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7 Best Travel Tripods in 2024 (Lightweight, Compact & Strong)

The best travel tripod needs to be strong, compact, stable and light enough to carry with you around the world. Here are the top tripods of the year so far.

Camera Gear Guides | Tripod & Monopod Guides | By Mark Condon | Last Updated: February 6, 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.

travel tripod by peak design being held in hand

Great stability, useful features and compact design takes up less space in your travel bag. Available in carbon fiber or aluminium and includes 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 tripod for travel needs to 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 best travel tripods of the year.

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

Table of Contents

What is the Best Travel Tripod in 2024?

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

best travel tripod for photos

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 | 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

carbon fibre section legs minimised tripod weight

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 without a doubt the best camera tripod for anyone who places a value on original design quirks, despite the fact that it’s been frequently mimicked by other DSLR tripod brands over the years 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.

warranty

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

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.

Click here to check the latest price >>

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

heipi travel tripod extended

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 | 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 best travel tripod 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.

2 tripods in 1

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

Here’s where the HEIPI excels and is truly unique among the other best travel tripod products I tested.

Set inside the main tripod is a separate aluminium ‘subtripod’, which adds to the rigidity of the entire tripod while 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.

heipi-features-list

The subtripod is extended and deployed by a centre column lock ring which is 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 to be used 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 in existence that has 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 having 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

best travel tripod for photos

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 | 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 .

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.

3LT good for landscape photography

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.

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

best travel tripod for photos

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 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 height of the Lefoto is around 127cm / 50″, which is average among the tripods we tested. As with all travel tripods with a 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.

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.

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.

build quality

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

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

testing-sturdiness

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.

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, which makes deployment of the tripod 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.

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

best travel tripod for photos

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 | 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.

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.

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.

leg section, 4 grippy locks minimise tripod weight

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

best travel tripod for photos

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.

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.

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.

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

best travel tripod for photos

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.

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.

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, there’s nothing that beats a Gorillapod which can fit in a jacket pocket.

At less than $25, the GripTight One is amazing value for money, and the 1-year warranty is adequate for regular travel.

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.

What To Look For When Choosing a Tripod for Travel

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

  • Size (when folded) – smaller the better for packability.
  • Height – closest to user’s eye level is best if sturdiness/strength is maintained. Min height allows macro/close-up work.
  • Weight – lighter the better, if sturdiness/strength is preserved. Between 1-1.5kgs offers good strength:weight.
  • Build – a carbon fiber travel tripod is better for strength:weight, but more expensive.
  • Sturdiness – rigidity under load vs maximum weight capacity; the number of leg sections (less is better).
  • Value for money – justifiable price based on overall quality. Within the budget of the average travel photographer/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.

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 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.

Final Words

Shopping for a travel tripod can be a confusing experience due to the number of products on the market.

This is compounded by the large number of unknown brands producing similar spec models on Amazon.

Remember to take a tripod on your next trip – you’ll come home with a wider variety of photos, and even if you travel alone, there’ll be more pictures featuring you!

You'll Also Like These:

best travel tripod for photos

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.

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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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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.

best travel tripods

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

Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Best Overall

Peak design carbon fiber travel tripod.

Tripod, Camera Tripod for DSLR AT24EVO

Geekoto Tripod, Camera Tripod for DSLR AT24EVO

Osmo Mobile SE Intelligent Gimbal

Best Travel Tripod for Professionals

Dji osmo mobile se intelligent gimbal.

Selfie Stick Tripod

Best for Smartphones

Atumtek selfie stick tripod.

AM124 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Best Travel Tripod for Heavy Cameras

Sirui am124 carbon fiber tripod.

Element Traveller 5-Section Tripod Kit

Best Ball Head

Manfrotto element traveller 5-section tripod kit.

Max Grip + Tripod

Best for Action Cameras

Gopro max grip + tripod.

Flexible Camera Tripod

Best Flexible

Fotopro flexible camera tripod.

Selfie Stick

Most Compact

Bze selfie stick.

Travel Video Tripod

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.

Our Pack-and-Go Picks: Best Travel Accessories | Best Travel Bags | Best Travel Gifts

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

multiple 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

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

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!

peak design travel tripod

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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10 Best Travel Tripods You Can Buy (in 2024)

A Post By: Jeremy Flint

the best travel tripods for all budgets

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

the best travel tripods

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

the best travel tripods

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 best travel tripods

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

the best travel tripods

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

the best travel tripods

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

the best travel tripods

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

the best travel tripods

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

the best travel tripods

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 best travel tripods

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 best travel tripods

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 best travel tripods

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!

10 Best Travel Tripods You Can Buy (in 2024)

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Jeremy Flint

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 10 BEST Travel Tripods – Ultimate Photo Guide [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.

Peak Design Travel Tripod

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.

Jarryd Sunrise Best Travel Tripod

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.

Long Exposure Sunrise Pool Photo

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

Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

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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

Elinjaa Falls Carbon Fibre Tripod

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

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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

Waterfall Photography Tasmania

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

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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

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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

Milky Way Gitzo Tripod

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

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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.

Portable Travel Tripod

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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About the Author - Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook , YouTube and Instagram .

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9 Best Travel Tripods in 2024 (Updated)

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Designing the best travel tripod involves compromises. A sturdy tripod tends to be big and heavy. But a travel tripod needs to be small and light. We’ve selected 9 tripods that are an excellent compromise between those competing demands.

You’ll find tripods that are heavier and sturdier. And you’ll find lighter, less robust travel tripods. Our top pick is the K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod . It’s light, compact, and easy to carry. Yet it’s also strong and versatile. And the affordable price tag is the cherry on top.

K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod

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Peak Design Travel Carbon Fiber

What is the Best Travel Tripod?

Before we look at our choices in detail, here is a summary of all our recommended travel tripods.

  • Lightweight and versatile travel tripod with carry case
  • Weighs only 2.4 lb / 1.1 kg
  • Supports any weight up to 17.6 lb / 8 kg
  • Excellent mounting flexibility with aluminum ball head
  • Built-in bubble level for precision mounting
  • Sturdy and lightweight carbon fiber construction
  • Folds down to 38 cm and extends up to 1.5 m
  • Supports up to 9.1 kg of gear
  • 3-axis gimbal head for smooth panning and tilting
  • Quick-release plate for easy mounting and dismounting
  • Lightweight aluminum construction
  • Compact and foldable for easy transport
  • Can extend to a maximum height of 1.47 m
  • Supports up to 4 kg of weight
  • 360-degree ball head with two independent control knobs

Manfrotto Element Traveler Tripod Kit With Ball Head

  • Lightweight and compact for easy travel
  • High-quality build, reliable stability
  • 360-degree panoramic head for versatile shots
  • Quick-release plate for fast setup
  • Maximum height of 1.47 m for tall subjects

Product

  • Ultra lightweight yet strong carbon fiber
  • 4-section legs adjustable to 25, 50, and 80 degreeangles
  • Twist locks for fast, secure setup
  • Removable center column
  • Supports up to 15 kg of weight

Product

  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Smooth fluid video head
  • Quick-release plate for fast transitions
  • Fully adjustable tripod legs
  • Includes carrying case and shoulder strap

Product

  • Ultra-lightweight and sturdy carbon fiber construction
  • Ball head design for easy, fast adjustments
  • 4-section legs with quick-release leg locks
  • Maximum height of 1.61 m
  • Maximum load capacity of 10 kg

Product

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Fully adjustable for desired angle
  • Universal phone clip for mobile phones
  • Durable and solid construction
  • Non-slip rubber feet for stability

Product

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Stable and durable
  • Quick-release leg locks
  • Multi-angle center column
  • Adjustable height range

Product

Now let’s look in more detail at our recommendations for the best travel tripod in 2023.

1. K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod

The K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod has to be our top recommendation. It’s a lightweight tripod that’s durable and reliable. You can take it with you on trip after trip and it will last the distance. 

Weighing just 2.4 lb / 1.1 kg, it won’t add too much heft to your travel pack. And even though it’s a lightweight tripod, it can still support cameras weighing up to 17.6 lb / 8 kg. That’s enough for full frame cameras or even medium format cameras. 

Travel photographers will also appreciate the wide working height range. You can set it up at any point between 64.1 inch / 1.6 m and 20.4 inch / 52 cm. And it folds down to 15.3 inch / 39 cm when you need to pack it away. 

Flip locks make adjusting the height quick and easy. And you get a carry case included, making it even easier to travel with this tripod. And a quick-release plate helps you mount and dismount your camera.

It comes with a ball head as standard. The wide range of tilting motion gives you excellent mounting flexibility. And the head has a panning base, which is helpful when shooting landscapes or panoramas. It also has a built-in bubble level to help keep your camera level. 

It’s hard to find fault with the K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod . We’re confident about putting it in the No.1 spot on the list. And it’s an absolute bargain for the price. 

2. Peak Design Travel Tripod

The revolutionary Travel Tripod is the newest addition to Peak Design ’s lineup. We know Peak Design from its camera bags , carrier straps, and belt holster systems.

Now, they’ve added a travel tripod that’s turning everyone’s heads. What makes it so unique? Quite a few things, actually.

First of all, it’s a real travel tripod. It folds down to under 15.5 inches. This is amazing because it extends to 60 inches when in use. That is more than enough for most travel photography .

There are also two options you can get this tripod in. The one listed above is carbon fiber, which weighs only 2.81 lbs. But they have an aluminum version that weighs 3.44 lbs.

The aluminum version is manageable and it weighs similar to other travel tripods. The carbon fiber version is stiffer and lighter but is more expensive.

As a travel tripod, it has a few advantages. It’s Arca-Swiss compatible. It has a single ring to adjust the head, which is also an intuitive and compact ball head. And it has four leg extenders. This offers you more versatility when choosing the height of the Peak Design Travel Tripod .

3. Benro TSL08AN00: Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod

The Benro Slim is a reliable option for photographers on a budget. It is the best affordable travel tripod that still comes from a reputable brand,

At 2.6 pounds, this tripod fits into the travel category. And a weight hook will help negate some of the negatives of using such a light tripod.

The tripod has four leg sections with twist locks. Each leg can be set to one of three angles for more height options. This allows the tripod to extend from 15.7 inches to about 57 inches. You can also reverse the center column for the most height flexibility.

The tripod also includes a ball head with a bubble level .

So what is the reason for the low price? The Benro Slim doesn’t fold down as small as the others on the list without reverse folding legs. This means a faster setup while taking up about four more inches of space in your bag.

The Benro Slim , like the BeFree, also has one of the lower capacities on the list with an 8.8-pound limit. And the under 3-pound weight could mean the tripod isn’t as sturdy as some of the pricier options.

4. Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod Kit w/Ball Head

The Element Traveler from is made especially for travel photographers . Manfrotto is known for great tripods, and this is no exception. It’s a versatile tripod that allows you to move around without feeling weighed down.

Even though the tripod’s weight is barely 2.5 pounds, the load capacity is a lot higher. It will allow you to hold up to 8.8 pounds. That’s enough for a large professional DSLR and a super-telephoto lens .

The folded length of 13 inches is relatively small. You can shoot from a height of 14 inches up to 53 inches. This is excellent for landscape photography .

The other feature that photographers will enjoy with the Element Traveler is the aluminum ball head with an independent lock. This makes up-down shoots for food photography or product photography very simple.

5. Sirui W-1204 Carbon Fiber Tripod

The  Sirui W-1204 is one of the few brands offering waterproof tripods. This makes it one of the best options for a hardcore outdoor photographer .

The tripod has a sealing system. If you shoot in the rain or place the legs in shallow water, the twist locks will still work.

The feet complete the outdoor design. You just unscrew the interchangeable feet to switch from rubber to spiked. The leg sections are held in place using twist locks to reach a maximum height of 65 inches.

This Sirui also has the highest weight capacity of any of the tripods on this list. It supports up to 33 pounds of gear while only weighing 3.1 pounds.

A counterweight hook adds even more stability to the tripod. The legs fold around the center column for a more compact folded measurement.

It stands at 19.3 inches when folded, with only four leg sections. With a height of only 5.7 inches and a removable leg that you can use as a monopod , the Sirui W-1204 gets points for versatility.

6. Manfrotto Befree: Professional Video Tripod for Travel

This Manfrotto Befree tripod is one of the few that use level locks instead of the twist type. Weighing a little over 3 pounds, this tripod folds down to a little over 16 inches.

You can adjust the legs on the Befree to three different angles. This allows the tripod to reach as low as 13.4 inches and as high as 56.7 inches.

The Befree’s compact design, versatile height, and flip locks make this one of the best tripods for travel photographers. And that’s all at a very reasonable price.

Like other 3-pound travel tripods, this tripod can be a bit susceptible to wind. Unfortunately, there is no counterweight hook to support it.

The capacity is 8.8 pounds, so it’s not designed for the biggest telephoto lenses . The 56.7-inch height limit will also be a sticking point for tall photographers.

But for the price, the Manfrotto Befree offers quality and portability.

7. Gitzo Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head

This Gitzo tripod is the juggernaut of travel tripods. It will hold up to 22 pounds, making it one of the sturdiest tripods on our list.

This allows you to use heavy camera equipment . That’s perfect for destination weddings or sports photography . The extra weight-bearing design will help with added accessories like microphones , lights, or flash units .

It comes with a high-quality ball head. As far as tripods go, this one is lightweight, weighing only 3.2 pounds. The most significant benefit I found is the small center column. This lets you get close to the ground for low-angle shots.

For these reasons, this Gitzo is expensive compared to the others on our list. But it’s worth the money. It has a simple design and construction that makes it easy to extend and shrink.

8. Manfrotto PIXI Evo

The Manfrotto PIXI Evo is unique in this selection of tripods. We all know Manfrotto for making excellent tripods. Whether large and sturdy or small and portable, it’s the go-to company. Their other best travel tripod options on our list are for photographers shooting up high.

Eye-level vantage points aren’t the only way photographers want to capture scenes. Sometimes they want to get low for a different perspective. The Manfrotto PIXI Evo offers just that.

This tabletop tripod is small. And it will fit in the small accessory pouches of your backpack or your coat pocket.

You might not expect it to handle DSLR camera systems . But it will hold a weight of 5.5 pounds. This is more than enough to support a full frame DSLR body with a telephoto lens.

Using it couldn’t be easier. Flip out the legs and you’re good to go. The PIXI Evo doesn’t offer you much versatility. But it is the most compact and lightest of our travel tripod picks.

It’s perfect for selfies and vlogging , as it offers two different leg angles along with adjustable two-section legs.

9. Vanguard VEO3T265HABP Aluminum Travel Tripod

The Vanguard VEO ’s reversing center column allows you to shoot as low as 16 inches from the ground or as tall as 57 inches. This is perfect if you need to get down low for macro shots ? You can also adjust each of the twist-lock legs at three different angles.

Despite the versatility, this Vanguard tripod weighs only 4 pounds. It can handle three times its own weight with a 13.2-pound capacity. When folded, the tripod fits in a space of less than 16 inches.

A counterweight hook helps add more stability to the lightweight tripod. With a tripod ball head included, the camera’s position is easy to adjust.

The VEO is designed for quick setup with the central column system. The four legs are also easy to adjust because of twist-lock legs.

There are some downsides, though. It doesn’t include spiked feet, which you can get for a higher price. It also doesn’t have the versatility of using one leg as a monopod. But for the price, the Vanguard VEO ‘s feature list is rather tough to beat.

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Travel Tripods

Tripods can have a varying list of features. And some features are more important when you want to travel with your tripod. Read on to learn what makes a tripod perfect for travel.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Travel Tripod

Tripods are necessary for low-light and long-exposure shots . This is why a travel photographer must carry them around. But there’s a problem with lightweight tripods. The lighter a tripod is, the less stable it tends to be.

That doesn’t mean your travel tripod is going to dump your camera in the dirt. But there are a few features that you should look for when choosing the best travel tripod for you.

A Travel Tripod with Counterweight Hooks

Adding a simple hook to the bottom of the tripod’s center column may not seem like a big deal. But this tiny feature allows travel tripods to be sturdier, no matter the travel conditions.

If you can add weight to the tripod, such as your camera bag , you add more stability without sacrificing portability. These counterweights will help your travel tripod stay put in windy conditions.

A Travel Tripod with Adjustable-Leg Flip Locks

You can adjust tripod legs through either twist locks or lever locks.

Twist locks are slimmer. But if you don’t twist them tight enough, they could unlock. Flip locks will add more bulk and tend to take longer to set up. On the other hand, you can trust them to stay locked.

After using a monopod with twist locks that kept sliding mid shoot, flip locks are my preference.

A Versatile Travel Tripod

Travel tripods are even more portable when they do double duty, so you don’t have to bring multiple ones with you.

If you want to use both a tripod and a monopod , look for a two-in-one that converts to a monopod.

If you shoot macro or low to the ground, check the tripod’s minimum and maximum height. And look one with a versatile height range. You’ll save yourself from bringing a tabletop tripod for low-angle photos.

A Portable Travel Tripod

Whenever you buy a tripod, pay attention to the weight specifications. This is especially true for travel tripods.

One is how much weight the travel tripod can hold. Ensure that your heaviest camera body, lens, and accessories fit within those parameters. The tripod with a higher weight capacity will be sturdier even if you only need half the listed weight limit.

The second detail to consider is the weight of the tripod itself. That’s how much you’ll be adding to your bag’s weight on a hike or in your luggage.

A carbon fiber tripod is lightweight and can hold a lot of gear. But it’s also more pricey than an aluminum one.

A Travel Tripod with a Sturdy Build

Plan on hiking with a tripod? Look for other outdoor-friendly features besides the lightweight feature.

Retractable feet spikes can help make the tripod a bit sturdier on grass and dirt.

Waterproof tripods are a bit harder to find. But they can survive taking pictures in the rain or standing in the surf .

A Travel Tripod with a Quick-Release Plate

Don’t miss capturing a moment because you have to fiddle with getting your camera off your tripod. Look for a travel tripod that includes a quick-release plate.

Also, watch for small design changes that help you set up your gear faster. Unfolding each of the three leg sections takes longer than just unfolding one center column, for example.

Conclusion: The Best Travel Tripod

The K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod  is our choice for the best travel Tripod. It is lightweight, durable, and has a wide range of features that make it the perfect travel companion.

It is also highly adjustable and has a unique design that allows for easy setup and breakdown. With its adjustable legs and quick-release plate, it is the perfect tripod for capturing any moment on the go.

Independent Travel Cats

Savvy Travel Advice

Guide to the Best Travel Tripods

Last updated: February 16, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 11 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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

best travel tripods

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod tripods for traveling

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

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: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount 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 .

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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!

best travel tripod for photos

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.

Canon EOS 6D best DSLR cameras for travel camera

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 .

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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 .

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

Laurence Norah travel photographer best travel tripods Scotland

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:

A guide to the best travel tripods on the market. Travel tripods are an essential tool for many travelers who want to improve their photography. We share everything you need to know about choosing a tripod for traveling, including what things to look for and what to consider when buying a tripod. We'll also share our list of the best travel tripods across a range of budgets, so you can pick the best one for you. #traveltripod #tripod #travel #travelphotography #photography #minitripod

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 11 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Devail Post author

November 25, 2022 at 1:23 am

great information about types for travel tripods and photographic equipment. thanks for sharing

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

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!

Best, Jessica

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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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

Vanguard Alta Pro

  • > 15.4 lbs capacity

zomei-z818

Gitzo Traveler Series 1

  • > 22 lbs capacity

gorillapod-5k

Joby Gorillapod 5K

  • > 11 lbs capacity

benro-aero-4

Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel

  • > 8.8 lbs capacity

best travel tripod for photos

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vanguard alta pro

  • 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.

mefoto-globetrotter

  • 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.

manfrotto-befree

  • 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.

zomei-z818

  • 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.

gitzo-traveler-1

  • 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!

best travel tripod for photos

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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.

gorillapod-5k

  • 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.

benro-aero-4

  • 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.

3-legged-thing-punks-corey

  • 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.

manfrotto-290-monopod

  • 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.

best travel tripod for photos

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…

best travel tripods photographer in field

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!

wadi rum stars best travel tripod

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.

camera-on-tripod

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.

best travel tripod photographer in storm

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.

photographers with huge lenses

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!

photographer-in-city

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.

manfrotto tripod head

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.

tripod-G226 low angle

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.

best travel tripods

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.

best travel tripod for photos

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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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.

photographer-and-spectators-at-afrika-burn

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!

Ralph Cope

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best travel tripod for photos

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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A camera set up on the best travel tripod in front of a lake with a bridge spanning it surrounded by greenery.

The best travel tripods in 2023

It’s easy to bring the best travel tripod anywhere you go.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

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 Travel Tripod

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.

A black compact travel tripod for cameras.

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.

A carbon fiber tripod with three-section legs opened but not extended.

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. 

A carbon fiber travel tripod with a unique orange tripod mount make and high weight capacity make this one of the best tripod for dslr.

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.

MeFOTO BackPacker S Tripod

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 tripod for photographers in 2024: give your camera a rock-steady support

The best tripods combine performance, build quality and value for money, but which will win the three-legged race?

best tripod: man using tripod in sunny field

It'd be easy to think even the best tripod is now redundant, thanks to all the recent advancements with cameras’ in-body and lens-based optical image stabilization. But we beg to differ. 

For long exposures capturing anything from landscapes using 10-stop neutral density filters, to twilight cityscapes and the night sky, a tripod is still an essential bit of kit. They’re also very much needed for keeping your camera still and steady through a sequence of shots, for example when taking exposure-bracketed stills to merge into an HDR (High Dynamic Range) image. And then there’s architectural photography, when you want to set up your camera with supreme precision, or maybe take a series of shots with incremental panning to create panoramas. We could go on, the list is long.

So what do you need to look for when choosing a tripod? Size and weight are key considerations. For versatility, there’s no beating a full-sized tripod with a lofty maximum operating height. Some go further still with a pivoting center column, ideal for macro photography and shooting with really wide-angle lenses. Full-sized carbon fiber tripods tend to be around 25 percent lighter in weight than their aluminum counterparts, making them easier to carry around, and they’re often more resistant to vibration. The flip side is that they’re more expensive to buy.

The maximum load rating is important to bear in mind if you have a relatively hefty camera and big telephoto lenses. Even if you don’t, tripods with a beefier load rating tend to be more sturdy, solid, and stable, and less prone to flexing. A greater number of sections in each leg enables the tripod to fold down smaller but each joint is a potential weak point when it comes to stability, they take longer to set up and fold down, and the bottom legs often tend to be relatively thin and spindly.

If you’re after a tripod that folds down really small, take a look at our separate buying guide on the best travel tripods . And whereas the photography tripods covered in this buying guide aim to give fixed, solid support for stills, free-flowing video capture is another ball game altogether. For that, check out our guide to the best video tripods . 

Best tripod: Our top picks

3 Legged Thing Charles 2.0

Best overall Sturdy, tall, yet packs small and won't weigh you down. It's even well priced - what's not to like?! Read more below

Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS

Best for sturdiness Super-sturdy support that's ideal for heavy camera+lens set-ups, plus you can pivot the center column through a complete 180-degree arc, opening up loads of creative shooting possibilities. Read more below

Peak Design Travel Tripod

Best compact travel tripod Super-sturdy support that's ideal for heavy camera+lens set-ups, plus you can pivot the center column through a complete 180-degree arc, opening up loads of creative shooting possibilities. Read more below

The best tripods in 2024

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.

A 3 Legged Thing Charles 2.0 tripod pictured on pavement

1. 3 Legged Thing Charles 2.0

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

This is the newer, ‘aluminum’ version of one of our all-time favorite tripods – the carbon fiber 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0 . Although advertised as aluminum, the leg sections are crafted from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy. The net result is that it’s still pretty lightweight for a tripod with a towe ring maximum height of almost two meters. It folds down pretty small too, thanks to swing-up legs that are more usually associated with travel tripods. You can buy the legs on their own but the full kit with the AirHed Pro 2.0 ball head is the one to go for. They’re simply made for each other and a match made in tripod heaven. The head features an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plate, but there’s no D-ring so you have to fasten it to your camera or long lens with a coin or the supplied tool.

Read our full 3 Legged Thing Charles 2.0 review for more details.

A Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS tripod shot on grass

2. Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS

This relatively new tripod takes it to the Manfrotto 055 with a super-sturdy carbon fiber build using large-diameter three-section legs and a pivoting center column. The Vanguard actually goes one better, in that you can pivot the center column through a complete 180-degree arc instead of just using it in vertical or horizontal orientations. It also comes with an extra platform that attaches to the center column, so you can mount two cameras at the same time, or a camera and another accessory like an LED light. The ball head supplied with the kit is a great match for the legs, being very versatile and particularly sturdy and robust.

Read our full Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS review for more details.

A 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0, one of the best tripods

3. 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0

3 Legged Thing is a UK-based manufacturer with a deserved reputation among photographers for making attractive, ultra-sturdy tripods. The Winston 2.0, one of the most recent models, is particularly impressive, able to extend to almost 2m in height, but also fold down to 61cm. 

Smartly design with clever engineering, the Winston 2.0 is quick to deploy and has a solid build designed to resist flexing and vibration. Its leg and center-column sections are constructed from 8-layer carbon fibre, making them lightweight but solid, and the leg diameter is thick all the way down. Pair it with 3 Legged Thing's AirHed Pro and you've got a truly exemplary tripod support system on your hands. 

The 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0 is small and light enough to be useful as a travel tripod, while also being strong enough for even the heaviest of professional camera setups. 

Read our full 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0 review for more details

A Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB tripod pictured in a garden

4. Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB

The Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB is a full-size tripod with three sections, so it doesn't fold down that small but it's quick to set up and reaches a good height. It doesn’t feel that heavy for an aluminum tripod, and if you want to shave off a little weight, there is a carbon fibre (CB) version that’s only a little more expensive. 

The design and build are first class, the angled column works brilliantly and all the controls and adjustments have a smoothness and precision that you would expect to cost a lot more than this. If you don't need portability but you do need height, adaptability, rigidity, and quality, this is ideal

Read our full Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB review for more details

A Peak Design Travel Tripod against a garden backdrop

5. Peak Design Travel Tripod

It's the first tripod Peak Design has made, and the carbon fiber version we looked at costs more than practically any of its rivals except a Gitzo , so it had better be good. There is an aluminum version that's a massive 40% cheaper, however, which has all the same design features but just a little less vibration resistance. 

The Peak Design Travel Tripod isn't just useful for travel. It packs down to just 39cm in length, so it's easy to carry on outings and when hiking across the country, but it also extends high enough to work as a regular everyday tripod, and it has all the rigidity of a regular tripod too. The low-profile ball head is simple but brilliant, there's a phone holder hidden inside the center column. 

It's certainly no bargain, even the aluminum version, but for its combination of design finesse, compactness, and rigidity, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is out on its own.

Read our full Peak Design Travel Tripod review for more details

Looking down on a Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30 tripod

6. Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30

The Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30 is at the top of the size spectrum for a ‘travel’ tripod, but its simplicity, rigidity, and ease of use mark it out as a top choice for landscape shooters, hikers and any outdoor photographer who needs to travel light but still have the best support possible – and Benro’s VX ball head with its additional pan axis is just brilliant.

If you need to pack a small camera support for city breaks and street photography, take a look at the Peak Design travel tripod, or the smaller Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20, but if you need a portable tripod that doesn't sacrifice height or rigidity, the Rhino FRHN34CVX30 is the bee's knees.

Read our full Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30 review for more details

Close-up shot of a ProMediaGear TR344L, one of the best tripods

7. ProMediaGear TR344L Pro-Stix

The ProMediaGear TR344L is a really expensive and very impressive tripod that’s been made to suit the needs of dedicated landscape photographers. Sure, it’s way over most budgets and it’s over-specified for what it is for most photographers, but if you’re going to be spending the next decade outdoors in all kinds of weather and you don’t want to spend your time cursing an awkward or heavy tripod then the durable and quick to set-up and pack-up TR344L is worth the investment. 

Read our full ProMediaGear TR344L Pro-Stix review for more details

Outdoor shot of a Manfrotto 055 MT055CXPRO3, one of the best tripods

8. Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 + XPRO Ball Head

There’s an aluminum version of this tripod which is available as just a set of legs, or as a complete kit with either an XPRO Ball Head or XPRO 3-Way Head. The carbon fiber edition is naturally more expensive but feels much more of a luxury item, is nearly half a kilogram lighter and, in our tests, proved more resistant to vibration. As well as giving really solid support, it features a pivoting center column that you can use as a horizontal boom. It’s great for macro shooting and for stopping the tripod feet from creeping into the shot when you’re using ultra-wide-angle lenses.

Read our full Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 review for more details.

A Vanguard VEO 3T+ 264CB next to its carry bag, one of the best tripods

9. Vanguard VEO 3T+ 264CB

The Vanguard VEO 3T+ 264CB is pitched to those who want a travel-friendly tripod but don't want to compromise on features and functionality. Might seem like a pipedream, but this relatively small tripod does a good job, with loads of useful features like its multi-angle center column, and the bundled  VEO MA-1 multi-mount, which allows you to attach other accessories or even another body. 

All this is wrapped up in a tripod with seriously high-quality construction, as you'd expect from Vanguard, and it comes at a pretty competitive price. The only real downside is that despite its "travel" billing, the VEO 3T+ 264CB is still pretty hefty. It's 48cm long when folded and the whole ensemble is 2.275kg, so it's not exactly something you could carry around freely.

Read our full Vanguard VEO 3T+ 264CB Review for more details

Man using a 3 Legged Thing Nicky, one of the best tripods

10. 3 Legged Thing Nicky

Make no mistake, the 3 Legged Think Nicky is a professional-level tripod for a discerning audience. Made for photographers and videographers working with heavier kits, it’s strong, straightforward to use, tall, and adaptable. It’s a base, not a kit, however, so unless you have these things already (many photographers will), you’ll also need to budget for a head and, for video, perhaps a leveling bowl too

It's probably worth repeating this key thing about the Nicky. It is a tripod to which you add your own head, leveling bowl, or other accessories – it's not complete in itself. It’s ideal for photographers and videographers who already have these things and just want a better tripod, but if do need all these extras too, then you’re going to need to get your wallet out – and keep it out..

Read our full 3 Legged Think Nicky review for more details

A Vanguard Veo 3T 235CBP tripod pictured in a field

11. Vanguard VEO 3T 235CBP

Vanguard states its VEO 3T range "includes everything you’d expect in a high-quality travel tripod, with additional features that help anyone get the best result for their video with a camera or smartphone." Beefier models in the range can support an impressive 12kg, but we reckon this 235CBP version with its 8kg load rating is more than up to the job.

The lower capacity also results in a more compact 41cm closed length, while carbon construction keeps total weight down to a reasonable 1.6kg. The included head has a removable pan handle to allow greater control while filming, and a new Arca-compatible quick-release plate can hold a camera or smartphone up to 85mm wide, plus there's even a Bluetooth remote control for IOS or Android .

Read our full Vanguard VEO 3T 235CBP review for more details

Product shot of a Manfrotto 190XPro4, one of the best tripods

12. Manfrotto 190XPro4

This four-section Manfrotto 190XPro4 ball head kit is a full-sized tripod with an XPro ball head included. It's got everything you need and is going to be suitable for a huge majority of photographers.

Reaching a full operating height of 175cm while also shrinking down to a modest folded height of 57cm, the Manfrotto 190XPro4 is great for all situations. It's a relatively recent refresh of a popular Manfrotto model and has a 90-degree pivot facility which means it can be swapped to a horizontal boom mode within seconds. The leg sections also use a new innovative locking lever design that allows them to be released from either side.

Sturdy as a rock, even when at its maximum height, the Manfrotto 190XPro4 is the archetypal photographer's tripod; it's very difficult to imagine the kind of photographer for whom this would not be suitable. Its XPro ball head is also state-of-the-art, with an adjustable friction damper. There are cheaper tripods on this list, but if the Manfrotto 190XPro4 is within your budget, we can recommend it without hesitation. 

A Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Giant), one of the best tripods

13. Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Giant)

Sometimes, only the best will do. The Gitzo GT5563GS is not going to be for every photographer – or even, arguably, for that many photographers. But it is the best and biggest tripod you can get right now, and if you need the maximum in terms of height, this is your buy.

The Gitzo GT5563GS is nicknamed “Giant” for a reason. It extends to an absolutely whopping maximum height of 278cm, which is taller than anyone alive and can carry a humongous 40kg of camera gear. This is more capacity than anyone could conceivably need – really it’s more than double what anyone could conceivably need.

The tripod isn’t just a one-trick pony though; it’s also smartly designed, with a carbon fibre build and incredible flexibility. The lowest height it can work at is as small as 10cm! The carbon fibre build keeps it lighter than you’d expect for a tripod of this strength and complexity, and the quality throughout is just top-notch – as reflected by the price.

Read our full Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Giant) review for more details

A Benro Mach3 tripod on a white background

14. Benro Mach3 TMA27C + B1 head

With so many recent tripods going out of their way to pack in fancy features that you’ll probably never need, it’s nice to see one that concentrates on simple, solid support. This Benro is an entirely conventional affair, based on three-section legs that don’t swing up to reduce the stowage size, and there’s no pivoting center column. The result is a traditional carbon fiber tripod that’s super-quick and easy to set up. It’s not without trickery though, as the Benro comes complete with a low-level adapter for shooting at really low heights without needing to invert the camera, and you can unscrew one of the legs to use it as a monopod with the center column and ball head. Speaking of which, the head is sold separately and we’d go for the Benro B1 Ball Head, which is a perfect match.

Product shot of a Vanguard ALTA PRO 2+ 263CB 100, one of the best tripods

15. Vanguard ALTA PRO 2+ 263CB 100

This complete carbon fiber tripod kit with a ball head plays the numbers game with great success. It has calibrated markings for the four-angle legs, 7-angle pivoting center column, and a 360-degree panning ball head with an independent pan-release lock. With legs that don’t swing upwards for stowage, and have three rather than four sections, the tripod is quick and easy to set up but the folded height is quite tall. The pivoting center column can be locked at various angles through a complete 180-degree arc and there’s a 3/8-inch threaded socket on the spider for attaching accessories like an LED light or microphone. All in all, it’s very versatile, solid, and easy to use.

A 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 tripod pictured on an outdoor table

16. 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 + AirHead Pro Lever kit

The Leo is no ordinary tripod. It folds down to just 35cm in length but opens out to offer a maximum height of 146cm and a huge payload capacity of 30kg. It has a detachable monopod leg which can also be used as a microphone or camera boom, a Tri-Mount system for adding accessories, and an innovative two-section center column.

You can buy the legs on their own but we’d recommend getting it as a kit with 3 Legged Thing’s new and improved AirHed Pro Lever ball head. We love (we LOVE) the optional Vanz kit, a set of three replacement feet/legs. 

You unscrew the regular legs and screw these in to get the toughest, gnarliest table-top mini tripod you've ever seen. The Leo 2 is not the smallest travel tripod you can get, and not the cheapest, but its ratio of folded length to maximum height, combined with its all-round versatility, make it one of the best. 

See our full 3 Legged Thing Leo review for more details

Product shot of a Sirui NT-1005X/E-10, one of the best tripods

17. Sirui NT-1005X/E-10

When it comes to folding down small for compact carriage, the Sirui NT-1005X reigns supreme. It’s definitely designed to be as small as possible, not only featuring five-section legs with a swing-up facility but also incorporating a two-section extending centre column. The result is a generally adequate maximum operating height of 150cm, and a particularly tiny folded height of 36cm. That’s only about half the folded height of the Manfrotto 290 kit. And despite its aluminium build, the Sirui is only 10g heavier than the Novo carbon kit.

Build quality is very good: the Sirui feels solid and robust, despite its lightweight construction. It remains rigid and steady even at the maximum operating height, with all five leg sections fully extended and both sections of the centre column at full reach. Three locking leg angles are available, and there’s the usual facility to remove one leg and the centre column for use as a monopod. And there are no retractable or interchangeable metal spikes for the feet, but the rubber pads are of good quality. 

Set-up on the NT-1005X/E-10 is quick and easy, from the non-slip feet to the ball head with its Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plate. All adjustments are smooth but lock solidly – although the head lacks an independent friction damper – and the swing-up legs can be locked at three alternative angles. The maximum operating height is a little meagre, but the carrying size is incredibly small. If ultra-compact carriage is high on your priority list, the Sirui is a very desirable tripod indeed. 

How to choose the best 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.

photographer by water's edge with low-level tripod

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.

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

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Article updated on March 5, 2024 at 2:19 AM PST

Best Tripod for Photography and Video in 2024

Our picks of the best tripods to help you capture better photos and videos in 2024.

Our Experts

best travel tripod for photos

  • Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022

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While you can take good photos and videos with just a camera, it can fall short sometimes. If you want to get the perfect shot, you'll need to invest in a tripod. It provides stability, eliminates camera shakes and helps create better images. You can make better use of your camera with one, with improved outputs in long exposure modes that you may need for astrophotography and more. You'll want to make sure you've got a decent tripod in your gear kit.

If you're looking to buy a new tripod today, there are a ton of options available on the market. You get a wide variety of features and capabilities. As such, sorting through them can be confusing, time-consuming and, let's face it, dull. This is why I've done the hard work for you and rounded up some of the best camera tripods on the market right now, whether you shoot landscapes, macro, stills, video or whatever. 

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I've tested all the models on this best camera tripod list and chosen each one as a great example of its category. I took into consideration factors including maximum height, the folded height, load capacity, the ease of using the tripod mount and so much more to ensure that I'm only including the best of the best. I'll be updating this list over time as new models arrive and manufacturers update their ranges.

The 3 Legged Thing Bucky is a super tripod for almost any photography situation. Its carbon-fiber construction means it's light enough to comfortably strap to a backpack, it packs down small but its maximum height of over 6.2 feet (191cm) makes it extremely tall too. I've found it brilliant for landscape photography as it's no trouble to carry out into the hills, but I can still shoot at eye level. 

Its ball head is secure enough to hold even the weightiest DSLRs with a big zoom lens attached, its legs can be detached to use as monopods, and its solid construction means you don't need to worry about it taking a few knocks on the road. It doesn't come cheap, but photography enthusiasts in any genre are well-catered for here.

Best all-round tripod

3 legged thing bucky.

The 3 Legged Thing Bucky is a super tripod for almost any photography situation. Its carbon-fiber construction means it's light enough to comfortably strap to a backpack, it packs down small but its maximum height of over 6.2 feet (191cm) makes it extremely tall too. I've found it brilliant for landscape photography as it's no trouble to carry out into the hills, but I can still shoot at eye level. 

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Affordable, lightweight tripods often have a trade off in stability, but not so with Manfrotto's latest Element II tripod. Its twist-locking legs are strong and can be splayed out wide for further stability in strong wind. The ball head had no trouble supporting our Canon 5D MkIV with 24-105mm lens -- those of you with even lighter mirrorless cameras will have no trouble here. 

Its 3.5-pound (1.6kg) weight means it's light enough to comfortably carry on a backpack for a few hours and despite its more affordable price, it has a reassuringly burly feel to it that doesn't give any cause for concern about its longevity. If you're after a lightweight travel tripod with a more wallet-friendly asking price than carbon-fiber models, the Element II is worth a look.

A great budget travel tripod

Manfrotto element ii.

Affordable, lightweight tripods often have a trade off in stability, but not so with Manfrotto's latest Element II tripod. Its twist-locking legs are strong and can be splayed out wide for further stability in strong wind. The ball head had no trouble supporting our Canon 5D MkIV with 24-105mm lens -- those of you with even lighter mirrorless cameras will have no trouble here. 

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The exceptionally light weight of Benro's Rhino tripod is immediately noticeable as soon as you pick it up. Made from carbon fiber, it weighs only 2.7 pounds (1.2kg), making it the best choice if you're planning all-day photo hikes and you're trying to save every ounce you can. Such a light weight does mean it's more susceptible to being shaken by the wind, but a built-in hook under the center column allows you to hang a weight off it (your kit bag, or a shopping bag full of rocks you've found always works in my experience) to add support in particularly blustery conditions.

Despite its light weight, it's more than capable of holding our Canon 5DMk IV and 24-105mm lens with absolutely zero movements from the ball head. Despite the legs being almost pencil-thin at their ends, the carbon-fiber construction means they're extremely rigid while the burly, rubberized twist-locks keep them solidly locked in place.

Exceptionally light weight travel tripod

Benro rhino carbon-fiber tripod with vx20 ball head.

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With its 3-way pan and tilt head, Manfrotto's BeFree 3-Way Live is an excellent choice for both photographers and budding videographers who don't want to splash out on a dedicated video tripod head. Its fluid head makes getting smooth panning shots very easy while the panning and tilting arms fold away to make it easier to transport. 

Its aluminum legs are sturdy and while it's not as light as others on this list, it's perfectly comfortable to carry on a backpack for at least a couple of hours at a time -- and certainly a lot lighter than most dedicated video tripods. My one small complaint is that the knob to tighten the camera plate is very small and can prove quite fiddly, especially if you're wearing gloves. I might be nit-picking here though as the 3-Way Live is a great all-round camera tripod for anyone wanting to add videography into their workflow.

Affordable video tripod for budding filmmakers

Manfrotto befree 3-way live.

With its 3-way pan and tilt head, Manfrotto's BeFree 3-Way Live is an excellent choice for both photographers and budding videographers who don't want to splash out on a dedicated video tripod head. Its fluid head makes getting smooth panning shots very easy while the panning and tilting arms fold away to make it easier to transport. 

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Peak Design is best known for its range of stylish camera backpacks, but it recently launched its first tripod. The Travel Tripod, as it's known, is best for exactly what its name suggests: traveling. The carbon-fiber version I tested weighs only 2.8 pounds (1.27kg) and packs down to only 15.4 inches long, making this portable tripod easy to chuck in a backpack or camera bag. The aluminum tripod model weighs 3.4 pounds (1.5kg).

Its ball head is quick and easy to use, it's sturdy enough to hold a Canon 5D MkIV DSLR with a 24-70mm lens and it comes with its own grip so you can mount your phone on the tripod that tucks away inside the central column. It's all extremely well thought-out and feels reassuringly sturdy -- I certainly have no concerns about its ability to handle a rough-and-tumble life on the road.

Superb lightweight tripod for travelers

Peak design travel tripod.

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The Jay's transforming design allows it to convert from a full-size tripod to a monopod in moments. Getting down low? Take each tripod leg off, add the optional feet and it becomes a tiny tabletop tripod. It has a leveling base that makes it quick to get a straight horizon, while its compact carbon-fiber design makes it both exceptionally portable and an extremely lightweight tripod. 

We reviewed the Jay with the Cine video head, which makes the Jay perfectly suited for videographers wanting to shoot smooth panning shots. It happily supports our Canon 5D MkIV DSLR with a 70-200mm lens, while the friction-free motion of the fluid head makes it easy to get buttery-smooth results. 

It doesn't come cheap, but this is a real quality piece of kit that's beautifully put together and will suit traveling pros and enthusiastic amateurs alike.

Best tripod for traveling videographers

3 legged thing jay with cine head.

The Jay's transforming design allows it to convert from a full-size tripod to a monopod in moments. Getting down low? Take each tripod leg off, add the optional feet and it becomes a tiny tabletop tripod. It has a leveling base that makes it quick to get a straight horizon, while its compact carbon-fiber design makes it both exceptionally portable and an extremely lightweight tripod. 

We reviewed the Jay with the Cine video head, which makes the Jay perfectly suited for videographers wanting to shoot smooth panning shots. It happily supports our Canon 5D MkIV DSLR with a 70-200mm lens, while the friction-free motion of the fluid head makes it easy to get buttery-smooth results. 

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This tripod's headline feature is its center column, which can tilt 90 degrees to a horizontal position. This aluminum camera tripod allows you to get your camera to only 9 cm above the ground and lets you shoot directly down, making it a useful tool for macro photographers. Food photographers also will love getting those top-down shots of beautifully presented meals.

Its legs are easy to extend thanks to the twist lock design, the ball head holds a Canon 5D Mk IV and 70-200mm lens without issue and its 4.4-pound (2kg) weight means it's fairly easy to carry attached to a backpack.

Best tripod for macro and food photography (Update: Low stock)

Manfrotto befree gt x pro.

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Best tripods for your camera in 2024 – assessed for various applications.

When stability matters, photographers and video makers need a three-legged, supportive friend..

Angela Nicholson

Need a tripod for your camera? Angela Nicholson and the AP team pick the finest supports from Manfrotto, Benro, Vanguard, Peak Design, Gitzo and more, with options for all budgets.

Photographers of any experience know the value of a good tripod. Providing rock-steady support for pin-sharp pictures, a tripod opens up shooting opportunities that simply aren’t possible working hand-held. You may want to introduce smooth sideways panning movements, or use ultra-long shutter speeds that would defeat even the most advanced stabilisation system. Alternatively, you may be a video creator, and need a support for locked-off shots. In these cases and more, a tripod is what you want.

What to look for

Tripods often see use in still life photography or macro photography , where sharpness is essential, and careful composition is paramount. Similarly, those who are well-versed in landscape photography will inform you that a tripod is an essential piece of kit for capturing those golden moments in all their glory.

If you’re wondering how to choose the best tripod, it’s mostly a matter of weighing up size, stability, features and price . How heavy your setup is will dictate how strong a tripod you need, and the specifics of what you shoot may mean you require certain features. For instance, some tripods can convert to a monopod for those moments you need to be more nimble. Others are designed to be able to put the camera incredibly close to the ground in order to shoot tiny subjects and macro shots.

Carbon fibre or aluminium?

We’ve mostly focused on photography tripods in this guide, but many of the options here will also work well for video (check out our guide to the  best cameras for video if you’re crafting a vlogging setup). Tripods tend to be constructed from one of two materials: carbon fibre (strong and lightweight, but expensive) or aluminium (cheaper, and able to take a kicking). We’ve included both types in this guide.

What about their other uses?

Whilst the primary need for most will be to use the tripod with your camera, whether that’s mirrorless camera or a DSLR , you can also use a tripod as a support for any additional lighting, or accessories you may need, such as a flashgun, or reflector. If you’re looking for a tripod for your smartphone, have a look at our guide to camera phone tripods .

Need a quick recommendation? Here’s our quickfire list of the best tripods to buy in 2023, along with links to the best prices:

  • Best tripod for photography: Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS – check price
  • Best premium tabletop tripod: Benro Tablepod Flex Kit – check price
  • Best multi-function tripod: Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fibre Tripod – check price
  • Best travel tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod – check price
  • Best budget tripod for mirrorless: Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB – check price
  • Best large tripod: Kingjoy SolidRock C85 tripod – check price
  • Best premium tripod: Gitzo GK1555T-82TQD Traveller Tripod Kit – check price
  • Best tripod for landscapes: 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 – check price
  • Best tripod for macro: Manfrotto 190 Go! – check price
  • Best workhorse tripod: Manfrotto 190XPro4 Tripod – check price
  • Premium travel tripod: Gitzo GT1542 Mountaineer Series 1 – check price
  • Best video tripod: 3 Legged Thing Legends Tommy Tripod – check price
  • Cheapest tripod: Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod – check price

Continue reading to find out why we’ve chosen these as the best tripods you can buy…

Best tripod for photography: Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS

Price: $499 / £499

Vanguard VEO3+ 303CBS tripod set up outdoor on a rock paved surface

Vanguard VEO3+ 303CBS review. Image credit: Andy Westlake

At a glance:

  • $499 / £499
  • Supplied BH-250S ball head

A recent tripod that earned a full five stars in our review , the Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS is a large carbon fibre model that’s ideal for landscape, wildlife and macro photography . It’s a little bigger and bulkier than other tripods on this list, with its 2.6kg (5 pounds,11 ounces), so if you’re looking for a compact option for travel then you may want to scroll on. However, the sheer versatility that this Vanguard tripod offers is absolutely top-end. The three legs can be set at independent angles for dealing with uneven terrain, including basically flat to the ground, and the central column can be set to basically any angle the user desires.

We also appreciated the supplied BH-250S ball head . It’s got a satisfying weight to it and feels like a premium piece of kit. There’s a friction adjustment control to deal with loads of varying weight, and the dual panning design features a rotating base and a rotating Arca-Swiss type camera clamp.

The Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS is straightforward to use once you’ve worked out what all its dials and knobs do. Its stability is rock-solid enough for basically any photographic setup you can imagine.

Read our Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS review .

Best premium tabletop tripod: Benro Tablepod Flex Kit

Price: $159 / £140

Benro TablePod Flex Kit

Benro TablePod Flex Kit

  • $159 / £140
  • Converts to a selfie stick

A tabletop tripod option, this versatile camera support comes in a kit with both rigid and flexible legs that allow it to be creatively positioned in all sorts of ways. While it’s clearly designed principally for those using a smartphone, it is very light weighing only 430g (15 ounces), but perfectly capable of holding a mirrorless camera and lens. In our testing, we even found it held up the full-frame Sony Alpha A7R IV and a 24-105mm f/4 lens without issue.

The Benro Tablepod Flex Kit is highly versatile. The flexible arms can also be attached to the legs to allow for the use of additional accessories like lights or a microphone, making it a great choice for video creators. Some clips are thrown into the kit to help with attaching the bendy legs to poles or branches, and the tripod also converts to a selfie stick. All in all this is a surprisingly fully featured package for a tabletop tripod.

Read our Benro Tablepod Flex Kit review .

Best multi-function tripod: Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fibre

Price: $220 / £139

Best tripods. Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro

Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro

  • $220 / £139
  • Supplied with a smartphone clamp

Benro bills the MeFoto RoadTrip Pro as a 6-in1 tripod, which might raise concern that it’s a jack-of-all trades and master of none, but it’s actually a very capable travel tripod with a maximum height of 152.5cm and 1.5kg (3 pounds, 4.9 ounces) weight. Two of its other functions include transforming into a monopod or a mini tripod, both of which are genuinely useful. It also comes with a smartphone clamp that fits in the head for when you’re not using your main camera.

If you want to save a bit of cash and you don’t mind carrying the extra 270g (9.5 ounces) Benro also makes an aluminium version of the MeFoto RoadTrip Pro tripod that’s available for around $175 / £119.

Read our Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fibre Tripod review

Best travel tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod

Price: $649/£599 (carbon fibre), $379/£329 (aluminium)

Best tripods: Peak Design Travel Tripod review photograph

The Peak Design Travel Tripod mid-testing.

  • $649 / £559 (carbon fibre), $379 / £349 (aluminium)
  • 5-section legs

The price of the carbon fibre version of the Peak Design Travel Tripod is enough to make you choke on your coffee, but it is very good, and at 1.27kg (2 pounds,12 ounces) it’s 290g (10ounces) lighter than the aluminium version. That doesn’t sound like much, but you can tell the difference even when you’re carrying it in a fully-laden backpack. Nevertheless, the price of the aluminium version makes it the most attractive tripod from Peak Design, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Both tripods have 5-section legs , extend up to 152.4cm in height, have a minimum height of 14cm and can support a load of up to 320oz/9.1kg. There’s also an unusual (but effective) integrated ball head. This can be replaced with a standard one using the Universal Head Adapter, although this will push up the price even further.

Peak Design opted for an unusual shape for the tripod’s 5-section legs but it means it’s very slim when folded down, so it slips easily into a drinks bottle pocket and is just 39.1cm long . It’s also very stable for a travel tripod and can even deliver sharp long exposures when a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is mounted on a mirrorless camera.

Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review .

Budget tripod for mirrorless: Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB

Price: $156 / £129

Vanguard VEO 3GO 265 CAB

The Vanguard VEO 3GO 265 CAB is the largest model in the range.

  • $156 / £129
  • Arca-Swiss compatible

This five-section aluminium tripod is ideally suited for a mirrorless camera setup. While it weighs just 1.24kg (2 pounds, 11 ounces) and folds down to a slimline 33cm in length , it can still reach a pretty decent maximum height of 136cm . Other tripods go higher, but with tilting screens more or less ubiquitous, it’s a lot less essential than it used to be for a camera to reach eye level on a tripod.

As we found in our testing, out in the field the Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB works well. It’s quick to set up, owing to the fact that all five locks on a leg can be undone in a single twist. We appreciated how large and user-friendly the controls are for such a small tripod, and its broad compatibility scores it plenty of points – we tried a bunch of Arca-Swiss plates and L-brackets with the camera clamp, and it accepted them all.

Read our Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB review .

Best large tripod: Kingjoy SolidRock C85

Price: $693 / £449

Kingjoy Solidrock C85 review

An image from our Kingjoy Solidrock C85 review. Photo credit: Andy Westlake

  • $693 / £1449
  • Four bubble levels

It may be a pricey proposition, but the Kingjoy SolidRock C85 tripod mightily impressed us when we gave it a full review. Reaching a whopping maximum height of 163.8cm , this four-section carbon fibre tripod is a newbie to the UK photo accessory market, and is one of the biggest supports on the block weighing 2.65kg (5 pounds,13 ounces). A useful levelling base with no fewer than four bubble levels can be controlled using a large twist lock in the centre, and is a godsend for capturing landscapes on uneven ground.

Stability is in general very impressive. We tried it out using a full-frame camera with attached battery grip and a 100-400mm zoom, and it had no problems at all. If your setup isn’t that beefy, this may be overkill for you, but it’s a hugely impressive tripod for those who need this level of support.

Read our Kingjoy SolidRock C85 review .

Best premium tripod: Gitzo GK1555T-82TQD Traveller Tripod Kit

Price: $719 / £549 

Gitzo GK1555T-82TQD Traveller Tripod Kit

Gitzo GK1555T-82TQD Traveller Tripod Kit

  • $719 / £549
  • 10kg maximum payload

This luxurious travel tripod has carbon fibre legs with 5 sections . This means it can be packed down to just 35.5cm in length yet it has a maximum shooting height of 148.4cm . It comes with a short centre column section that can be swapped out for the standard one to enable low-level shooting

The kit includes a GH1382TQD Center Ball Head Series 1 Traveller. This is the slimmest head in Gitzo’s professional range and the combined weight with the legs is 1.42kg (3 pounds, 2 ounces).

Gitzo rates the kit’s maximum payload at 10kg (22 pounds). Furthermore, Gitzo recommends focal lengths up to around 135mm with 200mm as a maximum. This tripod is built to last and comes with an extended 5-year warranty (when registered).

Read our Gitzo GK1555T-82TQD Traveler tripod kit review .

Best for landscapes: 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0

Price: $279 / £224

3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0

3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0

  • $279 / £224
  • 18kg maximum payload

All three of the 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 carbon fibre legs can be unscrewed and converted into a mini tripod with the addition of the option Vanz footwear (£53). There is also an option to attach one of the legs to the centre column to create a monopod or a microphone boom.

The Billy 2.0 can bear a maximum load of 18kg (39 pounds,10 ounces) but weighs just 1.57kg (3 pounds, 7 ounces) with the AirHead 2.0 ball head. 3 Legged thing also sells the Billy 2.0 legs only, but the head is a worthwhile inclusion.

Thanks to the chunky rubberised leg lock grips, and the fact that they are close together when the tripod is collapsed, the Billy 2.0 can be deployed quickly. It extends to a maximum height of 1.66m and folds down to 45.5cm in length.

Read our 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 .

Best for macro: Manfrotto 190 Go!

Price: $159 / £149

Manfrotto 190 Go!

Manfrotto 190 Go!

  • $159 / £149
  • Rotating centre column

Manfrotto’s aluminium 190 Go! (MT190GOA4) can be picked up at a great price. It weighs 1.66kg (3 pounds, 10 ounces), packs down to 45cm in length, has a maximum working height of 152cm and has a recommended maximum payload of 7kg (15pounds, 6 ounces) although it can handle weight up to 15kg (33 pounds, 1 ounces).

Thanks to its M-lock system which requires just a 90° turn to unlock and lock the legs, the tripod can be setup in seconds. These twist locks also have no protruding parts, which means the 190 Go! Slips into a bag easily.

The Manfrotto 190 Go! also features a centre column capable of rotating through 90° into horizontal orientation, making it ideal for flat-lays and macro photography . And there’s an Easy Link connector. This enables an accessory arm to be attached to the shoulders of the tripod to hold a light or similar accessory, such as a power bank.

Read our Manfrotto 190 Go! review .

Best workhorse: Manfrotto 190XPro4

Price: $386 / £199 (with XPRO ball head) 

Best tripods: Manfrotto 190 XPro4

Manfrotto 190XPro4 (shown without the head).

  • $386 / £199
  • 175cm maximum working height

The Manfrotto 190XPro4 (MT190XPRO4) is a 4-section aluminium tripod is available to buy by itself or in a kit with the excellent XPro Ball Head with 200PL plate for £269 or the X-Pro 3-Way Head for £289.

It’s a solid and dependable tripod a maximum working height of 175cm and its folds down to 57cm . The recommended maximum payload is 7 kg (15 pounds, 6 ounces), but it can also cope with weights up to 15kg (33 pounds, 1 ounces).

Like the Manfrotto 190 Go! , the 190XPro4’s centre column is mounted through a pivoting section that enables it to be tilted through 90° to horizontal orientation. That’s useful for top-down shooting and copy work. There’s also an Easy Link connector for mounting an accessory arm.

Premium travel tripod: Gitzo GT1542 Mountaineer Series 1

Price: $719 / £659

Gitzo GT1542 Mountaineer Series 1

Gitzo GT1542 Mountaineer Series 1

  • $719 / £659
  • 159cm maximum height

The design of Gitzo’s carbon fibre Mountaineer tripods combine rigidity with low weight, portability and robustness. They are for landscape photographers who like to walk to their shooting locations. With all that in mind, the 4-section GT1542 weighs 1.28kg (2 pounds, 13 ounces) (legs only), has a maximum height of 159cm with the centre column up, 135cm with it down, and a minimum height of 15cm . It can also support loads of up to 10kg (22 pounds).

The GT1542 is also available as a kit with the GH1382QD Center Ball Head for $1079/£999. Gitzo states that the focal length should be limited to 200mm or less but recommends 135mm or less. Like the other Gitzo tripod mentioned, this comes with an extended 5-year warranty.

Designed for video tripod: 3 Legged Thing Legends Tommy

Price: $679 / £583

Best tripods: 3 Legged Thing Legends Tommy Tripod

3 Legged Thing Legends Tommy Tripod

  • $679 / £583
  • 60kg maximum payload

3 Legged Thing’s beefy Legends Tommy carbon fibre tripod comes without a head or a centre column but it has a maximum height of 162cm , weighs a substantial 2.59kg (5 pounds, 11 ounces) and measures 73cm when it’s folded down . However, it can carry a staggering 60kg (132 pounds, 4 ounces) load. It means you get a very stable shooting platform that’s ideal for hefty cameras when shooting stills or video.

The Tommy is supplied with a flat plate and a 75mm bowl. This means it can be used with either a regular type of tripod head or a levelling head for video-shooting. It also comes with a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Cheapest: Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod

Price: $24 / £24

Best tripods: Manfrotto Pixi Mini

Manfrotto Pixi Mini

  • 1kg maximum payload

Provided you’re not planning to use a long, heavy lens, the Manfrotto Pixi is a useful little support that’s perfect for low-level shots and won’t break the bank. What’s more, as it weighs just 190g (6.7 ounces), you won’t mind slipping it in your camera bag ‘just in case’ and it can cope with loads to 1kg (2 pounds, 3 ounces), which is enough for many camera and lens combinations.

The Manfrotto Pixi has a simple design with an integral ball head that’s released with the press of a button. The legs are also shaped so that when they are closed, the Pixi creates a comfortable handle that’s useful if you’re shooting video .

Text by Angela Nicholson, with contributions from Joshua Waller, Jon Stapley and Michael Topham. 

Related articles:

  • The ultimate guide to tripods
  • Benro launches TablePod Flex and KoalaPod Mini
  • Best camera phone tripods and mounts
  • Best camera bags

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Profile image of Angela Nicholson

Angela is a former Technical Editor of AP and a widely respected editor, writer and reviewer, she’s used and reviewed a huge range of photographic kit. She’s also a CAA-qualified drone pilot and the founder of SheClicks, a community for female photographers. Angela is a judge for the British Photography Awards, Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year, Potato Photographer of the Year and Landscape Photographer of the Year.

best travel tripod for photos

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The Best Tripod

Four tripods that we tested to find the best tripod, each with a camera attached to the top.

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

best travel tripod for photos

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

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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.

Four of our favorite tripods, each in their most folded and compact position.

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.

Three tripods that we tested to find the best tripod set up side by side on a grassy hillside overlooking a neighborhood.

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, our pick for the best tripod, with a camera affixed to the top.

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.

Close view of the levels and dials on the ball head of the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100.

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.

A Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ on a sidewalk, setup with its legs set wide and its mounted camera pointed at the ground.

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.

Close view of the rubber feet a the end of each leg of the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 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.

The Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB, our tripod pick for use with multiple cameras, with a camera affixed to the top.

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 Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB and the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 tripods set up next to each other to compare their heights.

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.

The Sirui W-1004K10 River Runner, our tripod pick for use in wet conditions, with a camera affixed to the top.

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.

The Sirui W-1004K10 River Runner laying on a surface in its most folded and compact position.

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.

Close view of the bubble levels and dial controls on the Sirui W-1004K10 River Runner's ball head.

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.

The Manfrotto Element MII, our tripod pick for use in travel situations, with a camera affixed to the top.

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.

The Manfrotto Element MII Runner laying on a surface in its most folded and compact position.

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.

The Sirui P-204SR, our pick for the best monopod, with a camera affixed to the top.

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.

A camera mounted close to the ground on the mini-tripod that serves as a base for the Sirui P-204SR monopod.

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.

An arm pulling back on the the Sirui P-204SR monopod in order to point the attached camera upwards.

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

best travel tripod for photos

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.

best travel tripod for photos

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 .

best travel tripod for photos

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

Three cameras we recommend for vlogging, from GoPro and Sony.

The Best Vlogging Cameras and Gear

by Geoffrey Morrison, Arriana Vasquez, and James Austin

If you want to start vlogging, we have suggestions for gear that’ll help you capture the best video you can get, even from a smartphone.

Our three picks for best Android and iPhone gimbal, displayed in a row in tripod position, with a smartphone mounted on each one.

The Best Android and iPhone Gimbal

by Geoffrey Morrison and Signe Brewster

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

The Yoozon Selfie Stick with a smartphone attached.

Why We Love the Yoozon Selfie Stick

by Signe Brewster

The Yoozon Selfie Stick, which doubles as a tripod, is cheap, tough, and small enough to pack for daily adventures.

2 smartphones mounted on tripods; the tripod on the left standing rigidly and the one on the right showing more flexibility.

The Best Tripod for iPhones and Other Smartphones

by Arriana Vasquez, Erin Roberts, and Signe Brewster

Joby’s GorillaPod 1K Kit and the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount are the best choices to steady your smartphone when shooting photos and video.

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Home » Blog » Best Travel Tripods of 2023: For Both Phone and Camera

Best Travel Tripods of 2023: For Both Phone and Camera

Best Travel Tripods for Phone and Cameras

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is “ what tripod do you use “ ? I often share travel couple photos that have been taken on a tripod, and occasionally I capture selfies on my own, also using a tripod. There are so many travel tripod options out there and I know it’s confusing to choose the best one… so let me help you!

In this guide, I am sharing the best lightweight travel tripod options, including phone tripods and camera tripods. I am featuring tripods for both everyday travelers and for professionals.

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

BEST TRAVEL TRIPODS of 2023

Why use a tripod? There’s nothing wrong with regular selfies where you hold up the phone or camera and snap a close-up photo. These are so fun and make great memories. But they also cut off a lot of the view and only really show your upper body or head.

Using a tripod will allow you to take full body travel selfies as well as regular photos that require stabilization (e.g. long exposures, astrophotography). And when I say travel selfies, I am referring to taking photos solo, as a couple, with friends, with family, with your pets, etc.

In this guide, I am only recommending lightweight travel tripods. The reason being is tripods can get quite heavy and if you plan to travel with one, you really need it to be as lightweight and packable as possible. I also like to hike and backpack with a tripod, so having something small and lightweight is VERY important.

Best Phone Tripods

Best Phone Tripods for Travel

I often take photos and videos on my phone ( iPhone 13 Pro ) and find this to be such a quick and easy way to create travel memories. Below are my top options for phone travel tripods.

Cheapest Phone Tripod

The most affordable (yet still highly rated) phone travel tripod on the market is the UBeesize Phone Tripod . Coming in at $16 USD you can get a tripod that allows for capturing both vertical and horizontal photos/videos. It’s also flexible and can be wrapped around things like fences, poles, tree branches, etc.

best travel tripod for photos

Smallest Phone Tripod

There are numerous really small phone tripods on the market, but the issue is that a lot of them won’t allow you to shoot both horizontally AND vertically. If you don’t mind only having the option to shoot horizontally, then I recommend the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand or the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Mini .

best travel tripod for photos

If you want the ability to shoot vertically as well, I think the smallest option available is the JOBY Handypod Mobile Mini Tripod with GripTight One Mount . Remember that these types of mini-phone tripods will need to be rested on something, e.g. a table, fence, car, rock, etc.

best travel tripod for photos

Extendable Phone Tripod

If you want to take full-body images then you should probably invest in an extendable phone tripod. This will allow you to have your phone at hip or face height. My top recommendation is the Aureday 62 inch Selfie Stick Tripod . This tripod can be extended to 62 inches / 5’1 ft, comes with a universal head mount, remote shutter release, and can also be used as a selfie stick. It can also be used with a GoPro or DSLR camera. Note that you may not be able to extend it all the way or use it vertically with a heavy camera.

best travel tripod for photos

Most Professional Phone Tripod

Now hear me out… the Peak Design Travel Tripod is expensive but it’s amazing for creating professional content on both mobile and camera! It’s sturdy enough that you can create long exposures and timelapse videos without the tripod shaking or risking falling over. It also extends to be 60 inches, can hold phones/cameras both vertically and horizontally, and can house up to 20 lbs of weight, including large DSLR cameras and telephoto lenses.

best travel tripod for photos

Already own a tripod for your DSLR or mirrorless camera? You can very likely buy a mobile attachment and use it with your existing tripod head/ball head. Just be sure to read up on the dimensions and requirements before purchasing. Some attachments to look into are the Peak Design Travel Tripod Phone Mount and the Ruittos Phone Tripod Mount .

How To Take Beautiful Travel Photos - Photography Mini Guide - Renee Roaming

Best Lightweight Travel Tripods for Cameras

There is a wide range of tripods on the market for DSLR and mirrorless cameras . I personally believe that if a tripod is lightweight and packable then you are much more likely to actually use it. So these recommendations are best suited for photographers who are on the go and need a travel-friendly tripod (including for activities like hiking and backpacking).

best Overall Travel Tripod

My most used travel tripod is the Peak Design Travel Tripod carbon fiber version. It’s super lightweight for a sturdy tripod that extends to 60 inches and can hold both a camera body & a large lens (e.g. telephoto). It packs down really small and can easily be stored in your luggage or in the side section of your backpack (a total length of 15.4”). The weight of the carbon fiber version is 1.29 kg (2.81 lbs), and the aluminum version is 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs).

The Peak Design Travel Tripod also comes with a built-in ball head and camera mount, so you won’t need to buy that separately. Like to shoot with an L Bracket? Read this article before buying .

Another perk of the Peak Design Travel Tripod is that it comes with a mobile phone clip, making it the perfect hybrid for creators who like to shoot with both their camera and their phone.

Should you choose the aluminum or carbon fiber version? If you don’t need a super lightweight tripod, then I recommend you buy the aluminum version. If you plan to hike or backpack with it then I would consider investing in the carbon fiber version.

Travel Tripod Most Loved By Professionals

If you’ve followed me for the while then you’ve probably seen me use the Gitzo Traveler Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod paired with a Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ball Head , and an L Bracket camera attachment. I bought this setup before the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod was released because it used to be the best lightweight professional setup available. I still love this option for the fine-tuning you can do with the Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ball Head and the ability to quickly change between vertical and horizontal compositions when using an L Bracket camera attachment. You can also pair the Peak Design Travel Tripod Phone Mount with this setup, making it functional for both mobile and camera.

The downsides of this setup are that it’s not as packable or as lightweight as the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod . When folded, the tripod packs down to be 17.5 inches and the ball head is a height of 2.9 inches, making it a total of 20.4 inches. This is short compared to a lot of tripod and ball head configurations, but for me as a petite woman, it’s quite tall to fit in the side of a backpack. In saying that, my 6’1 husband has no complaints. This setup comes in at a weight of ~3.71 lbs, which is 0.9 lbs heavier than the Peak Design. It’s also ~$315 more expensive than the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod .

So why would you choose the Gitzo Traveler Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod + Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ball Head over the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ? Right now Peak Design is still working on compatibility issues between the Really Right Stuff Plates and L-Brackets and their Travel Tripod. For example, the L Bracket I am currently using for my Sony a1 is not compatible with the Peak Design Travel Tripod head. And sometimes having that ability to switch between vertical and horizontal quickly is very important to me. So for now I am holding onto my Gitzo and RRS setup until Peak Design has fixed that issue ( which they appear to be working on ).

best travel tripod for photos

Best Budget Travel Tripod

I know the last two options are expensive and not everyone has that kind of money to spend. There are definitely more budget-friendly travel tripod options on the market but keep in mind that they are cheaper for a reason. Usually , the more budget-friendly tripod options are heavier, less packable, and/or less sturdy.

The Magnus TR-13 Travel Tripod is a great choice for those looking to invest in a lightweight travel tripod but may not have the budget for something super fancy. The Magnus TR-13 can be extended up to 62.5″, folds down to 18.2″, and weighs only 2.9lbs! But it doesn’t hold as much weight as some of the more expensive options (max of 13.2 lb). So you’re going to find this tripod is less steady and possibly not as conducive to holding bulkier equipment like telephoto lenses.

best travel tripod for photos

Some other budget travel tripods to consider:

  • Mefoto Roadtrip S Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod
  • SIRUI T-0S Series Travel Tripod  
  • Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Tripod
  • Oben AT-3565 Aluminum Travel Tripod

How To Take Travel Selfies with a Tripod

How To Take Travel Selfies With a Tripod

There are a few different methods to taking selfies with a tripod. And these apply to any type of selfie, including couple photos, solo photoshoots, family snaps, capturing moments with your friends, or maybe even with your pets. These methods apply to both phone photography and DSLR + mirrorless cameras.

Different methods of taking selfies

  • Using the self timer function
  • Using a remote control
  • Utilizing interval shooting / intervalometer

1. Using the Self Timer Function

This is probably the easiest option and works for both mobile and camera. It’s super simple, you just turn on the self timer function (all phones and cameras have this) and run into the frame! For iPhones, you can set the self timer to be 3 or 10 seconds. I recommend 10 seconds because then you will have more time to run into the frame. I often use this method for very quick selfies when I know I can be close to the phone/camera and will only want 1 or 2 takes.

  • Pros : free and easy to use
  • Cons : you have to stay relatively close to your phone/camera and can only take 1 photo at a time

2. Using a Remote control

Using a remote that connects to your phone is a popular choice for taking selfies. This means you can click a button on the remote and it takes a photo on your phone. This method can also be used with DSLR and mirrorless cameras when the brand has a compatible app (e.g. you download the app on your phone and then use it as a remote to click your camera’s shutter from afar). I have used this method in the past but I find it annoying to have to hide the remote / my phone each time.

  • Pros : affordable and easy to use, you can be further away from the camera, you can take multiple images per shoot
  • Cons : it’s annoying to hide the remote each time, they often have fairly short ranges so you still can’t go too far away

3. Utilizing Interval Shooting

This is my preferred method for taking selfies on both my phone and camera. When using a phone, you will need to download an Interval Shooting app (e.g. Lens Buddy or Lightning Lens ). If using your camera, you will need to use the inbuilt interval shooting function (or if you camera doesn’t have this you can purchase an external intervalometer).

Choose the speed, how many photos you want it to take, and whether or not you want a delay/timer at the start (so you can get into position). For example, you may choose for it to take a photo every 2 seconds, with 20 photos total, and a 15 second timer at the beginning. I love this method because I can move around freely and pose in all different ways. It’s also great for a group setting because you’re bound to get an option with everyone’s eyes open if you have 20 takes!

I have an Instagram Reel that shows me using this feature on my Sony a1. Click here to watch

  • Pros : you can easily take many photos in one go, don’t need to worry about hiding a remote, can get as far away from the camera/phone as you want
  • Cons : not an option for all cameras and doing this on the phone requires an additional app

The Best Lightweight Travel Tripods

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Tripods

I want to finish off this guide by saying that you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or worried about using a tripod in front of others. Who cares what they think?! Some of my favorite photos have been taken with a tripod and they make such amazing memories. For example, I wouldn’t have nearly as many photos with my husband and or with my friends if we didn’t travel with a tripod. So put those worries aside and just give it a try 🙂

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These are the BEST lightweight travel tripods for both phone and camera! Including budget-friendly and professional options. These tripods will help you take your travel selfies to the next level!

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Best tripods 2024: For astrophotography, landscapes, travel, video and more

We've reviewed and ranked the best tripods on the market to help you capture steady shots whatever your chosen style of photography.

Best overall

Best for portability, best for multiple disciplines, best lightweight option, best affordable option, best for versatility, best for awkward positions, best for studio photographers, best for flexibility, best for beginners.

  • How we test

1. The list in brief ↴ 2. Best overall 3. Best for portability 4. Best for multiple disciplines 5. Best lightweight option 6. Best affordable option 7. Best for versatility 8. Best for awkward positions 9. Best for studio photographers 10. Best for flexibility 11. Best for beginners 12. Tripod FAQs 13. How we test

One of the best tripods is a must-have piece of equipment for almost any type of serious photography, whether that be astrophotography, wildlife photography or travel photography. As well as keeping your expensive kit safe and secure, a good-quality tripod will make sure that your shots don't get marred by shaky hands or unplanned gusts of wind, enabling you to get a crisp and clean result.

Tripods come in a range of different styles and price points, with some (particularly carbon fiber models) designed to be compact and lightweight for carrying around on your travels, while others support additional accessories like interchangeable feet to handle different types of terrain when shooting outdoors. You'll also need to consider the level of payload offered by each tripod to ensure it can safely support the kit you intend to use, including your camera, lens and any other accessories.

We've covered a range of different options in this guide, but if you're looking for something ultra-portable then check out our list of the best travel tripods to see the lightest and most compact models we've reviewed. You might also want to explore the best camera backpacks for carrying all your kit around, and if you're looking to upgrade your camera, take a look at our guides to the best cameras and best mirrorless cameras for our top recommendations.

Kimberley Lane is a landscape & seascape photographer living in South Wales. Originally using photography as a way to cope with health issues, she aims to portray a feeling of calm and peace through her images. Her work has been featured in a number of national photography magazines.

The quick list

A serious bit of kit for serious astrophotographers — it's not cheap, but you need to pay for exceptional quality.

Read more below

Designed with travel in mind, this tripod folds down into a neat, sleek package that's perfect for fitting into a suitcase or backpack.

For photographers who shoot multiple different photographic styles, it's an absolute joy, but it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.

If weight is your concern, look no further, as this is the lightest aluminum tripod you're likely to find.

A decent tripod on the more affordable end of the spectrum, this tripod will do everything you need it to do.

This tripod has many different configurations and accessories to choose from and can handle an impressive load capacity given its light weight.

Load the next 4 products ↴

A solid, sturdy and versatile option that can handle almost any shooting position you require.

For heavy setups in a professional environment, this tripod would be ideal — but it doesn't come cheap.

Different from most tripods, this flexible tiny tripod can elevate the way you capture footage. A great option for vloggers and mobile content creators.

A fantastic beginner tripod from a reputable brand, this tripod from Benro would be a fantastic addition to your growing kit.

  • Back to the top ⤴

Best 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.

Benro Mach3 TMA37C

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You need durability:  If you use your tripod a lot and need something that's going to withstand tough terrain and adverse conditions, this will suit you well. ✅ You want something that will last:  The exceptional build quality means this tripod will last you for years.

❌ You don't have a big budget:  This is a serious bit of kit with a serious price tag, so if you don't have the budget for something as pro-grade as this, there are cheaper alternatives. ❌ You're a casual user:  This tripod could well be overkill if you only use your tripod every now and again or if you're a beginner.

🔎  Benro Mach3 TMA37C  An impressive tripod built to withstand anything you throw at it, it can cater to multiple shooting styles and is a fantastic choice for anyone who is serious about photography. As expected, for such a high-end tripod, there is a high end price tag to match. ★★★★½

Topping our list is the Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C, which is a premium tripod that will appeal to serious amateur or professional photographers and comes with a price tag to match. Tripods don't come much sturdier than the Benro Mach3. It feels incredibly durable and can withstand all sorts of different terrains with its spiked feet and it's designed to be used in all types of weather, making it a great choice for outdoor shooting like astrophotography or wildlife photography.

The Benro Mach3 comes in both carbon fiber and aluminum versions, with the carbon fiber being the more expensive model. Both versions of the tripod are surprisingly lightweight given its chunky and durable build, but the carbon fiber version is slightly lighter if you're going to be carrying it around a lot. You can mount up to 35 lbs / 15.9kg of kit on this tripod, which will be particularly beneficial for anyone who likes to use large telephoto lenses in their photography.

One feature we particularly enjoyed on this tripod was the short center column, which allows you to shoot very close to the ground with ease. A tripod head is not included so you'll have to buy this separately, which increases the price even further but does allow more flexibility for those who prefer a particular style. Overall, this is a very pricey tripod, but the build quality is second to none and we're sure it would last you for many years.

  • Check out the Best cameras for photos and videos

Peak Design Travel Tripod

✅ You want to travel with it:  More than just being lightweight, it's specifically designed with travel in mind, and it folds down neatly with no protruding parts, and fits effortlessly into a suitcase or backpack. ✅ You shoot with your smartphone:  It features a novel smartphone mount, so users who create content with their smartphone will be covered.

❌ You're on a budget:  This tripod is on the more expensive end of the market, so may be inaccessible to anyone on a budget. ❌ You want a tall tripod:  This isn't the tallest tripod we've tried, despite having 5 leg sections, which may be annoying for taller users.

🔎  Peak Design Travel Tripod  An impressively compact tripod that's built with travel in mind, folding down into a super sleek package that you can take anywhere. It's not the tallest, or the most affordable, but we think it's worth the money. ★★★★½

The Peak Design Travel Tripod topped our list of the best travel tripods and also stands as a worthy runner-up here. It's an elegant and well-thought-out design ideal for travel photographers or astrophotographers who need to journey to a remote location to escape light pollution.

Unlike other travel tripods we've tried, the Peak Design tripod folds down with no gaps between the legs, making it easy to pack in your luggage or camera bag. It measures only 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) in diameter when folded down, and the aluminum version is also relatively light at 3.4 lbs (1.6 kg). It's also available in a carbon fiber version, but at 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg) you're not saving a lot of weight for the extra money, so we feel the aluminum model is better value.

The ball head itself is unusually compact, with no extra levers or knobs to stick out and get caught. We weren't as keen on the camera plate, which needs to be attached using a hex tool and can be fiddly to operate in the dark. But the soft-close cams on the five leg sections make for a quick setup and takedown and can even be operated using one hand.

We found the tripod very secure once set up, right down to the sturdy feet on the bottom of the legs. It's not as tall as some tripods, but it is very versatile, allowing you to shoot as low as 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the ground, and there is even a handy smartphone mount concealed under a hook at the bottom of the center column. We think it's a fantastic option for any photographer regularly on the move.

  • Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed

✅ You often use your tripod:  For frequent use over multiple photography disciplines, this tripod will serve you well. 

❌ You don't want to spend loads: While we do think it's worth the higher price point given the quality, it might not be the best option if you don't want to spend a lot.

🔎  3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed  A premium tripod with the price tag to match, but a fantastic option if you're looking for durability and quality. It can support heavy loads and folds down incredibly compact. ★★★★½

The Punks Brian tripod from 3 Legged Thing seems to have found the perfect balance between being one of the tallest tripods we've reviewed (nearly 74 inches when fully extended), while also being one of the most compact when folded up (at only 16 inches). This makes it remarkably versatile, appealing to taller people who still need something that is easy to carry around with them.

It has a very premium feel, with its eight layers of 100% pure pre-preg carbon fiber ensuring that it is light enough for everyday use, while also being incredibly sturdy. The five leg sections twist and untwist into place, and we particularly liked the textured rubber grips that you can find on all the knobs and leg twists. This makes it especially easy to use with cold hands or in damp weather conditions.

This tripod is also an excellent choice for anyone who plans to be shooting on a variety of different terrains since 3 Legged Thing offers a range of interchangeable foot accessories, including spikes, elevated spikes and claw grips. They've also made the center column detachable so that it can be used as a monopod, which can be handy for more awkward shots or selfies.  

If we're being picky, we found the hex-key-enabled connector plate a little inconvenient until we were used to using it, but the whole tripod is well constructed, and you also get a nylon drawstring bag for the tripod and microfiber bag for the AirHed. Although it falls into the higher price range, we think it's worth it for the quality feel and versatility that you get.

  • Read our full 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian tripod review

Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum

✅ You have heavy kit:  We found it to be very sturdy and can hold loads of up to 19.48 lbs / 8.84kg.

❌ You want a travel tripod:  Although it's an incredibly lightweight tripod, it is fairly large when collapsed so it wouldn't be the best option for traveling.

🔎  Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum  An incredibly lightweight tripod at a very reasonable price that ticks all the boxes, but it wouldn't be the best option for travel due to its larger size when collapsed. ★★★★½

The Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum tripod wins a place on our list due to being one of the lightest aluminum tripods around, making it a worthy alternative to more expensive carbon fiber tripods. It also has excellent build quality, with a solid center column that boasts its own fastening mechanism and feels reassuringly sturdy for those with expensive equipment to mount.

It's not the most compact compared to other travel tripods when folded up, but it has the benefit of being lightweight while still incorporating high-end components such as wraparound twist-lock rings on the leg joints and an aluminum 200PL PRO base plate that conveniently attaches to your camera via a D-ring. This means it's quick and easy to set up anywhere and requires no additional tools.

One of the best features of this tripod is its versatile ball head, which allows you to position your camera at any angle and has a firm locking mechanism to keep your camera safe and secure in whatever position you set it in. This, alongside the four-section legs offering three different angled positions, makes it a very flexible tripod for framing your perfect shot.

At 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), it's barely heavier than most carbon fiber rivals, making it excellent value for money. Although, as is often the case with travel tripods, some compromise has been made on the height to keep the weight down, so it may not be best suited to taller people since it only reaches 59 inches (150 cm) when fully extended.

  • Read our Manfrotto Befree Advanced tripod review

Manfrotto Element MII

✅ You're on a budget:  This is a decent option for anyone on a budget. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the higher-priced models, but it'll do what you need it to do. ✅ You're a beginner:  It's easy to setup and take down, and there are no complicated bits to contend with, making it a good option to get started with. ✅ You want to shoot video or panoramas: The smooth 360-degree panning on this tripod is a standout feature that will appeal to videographers.

❌ You want to shoot at unusual angles:  This tripod doesn't shoot low to the ground, and the central column can't fold down to 90-degrees.

🔎  Manfrotto Element MII  For beginners, this would be a great option that won't break the bank. If you want something simple that does the job with no complications, it would suit you well. ★★★★

The Manfrotto Element MII is a fantastic entry-level tripod that's ideal for hobbyists, beginners or anyone on a tighter budget. It's a lightweight aluminum build that is easy to set up and operate and has an attractive patterned design on two of the legs, with the third leg being encased in a rubber grip for easy carrying.

We think this tripod offers a perfect balance since it is both sturdy and lightweight. In our Manfrotto Element MII review , we found it light and compact to carry around, but it also withstood some very windy coastal conditions even with a relatively light camera setup on board. It also comes with a detachable hook that can be screwed into the bottom of the central column for added weight, should you need it.

This tripod is easy to set up quickly, thanks to its twist locks and rapid leg opening system. The ball head mechanism includes spirit levels for both landscape and portrait orientations, although you'll need to set this up before you mount your camera because it gets obscured once the camera is attached.

One drawback we found is that the central column doesn't rotate to allow you to shoot at 90 degrees, which may or may not be a dealbreaker for you depending on your photography style. But we really enjoyed the 360-degree panning function on this tripod, which was silky smooth and would be great for anyone looking to shoot videos, track objects or create panoramic shots.

If you're looking to upgrade, the Manfrotto Element MII also comes in a carbon fiber version, which should be even more lightweight than the one we tested, and there's also a version with Bluetooth remote control if that appeals to you.

  • Read our full Manfrotto Element MII review

Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod

✅ You need portable and sturdy:  Despite being lightweight at only 4.1 lbs, it can handle an impressive maximum load of 14.3 lbs.

❌ You're on a tight budget:  This isn't the most expensive option on the market, but there are cheaper options available if you're on a tight budget.

🔎  Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod  This tripod is lightweight, portable, easy to put up and down and has a whole load of different options to choose from in regards to build and construction. Though it may be too pricey for casual photographers. ★★★★½

Manfrotto's 190 Go! range of tripods are designed to be quick and easy to operate, with signature 'M-lock' twist locks that help you to set up your tripod in a matter of seconds. In our Manfrotto 190 Go! review we tested out the carbon fiber version, but the aluminum version, being both cheaper and lighter, is an appealing prospect for anyone who's looking for quality on a tighter budget. It weighs just 3.66 lbs (1.66kg), but you can still mount an impressive 33.1 lbs (15kg) of kit on it and we had no problem mounting a heavy-duty DSLR setup nice and securely.

This tripod offers great flexibility, since the leg positions can be adjusted to four different angles at 25, 46, 66 or 88 degrees. The center column can also swing out horizontally at 90 degrees, making it easy to take shots from close to the ground at a minimum height of 3.5 inches (9cm). This can be particularly useful for macro shooting or for landscape photographers looking to capture an alternative perspective.

Hidden away beneath a rubber cover in the top casing lies an Easy Link attachment which can be used to attach accessories like an LED light reflector, enabling you to create more of a studio effect outside or in low light conditions. Whilst the aluminum Manfrotto 190 Go! may still be a bit pricey for casual users, we think its lightweight build and versatile features make it a competitive alternative to carbon fiber tripods. 

  • Read our full Manfrotto 190 Go! review

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB

✅ You want to shoot low to the ground:  This tripod is capable of getting itself into many weird and wonderful positions, with the legs splaying out to almost 90º to the center column.  ✅ You're on a budget:  If you need a sturdy tripod that won't break the bank, this is a great option.

❌ You want something lightweight:  This tripod is heavier and bulkier than many others on the market, so it's best suited to backyard astrophotography or if you're not going to venture far from your car.

🔎  Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB  If you don't plan on walking too far with it, it's a great affordable option that provides a lot of versatility with the ability to shoot very low to the ground, is sturdy and reliable. ★★★★

The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB offers great flexibility for shooting at various angles and positions. You can easily adjust the legs from 25 degrees to nearly 90 degrees relative to the central column using a simple thumb-press button. Additionally, the central column can be retracted and angled at 90 degrees from the splayed legs. When combined with the ball head, you can position your camera to point directly upward at the sky from as low as 10 inches above the ground. This setup is perfect for astrophotographers, allowing you to capture long-exposure shots of celestial objects like star trails without worrying about your shot being ruined by sudden gusts of wind.

While this tripod offers great versatility and stability, the downside is that it is quite heavy and bulky to carry around. Weighing in at over 5 lbs and still measuring 30 inches long even when fully folded down, this isn't a tripod that you want to be transporting very far on foot and it won't fit in any airline carry-on cases.

Another slight annoyance we encountered in our Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB review was that instead of the convenient D-ring we're used to, the connector plate on this tripod comes with a fiddly screw fitting that requires a coin or tool to tighten and untighten. Although they provide you with a tool to do this, it did feel like an unnecessary faff when better options are available.

Overall, this is a highly versatile tripod that makes getting a good astro shot easy, but it's probably best suited to people who like to engage in astrophotography from their backyard or who are able to drive most of the way toward their destination spot.

  • Read our full Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod review

Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2

✅ You have a heavy setup:  The max load capacity of this tripod is 33 lbs/15kg, ideal for studio or professional photographers with extra accessories. ✅ You want precision: The leg angle selector, 90-degree center column mechanism and 360-degree rotation markings make it easy to frame your perfect shot. ✅ You will be shooting in cold weather: The Quick Power Lock levers on this tripod are very glove-friendly and it can be operated as low as 22°F/-30°C.

❌ You're a wildlife photographer: The setup on this tripod can be a bit noisy and may scare away potential subjects. ❌ You don't want to spend loads:  If affordability is a factor, this tripod is not the one for you.

🔎  Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2  A tripod best suited to studio photographers who utilize a number of different accessories. Although it makes a good tripod for astrophotographers, it's expensive and could be overkill for beginners. ★★★★

The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is a sturdy, well-built tripod that is designed to appeal to professionals and amateurs alike. It has an impressive maximum payload of 33 lbs and in our Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review, we encountered no camera creep when we left our Nikon D800 pointing up at the sky for several hours.

The tripod features an aluminum construction with convenient grips on two of its legs, making it easy to carry. Each leg is divided into three sections, and the Quick Power Lock levers make extending and locking the leg sections a breeze. They are user-friendly even when wearing gloves in cold weather, but they can be a bit noisy, which may not be ideal for wildlife photographers who need to maintain silence. Additionally, there's an Easy Link attachment on the top section that allows you to attach accessories such as a flash, LED reflector or microphone.

Seasoned photographers will love the precision you can get with this tripod. There is a leg angle selector button at the top of each leg which allows you to choose between 25 degrees, 46 degrees, 66 degrees and 88 degrees. You also get a 90-degree center column mechanism, and we particularly appreciated the 360-degree markings around the ball head to help you rotate the camera for video or panoramic shots.

The main downside to this tripod is the weight. It's fairly heavy to carry around with you, but we think this is a fair payoff for the stability and sturdiness you get. We were still able to walk around half an hour with it with no problem. With its precision, high payload and the fact it can operate at temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C), we think this would make a great tripod for astrophotographers.

  • Read our full Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review

Joby GorillaPod 5K

✅ You're a vlogger/videographer:  The GorillaPod would be ideal for daily vloggers and content creators because you can attach it to almost anything to capture your footage. ✅ You travel a lot:  It's incredibly lightweight and compact — very easy to take traveling.

❌ You need something sturdy:  The GorillaPod isn't designed to be super sturdy or rugged, so if you have heavy kit or you often shoot in adverse weather, there are more suitable options.

🔎  Joby GorillaPod 5K  The GorillaPod is quite a niche product, so it's not for everyone, but it's ideal for on-the-go shooting or for content creators who need novel ways to capture their footage ★★★½

The Joby GorillaPod 5K is an unusual and innovative style of tripod that will appeal to those looking to take creative shots or seeking something ultra-lightweight for on the go. Instead of straight tripod legs, it features legs made from articulated ball joints that twist around any object you might choose, with rubber rings around each joint to keep them from slipping.

It manages to cling on to railings, trees or other landscape features very effectively, with just enough flexibility to allow you to manipulate the legs into place while maintaining enough rigidity to stay put once you've set them the way you want. The ball head is more traditional in style, with two knobs — one for setting the horizontal position and one for rotating the ball head. It also has an Arca-Swiss connector plate, allowing for easy camera mounting via a D-ring.

There are pros and cons to this unique design. The setup allows for great versatility of shot choice, and we noticed that the low profile of the tripod means that it's very resistant to any wobbles caused by the wind. However, it can be a bit tricky to level it for astro-style shooting, and you are reliant on finding something appropriate to mount it on in the location you wish to shoot from because it doesn't perform very well freestanding.

Newcomers to photography might enjoy the novel nature of this tripod, but for seasoned photographers the Joby GorillaPod is unlikely to meet all of your stabilization needs. That said, it is the lightest tripod on our list at only 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg), so it might make a handy backup to carry around with you on days when you're not sure if you'll need your full kit.

  • Read our full Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review

Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod

✅ You're a beginner:  This tripod is a good option for beginners who don't want any of the complicated setups or bells and whistles that more advanced tripods have. ✅ You don't want to spend loads:  Benro aren't a cheap brand on the whole, but this option is very affordable for what you get. ✅ You don't always use a tripod:  This tripod is lightweight and compact enough to carry with you 'just in case' you might need it when you venture out.

❌ You use your tripod a lot:  While it's not a bad tripod, some aspects are cheaply finished and would wear out quickly with a lot of use. If you use your tripod a lot, we'd recommend investing in a more high-end option.

🔎  Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod  A decent option for a beginner or if you don't use your tripod a lot, it's compact and lightweight enough to carry with you 'just in case'. We rate Benro as a brand, and this is one of their more affordable options. ★★★½

For those nights when you're trudging between vantage points or those days when you might need a tripod but don't quite know what the day has in store, you can't beat the Benro Slim travel tripod. This compact, well-constructed tripod was designed with portability and movement in mind and has everything that a beginner landscape or astrophotographer needs to get started in nightscapes and long-exposure photography.

While initially intended for mirrorless systems, the Benro Slim pleasantly surprises by also supporting the weight of DSLRs and zoom lenses. Its remarkable build quality, thanks to its well-known manufacturer, is available at a surprisingly reasonable price, even for the carbon fiber model. This tripod serves as a dependable companion that's compact enough to slip into your camera bag, and its lightweight design ensures you can keep it close at hand whenever you need it.

It's available in both carbon fiber and aluminum versions which differ only in weight and price point, as you'd expect, the aluminum one is slightly weightier but also slightly cheaper. It's very easy to put up and take down in the dark and features anodized aluminum leg twists that secure into place with half a twist. It uses a standard Arca-Swiss connector plate that slides in easily and is secure enough for a range of mirrorless and DSLR lenses.

  • Learn How to photograph the Milky Way

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer your most pressing questions on the best tripods in 2024 from what type of tripod is best to answering what a payload is and does. Take a look below.

What is the best tripod for cameras?

We think the Benro Mach3 TMA37C is the best camera tripod overall. It ships with a short center column attachment for more flexibilty when shooting and also spiked feet for use on softer terrains. It's intuitive to use and has sturdy leg locks which operate easily even when wearing gloves.

What is the best tripod for beginners?

What is the best budget tripod?

The Manfrotto Element MII is the best affordable tripod for beginners with a maximum height of 63-inches (160cm) and a folded height of just 16.9-inches (43cm). It comes in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants and is best suited to beginner camera gear which is typically slightly lighter than professional cameras.

How many legs does a tripod have?

Tripods have three legs. The term 'tri' comes from the Latin 'tres' or Greek 'trias' which means 'three.' However, tripod legs can have multiple sections. There is no defined limit to how many leg sections a tripod can have, but they typically vary between one and five, with three and four leg sections being the commonest.

How to photograph the Milky Way Best cameras for astrophotography   Best lenses for astrophotography   Beginners guide to astrophotography Best mirrorless cameras Best cameras for low light photography Best travel tripods

The Joby GorillaPod 5K has one leg section because its legs are flexible and don't extend in the traditional sense. However, the Peak Design Travel Tripod has five leg sections.

Generally, the fewer leg sections a tripod has, the more stable it is. However, a tripod with fewer leg sections may not pack down as small as something with more leg sections. Note the size difference between the Benro Mach3 TMA37C (three leg sections, folded height: 24.6 inches) and the Peak Design Travel Tripod (five leg sections, folded height: 15.4 inches) to see how that works.

How does a tripod work?

A traditional camera tripod is used to stabilize a camera for photography or videography in order to keep compositions still. This is useful during longer exposures because camera movement during the exposure will blur an image. Often this is unwanted when taking stills photographs, however some photographers like to use Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) to deliberately blur an image in one direction for artistic affect. 

ICM is typically done through the use of a tripod head which can be locked off to move in one direction only, like a three-way head, rather than a ball-head which can move in 360-degrees.

What makes a good tripod?

Aluminum vs carbon fiber tripods: Which are best?

Most tripods are made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. The latter is much lighter and therefore easier to carry around, but typically more expensive. Aluminum tripods are generally cheaper but slightly heavier and can get colder, affecting handling and functioning on colder nights when taking astrophotographs.

There are a few things to consider before you grab one of the best tripods to ensure it meets your requirements. These are namely stability, portability, weight and price.

You'll have to weigh what you want to prioritize, especially if you're using one of the large and heavy best zoom lenses for your night sky images. 

Removable feet, in-built spirit levels, and tripod head compatibility are all things to consider when picking your tripod. You can also check out our guides for the best lenses for astrophotography , and the best camera backpacks .

As you can see from our selection above, there's a lot to consider when investing in a tripod. But they're essential if combined with any of the best cameras .

What does tripod payload mean?

The tripod payload is the maximum weight (in pounds or kilograms) that it can support. The payload would be the combined weight of the camera , lens and any camera accessories attached to the tripod. Add up the combined weight of all these items to see if a tripod will support the gear you're planning on using.

Bear in mind that a tripod may support payloads greater than its stated maximum payload, but its sturdiness and resistance to wind may be compromised. So if a big gust of wind blows through and you're over the payload, the tripod may fall over.

What height tripod do I need?

Some people argue that smaller travel tripods don't always offer enough height for easy camera operation but that depends entirely on how tall you are and it's not quite so important for astrophotography. 

Most of the models we've reviewed here have legs that can be splayed wider to allow the camera to be set up quite close to the ground. The lower center of gravity can increase stability for long-exposure night sky photos, but flexion in the legs must be noted when doing this.

Tripod legs: Twist or flip locks?

Tripod leg sections are extended and secured with either flip or twist locks. The twist lock design tends to be more secure but some manufacturers, notably Manfrotto, have bucked the trend and devised some particularly secure flip locks.

Should I change my tripod feet?

Tripod feet are generally made from a thick rubber that has good traction on an array of surfaces and many — but not all — are designed with the option to unscrew them and attach either spiked or clawed feet for better purchase on rougher ground and sand.

How we test the best tripods for astrophotography

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

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

We look at how easy each tripod is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date stabilizing technology and look at its weight and portability. We'll also suggest if a particular tripod would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best photographing experience possible.

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

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Best phone tripods: top mobile picks for photography, vlogging and more

For steady shots and smooth video, the best phone tripods are a must

Best phone tripods

The best phone tripods can help you take your smartphone photography to the next level. 

For a start, they can give even the best cameraphones new abilities in low light, allowing them to get the sharpest shot in murky conditions. They can also give your smartphone photos a new perspective, allowing them to shoot from right down on the ground, or in some cases from awkward angles. And they're also useful for arty compositions, such as giving water a dreamy appearance by slowing the shutter speed right down, and for time-lapses too.

But there's more. The best phone tripods are also essential for vloggers and YouTubers, and can be helpful for anyone who wants to hands free on a video call. And of course they can allow you to take a great group shot that you're actually in, rather than lurking behind the screen.  

There are hundreds of tripods for phones on the market, in all different shapes and sizes. Many are small and designed for phones, while some are regular tripods with smartphone-specific attachment. Some are even built into a phone case.

Most of the tripods in this guide work with any brand (and size) of smartphone, but before you hit the buy button, check the grip's maximum width. That's even more important if you're carrying around one of the best big phones around. 

Although we are recommending the products in this guide below, not all of them have been through our test labs. Based on our experts’ opinion and knowledge of the most reputable brands around, we think these are worth considering. The selection takes into account online reviews, brand reputation, product capability or unique features, which should help you wade through the vast selection of products out there.

Best phone tripods 2022

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.

1. Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand for Smartphones

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you’re looking for something small, light and extremely handy, then you can’t go far wrong with the Joby GripTight ONE Micro stand. With a foldable design you can slip it into your pocket or bag ready for exactly when you need it. 

The holder part expands to fit a variety of smartphones, though it’s not ideal for very large or particularly heavy devices, which may cause it to overbalance. You can use the stand on its own for balancing on other surfaces, but it also has a tripod mount so if you need extra height, you can attach to it a standard tripod too. 

Useful for group shots, low light and even presenting to camera, this is a stand which is ideal for a wide variety of content creators.  

2. Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod + MClamp

The Manfrotto Pixi is an excellent little tabletop tripod. It’s chunkily built, feeling sturdy and steady, but also folds down for easy transportation. It can’t quite fit in your pocket, but a small bag will do the trick. 

On its own, the Pixi can be used as a tripod for any device with a tripod mount, but for your phone, you’ll also need the MClamp, which you can buy with it as part of a bundle. 

The clamp uses silicone rubber pads and expands to fit any phone up to 8.4cm / 3.2inches wide. The clamp can also be used a stand on its own, which is useful for watching videos and the like without having to hold your phone. The clamp can also be used with other standard tripods if you need more height, too. 

3. Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminium Tripod with Ball Head and MClamp

This tripod kit uses the same MClamp as the listing above, but this time pairs it with a full-sized tripod for even greater flexibility. It gives you better scope for framing your shots - or videos - from a variety of different heights and positions. 

The ball head at the top of the tripod allows you to position your phone in whatever orientation you need as well. When you are using heavy devices such as cameras, you’ll want the sturdiest tripod possible. 

But, with smartphones which are much lighter, you can get away with a nicely light tripod such as Manfrotto Compact Light, making it ideal for travel and transportation, too.  

This device is particularly well-suited to video-content creators, especially those who want to create the smoothest footage possible. 

Lightweight and small, the OM4 is ideal for chucking in a bag when you know you’ll be heading somewhere exciting. Your phone is attached via the innovative magnetic quick release plate, so there’s minimal faffing around. 

To keep your phone footage as smooth as possible, you get a range of stabilization options - but you can also use it as a simple tabletop tripod too thanks to the small feet that can be screwed onto the bottom. 

5. Joby JB01533-BWW GorillaPod Mobile Rig

 Vloggers and content creators will love the flexibility that the GorillaPod Mobile Rig provides. With it, you can adjust your phone to a huge variety of different positions - so whether you’re filming for YouTube , TikTok or Instagram, you’ll be able to orient it correctly. 

You can also use the flexible Gorillapod legs to attach the tripod to a variety of different surfaces, or just place it somewhere flat. What makes the Mobile Rig particularly interesting however is the ability to add other useful accessories such as lights, microphones or even a second camera via the additional arms and connectors. 

6. Adonit PhotoGrip

You can use the Adonit to give a little extra bulk to your phone to make it more comfortable for taking pictures (you know, like a ‘real’ camera). With Bluetooth connectivity you can fire off the camera’s shutter using a button on the top of the grip (again, like a real camera). 

Aside from that, the grip can also be used as a stand, while a mini tripod attachment comes in the box too. 

A wireless charger also gives you a power boost, too. Overall, this is a little bit of a gimmicky product, but if you like the idea of making your phone feel a little more authentic when taking pictures it’s worth a look.

7. Joby Standpoint Phone Case

If you - understandably - don’t want the hassle of taking a phone tripod everywhere with you, then this could be the ideal solution for you. 

The Joby Standpoint integrates a miniature tripod within a phone case, so you’ll never be without it. The legs fold out from the back of the case to give you stability whenever you need it, and you can even attach accessories to it if need be too. T

he major downside here is that it’s only available for a limited number of smartphones, and it’ll also become redundant should you switch phones - so it’s probably not one for frequent upgraders. 

8. Peheshe Ring Selfie LED Light with Phone Holder

Another dream device for vloggers, you could also use this to simply up your FaceTime and Zoom call game too. The tripod can be used as a normal tripod, but its stand out feature is the integrated ring light which is designed to produce a flattering effect on your face. 

The ring light can be adjusted to produce different settings and tones, while the phone holder expands to fit a variety of different models. It also can be rotated, giving you options to stream in whichever orientation you desire. 

The tripod folds down relatively neatly, and you can also use it as a selfie stick - the ring light can be removed when not in use. 

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Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar. 

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The Best Travel Tripods for Any Budget

best travel tripods photographer doing landscape photography

A lot of photographers pay attention to the camera they’re using. In most cases, the importance of having a reliable tripod falls is overlooked. But the best travel tripods are just as important as the camera you use. After all, they’re our three-legged metal friends that keep our priceless camera equipment in place. But even though they’re crucial for taking great photos, the high price tag of top-of-the-line tripods dissuade most people from upgrading their current tripod.

Those on a budget might have even resorted to simply balancing their camera on their knee, holding their breath, and staying as still as possible. Tripods tend to be overlooked at times, but investing in a durable tripod for travel will not only protect your camera body and lenses—it’ll add stability to your shots and add a new dimension to your shots when working with shutter speed and exposure elements.

Ideally, your camera tripod should be small enough for you to pack and light enough for you to carry. Find out what the best tripod for travel is with our definitive guide. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro, you’ll be sure to find one for your needs here.

Manfrotto Element II Tripods

Why you need a travel tripod

No one wants to travel with large, bulky equipment—especially when they’re traveling by plane. But if you’re a professional photographer or simply someone who enjoys taking professional-looking pictures whenever you travel, it’s definitely going to be inevitable. You’re going to have to pack some heavy stuff, like your DSLR camera, some accessories like lenses and extra batteries, and of course, a tripod.

If you travel frequently, then you’re definitely going to want to reduce the weight of your luggage as much as you can—especially when traveling by plane, where every single pound (and inch) counts.

One way to cut down on weight is by choosing accessories with travel-friendly features. For instance, tripods are notorious for being heavy and bulky. But in reality, not all of them are. In fact, some of the best travel tripods are designed to be compact, lightweight, durable, easily adjustable, and versatile enough to be used for a variety of situations.

If you need a sturdy, reliable travel tripod that won’t weigh you down, we’ve picked some of our top tripod recommendations to help you narrow down your choices. But first, there are several key questions to keep in mind when choosing the right camera tripod for your needs.

Factors to consider when choosing the best travel tripods for you:

  • Size : Will it fit in your carry-on luggage? Or in other words, does it measure less than 24 inches when collapsed?
  • Weight : Is it light enough for you to carry without tiring you out?
  • Payload : Can both the tripod and head handle the weight of your travel camera , your heaviest lens, and other camera accessories?
  • Durability : Is it constructed well and made of durable material (and are you willing to compromise on this if cost is a factor)?
  • Height : Can a tripod that collapses into a small package also extend tall enough?
  • Cost : Can you find the right answers to all of the above and stay within your budget?

Best Travel Tripods for Any Budget

3pod wander aluminum travel tripod.

This tripod was built for easy transport and quick setup. It can collapse to no larger than a one-liter water bottle, yet it’s still able to hold payloads up to 33 lbs. It’s legs can move 180° for space-saving compact folding and storage, which can extend to total height of 68.5 inches. At just four pounds, this is an affordable, lightweight option for travel photographers.

Key features:

  • Can hold up to 33 lbs.
  • 180° movement in legs
  • Abrasion-resistant aluminum appointed construction
  • Weighs only 4 lbs.

3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 + AirHead Pro Lever kit

The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 + AirHead Pro Lever kit has impressive features that match its cool look. Made of carbon fiber, it comes with three detachable legs, knurled lock caps and collar for enhanced leverage and grip, and leg-lock anti-rotation for best-in-class stability and rigidity.

Its three detachable legs can function as monopods or boom arms. When replaced with 3LT’s range of footwear, you can create a table-top tripod. It has a payload capacity of 30 kg, making it a suitable fit for any set-up, whether you’re using a mirrorless camera or DSLR and medium format system.

  • Three Detachable Legs
  • Knurled Lock Caps
  • AirHed Pro Lever Ball Head
  • Patented Tri-Mount plate
  • Variable Load Capability of 30kg
  • Pure, eight-layer Carbon Fiber construction

Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Travel Aluminum Tripod

The Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Travel Aluminum Tripod is designed for professional macro photographers who work with extreme angles. It’s all-around versatility means you can use it to achieve creative angles in challenging circumstances.

The tripod features a kitted 496 ball head with independent panoramic and friction knobs for full movement control. It also features a 90-degree column mechanism so you can shoot from ground level or directly overhead with minimal fuss.

With a closed length of 16.93″, minimum height of 3.54″, and payload of 22.05 lbs, the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO’s compact reliability is one of its strongest suits.

  • 90º center-column system
  • 496 Ball Head with independent panoramic and friction knobs
  • 22.1-pound load capacity
  • 200PL-PRO plate
  • M-lock twist locks and side-pull selectors

Benro Travel Angel FTA28CV1 9X Carbon Fiber Series 2 Tripod

A personal favorite of AdoramaTV host and globetrotting photographer Mark Wallace, the Benro Travel Angel 9X Carbon Fiber Series 2 Tripod Kit is part of the line’s most advanced range of compact, travel-friendly camera tripods. Like most of the other Benro travel tripods, the Travel Angel FTA28CV1 is full-sized and features legs that can be inverted and folded back 180-degrees for easy packing and carrying. It can also be converted into a compact monopod, and you can easily switch back and forth between a tripod or a monopod without having to use any tools.

Other features include rubber feet and stainless steel spikes to provide traction on a variety of surfaces, and a center ballast column hook that allows you to hang your camera bag from it to provide more weight and stability to the tripod when shooting.

Benro camera tripods are available on their own or as part of a kit, and you can choose to buy either the less expensive aluminum versions, or the sturdier, lighter, but more expensive carbon fiber ones.

Key Features:

  • 22 lb-load capacity
  • 66.9 in maximum height
  • Weighs 4 lb (1.8 kg)
  • Arca-Type Compatible Head and Quick Release (QR) Plate
  • Triple Action Ball Head

3 Legged Thing Legends Jay Carbon Fiber Travel Levelling Base Tripod

As the name suggests, the 3 Legged Thing Legends Jay Carbon Fiber Travel Levelling Base Tripod features a levelling base system so you can set up quickly and smoothly on challenging terrain. You can use the friction control feature on the underside to adjust the position of the base during your outdoor shoots.

The tripod’s three detachable legs can be converted into monopods or boom arms. You can also convert the leveling base into a foot stabilizer for the monopod with optional 3LT footwear. Thanks to its improved leg lock design and O-pads, you can count on it for greater stability and anti-rotation.

  • Three detachable legs
  • Quick set-up levelling base system
  • Legs formed from 8 layers of 100% pure carbon Fiber
  • Precision engineered leg lock system with raised O-Pads
  • Rapid Latch leg latch system,
  • Supports up to 30 lb (14kg)

Benro Go Plus FGP18A 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod

Want a compact travel tripod with a versatile center column? The Benro Go Plus FGP18A 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod is constructed from top-grade aluminum and magnesium alloy. It features three reverse folding legs that wrap around the center column, letting you carry and transport it with ease.

The center column can be removed from its vertical position and swung through a 180-degree arc before being locked into place.This makes it ideal for low-level macro photography.

  • Reverse folding legs
  • Versatile and laterally adjustable center column
  • Built-in monopod
  • Easy-to-use twist leg locks
  • Screw-in rubber and stainless spiked feet

Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2 Section mini Tripod

Portable and versatile, the Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2 Section mini Tripod is the perfect companion for entry-level photographers who want diverse framing possibilities. It includes two different leg angles compatible with the sliding selector. It also features two-section legs to stabilize your shots when shooting on uneven surfaces.

The tripod lets you take impressive portraits, thanks to its ability to tilt at a full 90-degrees. Designed for entry-level DLSRs, it can support devices up to 2.5 kg.

  • Sturdy aluminum structure
  • Adjustable two-section legs
  • Portrait mode tilts camera to a full 90 degrees
  • Supports devices up to 2.5 kg

Benro Slim Tripod Kit with Ball Head

The Benro Slim Tripod Kit with Ball Head is a lightweight tripod with a slim profile. The legs feature easy-to-unlock aluminum twist locks and includes a center column that prevents twisting while in use. You can also rely on the tripod even when shooting in extreme conditions because it features a weight hook under the center column.

Moreover, the tripod includes a lightweight magnesium shoulder with three different leg positions. You can position these legs when filming on uneven surfaces.

  • Made of Carbon Fiber
  • Slim profile shoulder
  • Maximum weight capacity of 8.8 lbs
  • Anodized aluminum twist locks
  • Removable single action ballhead

Vanguard VEO 2 GO 235AB Travel Tripod Kit

The Vanguard VEO 2 GO 235AB Travel Tripod Kit with 5-Section Aluminum Tripod is perfect for on-the-go photographers seeking a compact, lightweight, and affordable tripod. Its ARCA compatible ball head T-50 can carry cameras up to 4 kg. Since the tripod can be extended up to 55.5”, the possibilities are endless during low-level shooting.

The T-50 ball head offers separate pan control for seamless 360-degree imaging. On top of that, the QS-64 mount quickly and efficiently so that you can easily set-up your tripod at a moment’s notice.

  • Inverted five-section aluminum legs
  • Rubberized Twist leg locks
  • Sturdy Ball Head T-50
  • Arca compatible QR plate
  • Secure head lock system
  • Independent Leg positioning at 3 different angles
  • Two-section reversible telescopic center column

What about tripod heads?

While some of the camera tripods listed here are sold with at least one head, some are not. In those cases, you will need to buy a head in addition to the tripod itself to enable you to attach your camera. The good news is, any tripod head is compatible with just about any tripod, so you can mix and match brands if you want.

A sturdy ballhead takes up less room in a carry-on bag than a pan head , which requires more space to accommodate the tilt and pan handles, which stick out. Choose a tripod head that can handle the weight of your camera with its longest lens, and then some, just to be safe.

Nathan Lee Allen

Nathan Lee Allen

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The nine best travel tripods for photos on the go.

SmugMug

From Instagram-worthy travel selfies to fine art landscape photos, a tripod is vital to getting the best shots while you’re on the road. Here are the top nine tripods for travel.

If you’re looking to capture perfect memories or take a print-worthy photo of a city or landscape, then a travel tripod needs to be on your “must have” travel list. But not all tripods are created equal.

Some are heavy and hard to carry, making them difficult if you have to hike or camp, and they can put you over the weight limit for air travel and cost you more money. Other travel tripods are lightweight but can’t be easily adjusted for uneven surfaces if you’re touring ruins or hiking.

So which is the best travel tripod? Well, that all depends on your needs. If you’re hiking, you’ll want an option that’s lightweight and can adjust to uneven surfaces like mountaintops, lake shores, and rocky trails. If you know you’ll be on flat land and are looking for a time-lapse shot, then sturdiness will be important.

By looking at the top travel photography needs and consulting with our experts on travel photography and tripods, we narrowed it down to the nine best travel tripods by travel type so you have the perfect option for your next trip.

1. Best overall.

The Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Aluminum Travel Tripod with 496 Center Ball Head allows you to shoot both low to the ground for macro shots or extends to almost 65 inches high.

  • Twist-lock legs with 4 sections
  • Holds up to 22 lbs.
  • Center column flips 90 degrees for horizontal shooting
  • Not as compact as some other tripods (folds to 16.9 inch length).

2. Best on a budget.

Sure, you can find a tripod for less than $20, but it probably won’t be the best quality. Before you attach an expensive camera to it, you want to make sure it’l hold up during use. The Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit with Hybrid Head is made of high-quality aluminum and weighs just over 2.5 lbs.

  • Lightweight
  • 5 leg sections
  • Panoramic, 360-degree rotation
  • Only holds 3.3 lbs

3. Overseas (long distance).

The Peak Design Travel Tripod (5-Section Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod) is compact, rigid, and can hold up to 20 lbs. It’s weather and impact resistant and is guaranteed for life. This makes it a great choice for long-distance travel.

  • Folds down to the size of a water bottle
  • Fast, ergonomic camera release
  • Non-slip, shock-absorbing feet
  • Legs and center mount adjust to eye-level height

The GorillaPod 5K is a lightweight, flexible, aluminum tripod that can wrap around almost anything — branches, tent poles, hand railings, or other objects you might stumble across in the great outdoors.

  • Holds devices up to 11 lbs.
  • Flexible tripod head that secures gear
  • Can be gripped, wrapped, or used as a stand
  • Height cannot be expanded

5. Road Trips.

The MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Daytrip Travel Tripod is a great option for road trips due to its lightweight, compact design, and its sturdy 8.8-lb. weight limit. That means you can use it for your chunky DSLRs, your trusty point-and-shoot, or any camera in between — it’s a tripod the whole family can enjoy.

  • Sturdy, aluminum construction
  • Weather and dust resistant
  • Weighs less than 2 lbs.
  • Includes carrying case
  • Unable to hold large, heavy cameras with large lenses

6. Cell phone.

The plague of tourist destinations everywhere, selfie sticks are still quite useful for achieving the perfect shot when there’s nobody else around to take your photo. The Yoozon Selfie Stick Phone Tripod (link is to Amazon but it can be found on other websites) is a selfie stick with a removable remote trigger built into the handle. It also functions as a standing tripod and can extend to 27 inches.

  • Rotates 360 degrees
  • Works with most cell phones between 3.5" and 6.5" wide
  • Weighs 4 ounces
  • Legs do not adjust individually

7. City shots.

The Benro FTA28AB1 Travel Angel Series 2 is an aluminum tripod with a ballast hook on the bottom of the center column that allows you to hook a bag or case to it, making it great for city travel.

  • Rubber feet keep it stabilized on a variety of surfaces
  • 90-degree notch allows you to change from landscape to portrait shots
  • Weighs less than 5 lbs.
  • Doesn’t extend as high as some others

8. Landscapes.

The Vanguard VEO2GO265HCBM Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod features spiked rubber feet that are perfect for staying in place on different types of terrain.

  • Extends to 65 inches high and can convert to a monopod
  • Low-angle adapter for low-angle shots
  • Needs center column to extend to maximum height

9. If money isn’t an issue.

The Gitzo tripod kit Traveler , series 2, 4 sections, is a sturdy carbon-fiber tripod capable of shooting low-angle or macro photos and extends to a height of 55.9 inches.

  • Holds up to 26.46 lbs.
  • Includes a bubble level
  • Built to hold longer lenses
  • Expensive and may not be accessible to everyone

When it comes to picking a tripod, make sure it will support your camera and lenses, is able to do what you need it to (macro shots, extended height), and compact enough to fit your needs.

Did we miss one of your favorite travel tripods? Let us know in the comments below or start a conversation on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .

SmugMug

Written by SmugMug

We love your photos as much as you do.™

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UBeesize 67” Camera Tripod with Travel Bag, Cell Phone Tripod with Bluetooth Remote and Phone Holder, Compatible with All Cameras, Cell Phones, Projector, Webcam, Spotting Scopes

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UBeesize 67” Camera Tripod with Travel Bag, Cell Phone Tripod with Bluetooth Remote and Phone Holder, Compatible with All Cameras, Cell Phones, Projector, Webcam, Spotting Scopes

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

  • 【 IMPRESSIVE HEIGHT RANGES】Collapsing to tabeletop height 20.1 inches and expanding to 67.3 inches in only a few seconds, this tripod fully adapts to a range of different user heights and enables you to compose your photos more creatively than ever before.
  • 【 MULTIPLE SHOOTING ANGLES】 Thanks to its versatile central mechanism, it adjusts to multiple shooting angles in only a few seconds, including Landscape Mode, Portrait Mode, Low Angle Shot, High Angle Shot, which allows you to discover your potential and shoot like never before.
  • 【UNIVERSAL PHONE MOUNT & WIRELESS REMOTE】The tripod provides a universal 360° rotating phone holder, extending from 58mm(2.3Inches) to 115mm(4.5Inches) that fits most smartphones. Moreover, it comes with a Wireless remote, pairs with your mobile so that you can take photos/video from 30ft/10m away.
  • 【UNIQUE DURABLE DESIGN】 Our tripod combines high-quality materials (High-grade Alluminum Alloy with ABS Resin), technological expertise and innovation with superior Italian design, catering to every style and type of camera and is ready to support photographers in every stage of their work.
  • 【HIGH COMPATIBILITY 】A Camera Stand for All Cameras(Nikon D3500, Fujifilm X-T200, Canon EOS 250D, Olympus, Panasonic), Cell Phones, Ipad, Projector, Webcam, Gopro and Spotting Scopes.

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  • Our products are meticulously designed to provide exceptional lighting and stability, ensuring you capture stunning visuals in any setting.
  • With a commitment to innovation, UBeesize aims to empower creators with reliable tools that enhance their creativity and elevate their content.

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67” Camera Tripod with Travel Bag, Cell Phone Tripod with Wireless Remote and Phone Holder, Compatible with All Cameras, Cell Phones, Projector, Webcam, Spotting Scopes

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Customers say

Customers like the adjustability, quality, value, durability, and performance of the camera tripod. They mention that the height range is amazing, it's super versatile, and a fantastic investment for Junior photography enthusiasts. That said, some like the ease of setup, and weight. That being said..

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the durability of the camera tripod. They mention that it feels really solid, looks really solid and is quite stable. The materials and design are good, making it a reliable and affordable tripod. Customers also say that it has a high quality and that it does not wobble.

"This tripod is of excellent quality , and I was immediately impressed by its excellent composition, configuration, and materials as soon as I opened..." Read more

"...weight look lukae made from very cheap plastic but is not heavy duty durable plastic .This product is reasonable price...." Read more

"...purchase that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone in need of a reliable and affordable tripod." Read more

"...I detected no wobble and the mounting-head is rock solid as far as I can tell. But again - I'm not putting any real weight on it...." Read more

Customers like the value of the camera tripod. They say it's a fantastic investment for a junior photography enthusiast.

"...this fantastic purchase to anyone in need of a dependable and reasonably priced tripod , as it's uncommon to find such quality at this price range." Read more

"...This product is reasonable price .Have had others but this was great and strong...." Read more

"...I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone in need of a reliable and affordable tripod ." Read more

"...is lightweight, stable and in my opinion at a very fair and affordable price point . Lastly, I would buy from this company again." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the camera tripod. They mention that it works well, is excellent, and provides reliable support for various equipment. The stand works well and has a phone holder. The legs work well and are ergonomic. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and performance of this product.

"...a phone plus a nifty bluetooth remote fob, easy to set up and actually works !..." Read more

"I was impressed with the quality and functionality of this tripod; Because the moment I took it out of the box, I could see how good the materials..." Read more

"Surprised by how big and heavy duty this is! Working great so far !" Read more

"...And it's very sturdy and works perfectly with my Sony A7r camera." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camera tripod. They mention that it is a great product, with many features and options to adjust the tripod to get a perfect picture. Customers also appreciate the versatility of the tripod, which can be used for both a camera and phone.

"...Setting it up is a breeze, and its versatility in accommodating both my Canon camera and phone makes it an invaluable accessory for any photographer..." Read more

"...I've actually been impressed so far with all of it's many features & how versatile it is...." Read more

"This stand looks awesome and I’m sure it will be great to use. I’m just at a loss because it came without the screw for the attachment...." Read more

"This is nice and sturdy. Looks like it would last a long time. But figuring out how to get it set up for my phone is challenging...." Read more

Customers appreciate the weight of the camera tripod. They say it is lightweight, making it easy to carry and store. Customers also say that it is convenient for travelers, with a high quality and appropriate weight. They also mention that it can be easily stored in a closet due to its small size.

"...When not in use, it is simple to store in a closet due to its small size. The remote button is superb for taking distant photos...." Read more

"...The tripod itself lightweight, good height. Sturdiness.It’s very light weight look lukae made from very cheap plastic but is not heavy duty..." Read more

"...The tripod is lightweight , stable and in my opinion at a very fair and affordable price point. Lastly, I would buy from this company again." Read more

"...Easy to control and get all the close-ups. Small and compact, it's easy to put in a closet when not in use." Read more

Customers find the ease of setup of the camera tripod to be a great feature. They mention that it is easy to set up, sturdy, and convenient, and that it makes taking pictures easy with its remote control.

"... Simple to put together , it can be used as an overhead view scope by simply tilting it 90 degrees or as an unreflective spotting scope...." Read more

"...Have had others but this was great and strong. Easy to assemble , multi universal for straight spotting scope or top view scope by just tilting..." Read more

"... Setting it up is a breeze , and its versatility in accommodating both my Canon camera and phone makes it an invaluable accessory for any photographer..." Read more

"...a camera or mounting a phone plus a nifty bluetooth remote fob, easy to set up and actually works!..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the adjustability of the camera tripod. They mention that the adjustable height and quick-release plate make it versatile for various projects, and the height range is amazing. The locks are sturdy and the adjustable legs are easy to work with. They also appreciate the rubber pads for the legs and the adjustable arms. Overall, most are happy with the quality and functionality of the product.

"...This tripod is sturdy, can be carried around easily, has a standard height , is easy to operate, and captures all the close-ups...." Read more

"...The tripod itself lightweight, good height . Sturdiness...." Read more

"...The smooth adjustments of this tripod are truly impressive , providing a seamless experience when capturing the perfect shot...." Read more

"...It is very easy to set up, and the 6 level of different heights meet my need to take pictures in any situation...." Read more

Customers have negative opinions about the stability of the camera tripod. They mention that the all plastic mount wobbles and has a lot of slop when they're using it. The tripod is a little shaky if you don't tighten it up correctly, and it does droop with the heavy lens. The top section that rests on the retractable neck wobble. It does have some problems staying in one position on heavier lenses, and the feet on the tripod keep popping off.

"... Stability could be improved a lot . The camera tends to lean to the side on the baseplate, and is generally pretty shifty on a small scale...." Read more

"...While the height might impress on paper, the reality is a wobbly disaster waiting to happen...." Read more

"...But like the other 1 star reviews the head is wobbly . I wish I had taken the time earlier to return this. My bad." Read more

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best travel tripod for photos

camera tripod stand

Best buy customers often prefer the following products when searching for camera tripod stand ..

A tripod is a must-have for any photographer. A good tripod can help you take clear photos of small objects and it can also help you avoid camera shake, which can cause blurry photos. Browse the top-ranked list of camera tripod stands below along with associated reviews and opinions.

JOBY - HandyPod Clip Tripod - Grey - Angle_Zoom

JOBY - HandyPod Clip Tripod - Grey

Rating 4.9 out of 5 stars with 10 reviews

" Camera stand ...Handy Tripod ...Exellent Mini Tripod . It is not flimsy, I mount a Ricoh Theta Camera on the tripod and use it for capturing images inside vehicles. "

Product Description

Sunpak - Gripper Bendable Tripod - Angle_Zoom

Sunpak - Gripper Bendable Tripod

Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars with 28 reviews

" Tripod Gym fit...Works perfect and is very easy to set up anywhere. My phone and camera fits perfectly and easily...Great tripod for desktop camera "

Sunpak - Multipod 36" Tripod - Angle_Zoom

Sunpak - Multipod 36" Tripod

Rating 3.9 out of 5 stars with 53 reviews

" great tripod ...this is a great tripod . i take great pictures. i can set it anywhere...Clicker needs tripod to work...The clicker cannot work independently of the tripod and I didn't want to carry around the tripod with me. "

Bower - Multipod Pro 67-inch Tripod - Black - Angle_Zoom

Bower - Multipod Pro 67-inch Tripod - Black

Rating 3.9 out of 5 stars with 52 reviews

" Tripod ...Very nice tripod . Easy to carry and not heavy at all...The best inch stand ever!...This stand , stands tall and sturdy. I bought both the 36" and this 67". "

JOBY - GorillaPod 3K Kit - Black/Red/Charcoal - Angle_Zoom

JOBY - GorillaPod 3K Kit - Black/Red/Charcoal

Rating 5 out of 5 stars with 5 reviews

" Great little tripod ...Great attachment for camera ! "

Manfrotto - Befree-Advanced 3 Way 59.4" Tripod - Black - Angle_Zoom

Manfrotto - Befree-Advanced 3 Way 59.4" Tripod - Black

Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars with 23 reviews

" Great travel tripod ...This works great for a travel friendly tripod . Won't replace my larger tripods , but great for travel. ... Tripod ...Will work in a hurry, not a bad value but the attachment piece for camera to tripod is prone to loosen quickly & not standard attachments for tripods , so if you loose this piece..... finding q replacement is time consuming & about half price of the tripod . "

Kodak - Photo Gear 63" Tripod and Monopod with 360° Ball Head - Premium Professional 2-in-1 Aluminum Camera Stand - Black - Angle_Zoom

Kodak - Photo Gear 63" Tripod and Monopod with 360° Ball Head - Premium Professional 2-in-1 Aluminum Camera Stand - Black

Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars with 45 reviews

" Great tripod ...This tripod was better in person than in the photos. It’s sturdy and love how I can connect my camera on an angle and not fear that it will fall... Tripod ...Good quality material. Holds camera very well. Sturdy. "

JOBY - HandyPod 2 Kit - Black - Angle_Zoom

JOBY - HandyPod 2 Kit - Black

Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars with 33 reviews

" I only purchased another one because the store only had this cell phone tripod stand under 2 foot tall in stock. Hopefully it lasts more than a year for $50... now $100...One of the best tripods ....Best standing Tripod . The fact that it turns sideways and upright is better when wanting to film both ways. "

Insta360 - 41.3" 2-in-1  Invisible Selfie Stick and Tripod - Black - Angle_Zoom

Insta360 - 41.3" 2-in-1 Invisible Selfie Stick and Tripod - Black

Rating 4.9 out of 5 stars with 88 reviews

" Tripod stand ...Short tripod ...Loved this tripod was the perfect height for what I was using it for and excellent addition to my action camera inventory "

Bower - 6-in-1 Professional 36" Tripod - Pink - Angle_Zoom

Bower - 6-in-1 Professional 36" Tripod - Pink

Rating 3.9 out of 5 stars with 1984 reviews

" Tripod ...Great Tripod , we will be using regularly. Just what we needed....Bower Tripod ...This tripod is well worth the price. Good quality. "

Shopping ideas related to camera tripod stand

Front_Zoom

"Looks new, with a very slight scratch around the front camera. Battery health is at 100"

Front_Zoom

"Purchased camera for my 9 yr old. She loves it, very beginner user friendly, the only con is the amount of film compared to price of film is quite pricey"

Front_Zoom

"Panorama mode lets you shoot panoramic photos with ease"

Front_Zoom

"Friends, this is a great camera and more durable than the pocket sized point and shoots that you’ll have to keep mailing in for repair because they are so delicate"

Digital Camera World

I went on a tour of Alaska to improve my photography. Here's what I learned

I ’ve been traveling at every opportunity all of my life. My parents used to drag me off across Europe in the early 1950s, before roll-on/roll-off ferries. Unfortunately, 10 years ago I had a stroke. Lying in hospital, I imagined that at least I would now have more time for photography. Imagine my dismay when I got home to find that I didn’t have the strength in my arms even to lift my Nikon D800. 

Thankfully, after some time with a compact camera, I’m back. Armed with a Nikon Z7 II and a Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, my wife and I decided to head off to Alaska. I like to travel independently, but we now felt we needed the security of joining some group tours.

This curtailed many photo opportunities, of course, but it opened up many others. I spent some time considering this dilemma and came up with some constructive ideas so that we returned home with some credible images, not just factual reminders of our trip. Alaskans describe their state as the last frontier; every day was an adventure, and photographic opportunities abounded.

My best shots

I always like to go for a window seat on a plane; seat reclined, beer in one hand and camera in the other. It’s surprising what you can capture as the world flies by, and what comes along may be a complete surprise.

Flying over the Rockies, I got a bird’s-eye view of the peaks, enabling an image that is not normally available to us.

This chocolate-box landscape image was made available at a comfort stop on the bus tour. While some rushed to the loo, others waved their phones about taking selfies, crowding around each other for the best vantage point. By walking just 20 yards away down the path, I was able to dodge the crowd and capture the shot, still leaving enough time to use the facilities!

Always be prepared to grab a quick shot from a coach window; you’ll be surprised what opportunities might come your way. I travel with my Z7 II at the ready: Shutter Priority selected and set at, say, 1/400 sec; Auto ISO activated; and on single-point AF with focus prioritized, so that the shutter only fires when the subject is in focus.

When traveling on a bus, I like to select a window seat on the opposite side to the driver. This way, I don’t have to shoot across another lane of traffic. I’ve found that by pushing a finger hard onto the window and, an inch further up, a finger onto the lens hood, I can absorb some of the vibrations caused by the vehicle, while getting close enough to the glass to avoid reflections. One bonus is that modern coach and train windows are tinted, which I’ve found can work like a polarizer.

On a very rough whale-watching tour – everyone looked very green – we were lucky enough to see four whales diving and forcing their prey up to the surface. It was a tremendous opportunity for my Nikon, just like a David Attenborough documentary. Despite our good luck, we couldn’t stand up safely for the rolling boat. I was able to get to the very stern of the craft and, by forcing one foot on the port side (left) of the boat, the other on the transom (rear) and pushing my back into a fixed seat, I was able to transform my body into a tripod, leaving my hands to fire away.

We joined a small group on a brown bear viewing tour. Along with our guide, we ventured along a salmon river and, once again, we were in luck. I only had my trusty 24-200mm zoom lens and getting closer wasn’t an option, so I swapped to DX crop mode, which effectively turned the lens into a 300mm focal length, while sacrificing some pixels.

Denali (once referred to as Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain in North America, but the peak is rarely visible, as it’s usually covered in cloud. This view is so occasional that the bus driver made an unscheduled stop at the nearest lay-by and let passengers off for photos. Even the driver joined in to capture this rare photographic opportunity.

I set my camera to Aperture Priority and changed the crop mode from FX to DX. This wasn’t solely to fill more of the frame with the mountain, but to bring in more forest, because I liked the contrast between the green trees, the white snow and the beautiful blue sky.

My travel tour photography tips

  • Travel as light as possible. I have a gilet with large pockets – this enables me to ‘wear’ my daily equipment. A versatile superzoom lens, such as my 24-200mm, allows you to shoot multiple genres.
  • Traveling with a tour group does limit your freedom, but opportunities will occur. Be prepared by keeping your camera at the ready, as you often only have a split second to grab an image.
  • If you have a choice, plan activities carefully. For example, opt for nature tours in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of catching animals in action.
  • 6 tourist destinations around the world where you CAN'T take photos
  • Trigger-happy Yellowstone tourists narrowly escape advances of angry bison
  • 5 tips for taking terrific travel photos anywhere

 I went on a tour of Alaska to improve my photography. Here's what I learned

  • PHOTOGRAPHY

How to take larger-than-life photos of the world’s tiny creatures

Photographer and National Geographic Explorer Anand Varma offers his tips for mastering macro photography—a surprising glimpse into the small world.

a honeybee emerging from its brood cell

I think my love of photographing small things came from my childhood and exploring my backyard. Running over logs and picking up rocks in the creek behind the house where I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, made me fall in love with this process of exploration and discovery. As much as I thought things like elephants and sharks were cool, the little things—bugs and salamanders—were more accessible and were what I could find myself.  

Late in my high school years I borrowed my dad’s camera, which had a macro lens. I took a photo of a garter snake and was able to get details of its scales. Even more than the photo itself, I remember my friend’s reaction to seeing it: he was so excited by all the details.   It was the first time I experienced what it was like to share an image and the excitement of discovery.

Macro photography always has the most surprising results because you can expand details beyond what your eyes can see.

cicada emerging from its exoskeleton and an aquatic plant

Here are my best tips for taking great macro photos.

Consider perspective and scale  

Always think about surprising your audience. We’re so used to seeing everything from our own standing-height perspective. With macro photography, I like to break that pattern and try to get down at eye level with a subject.

Consider trying to take the picture from the perspective of another creature of the same size, or perhaps even looking up at your subject. If the creature has a face, photographing it at eye level creates a different perspective.

Scale is the real magic sauce of macro photography. Both revealing and obscuring scale can be a powerful way of capturing the attention of your audience.  

You can think of scale intentionally, by placing something recognizable–like a fingernail or coin–next to your subject, so your audience can immediately understand the size of what they’re looking at. Alternatively, you can intentionally obscure the scale so it’s hard to tell how big a creature is…that can be fun, too.

close up of a humming bird's eye and beginning of the beak

Shoot at night and with a light source  

I always shoot with a light source to direct focus to the subject.

I bring my own light, whether it’s a headlamp, a flashlight or phone light.

It’s often easier to find cool insects and frogs at night since many are nocturnal. It’s also easier to find them because you’re looking for them in this much more focused way–you’re not as distracted by all the details visible in daylight.

Close up of the tentacles of an aggregating anemone

Parks where you live can provide great inspiration  

When it comes to where to shoot, pick a place you’re curious to get to know more intimately. I like going to a familiar place, because macro photography is about making a familiar place unfamiliar and finding surprising details in what otherwise seems mundane and boring.

A natural space—–like woods or a stream, or the neglected edges of a park—–is where you’re most likely to find cool, natural subjects. Even an overgrown lot or sidewalk with weeds growing out if it can be a great place to find interesting little bugs or critters.

A water lily pad on black

If you’re not too excited about bugs or snakes, then flowers and leaves and plants offer many opportunities for macro photography as well. A nursery or local botanical garden is a really great place to find interesting textures, shapes and colors. Macro photography is one of those ways of teaching ourselves to slow down and notice the details we miss at first glance.

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Related Topics

  • COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
  • NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
  • PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES
  • PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

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IMAGES

  1. 7 Best Travel Tripods for Photographers in 2024

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  2. Tested: Four travel tripods for every budget: Digital Photography Review

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  3. The best travel tripod for 2023: finest lightweight tripods

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  4. Professional Camera Tripod DSLR Tripod for Travel, Super Lightweight

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  5. The best travel tripod in 2022

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  6. Best Travel Tripod: Camera Accessories To Travel With

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COMMENTS

  1. 5 Best Travel Tripods 2024

    We Did The Research. Read Our In-Depth Guide for the Best Travel Tripods of 2024. Which Travel Tripods are the Best? Read our Expert Reviews!

  2. Best Deals in Travel Tripods

    Shop Now Travel Tripods. Unbeatable Travel Tripods

  3. The best travel tripod in 2024

    The Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced is a lightweight photographer's travel tripod paired with a three-way video head. The fluid head uses a hydraulic damping system to make it easy for smooth, fluid camera movements. The tripod, meanwhile, provides a good balance between capacity, weight, and price.

  4. 7 Best Travel Tripods for Photographers in 2024

    4. Leofoto LS224C | Best Lightweight Travel Tripod for DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras. 5. ZOMEI Z699C | Best Budget Travel Tripod for Beginners. 6. Manfrotto Befree Live | Best Travel Tripod for Video. 7. Joby GripTight One GorillaPod | Best Phone Tripod for Hiking. What To Look For When Choosing a Tripod for Travel.

  5. 12 Best Tripods for Traveling in 2023

    Sirui AM124 Carbon Fiber Tripod. $179 at Amazon. 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 ...

  6. Best Travel Tripods 2024

    Best Versatile Travel Tripod: 3-Legged Thing Leo 2.0 AirHead Pro Lever Kit. Best Travel Tripod For Full Frame: Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod. Best Travel Tripod For Selfies: BZE 40-Inch ...

  7. The best travel tripod for 2024: finest lightweight tripods

    Veo 2 Go 235CB. View. 6. Manfrotto. Befree 3-Way Live Advanced. Check Price. (Image credit: Future) Compact size and lightweight build are the name of the best travel tripod game, persuading you ...

  8. Recommended Travel Tripods

    The very lightweight (1.8 lb) and compact (12.2") T-025SK T-0S Series Carbon Fiber Tripod and B-00 Ball Head is a fine tool for the traveling photographer with a small DSLR or mirrorless camera. Rare among travel tripods, this Sirui has a 2-section removable center column for low-angle shooting down to 3.1".

  9. 10 Best Travel Tripods You Can Buy (in 2024)

    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.

  10. The 10 BEST Travel Tripods

    Table of Contents. Editors Choice: Peak Design Travel Tripod. The Best Travel Tripods. Peak Design Travel Tripod. Punks Travis System. Manfrotto BeFree. Vanguard VEO 2 Go. Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro. ZOMEi iPhone Tripod.

  11. 9 Best Travel Tripods in 2024 (Updated)

    The Sirui W-1204 is one of the few brands offering waterproof tripods. This makes it one of the best options for a hardcore outdoor photographer. The tripod has a sealing system. If you shoot in the rain or place the legs in shallow water, the twist locks will still work. The feet complete the outdoor design.

  12. Guide to the Best Travel Tripods

    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. ... Best Travel Tripod Under $30: Amazon Basics Lightweight 60 in Tripod; Best Travel Tripod Under $100: Vanguard Vesta TB204AB;

  13. 10 Best Travel Tripods (2024 BARGAIN Guide)

    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.

  14. The best travel tripods in 2023

    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.

  15. The best tripod in 2024 for photography

    The 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0 is small and light enough to be useful as a travel tripod, while also being strong enough for even the heaviest of professional camera setups. Read our full 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0 review for more details. (Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World) 4. Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB.

  16. Best travel tripods 2024: Lightweight and compact tripods

    Best for serious travel photographers. This Benro tripod will last for years to come. It's also the tallest tripod on our list — when fully extended, its maximum height is 66.92-inches (170 cm ...

  17. Best Tripod for Photography and Video in 2024

    The Travel Tripod, as it's known, is best for exactly what its name suggests: traveling. The carbon-fiber version I tested weighs only 2.8 pounds (1.27kg) and packs down to only 15.4 inches long ...

  18. Best tripods for your camera in 2024

    Best multi-function tripod: Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fibre Tripod - check price. Best travel tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod - check price. Best budget tripod for mirrorless: Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB - check price. Best large tripod: Kingjoy SolidRock C85 tripod - check price. Best premium tripod: Gitzo GK1555T-82TQD Traveller ...

  19. The best travel Tripods in 2024

    Manfrotto Element Traveller Carbon Small. Manfrotto's Element Traveller Carbon Small is a carbon fibre tripod designed for photographers shooting on the go. It can extend to 143cm and folds down to 32cm, making it not just convenient for travel but also for taking low- and high-angle shots.

  20. The 4 Best Tripod for 2024

    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. $160. Manfrotto's Element ...

  21. Best Travel Tripods of 2023: For Both Phone and Camera

    The most affordable (yet still highly rated) phone travel tripod on the market is the UBeesize Phone Tripod. Coming in at $16 USD you can get a tripod that allows for capturing both vertical and horizontal photos/videos. It's also flexible and can be wrapped around things like fences, poles, tree branches, etc.

  22. Best tripods 2024: For astrophotography, landscapes, travel ...

    Unlike other travel tripods we've tried, the Peak Design tripod folds down with no gaps between the legs, making it easy to pack in your luggage or camera bag. It measures only 3.1 inches (7.9 cm ...

  23. Peak Design Travel Tripod review

    The Peak Design Travel Tripod is available in two flavors with the carbon fibre leg option costing $600 / £560 / AU$1170, and the aluminum alternative coming in at a slightly more modest $380 ...

  24. Best phone tripods: top picks for photos, vlogging and more

    8. Peheshe. Ring Selfie LED Light with Phone Holder. View. (Image credit: Joby) The best phone tripods can help you take your smartphone photography to the next level. For a start, they can give ...

  25. What is the Best Tripod for Travel in 2024?

    Travel Angel 9X Series 2 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod/Monopod with V1 Ball Head. $419.95 $545.95. Shop Now. A personal favorite of AdoramaTV host and globetrotting photographer Mark Wallace, the Benro Travel Angel 9X Carbon Fiber Series 2 Tripod Kit is part of the line's most advanced range of compact, travel-friendly camera tripods.

  26. The nine best travel tripods for photos on the go.

    3. Overseas (long distance). The Peak Design Travel Tripod (5-Section Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod) is compact, rigid, and can hold up to 20 lbs. It's weather and impact resistant and is guaranteed for life. This makes it a great choice for long-distance travel. Photo from Peak Design website.

  27. Amazon.com : UBeesize 67" Camera Tripod with Travel Bag, Cell Phone

    EUCOS Newest 62" Phone Tripod, Tripod for iPhone & Selfie Stick Tripod with Remote, Upgraded iPhone Tripod Stand & Travel Tripod, Solidest Cell Phone Tripod Compatible with iPhone 15/14/13/Android 4.6 out of 5 stars 7,316

  28. Camera Tripod Stand

    Shop for camera tripod stand at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. ... "Great travel tripod ... Kodak - Photo Gear 63" Tripod and Monopod with 360° Ball Head - Premium Professional 2-in-1 Aluminum Camera Stand - Black. Model: ROCPGTR63. SKU: 6491713.

  29. How I take astrophotography with my phone and 4 gadgets that help

    Best travel cameras: Lightweight options to capture memories on your journey ... Best tripod phone mounts: The support your photos need Tripod phone mounts offer hobbyists and professionals alike ...

  30. Level Up Your Travel Photography With These Content Creator Must ...

    For content creators, capturing the best travel photos is a way of life and can even be a lucrative one. However, learning how to master travel photography is a major step. However, learning how ...

  31. I went on a tour of Alaska to improve my photography. Here's what ...

    Thankfully, after some time with a compact camera, I'm back. Armed with a Nikon Z7 II and a Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, my wife and I decided to head off to Alaska. I like to travel ...

  32. Macro photography: Tips for taking better photos of a small world

    How to take larger-than-life photos of the world's tiny creatures. Photographer and National Geographic Explorer Anand Varma offers his tips for mastering macro photography—a surprising ...