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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Best Travel Tripod in 2024?

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Max Height: 9/10

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

• Weight: 8/10

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

• Build: 10/10

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

• Sturdiness: 9/10

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

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

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

• Features: 10/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Value: 8/10

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

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

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

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

Final Score: 64/70

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

Check the latest price >>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Sturdiness: 10/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Score: 65/70

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

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

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

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

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

• Max Height: 8/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Value: 9/10

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

Final Score: 63/70

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Weight: 10/10

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

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

• Build: 9/10

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

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

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

Source: The Center Column

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

• Features: 9/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Value: 10/10

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

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

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

5. ZOMEI Z699C | Best Budget Travel Tripod for Beginners

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

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

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

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

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

• Weight: 9/10

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

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

• Build: 7/10

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

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

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

Good rigidity and center column hook for additional stability.

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

• Features: 7/10

The Zomei features everything most traveling photographers need.

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

Twist locks are great for fast deployment.

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

Final Score: 61/70

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

6. Manfrotto Befree Live | Best Travel Tripod for Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Build: 8/10

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

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

• Sturdiness: 8/10

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

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

• Features: 8/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Score: 57/70

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Height: 5/10

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

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

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

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

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

• Sturdiness: 7/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Score: 59/70

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

FAQs about Travel Tripods

Do I need a tripod for travel photography?

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

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

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

How heavy should a travel tripod be?

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

How do travel tripods differ from regular tripods?

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

Can travel tripods support DSLR cameras?

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

How do you stabilize a tripod?

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

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

Are travel tripods stable in windy conditions?

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

Can travel tripods be taken on airplanes?

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

How do I maintain my travel tripod?

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

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

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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 best travel tripod in 2024: from full-size sticks to bag-sized mini-tripods

The best travel tripods have to be small enough to pack, light enough to carry, and sturdy enough for shake-free photos!

The Quick List

Best tripod overall, best for sturdiness, best lightweight tripod, best with 3-way head, best for versatility, best alloy tripod, best budget carbon.

• How to choose
• How we test

The Quick List ↩ 1. Best tripod overall 2. Best for sturdiness 3. Best lightweight tripod 4. Best with 3-way head 5. Best for versatility 6. Best alloy tripod 7. Best budget carbon How to choose How we test

I like to travel light, whether I’m walking city streets, trekking across the countryside or jetting off to the other side of the world. Conventional full-sized tripods tend to be big, heavy, and unwieldy – so I often leave mine at home, making it completely useless. By contrast, the best travel tripods literally take a load off. They’re made to be compact and lightweight but, in the past, they’ve often been notorious for being flimsy, relatively unstable, and too small to offer a useful operating height. The new breed of travel tripods tempt me with the promise of giving me the best of both worlds.

Most modern travel tripods have legs that swing upwards for storage, so that the head is encircled by the feet. This typically reduces the folded height by as much as 4" / 10cm. Some also include as many as five sections in each leg, and a two-section extending center column, reducing the folded height even further, while still enabling reasonably lofty shooting. I find they take longer to set up and fold away but it’s a trade I’m willing to make for smaller stowage.

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is 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.

Here's a quick rundown of all the lenses in this guide. Scroll down for a more in-depth look at the individual products.

It's the first tripod Peak Design has ever made, but it's the best travel tripod I've ever seen! 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. Read more below

This is no ordinary tripod; it folds down to just 35cm, opens to a height of 146cm, and has a huge 30kg payload. I like that its detachable monopod leg can be used as a mic or camera boom, and it has a Tri-Mount system for adding accessories. Read more below

I like that this is one of the outright lightest travel tripods on the market but still packs plenty of useful features. It’s equally adept for taking selfies as much as for shooting landscapes and the like, making it right up my street. Read more below

Ball heads are all the rage but there are times when I prefer a 3-way head for making precision adjustments. This Manfrotto kit obliges by bucking the trend, and I find it’s well suited to shooting video as well as stills. Read more below

This Benro carbon tripod's 6-in-1 billing could fool me into thinking that it's all about versatility, but it's a very good travel tripod. Even at full height, it's impressively stable, and it packs extra features that could come in handy whether shooting with a camera or a phone. Read more below

I often love the creative potential of shooting at really low level and the Corey 2.0 gives me all the flexibility I need to make dramatic shots without the fuss. It’s not a carbon fiber tripod but made from top-notch magnesium alloy. Read more below

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I generally prefer carbon fiber tripods to metal ones, for a saving in weight and enhanced resistance to vibration. I’m not so keen that I often have to pay a whole lot more for the privilege but the Rhino is great value for money. Read more below

The best travel tripods we recommend 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.

1. Peak Design Travel Tripod

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅  You like innovative design and photographic kit that makes a real statement.

✅  You want a travel tripod that has the slimmest possible profile, thanks to specially shaped legs.

✅ You don’t mind paying top-dollar for a travel tripod, and can make use of all the features.

❌  You don’t want to pay over the odds for an aluminum or carbon fiber travel tripod – there’s no denying it’s pricey.

❌  You don’t need a mobile phone mount, which is a bit fiddly to get at.

❌ You’d rather have a different type of head, although an adapter is available separately.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod may be the first tripod that Peak Design has made, but it's hands-down one of the best travel tripods that I've ever used! There is an aluminum version that's a massive 40% cheaper, however, which has all the same design features, just a little more weight and less vibration resistance. A couple of the other tripods here will go higher, but the Peak Design will still go to eye level for an average-height person, and it packs down to just 39cm in length.

I like that it's designed to cut out the dead space between the legs and the column when packed, which means it's not just short when folded but very slim too – I can put this inside my camera bag or cabin bag instead of just strapping it to the outside. The low-profile ball head is simple but brilliant, there's a phone holder hidden inside the center column, and best of all for me, the tripod feels seriously rigid.

Read more:   Peak Design Travel Tripod review

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2. 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0

✅  You want to choose your own head, although you can buy the legs on their own.

✅  You don’t like fiddling with lots of leg clamps and dual center column clamps.

✅ You’re keeping an eye on the bottom line – it’s a pricey travel tripod.

❌  You want to choose your own head, although you can buy the legs on their own.

❌  You don’t like fiddling with lots of leg clamps and dual center column clamps.

❌ You’re keeping an eye on the bottom line – it’s a pricey travel tripod.

The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 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. That far exceeds the weight of any of my camera and lens combinations but the net result is great rigidity.

I like that 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. That helps it to fold down really small yet reach a decent maximum operating height. You can buy the legs on their own but I’d get the complete kit with 3 Legged Thing’s new and improved AirHed Pro Lever ball head.

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-around versatility, make it one of the best.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 + AirHead Pro Review

3. Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB

✅  You want a tripod that includes a smartphone adapter and even a Bluetooth controller.

✅  You’d like a tripod that works as a monopod and selfie stick as well.

✅ You want one of the absolute lightest travel tripods on the market.

❌  You want a heftier maximum load rating than 4kg.

❌  You’d rather have a taller maximum operating height than 136cm.

❌ You don’t feel the need for a low level adapter or dual rubber pad and spiked feet.

With five sections in each swing-up leg and a two-section center column, this Vanguard folds down to just over a foot long yet gives a reasonable maximum operating height. I find it can easily fit into my daily bag or backpack. It’s also very lightweight although, as expected, the alternative aluminum version is a little heavier. The bottom leg sections are quite spindly, with a diameter of just 11mm, but stability is pretty good even at full stretch.

As well as giving a typically quick and easy change to monopod configuration, the Vanguard is more unusual in coming complete with a smartphone adapter. I like that it works well as a monopod and even a selfie stick, so I only need to take one support for the journey rather than two or three.

Read more: Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB review

4. Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced

✅  You like the idea of a hybrid travel tripod, with a head that works well for video as well as stills.

✅  You feel reassured by buying a tripod from one of the biggest names in the business.

✅ You like flip locks rather than the more usual twist locks for leg clamps.

❌  You’d rather have a tripod kit that has a more usual ball head.

❌  You don’t shoot video, but stick to stills.

❌ You’d prefer a carbon fiber travel tripod rather than an aluminum one.

The Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced is a lightweight photographer’s travel tripod paired with a three-way head. Although ball heads have become hugely popular, I actually prefer a 3-way head for the likes of architectural and close-up shooting, where precise adjustments can be critical. The 3-way fluid head in this case uses a hydraulic damping system to make it easy for smooth, fluid camera movements, so I find it also works well for shooting video.

The tripod, meanwhile, provides a good balance between capacity, weight, and price. It’ll take 6kg of kit and only weighs 2kg itself. I’ve tested lighter and stronger tripods, but they tended to be more pricey than this one.

It’s not as tall as some of the other tripods in this guide, and doesn’t fold down particularly small, the latter not helped by having a 3-way rather than ball head. But, for the vast majority of purposes, this is an impressive all-around package and merits serious consideration for any traveling photographer or videographer.

Read more: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced tripod review

5. Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro

✅  You like different color options for the finish, instead of just black.

✅  You’d like a tripod that can adapt for tabletop and other uses.

✅ You want a tripod that comes complete with a smartphone mount.

❌  You don’t need a tripod with the extra versatility, which can be fiddly.

❌  You’d rather save money and buy the aluminum version of the tripod.

❌ You don’t like having so many leg and column clamps to deal with.

I thought the headline attraction of the so-called ‘6-in-1’ Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro would be its versatility. That’s obviously a headline feature but I’ve found that it's also a very good travel tripod, pure a simple. Even at full height it's impressively stable for its build, and it packs a few extra features that come in handy when I’m shooting with a camera or a phone.

I’ve found that it's an excellent travel tripod and, again, thanks to its versatility, it works well as a monopod and also as a mini table tripod, which are genuinely valuable additions. It's great that things like the hex key, small tripod legs, and smartphone clamp are contained within or attached to the tripod, making it much less likely that I’ll leave them behind or lose them along the way. The flip side is that the extra bits and pieces make the tripod a little heavier than it needs to be.

Read more:  Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fiber review

6. 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0

✅  You’re happy with a magnesium alloy rather than carbon fiber travel tripod.

✅  You want great performance and versatility at a bargain price.

✅ You like the ability to shoot creatively from really low levels.

❌  You’d rather spend more on a carbon fiber tripod that’s not cold to the touch.

❌  You’d rather have something simpler, with less leg and column clamps to operate.

❌ You don’t need the 14kg payload because you’re using lightweight kit.

I find that all of the Punks tripods from 3 Legged Thing are very travel-friendly, but the Corey 2.0 is the smallest and easiest to pack for the journey. It has the usual swing-up legs to save stowage space, this time with five sections in each, plus a two-section head, enabling a decent maximum operating height but a very small stowage size.

Don’t be put off that this one’s not a carbon fiber tripod. It’s actually made from aerospace grade magnesium alloy and the upshot is that it’s still lightweight yet very strong, with a hefty 14kg maximum load rating.

It ticks another two boxes on my  wish list by easily converting to a monopod, and enabling ultra-low-level shooting with the option of attaching the ball head directly to the canopy (leaving the center column out of the equation). All three legs are removable, and Vanz footwear (sold separately) transforms the Corey 2.0 into a stylish tabletop tripod.

Read more: 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 review

7. Benro Rhino 05C (Zero Series) VX20

✅  You want a really small, lightweight tripod that still has a hefty 10kg load rating.

✅  You’re after a carbon fiber tripod that’s reasonably priced.

✅ You can make use of the secondary pan axis for shooting panoramas and video.

❌  The monopod configuration is nice to have but only stretches to a maximum height of 141cm.

❌  You’d like a travel tripod with a quick setup time.

❌ You’d prefer a tripod with feet that have metal spikes as well as rubber pads.

A plus point for me when space is at a premium is that the Benro Rhino 05C VX20 (also called the Rhino Zero Series VX20) is the smallest in a group of four recently launched Rhino travel tripods. Compactness doesn’t equate to flimsiness though and I’ve found that it’s remarkably rigid and robust for such a compact tripod. Another nice touch is that Benro’s companion VX ball heads have a secondary pan axis just under the camera plate. It’s great for taking sequences of panned shots to stitch into a panorama, and shooting video, as the panning axis remains on the level without the need to meticulously level the legs as well as the head.

I find that travel tripods have limitations, including a lower maximum working height and longer ‘unfolding’ time, but this goes with the territory and I can’t criticize the Rhino for that. Sure enough, this Benro doesn't extend to a particularly tall height, and outright rigidity can feel a little compromised if I fully extend all of the leg sections and both of the center column sections. When it’s not at full stretch though, I find this Benro is as rigid as much bigger and heavier tripods.

Read more: Benro Rhino 05C VX20 review

How to choose the best travel tripod

It’s good to be choosy when picking your perfect travel tripod for your needs and budget. Here’s a few things to bear in mind…

Carbon fiber is pricier than aluminum, but is it worth the extra?

Up-market tripods are usually made from carbon fiber instead of aluminum. They have a more luxurious feel, a smarter looking finish, and can be slightly more resistant to vibrations. Carbon fiber can also feel less cold to the touch. But the main advantage of carbon fiber is that it’s more lightweight than aluminum, giving it a clear advantage when you’re trying to shed weight. However, there can be diminishing returns. Although the weight-saving can be substantial in full-sized tripods, it’s much less noticeable in relatively small tripods. For many travel tripods that are available in both aluminum and carbon fiber options, the latter typically only saves around 200g in weight, little more than 10 per cent. Considering that the carbon fiber editions are often about 50 per cent more expensive to buy, aluminum travel tripods can be more cost effective.

How small is the tripod when folded?

A decade ago, the Giotto’s company launched a series of Vitruvian tripods, named after Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing, ‘The Vitruvian Man’. As in the drawing, the legs swing upwards but, in the case of the Giotto’s tripods they swung up completely, adopting a vertically upright orientation for stowing away. The trick was that, by fully extending the center column before swinging the legs up, the tripod head no longer extended beyond the length of the legs, making the carrying size much smaller. Many recent travel tripods fold down small enough to fit inside a bag or backpack, rather than needing to be tethered to the outside.

Can I save space by using a tripod as a monopod as well?

A neat trick of many recent travel tripods is that you can unscrew one of the tripod legs, detach the center column, and join the two together for use as a monopod, complete with ball head. That can be a real space saver if you like using a monopod as well as a tripod, as you only have to carry one bit of kit.

What’s so good about multi-angle legs?

Pretty much all travel tripods these days have legs that can be locked at multiple angles to the center column. Typically either two or three alternative angles are available, in addition to the legs being able to swing up vertically. This can help when you’re shooting on uneven terrain, or when there are obstacles in the way. For example, you might need to use one or two legs in a near-horizontal orientation and place the feet on a wall or table to get into your desired shooting position. Another bonus is that, by splaying the legs to a wider angle when shooting at low operating heights, you can increase stability and reduce the risk of the tripod toppling over if knocked.

How low can you go when shooting with a tripod?

Multi-angle legs help to reduce the minimum shooting height but the limiting factor is generally the point at which the center column touches the ground. The minimum height is therefore the height of the center column plus the ball head. A two-section extending center column can help to further reduce the minimum operating height, as well as the carrying height.  Some tripods are supplied with a short, stubby ‘low angle adaptor’. You can attach this to the tripod head and use it instead of the center column. The center column is also removable in most tripods, so you can invert it and shoot from between two of the legs with the camera upside down, right down at ground level.

What’s best for feet, pads or spikes?

Rubber pads are the normal footwear for tripods these days. They work well on solid ground as well as on grass and sandy areas. For soft surfaces like carpet, spikes can offer a more assured footing. Some tripods are supplied with both rubber pads and metal spikes, so you can swap between them as needed. Another option that used to be more common in the past is rubber pads on a threaded mount, so you can screw them in to reveal metal spikes beneath.

How we test travel 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.

You can find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World .

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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.

• James Artaius Editor

Related articles

Best travel tripods 2024: Lightweight and compact tripods

The best travel tripods are lightweight and easy to transport, but sturdy enough to take on outdoor shoots. Here are our top picks.

The quick list

Best overall

Best for height

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

• Travel tripods: FAQ
• How we test

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

The best travel tripods are the idea accessory for photographers who are often on the go, from landscape photographers on the hunt for the perfect shot to astrophotographers looking for remote locations to capture the stars. 

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

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

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

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

Read more below

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best budget option

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

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

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Best travel tripods we recommend in 2024

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

Best travel tripod overall

Peak design travel tripod.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

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

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

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

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

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

The smartphone clamp can be cleverly stowed away under the centre column, saving more space in your camera bag. True, with a tripod like this one you might not be likely to take smartphone pictures, but the option is there to take some snaps while you set up your camera. 

This tripod might not be the best option for tall photographers. With a maximum height of 60 inches/152.4cm, it's not the tallest tripod on this list, and while that keeps its overall weight down, it might be uncomfortable to use for those with a bit more height. 

It's worth noting that there are two versions of this tripod available: One with an aluminum body and the other with a carbon fiber one. The carbon fiber one is lighter than the aluminum one, but it's also much more expensive, and as the aluminum option is already very light at 3.44lbs/1.56kg, we'd question whether the extra expense is worth it.

• Read our full Peak Design Travel Tripod review

Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read our full Benro Rhino 24C Two series review

Benro Tortoise 24C x GX30 Head

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

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

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

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

The Tortoise doesn't have a center column, which is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, this lack of center column means the tripod doesn't extend very high; at 5'4 feet tall, our reviewer felt they had to stoop to use it even at full height. 

However, the absence of a center column also means the Benro Tortoise 24C tripod is lighter and more compact than some of the other picks on this list, so it's a great companion for travel photographers. Additionally, having no column in the center means the tripod's legs can spread out at almost 90 degrees, making it much more flexible than other tripods in this guide. As such, it's a great choice for those seeking to take photographers from unique angles.

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

• Read our full Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod review

Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB Carbon Fiber Tripod

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

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

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

Behold: One of the lightest lightweight tripods we've ever encountered. The Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB tripod is the lightest on this list by a long shot, weighing in at just 1.8 lbs. On the flipside, it can only extend to a height of 51.6 inches, which is not the tallest of the tripods in this guide, and its hold load capacity of 6.6 lbs (just about 3 kg) is not the highest either. But if it's sheer portability you're after, you can't do much better than this.

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

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

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

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

• Read more: Best mirrorless cameras

Manfrotto Befree 3 Way Advanced Tripod

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

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

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

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

Aside from its sturdy design, we particularly appreciated how affordable the Manfrotto Befree tripod is. It's great value for money compared to more expensive carbon fiber tripods in this guide, and it even comes with its own carry case.

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

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

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

• Read our full Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod review

JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We only regret that the GorillaPod 3K pro doesn't have a spirit level to ensure your shots are completely straight while you set them up. That said, most newer cameras have a built-in level feature, so that might not be an issue for you.

• Read our full JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit review

Gitzo Legende Traveller Tripod Kit

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

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

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

When you think of a tripod, we'd be willing to bet you don't think of aesthetics first. The Gitzo Legende might change your view on that: It's a stunning tripod with a premium design (and an equally premium price tag).

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

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

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

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

• Read more: Best camera accessories for astrophotography

Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro

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

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

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

Benro being one of the best tripod manufacturers in the world, we've featured three of its tripods in this guide. The MeFoto Road Trip Pro is the third one, coming in a little cheaper than its Benro counterparts while still offering a compact design and an impressive performance.

Of course, there are some trade-offs. Its smaller frame means it holds less weight than other tripods on this list. It's also not the tallest tripod on the market, extending up to 60 inches/155cm. But if you're on a budget and still want a quality tripod, we think they're trade-offs worth making. 

At just 3.6 lbs, the Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro is very lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack or in luggage. It's also seriously versatile: In addition to being a tripod, it can be configured into a monopod, boom pole, selfie stick, high hat, and tabletop tripod. It's suited to practically every type of photographer and videographer, and with so many options to choose from, it promotes creativity and experimentation.

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

• Read more: Best cameras for beginners

3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0

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

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

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

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

The Punks series of tripods from 3-Legged Thing is designed with travel in mind. Their body made from magnesium alloy mean they are very lightweight and compact and despite their portable size, they boast an impressive weight capacity of up to 30 lbs, more than 8x their weight. 

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

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

• Read more: 3 Legged PUNKS Brian tripod review

Travel tripods: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lightest travel tripod.

The lightest travel tripod we tested is the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod which weighs just 1.02 lbs (463g). However, it's worth noting that it is a unique model designed to wrap around objects such as branches and fences, so it's not a traditional tripod per se. 

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

Can I use a travel tripod with my smartphone?

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

Should I buy a Carbon fiber or aluminum tripod?

Carbon fiber tripods generally weigh less than their aluminum counterparts, but they also cost more. Some models come at a considerable premium, so if you want to save money on a tripod you should look to aluminum models first. However, if traveling light is your priority, then carbon fiber is the way to go.

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

What is the best travel tripod for astrophotography?

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

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

What is a tripod maximum payload?

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

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

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

How many leg sections should my tripod have?

Most tripods have between three and five leg sections. The leg sections are designed to extend to increase or decrease the tripod's height to aid composition. 

For example, the Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head has four leg sections and reaches a maximum height of 66.3-inches. The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod has a maximum height of 11.8 inches with just one leg section, but this tripod is designed to wrap around and onto tall objects so 

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

How we test the best travel tripods

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

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

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

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

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

• Kimberley Lane Contributing writer
• Tantse Walter Contributing Writer

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Tripods and monopods

• 9 Best Travel Tripods [Tested and Reviewed]

Travel tripods are compact enough to fit in your backpack or suitcase, making them easy to take on your journeys. Many people like them just for their compact size, so several companies produce them as a staple of their tripod line-up. However, various products are made from different materials and come at different price points, so deciding which one to buy can be tricky.

We've compared nine bestselling travel tripods available online and tested them to recommend the best tripod  for you.

We tested each product for the following:

Ease of Use

Portability.

Which product ended up being the best of the best? In our buying guide, we'll also tell you how to pick the best travel tripods on your own, so read on for more shopping tips.

Former camera sales representative at a major electronics retailer. Sales experience with digital SLR cameras, compact cameras, binoculars, photography gear, and so on. Conducted camera seminars at one of the largest camera retailers in Japan. Also has extensive experience assisting customers with gimbals and other video shooting equipment. Has appeared in both photography magazines and on TV. 16 years of experience operating cameras. Licensed Pre-Level 1 Photomaster. Currently in charge of camera-related media at mybest. Product comparison motto: look at every point and share only correct information.

How We Tested the Products

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If your tripod makes it easy to take pictures the way you want to, you can enjoy stress-free photography sessions and just focus on getting your shots. To test this, we attached a camera to the tripods and performed the following actions multiple times, evaluating how easy it was to extend and adjust the legs, how smoothly the head moved, and how easy the head was to lock in place. This is the procedure we followed.Extended the legs as far as possible and attached a mirrorless cameraPointed the camera directly at a subject on a table, made it level, and secured it in placePanned and titled the head gently with the camera attached, returned it to the position of facing the subject, and secured it in place

3 Portability

Travel tripods are designed to be portable, but sometimes that’s not the case when you actually try to take them somewhere. We compared the size, weight, and how easy each tripod was to store in a camera bag to evaluate how portable they truly were. We believe tripods within the following ranges are comfortable, and those that are even smaller and lighter than this can be considered very portable.Less than three pounds five ounces, the weight of an average tripod for DSLR camerasSmall enough to fit into a typical backpack-style camera bag, or under 18 inches

Table of Contents

How We Tested the Travel Tripods

A travel tripod has to meet these 2 criteria first.

While there isn’t an official size or weight limit, a travel tripod can usually be folded into a small shape that easily fits in a backpack or carry-on bag. As cameras have gotten progressively smaller, the popularity of small, portable travel tripods has grown too. But what should you look for in a travel tripod?

It Needs to Be Both Stable and Portable

A tripod’s main job is to hold the camera steady and prevent blurring. The bigger and heavier a tripod is, the more stable it is, but this comes at the cost of portability.

While stability and portability might seem opposite sides of the same coin, they’re both critical factors regarding travel tripods. The ideal product is both highly stable and highly portable .

How to Choose a Travel Tripod - Buying Guide

Here are the points to remember when choosing the best travel tripod.

Even if You Have a DSLR, a $200 Aluminum Tripod Will Be Stable Enough

First, you want to ensure it can stabilize your camera, especially if you use a telephoto lens or a heavy DSLR.

An Unstable Tripod Doesn't Do Much Good

The biggest benefit of using a tripod is that it prevents your camera from moving while taking a shot. If a picture is blurry, you won't be able to see the details of the subject, and the whole picture looks terrible.

A tripod isn't just necessary for those with shaky hands. It allows you to  adjust your shutter speed and ISO freely , giving you more control over image quality without leading to blur. Tripods are handy for people who want to take pictures of landscapes.

Leg Diameter Matters, but Other Factors Also Affect Stability

Generally, thicker legs mean a more stable tripod ; companies claim these can support heavier cameras. However, we found that the diameter of the legs doesn’t tell the whole story. While load capacity is typically included in the tripod specifications, every company calculates it differently, so these numbers can’t be used to compare different products.

The only way to compare the stability of different tripods is to test them under the same conditions . In our tests for this article, we applied a uniform amount of force to the camera and tripod for each product to test stability.

Carbon Fiber Was the Most Stable, but $200 Aluminum Tripods Were Adequate

We found that well-known companies' tripods costing $200 or more were very stable. Not only were the legs themselves stable, but the overall structure was, too, making them capable of holding a DSLR camera. Generally, the material the legs are constructed of makes a big difference, and carbon fiber is the best at preventing shaking . In our test, carbon fiber legs stopped vibrations, and these tripods stabilized themselves more quickly than other products.

However, the difference between carbon fiber and aluminum alloy legs is so small that you probably won't notice unless you're a professional or advanced user. Also, there's no guarantee that carbon fiber legs will outperform aluminum alloy legs every time.

If you don't want blurry pictures, a tripod with carbon fiber legs by Gitzo, Manfrotto, or another manufacturer is ideal, but quality aluminum legs are sufficient for new photographers. Cheap aluminum tripods, however, can't stabilize a heavier DSLR camera, so if you own one of those, you should look for a sturdy aluminum tripod over the $ 200 range .

If You Prioritize Lightness, We Recommend Carbon Fiber Even Though It's More Expensive

Choose one with carbon fiber legs if you’re looking for the lightest product possible.

Tripods With Carbon Fiber Legs Are 30 Percent Lighter Than Similar Products With Aluminum Legs

We recommend one with carbon fiber legs if you’re looking for your dream travel tripod. Carbon fiber is about 20 to 30 percent lighter than the aluminum alloy used in most tripods. This makes tripods with carbon fiber legs very attractive for photographers who are often on the move .

Additionally, carbon fiber is resistant to cold, so these tripods are comfortable to use in cold areas. The downside is that they are more expensive than aluminum ones, but if you want the best, go with carbon.

Gitzo and Manfrotto Make the Most Stable, Easiest to Use Tripods

After careful testing, we found that the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 and the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Twist , both with their respective ball head kits, were exceptional tripods. They both provide excellent stabilization in a compact package.

Comparing the two, the Gitzo provides superior stabilization and is very comfortable to operate. The legs are easy to extend and contract and can be easily locked into the perfect position without much force. This tripod has everything you'd want, and the specs are top-class.

On the other hand, the Manfrotto is lighter and comes at a lower price . The panning of the head and movement of the legs aren't as smooth as the Gitzo's, but this is an excellent option if you're looking for stability and portability at a lower price.

Gitzo and Manfrotto both belong to Videndum, formerly known as Vitec Group. Gitzo strives to create the best products without setting a maximum budget, while Manfrotto focuses on balanced products at a reasonable price.

Make Sure to Check the Folded Length and Maximum Height

The folded length and maximum height both influence how portable the tripod is. It’s essential to check these dimensions to find the right tripod for your style.

A Folded Length Under 18 Inches Fits Easily into a Camera Bag

The folded length is a major factor in determining how portable a travel tripod is. This is especially important when putting it in a camera bag or suitcase. If you’re looking for a tripod that can fit into a typical mid to large-size camera bag , you want one with a folded length of 18 inches or less. This would make it smaller than the bag, making it easy to carry. If you plan to travel with a backpack often, check the size accordingly.

Setting the Camera at Eye Level Is More Comfortable

If the tripod is a lot shorter than you are, it will be harder to peek into the viewfinder and operate the camera. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by getting a tripod that can set your camera at eye level. A maximum height of  80 percent of your height is a good guideline. Considering the height added by the camera and the viewfinder, this is a suitable height to make things easy for yourself.

Twist Locks Are Best on a Travel Tripod

A tripod can be easier or harder to use based on the locks used when extending and contracting the legs.

The Differences Between Twist Locks and Flip Locks

The two types of locks for tripod legs are twist locks and flip locks. To operate a flip lock, you manipulate a part that looks like a small lever. You can easily see whether it’s locked , so you can prevent accidents caused by forgetting to lock them, making these locks suitable for beginners. However, they are bulky and can get caught on things, and they loosen after extended use.

Twist locks are simply twisted to lock and unlock them. While you can’t tell whether they are secure by looking at them, they are easy to twist. You can secure the locks further by twisting them harder, making them popular with pros and experienced amateurs.

Twist Locks Are Smooth for Easy Stowing and Set Up

We suggest going with twist locks over flip locks. Twist locks allow you to quickly lock or unlock all the sections simultaneously , making setup a breeze. This makes them very convenient for photographers who move locations or frequently adjust the legs.

In addition, they aren’t bulky and uneven, so they don’t get caught on anything when putting the tripod in a bag. These locks are better from both a performance and portability perspective.

Since twist locks have simple construction, they are easy to disassemble and clean. You can clean them on the road without tools, which is ideal if you’re shooting where sand, seawater, or other contaminants can get on your tripod.

Check the Head and Stabilizer Weight Hook for Comfortable Photography

The head and stabilizer weight hook affect the ease of use as well. If you’re looking for the smoothest experience, look at these parts.

Check if the Ball Head Has a Quick-Release Plate

The head is the part that connects the camera to the tripod. Most travel tripods use a ball head because they're compact and provide firm support. Most ball heads have a quick-release plate that allows you to attach your camera to the tripod and remove it quickly. Since you don't need to tediously screw your camera on every time , it makes getting ready to shoot much quicker.

While most travel tripods feature a ball head with a quick-release plate, there are some exceptions, so it's best to check just to be safe. A tripod head can be switched , so you can change it for another later if you're unsatisfied.

We Recommend a Stabilizer Weight Hook to Prevent Swaying Due to Wind

Some tripods have a hook attached to the bottom of the center column. You can increase the tripod's weight by hanging something heavy from the hook, making it more stable. This is especially helpful when extending the legs or shooting in a windy place , so we recommend picking a tripod with one of these hooks.

If the object hanging from the hook doesn’t touch the ground, strong winds can cause it to sway, destabilizing the tripod. If it’s windy, tie a rope to the hook and the object, and make sure the bottom of the object touches the ground.

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.css-olfg9l{display:block;font-size:14px;color:#999999;line-height:125%;}@media (min-width: 768px){.css-olfg9l{font-size:12px;}} gitzo .css-ucqgk6{display:block;font-size:18px;line-height:125%;}@media (min-width: 768px){.css-ucqgk6{font-size:18px;}} series 1 traveler carbon fiber tripod with center ball head ｜ gk1545t-82tqd.

mybest's Top Choice! With High Scores in All Areas, It's Stable and Easy to Use

Gitzo is a world-renowned tripod manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in the industry. Its construction and warranty give the impression it's built to last, making it a popular choice even for professional photographers. Of all the products we tested, this one was the most stable , as we noticed almost no blurring in the photographs. It managed to absorb impacts and prevent the camera from shaking too much.

There is almost no resistance when extending the legs and the twist locks are easy to operate with little force. The head moves smoothly and we felt hardly any resistance using it, leading to a satisfying experience.

The size and weight of the unit make it easy to carry and highly portable . The total diameter when folded is relatively small, allowing it to fit into a bag easily. This product offers everything you could want in a travel tripod and is highly recommended for anyone who doesn’t want to settle for less than the best.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ｜ MKBFRTC4-BHUS

Reasonably-Priced Carbon Fiber Tripod With Very Few Downsides

The Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod by Manfrotto, an Italian photography brand, is a popular tripod with a beautiful design and is easy to operate. This tripod is very stable, as there wasn’t much blurring in our photos during our test. Thanks to its carbon fiber composition, it quickly suppresses motion and eliminates shaking . You shouldn’t have to worry about your pictures coming out blurry under normal circumstances.

The center column felt a little loose, but the legs and head moved smoothly, making setup and height adjustments effortless. Its length when folded is on the smaller side and of course, it’s made of lightweight carbon fiber. Its case has a wide opening, making it easy to insert and remove the tripod. It offers a nice balance of price and performance , making it a great travel tripod for anyone.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod ｜ MKBFRTA4BK-BH

Easy to Operate and Adequately Stable, but the Center Column Gets Stuck

Another product by the Italian company Manfrotto, this tripod has a stylish design and high load capacity, making it a popular choice for many photographers. It performed well when the camera was hit, but not as well when the impact was applied to the tripod itself. It displayed an average ability to prevent blurring in photos, so it should get the job done most of the time.

It was very easy to extend and contract the legs and move the head. While the center column had a tendency to get stuck, everything else was seamless to operate. We didn’t notice any movement of the head after it was locked in place. Because it folds down to a small size, it’s easy to carry around. It’s made of aluminum, so it isn’t lighter than the average tripod , but it’s highly portable overall.

Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/Monopod ｜ FRHN24C+VX25

Sturdy and Easy to Use, but Rather Bulky and Heavy

The Rhino tripod is part of the animal-inspired “Zoo series” by Benro, a famous Chinese tripod maker, and is a basic travel tripod that focuses on portability and performance. This tripod is as stable as the best products on the market, allowing almost no blurring during the camera impact test. While it performed a little worse on the tripod impact test, it wasn’t enough to drastically alter the quality of the photo. It seemed to reduce swaying very quickly and we were satisfied with its sturdiness and stability.

In addition, we didn’t feel any resistance when extending or retracting the legs and could lock them in place with one twist of the wrist. The twist locks are made of a soft rubber that doesn’t hurt your hands even if you squeeze them hard. The head also moves smoothly and it’s easy to use overall. However, its length when folded is rather large for a travel tripod and it’s a bit heavy, making it less portable than other products on the market.

Sirui ET-2004 Tripod ｜ ET-2004+E-20

Heavy, but Stable, With Easily Adjustable Legs

This aluminum travel tripod by Sirui, a large Chinese tripod manufacturer, has legs that are 28 millimeters, or just over an inch, in diameter and is suitable for low-angle photography. While the picture came out a little blurry when we hit the tripod, there wasn’t much of an issue when we hit the camera instead. This tripod should perform well even with a heavy DSLR with a large lens attached.

The legs were easy to slide and we didn’t feel any resistance. It also comes with a high-precision head, allowing it to move seamlessly with a camera attached. Additionally, it only moved slightly even when the locking knob was being turned to secure it. Its folded length of 17 inches is small enough to fit into a bag without trouble. On the other hand, the legs are made of aluminum and the tripod weighs four pounds three ounces , which is very heavy. If you plan on doing a lot of foot travel, you may want to keep that in mind.

Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ｜ TT-CB-5-150-CF-1

Compact and Tall, but the Ball Head and Legs Are Somewhat Fussy

Peak Design is famous around the world for their camera accessories. They raised almost 10 million dollars through crowdfunding to produce this carbon fiber travel tripod, and got the industry’s attention in the process. When we tested the result of impact on the camera, we didn’t notice much blurring in the picture, but it was noticeable when the tripod was hit . The camera was still slightly shaking after the impact, so it didn’t seem to have mitigated it well.

The legs use a flip lock system, which can be stubborn at times and requires a lot of force to operate. In addition, the head is finicky and has a narrow range of motion, and we were concerned about movement when securing the camera. That being said, it is very compact. It is similar to a water bottle in diameter , allowing it to fit easily in a camera bag and making it very portable.

Geekoto AT24EVO Peak 77 Inches ｜ AT24PRO II

Can Be Used as a Monopod, but if There's Shaking, It Won't Settle Down

Geekoto sells a variety of camera products, including lighting equipment and tripods. This is an aluminum tripod with removable legs, allowing it to be used as a monopod. We didn’t notice much of a problem when the camera was struck, but when the tripod was struck, there was substantial blurring. Not only that, but once it started shaking, it kept going for an extended period of time. If you plan to use this tripod with a heavy camera, you have to watch out for this issue.

The top sections of the legs extend smoothly, but there is some resistance when pulling out the bottom sections. The head can be difficult to move when you apply torque, but it holds its position even when turning the knob to secure it. It uses a similar folding style to other travel tripods, but it has large dimensions, so it’s still on the larger side even when folded down. It’s not exactly light, but it’s on the same level as other aluminum tripods.

K&F CONCEPT Lightweight Travel Tripod Compact Aluminum Alloy ｜ B234A1+BH-28L

Has Monopod Capability, but Legs Are Stubborn and It Doesn't Prevent Blurring

K&F Concept is a Chinese company that produces tripods, camera bags, and lens filters. Their aluminum four-section tripod has removable legs, and can be used as a monopod with the included head. When force was applied to the tripod, you could see significant blurring in the shot without even zooming in. This also occurred when the camera was hit, so if you want to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with this tripod, you’re going to need a timer or shutter release .

While the top two sections of each leg extend by themselves, the bottom section gets caught and doesn't extend smoothly. Additionally, there’s not much space between the head’s lock lever and the bottom of the camera, so it's easy to bump your finger during operation. Finally, it's hard to move precisely in some directions, making it hard to make slight adjustments. This product can be folded down like a typical travel tripod, and while its folded size of 18.5 inches is smaller than a normal tripod, it’s a bit large for a travel tripod.

UBeesize Camera tripod with travel bag

Light, but Bulky and Too Unstable for a DSLR

This tripod with a travel bag by UBeesize works not only with cameras but also with smartphones, and comes with a smartphone holder and Bluetooth remote. Unfortunately, it’s very unstable, leading to pictures with obvious blur even without enlarging them, when either the camera or tripod is hit. It claims a load capacity of 12 pounds, but we don't feel it’s suitable for DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

There was a lot of friction between the pipes, making the legs hard to extend and contract. The levers used for the flip locks were small and hard and sometimes hurt our fingers. Also, the head is loose and made of plastic, and we noticed the camera moving even when the knob was completely fastened. While it’s light, it has the same design as a typical travel tripod. It’s not designed to shrink to a size that’s easy to carry, so it’s a little big to put into a camera bag.

We took some of the top-selling tripods from Amazon, B&H Photo and Video, Best Buy and other sites, and tested them to find the best one. Here at mybest, we define that as a tripod that is stable, portable, and easy to use.

We tested the tripods for each of the following three things.

• How stable it was
• How easy it was to use
• How portable it was
• Benro ｜ Rhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/Monopod ｜ FRHN24C+VX25
• Geekoto ｜ AT24EVO Peak 77 Inches ｜ AT24PRO II
• Gitzo ｜ Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head ｜ GK1545T-82TQD
• K&F CONCEPT ｜ Lightweight Travel Tripod Compact Aluminum Alloy ｜ B234A1+BH-28L
• Manfrotto ｜ Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod ｜ MKBFRTA4BK-BH
• Manfrotto ｜ Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ｜ MKBFRTC4-BHUS
• Peak Design ｜ Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ｜ TT-CB-5-150-CF-1
• Sirui ｜ ET-2004 Tripod ｜ ET-2004+E-20
• UBeesize ｜ Camera tripod with travel bag

When it comes to tripods, nothing is more important than stability. We tested how stable each tripod was by attaching a camera with a super-telephoto lens and applying force to the setup while taking a picture. We analyzed the picture to see how well the tripod prevented blur and how well it mitigated shaking.

The following conditions were consistent for all products.

• Legs extended to 55 inches
• Sony Alpha 9 with a SEL100400GM lens200mm focal length, ISO100, one-second shutter speed, aperture set to F9
• The camera image stabilization was turned off and only the electronic shutter was used. The timer was set to two seconds and the shutter was tripped via cable release.
• To test for impact on the camera, we snapped a rubber band against the bottom of the camera from the same distance each time.
• To test for impact on the tripod, we set up a rubber band to hit the first section of the legs when we snapped it.

If your tripod makes it easy to take pictures the way you want to, you can enjoy stress-free photography sessions and just focus on getting your shots. To test this, we attached a camera to the tripods and performed the following actions multiple times, evaluating how easy it was to extend and adjust the legs, how smoothly the head moved, and how easy the head was to lock in place.

This is the procedure we followed.

• Extended the legs as far as possible and attached a mirrorless camera
• Pointed the camera directly at a subject on a table, made it level, and secured it in place
• Panned and titled the head gently with the camera attached, returned it to the position of facing the subject, and secured it in place

Travel tripods are designed to be portable, but sometimes that’s not the case when you actually try to take them somewhere. We compared the size, weight, and how easy each tripod was to store in a camera bag to evaluate how portable they truly were.

We believe tripods within the following ranges are comfortable, and those that are even smaller and lighter than this can be considered very portable.

• Less than three pounds five ounces, the weight of an average tripod for DSLR cameras
• Small enough to fit into a typical backpack-style camera bag, or under 18 inches

Top 5 Travel Tripods

No. 1: Gitzo ｜ Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head ｜ GK1545T-82TQD

No. 2: Manfrotto ｜ Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ｜ MKBFRTC4-BHUS

No. 3: Manfrotto ｜ Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod ｜ MKBFRTA4BK-BH

No. 4: Benro ｜ Rhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/Monopod ｜ FRHN24C+VX25

No. 5: Sirui ｜ ET-2004 Tripod ｜ ET-2004+E-20

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