this is the post for you. We’re going to share everything you need to know about buying a travel tripod, including what to look for in a tripod for travel, and things to consider when making a purchasing decision.

We’ll also share our list of the best travel tripods on the market today, across a range of budgets, so you can make an informed decision. Whether you have a $30 or $300 budget, we’ll share our picks for the best travel tripod for you!

Table of Contents:

Guide to Choosing a Travel Tripod

Before sharing our list of the best travel tripods, we wanted to give you some advice on whether you need a tripod for travel, how a travel tripod differs from a regular tripod, and how you can decide if this type of tripod is right for you.

We then go over all the features you will want to look for in choosing a tripod for traveling so that you can evaluate any travel tripod on the market and choose the best one for you.

What is a Travel Tripod?

A travel tripod is a three-legged support for a camera that is generally designed to be lighter and smaller than a standard tripod. Travel tripods usually have a collapsable design that allows them to pack up more compactly than a full-size tripod.

Like all tripods, travel tripods normally consist of two main parts. A base of three legs and a top part, called the tripod head with camera mount, which is where you attach your camera. The main purpose of a tripod is to provide support and stability for your camera and to prevent camera movement or shaking. This allows you to do hands-free photography.

Tripods are most associated with cameras and still photography, but tripods are also commonly used with camcorders, wildlife spotting scopes, binoculars, and telescopes. For instance, at home, we use one of our tripods with our bird watching scope as well.

In addition to tripods, you will also find travel monopods on the market. Instead of three legs these have one leg and are usually much lighter and easier to pack than tripods. These are not as stable as tripods, but can be great for those who need to move around a lot such as for sports or wildlife photography.

Finally, if you don’t have room for a tripod or monopod, you might also consider a photography bean bag , which can be a great option especially for things like safari photography .

Do I need a Tripod for Travel?

You might be wondering whether or not you need a tripod for your travel photography. And this is a great question. After all, a tripod can be a weighty bit of equipment to add to your packing list. So you want to be sure that it’s a worthwhile addition.

A tripod is not for everyone or every trip, so you should consider do I need a travel tripod ? However, we do think a tripod is an essential part of your travel photography kit if you want to improve your photography.

First, a tripod opens up a range of photography styles and techniques that are either impossible or very difficult to achieve without a tripod. This includes long exposure photography and time lapse photography, as well as taking photos of stars , photos of fireworks , and photos of the Northern Lights .

However, it’s not just these more advanced types of photography that benefit from a tripod. If you are traveling on your own, a tripod is one of the best options for getting better pictures of yourself . A tripod also makes it way easier to take great couple photos without relying on strangers to take your photo.

A tripod, in our experience, also helps you compose better photos. This is because it slows you down and makes you consider the scene and composition more thoroughly. So it can help you improve you photography just by slowing you down and making you concentrate more on what you are shooting.

But there are lots of other instances you might find a travel tripod helpful. You can check out our guide to reasons why you need a tripod for travel photography for more ideas.

Travel Tripod versus Full Size Tripod

The biggest advantage of travel tripods over full sized tripods is that they are generally smaller and lighter. This make them easier to transport, pack, and use when traveling.

However, this reduction in size and weight in travel tripods means that they are generally not as durable or tough as regular tripods. They are typically more susceptible to breakage and damage, and are less stable.

Both types of tripods can work with any type of photography or video gear from smartphones to a professional DSLR camera setup. However, for heavier cameras and pro kits, you’ll want to look at the more high-end travel tripods as smaller and cheaper tripods are not going to be suited for heavier equipment.

If you are new to tripods, we think getting a good travel tripod is a great way to go, whether you plan to use it a lot for travel or not. If you do find yourself using it a lot and wishing you had something larger and more stable, you can always upgrade in the future.

We own several tripods ourselves. We generally use a regular full-sized tripod when at home or traveling by car, and use the travel tripods when traveling internationally or when hiking. For us, it depends a lot on whether we are traveling for work or leisure, where we are traveling, how we are traveling (e.g., plane or car), and luggage requirements.

Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of a travel tripod versus a regular tripod:

Advantages of a Travel Tripod vs. Regular Tripod

• Smaller and more compact
• More lightweight
• Often less expensive
• Takes up less space in luggage
• Easier to transport

Disadvantages of a Travel Tripod vs. Regular Tripod

• Not as durable
• Less stable and less able to hold heavy equipment
• Lower height can make it more uncomfortable and less useful for certain shots
• May offer fewer features

What to Look For When Buying a Travel Tripod

Before purchasing a travel tripod, you need to know what to look for. Travel tripods come in a range of sizes, materials, and prices. The best tripod for you will depend a lot on your camera and photography equipment, budget, and goals.

Whether you are looking for something “cheap and adequate” or “high end and tough”, we’ll help guide you through the various things you should pay attention to when deciding on which travel tripod to buy.

We’re going to go through all the features of a travel tripod that you should consider before making any purchase. That way, you can quickly evaluate any tripod, whether its on our list or not and make a good buying decision.

Travel Tripod Size / Height

Size is often one of the most important factors for people when it comes to picking a travel tripod. If you are looking for a travel tripod, rather than a regular full sized tripod, size is a probably a key consideration.

There are two measurements that you want to consider when looking at the size of a travel tripod.  First is the height of the tripod when it is extended for use. Second is the size of the tripod when it is fully folded and collapsed for storage.

Let’s look at the height first, which is achieved by extending the tripod. The majority of tripods on the market can extend in two ways. The first of these is the legs, which usually telescope out to give the tripod its height. The second way you can increase the height of the tripod is by use of a center column. This center column, which you attach the camera to, can extend above the top of the three legs, to give additional height.

Whilst the center column can be useful to give the tripod extra height, extending the center column too far can make the tripod less stable and steady. This is particularly the case with newer travel tripods which have 2 section colums that allows for telescoping extensions. As a result we’d recommend being cautious about fully extending your tripod’s center column, especially if you have heavy gear. We recommend looking at the height of the tripod with and without the center column extended when comparing tripods.

Ideally, you want a tripod that extends to a height that is comfortable for general use. If you will be using the tripod a lot, you don’t want to spend your time hunched over trying to look through your camera’s viewfinder.

There are a few considerations that will affect your decision regarding the extended height of the tripod. The most important will be your personal height. Taller people will generally want taller tripods as shorter tripods will be more awkward and require bending or hunching over.

If you have a camera with a flip out screen, this can help compensate for a shorter tripod, as you can flip out the screen to ninety degrees, and you can look at it from above without having to hunch over as much.

We would recommend that you will want a travel tripod that can extend to a height of at least 48 inches (122 cm). Preferably you can get this height without needing to fully extend the central column. Taller individuals will likely want something taller.

Those who do a lot of macro shooting, photography in confined spaces, or photography that includes getting close up to object will also want to pay attention to the minimum operating height for the tripod. Some tripods have legs that can angle at different degrees and can get down close to objects at ground level. Just note that the more you angle the legs, the more you will test the limits of your tripod.

If you are just going to be shooting on a tripod occasionally, or have a compact camera or smartphone, you might find a mini tripod or tabletop tripod works fine for you rather than a larger tripod. These tripods generally are only 5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm) in height and are much less expensive.

Now, the second size you want to pay close attention to is the size of the tripod when fully collapsed and folded up. For travel, you will want a tripod that folds away to a fairly compact size to make it easier to carry and store.

The ideal size for you will depend on your specific needs and how you plan to transport it. But we’d suggest for travel, a tripod that is 18 inches (45 cm) or less in size would be optimal. Anything larger may be difficult to pack and carry for many travelers.

If you want something super small, like something that can fit into a purse or small backpack, you’ll want to look at the mini tripods or tabletop tripods. Some of these can fold up to just several inches in length.

Overall, the size of the tripod will depend on your personal preference and what you are looking for from a tripod. You’ll also have to balance size against other factors like price, weight, and load capacity.

Travel Tripod Weight

When it comes to a travel tripod, weight is definitely something you want to consider. Of course, this will depend a little on your travel style. For example, if you primarily travel close to home or take road trips, the weight of your tripod may not matter as much.

However, if you plan to fly with your tripod, you will need to consider the weight of it against your luggage allowance. In addition, if your photography journey is likely to involve long walks or hiking, then you will definitely not want to be carrying anything too heavy with you.

We’d suggest that most people will want to look for a tripod that is 3 lbs (1.36 kg) or less in weight, as this will be easier to carry on a day to day basis. Most travel tripods on the market fall into a range of 2 lbs to 4 lbs. Heavier tripods are usually a bit more stable and sometimes offer more height, but this is a trade-off you will have to consider carefully when choosing.

The weight of a tripod is largely influenced by two main factors: the overall size of the tripod and the material the tripod is made from.

A larger tripod will inevitably weigh more than a smaller tripod. Other factors like how thick the legs are and the size of the head on the tripod will also contribute to the weight.

The material the tripod is made from also make a difference to the weight. For instance, a carbon fiber tripod is lighter in weight than the same model made from aluminum.

As an example, the travel tripod we use most is the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB , which is a carbon fiber travel tripod that weighs 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg). The aluminum version of the same tripod, the VEO 2 265AB weighs 3.4lbs (1.5 kg).

Note that a heavier tripod is not always a bad thing, as it may be more stable and sturdy, although less ideal for travel.

Material of Tripod

Most travel tripods are either made from some sort of metal, like aluminum, or from a composite material like carbon fiber. The two most common materials used to make tripods are aluminum and carbon fiber.

As noted above, the material of the tripod is important in terms of the weight of the tripods. The material can also affect the strength, durability, and load capacity of the tripod.

Carbon fiber is currently considered the ideal material for tripods as it is both lighter in weight and stronger than aluminum. Carbon fiber can also stand up to weather and scratches better than aluminum. So its a win-win when it comes to both weight and durability.

However, the downside is that carbon fiber is more expensive than aluminum. A carbon fiber tripod can somtimes be up to double the price of the same tripod made of aluminum.

If you have a healthy budget, then we’d recommend looking for a carbon fiber tripod. But if you have a smaller budget, you can still get a good tripod made of aluminum at a much lower price. Just note it will weigh a little more and may not last as long as a carbon fiber tripod.

Tripod Load Capacity / Stability

Tripods are all tested and given a load capacity by the manufacturer, which is the maximum weight of equipment that the tripod is able to hold.

Load capacity is definitely important to consider, as you want to be sure when buying a tripod that it will be able to handle your gear. The load capacity will also give you a good indicator of the stability of the tripod.

In our experience, these provided load capacities can be a bit optimistic, especially for travel tripods. There is also no universal testing standard for tripod load capacity calculations so you need to take them with a grain of salt. A DSLR camera with a long heavy lens will always test a travel tripod, especially in windy conditions.

There’s no ideal load capacity and it will depend on the weight of your gear. So to determine what kind of load capacity minimum you need in a tripod, you will want to calculate how heavy your camera equipment is including batteries and accessories. Then, you want to find a travel tripod with a load capacity well above that of your photography gear.

So, for instance, if your heaviest photography gear set up weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kg), I’d probably look for a travel tripod designed to hold at least 10 lbs. (4.5 kg). This will ensure a bit more stability and also flexibility if you get a heavier lens or camera body in the future.

It’s also worth noting that the rated load capacity is based on the tripod being extended normally. Some tripods offer the facility to angle the legs at greater angles. At these angles, the load capacity will be reduced. For example, the Leo 2.0 tripod has a load capacity of 66 lbs at the standard 23 degree angle but that drops to 22 lbs at a 80 degree angle.

Finally, in our experience at least, extending the center column can affect the stability of the tripod. For this reason, we advise against fully extending the center column, especially with heavier gear.

Type of Leg Locking Mechanism

Most tripods have collapsible legs made from a series of leg sections. This means that when you put away the tripod, the legs collapse inside each other.  When you extend the tripod for use, you then need to use leg locks to hold the leg sections in place and make them stable.

Each leg section of the tripod has a mechanism that you can use to release the leg section or tighten it. This means you can individually adjust the length of each leg section, and you can use the tripod with as many or as few leg sections extended as you want.

There are two main types of leg lock on the market: twist leg locks and flip leg locks. Twist locks have you twist the lock in order to tighten and loosen it. Flip locks flip open and closed.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of leg lock, and it mostly comes down to a personal preference for which you prefer. Or perhaps it is not a feature that makes much difference to you.

In our personal experience, we have found that flip locks are more liable to catch on parts of your bag or camera strap, as they stick out of the leg. However, I have found flip leg locks to be more reliable than twist locks over time, as the thread mechanism can eventually wear down on twist locks. Flip locks can also be easier for people who have a harder time gripping and twisting the legs.

That said, overall we prefer the twist locks. They are neater, fast to use, and don’t catch on our bags when packing the tripod away. So we prefer them, especially on a travel tripod. But again this is just a personal preference.

Tripod Head

The tripod head is the top part of your tripod and it is where you will attach your camera. The type of tripod head will determine the range of motion, speed, and versatility in which you are able to position and move your camera.

There are a range of different types of tripod head on the market, with the two most popular being ball heads and pan and tilt heads.

Ball heads are by far the most popular for still photographers and are the standard type of tripod head that comes with most travel tripods. They offer the most flexibility when it comes to adjustment and camera position, and are the most compact type of head.

Pan heads or pan & tilt heads allow for individual axis control, so you can pan and tilt the camera independently. This allows for easier small adjustments, and also makes for better video results as you can move on one axis without having to worry about the other axis. These are great for those who plan to a lot of photography or video that involves motion and action.

Most travel tripods, with the exception of most of the mini tripods and some of the lower end tripods, come with removable tripod heads. So you can remove and switch tripod heads if you want to change or upgrade your tripod head at a later date.

Most travel tripods with come with a head attached, and this is normally a ball head. For higher end tripods, they often sell the legs and heads separately, so you can choose the type of tripod head you want.

Generally, for travel photography, we’d recommend a ball head tripod head. As noted, most tripods come with this as the standard option.

Tripod Camera Mount / Quick Release

Another thing to consider in relation to your tripod head, is the camera mount attached to it. There are two main ways to attach a camera to a tripod: by manually screwing it to the tripod or by attaching it via the use of a quick release plate.

Most tripods will allow for one or the other. The screw in method is common on mini tripods, budget tripods, monopods, and older tripods. The use of a quick release mount has become the most common way for photographers to attach their cameras to a tripod and you’ll find it on most travel tripod models on the market today.

You will likely be aware that almost all cameras have a standard size threaded screw hole in their base. This is the tripod mount point, where you can directly attach the camera to a tripod with a camera screw (the standard 1/4″-20 screw ) . This is a simple process but if you need to take your camera on and off the tripod a lot, this becomes tiresome to do.

To avoid having to screw in a camera each time someone wants to use a tripod, most tripods now have some form of quick release system. So instead of needing to screw in your camera, the tripod will come with a mounting system and compatible quick release plates, or quick release shoes, that you attach to the bottom of your camera through the screw hole in the base.

The quick release plate allows you to slide or clip the camera into place onto the tripod mount without needing to screw it in. This allows you to more quickly attach and remove your camera from the tripod.

If you buy a tripod with a quick release mounting system, it will come with at least one camera plate for you to use. All you will need to do is to attach that to the bottom of your camera.

There are different standards for these plates, with the most common being the Arca-Swiss style of mount. This is a popular cross-brand mounting system, meaning all the tripod heads and attachment plates adhere to the same size standard. But some tripods, including Manfrotto brand tripods, do have manufacturer specific mounting standards.

We love the ease of the quick release system and most of our tripods have the Arca-Swiss style mounting system and we have compatible quick release plates on all our mirrorless and DSLR cameras. We recommend this system, especially for those who use a tripod a lot or need a tripod for heavier cameras

However, that said, most mini tripods often don’t have the quick release mounts. Our mini tripod, the VESTA TT , has a regular screw mount and we typically use it with our compact camera or action camera, or use it with an adapter for our phone. It still takes only a few seconds to screw these on and it is not much of an issue with lightweight cameras.

Travel Tripod Cost

No discussion about photography gear is complete without talking about cost and budget, and this includes travel tripods.

As you would expect, travel tripods generally cost less than standard sized tripods, although the prices vary widely. You can get a basic mini tripod for about $10 or pay over $1,000 for the most expensive travel tripod models!

A number of factors will affect the budget such as the material of the tripods, the size, and the brand. For example, you will pay more for tripods using carbon fiber and titanium parts than those made of aluminum. Amazon brand tripods are going to be less expensive than those from well-known tripods manufacturers like Manfrotto, Vanguard, and 3 Legged Thing.

There is no need to spend a lot on a travel tripod. This is especially true if you are new to tripods and are not sure how often you will use it. As noted prices for mini tripods on our list start at less than $10 and for regular travel tripods at just $30.

If you plan to use the tripod mainly with your smartphone, compact camera, or another lightweight camera, many of the more basic tripods will probably work just fine. You can always upgrade your tripod set up later.

For most travelers who are looking for a nicer tripod that is a good value, we’d look at tripods in the $100 to $200 range. You can find a lot of nice tripods in this range.

As you start to head north of $200 or $250, generally the return on investment begins to shrink. Sure, a $600 tripod is likely going to be better than a $200 tripod, but it is unlikely to be 3 times as good.

If you have a heavier setup, just be sure to get a tripod that is equipped to handle the load as the more basic and budget tripods are not adequate for DSLR or pro setups. So you will want to look at the mid-range and higher end tripods, but you can still find good value tripods out there.

Tripod Warranty

Tripods from most of the most known brands, like Manfrotto, Vanguard, and Gitzo, will come with some sort of manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties are usually for at least 2 year, some much longer. This is helpful if you find a defect in the tripod or something breaks and you need replacement parts.

Note that the length and type of warranty often depends on where you live (different countries have different laws) and the specific product. Some companies may require you to register your product to take advantage of extended warranties, so do read the warranty information.

While the warranty coverage may not be very important for those looking for a $50 tripod, we would definitely check on the warranty coverage for those planning to invest a bit more on their tripod.

Additional Features

At its heart, a tripod is a fairly simple three-legged device designed to keep your camera steady so you can use it handsfree. In order to stand out from the crowd, tripod manufacturers will usually differentiate their products with various features.

How important these are to you will vary depending on what you are going to be using the tripod for. One of the most common extra features is that the tripod may come with accessories such as a tripod cover or tripod bag which can be useful for transport. Many also come with a tripod level so you can easily tell if a tripod is level or not.

Some tripods allow you to flip the tripod head upside-down, with the camera hanging below and between the legs, instead of above them. This feature can be useful in certain photography situations such as macro photography where you want to get as close to a subject as possible. If this is important to you, pay close attention to the minimum operating height of the tripod when choosing a model.

Other tripods might come with a hook on the center column, from which you can hang a sandbag or tripod weight. This is useful for providing additional support, especially in more windy conditions. It can also be used to hang camera accessories when shooting.

However, there is a limit to how different a tripod can be given the size, weight, and material constraints on travel tripods. So most of these features are nice to have but are not necessary. As always, you’ll have to decide what features are most important to you.

Best Travel Tripods

Now that we’ve gone through the key specifications and features to look for in a travel tripod, we are now going to provide a list of recommendations for specific travel tripods.

We have broken the lists into three categories: mini tripods, regular travel tripods, and travel monopod. So you can skip to the list that is most relevant to you.

The tripods in each list are ordered by retail price, from least expensive to most expensive. We cover what we believe are the best travel tripods on the market today. For each tripod, we’ll explain its key strengths, and why we’ve chosen to include it on the list.

Best Mini Tripods for Travel

We’ll start our guide to the best travel tripods with a round-up of the best mini-tripods and tabletop tripods. Mini tripods usually fold up to 5 inches to 10 inches (12 cm to 25 cm), making them perfect for travel. They can be stashed away easily in a day bag or purse and usually weigh less than 10 ounces (283 g).

Some of the tabletop tripods can be a bit larger, especially those designed for heavier gear, but they are still smaller and lighter than the regular travel tripods.

These small tripods are ideal for smartphones, compact cameras, webcams, and action cameras. Some models can even support mirrorless and lighter DSLR cameras, but be sure to check the load capacities and read reviews if you have a heavier camera.

They are definitely not as flexible and useful as a regular travel tripod, but for occasional use they are definitely a great compact option.

Here are our picks for the best mini travel tripods, ordered by retail price, from least expensive to most expensive:

AmazonBasics Lightweight Mini Tripod

If you want a really small, basic, and budget friendly tripod for your compact camera or smartphone, this is an excellent option.

This mini tripod from Amazon features a ball head for 360 degree positioning of your camera, extendable legs that mean it packs away to a really small size, and rubber feet for stability.

The lightweight mini tripod extends up to 7.5 inches in height and collapses down to just over 5 inches, so it is easy to store. Just note that it has a load capacity of only 1.1 lbs, so you only want to use this for smartphones, compact cameras, GoPros, webcams, and other lightweight devices.

This isn’t the most durable mini tripod and it’s a bit flimsy, but if you are just looking for a basic budget mini tripod under $10 for a phone or small camera this would be our recommendation.

Just note that if you want to use this with a smartphone, you’ll need to also get a separate adaptor like this .

Weight : 4.2 ounces / 119 grams Folded Length: 5.1 inches / 13 cm Minimum Height / Extended Height : 4.75 inches (12 cm) / 7.5 inches (19 cm) Load Capacity : 1.1 lbs / 0.5 kg Main Material : Aluminum Head : fixed mini ball head Mount Type: international standard 1/4″ -20 screw Price : Check price and buy on Amazon here

Vanguard Vesta TT Mini Tripod

The Vanguard Vesta TT is the mini-tripod we have and use with our phone, GoPro, and compact camera. It comes with a smartphone adapter already included but can also be used for cameras and other devices on the screw mount.

In terms of capabilities, this a simple lightweight mini tripod. The legs fold out but they are not adjustable. Since there are no joints or leg locks, there are less parts that can break. The three legs are connected, so when you extend one for use they all extend, making setup very fast.

There’s a ball head with a friction lock, and rubber feet for stability. As noted, we also like that it comes with a detachable smartphone holder that is adjustable to hold almost any phone. This is great so you don’t have to buy an additional adapter if you want to use your phone.

In terms of carrying capacity, the Vanguard Vesta TT can support cameras up to 4.4lbs (2 kg) which means it can handle lighter camera setups. The lightweight mini tripod folds to a very convenient 6.7 inches (17 cm).

If you are looking for something simple and stable, we can highly recommend this one. We’ve had no issues with it so far.

Weight : 5.5 oz / 155 g Folded Length: 6.7 inches / 17 cm Height : 3.9 inches (10 cm)  Load Capacity : 4.4 lbs / 2 kg Main Material : Aluminum Head : fixed mini ball head Mount Type: international standard 1/4″ -20 screw (also comes with a smartphone adapter) Price : Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Manfrotto Pixi EVO 2 Mini Tripod

If you want a mini tripod that can support a heavier camera, the Manfrotto Pixi EVO 2 is a great choice at a reasonable price point.

The sturdy legs have two sections allowing them to be adjusted and extended to a height up to 7.8 inches (20 cm). The tripod is lightweight at just over 9 ounces (260 g) and folds up to 8 inches (20.5 cm) in length.

Note that while this is designed to hold mirrorless cameras and smaller DSLR cameras, it is not intended for heavy DSLR camera setups or pro setups. If you want to use this with a smartphone, you’ll need a separate adaptor like this from Manfrotto .

If you are looking for a good overall mini tripod, we recommend the Manfrotto Pixi tripods.

Weight : 9.2 oz / 260 g Folded Length : 8.1 inches (20.5 cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height :  4.1 inches (10.5 cm) / 7.8 inches (20 cm) Load Capacity : 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg Main Materials : Aluminum / Technopolymer Head : fixed ball head Mount Type : international standard 1/4″ -20 screw Price : Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

JOBY GorillaPod 5K

JOBY Gorillapod is a well-known line of mini and table top tripods that come with bendable and flexible legs. JOBY offers a full range of mini tripods from tiny ones suitable for phones and compact camera to larger ones suitable for heavier cameras. If you find the bendy legs appealing, then you can find a mini tripod to fit just about any kind of camera.

For those doing video and live streaming, we particularly recommend the JOBY GorillaPod 5K as it often recommended as the best travel tripod by vloggers and YouTubers. JOBY has recently released an upgraded version of this tripod that comes with 2 additional arms for more vlogging device attachments.

The strength of the Gorillapod design comes from its clever leg design. Each leg is made from a series of flexible joints, meaning you can bend and wrap this tripod in all sorts of ways. This is particularly useful if you are outside and want to wrap it around a bench or tree branch to get a shot.

The legs also come together and the rubberized rings make it easy to hold and grip for video. It can also be stood up like a regular tripod as well! This makes the JOBY GorillaPod tripods unique in terms of their functionality.

There are a number of GorillaPod models with the 5K being the heavy-duty version that can hold up to 11 lbs or 5 kg of gear and can extend up to 15 inches (38.5 cm) in height. So the tripod is able to hold the camera gear for most travelers. But there are several other smaller models like the GorillaPod 1K model  if you are just looking for something for a smartphone or lightweight camera setup.

The JOBY GorillaPod 5K sort of fits in the middle between a mini tripod and a regular travel tripod. It is heavier and larger than the other mini tripods on our list, but is much lighter and more compact than the regular travel tripods.

If you are interested in a versatile in-between size travel tripod, this may be the tripod for you.

Weight : 1.63 lbs / 0.74 kg Folded Length : 15.1 inches / 38.5 cm Minimum Height / Extended Height : ~ 6 inches (15 cm) / ~ 14  inches (35.5 cm) Load Capacity : 11 lbs / 5 kg Main Materials: ABS Plastic / Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type: international standard 1/4″ -20 screw & Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Now if you are looking for something a bit larger, we’re going to focus on the regular travel tripods. To help you choose a travel tripod, we’ve gone through a whole range of options and made a list of what we think are some of the best travel tripods currently on the market.

When selecting a tripod, there is quite a range in terms of length, height, weight, load capacity, and budget. You’ll likely have to compromise on some factors, but you want to know what is a must-have for you so you get all the features that matter the most.

Travel tripods often extend up to 50 to 60 inches (127 to152 cm) in height and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds (.09 to 1.81 kg). The collapsed folding length varies between about 12 inches and 25 inches (30 to 63 cm) with most travel tripods under 20 inches. Load capacities can range widely, with most travel tripods offering between 5 and 25 lbs. (2.27 to 11.34 kg) of load capacity.

We think most travelers will be best suited with one of these tripods as they offer the most versatility and durability out of the different types of travel tripods.

Here are our picks for the best travel tripods, ordered by retail price, from least expensive to most expensive:

AmazonBasics Lightweight 60 in Tripod

If you are looking for a budget buy, we’d consider taking a look at this AmazonBasics tripod. Despite its budget nature, it has many of the features you would expect from a travel tripod.

The tripod is lightweight, offers a pan and tilt head and quick release mounting system, and can extend to a good length of 60 inches when fully extended. The tripod also has two bubble levels to help you level the tripod and a hook on the center column for adding weight. The tripod also comes with an included zippered carrier bag.

The tripod is a metal and plastic construction with a 6.6 lb (3 kg) load capacity, and is suitable for smartphones, compact cameras, and smaller mirrorless and DSLR cameras. But this is not the tripod you want to attach a heavier camera or setup with large telezoom lenses!

The materials used in its construction mean that it is not going to be as sturdy or durable as higher priced tripods. It is also by far the bulkiest travel tripod on our list with a folded length of 24 inches. The arms of the pan head also add additional bulk.

The tripod comes with a quick-release mounting system which is useful; however, note that it does not appear to be compatible with most Arca-Swiss plates. However, this only matters if you already have quick release plates on your gear.

All this said, if you want a good sized tripod at a budget price, this is a great option to consider. This is a great tripod setup for someone starting out on their photography journey. It is also perfect for those with lighter weight gear looking for an occasional tripod at a budget price.

Weight : 3 lbs / 1.36 kg Folded Length : 25 inches / 63.5 cm Minimum Height: 24 inches (61 cm) Fully Extended Height: 60 inches (152 cm) Height without Column Extension : ~ 52 inches (132 cm) Load Capacity : 6.6 lbs / 3 kg Main Materials: Aluminum / Plastic Head : 3 way pan and tilt head Mount Type: quick release mount (not Arca-Swiss compatiable) Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here

SLIK Sprint 150

Another tripod to consider for those with a smaller budget is this SLIK tripod. It is a bit more pricey than the Amazon model, but offers a better build, less weight, and less bulk.

The tripod is super lightweight, has a ball head, bubble level, and Arca-Swiss compatible quick release mounting system. It folds down to 20 inches (50 cm) and extends up to 64 (163 cm) at its maximum height. The tripod also comes with an included carrier bag.

You get a lightweight tripod with a reasonable load capacity (up to 4.5 lbs), that folds down to a manageable size. It isn’t designed for heavier camera setups, but the build quality is good, the price is certainly reasonable, and it is a great option for those with lighter camera setups.

The SLIK Sprint 150 travel tripod is another good option for those looking for a budget-friendly travel tripod. You can usually get it for around $60. Just be aware this doesn’t come with an Arca compatible quick release plate. However, some of the more expensive Slik tripods do include Arca compatible heads.

Weight : 2.3lbs / 1 kg Folded Length : 19.9 in (50cm) Minimum Height: 7.4 in (18.5cm)   Fully Extended Height : 64.3 in (163cm) Height without Column Extension: 52.5 in (133cm) Load Capacity :  4.5lbs / 2kg Main Material: Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type: Quick-release mount (not Arca compatible) Price : Check the latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Vanguard Vesta TB204AB

The Vanguard Vesta TB204AB is one of many tripods in the Vanguard range.

Laurence has been an ambassador for Vanguard since 2014, and we have used many of their tripods over the years. We always have a Vanguard tripod in our travel photography gear kit .

The Vanguard Vesta TB204AB is the entry-level model in the Vanguard line, but is still a very capable tripod at a very attractive price point. For your money, you get a lightweight aluminum ball head tripod with an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release mounting system.

The 204AB folds down to 14.8 inches (38 cm) and weighs only 2 lbs (0.9 kg), making it ideal for travel. For its size, it has a decent load capacity of 6.6 lbs so can handle most types of gear.

The main drawback of this tripod is that the maximum height of the tripod is only 51.2 inches with the center column extended, and only 41.5 inches with it down. So this isn’t the tallest travel tripod. However, given the price and travel-friendly folded size and weight, it’s definitely a great option to consider.

Weight : 2 lbs / 0.9 kg Folded Length : 14.8 in / 38 cm Minimum Height: 11.8 inches (27.9 cm) Fully Extended Height : 51.2 inches (130 cm) Height without Column Extension : 41.5 in (105cm) Load Capacity : 6.6 lbs / 3 kg Main Material: Aluminum Head : Ball head, arca compatible Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro Aluminum

MeFOTO are another popular tripod brand, and this aluminum tripod is their classic travel tripod.

Another neat feature of this tripod is that you can detach the center column from the tripod, attach it to one of the tripod legs, and you have yourself a 64″ monopod. So if you are thinking that a monopod might come in handy at times, this tripod gives you that option.

The tripod has a good load capacity of 17.6 lbs (8 kg) for a travel tripod at this price range and is pretty compact. However, at 3.6lbs (1.6kg) it is a bit heavier than many of the other options on our list.

The tripod comes with a fairly wide range of color options which is nice bonus, and also comes with a carry case.

Like many of tripods on our list, there are both aluminum and carbon fiber versions available of this tripod. So if you like the specifications but don’t like the weight, consider the carbon fibre version. This is a bit lighter and more durable than the aluminum version, but it almost doubles the cost. So the aluminum model is probably the best bet for those looking for a good value tripod.

Weight : 3.6 lbs / 1.6 kg Folded Length : 15.4 in (39.1 cm) Minimum Height: 15.4 in (39.1 cm) Fully Extended Height : 61.6 in (156.5 cm ) Height without Column Extension : 53 in (134cm) Load Capacity : 17.6 lbs / 8 kg Main Material: Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check the latest price on Amazon here and B&H here

Vanguard VEO 2 GO 265CB

The VEO 2 Go 265CB tripod is a smaller and lighter version of the travel tripod that we currently use (the VEO 2 265CB ). The Go range of VEO tripods are even more travel focused than the original VEO range, with the tripods being even lighter and smaller than the original VEO range.

The VEO 2 Go 265CB is wonderfully light thanks to the carbon fiber construction, and it folds down to a very compact 12.75 inches. This is the most compact of the travel tripods on our list, and also one of the lightest!

However, there are some downsides to this compact nature. Whilst the extended height is a reasonable 56.5 inches, this is largely thanks to a 2-section center column. The tripod without the center column extension is a fairly short 44 inches. So we’d caution against using this tripod fully extended, especially with heavier gear. Although using a tripod weight bag can help.

The tripod also includes a center column hook for adding weight, a set of spiked feet, and a carrying bag.

Overall though, we think this tripod offers a compelling option for those looking for something that is very lightweight and compact, yet can still handle a reasonable load (up to 13.2 lbs).

Those of you looking for a taller tripod should consider the VEO 2 GO 265HCBM , which is designed for taller photographers and offers a much higher maximum height. The center column on this latter tripod also converts for use as a monopod.

Weight : 2.63 lbs / 1.2 kg Folded Length : 12.75 inches (32.4 cm) Minimum Height: 8.25 inches (21.5 cm) Fully Extended Height : 56.5 inches (143.5 cm) Height w/o Column Extension: 44 inches (113 cm) Load Capacity : 13.2 lbs / 6 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check prices Amazon here and  B&H here

Vanguard VEO 3 GO 265HCB

The Vanguard VEO 3 265HCB is our current go-to travel tripod that we use for most of our travel photography when traveling internationally. We think it offers an excellent combination of price and performance.

The VEO 2 265CB has a carbon fiber construction and weighs only 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg). The fully extended height is an impressive 65.5 inches and it still offers 49.5 inches of height without any center column extension. It folds away to a reasonably compact 16.2 inches.

Load capacity is fantastic at 22 lbs (10 kg), meaning it can support the camera setup of most travelers. The ball head features a bubble level so you can easily see if your camera is level, and the quick release plate is Arca-Swiss compatible. We also like the twist lock legs which make for quick and easy setup. It comes with its own carrying bag.

Overall, we think this is a very well priced carbon fiber tripod that should satisfy most travel photographers. It is currently our favorite all-around travel tripod pick.

Weight : 3.1 lbs /1.4 kg Folded Length :  16.2 inches (41 cm) Minimum Height : 8 inches (21 cm) Fully Extended Height : 65.5 inches (166.5 cm) Height without Column Extension: 49.5 inches (126 cm) Load Capacity : 22lbs / 10 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check prices on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon Fiber

Manfrotto is another respected name in the tripod space, and Laurence’s very first travel tripod was a Manfrotto model. They have an extensive range of tripods to choose from, with the BeFree range being their main line of travel tripods.

One of the models that stands out in this range is the Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon Fiber tripod. The tripod offers a great load capacity (22 lbs / 10 kg) at a reasonable weight (3.42 lbs / 1.55 kg) and compact folded length of 16.9 inches (43 cm). It comes with a carrying bag included.

The tripod has a ball head with a quick-release system, however, be aware that Manfrotto uses their own mounting system standard and plate designs which are not compatible with the Arca-Swiss standard. So you will need to only use their release plates on your cameras and other gear.

This same tripod is also available in a less expensive aluminum version as well.

Weight : 3.42 lbs / 1.55 kg Folded Length : 16.9 in (43 cm) Minimum Height : 16.9 in (43 cm) Fully Extended Height : 63.8 in (162 cm) Height without Column Extension : 54 in (138cm) Load Capacity : 22 lbs / 10 kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type : quick release mount (not Arca-Swiss compatible) Price : Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Peak Design Travel Tripod

We’ve been big fans of Peak Design for a long time, primarily for their awesome camera straps which we use on all our cameras. However, Peak Design also make a travel focused tripod, which offers some unique features.

It’s available in both aluminum and carbon fibre. We think the aluminum model will suit for most users as the carbon fibre model is quite a bit more expensive. The aluminum version is the one we use.

With a load capacity of 20lbs (9.1kg) and weight of 3.43lbs (1.56kg), this travel tripod should meet the needs of most traveling photographers. You get a built-in magnetic phone mount, a built-in ball head, and a tripod that presents a very packable profile. In fact, it’s one of the more portable full size travel tripods we’ve used.

It’s easy to set up and use, with fast-access low-profile leg locks. The mounting plate is ARCA compatible, and it comes with a hex tool and weatherproof carrying bag. There’s a load hanging hook, optional attachment points for Peak Design straps.

Weight : 3.44 lbs / 1.56 kg Folded Length : 15.4 in (39.1 cm) Minimum Height : 5.5 in (14 cm) Fully Extended Height : 60 in (152.4 cm) Height without Column Extension : 51.25 in (130.2cm) Load Capacity : 20 lbs / 9.1 kg Main Material : Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type : quick release mount, Arca-Swiss compatible Price : Check price on Amazon here , and Peak Design here .

3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0

3 Legged Thing are another well known tripod manufacturer who are definitely worth checking out when it comes to travel tripods, especially if you have heavier camera gear. They have a number of options, but I suggest the Leo 2.0 model is the one to check out for most travelers.

The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 tripod is a sturdy well-built carbon fiber travel tripod, with an impressive maximum load rating of 66 lbs (30kg)! This is the highest load capacity of all the travel tripods on our list and is an impressive number for a travel tripod.

It folds up to a compact 14.7 inches (37.4 cm) and can extend up to 57.7 inches with the center column extended. However, it is worth noting that this impressive height is due to the longer telescoping central column. Without the central column extended, the tripod is only 44 inches, which is definitely on the lower end. This tripod is also heavier than most travel tripods at 4.08 lbs (1.85 kg).

All three of the legs on this tripod are detachable, and you can attach the center column to one of the legs to create a monopod. The monopod is 59.2 inches (150.4 cm) with the ball head attached. A great option for those who want the option to take a lighter monopod on some trips.

If you are looking for a sturdy tripod with a high load capacity, and don’t mind it being a little heavier than the average travel tripod, this is a solid option.

Weight :  4.08 lb / 1.85 kg Folded Length : 14.7 in (37.4 cm) Minimum Height: 4.9 in (12.5 cm) Fully Extended Height :  57.7 in (147 cm) Height without Column Extension: 44.13in (112 cm) Load Capacity : 66 lbs / 30 kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type : Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Gitzo Lightweight Series 2 Traveler

We couldn’t do a round up of tripods without featuring one of the tripods from the high-end brand Gitzo. Gitzo are essentially the Rolls Royce of tripod manufacturers. They are certainly not a budget option, but for those of you with a healthy wallet, they are certainly a solid choice.

Their travel tripod range is conveniently called Traveler. We’d recommend the Lightweight Series 2 traveler tripod as offering a great balance of size and stability.

The Gitzo Lightweight Series 2 is a well built tripod featuring an Arca-Swiss compatible ball head that has a bubble level and independent pan and tilt locking, which makes it easier to capture panoramas. It extends up to 65 inches (165 cm) with a load capacity of 26.4 lbs (12 kg), allowing it to work for just about any photographer’s needs. Even with the center column down, you still get an impressive 55 inches (142cm) of height.

However, this tripod is one of the heaviest on the list at just over 4 lbs. If you want something lighter and even smaller, checkout the Lightweight Series 0 Traveler, which offers a more compact system at the expense of height.

This is definitely a premium tripod, but we think it is worth the price if you have the budget and you want something sturdy and durable from a well-known brand.

Weight : 4.06 lbs / 1.84 kg Folded Length : 17.6 in (44.5 cm) Minimum Height: 13 in (33.2 cm) Fully Extended Height : 65 in (165.5 cm) Height without Column Extension : 55 in (142cm) Load Capacity : 26.4 lbs / 12 kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type : Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Travel Monopods

Whilst a monopod isn’t a tripod, some photographers find that a monopod offers a good balance between portability and use. Travel monopods are lighter, less bulky, and more portable than a travel tripod. Travelers who choose monopods over tripods typically do so because they don’t want to carry the weight of a tripod.

You can find a lot of travel monopods weighing less than 1 lb and they typically don’t weigh more than 2 lbs. So they can be perfect for someone who wants the height but not the weight or bulk of a travel tripod. However, they are usually a bit longer than the average travel tripod when collapsed.

Note that monopods generally come with a fixed head. However, you can attach a tripod head to them, just note that this will add weight so be sure to keep that in mind. Generally, monopods don’t come with quick-release mounts/plates but you can attach a tripod head that supports a quick release plate if you wanted to use one.

Monopods are particularly useful for when a photographer is shooting wildlife, events, or sport scenes and needs to move and reposition heavier gear a lot. They can also be used to support a microphone or camera boom. Some travel monopods are also designed to double as a walking stick and so can be particularly useful for those who do a lot of hiking or backpacking.

However, although monopods offer more support and stability than freehand shooting, they are still more limited than using a tripod. Monpods are not a substitute for a tripod. So it is a tradeoff between the easier portability and the functionality for many people.

Note that if you are thinking that a monopod sounds useful in some situations, but you still want a tripod, you might consider a tripod that can convert into a monopod. For instance, the MeFoto RoadTrip Classic and the VEO 2 GO 265 HCBM are two examples of tripods that can be converted into monopods.

If you are considering a standalone monopod for your travels, here are some to consider:

Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod

If you are looking for an excellent balance of price and features, we think the Manfrotto 290 carbon fiber monopod offers great value for money.

This carbon fiber tripod offers a flip lock leg system that extends up to almost 60 inches (151 cm) and folds down to 19.2 inches (49 cm). The load capacity of 11 lbs (5 kg) means it will help support most cameras. A rubber grip and angled wrist strap help provide extra stability.

The carbon fiber construction means its lightweight but strong, and you get good load capacity combined with a good maximum height. For those with a smaller budget, an aluminum version is also available.

Weight : 17.6 oz / 500 g Folded Length : 19.2 inches (49 cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height : 19.2 inches (49 cm) / 59.4 inches (151cm) Load Capacity : 11 lbs /  5 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Fixed Mount Type: dual 1/4″-20 screw and 3/8″-16 screw Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR

If you want a slightly more fully featured monopod, check out the VEO 2S CM-264TR monopod from Vanguard. It actually has three feet which fold out, and whilst these make the monopod a little heavier than others, you get a huge stability advantage over a standard monopod.

The VEO 2S CM-246TR offers a twist lock leg system that can extend up to 64 inches (162 cm) and folds down to 21.5 inches (54.6). The foldable feet allow for more stability and smoother videos. The load capacity of 13.2 lbs (6 kg) means it can handle all but the heaviest camera setups.

This monopod also comes with a wrist strap, universal smartphone mount, carabiner, and protective rubber transport cap for the mounting screw. The included mount is great for those who also want to use it with their phone.

If you like the look of this one but have a smaller budget, a less expensive aluminum version is also available.

Weight : 1.96lbs / 890g Folded Length : 21.5 inches (54.5cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height :: 21.7 inches (55cm) /  64 inches (162 cm) Load Capacity : 13.2lbs / 6kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Fixed Mount Type : international standard 1/4″ -20 screw Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

3 Legged Thing Alan Monopod

If you have a seriously heavy setup, then you might want to consider the Alan Monopod from 3 Legged Thing. Boasting a spectacular load capacity of 132 lbs (60 kg), this should be able to handle even the most professional and extreme lenses without trouble!

Despite this load ability, the Alan still only weighs 1.34 lbs (600 g) thanks to a carbon fiber construction. It has a 5 section twist lock style leg construction that collapses down to a relatively compact 17.7 inches (45 cm). It comes with large rubber grip and a tri-mount plate that allows for a camera or other accessories, such as microphone or boom, to be easily attached.

If you want to add more stability to the tripod, you can add a three-way foot add-on like this to increase stability if you wish.

This is a more pricey monopod option, but if you need something that can support a lot of weight, this is a great option.

Weight : 1.34lbs / 609 g Folded Length : 17.7 inches (45cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height : 17.7 inches (45cm) / 58.7 inches (149cm) Load Capacity : 132 lbs / 60 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Fixed Mount Type: dual 1/4″-20 screw and 3/8″-16 screw Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Travel Tripod for Different Travelers & Purposes

Here are our picks for the best travel tripods, depending on your specific needs and budget:

• Best Mini Travel Tripod : Manfrotto Pixi EVO Mini Tripod
• Best Travel Tripod Under $30 : Amazon Basics Lightweight 60 in Tripod
• Best Travel Tripod Under $100 : Vanguard Vesta TB204AB
• Best Compact / Lightweight Travel Tripod : Vanguard VEO 3 Go 235CB
• Best Rugged Tripod for Adventure Travelers : 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0
• Best Tripod for Video and Vlogging : JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit
• Best Luxury Travel Tripod : Gitzo Lightweight Series 2
• Best Travel Tripod for Extra Heavy Camera Setups : 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0
• Best Monopod for Travel : Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber
• Best Convertible Tripod/Monopod for Travel : Vanguard VEO 3 GO 265 HCB
• Best Overall Travel Tripod : Vanguard VEO 3 Go 265HCB

As you can see, the specific tripod we’d recommend will depend a lot on your needs and your budget. There is no one size fits all travel tripod.

Overall, our favorite brand for travel tripods is Vanguard, an American manufacturer of tripods as well as scopes and binoculars. We find the company offers a wide range of well-built tripods at decent prices. We’ve been using their tripods for many years, and Laurence has been an ambassador for the brand since 2014.

As Vanguard Ambassadors we are able to offer you a unique discount code which will get you 20% off everything in the Vanguard USA , Vanguard UK , Vanguard Spain , and Vanguard Germany online store websites. Just use code FindingTheUniverse  (case sensitive) on checkout.

Travel Tripod Accessories 

Depending on your tripod, camera gear, and travel style, there may be some extra accessories you may need or want to have to get the most out of your travel tripod.

Most travel tripods come with a tripod ball head included so most people won’t need to buy a separate tripod head. But even if your tripod comes with a ball head, you may wish to replace it or get a second tripod head to use. On most tripods, you can remove and replace the ball head if you wish.

Some people may want to replace it for a higher quality ball head or for one that matches the standard of their quick release plates (although most support the Arca Swiss mounting standards).

In some cases you might want to get a different type of tripod head to use in certain instances or for other equipment. For example, you may get a tripod that comes with a standard ball head and wish to also have a tripod pan head for making videos or for a wildlife viewing, such as this one for Manfrotto BeFree tripods .

It is generally recommended that you purchase ball heads from the same manufacturer to ensure the best fit, but you can often use them across manufacturers. Just be sure to check compatiability before purchasing.

Quick Release Plates

Quick release plates, or quick release shoes, are mounting plates that allow you to quickly attach and detach your camera from your tripod head. The quick release plate is attached to the bottom of your camera and then that fits into the head mount.

If your tripod has a quick release mounting system, it likely came with a least one quick release plate to attach to your camera. However, if like us, you have more than one camera or other devices that you want to attach plates, you will need to purchase extra plates.

Most tripods use a Arca-Swiss style mount standard making it so you can use the same release plates across a number of tripods, but some do have manufacturer specific mounting standards.

It is generally best to buy extra release plates from your tripod manufacturer to make sure you get a release plate that is compatible with that tripod. So if you have a Manfrotto tripod, you probably want to get a Manfrotto quick release plate .

You can purchase tripod quick release plates on Amazon , B&H , & Adorama

Tripod Phone Adapter

If you plan to use your tripod with your smartphone camera, you will likely need to purchase an adapter since most are designed to accommodate regular cameras. But some of the mini tripods do come with a smartphone adapter or the brand may offer it as an accessory or as part of a bundle kit.

If your tripod does not come with an adapter, you can purchase a tripod smartphone adapter like this one , that can work with almost any phone or tripod.

Tripod Collar

A tripod collar, also known as a lens collar or tripod mount ring, is a lens accessory that you can use to attach a camera lens to a tripod. In most cases, you will attach your camera, not your lens, directly to your tripod.

But if you have a camera with interchangeable lenses and are planning to use longer and heavier lenses, you may need to use a tripod collar to better support the weight of your camera setup. This means instead of attaching your camera base directly to the tripod, you will attach it from a mount on your camera lens.

Longer telephoto lenses generally come with either an attached or removable tripod collar. Smaller telephoto lenses may not. If you have a heavier telephoto lens over 100mm it is something you might want to consider for extra stability.

If you need to purchase a tripod collar, you want to make sure that you purchase one that will work specifically for the lens you own. For instance, there is no universal Canon telephoto lens tripod collar, but instead they come in different sizes for different lenses.

We generally recommend buying from the lens manufacturer to ensure fit and quality, but there are third-party brands, like Vello , that make them as well. Just be sure to check reviews and load capacity for third party ones.

You can see tripod collars on Amazon , B&H , & Adorama

Tripod Weight Bags

Tripod weight bags, or tripod sand bags, are a tripod accessory you can use to help better stabilize your tripod. These are particularly useful for travel tripods which are often less heavy and stable than regular sized tripods.

There are two main types of bags, ones that come pre-weighted and those that you add your own weight to as needed. Weight can be added by putting sand, gravel, stones, extra gear, etc. in the bag or sling. This helps you adjust the weight to be best for your tripod as you want to be sure not to overload your tripod.

Obviously traveling with heavy sandbags in your luggage is not going to be ideal, so for traveling, the add your own weight tripod bags are going to be the best option. A couple of different examples are these fillable sandbag weights and this sling style one .

I would get your tripod first and then see if you think it needs extra weight for stabilization for the kinds of shooting you do. You also want to make sure that you get a weight bag that will fit your particular model of tripod as many, for example, require a hook on the central column.

Tripod Feet

Your travel tripod will come with at least one set of tripod feet, also known as tripod shoes or tripod boots. So you probably don’t need to purchase additional tripod feet unless they break. But some people may wish to replace them if they prefer a specific kind of tripod feet or need them for a special terrain.

There are a number of different kinds of tripod feet, which are designed to be best suited for different types of terrain and shooting locations. For instance, spiked feet are often more useful for dirt and sand, whereas rubber feet are best for slippery surfaces and indoor shooting.

There are also tripod feet with retractable spikes or spikes ones with removable rubber boot covers which makes them more versatile.

Tripod feet and boots are not universal, so make sure you get ones that will fit your particular tripod. It will depend on the diameter of your tripod leg. Some screw on and some just slip onto the bottom of the tripod.

Tripod Bag or Photography Bag with Tripod Pocket

If you are planning to travel with your tripod, it is a good idea to get some sort of cover or bag for it. This helps with transport and helps protect your tripod and your other gear. Many travel tripods come with a carry bag included, but some do not.

If you are just wanting a bag to carry your tripod, you might want to get something like the  Manfrotto Befree Padded Tripod Bag which will fit most travel sized tripods. Just be sure to check dimensions of bags as most are designed for full-sized tripods and may be much larger than you need.

If you are wanting something to store all of your photography gear, you will want to look for a photography bag or backpack with a tripod pocket or compartment. We personally travel with the Vanguard Alta Sky backpacks , which come in a variety of sizes and styles. We are able to put a travel tripod in the side pocket, inside the bag, or strap it to the bottom, and it is nice to have options.

We recommend finding something designed for the type and amount of gear you plan to carry. So if you have a compact camera, travel tripod, and accessories, you can get a much smaller bag than someone wanting to travel with a DSLR camera, travel tripod, and 3 lenses.

Now, if you have a mini tripod or a smaller travel tripod that you may not need any special bag and it will fit well in your regular backpack or purse. However, I would find something (like a dry bag) that you can store it in when you are not using it. This will help protect the tripod as well as the other stuff in your bag.

And that’s it for our advice on choosing the best travel tripod. We hope you found it useful. As always, we are here to help if you have any questions about choosing a travel tripod!

A reminder that if you are thinking about buying a Vanguard tripod, we are able to offer you a unique discount code that will get you 20% off anything you purchase in the Vanguard USA or UK online stores. Just use code  FindingTheUniverse  (case sensitive) on checkout from the  Vanguard US store . UK readers can use the code  FindingTheUniverseUK  ( case sensitive) in the  Vanguard UK store .

If you are also interested in a new travel camera, be sure to check out our guides to the best compact cameras , best mirrorless camera for travel , and best DSLR cameras for travel . We also have a general guide to choosing a travel camera and an online travel photography course if you are wanting to improve your photography skills.

Interested in a new tripod for traveling? PIN this guide on Pinterest to read later:

Do you have any of your own tips or advice on choosing or using a travel tripod? Have a question about tripods or travel photography? If so, just let us know in the comments below!

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There are 13 comments on this post.

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Peter B. Post author

April 20, 2024 at 4:12 pm

Thank you for your informative Travel Tripod article. You stated that the SLIK Sprint 150 Aluminum Tripod has Arca Swiss quick release. My Sprint 150 has a quick release system but my SBH-150DQ Ball Head is not Arca Swiss compatible – it takes its own proprietary 6183BK base plate.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

April 22, 2024 at 3:39 am

Glad you found our article helpful and thanks so much for bringing this to our attention about that specific SLIK Sprint tripod model. So yes, that specific model does not come with a Arca Swiss compatible head. We have updated that information.

Now, many of the SLIK tripods do come with Swiss Arca-style tripod heads and brackets. But many of there mini and travel ones do come with a proprietary one. However, it does seem they are trying to update those as the SPRINT PRO III BHAC (another travel tripod in the Sprint series) has just been updated to have an Arca-style ballhead (SBH-100AC). So hopefully they will update more of their smaller heads to make it easier for people to use and swap cameras. But this does make the prices of these tripods go up.

Best, Jessica

Devail Post author

November 25, 2022 at 1:23 am

great information about types for travel tripods and photographic equipment. thanks for sharing

November 26, 2022 at 5:28 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment. If you have any questions about travel tripods, or travel photography in general, just let us know!

Ruth Post author

August 20, 2022 at 11:30 pm

I’ve read lots of articles on travel tripods in the last few weeks and yours is the most helpful and informative with lots of explanation, thank you!

August 21, 2022 at 4:06 am

Glad you found it helpful. If you have any questions about choosing a travel tripod, just ask and happy to try to help.

Andtemiz Post author

March 3, 2021 at 3:14 am

I learned a lot about travel tripods from this article. Thanks for the useful information.

March 4, 2021 at 9:47 am

Glad you found it useful! If you are looking for a travel tripod (or any type of tripod) and have any questions, just let us know! Happy to try to help or give advice based on our experiences.

Kishanu Post author

May 21, 2020 at 12:50 am

I agree that Vanguard VEO makes some of the best travel camera tripods for the prices. Very helpful article about tripods. Keep posting such type of articles!

May 21, 2020 at 5:09 am

Hi Kishanu,

Glad you found the article helpful and yes, so far we have also had very good experiences with the Vanguard VEO and Vanguard VEO 2 Go tripod lines!

Paul Post author

May 16, 2020 at 8:54 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

Love your camera and tripod guides. I would like to be able to get better family photos on vacations – I have one of the little Manfrotto mini tripods but it doesn’t really work in most places for our group photos as it isn’t tall enough to get good family photos as it is limited to where it can be set. But I also don’t want to carry around something heavy and bulky when traveling so not sure what might be best? My wife has a little point-and-shoot Sony camera and I have a small Panasonic mirrorless camera, and my kids use their phones, so ideally something that could support up to a mirrorless camera would be best. I think the heaviest would be well under 3 lbs….

Thanks in advance!….Paul

May 16, 2020 at 5:30 pm

Yes, mini tripods can be great but they are definitely limited if you don’t have a place to put them.

I think for those family trips where you want to take nice family photos, I’d look for a regular travel tripod. But I would look for one of the most compact and lightweight ones so that you don’t regret taking it with you. I’d find something you’d be OK throwing in your day bag and walking around with all day.

We’d recommend something like the Vanguard VEO 2 GO 204CB (or the aluminum version 204AB ) for you. The carbon fiber version only weighs 1.7lbs and folds up to about 12 inches! It isn’t the tallest tripod, but certainly tall enough for what you want to use it for and can definitely support your compact camera and mirrorless camera. It has the Swiss Arca quick release system so you can quickly attach your camera. We have a heavier/taller version of the VeO 2 Go tripod and really love it.

If you want to also use smartphones on the tripod, you’ll just need to get a smartphone adapter.

Hope that helps! Jessica

May 17, 2020 at 8:44 am

Thanks, will take a look at those tripods, super helpful!

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10 Best Travel Tripods You Can Buy (in 2024)

A Post By: Jeremy Flint

Looking for the best travel tripod for your next photo adventure? You’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I share my top 10 tripod recommendations, including options for every shooting style, budget, and level of experience. So whether you’re a beginner looking for your first portable tripod or a serious travel shooter in need of a high-quality tripod to take on lengthy trips, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive right in, starting with my number one pick:

1. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Twist Camera

If budget is a key consideration, the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Twist Camera Tripod is a great choice; it offers plenty of impressive features, yet it’s currently on sale for just over $150 (and it normally costs just $225).

This travel tripod is portable and compact with a fluid head and twist-closure locking system. It’s ideal for pretty much every travel photography situation, including street scenes, night shots, and landscapes. The carbon fiber build makes it easy to transport, and the three independent head controls clamp the camera quickly and precisely, allowing for quick use and effective panning. Use it to capture stunning motion-blur shots of bikers and cars whizzing by, then lock the head in place to capture a gorgeous vista.

The Manfrotto Befree is just under 16 in (40 cm) when closed, but it can be extended to nearly 5 ft (1.5 m), perfect for capturing those elevated travel shots. And the center column allows you to adjust the tripod height incrementally as needed, which can come in handy when fine-tuning your compositions.

2. Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler

Whether you’re having a staycation or are heading to far-away lands, you’ll enjoy using the Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler, an impressively rugged pro-level travel tripod that works great even when photographing in tough conditions, such as wind, rain, and rushing water.

The Traveler features a portable, four-section design with an Arca-type ball head, short center column, and shoulder strap. It weighs just 3.2 lb (1.45 kg), which is ideal for long days of shooting; you can carry it for hours without issue – yet it’s capable of supporting 22 lb (10 kg) of weight, so you can easily use it to stabilize your mirrorless or DSLR camera , even with a mounted 135mm or 200mm lens.

At the end of the day, the Traveler is one of the most solid travel tripods on the market, though it does come with a hefty price tag. I really only recommend it for serious shooters, though advanced amateurs who want to invest in a high-level support system should also give it a look.

3. Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro (Aluminum)

The Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro Aluminium isn’t very pricy, yet it’s an excellent travel tripod thanks to the sturdy, lightweight design and excellent ergonomics.

The MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro offers rock-solid support to help you blur water and capture star trails, and while it’s made of aluminum (which often makes for heavy products), it weighs just over 3.5 lb (1.65 kg) for easy transportation. You can strap it to your camera backpack or carry it over your shoulder during long hikes, and you shouldn’t experience any discomfort along the way.

The five-section legs extend over 5 ft (155 cm), and they even offer a reverse-fold length of just 15.7 in (40 cm), so you can easily carry the tripod inside a bag or suitcase. The ball head can be locked for accurate panoramic shooting, which often comes in handy when photographing landscapes.

4. K&F Concept D254C1

Seeking a solid travel tripod that won’t break the bank? The K&F Concept D254C1 is a top-notch model that can handle all of your travel photography needs, especially if you’re a beginner or hobbyist shooter on a budget, or someone simply looking for a lightweight model to use on occasion.

With a variable working height of 21 in (53 cm) to 63 in (160 cm), the D254C1 allows you to capture a range of photographs, from low-angle landscapes to elevated architectural shots. And for those situations where a tripod is a bit too cumbersome, it converts to a lightweight monopod (or, if you need one, a walking stick!).

The 22 lb (10 kg) load capacity can support heavy cameras and lenses, while the 28mm metal ball head can achieve many angles and even high-quality panoramic shots. You’ll pay less than $150, and given the quality, it’s a real bargain!

5. MeFOTO GlobeTrotter

Looking for a top-notch travel tripod that offers plenty of height and impressive stability? Then check out the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter, a carbon fiber tripod featuring strong and durable twist-lock legs, a rock-solid base, and – for added flexibility – five-section legs.

The GlobeTrotter extends to a maximum height of 64 in (163 cm), which is ideal for taller photographers and those seeking a uniquely high-angle perspective, and it folds down to a diminutive 16 in (41 cm). In other words, you should have no problem getting sharp shots at any height, nor should you struggle to pack the tripod in your suitcase or camera bag.

The included ball head offers highly accurate panning, plus the tripod looks great (it comes in a range of colors, including silver). Other advantages include the 26 lb (12 kg) load capacity, which means you can mount your heavy DSLR and use the tripod all day long, and the lightweight body, which is perfect for lengthy photo adventures. The price is on the higher side, but the package includes the legs and a very nice head, not to mention a handy case that you can use on your travels!

6. Manfrotto Compact Action

If you want a cheap, surprisingly lightweight aluminum tripod for travel photography, the Manfrotto Compact Action may be the perfect pick.

The Compact Action may not look like much, but it’s an indispensable tripod for any circumstance; it’s one of the best travel tripods for beginners, and I highly recommend it for anyone just getting started with travel shooting. In addition to the legs, it offers a decent, easy-to-use head, and it can extend plenty high for taller shooters.

The Compact Action’s biggest drawback is the load capacity: It can only handle camera rigs up to 6.6 lb (3 kg), but as long as you’re working with smaller cameras and/or lenses – such as an APS-C mirrorless camera and a kit zoom – you should be just fine.

7. 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0

Leo 2.0 – from the 3 Legged Thing Pro range – is a good travel tripod for hobbyists and even more serious photographers: It’s powerful, versatile, and compact, yet it won’t break the bank. It also looks extremely cool, featuring a metallic silver finish with orange accents (or, if you prefer, a mix of gray and bronze).

The Leo 2.0 offers a range of working heights from 4.9 in (12.5 cm) to a very nice 54 in (1.38 m). If you enjoy capturing sweeping landscapes from a low angle, the Leo 2.0 offers just what you need, while taller photographers will appreciate the impressive maximum height and the handy center column.

This tripod only weighs 3.4 lb (1.52 kg), yet it can hold up to 20 times its weight, so you shouldn’t have a problem capturing sharp images no matter your camera setup.

8. 3 Legged Thing Legends Jay

If you want to invest in a long-lasting tripod, then check out the Legends Jay, a carbon fiber tripod from the highly acclaimed 3 Legged Thing brand.

This adjustable leveling-base tripod is built with travel photography in mind and is well-suited to wildlife photography, landscape photography, and even videography. It comes with three detachable legs and works well on all terrains, so you should have no problem shooting in the wilderness, on a beach, in water – you name it!

Thanks to the carbon fiber design, the tripod weighs just 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) and supports up to a whopping 30.9 lb (14 kg) of camera gear. Even full-frame DSLR users should be just fine (and with a 70-200mm f/2.8, too). Plus, the Legends Jay is impressively compact and can easily be transported inside a camera bag or cabin luggage.

Note that the product linked above does not include a head. You’ll need to buy this separately, or you can grab it as part of a (very pricey) Legends Jay kit .

9. Sirui Traveler 5CX

The Sirui Compact Traveler 5CX may not be flashy, but it’s impressively flexible and costs just over $100, which makes it one of the cheapest models on our list and another great option for beginners.

We love the lightweight design: The Compact Traveler clocks in at just over 1.5 lb (0.72 kg), which is ideal for photographers hoping to work all day with a tripod on hand. And despite the weight, this tripod can handle a 13 lb (6 kg) camera setup, so you can confidently use it with full-frame DSLRs and even (some) telephoto lenses .

The Compact Traveler boasts a working height range of 3.5 in (8.9 cm) to 52 in (132 cm). It’s highly portable, not to mention durable, and it can be used to shoot everything from macro scenes to cityscapes and low-light landscapes. While it isn’t quite as rugged or stable as options like the Gitzo Traveler, it’ll certainly get the job done!

10. Vanguard Veo 235CBP

The Vanguard Veo may be the last option on this list, but don’t let that fool you; it’s an outstanding travel tripod, one that can easily handle long trips and offers a winning combination of price and performance.

The strong carbon fiber material, lightweight design, and high-quality ball head make the Vanguard Veo a wonderful tripod for capturing architecture, landscapes, and even wildlife. Plus, the Veo features an excellent 17.6 lb (8 kg) load capacity, extends to 61 in (155 cm), and folds down to 16 in (41 cm).

And the tripod comes with a few bonuses, too, including a leg that converts to a monopod, a plate with a built-in smartphone adapter, and a Bluetooth remote control that is perfect for vlogging. The price tag isn’t low, but it’s not especially high, either, so it’s a good option for folks who are looking to invest in a solid model without spending an exorbitant amount of money.

Best travel tripods: final words

The market is saturated with tripods, but a few rise above the rest. Hopefully, now that you’ve finished this article, you know which travel tripod is best for your needs – and you’re ready to head out on a travel photo adventure!

So pick a tripod, pack it up, and get ready to have tons of fun!

Now over to you:

Which travel tripod do you plan to buy? What will you use it for? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Jeremy Flint is an award-winning photographer and writer, specialising in travel, landscape and location photography and is known for documenting images of beautiful destinations, cultures and communities from around the world. Jeremy has won awards including the National Geographic Traveller Grand Prize and the Association of Photographers Discovery Award, besides being commended in Outdoor Photographer of the Year. He has also been a finalist in the Travel Photographer of the year and British Photography Awards several times. He has been commissioned by commercial and editorial clients worldwide including National Geographic Traveller, Country Life, Discover Britain, USA National Parks and Visit Britain and has travelled extensively to over 65 countries.

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The best travel tripods in 2023

It’s easy to bring the best travel tripod anywhere you go.

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Tripod makers have it rough. The bigger and heavier you make a tripod, the more stable it’ll be—and stability is the whole point. But if you want photographers to actually take your tripod with them on location, you have to make it lightweight and compact enough to carry around. This contradiction is most pronounced when you’re trying to find the best travel tripod. These tripods have to be even smaller, lighter, and more versatile than your standard set of sticks and ball-head. They have to be small enough that you can easily strap one to the side of a backpack, rugged enough to withstand being banged around in luggage, fast enough to be set up in seconds, versatile enough to let you shoot from multiple angles, and sturdy enough to keep a full-frame camera and lens stable on a busy street or windy cliff face.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great options for every skill level and budget. You just have to know what to look for. 

Best overall: Peak Design Travel Tripod

Best aluminum: manfrotto befree advanced, best carbon fiber: gitzo traveler series 1, best heavy-duty: 3 legged thing leo 2.0, best budget: mefoto roadtrip s, how we picked the best travel tripods.

The editors and writers at Popular Photography have decades of photography experience in nearly every genre and have covered just about every major camera and tripod brand on the market. When looking at travel tripods, we looked at the essential components of a tripod that get brought along on trips. Weight and folded length were critical factors, as travel tripods must be easily packed and carried. The weight capacity was also significant, as the tripod should be sturdy enough to hold most major cameras. Lastly, we factored in the extended height, minimum height, and other miscellaneous features.

Best travel tripods: Reviews & Recommendations

Peak Design

Why it made the cut: The Peak Design Travel Tripod has a novel design that allows it to be compact enough to fit in a water bottle pocket on a backpack yet still expand to 5 feet in height. Available as either aluminum or carbon fiber, this lightweight option is sturdy and travel-ready.

Key features

• Material:  Aluminum or carbon fiber
• Tripod weight: 3.4 pounds
• Weight capacity: 20 pounds
• Extended height : 60 inches
• Folded height: 15.2 inches
• Very compact
• Available as aluminum or carbon fiber
• Built-in mobile phone mount
• Comes with a padded, weatherproof case

The Peak Design Travel Tripod boasts a fresh design that reimagines just how small a travel tripod can be. Thanks to its one-of-a-kind leg design, this camera stand folds down to the diameter of a water bottle, allowing you to pack it in a standard water bottle pocket on a backpack. In addition, the unique, low-profile ball-head mechanism lets you adjust your camera angle with a single hand. It may take some getting used to, but it is a nice feature.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is available in carbon fiber or aluminum. You should pick the carbon fiber version if you want to save weight and the aluminum version if you want to save money.

Why it made the cut: Manfrotto’s Befree Advanced travel tripod is a 3.5 pound aluminum option that is sturdy enough to hold heavy gear. And at only 15.2 inches when folded, it can fit in most luggage.

• Material:  Aluminum
• Tripod weight: 3.5 pounds
• Weight capacity: 19.8 pounds
• Extended height : 59.45 inches
• Folded height: 15.75 inches
• Lightweight aluminum build
• Can handle full-frame gear with heavy lenses
• Quality ball-head
• A bit wide when folded

Manfrotto’s Befree tripods are popular among travel photographers, and it’s easy to see why. The aluminum version weighs in at just 3.4 pounds, with a folded length of 15.2 inches. In addition, it has a weight capacity of 19.8 pounds, making it capable of holding full-frame cameras with heavy lenses. As a result, it has a great balance of price to performance for an aluminum travel tripod. 

But it’s not just about size and weight. The Befree Advanced has twist-style M-lock leg locks that make setting up the tripod a breeze. The included ball head is surprisingly solid, and the leg angle selector offers more options than some competitors at and above this price point.

Why it made the cut: The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is an excellent carbon fiber tripod. At 3.3 pounds, it isn’t the lightest one on the list. But it can handle the heaviest load, making it a great option for those wanting something sturdy.

• Material:  carbon fiber
• Tripod weight: Tripod: 2.34 pounds, Head: 0.9 pounds
• Weight capacity: 22 pounds
• Extended height : 60.24 inches
• Folded height: 16.73 inches
• Excellent build quality
• Compatible with lenses up to 200mm
• Quality ball head
• Very pricey

The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is the go-to professional tripod for photographers who demand uncompromising build quality. At 3.3lbs and a folded length of 16.73 inches, it’s not the smallest or lightest carbon fiber travel tripod you can buy. But it offers a weight capacity of 22lbs, making it a sturdy choice. In addition, it has a max height of 60.24 inches and can go as low as 8.66 inches, making it useful for low-angle or macro shots and high-angle ones. 

This kit comes with the Gitzo Series 1 Traveler Center Ball Head, which is the slimmest Gitzo head. It has an independent pan lock and an incredibly smooth rotating ball head. This head is also compatible with plates from other brands as long as the dimensions are similar, which could be helpful when traveling. 

3 Legged Thing

Why it made the cut: The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 has the highest weight capacity you can find at 66 pounds. And yet, it still packs down to around the same size as other compact travel tripods.

• Material:  Carbon fiber
• Tripod weight: 3.35 pounds, 4.08 pounds with head
• Weight capacity: 66 pounds
• Extended height : 57.7 inches
• Folded height: 14.7 inches
• Excellent weight capacity
• Folds down small
• Legs detach to become monopods or booms
• Lots of leg locks

With a maximum weight capacity of 66lbs, the 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 is about the sturdiest travel tripod you can buy, and yet it still folds down to under 15-inches and tips the scales at just 4.1lbs. The large weight capacity means you can use it with larger mirrorless or DSLR cameras or even medium format setups.

The Leo is also unique in its versatility. Each leg is detachable, allowing you to use them as monopods or booms. They also feature a 3-position angle lock and boast twist locks for quick and easy setup. And, if you buy separate footwear, it can be used as a tabletop tripod with the legs removed as well. These features make it one of the most versatile, heavy-duty travel tripods money can buy.

Why it made the cut: The MeFOTO Roadtrip S is a very affordable travel tripod for beginner photographers while still having plenty of good features. It weighs only 2.5 pounds, packs down to 13.2 inches, and can even convert to a monopod.

• Tripod weight: 3.65 pounds
• Weight capacity: 17.6 pounds
• Extended height : 59.4 inches
• Folded height: 13.98 inches
• Budget-friendly
• Swappable head
• Converts into a monopod
• Weight capacity is fairly low

MeFOTO’s BackPacker,  RoadTripper , and  GlobeTrotter  tripods are travel-friendly favorites that regularly make roundups like this. The aluminum version of the Roadtripper S weighs in at just 3.65 pounds and still boasts a respectable weight capacity of 17.6 pounds. 

The Roadtripper S also has some nice features for a tripod at this price. For example, it has a scale on the center column for lining up panoramic shots right, a separate lock for its pan axis, and can convert into a monopod. It’s not the most capable on the list, but it’s a great entry-level travel tripod for beginners.

Features to consider when shopping for the best travel tripods

The main difference between a regular tripod and a travel tripod is size and weight. While regular tripods—especially high-end video tripods—are often large and heavy in order to offer as much stability and weight capacity as possible, travel tripods have to balance these core features with the need for portability. The best travel tripod is the one that offers the most rigid and stable construction in a package that folds up small and weighs no more than a large DSLR. 

To do this, lightweight tripod makers rely heavily on materials like aluminum (good) and carbon fiber (better), creative designs with thinner legs that fold 180° over the ball head, telescoping legs with as many as 5 sections, and smart extras like sandbag hooks for adding weight while you shoot, reversible center columns, and built-in bubble levels. 

The goal is to create a tripod that delivers the best of all worlds: something compact enough that it will fit comfortably in a carry-on bag, light enough that it won’t bog you down on a long hike, and yet stable enough that it’s actually worth bringing along. Here are the key features you should consider when shopping for the best travel tripod, and a few of our top picks.

Size and weight of a travel tripod

As we’ve already mentioned several times at this point, the first and most important features to consider when shopping for a travel tripod are size and weight. The best travel tripod overall will be lightweight, with a respectable weight capacity, an ingenious design that allows it to fold up really small, and a carbon fiber construction for the best possible strength-to-weight ratio.

In terms of raw numbers: a compact travel tripod should weigh no more than 4lbs, it should be able to hold at least 15lbs, and it should fold up to less than 16-inches long for easy packing. Once these boxes are checked, everything else is a bonus. Smaller folded diameter, vari-angle legs, reversible center column, a well-designed ball-head, and easy-to-deploy legs are the secondary features that separate the “good” travel tripods from the “great” ones.

Skill level and budget

Another important consideration is your own skill and interest level. While it’s always tempting to purchase the best-of-the-best camera gear right away, there’s no need for a beginner travel photographer to drop $500+ on a high-end carbon fiber tripod with all the bells and whistles—no matter what the ads try to tell (or sell) you. 

If you’re just starting out, look for important core features (lightweight construction, compact foldable design, reasonable weight capacity, and solid build quality) in an affordable aluminum model that will offer you everything you need and won’t cost you a bundle. If you can afford to spend a little more than the budget options, but don’t want to get carried away with Gear Acquisition Syndrome (also known as G.A.S.), a great entry-level tripod is the way to go.

Aluminum vs. carbon fiber tripod

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when looking for the best travel tripod is whether to go with aluminum or carbon fiber . 

A carbon fiber tripod is the premium choice. Weight for weight it’s both stronger and more rigid than aluminum, which translates into tripods that are both lighter and sturdier. As a result, it’s also a lot more expensive. Aluminum may be heavier and a little more flexible, but it’s a lot cheaper and plenty of photographers rely on it day-in and day-out. Plus, the added weight helps keep your shots stable when you don’t have any way to weigh the tripod down.

Fortunately, many of the most popular travel tripods from the most recognizable brands are available in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants. You get to decide what’s more important: a lighter tripod, or a heavier wallet?

Weight capacity

Most travel tripods can handle a maximum load of about 22lbs, with many of the lightest options cutting that number down even further in order to save weight. Fortunately, that’s plenty for most mirrorless cameras or DSLRs with a regular lens attached. However, if you plan to tote around a huge DSLR and lens combo, or maybe even shoot medium format, you’ll want to find a tripod that can handle a lot more weight without flinching. 

Keep in mind that there will be a trade-off here, usually in terms of tripod weight. The higher the weight capacity, the thicker and sturdier the lens and ball head will need to be, and the heavier the tripod itself is likely to become. Only you can decide if that’s a worthwhile compromise.

Q: Does it matter what tripod you use?

Absolutely it does! Extremely cheap tripods don’t deliver the same stability or features that you get from higher-quality options like the ones listed above.  At the very least, a good-quality travel tripod will ensure you can keep your ISO down and capture longer exposures without camera shake, even in windy or otherwise challenging conditions. But beyond this, most high-quality tripods offer multiple leg angles, reversible columns, bubble levels, a huge range of height settings, and much much more. Features like this open up a world of photographic possibilities.

Q: What is the strongest yet lightest tripod material?

Carbon fiber is the strongest and lightest material used in tripods. Weight for weight, carbon fiber is anywhere from 2x to 5x more rigid and up to 10x stronger depending on the type and orientation of the fiber used. This is obviously a huge plus for photographers who want to travel light without sacrificing tensile strength, but remember: the lighter the tripod, the less stable it will be. So keep an eye out for a carbon fiber travel tripod with weight hooks so that you can hang your bag on your tripod while you shoot and add back any lost stability.

Q: How much does a good tripod cost?

Materials, size, weight, and weight capacity are all going to factor into the final price of a good travel tripod, which makes an “average” hard to pin down. Generally speaking, aluminum travel tripods will be cheaper, starting at around $100 for a good-quality tripod, although you can find them for less. Carbon fiber models will be more expensive, starting around $150, with most options coming in above the $200 mark. If you want a high-quality, lightweight, carbon fiber tripod that folds up small and features great weight capacity at the same time, expect to spend $200 or more.

Final thoughts on the best travel tripod s

The list above is not a comprehensive overview of all the best travel tripods on the market. With so many great brands like Gitzo, Benro, Manfrotto, 3 Legged Thing, MeFOTO, and Peak Design putting out solid products, there’s no shortage of great options. That said, we’ve found the Peak Design Travel Tripod to be the best overall option. It has a unique design that allows it to fold down smaller than any other option in the same class. However, it can still hold a good amount of weight, making it sturdy enough to use with heavier cameras or on windy days. The added touch of a built-in phone mount and the included padded carrying case are nice additions as well.

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The best budget tripods in 2024

Need a cheap camera support? We run through the best budget tripods you can buy right now

The Quick List

• Best overall
• Best for travel
• Best for vlogging
• Best tabletop
• Best for smartphones
• Best for macro
• Best for panning
• Best for spotting scopes
• How to choose
• How we test

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best overall 2. Best for travel 3. Best for vlogging 4. Best tabletop 5. Best for smartphones 6. Best for macro 7.   Best for panning 8.  Best for scopes How to choose How we test

The best budget tripods are a fantastically cost-effective way to increase your versatility as a photographer or videographer. There are many camera techniques that simply aren’t possible without a good, solid camera support, and while tripods can come at quite a high price, they don’t have to, and the cheap tripod market is filled with solid budget choices.

The main challenge is to make sure that even with the cheap price tag, you’re still getting a quality product. There’s a lot of false economy floating around there on the market, and so it’s best to stick to reputable brand names, many of whom have done a commendable job of offering cheap tripods alongside their more expensive products. We’ve included plenty in this guide, such as Joby , Benro and Manfrotto . 

Depending on what you want to shoot, you’ll want to look at slightly different budget tripods, and we’ve included plenty of different types on this list. For those with ultra-light setups who just need a straightforward support, we’ve included a couple of tabletop tripods. We’ve also added in some cheap tripods with three-way heads that are optimised for video, as well as options with reversible central columns for low-down shooting – this is great for macro and close-up work.

Having a low budget does rule out certain types of tripod – if you’re spending less than $100, you’re not going to get tripods made from carbon fibre, which is the stronger and more lightweight material. You’ll also get a relatively simple tripod head, rather than the more sophisticated ball and video heads that come with expensive tripods.

Jon spent years at IPC Media writing features, news, reviews and other photography content for publications such as  Amateur Photographer  and  What Digital Camera  in both print and digital form. With his additional experience for outlets like  Photomonitor , this makes Jon one of our go-to specialists when it comes to all aspects of photography.

With quick setup and easy adjustments, plus a comfortable maximum height, this is all the tripod you need at an affordable price. Read more below…

Swing-up legs mean this travel tripod folds down to a mere 32cm,and operation is nice and smooth. A ball head is included. Read more below…

The three-way head included with this tripod is ideal for shooting video, and there’s a kit that adds a smartphone holder as well. Read more below…

Folded down, this tripod fits in your pocket, but it can handle a mirrorless camera or small DSLR when the occasion demands it. Read more below…

The flexible legs of this small tripod help it cope with all sorts of situations, with a kit adding adding more legs and a smartphone clamp. Read more below…

This tripod’s reversible center column and Rapid Flip Mechanism mean you can easily get your camera near ground level. Read more below…

View the full list ⤵

The three-way head included here gives you more stability and accuracy than the typical ball head, which means smoother panning. Read more below…

This entry-level tripod is amazingly light, with an integrated pan-and-tilt head that makes it suitable for video or spotting scopes. Read more below...

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best budget tripod overall

1. Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Manfrotto has been doing a good job of introducing budget-friendly photo and video accessories alongside its more premium offerings, and the Element MII Aluminum is one such option. It’s well-specced for a tripod that tends to be sold around the $100 mark. 

It carries 8kg of kit – comfortably more than basically anyone is going to need – and can be extended to a maximum height of 160cm. Its twist-lock legs are quick to deploy, and the easy-switch leg angle selectors are great for quickly adjusting the tripod’s position. The Element MII Aluminum is an ideal choice for a day of city-exploring photography, say, where you’ll want a quick-deploy support that packs down well. 

• Back to the top ⤴

Best budget tripod for travel

2. Sirui T-005

Our expert review:

Designed as a travel tripod, the T-005 has swing-up legs that reduce stowage size. With five leg sections and two center column sections, the tripod has a modest full operating height of 141cm, but a notably short folded height of just 32cm. 

Unusually, however, its centre column protrudes from the top of the tripod spider and can’t slide down for a reduced shooting height, although the minimum operating height is still low at 36.5cm. If that’s not low enough, you can remove the centre column and screw the ball head to the tripod spider. This enables a remarkably low shooting height of just 8cm. 

Extending the five-section legs is smooth and the twist clamps require minimal turning to loosen or tighten them. During our testing, we found the supplied ball head was nice and steady, and it features a panning lock.

Read more: Sirui T-005 review

Best budget tripod for vlogging

3. Joby Compact Advanced Tripod

Joby is mostly a name known for its flexible, grippy GorillaPod tripods, but the firm has branched out into different types of camera support. The Compact Advanced tripod is a more conventional affair, a lightweight camera support that’s clearly been designed with vloggers in mind. 

It travels well thanks to a neat folding design, and comes with a useful three-way head. If you shell out for the kit (which isn’t much extra) you also get the GripTight 360 Phone Mount. It uses the same QR plate as other Joby products, meaning it’s easy to swap your camera between them in seconds – handy if you already own a GorillaPod. 

Best budget tabletop tripod

4. Manfrotto PIXI

Tabletop tripods can be just the thing in a pinch, and the Manfrotto Pixi is arguably the best low-priced option around. It offers a surprisingly good build for such a cheap device, as well as a built-in ball head. 

The Pixi supports camera kit up to a weight of 1kg, so naturally it’s not going to be suitable for all setups. A lightweight mirrorless setup or even an entry-level DSLR should be okay, as long as you’re using a smaller lens. This pocketable tripod will perfectly complement such a setup. 

Read more: Manfrotto PIXI review

Best budget tripod for smartphones

5. Benro KoalaPod with Smartphone Holder

Flexi-leg tripods have gained in popularity as smartphones have increasingly become the go-to choice for content creators, and the Benro KoalaPod is one of the best. It comprises three extendable, detachable legs (with two extra legs in the kit we tested) that can be twisted around any which way you like, allowing you to balance your camera or smartphone on uneven surfaces, or grip onto protruding objects.

With a carrying capacity of just 1.5kg, the Benro KoalaPod is designed for the lighter end of setups – the smartphone clamp included in the kit we tested makes it clear who the intended audience is. Molding the legs to a secure position can take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, this is a superbly versatile tabletop support. 

Read more: Benro KoalaPod with Smartphone Holder review

Best budget tripod for macro

6. Slik Sprint Pro III with SBH-100DQ

A stable support is critical for macro shooting, where focusing is incredibly precise, but it also needs to be able to get close to the ground so that you can fill the frame with your subject. The Slik Sprint Pro III with SBH-100DQ is an excellent choice of budget tripod for this kind of work – it features a reversible two-section center column, as well as a Rapid Flip Mechanism that lets you get the tripod down low nice and quickly. Its minimum working height is just 15.7cm away from ground level, meaning you can get very close to any low-down subjects. The rubberized leg grips and robust flip locks also help with smooth operability. 

Best budget tripod for panning

7. Velbon EX-530

When buying a tripod, it’s important to look at the head that it’s packaged with, and the three-way pan-and-tilt head that comes with the Velbon EX-530 is an excellent specimen. If you’re planning on creating dramatic stitched panorama shots, or shooting video and want to be able to pan the camera smoothly, this is a great buy. The additional radial leg brace in the center also makes it extra secure, and a 4.1kg load capacity should be fine for basically any camera setup. It’s a relatively bulky tripod, but if you don’t mind shouldering a little extra weight, it’s an excellent choice. 

Best budget tripod for spotting scopes

8. Svbony SA402

This budget tripod is designed for use for shooting video, or for supporting a spotting scope. Its three-section design means that it does not fold away as small as some, but this helps with stability - which is also helped by the spreader supports that connect the center column to the legs. A downside, compared with more expensive options, is that you can't remove and upgrade the pan-tilt head. 

Read more: Svbony SA402 review

How to choose the best budget tripod

Aluminum or carbon fiber.

These are the two most common materials used for tripod legs. Aluminum tripods are cheaper but weigh more. They’re ideal if you want the maximum stability for your money. Carbon-fiber tripods cost more but weigh less and absorb vibration better. They’re good if cost is less important than weight – but the price premium can be substantial.

How much height do I need?

Shots aren’t always improved by shooting them at eye level (lower often works best), but it’s also about getting a comfortable working height. Check the height without the column being extended, if you can.

Check the folded length

The weight of a tripod is important if you’re going to carry it any distance, but so is its folded length. If it’s too long to strap to your bag, and it’s unwieldy in trains or climbing over stiles, then it’s going to put you off taking it anywhere. Many so-called ‘travel’ tripods have legs that fold upwards for storage and completely enclose the head. This makes them smaller and neater when folded and easier to carry around.

How many leg sections?

Tripod legs may have three, four, or five sections. A larger number of sections means the tripod is shorter and more portable when it’s folded, but it will usually take a little longer to set up and may well not be quite as stable.

What type of leg locks?

These come in two main types: twist locks and flip locks. Twist locks take up less space and are generally a little quicker to use – you can often unlock all the leg sections in a single movement when you’re setting the tripod up. Flip locks are operated individually and may be a bit slower. Try both types to see which you prefer.

Most tripods have legs that can be angled independently – which is particularly useful when working on sloping sites or in cramped areas. The standard leg angle will be fine for regular use, but it’s often useful to splay one or more legs outwards on uneven surfaces or to rest them on walls, say. Splaying out all three legs will allow you to shoot from a much lower angle.

What type of head should I get?

Sometimes the tripod head is included with the legs, sometimes not. You can change one head for another depending on how you like to work, as the connection is standardized. Ball heads and three-way heads are the most common types. Ball heads are compact and quick to use, but not so good for small, controlled movements. Three-way heads are larger but allow precise adjustments for each axis independently. 

You can also find other, specialist heads. Geared heads allow you to make fine adjustments to camera angles. Gimbal heads are designed for use with long, heavy lenses – which can otherwise can unbalance a tripod. And then there are specialist heads for panoramas and video too.

Attaching your camera

Most tripods are sold with heads, and most heads have a quick-release plate so that you can detach the camera in moments for handheld shots. The Arca Swiss-compatible plate is by far the most common, meaning you can swap between different tripod heads, even if they're made by different manufacturers. However some makers, notably Manfrotto, make their own bespoke QR plates, which can be a nuisance if you have two or more tripods from different makers.

Extra features

Detachable monopod legs: These sound really useful – a detachable leg you can then screw into the center column to make a monopod. In practice, we find these often lack the rigidity of a 'real' monopod unless you're starting with a particularly substantial tripod.

Center column: Not all tripods come with a center column, but most do. You can extend this upwards to increase the height of the camera, although this introduces extra wobble. On some tripods, the center column can be rotated to produce an angled boom, which is perfect for overhead shots, macro work, and tabletop photography. Using the center column does reduce the stability of the tripod, however, so is best avoided with long exposures.

Bowl base: This is a video-specific feature that allows you to get the base level without having to make a whole series of tiny adjustments to the leg length. A level base is essential for a video where you want to make panning movements, and the best video tripods come with bowl or leveling bases as standard.

Types of feet: Rubber feet are fine on most surfaces but best on carpets and wooden floors, where you don’t want to cause damage. Metal spikes are good for soft and uneven ground. Some tripods have rubber feet, which can be screwed back to reveal spikes.

How we test tripods

We measure the maximum operating height of each tripod and its folded height for carrying, complete with head attached. We also measure the combined weight of each set of tripod legs and head, using electronic scales, and measure the diameter of all leg sections, from the widest to the thinnest, using digital calipers.

We check the ease of use, smoothness and precision of all available adjustments in each set of tripod legs and heads. This ranges from adjusting leg sections and pivot facilities (where available), to the locking mechanisms of the head, as well as independent pan and friction damping adjustments, where fitted.

To check overall stability, we shoot with a range of camera bodies fitted with wide-angle, standard, telephoto and macro lenses. We look for good resistance to flexing and vibrations throughout the whole range of operating heights, including the tallest available settings with the legs and center column fully extended.

Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

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Jon spent years at IPC Media writing features, news, reviews and other photography content for publications such as Amateur Photographer and What Digital Camera in both print and digital form. With his additional experience for outlets like Photomonitor , this makes Jon one of our go-to specialists when it comes to all aspects of photography, from cameras and action cameras to lenses and memory cards, flash diffusers and triggers, batteries and memory cards, selfie sticks and gimbals, and much more besides.  

An NCTJ-qualified journalist, he has also contributed to Shortlist, The Skinny, ThreeWeeks Edinburgh, The Guardian, Trusted Reviews, CreativeBLOQ, and probably quite a few others I’ve forgotten.

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10 Best Budget Tripods and Monopods in 2024 (Updated)

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Tripods and monopods are vital pieces of equipment for many photographers. But they can be a significant expense when you’re on a budget. Today, we take you through the best budget tripods and monopods for photographers.

Our favorite selection is the VANGUARD VEO 2 . This is because of its professional features, build, and functions, all for a low price. For monopods, we love the Benro Adventure 3 Series . Its exceptional max weight and simplicity earn it a place at the top.

If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything). Prices last updated on .

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What’s the Best Budget Tripod and Monopod?

The best budget tripod and monopod on our list offer affordability, quality, and usability. The VANGUARD VEO 2 and Benro Adventure 3 Series top our lists. But based on your preferences, there are more options you can consider.

We divided the best budget tripods into tripods and monopods . Use the links below to find the most relevant section for you:

• Best Budget Tripod
• Best Budget Monopod

First, we list all 10 budget tripods and monopods and their strengths. Then, we delve into each one in more detail.

• Max load capacity of 17.6 lb / 8 kg
• Adjustable central column with hook
• 4-section legs with twist lock
• Lightweight and durable carbon fiber construction
• Includes adjustable carrying case

• Supports up to 15.4 lb / 7 kg
• Maximum height 63" / 160 cm
• 4-section legs for adjustable height
• Lightweight aluminum construction
• Quick-and-easy setup

• Very lightweight and portable
• Maximum height of 51.2" / 130 cm
• 4-section design for easy adjustment
• Aluminum construction for durability
• Quick-release leg locks for fast setup

• Max load of 17.6 lb / 8 kg
• Quick setup 3-way head and quick release plate
• Adjustable height of 17.7 to 77’’ / 45 to 196 cm
• Compact and lightweight
• Stability with non-slip rubber feet

• Supports up to 26.5 lb / 12 kg
• Quick-release plate for easy setup
• 360-degree panoramic head
• Non-slip rubber feet

• 2-in-1 versatility (tripod and monopod)
• Universal smartphone holder good with most models
• Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
• Non-slip rubber feet for stability

• Quick-release mounting plate
• Adjustable center pole
• 3-way head with bubble level
• Carrying case included

Best Budget Tripods

1. vanguard veo 2 265cb carbon fiber tripod.

This VANGUARD VEO 2   carbon fiber tripod has everything you need. It has excellent build quality. It’s portable, and it provides stability when shooting. It’s perfect for enthusiast-level photographers.

The tripod has detachable legs and a removable center column, which means it can be combined to form a monopod. It can extend up to 59 inches (149 cm) and shoot as low as 8.7 inches (22 cm) from the ground, giving you a great height range.

The ball head is removable. It can tilt 91 degrees in portrait orientation and 360 degrees in independent rotation.

It also has a reversible center column and a low-angle adaptor. This makes it a perfect tripod for macro photography and low-angle shots.

2. Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 4-Section Aluminum Tripod

If your photography finances are tight, the Manfrotto MT190X Pro4 may push your budget to its limit. But it’s a solid and easy-to-use tripod recommended for serious photographers. This tripod handles almost 15.4 lb (7 kg), enough for a high-level DSLR .

This Manfrotto has a max height of 63 inches (160 cm). It goes down to 15.7 inches (40 cm) for lower-angle shooting. So, you have an excellent height range for a variety of shooting.

It uses a unique feature called Quick Power Lock. It lets you lock and unlock sections separately until it extends completely. This way, you can keep tweaking the legs with only one hand. It also offers a 90-degree column system to take photos from any perspective.

The MT190X Pro4 includes a bubble level and an easy link connector. It’s a reliable option for enthusiasts and professional photographers.

3. Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum 4-section Tripod

Manfrotto is a famous brand among professional photographers. But it also has a few great options for beginners! One of their budget best-sellers is the Manfrotto Compact Light tripod .

As the name suggests, the Compact Light is so portable that you can put it inside a small book bag. It also features a pistol grip that gives you excellent control when adjusting the tripod head.

The downside of using Compact Light is that its legs are slightly flimsy, and they don’t go up as high. But if you have a lightweight camera , it shouldn’t cause any problems. After all, this tripod is specifically designed for entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras .

4. GEEKOTO 77-inch Tripod

The GEEKOTO is one of the best budget tripods on the market. It’s an excellent option for travel and any outdoor photography.

One of the best features of this tripod is the rotating ball head. The head has a quick-release flip lock, so it’s easy to attach your camera. But the head is connected to the main body of the tripod with a ball joint, which gives the head 360 degrees of free rotation.

This compact tripod from GEEKOTO is strong but only weighs 3.4 lb (1.6 kg). It has a light frame but a weight capacity of almost 17.6 lb (8 kg). That’s strong enough for a professional-level DSLR camera  with  accessories .

Its max extended height is 76.8 inches (195 cm). But it folds to a reasonable 19.7 inches (50 cm), making it easy to carry. The GEEKOTO tripod also doubles as an excellent monopod.

5. K&F Concept 64-Inch Tripod

The K&F Concept tripod is the best option if you love to travel. Despite having an aluminum body, it only weighs 1.3 lb (5.8 kg). It’s strong and lightweight, which is what a travel camera  needs.

This compact tripod is attractive to travel photographers because it can fit in small bags. That means you can place it in plane cabins without any issues. Despite the K&F Concept’s compact size, it extends to 61.8 inches (157 cm).

But this budget tripod’s best feature is its center column. You can configure it to support a camera for low-angle shots or remove it and turn it into a monopod for when you’re on the move.

6. KODAK PhotoGear 2-in-1 Tripod & Monopod

Kodak has been a household name for at least a century. So you can expect good quality when they release a budget tripod.

Kodak’s PhotoGear tripod has all the standard features in most budget options. It has a fluid head, a crank to adjust the center column, and a quick-release plate.

What makes the Kodak tripod different is its simplicity and build quality. It has a beautiful aluminum frame that’s sturdy and strong. The tripod head may be plastic, but it looks sleek and high-grade compared to its competitors.

7. Amazon Basics 60-inch Lightweight Tripod

The Amazon Basics tripod  may be the cheapest option on this list, but it has many features.

This fantastic tripod has a simple fluid head that lets you pan and tilt your camera. It also has a crank that precisely raises and lowers the center column without losing stability. It also features bubble levels to let you confirm if your tripod is straight or not.

The Amazon Basics tripod is not the most compact option on this list. It would stick out if you attached it to your backpack. But it’s a minor issue with this piece of equipment.

Strength is the more important issue. It can support up to 6.6 lb (3 kg) and handle bigger cameras. And its wide aluminum legs ensure a stable platform for your camera.

Best Budget Monopods

• Supports up to 8.8 lb / 4 kg
• 4-section adjustable legs
• Lightweight and durable

• Foam rubber grip handle
• 3-section aluminum legs
• Quick-release leg lock
• Lightweight and portable

• Maximum height of 67" / 170 cm
• 4-section aluminum legs

1. Benro Adventure 3 Series Aluminum Monopod

Finding a budget monopod for heavy gear isn’t easy. But the Benro Adventure Series 3 monopod can handle a robust 16 kg (35.2 lb) yet has a reasonable price tag.

The monopod’s higher weight capacity makes it excellent for handling heavy lenses. It extends to 63 inches (160 cm) and, when closed, is 20.5 inches (52 cm) long. The monopod only weighs 1.4 lb (621 g), so it’s also a great travel tripod.

Unlike most budget monopods, this Benro has a rubber foot that helps keep the monopod in place. The foot articulates, so the monopod still allows for different angles. Other perks include flip-style locks for quick height adjustments and a foam grip at the top.

If your budget has a bit more wiggle room, the monopod is also available in carbon fiber. But the weight reduction is small, and the price hike is steep. That’s why the aluminum option is our top pick.

Like most monopods, the head isn’t included. Buying a tripod head allows further camera angle adjustments outside of the articulating foot at the base. We recommend the Benro 3-Way Geared Head.

2. Davis & Sanford by Tiffen Vista Trailblazer Monopod

Camera supports don’t get much cheaper than the Vista Trailblazer . Its seven-pound weight capacity is on the low side for monopods. But it can support most enthusiast-level cameras.

The Vista Trailblazer extends up to 68 inches (172 cm). But it can also fold to 20.9 inches (53 cm) for low-angle shooting or packing. Flip-style locks adjust the monopod’s height quickly and easily.

The monopod weighs 1 lb (0.45 kg) and won’t add much heft to your bag. The bottom foot has a spike, which you can retract to use the rubber foot instead.

The Vista Trailblazer isn’t the most full-featured monopod. But it’s a good deal for photographers with tight budgets who want to try one.

3. Amazon Basics 67-inch Monopod

The Amazon Basics monopod checks all the prerequisites as a perfect everyday option.

Despite being about 1.2 lb (530 g), it can carry almost 6.6 lb (3 kg). For extra stability, you can attach any tripod head with a universal quarter-inch mount.

Our favorite feature is the four-section shaft, which extends up to 67 inches (170 cm). That’s a big plus, especially for tall photographers.

These added details built into the product make the Amazon Basics monopod unique. For instance, it has a rubber foot and a retractable spike for extra stability. It also features a cushion grip and strap, which lets you use it as a hiking pole!

Conclusion: The Best Budget Tripod and Monopod

The VANGUARD VEO 2 265CB carbon fiber tripod is the best budget tripod. It is lightweight, durable, and offers excellent stability. Its three-way pan head lets you easily adjust the angle and position of your camera. And its five-section leg locks provide added stability.

The Benro Adventure 3 Series aluminum monopod is the best budget monopod for us. Its great price and even greater abilities solidify it as the best at a great price. The price may be on the upper side, but it would mean you would never have to buy another monopod again!

This tripod and monopod are excellent choices for any budget-minded photographer. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and affordable photography equipment .

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Best Travel Tripod Under $100 & $200

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Below you will find the perfect travel tripod for YOUR budget and needs. Yes, we promise.

We have spent hours with our eye on the tripod market, wading through customer reviews and worthy competitors to compile the best travel tripods you can get your hands on in 2024.

This means that the search is over and your journey can begin, as you will soon find the ideal tripod to accompany you on your trips, no matter your photography needs. But before you find your new travel buddy, check out the important things to consider while shopping for a travel tripod.

Things to Consider

To the amateur photographer, a tripod is a tripod. To the professional, it’s one of the most important tools, and not all tripods are made equal. No matter what level of photographer you are, a few key differences will set your travel tripod apart from the pack.

1. Light But Durable

You want something light yet durable. That’s probably the most important element in searching for any travel tripod. It can’t weigh you down.

If you look out your hotel window and see something amazing going on, you can risk missing the moment because you need to drag the 80-pound tripod out from the bedroom.

With that said, you also need something durable. Oftentimes light also means cheap. It won’t do you much good if the tripod is made from plastic and snaps halfway through the trip.

If you’re riding a bike and it falls from your backpack, will it survive? If the answer is no, it’s probably not a good travel tripod.

Some of the durability factors will depend on what you’re going to do. The ruggedness level will change depending on whether you’re entering a church in Paris or hiking through a national park in Australia. So keep all of that in mind.

2. Your Camera (Weight)

What kind of camera are you using and, probably more importantly, what kind of lenses are you taking? If you’re using your digital SLR with the lens that came with it, most travel tripods will work.

However, once you start adding on larger, heavier lenses, you need a tripod capable of holding up the weight without tipping over.

As you already know, the lens itself may be more expensive than the camera, so you need a tripod capable of supporting the weight of your equipment.

Take note of the weight of everything. So if you plan on recording a video and have a microphone, know the weight of your microphone and anything else you have attached to it.

How tall does the tripod get? Your desired height is a bit of a personal preference and how you like to take photographs.

This is also where you might want to invest in two travel tripods. There are great tripods designed to give you low-angle support while others offer you a higher-up option as well.

When looking at height though, consider the physical tripod height, and not the added height you receive when cranking up the central point of the tripod.

In many tripods, the mounting head attachment can be raised anywhere from a few extra inches to well over a foot by cranking the middle post up.

Yes, this gives you added height, but it puts you at risk of tipping over. It effectively transforms the tripod into a monopod, and if you have a heavy camera, or are on an uneven surface, the chance of it tipping over is higher.

Kind of like balancing an apple on your head while walking down the street. Sure, you have great balance, but any sudden gusts of wind may push the apple over.

So when considering the height of your tripod, look at the height prior to any mounting point lifts.

The price of a quality tripod fluctuates heavily. With the combination of light and durability, it requires very specific building materials.

In some ways, it’s easier to construct a heavier tripod for studio use than it is a lighter tripod built to last for travel purposes.

The exact price for a quality travel tripod will vary though. For basic, quality travel tripods, it is possible to pick one up for far less than $100. Yet it’s also possible to spend more than $400.

It all comes down to what you intend to do with the tripod, where you plan on going, how rugged you want it to be, and what kind of camera weight you need it to support.

The Best Travel Tripods for 2024

Editor’s pick: mefoto roadtripper classic.

Best Travel Tripod Under $25

1. pedco ultrapod ii tabletop tripod.

For any travel photographer, it’s a good idea to invest in two tripods: a small, lightweight tripod and a regular sized one.

The regular sized tripod isn’t able to provide balance for those lower-level shots, which is why the PEDCO UltraPod II Lightweight Camera is designed specifically for those close to the ground pictures.

The fold-out legs are easy to adjust and the vinyl footing helps prevent the camera from slipping.

There is also a Velcro cinch strap that can help secure the tripod to posts. The camera itself boasts the ability to support any DSLR or 35mm SLR camera with larger lenses.

When used on the ground that’s likely, although you probably should shy away from heavier lens mounts while using the Velcro cinch strap. In these instances, it’s better to use the larger sized tripod.

The “maximum safe load” is six pounds. If you’re doing any kind of elevated photography with this tripod, we’d keep the load substantially less than that.

The tripod boasts of a “unique ball and socket camera mount.” The word “unique” is not generally desirable when it comes to camera mounts.

This generally means it’s odd, hard to use or difficult to find replacement parts (of course, at this price it’s cheaper to just buy a new tripod).

Just make sure to test out the mount before you’re out in the field. This way you know how to set the tripod up before that once-in-a-lifetime photographic moment takes place and the “unique” mount prevents you from getting everything set up in time. It is one of the lighter tripods out there though at just four ounces.

It’s easy to slip into a backpack and forget about it until you’re somewhere, you know you want a low-angle shot, and remember you have the perfect tripod packed away for it.

• Non-Slip vinyl feet fit
• Removable D-ring VELCRO cinch strap
• Ball and Socket Camera Mount
• 6-pound maximum safe load

2. Pedco UltraPod Lightweight Camera Tripod

Portable. Affordable. Flexible. These are the three major characteristics of the Pedco UltraPod lightweight travel tripod. It is a super convenient travel tripod that can fit into just about any camera bag.

At 4 inches and weighing only 0.09 pounds, this camera tripod can follow you virtually anywhere and you wouldn’t even know it’s in your luggage.

This travel tripod is made of an aluminum body and vinyl feet that enable it to hold up to 3 pounds. It is suitable for small optical devices like digital cameras and mobile phones.

This tripod also has a durable 12-inch Velcro strap – a unique feature that gives it the flexibility to function in different scenarios.

You can wrap the strap around your bicycle/motorcycle handles, car mirrors, tree branches, and anything else your creativity allows. With the Pedco UltraPod, there’ll be no such thing as a “tough-to-capture” subject in your vocabulary.

At the top of the travel tripod is a ball and joint for steady camera mounting. The tripod head also pivots smoothly so you can firmly attach your device and change angles as you like.

It functions well on tabletops, smooth surfaces, and shaky surfaces too, thanks to that Velcro strap.

Note that this lightweight travel tripod will not work with a large DSLR camera. Anything above its capacity will put both the camera and the tripod at risk. As long as you don’t test its limits, you’ll be using this travel tripod for a long time.

For a vlogger or a photographer who goes backpacking for inspiration and original shots, this travel tripod will be a handy asset to your gear.

If you’re looking for the most portable, high-quality, and well-designed tabletop tripod out there, congratulations! You just found it. This mini tripod is an essential piece of camera gear that everyone can afford to own.

• Fold-out leg sections with non-slip vinyl feet
• Removable Velcro strap for attachment
• Built-in ball head
• Fiberglass nylon with aluminum components
• Tripod weight of 0.09 pounds

Best Travel Tripod Under $50

3. amazon basics 60-inch lightweight tripod.

Are you just starting out in photography? Or trying to create a fun video with your smartphone and need something to hold it steady? The Amazon Basics 60-inch lightweight travel tripod can, and will, help you achieve the perfect shot.

The Amazon Basics tripod, despite its name, is anything but basic. It is a flexible, lightweight tripod, weighing only 3 pounds.

It is highly compatible with digital cameras, video cameras, still cameras, and smartphones. This is a folded length travel tripod with a minimum height of 25 inches and a maximum height of 60 inches when extended.

It is also easy to set up, and all of this makes it convenient for the road. There’s a fine elevation adjustment with a smooth gear system that enables it to extend up to chin level.

Amazon Basics camera tripod allows camera movement in different directions and at different angles. There are two bubble levels that help to confirm the accuracy of your setup and a quick release plate to tighten down your device before you take some shots.

It is a very sturdy tripod with a lot of screws to loosen and tighten your camera setup as you move around and adjust for better shots.

You can use this lightweight travel tripod to shoot videos in your home office or studio and it can also go out with you for hikes or on longer trips. The tripod leg extensions pull out nicely and have feet that keep it steady, even on slippery surfaces.

There’s also a hook at the bottom where you can hang your camera bag for added support and stability.

Now, the Amazon Basics might not serve the needs of a professional, but it’s one of the best lightweight travel tripods for beginners, especially at such an affordable rate.

It is a decent choice for an additional/supporting travel tripod that you use for short outdoor photo and video shoots instead of a heavier product.

• Aluminum tripod frame with some plastic parts
• Handle for easy maneuverability
• Adjustable legs and rubber feet
• Quick-release mounting plates
• Tripod weight of 3 pounds
• Maximum load weight of 6 pounds
• Carrying case with shoulder strap

4. JOILCAN 75″ Camera Tripod

At only 2.9 pounds, the JOILCAN travel tripod can hold a lot of weight, including your DSLR camera. It has a reliable locking system that supports your camera throughout the shoot without wobbling.

Rotation in this travel tripod is enabled, so it can move in multiple directions and you’ll have the opportunity to take unique shots of your subject.

Its standout feature is its extended height – up to 74 inches, which is well above 6 feet. Considering how adjustable the travel tripod is, you’ll have a smooth release for higher-level shooting angles.

It is a lightweight product that is easy to strap to camera bags, easy to set up, suitable for outdoor shooting, and will not wear you out no matter how long you carry it around.

There’s one bubble level that helps ensure that your camera is in a straight position, so your images don’t come out looking off .

This travel tripod supports phones, cameras, camcorders, and tablets. It comes with a carrying bag that makes it easier to move around.

You can use it for personal and professional shots and still produce high-quality images.

At this price, it does a good job of supporting cameras. It is very stable, durable, and highly adjustable.

• ABS resin, aluminum legs, and rubber feet
• Carrying bag with shoulder strap
• 4 leg sections with locking clips
• Weighs only 2.9 pounds with a maximum load capacity of 13 pounds
• Quick release plate with high compatibility
• Maximum height of 74.8 inches
• Minimum height of 21.5 inches

Best Travel Tripod Under $100

5. manfrotto pixi evo 2.

The Manfrotto Pixi Evo 2 offers a sleek look that folds up conveniently and will fit into any camera bag. It has adjustable legs and the swivel head on top allows for adjustable angles.

With cameras featuring adjustable heads, it’s generally a good idea to not put too much weight on the head for extended periods of time. This, eventually, will wear down the locking mechanism within the tripod, which can prevent it from remaining locked in place later down the road.

The price is a bit high for a mini tripod, but it uses quality materials and is substantially more durable than most other mini tripods, so the extra money goes into a quality build.

The head is able to support up to 5.5 pounds, which is suitable for most entry-level digital SLR cameras. It isn’t able to hold up the larger cameras with heavier lenses, but for most general equipment it’s a solid design and a handy tripod to take with you wherever you go.

• Aluminum construction
• Fixed built-in ball head
• Tilts up to 90 degrees
• Adjustable legs
• Supports equipment up to 5.5 pounds

6. Joby GorillaPod SLR Zoom

The Joby Gorillapod has become a standard Youtuber/vlogger go-to travel tripod used by the likes of stars like Case Neistat and Lost LeBlanc.

This flexible tripod design has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its ability to not only provide a stable base but to wrap around anything from signs to tree branches.

These kinds of tripods provide you with a world of placement potential. However, it’s important to heavily research these kinds of tripods – even more so than regular tripods.

The last thing you want is to hang your camera upside down on a branch and have the tripod give way.

The Joby GorillaPod SLR Zoom is an excellent tripod for the price and design. The flexible joints make it easy to move and adjust to nearly any size or shape.

If you’re interested in capturing visuals with interesting perspectives, this is the kind of travel tripod for you.

The beauty of traveling is that you don’t know exactly what you’ll experience. This tripod is designed to accommodate these kinds of situations. It’s constructed with Japanese medical-grade ABS plastic, German TPE, and stainless steel.

This particular model weighs in at just 0.42 pounds and is able to support camera equipment up to 6.6 pounds. It uses a 1/4 inch-20 standard tripod mount and comes with a 3/8 inch adapter as well.

At a support weight of 6.6 pounds, the tripod is able to support a digital SLR, zoom lens, and external flash at the same time.

• 42-pound tripod weight
• Standard tripod mount plus 3/8″ adapter
• Stainless steel, TPE, and ABS plastic construction
• Hold equipment up to 6.6 pounds
• Total of 24 leg joints for optimal placement and secure grip
• 360-degree panning

7. K&F Concept 62″ DSLR Tripod

This is the first “full-size” tripod design on the list. Constructed with a lightweight aluminum body, it is easy to carry without feeling cheap or flimsy.

The K&F offers a 360-degree panorama ball head and quick release plate, which is great for when you want to quickly remove your camera from the tripod without dealing with screws or just lugging the entire tripod around.

The weight of the tripod itself is 2.99 pounds. When fully compressed, the tripod measures 18.1 inches.

Depending on the kind of backpack setup you have for travel, this may be small enough to fit. If not, it’s easily attached to the side of your camera (even with the aluminum body, we recommend having it secured in a tripod case to prevent any unnecessary scratches or damage to connecting screws).

The tripod provides up to 52.4 inches in height (prior to using the elevated monopod). With the central monopod fully engaged, the total shooting height is 62 inches.

The minimum height for shooting is 16 inches. Each leg is controlled individually and there are no locking pads or plates that connect the legs to each other.

Each leg height is controlled using three locking levers, which are constructed of plastic. These plastic locks are generally the weakest link of most travel tripods.

While still a solid material, it’s important to protect these locking points when not in use (which is why using the provided tripod bag, when unable to fit into a backpack, is recommended).

The camera can hold up to 22.04 pounds. However, if you intend on using a telephoto lens, the manufacturing company does recommend investing in an added tripod mount ring. This is sound advice when using a telephoto lens on any tripod, let alone this design.

• Aluminum body design
• Shooting heights of 16 to 61 inches
• Supports camera equipment of up to 22.04 pounds
• Levelling bubble
• Quick release plate
• 360-degree panoramic
• Included carrying bag
• Stretchable hook to hang counterbalance weights near the base of the tripod, allowing for greater support when fully extended.

8. Davis & Sanford TR553-P228 Traverse Compact Tripod

This full tripod weighs in at 2.6 pounds, which is a fantastic weight for a travel tripod. When comparing tripods, this particular design will go up against the K&F design.

The K&F tripod does cost a little over $50, but there are some features that make it the realistic choice for this camera price category.

The Davis & Sanford tripod does provide five individual sections within the legs, so it offers additional adjustment features.

It also allows for a supported height of as low as 12 inches. The maximum height for this tripod is 53 inches. However, much of this comes with an elevated central monopod design.

The dual-head design makes it easier to adjust the camera placement. It uses an Acra-Swiss compatible release plate, so you can easily mount and remove your camera when necessary.

The tripod itself folds down into a compact height of 12.5 inches, which is excellent when fitting into a backpack.

Most packs, even when not specifically designed for camera gear, will fit this tripod. This is one of the major selling points for this particular design.

It is small, light, easy to travel with, and does provide you with adequate shooting height. The maximum load capacity for this tripod is 10 pounds, which is substantially less than the 22 pounds of the K&F design.

When the legs are fully extended it can look flimsy. It also doesn’t have a control handle for panning. If you like taking multi-shot exposures and need a camera capable of a smooth pivot, this isn’t the tripod for you.

However, if you want a basic tripod that will hold your DSLR and standard lens, it’s a fine tripod for the price.

• Included carrying case
• Weighs in at just over 2 pounds
• Folds down to 12.5 inches
• Maximum load weight is 10 pounds
• Mounting height between 12 and 53 inches
• 5 section legs for greater adjustability

Best Travel Tripod Under $150

9. mefoto classic aluminum roadtrip travel tripod.

This tripod is directly marketed toward the avid traveler and road tripper who needs a compact, heavy-duty device. So at least it knows its demographic. It’s always a plus when a company makes equipment specifically for your needs.

This particular model comes in two different material styles. There is this offering, which is an aluminum body, and then there is a carbon fiber design.

If you want a tripod that’s light and nearly indestructible, go with carbon fiber (it’s also twice the price though, so keep that in mind).

The MeFOTO Classic comes in over a dozen colors, so if you’re tired of the standard gray or black look, there are color options (which also makes it easier to spot if you’re in a tourist spot and a number of tripods are scattered around your shooting location).

The tripod uses a 360-degree panning head. With the built-in graduated panning scale, it is easier to stay steady while rotating. Legs on this tripod can be snapped into place at two different angles.

This gives you finer control over where you’re setting up, which is a plus when shooting on uneven surfaces, such as in the woods.

At the bottom of the center column, there is a spring loaded recessed hook. This way, it stays out of the way when unnecessary, yet when you need a counterweight near the base of the tripod (such as when fully engaging the monopod) the hook springs out.

This travel tripod is able to hold a maximum load of 17.6 pounds, which is good for just about anything you might travel with. It has a maximum height, with the legs extended, of 61.6 inches.

If you pull out the monopod and use it on its own it has a maximum height of 64 inches. The folding height and minimum photo height are both 15.4 inches.

• Tripod weight of 4.6 pounds
• Minimum height of 15.4 inches with maximum tripod shooting height of 61.6 inches
• Aluminum body construction
• Spring-loaded central column hook
• Bubble level
• Acra-Swiss style quick release
• Carrying case
• 8 available colors
• Max load of 17.6 pounds

10. K&F Concept TM2515T1 67″ Camera Tripod

Budding photographers, this one’s mostly for you. It has a folded length of 16.9 inches and a tripod weight of 3.9 pounds.

The K&F Concept travel tripod offers 360-degree rotation of the central axis which gives you enough flexibility to take shots from low and high angles.

The tripod ball head, which also has a 360-degree rotation, improves the activity range of your camera. This means that if you’re exploring macro photography or other special kinds of photography, this travel tripod will give you a memorable experience.

The travel tripod can get as tall as 67 inches. You can detach this travel tripod from the leg sections and convert it into a monopod.

This is especially handy for high and low angle tilt shooting, as well as overhead shots. It is also perfect for capturing images of subjects in motion.

K&F TM2515T1 is easy to carry around, thanks to its lightweight and comfortable included carrying bag. It is flexible, versatile, and remarkably strong and sturdy.

If you’re a nature or street photographer, or you’re into portrait shoots, you’ll be getting a pretty good deal with this travel tripod. It is convenient for hiking and adventures, and the flexibility on the tripod will keep you satisfied throughout your shoots.

• Aluminum alloy
• Adjustable height to 67″
• 360-degree rotation of the central column and metal ball head
• Detachable monopod
• 5 sections leg
• Maximum load capacity of 22 pounds
• Weighs 3.9 pounds
• Minimum height of 16.9 inches
• Maximum height of 67 inchess

11. Sirui 5-section Classic tripod

The SIRUI Classic travel tripod is an easy to adjust and easy to use travel tripod. It has column legs with twist locks that enable you to adjust the height from 14 inches to 55 inches. The center column on the tripod head can be reversed for low angle and ground-level shooting.

It weighs less than 4 pounds, making it a lightweight travel tripod suitable for outdoor shooting. Whether you’re traveling long distances or taking a hike, it’ll fit easily into your camera bag, backpack or carry-on, without feeling like an extra load. It has stabilizing hooks and foam rubber handles for balance and easy handling.

The powerful ball head, quick release plate, and ability to be used as a monopod gives it a high level of flexibility that any professional photographer would love.

You can also choose to move around with only the monopod, meaning less load and more flexibility. Not to worry, once detached, the monopod has a hand strap for easy movement.

The travel tripod features highly extendable legs in height and width. This accounts for its ability to carry as much as 17 pounds of camera load without faltering. It is perfect for camcorders, still cameras, and mirrorless cameras.

If you’re looking for a compact and inclusive travel tripod, this SIRUI Classic travel tripod will do it for you. It is of very high quality, has a solid build, and would be totally worth the money.

• Weighs 3.26 pounds
• 5 section legs
• Made of lightweight aluminum material
• Ball head tripod
• Maximum load capacity of 17 pounds
• Convertible to a monopod
• Interchangeable mounting screw
• Minimum height of 14 inches
• Maximum height of 55.1 inches

12. Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker Tripod

This is one of the best lightweight travel tripods for anyone into astronomical photography. This lightweight travel tripod is compatible with binoculars, telescopes, and digital cameras.

It is a sturdy tripod that can be adjusted from 18.9 inches to 70.5 inches for convenience. No matter your height, you’ll still enjoy planetary spotting and other stargazing activities with this travel tripod.

It features a fluid pan head with quick release plate, 4 section legs that can be set to different angles for flexibility and unique shots, and a retractable hook for more balanced anchoring, if necessary. This travel tripod kit contains a case with shoulder straps for comfortable carrying.

Celestron 82050 is a stable yet lightweight travel tripod that is easy to set up and operate. The adjustment knobs require minimal twisting and have a firm grip on your device.

As much as your observation needs are likely to change, you can easily adjust the height of the travel tripod and the direction of your scope or binoculars accordingly.

This travel tripod will function well on both smooth and bumpy surfaces, thanks to the sturdy legs and feet.

It is an excellent tripod with only one downside – it might not support some binoculars and scopes because of its load capacity of 9 pounds. Apart from this slight drawback, it is a well-made, lightweight travel tripod with controls that respond accurately.

This travel tripod is a winner on so many levels. If it falls within your budget, don’t hesitate to add it to your gear.

• Aluminum tripod
• Weighs 3.94 pounds
• Load capacity up to 9 pounds
• Minimum height of 18.9 inches
• Maximum height of 70.5 inches

13. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod Kit

The key feature of the Vanguard Alta Pro tripod kit is the ability for the legs to adjust not just in height but in angle. The aluminum alloy legs can be adjusted to 25, 50, and 80 degrees, which allows for even greater angle options.

It is a bit heavier than the previous tripods on the list, tipping the scale at 5.38 pounds. It also folds down to 28.125 inches. This is, by all means, closer to a “full-size” tripod than most other options. If you’re interested in a compact, fit in your backpack tripod, this is not it.

However, for its size, it’s still light and the adjustable leg angles make it a desirable option. It uses a quick shoe QS-39 and an anti-shock ring, so if you’re in an area that might shake (such as near traffic or a train), this helps keep your camera steady. There is also a counter-weight hook at the base, which helps secure up to 15.4 pounds on the mount.

This tripod is a bit of a transformer. The main center column can be removed and used as a horizontal brace. This way, you can have a macro height of 10 3/8 inches. This is something you’re not going to find on other tripods. So, if you’re able to pack a slightly larger tripod, the features on this tripod are exceptional.

• 10 3/8-inch macro height and 68 1/8-inch max extended height
• Max load of 15.4 pounds
• Weighs 5.38 pounds
• Aluminum alloy construction (carbon fiber option available for a higher price tag)
• Counterweight hook

Best Travel Tripod Under $250

14. manfrotto befree compact aluminum travel tripod.

Here is another tripod designed specifically for travel. The aluminum body helps keep it light at just 3.1 pounds. It folds down to 15.7 inches, which is a few inches larger than some of the other “full-size” travel tripods on the list, but still small enough to prevent it from becoming too bulky.

The tripod can support up to 8.8 pounds and features a quick-release head. Each leg is fully adjustable with three headsnaps.

However, it doesn’t have any stabilizing features for capturing panoramic stills or video. So, if you’re looking for a tripod to aid you with this, the MeFOTO Classic is the better option.

• 3.1-pound design and 15.7-inch body make it light and easy to travel with
• Max weight up to 8.8 pounds
• Max mount height is 56 inches with minimum mount height of 13.4 inches

15. Sirui T-025x Carbon Fiber Tripod

If you’re going to be moving around in rugged locations and want to make sure you have a tripod that can withstand just about anything, the Sirui is the tripod for you. It may not have all the bells and whistles of our other options, but it’s designed to last.

First, it uses a carbon fiber body. In terms of lightweight and durability, you’re not going to get anything better. It also ditches the plastic head snaps on the legs and uses metal locking rings. These last longer and are less likely to break.

The last thing you want to deal with on the road is a plastic head that breaks off. While these can be replaced, the tripod becomes useless without all the plastic heads. Due to this, anything using metal locking rings is worth the investment. It also weighs only 1.94 pounds.

The minimum capture height is 4.1 inches and the maximum is 45.5 inches. It also has a folded item height of 13.39 inches, so you really can fit it just about anywhere.

The maximum height isn’t all that impressive – at less than four feet max, this isn’t the tripod for you if you’re a taller individual and would rather avoid bending over to take a picture.

However, with a macro height of 4.1 inches, it is impressive. Plus, the fold height makes it possible to put it anywhere (even into some purses). So, while not the tallest tripods, it is one of the most compact.

• Carbon fiber construction
• Metal tightening rings instead of plastic snaps
• 1.94-pound weight and 13.39-inch height
• 4.1-inch macro height and 45.5-inch max height

16. Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-section Tripod

This Manfrotto aluminum tripod is a little bit on the heavier side compared to others. It weighs over 5 pounds, which might be too much for backpacking or hiking shots. But if you own a car, or a motorcycle, or have plans to only walk a short distance, then this will serve you perfectly.

Manfrotto 055 has a powerful locking system which translates to stability and rigidity. The adjustable height makes it versatile and suitable for taking multiple shots at different levels.

The bubble level feature serves for higher precision and easily solves the problem of blurry images.

With this travel tripod, you’ll be getting an opportunity to own your own portable mobile photo studio.

It has an easy link connector feature that enables you to attach a few accessories like an LED light or a reflector – an undeniable ticket to unlimited creativity for professionals. Just imagine what you can create with a few tweaks to the lighting around you.

This travel tripod is impressive, to say the least. The quick power lock feature means you can easily extend the folded tripod legs whenever you need to. The central column of the tripod head can be extended in any direction and placed at any angle you desire.

If your gear contains heavy cameras and lenses, you have nothing to worry about with Manfrotto 055. It is rugged, solid, and sturdy enough to handle your equipment, and is easily one of the best travel tripods that fit into the heavy-duty category.

As a professional photographer or videographer, you’ll be getting the results that you paid for creativity, stability, and optimum quality. As long as you’re not going hiking on a mountain, this will be the best tripod to spend your money on. Your heavy-duty gear will be in safe legs .

• Ergonomic design with aluminum material
• Weighs 5.5 pounds
• Load capacity up to 19.8 pounds
• 3 section legs with thick rubber grip
• Maximum height of 66.9 inches
• Minimum height of 3.54 inches

Best Travel Tripod Under $300

17. mefoto classic carbon fiber roadtrip.

This is the carbon fiber version (as mentioned earlier) of the MeFOTO aluminum variation. It offers all of the same features as the MeFOTO aluminum model, only it is made from carbon fiber.

It also weighs less at 3.1, which shaves 1.5 pounds off of the product. It is slightly smaller with a folding height of 15.4 inches instead of 16.1.

However, other than these two differences, the product itself offers the same design benefits. The spring-loaded central column hook is a handy feature, allowing you to attach counter-balance weight to the tripod in order to improve stability.

While traveling, this may simply be your camera backpack. Whatever you use it for, the hook is an often overlooked yet extremely beneficial tool to have included.

The max load weight of over 17 pounds is another highlight as it’s one of the highest on the list. The combination of lightweight carbon fiber and the hefty 17-pound max hold weight allows you to put just about any camera configuration onto the tripod.

The max tripod shooting height of 61.6 inches is especially impressive. When you want a high-angle shot this is optimal as it is over 5 feet tall.

This is also a nice feature to have if you are taller and are tired of bending over in order to look through cameras placed on shorter tripods. The last thing you want when traveling is to deal with a sore back from leaning over short tripods.

Best Travel Tripod Under $400

18. manfrotto mkbfrc4-bh.

The carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod comes with a sporty black and red design. It has three locking joints for each leg, although each uses a plastic face instead of a secure metal screw.

The load capacity is also down from two of the previous designs at 8.8 pounds. While enough to hold any DSLR, it’s not going to support heftier camera rigs.

So, if you add larger lenses, microphones, and other gear, you’ll likely want to look for a different tripod that supports more weight. This is a durable, quality tripod, but there are other options available with better features and lower price points.

It does have a quick release head, so you can move from tripod to handheld easily.

Most of the price for this tripod goes into the carbon fiber material. This helps keep it lightweight so it’ll never weigh you down. The overall design of the tripod is aesthetically pleasing.

While most tripods are built for function, this tripod does have more of a desirable physical appearance.

If you would like to do shoots in style, this is the tripod you should consider.

• 8.8-pound load capacity
• Maximum height of 56.7 inches
• Quick release heads
• Carbon fiber build material
• Sporty design

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a monopod.

Monopods use a single pole (as opposed to three poles like a tripod) to support precision instruments like cameras, telescopes, and binoculars.

What is the best tripod for beginners?

We recommend the Amazon Basics 60-inch lightweight tripod for any beginner travelers trying to capture every moment. It is an inexpensive, lightweight, and extendable tripod that functions well on difficult terrains and will support most entry-level shooting devices.

How do you travel with a tripod?

A number of tripods on our list come with an included carrying case for easy transport, but many travel tripods can simply slip into your backpack. There’s also no need to be worried if you’re travelling by plane, as most airlines will even allow you to keep a tripod in your carry-on luggage, provided that t doesn’t have any sharp edges.

Is a travel tripod worth it?

While we would suggest a regular tripod in your arsenal, we can ensure that you will capture some truly unique experiences thanks to a travel tripod. Having an easy to move tripod on hand will motivate any passionate photographer to push the limits of their craft.

When it comes to selecting the right travel tripod, much of it comes down to your personal preference, what you’re looking to do, and how much you’re interested in spending.

Each of these different tripods offers solid features and would perform well out on the road with you. After going through each product, feature, price, and durability, in our opinion, the top travel tripod is the MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Roadtrip Travel Tripod/Monopod Kit .

This tripod offers a bevy of features, is built to last, is small enough to fit into most backpacks, and will stand the test of time. It also has features that more expensive tripods are unable to match. Whichever tripod is on this list, you can’t go wrong with any. Which travel tripod did you buy? We’d love to hear from you and your personal experiences using it in the field!

Photo Credit: Unsplash

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Best Tripods Under $100 (Top Picks For DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras)

Our hands are never steady, and no matter how good of a photographer we are, shaky hands will permanently ruin our beautiful photographs.

Don’t worry, though; thanks to the market’s extensive offerings, you may cherry-pick them, even those priced under $100.

I’ve compiled a list of the best tripods under $100 in this article to make things easier for you.

• The best overall tripod under $100 is the Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section If you are a videographer, you should consider buying Magnus VT-300 The built quality and construction play a major role in the precision of your photos.

Table of Contents

Top 5 Best Tripods Under $100

5. dolica ax620b100 – best for traveling.

What I Like

• Great Portability
• Great Load Capacity
• Single lever ball head
• Stable tripod legs
• Easy To Use Flip Locks

What I Don’t Like

• The quick-release design might be lacking
• Build Quality Could have been better

The first on the list is a tripod that will accompany outdoor photographers on their travels. Yes, it will do so at a low cost while providing you with the results you expect.

This aluminum tripod by Dolica has a maximum load capacity of 13.2 Pounds. So, if you’ve been hunting for a portable tripod to support your bulky setup, you’ve just found one.

It has a removable, invertible middle column (macro shots) that keeps it rock solid and extends at a maximum of 62″, while it folds down to a minimum of 21.5″. The tripod legs are pretty durable and stable.

It’s simple to deploy and fold thanks to quick-release flip latches. The single-lever ball head, on the other hand, is a unique feature; it comes with a quick-release plate with a 14″ mounting screw and allows for 360-degree panoramic pictures with marks. Personally, i don’t really like the ball head on this compact tripod, and if you have a bit of extra money, i would recommend replacing the ball head with something more advanced.

Don’t get me wrong, for the price, the ball head is fine, but it wobbles and doesn’t stay in place like it should.

Two bubble levels on the plate ensure accuracy on every occasion, and a knob twist locks the pan and helps you tilt.

To be honest, at this price, I couldn’t be happier with the Dolica tripod. Most people would doubt the durability of a low-cost tripod, which is why Dolica provides us with a 5-year warranty.

Why should you buy it?

If you are a traveler, then you have found your most suitable tripod because this tripod is listed as the best for traveling.

Check Price On Amazon

4. Joby GorillaPod 3K – Best Gorillapod

• Really Versatile
• Great ball head
• Limited on height.

Next up is a Gorillapod from Joby, which is a really unique choice. To keep it short, I’d say it’s the best tripod in its category.

The Joby Gorillapod sticks out for its flexibility, size, ease of use, and mostly the low price. Despite the fact that it isn’t your typical tripod, this “big” boy sure stands out for its versatility.

The GorillaPod is easily recognizable from any other tripod on the market. It’s well-loved by photographers and vloggers because it can be installed on practically any surface or projecting object, such as a tree limb, pole, table — pretty much anything that comes to your mind.

It has a ¼”-20 tripod mount and weighs less than 3 kg (6.6 lbs). You can pretty much take portability for granted here. It’s also quite sturdy for a little tripod capable of supporting 6.6 pounds of weight.

Yes, I am well aware that it doesn’t have the same maximum capacity as the above alternative, but this mini tripod was designed with vloggers in mind, and their setup generally comes in a compact and lightweight form factor.

A strong point of this tripod is its ball head. The ball head on this tripod is very good and stable. When a budget tripod is in question, most manufacturers try to save costs on the ball head, but i think that Joby did a really good job in this field, and included a great ball head on this tripod.

It also has a 360-degree panning bed, a 90-degree tilt, and a bubble level for precise positioning, the bubble level promises to bring great landscape photos. It can grow to a maximum height of 30 centimeters and a minimum height of 11 centimeters.

Overall it is a great tripod for those who seek a Gorillapod or a tabletop tripod. You will be hard-pressed to find a better alternative.

This mini tripod was designed with vloggers in mind, and their setup generally comes in a compact and lightweight form factor.

3. Magnus VT-300 – Best For Videographers

• Great Tripod for Videography
• Extremely stable feet
• Great for DSLR Cameras
• On the heavy side

Next, we have a tripod for videographers, don’t worry I didn’t forget you fellow video recorders on budget.

Yes, I know this might be a video recording tripod, but it can easily hold your DSLR or your full-frame camera. It has a maximum load capacity of 15 lb.

However, It is not exactly a portable tripod, which is understandable why. It has a folded length of 26.5″ and a weight of  5.8 lbs; looking at the bright side, this is more of a pro than a con. We all know that its extra weight will hugely contribute to the stability of the tripod.

Magnus VT-3000 can extend up to 64.3″ in height. Magnus didn’t forget to include a tilting and panning tripod head either. It’s not a geared tripod head , but still gets the job done.

Because of the non slip rubber feet, it is extremely stable. On the tripod, there’s also a bubble level, which helps you get the appropriate angle when photographing on rough terrain.

If you were to ask me, for the price it comes with, I am already sold. The Magnus Vt-300 can be used to create  4k video camera content. It’s incredibly stable and durable, and the action is silky smooth and professional-grade. Although it may be a little too big to travel with.

In its category, this is probably the best tripod under $100.

This tripod is the best one for video makers, so if you are a video maker, you have just found your most suitable tripod.

2. The Victiv T72 – Best Value

• Very affordable
• Can be transformed into a monopod
• Comes with an extra quick release plate
• Cant invert the center column

The Victiv T72 is the second tripod on the list, and it has a lot of functions for a low price.

This one appeals to me because it has a great maximum height of 182 cm, making it ideal for eye-level photography. If you want to learn more about this, read my essay on how tall a tripod should be .

In any case, the tripod may be folded down to 22.4 inches and can support up to 8.8 pounds of weight. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it’s also not awful. It sure can carry a reasonable amount of weight. The tripod alone is 3.3 pounds in weight.

In addition, it comes with two quick release plates, which is uncommon. This is perfect for photographers who use a variety of cameras because it allows you to switch between them in a couple of seconds.

The flip locks on the legs of this tripod is also a strong point of it, and it left me impressed, especially because of the cost of this tripod.

When it comes to the head, it has a three-way swivel that enables 360-degree panning and tilting.

Overall, it’s a tripod with a lot of features at a price that’s just under $50. This is indeed something that should be on your wish list.

This tripod is perfect for photographers who use a variety of cameras because it allows you to switch between them in a couple of seconds.

1. Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section – Best Overall

• Extremely compact
• Very sturdy and durable
• Great for indoor photographers
• Lightweight Tripod
• Max weight capacity is 3.3 lbs
• Can’t be transformed into a monopod

If you’re into photography, I’m sure you’ve heard of Manfrotto, one of the “Big Dogs” when it comes to tripods.

The Manfrotto compact advanced tripod is a small tripod that comes at an affordable price, and it is one of their best tripods.

It is made of high-quality aluminum and weighs 2.65 pounds. It’s a pretty lightweight tripod, which makes it easy to carry around.

When it comes to the tripod’s weight, it’s among the lightest in its class; even at its maximum height, it doesn’t feel flimsy or unstable.

It has a 4.4-pound load capacity, which is not quite the number we want to be at. But yeah, It should be noted that it will struggle with large cameras with telelens; it was designed with beginner/mid-entry DSLRs in mind.

It reaches 17.3 inches in fold mode, or minimum height, and 61.02 inches at maximum height.

The joystick grip is located on the top of the tripod and allows you to hold and move the tripod. It is made of ABS plastic and fits nicely in your hand.

There’s also the innovative circular fast release plate, which allows you to attach the camera quickly and easily without having to fiddle with the settings. If you’ve came this far, you probably know that the ball head on most budget tripods is the weak point. In this dslr tripod, the ball head works perfectly fine on this tripod and gets the job done without any wobbling.

Despite having a low load capacity, it pretty much ticks everything you seek on a tripod, it even brings features from Manfrotto’s high-end counterparts at a really affordable price. Definitely the best tripod in its category.

Everything you seek on a tripod brings features from Manfrotto’s high-end counterparts at a really affordable price.

Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Tripod For You

Build Quality and Construction

The phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t hold true when it comes to tripods.

Most of the time, the material used to construct a tripod distinguishes a high-quality one from a low-quality one.

Tripods made of aluminum and carbon fiber both have advantages and disadvantages.

Aluminum tripods are reasonably strong and sturdy, and their major selling point is that they come at a much more affordable price than their counterparts.

While in the other hand carbon fiber is the best material available, and tripods built with it typically cost several hundred dollars, due to being the strongest material. More on this, in my article, aluminum vs carbon fiber tripod

You should also check other parts of the body, such as the legs and feet, to see if they are sturdy and secure. Or, more significantly, how solid is the tripod and how smooth is the panning?

The feet are very important, and you should always check if the tripod has rubber feet, plastic feet and aluminum feet. Around 90% of the tripods in the market today have rubber feet, since this is the cheapest and best material.

Load/Weight Capacity

When choosing the best tripod, the load capacity is extremely crucial. Simply put, it refers to how much weight can your tripod bench.

Jokes aside, the weight or say load capacity, refers to the maximum weight that your tripod can support before collapsing.

If you often use a hefty camera body and an even heavier lens, a tripod with a large weight capacity is a must. Even if your setup is lighter than 15 lbs, having the added stability is beneficial.

Minimum and Maximum Height

What makes the tripod’s height so important is that you can avoid some bills on backpain physiotherapists if you can look right into the viewfinder without bending, which I think is rather nice and comfortable.

A tripod with a good range of extensions will provide us greater freedom to perform things like the overhead photo, or even better, one with macro capability. When you think about it, it’s really hard to keep the camera steady in a low position when photographing a small insect, but it’s won’t be an issue for your tripod.

You also don’t want to extend the tripod too high because it will most likely lose its stability.

Portability

The weight of the tripod is also important, especially if you are shooting outside. You want your tripod to be as light as possible so that it can be carried around easily. The lighter it is, the easier it is to transport, so keep in mind that if you travel a lot, this will be your main treat.

You don’t want to carry around a bulky tripod, do you? You can simply go to the gym if you want to lift weights.

However, if you flip the coin, a heavier tripod will always be more stable than a light tripod.

That’s why each tripod is different. For example, an over-head tripod has to be very lightweight, whereas a wildlife tripod has to be very heavy and stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should the tripod be.

A good height of a tripod is known to be the one that holds the camera at least on your eye level. If it goes over, it is better, but lower than the eye level would be a disaster.

Are tripods expensive?

Not really! Tripods aren’t too expensive if we think about the fact that they are very much needed tools for a photographer. Still, it is important to mention that the price somehow depends on the material, as carbon fiber tripods are slightly pricier than aluminum ones.

Why do I have to use a tripod?

Using a tripod is not a must, but when you think about capturing a great photograph, a tripod is a need. It will help you capture super-stabile pictures or videos, among other things.

Final Words

Hopefully, you now have a clear grasp of the best tripods under $100 and which option would suit you best.

Even if none of the above appeals to you, I am sure that the further reading section and the buying guide will be helpful in the long run.

Always keep in mind that a tripod is a necessary tool, not a luxurious one.

What’s Next?

If you found the best tripod, most likely you own a N ikon Z6, next you can read about some good tripods that are beneficial to Nikon Z6 . No worries, I also have tripods for you Canon M50 users .

As for Sony A7s III users, I have listed some wonderful gimbals that you must check out. Oh, you don’t need a gimbal since you own a tripod? I got you cover, with some lenses that will work wonders on your Sony camera.

No Sony? , No problem. I also got some decent lenses for Canon Rebel T7 . If you are a street photographer don’t forget to check out some lenses that will benefit your street lenses portfolio.

This concludes the article, hopefully, everything was clear and you were able to grab a tripod from the listing above.

Camera Tester & Reviewer

I spend most of my time taking photos & videos of everything in sight. Yes, I am a stock photographer and I’ve probably taken more than 700,000 photos so far.

My Photography Portfolio

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