Tripods used to be bulkier and heavier once upon a time and photographers had to carry these heavy accessories during their travels and it made the whole process a bit stressful. Travel tripods were made to make this process easier, so they can be carried in a backpack, without spending too much energy. They also do not take up much space since they can be folded into small bags.
Travel tripods are required mostly when you are travelling for landscape and astrophotography. They can also be great accessories when families and friends want to capture group photos and the photographer needs to be in the frame. They are also good for solo travellers who want their self portraits taken in outdoor locations where they travel.
If you are planning to buy a travel tripod, check a few factors before making the decision.
- Weight And Portability: You are purchasing a travel tripod because you wish to carry it around when travelling without much hassle. They also need to fit on a backpack or a camera bag that you will be carrying. So check for ones that are lightweight and foldable or collapsible to smaller sizes, so it is easier to carry along during your travels.
- Maximum Load Capacity: Some tripods can be too light and flimsy that they can get knocked over easily or blown over by a small wind. Besides, they may not be able to hold the weight of the camera-lens combination that you carry along. You need to check the specifications to see if the tripod can carry the camera and lens combination that you wish to carry along during your travels.
- Height: The tripod needs to help the photographer capture a scene from any angle or perspective they wish to. It could be a high one or a very low one. Each tripod comes with specifications or features that may be slightly or a lot different from the other. Check how tall the tripod can be extended or how low it can be collapsed to get the required shots.
- Material: Tripods become heavier or lighter based on the material used to manufacture them. Older tripods used to be made of steel or aluminium and they were quite heavy to carry around. Travel tripods and other bigger traditional tripods are now made with carbon fiber and this makes them quite light and easy to carry around.
- Stability: A tripod needs to be stable in any terrain and weather conditions. A lot of the remote locations can be quite windy and nights can especially be windier than the days in certain locations. Research about your tripod and purchase one that has features to keep it stable in all conditions.
- Budget: If you have a set amount that you are looking to spend on a tripod, check for tripods that have satisfactory features based on the above suggestions and then look for one that suits your budget.
- Additional Features: Since mobile photography has become very popular in the recent years, some tripod manufacturers add some accessories along with their tripods like a mobile holder, etc. Some tripods have the feature to use them as a monopod. If you are someone who would be interested in any of these features, check these before making a purchase.
Pro Tip: Even if you use a tripod for stability, there are times when camera shakes can be induced when releasing the shutter button. It is good practice to use a remote or cable release to eliminate camera shake and capture sharp images.
Some of the most popular brands of tripod, known for their quality and reliability are:
- Manfrotto
- Gitzo
- Benro
- MeFoto
- Joby (known for flexible and compact tripods)
- Sirui
- Vanguard
- Peak Design (known for innovative tripod designs)
Check out this video by pro photographer David Manning to learn more about the most popular travel tripods as of now:
Here are some of the 10 best travel tripods that you can check out on Amazon.
This is a list of prices you should check out immediately and see which one is in live with your budget:
K&F Concept 64 Inch | Manfrotto Befree Advanced | Zomei Z699C | Peak Design Travel Tripod | SmallRig 71 Inch | Benro Rhino Series FRHN24C | Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB | JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit | GEEKOTO 77 Inch | 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 |
$89.99 | $329.88 | $119.99 | $379.94 | $69.99 | 339.95 | $234.35 | $98.75 | $89.96 | $199.99 |
Best Travel Tripods In 2024
K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod
This is a lightweight, and affordable tripod made of carbon fiber. It weighs only 1.14kg, which is perfect for travel photographers to carry around. Here are its main features:
- The Ball Head can be rotated to any angle you want and this helps to use your camera without any problem for unique perspective shots.
- The tripod can be extended to a height of about 162cm and can be folded to about 41cm. This makes it a very compact and portable tripod for travel photographers.
- This tripod is well built and can be used with most cameras in the market. However they may be a bit shaky when extended to the longest end.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great travel Tripod Reviewed in the United States on June, 2024
Folds down all enough to fit sideways in my checked luggage. Was very handy for sunset pictures from land or deck of a River Cruise Long Boat.
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Twist Camera Tripod Kit
This tripod is most commonly used by many photographers who travel a lot because of its neat, compact design and portability. The tripod is very easy to set up and has a maximum height of 59 inches, a minimum height of 16 inches and weighing about 1.6 kg.
Pros:
- This tripod is travel friendly and popular for its build, portability and stability and can be carried easily in your backpack.
- It is made of high quality materials and is available to choose from a few lock models.
- Although the tripod is lightweight, it has a central column that has the facility to hang something heavy to keep it stable in windy conditions.
Cons:
- This tripod may not be a good choice if you wish to use a large camera and a telephoto lens.
- It is quite expensive compared to similar tripods in the market.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent light weight tripod Reviewed in the United States on June 2024
I am just getting into photography and I wanted a light tripod to carry with me, I have used other heavier tripods for stargazing, so I have a little experience with tripods. Although light, this tripod is stable, easy to use, and seems sturdy.
Zomei Z699C Carbon Fiber Portable Tripod
This is a budget-friendly tripod that is very lightweight and portable. This tripod can be converted into a monopod when required.
Pros:
- It is a very affordable tripod for any photographer on a budget
- Since the tripod has a ball head, it helps to move the camera to to any required angles.
- Instead of the traditional clips and other lock mechanisms in tripods, this comes with a twist lock feature that makes it easier to setup when out in location.
- This tripod has a unique feature of adjusting leg angles and so is a great choice for anyone interested in taking shots from unusual perspective and angles.
Cons:
- You cannot use this tripod for very low angle shots because the central column cannot be inverted for this purpose.
- It is not very stable in windy situations.
- Some reviews found online suggest that the quick release plate may not be compatible with some camera models or may not securely hold the camera.
4.0 out of 5 stars Not super light, but still very useful Reviewed in the United States on May 2024
Replacing my old cheaper Dolica, these are so much more sturdy and stable! They are also as versatile as described. I'm using it to hold up a heavy pastel painting pochade – much more difficult for tripods to handle full pochades for painting than even heavy lens cameras, BTW. If it holds up as I think it will, I'll consider it a great purchase. However, even with carbon fiber legs I wouldn't call it light weight, which is probably due to the extra sturdy metal fittings. Still it does fold up small, folds up well, and does the job.
UPDATE: It is very sturdy and works like a charm! I wasn't sure a ball socket would work as well as a pan tilt head, but it works even better.
Peak Design Travel Tripod
This tripod is known for its compact nature and design to suit photographers who travel a lot.
Pros:
- It can be folded to a very small size, making it highly portable. It can fit easily into a ackpack or a travel bag.
- This tripod can hold some amount of heavy gear like DSLRs and telephoto lenses.
- Since the legs have multiple columns, the size can be adjusted to the desired value based on the angle, perspective and type of shot.
- The center column is can be inverted to capture some low angle shots or to capture subjects at ground level.
Cons:
- This brand is quite expensive compared to similar tripods, but the features make it worth the price.
- The leg locks in this model seem to be a bit difficult to use compared to traditional flip locks or the twist locks.
- The tripod comes with a ball head, which is common in most recent tripods. As a result, there is no panning base which can be a bit difficult for photographers who capture a lot of video footage and panoramas.
- The tripod is very lightweight and can be a bt shaky in windy conditions.
5.0 out of 5 stars Well designed Reviewed in the United States on April 2024
Great portable tripod…very well designed with adjustable leg tension makes it solid in spite of it’s size. Watch the video for tips on setting it up fast. Has some extra features that most don’t.
SmallRig 71 Inch Camera Tripod
This brand of tripod is quite affordable for anyone who has some hesitation to invest in an expensive tripod. It also can be converted into a monopod whenever necessary and this makes it a very portable accessory for hikers and travellers.
Pros:
- Since this tripod is affordable, it is a great choice for anyone who travels a lot for landscape and other photography that require a tripod.
- It comes with attachments that allow the user to customise the tripod and use various mounts for devices other than a camera.
- These tripods have capacity to hold moderately heavy camera and lens combinations.
Cons:
- The tripod is quite basic and is not easily available in the market all the time.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very easy to use, solid construction Reviewed in the United States on March 2024
I am using for both taking photos with my iPhone and using my telescope viewer. It has two base attachment so I can swap quickly.
One thing to be aware of: I was adjusting it in the dark while taking aurora photos (or attempting to) and it came apart. I tried to put together on the dark but one piece was not able to go back on. Strangely enough, the post had come off during the initial breakdown which I had not noticed in the dark.
I had to remove the top, remove the attaching post and put the collar on, then replace the post before screwing the top piece back on. (This will make sense if you are fighting with this problem)
Now I am using it with pleasure, easy adjustments, smooth turning.
Benro Rhino Series FRHN24C
This is a Carbon Fiber Tripod with a sturdy build and design. They are designed to carry heavy camera and lens and are very portable, even if they cannot be folded to a very small size.
Pros:
- The tripod legs allow to adjust the angles to get shots from unique angles and levels.
- The flip lock mechanism on the tripod legs allow the users to set and fold the tripod easily when in the field.
- The center column comes with a hook to hang something heavy for stability during windy situations.
Cons:
- This tripod is slightly more expensive compared to other tripods.
- It is heavier compared to similar tripods.
- It is not too compact once folded and is not recommended for longer travels.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great travel tripod Reviewed in the United States on August 2022
I was hiking in Yellowstone and saw several people carrying this tripod. I had to get one once I handled one. It is light, has various positions and very stable. Good price!
Vanguard VEO3T235CBP Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
This Carbon Fiber Tripod is one of the best in terms of portability and the feature that it can be converted to a monopod. The bubble level helps to keep the horizons straight in the frame and there are additional threads if you wish to mount more accessories besides a camera.
Pros:
- The tripod is made of carbon fiber material which makes it lightweight.
- The legs are sturdy even in windy conditions.
- The heights, angles and perspectives can be adjusted to get interesting shots.
- The ball head helps to mount the camera in various angles and orientations.
Cons:
- Slightly expensive compared to other lightweight tripods.
- The twist lock design may not be practical for some photographers who prefer flip lock mechanism.
5.0 out of 5 stars Top quality Reviewed in the United States on January 2024
One of the best tripods I’ve came across . It’s durable light food up compact and over all fit and finish is impressive !
JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit
The JOBY GorillaPod is a popular mini tripod and is known for its flexible legs and compact design. The legs can be twisted and wound around things like poles, tree branches, etc. The gorillapod is not recommended for DSLRs, however a mirrorless camera with a lens that has a combined weight of up to 3 kg is supported. Here are some of its key features:
Pros:
- The legs are flexible and can be wrapped around objects and bent into various shapes. This allows the gorillapod to be used anywhere even if the surfaces are not quite right or if you need to put the camera high up or very low on the ground. Otherwise it can be used as a traditional tripod.
- It comes with a quick release plate that allows to quickly attach and detach your camera.
- The gorillapod material is made of rubber rings and grips which help the gorillapod to be attached to surfaces securely without slipping.
- The gorillapod's legs cannot be extended, but can be bent to achieve different heights.
- The gorillapod can easily fit into a camera bag, making it very portable. It is also very lightweight.
Cons:
- The weight a gorillapod can hold is quite limited and it is most suitable for smaller cameras with a small lens.
- You cannot extend the legs to achieve heights, but the gorillapod can be kept on walls or wrapped around branches and other structures securely if possible to get the desired heights.
- It is not very sturdy in windy situations.
- Adjusting the legs to get to certain angles may take time and requires some patience.
- Limited Load Capacity For Accessories: While the tripod may have attachment points for accessories, the weight limit for these attachments can be relatively low, limiting your options for adding gear.
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome tripod Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2023
For years I’ve avoided these tripods because I think they look gangly and stupid, but I finally tried one and wow, I absolutely love it. It holds a lot of weight, in fact, I screwed off the top and discovered the screw set is the same size as a monitor bracket, and I use the tripod as a stand for my Rodecaster Pro podcast board. This tripod is so versatile I ordered a second. My primary use for the second is for a small video projector.
GEEKOTO 77 Inch Tripod
This is an affordable tripod designed with both photography and videography in mind. The tripod legs can be adjusted to different angles in each level and hence can be used efficiently in rugged terrains and sloped surfaces. Since it also can be collapsed to a smaller size, it is perfect for photographers who travel a lot.
Pros:
- The tripod can be extended to a maximum height of 77 inches and is a great choice to capture high angle and perspective shots.
- The center column can be adjusted or reversed to use the tripod at really low perspectives.
- The angles for each section can be adjusted and this makes the tripod a very versatile on to use in tough terrains.
- The tripod has one detachable leg that can be used as a monopod.
- The price is quite affordable, making it a good choice for photographers on a budget.
Cons:
- The weight is slightly more compared to similar lightweight tripods.
- The size of the tripod is not too compact when folded completely.
- The tripod may be slightly shaky is very windy conditions.
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this!! Reviewed in the United States on May 2024
Works great for filming with your phone
Really easy to adjust!
I love how tall it goes, short and medium length
Come with a case to hold it in
3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0
This is a lightweight and compact tripod made of magnesium alloy. This design is quite versatile and makes it a good choice for photographers who travel a lot.
Pros:
- The build of the tripod body is good and is made of durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear due to the environmental elements.
- It can support all types of cameras including DSLRs with a standard lens.
- The tripod legs are detachable and can be converted to a monopod.
- Legs can be adjusted to various heights and angles. This helps the photographer to shoot from unique angles and perspectives.
- The ball head allows the camera to be used at various angles and perspectives.
Cons:
- The maximum height is not good compared to similar tripods and may not be a sufficient height for some photographers who love to photograph from a higher angle.
- It can be a struggle to use the tripod in very windy conditions.
5.0 out of 5 stars Connection Failure- NEW UPDATE Reviewed in the United States on February 2024
Update Feb 17, 2024: Excellent customer support from Neil & the company 3-Legged Thing in England. They are replacing the failed column lock and compression washer no charge plus provided great operational support guides for future. Very impressed how they stand by their product- Thank you! I have updated my rating to 5 stars.
Conclusion
We hope the above list and deciding factors will help you to choose a tripod that suits your photography and style. Look for the weight, load capacity and other features that will make your photography simpler with the tripod.
What tripod do you use when traveling or what would you recommend and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
1 Comment
You have mentioned Sirui as a leading brand, but did not review its traveller’s tripod.