best travel tripod photos

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

The best travel tripods are super-portable camera supports

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

How to choose the best travel tripod for you

How we test travel tripods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The quick list

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

The best travel tripod overall

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

Read more below

The best travel tripod for a budget

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

The best premium travel tripod

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

The best travel tripod design

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

The best travel tripod for versatility

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

The best lightweight travel tripod

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

• ^ Back to the top

The best Travel Tripods in 2024

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

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

1. 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

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

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

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

• Read our 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 review

2. Manfrotto Element MII

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

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

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

• Read our Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium review

3. Gitzo Traveler Series 1

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

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

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

• Read our Gitzo tripod Traveler series 1 review

4. Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

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

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

• Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review

5. Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB

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

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

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

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

6. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber

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

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

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

• Read our Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod review

What to look for in a travel tripod

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

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

What makes a travel tripod

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

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

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

Do I even need a tripod?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.

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

• Mark Wilson Senior news editor
• Paul Hatton Freelance writer

DJI’s new RS4 and RS4 Pro are hands-down our favorite camera gimbals, and they're even better with the Focus Pro system

DJI RS4 review: a great gimbal for vertical shooting

Leaked AMD Navi 4X GPU notes reveal up to 50% more powerful than RX 7900 XTX

Most Popular

• 2 NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Friday, April 26 (game #54)
• 3 I listened to Taylor Swift’s new songs on a 22-year-old Sony Walkman and it was a tortured experience I won’t try again
• 4 Independent auditors confirm top VPN doesn't log your data
• 5 Microsoft strips Windows 11's Control Panel of another tool - is the writing on the wall?
• 2 Microsoft might have cracked the most important part of video calls — new update could potentially hide all your embarassing apps and pop-ups
• 3 'A game of chicken': Samsung set to launch new storage chip that could make 100TB SSDs mainstream — 430-layer NAND will leapfrog competition as race for NAND supremacy heats up
• 4 Chip firm founded by ex-Intel president plans massive 256-core CPU to surf AI inference wave and give Nvidia B100 a run for its money — Ampere Computing AmpereOne-3 likely to support PCIe 6.0 and DDR5 tech
• 5 Cisco reveals zero-day attacks used by hackers to attack government networks in major threat campaign

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

• Last Updated: February 2, 2024

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

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

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

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

Editors Choice: Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

Table of Contents

Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

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

But do you really need a tripod for travel photography?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Travel Tripods 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They’re so good, we have two!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose the Best Tripods for Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s a Wrap!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get the best deal for it here .

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

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Getting Around Magnetic Island – ‘How to’ Transportation Guide

The Ultimate GUIDE to the Best MAGNETIC ISLAND BEACHES and Bays

14 Best Day Trips From Reykjavik, Iceland (2024 Guide)

Related Posts

Travelling with a hangover sucks, plain of jars – exploring history near phonsavan, laos, 30 awesome things to do in easter island, possibly my favourite travel poop story, ever, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Student Successes
• My Learning

9 Best Travel Tripods in 2024 (Updated)

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

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

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

If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything). Prices last updated on .

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What is the Best Travel Tripod?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Benro TSL08AN00: Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod Kit w/Ball Head

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

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

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

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

5. Sirui W-1204 Carbon Fiber Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Manfrotto Befree: Professional Video Tripod for Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Gitzo Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head

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

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

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

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

8. Manfrotto PIXI Evo

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Vanguard VEO3T265HABP Aluminum Travel Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Travel Tripods

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

What to Look for When Buying the Best Travel Tripod

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

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

A Travel Tripod with Counterweight Hooks

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

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

A Travel Tripod with Adjustable-Leg Flip Locks

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

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

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

A Versatile Travel Tripod

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

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

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

A Portable Travel Tripod

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

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

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

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

A Travel Tripod with a Sturdy Build

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

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

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

A Travel Tripod with a Quick-Release Plate

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

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

Conclusion: The Best Travel Tripod

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

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

The 12 Best Travel Tripods for Your Next Adventure

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Tripods

Best Overall

Peak design carbon fiber travel tripod.

Geekoto Tripod, Camera Tripod for DSLR AT24EVO

Best Travel Tripod for Professionals

Dji osmo mobile se intelligent gimbal.

Best for Smartphones

Atumtek selfie stick tripod.

Best Travel Tripod for Heavy Cameras

Sirui am124 carbon fiber tripod.

Best Ball Head

Manfrotto element traveller 5-section tripod kit.

Best for Action Cameras

Gopro max grip + tripod.

Best Flexible

Fotopro flexible camera tripod.

Most Compact

Bze selfie stick.

Best for Video

Manfrotto travel video tripod.

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

What to Look for in a Travel Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How We Selected These Travel Tripods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

K&F Concept Concept Camera Tripod

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

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

National Geographic Travel Tripod Kit

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

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

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

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

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

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

PM : How important is thickness of a tripod?

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

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

PM: Twist or flip?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.css-cuqpxl:before{padding-right:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;} Adventure .css-xtujxj:before{padding-left:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;}

The Best Camping Coolers for Summer Adventures

The Best Inflatable Kayaks

The 13 Best Pocket Knives to Buy Now

The Best Camp Chairs of 2024

Surviving the Inevitable Summer Power Outage

The Best Hiking Boots for Outdoor Adventures

The Best Filtered Water Bottles Clean Up Your H2O

The 9 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots

The 10 Best Swiss Army Knives for Home or Away

The 9 Best Solar-Powered Generators

The 7 Best Camping Lanterns to Light Up the Night

10 Best Travel Tripods You Can Buy (in 2024)

A Post By: Jeremy Flint

Looking for the best travel tripod for your next photo adventure? You’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I share my top 10 tripod recommendations, including options for every shooting style, budget, and level of experience. So whether you’re a beginner looking for your first portable tripod or a serious travel shooter in need of a high-quality tripod to take on lengthy trips, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive right in, starting with my number one pick:

1. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Twist Camera

If budget is a key consideration, the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Twist Camera Tripod is a great choice; it offers plenty of impressive features, yet it’s currently on sale for just over $150 (and it normally costs just $225).

This travel tripod is portable and compact with a fluid head and twist-closure locking system. It’s ideal for pretty much every travel photography situation, including street scenes, night shots, and landscapes. The carbon fiber build makes it easy to transport, and the three independent head controls clamp the camera quickly and precisely, allowing for quick use and effective panning. Use it to capture stunning motion-blur shots of bikers and cars whizzing by, then lock the head in place to capture a gorgeous vista.

The Manfrotto Befree is just under 16 in (40 cm) when closed, but it can be extended to nearly 5 ft (1.5 m), perfect for capturing those elevated travel shots. And the center column allows you to adjust the tripod height incrementally as needed, which can come in handy when fine-tuning your compositions.

2. Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler

Whether you’re having a staycation or are heading to far-away lands, you’ll enjoy using the Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler, an impressively rugged pro-level travel tripod that works great even when photographing in tough conditions, such as wind, rain, and rushing water.

The Traveler features a portable, four-section design with an Arca-type ball head, short center column, and shoulder strap. It weighs just 3.2 lb (1.45 kg), which is ideal for long days of shooting; you can carry it for hours without issue – yet it’s capable of supporting 22 lb (10 kg) of weight, so you can easily use it to stabilize your mirrorless or DSLR camera , even with a mounted 135mm or 200mm lens.

At the end of the day, the Traveler is one of the most solid travel tripods on the market, though it does come with a hefty price tag. I really only recommend it for serious shooters, though advanced amateurs who want to invest in a high-level support system should also give it a look.

3. Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro (Aluminum)

The Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro Aluminium isn’t very pricy, yet it’s an excellent travel tripod thanks to the sturdy, lightweight design and excellent ergonomics.

The MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro offers rock-solid support to help you blur water and capture star trails, and while it’s made of aluminum (which often makes for heavy products), it weighs just over 3.5 lb (1.65 kg) for easy transportation. You can strap it to your camera backpack or carry it over your shoulder during long hikes, and you shouldn’t experience any discomfort along the way.

The five-section legs extend over 5 ft (155 cm), and they even offer a reverse-fold length of just 15.7 in (40 cm), so you can easily carry the tripod inside a bag or suitcase. The ball head can be locked for accurate panoramic shooting, which often comes in handy when photographing landscapes.

4. K&F Concept D254C1

Seeking a solid travel tripod that won’t break the bank? The K&F Concept D254C1 is a top-notch model that can handle all of your travel photography needs, especially if you’re a beginner or hobbyist shooter on a budget, or someone simply looking for a lightweight model to use on occasion.

With a variable working height of 21 in (53 cm) to 63 in (160 cm), the D254C1 allows you to capture a range of photographs, from low-angle landscapes to elevated architectural shots. And for those situations where a tripod is a bit too cumbersome, it converts to a lightweight monopod (or, if you need one, a walking stick!).

The 22 lb (10 kg) load capacity can support heavy cameras and lenses, while the 28mm metal ball head can achieve many angles and even high-quality panoramic shots. You’ll pay less than $150, and given the quality, it’s a real bargain!

5. MeFOTO GlobeTrotter

Looking for a top-notch travel tripod that offers plenty of height and impressive stability? Then check out the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter, a carbon fiber tripod featuring strong and durable twist-lock legs, a rock-solid base, and – for added flexibility – five-section legs.

The GlobeTrotter extends to a maximum height of 64 in (163 cm), which is ideal for taller photographers and those seeking a uniquely high-angle perspective, and it folds down to a diminutive 16 in (41 cm). In other words, you should have no problem getting sharp shots at any height, nor should you struggle to pack the tripod in your suitcase or camera bag.

The included ball head offers highly accurate panning, plus the tripod looks great (it comes in a range of colors, including silver). Other advantages include the 26 lb (12 kg) load capacity, which means you can mount your heavy DSLR and use the tripod all day long, and the lightweight body, which is perfect for lengthy photo adventures. The price is on the higher side, but the package includes the legs and a very nice head, not to mention a handy case that you can use on your travels!

6. Manfrotto Compact Action

If you want a cheap, surprisingly lightweight aluminum tripod for travel photography, the Manfrotto Compact Action may be the perfect pick.

The Compact Action may not look like much, but it’s an indispensable tripod for any circumstance; it’s one of the best travel tripods for beginners, and I highly recommend it for anyone just getting started with travel shooting. In addition to the legs, it offers a decent, easy-to-use head, and it can extend plenty high for taller shooters.

The Compact Action’s biggest drawback is the load capacity: It can only handle camera rigs up to 6.6 lb (3 kg), but as long as you’re working with smaller cameras and/or lenses – such as an APS-C mirrorless camera and a kit zoom – you should be just fine.

7. 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0

Leo 2.0 – from the 3 Legged Thing Pro range – is a good travel tripod for hobbyists and even more serious photographers: It’s powerful, versatile, and compact, yet it won’t break the bank. It also looks extremely cool, featuring a metallic silver finish with orange accents (or, if you prefer, a mix of gray and bronze).

The Leo 2.0 offers a range of working heights from 4.9 in (12.5 cm) to a very nice 54 in (1.38 m). If you enjoy capturing sweeping landscapes from a low angle, the Leo 2.0 offers just what you need, while taller photographers will appreciate the impressive maximum height and the handy center column.

This tripod only weighs 3.4 lb (1.52 kg), yet it can hold up to 20 times its weight, so you shouldn’t have a problem capturing sharp images no matter your camera setup.

8. 3 Legged Thing Legends Jay

If you want to invest in a long-lasting tripod, then check out the Legends Jay, a carbon fiber tripod from the highly acclaimed 3 Legged Thing brand.

This adjustable leveling-base tripod is built with travel photography in mind and is well-suited to wildlife photography, landscape photography, and even videography. It comes with three detachable legs and works well on all terrains, so you should have no problem shooting in the wilderness, on a beach, in water – you name it!

Thanks to the carbon fiber design, the tripod weighs just 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) and supports up to a whopping 30.9 lb (14 kg) of camera gear. Even full-frame DSLR users should be just fine (and with a 70-200mm f/2.8, too). Plus, the Legends Jay is impressively compact and can easily be transported inside a camera bag or cabin luggage.

Note that the product linked above does not include a head. You’ll need to buy this separately, or you can grab it as part of a (very pricey) Legends Jay kit .

9. Sirui Traveler 5CX

The Sirui Compact Traveler 5CX may not be flashy, but it’s impressively flexible and costs just over $100, which makes it one of the cheapest models on our list and another great option for beginners.

We love the lightweight design: The Compact Traveler clocks in at just over 1.5 lb (0.72 kg), which is ideal for photographers hoping to work all day with a tripod on hand. And despite the weight, this tripod can handle a 13 lb (6 kg) camera setup, so you can confidently use it with full-frame DSLRs and even (some) telephoto lenses .

The Compact Traveler boasts a working height range of 3.5 in (8.9 cm) to 52 in (132 cm). It’s highly portable, not to mention durable, and it can be used to shoot everything from macro scenes to cityscapes and low-light landscapes. While it isn’t quite as rugged or stable as options like the Gitzo Traveler, it’ll certainly get the job done!

10. Vanguard Veo 235CBP

The Vanguard Veo may be the last option on this list, but don’t let that fool you; it’s an outstanding travel tripod, one that can easily handle long trips and offers a winning combination of price and performance.

The strong carbon fiber material, lightweight design, and high-quality ball head make the Vanguard Veo a wonderful tripod for capturing architecture, landscapes, and even wildlife. Plus, the Veo features an excellent 17.6 lb (8 kg) load capacity, extends to 61 in (155 cm), and folds down to 16 in (41 cm).

And the tripod comes with a few bonuses, too, including a leg that converts to a monopod, a plate with a built-in smartphone adapter, and a Bluetooth remote control that is perfect for vlogging. The price tag isn’t low, but it’s not especially high, either, so it’s a good option for folks who are looking to invest in a solid model without spending an exorbitant amount of money.

Best travel tripods: final words

The market is saturated with tripods, but a few rise above the rest. Hopefully, now that you’ve finished this article, you know which travel tripod is best for your needs – and you’re ready to head out on a travel photo adventure!

So pick a tripod, pack it up, and get ready to have tons of fun!

Now over to you:

Which travel tripod do you plan to buy? What will you use it for? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Jeremy Flint is an award-winning photographer and writer, specialising in travel, landscape and location photography and is known for documenting images of beautiful destinations, cultures and communities from around the world. Jeremy has won awards including the National Geographic Traveller Grand Prize and the Association of Photographers Discovery Award, besides being commended in Outdoor Photographer of the Year. He has also been a finalist in the Travel Photographer of the year and British Photography Awards several times. He has been commissioned by commercial and editorial clients worldwide including National Geographic Traveller, Country Life, Discover Britain, USA National Parks and Visit Britain and has travelled extensively to over 65 countries.

• Guaranteed for 2 full months
• Pay by PayPal or Credit Card
• Instant Digital Download

• All our best articles for the week
• Fun photographic challenges
• Special offers and discounts

Advertisement

• Electronics
• Camera accessories

The Best Tripod

By Erin Roberts , Arriana Vasquez and Phil Ryan

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

Everything we recommend

Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100

The best tripod.

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

Buying Options

May be out of stock

Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234AB

A tripod that can handle two cameras.

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

Sirui W-1004K10 Tripod Kit River Runner

A solid waterproof tripod.

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

Manfrotto Element MII

Best travel tripod.

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

Sirui P-204SR

The best monopod.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Standard tripods

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

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

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

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

Travel tripods

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theano Nikitas contributed to this guide.

Meet your guides

Erin Roberts

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

Arriana Vasquez

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

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

Further reading

The Best Vlogging Cameras and Gear

by Geoffrey Morrison, Arriana Vasquez, and James Austin

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

The Best Android and iPhone Gimbal

by Geoffrey Morrison and Signe Brewster

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

The Best Action Camera

by Geoffrey Morrison

If you want to take photos and videos in any situation, even extreme weather, the GoPro Hero12 Black is the best option for most people.

The Best Tripod for iPhones and Other Smartphones

by Arriana Vasquez, Erin Roberts, and Signe Brewster

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

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

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

Best tripod: Our top picks

• How to choose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best tripods in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

1. 3 Legged Thing Charles 2.0

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

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

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

2. Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS

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

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

3. 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0

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

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

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

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

4. Vanguard Veo 3+ 263AB

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

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

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

5. Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

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

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

Read our full Peak Design Travel Tripod review for more details

6. Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30

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

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

Read our full Benro Rhino FRHN34CVX30 review for more details

7. ProMediaGear TR344L Pro-Stix

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

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

8. Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 + XPRO Ball Head

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

Read our full Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 review for more details.

9. Vanguard VEO 3T+ 264CB

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

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

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

10. 3 Legged Thing Nicky

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

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

Read our full 3 Legged Think Nicky review for more details

11. Vanguard VEO 3T 235CBP

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

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

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

12. Manfrotto 190XPro4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Benro Mach3 TMA27C + B1 head

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

15. Vanguard ALTA PRO 2+ 263CB 100

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

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

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

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

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

See our full 3 Legged Thing Leo review for more details

17. Sirui NT-1005X/E-10

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

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

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

How to choose the best tripod

Aluminum or carbon fiber.

These are the two most common materials used for tripod legs. Aluminum tripods are cheaper but weigh more. They’re ideal if you want the maximum stability for your money. Carbon-fiber tripods cost more but weigh less and absorb vibration better. They’re good if cost is less important than weight – but the price premium can be substantial.

How much height do I need?

Shots aren’t always improved by shooting them at eye level (lower often works best), but it’s also about getting a comfortable working height. Check the height without the column being extended, if you can.

Check the folded length

The weight of a tripod is important if you’re going to carry it any distance, but so is its folded length. If it’s too long to strap to your bag, and it’s unwieldy in trains or climbing over stiles, then it’s going to put you off taking it anywhere. Many so-called ‘travel’ tripods have legs that fold upwards for storage and completely enclose the head. This makes them smaller and neater when folded and easier to carry around.

How many leg sections?

Tripod legs may have three, four, or five sections. A larger number of sections means the tripod is shorter and more portable when it’s folded, but it will usually take a little longer to set up and may well not be quite as stable.

What type of leg locks?

These come in two main types: twist locks and flip locks. Twist locks take up less space and are generally a little quicker to use – you can often unlock all the leg sections in a single movement when you’re setting the tripod up. Flip locks are operated individually and may be a bit slower. Try both types to see which you prefer.

Most tripods have legs that can be angled independently – which is particularly useful when working on sloping sites or in cramped areas. The standard leg angle will be fine for regular use, but it’s often useful to splay one or more legs outwards on uneven surfaces or to rest them on walls, say. Splaying out all three legs will allow you to shoot from a much lower angle.

What type of head should I get?

Sometimes the tripod head is included with the legs, sometimes not. You can change one head for another depending on how you like to work, as the connection is standardized. Ball heads and three-way heads are the most common types. Ball heads are compact and quick to use, but not so good for small, controlled movements. Three-way heads are larger but allow precise adjustments for each axis independently. 

You can also find other, specialist heads. Geared heads allow you to make fine adjustments to camera angles. Gimbal heads are designed for use with long, heavy lenses – which can otherwise can unbalance a tripod. And then there are specialist heads for panoramas and video too.

Attaching your camera

Most tripods are sold with heads, and most heads have a quick-release plate so that you can detach the camera in moments for handheld shots. The Arca Swiss-compatible plate is by far the most common, meaning you can swap between different tripod heads, even if they're made by different manufacturers. However some makers, notably Manfrotto, make their own bespoke QR plates, which can be a nuisance if you have two or more tripods from different makers.

Extra features

Detachable monopod legs: These sound really useful – a detachable leg you can then screw into the center column to make a monopod. In practice, we find these often lack the rigidity of a 'real' monopod unless you're starting with a particularly substantial tripod.

Center column: Not all tripods come with a center column, but most do. You can extend this upwards to increase the height of the camera, although this introduces extra wobble. On some tripods, the center column can be rotated to produce an angled boom, which is perfect for overhead shots, macro work, and tabletop photography. Using the center column does reduce the stability of the tripod, however, so is best avoided with long exposures.

Bowl base: This is a video-specific feature that allows you to get the base level without having to make a whole series of tiny adjustments to the leg length. A level base is essential for a video where you want to make panning movements, and the best video tripods come with bowl or leveling bases as standard.

Types of feet: Rubber feet are fine on most surfaces but best on carpets and wooden floors, where you don’t want to cause damage. Metal spikes are good for soft and uneven ground. Some tripods have rubber feet, which can be screwed back to reveal spikes.

How we test tripods

We measure the maximum operating height of each tripod and its folded height for carrying, complete with head attached. We also measure the combined weight of each set of tripod legs and head, using electronic scales, and measure the diameter of all leg sections, from the widest to the thinnest, using digital calipers.

We check the ease of use, smoothness and precision of all available adjustments in each set of tripod legs and heads. This ranges from adjusting leg sections and pivot facilities (where available), to the locking mechanisms of the head, as well as independent pan and friction damping adjustments, where fitted.

To check overall stability, we shoot with a range of camera bodies fitted with wide-angle, standard, telephoto and macro lenses. We look for good resistance to flexing and vibrations throughout the whole range of operating heights, including the tallest available settings with the legs and center column fully extended.

Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter

The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!

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.

• Rod Lawton Contributor
• Sebastian Oakley Ecommerce Editor

Related articles

The best travel tripods in 2023

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

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

Tripod makers have it rough. The bigger and heavier you make a tripod, the more stable it’ll be—and stability is the whole point. But if you want photographers to actually take your tripod with them on location, you have to make it lightweight and compact enough to carry around. This contradiction is most pronounced when you’re trying to find the best travel tripod. These tripods have to be even smaller, lighter, and more versatile than your standard set of sticks and ball-head. They have to be small enough that you can easily strap one to the side of a backpack, rugged enough to withstand being banged around in luggage, fast enough to be set up in seconds, versatile enough to let you shoot from multiple angles, and sturdy enough to keep a full-frame camera and lens stable on a busy street or windy cliff face.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great options for every skill level and budget. You just have to know what to look for. 

Best overall: Peak Design Travel Tripod

Best aluminum: manfrotto befree advanced, best carbon fiber: gitzo traveler series 1, best heavy-duty: 3 legged thing leo 2.0, best budget: mefoto roadtrip s, how we picked the best travel tripods.

The editors and writers at Popular Photography have decades of photography experience in nearly every genre and have covered just about every major camera and tripod brand on the market. When looking at travel tripods, we looked at the essential components of a tripod that get brought along on trips. Weight and folded length were critical factors, as travel tripods must be easily packed and carried. The weight capacity was also significant, as the tripod should be sturdy enough to hold most major cameras. Lastly, we factored in the extended height, minimum height, and other miscellaneous features.

Best travel tripods: Reviews & Recommendations

Peak Design

Why it made the cut: The Peak Design Travel Tripod has a novel design that allows it to be compact enough to fit in a water bottle pocket on a backpack yet still expand to 5 feet in height. Available as either aluminum or carbon fiber, this lightweight option is sturdy and travel-ready.

Key features

• Material:  Aluminum or carbon fiber
• Tripod weight: 3.4 pounds
• Weight capacity: 20 pounds
• Extended height : 60 inches
• Folded height: 15.2 inches
• Very compact
• Available as aluminum or carbon fiber
• Built-in mobile phone mount
• Comes with a padded, weatherproof case

The Peak Design Travel Tripod boasts a fresh design that reimagines just how small a travel tripod can be. Thanks to its one-of-a-kind leg design, this camera stand folds down to the diameter of a water bottle, allowing you to pack it in a standard water bottle pocket on a backpack. In addition, the unique, low-profile ball-head mechanism lets you adjust your camera angle with a single hand. It may take some getting used to, but it is a nice feature.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is available in carbon fiber or aluminum. You should pick the carbon fiber version if you want to save weight and the aluminum version if you want to save money.

Why it made the cut: Manfrotto’s Befree Advanced travel tripod is a 3.5 pound aluminum option that is sturdy enough to hold heavy gear. And at only 15.2 inches when folded, it can fit in most luggage.

• Material:  Aluminum
• Tripod weight: 3.5 pounds
• Weight capacity: 19.8 pounds
• Extended height : 59.45 inches
• Folded height: 15.75 inches
• Lightweight aluminum build
• Can handle full-frame gear with heavy lenses
• Quality ball-head
• A bit wide when folded

Manfrotto’s Befree tripods are popular among travel photographers, and it’s easy to see why. The aluminum version weighs in at just 3.4 pounds, with a folded length of 15.2 inches. In addition, it has a weight capacity of 19.8 pounds, making it capable of holding full-frame cameras with heavy lenses. As a result, it has a great balance of price to performance for an aluminum travel tripod. 

But it’s not just about size and weight. The Befree Advanced has twist-style M-lock leg locks that make setting up the tripod a breeze. The included ball head is surprisingly solid, and the leg angle selector offers more options than some competitors at and above this price point.

Why it made the cut: The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is an excellent carbon fiber tripod. At 3.3 pounds, it isn’t the lightest one on the list. But it can handle the heaviest load, making it a great option for those wanting something sturdy.

• Material:  carbon fiber
• Tripod weight: Tripod: 2.34 pounds, Head: 0.9 pounds
• Weight capacity: 22 pounds
• Extended height : 60.24 inches
• Folded height: 16.73 inches
• Excellent build quality
• Compatible with lenses up to 200mm
• Quality ball head
• Very pricey

The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is the go-to professional tripod for photographers who demand uncompromising build quality. At 3.3lbs and a folded length of 16.73 inches, it’s not the smallest or lightest carbon fiber travel tripod you can buy. But it offers a weight capacity of 22lbs, making it a sturdy choice. In addition, it has a max height of 60.24 inches and can go as low as 8.66 inches, making it useful for low-angle or macro shots and high-angle ones. 

This kit comes with the Gitzo Series 1 Traveler Center Ball Head, which is the slimmest Gitzo head. It has an independent pan lock and an incredibly smooth rotating ball head. This head is also compatible with plates from other brands as long as the dimensions are similar, which could be helpful when traveling. 

3 Legged Thing

Why it made the cut: The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 has the highest weight capacity you can find at 66 pounds. And yet, it still packs down to around the same size as other compact travel tripods.

• Material:  Carbon fiber
• Tripod weight: 3.35 pounds, 4.08 pounds with head
• Weight capacity: 66 pounds
• Extended height : 57.7 inches
• Folded height: 14.7 inches
• Excellent weight capacity
• Folds down small
• Legs detach to become monopods or booms
• Lots of leg locks

With a maximum weight capacity of 66lbs, the 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 is about the sturdiest travel tripod you can buy, and yet it still folds down to under 15-inches and tips the scales at just 4.1lbs. The large weight capacity means you can use it with larger mirrorless or DSLR cameras or even medium format setups.

The Leo is also unique in its versatility. Each leg is detachable, allowing you to use them as monopods or booms. They also feature a 3-position angle lock and boast twist locks for quick and easy setup. And, if you buy separate footwear, it can be used as a tabletop tripod with the legs removed as well. These features make it one of the most versatile, heavy-duty travel tripods money can buy.

Why it made the cut: The MeFOTO Roadtrip S is a very affordable travel tripod for beginner photographers while still having plenty of good features. It weighs only 2.5 pounds, packs down to 13.2 inches, and can even convert to a monopod.

• Tripod weight: 3.65 pounds
• Weight capacity: 17.6 pounds
• Extended height : 59.4 inches
• Folded height: 13.98 inches
• Budget-friendly
• Swappable head
• Converts into a monopod
• Weight capacity is fairly low

MeFOTO’s BackPacker,  RoadTripper , and  GlobeTrotter  tripods are travel-friendly favorites that regularly make roundups like this. The aluminum version of the Roadtripper S weighs in at just 3.65 pounds and still boasts a respectable weight capacity of 17.6 pounds. 

The Roadtripper S also has some nice features for a tripod at this price. For example, it has a scale on the center column for lining up panoramic shots right, a separate lock for its pan axis, and can convert into a monopod. It’s not the most capable on the list, but it’s a great entry-level travel tripod for beginners.

Features to consider when shopping for the best travel tripods

The main difference between a regular tripod and a travel tripod is size and weight. While regular tripods—especially high-end video tripods—are often large and heavy in order to offer as much stability and weight capacity as possible, travel tripods have to balance these core features with the need for portability. The best travel tripod is the one that offers the most rigid and stable construction in a package that folds up small and weighs no more than a large DSLR. 

To do this, lightweight tripod makers rely heavily on materials like aluminum (good) and carbon fiber (better), creative designs with thinner legs that fold 180° over the ball head, telescoping legs with as many as 5 sections, and smart extras like sandbag hooks for adding weight while you shoot, reversible center columns, and built-in bubble levels. 

The goal is to create a tripod that delivers the best of all worlds: something compact enough that it will fit comfortably in a carry-on bag, light enough that it won’t bog you down on a long hike, and yet stable enough that it’s actually worth bringing along. Here are the key features you should consider when shopping for the best travel tripod, and a few of our top picks.

Size and weight of a travel tripod

As we’ve already mentioned several times at this point, the first and most important features to consider when shopping for a travel tripod are size and weight. The best travel tripod overall will be lightweight, with a respectable weight capacity, an ingenious design that allows it to fold up really small, and a carbon fiber construction for the best possible strength-to-weight ratio.

In terms of raw numbers: a compact travel tripod should weigh no more than 4lbs, it should be able to hold at least 15lbs, and it should fold up to less than 16-inches long for easy packing. Once these boxes are checked, everything else is a bonus. Smaller folded diameter, vari-angle legs, reversible center column, a well-designed ball-head, and easy-to-deploy legs are the secondary features that separate the “good” travel tripods from the “great” ones.

Skill level and budget

Another important consideration is your own skill and interest level. While it’s always tempting to purchase the best-of-the-best camera gear right away, there’s no need for a beginner travel photographer to drop $500+ on a high-end carbon fiber tripod with all the bells and whistles—no matter what the ads try to tell (or sell) you. 

If you’re just starting out, look for important core features (lightweight construction, compact foldable design, reasonable weight capacity, and solid build quality) in an affordable aluminum model that will offer you everything you need and won’t cost you a bundle. If you can afford to spend a little more than the budget options, but don’t want to get carried away with Gear Acquisition Syndrome (also known as G.A.S.), a great entry-level tripod is the way to go.

Aluminum vs. carbon fiber tripod

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when looking for the best travel tripod is whether to go with aluminum or carbon fiber . 

A carbon fiber tripod is the premium choice. Weight for weight it’s both stronger and more rigid than aluminum, which translates into tripods that are both lighter and sturdier. As a result, it’s also a lot more expensive. Aluminum may be heavier and a little more flexible, but it’s a lot cheaper and plenty of photographers rely on it day-in and day-out. Plus, the added weight helps keep your shots stable when you don’t have any way to weigh the tripod down.

Fortunately, many of the most popular travel tripods from the most recognizable brands are available in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants. You get to decide what’s more important: a lighter tripod, or a heavier wallet?

Weight capacity

Most travel tripods can handle a maximum load of about 22lbs, with many of the lightest options cutting that number down even further in order to save weight. Fortunately, that’s plenty for most mirrorless cameras or DSLRs with a regular lens attached. However, if you plan to tote around a huge DSLR and lens combo, or maybe even shoot medium format, you’ll want to find a tripod that can handle a lot more weight without flinching. 

Keep in mind that there will be a trade-off here, usually in terms of tripod weight. The higher the weight capacity, the thicker and sturdier the lens and ball head will need to be, and the heavier the tripod itself is likely to become. Only you can decide if that’s a worthwhile compromise.

Q: Does it matter what tripod you use?

Absolutely it does! Extremely cheap tripods don’t deliver the same stability or features that you get from higher-quality options like the ones listed above.  At the very least, a good-quality travel tripod will ensure you can keep your ISO down and capture longer exposures without camera shake, even in windy or otherwise challenging conditions. But beyond this, most high-quality tripods offer multiple leg angles, reversible columns, bubble levels, a huge range of height settings, and much much more. Features like this open up a world of photographic possibilities.

Q: What is the strongest yet lightest tripod material?

Carbon fiber is the strongest and lightest material used in tripods. Weight for weight, carbon fiber is anywhere from 2x to 5x more rigid and up to 10x stronger depending on the type and orientation of the fiber used. This is obviously a huge plus for photographers who want to travel light without sacrificing tensile strength, but remember: the lighter the tripod, the less stable it will be. So keep an eye out for a carbon fiber travel tripod with weight hooks so that you can hang your bag on your tripod while you shoot and add back any lost stability.

Q: How much does a good tripod cost?

Materials, size, weight, and weight capacity are all going to factor into the final price of a good travel tripod, which makes an “average” hard to pin down. Generally speaking, aluminum travel tripods will be cheaper, starting at around $100 for a good-quality tripod, although you can find them for less. Carbon fiber models will be more expensive, starting around $150, with most options coming in above the $200 mark. If you want a high-quality, lightweight, carbon fiber tripod that folds up small and features great weight capacity at the same time, expect to spend $200 or more.

Final thoughts on the best travel tripod s

The list above is not a comprehensive overview of all the best travel tripods on the market. With so many great brands like Gitzo, Benro, Manfrotto, 3 Legged Thing, MeFOTO, and Peak Design putting out solid products, there’s no shortage of great options. That said, we’ve found the Peak Design Travel Tripod to be the best overall option. It has a unique design that allows it to fold down smaller than any other option in the same class. However, it can still hold a good amount of weight, making it sturdy enough to use with heavier cameras or on windy days. The added touch of a built-in phone mount and the included padded carrying case are nice additions as well.

Want more photography techniques, camera reviews, and inspiration?

Sign up for Popular Photography's newsletter and join the club.

Article updated on April 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM PDT

Best Tripod for Photography and Video in 2024

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

Our Experts

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

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Not all cameras are light enough for handheld shooting. And if you add the weight of telephoto lenses, things can get even more difficult. A good tripod provides stability, eliminating camera shakes and helping you capture better images -- if you want to get the perfect shot, you'll need to invest in a tripod. Getting a tripod also expands your camera's potential by allowing you to shoot in long-exposure modes that you may need for astrophotography and more.

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

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

Best all-round tripod

3 legged thing bucky.

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

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

A great budget travel tripod

Manfrotto element ii.

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

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

Exceptionally lightweight travel tripod

Benro rhino carbon-fiber tripod with vx20 ball head.

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

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

Affordable video tripod for budding filmmakers

Manfrotto befree 3-way live.

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

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

Superb lightweight tripod for travelers

Peak design travel tripod.

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

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

Best tripod for traveling videographers

3 legged thing jay with cine head.

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

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

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

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

Manfrotto befree gt x pro.

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

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

More for photographers

• Best Camera Gear for Serious Photographers
• Best Action Cameras of 2024
• Best Waterproof Camera for Shooting Underwater Video in 2024
• Best Dash Cams in 2024
• Best Vlogging Cameras and Accessories for YouTube
• Best Drones for 2024
• These 7 Pro Tips Will Improve Your Landscape Photography

Computing Guides

• Best Laptop
• Best Chromebook
• Best Budget Laptop
• Best Cheap Gaming Laptop
• Best 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best Windows Laptop
• Best Macbook
• Best Gaming Laptop
• Best Macbook Deals
• Best Desktop PC
• Best Gaming PC
• Best Monitor Under 200
• Best Desktop Deals
• Best Monitors
• M2 Mac Mini Review
• Best PC Speakers
• Best Printer
• Best External Hard Drive SSD
• Best USB C Hub Docking Station
• Best Keyboard
• Best Webcams
• Best Laptop Backpack
• Best Camera to Buy
• Best Vlogging Camera
• Best Tripod
• Best Waterproof Camera
• Best Action Camera
• Best Camera Bag and Backpack
• Best E-Ink Tablets
• Best iPad Deals
• Best E-Reader
• Best Tablet
• Best Android Tablet
• Best 3D Printer
• Best Budget 3D Printer
• Best 3D Printing Filament
• Best 3D Printer Deals
• Dell Coupon Codes
• Newegg Promo Codes
• HP Coupon Codes
• Microsoft Coupons
• Anker Coupons
• Logitech Promo Codes
• Western Digital Coupons
• Monoprice Promo Codes
• A4C Coupons

Savvy Travel Advice

Guide to the Best Travel Tripods

Last updated: April 22, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 13 Comments

Travel tripods are an essential tool for many travelers who want to improve their photography. A travel tripod can make it easier to capture better travel photos and allows for more creativity and advanced photography options.

So we wanted to share our guide to the best travel tripods out there on the market today. As professional photographers, we travel nearly everywhere with a tripod for our photography, and we regard a travel tripod as a must-have item for any keen photographer—amateur or professional.

Travel tripods come in a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes to fit just about any travel budget and style. From super compact mini tripods that can fit into a purse or day bag to heavy-duty professional travel tripods. We’ll help you find the best tripod for your next trip!

Whether you are completely new to the idea of using a tripod or are a long-time tripod user looking for an upgrade, this is the post for you. We’re going to share everything you need to know about buying a travel tripod, including what to look for in a tripod for travel, and things to consider when making a purchasing decision.

We’ll also share our list of the best travel tripods on the market today, across a range of budgets, so you can make an informed decision. Whether you have a $30 or $300 budget, we’ll share our picks for the best travel tripod for you!

Table of Contents:

Guide to Choosing a Travel Tripod

Before sharing our list of the best travel tripods, we wanted to give you some advice on whether you need a tripod for travel, how a travel tripod differs from a regular tripod, and how you can decide if this type of tripod is right for you.

We then go over all the features you will want to look for in choosing a tripod for traveling so that you can evaluate any travel tripod on the market and choose the best one for you.

What is a Travel Tripod?

A travel tripod is a three-legged support for a camera that is generally designed to be lighter and smaller than a standard tripod. Travel tripods usually have a collapsable design that allows them to pack up more compactly than a full-size tripod.

Like all tripods, travel tripods normally consist of two main parts. A base of three legs and a top part, called the tripod head with camera mount, which is where you attach your camera. The main purpose of a tripod is to provide support and stability for your camera and to prevent camera movement or shaking. This allows you to do hands-free photography.

Tripods are most associated with cameras and still photography, but tripods are also commonly used with camcorders, wildlife spotting scopes, binoculars, and telescopes. For instance, at home, we use one of our tripods with our bird watching scope as well.

In addition to tripods, you will also find travel monopods on the market. Instead of three legs these have one leg and are usually much lighter and easier to pack than tripods. These are not as stable as tripods, but can be great for those who need to move around a lot such as for sports or wildlife photography.

Finally, if you don’t have room for a tripod or monopod, you might also consider a photography bean bag , which can be a great option especially for things like safari photography .

Do I need a Tripod for Travel?

You might be wondering whether or not you need a tripod for your travel photography. And this is a great question. After all, a tripod can be a weighty bit of equipment to add to your packing list. So you want to be sure that it’s a worthwhile addition.

A tripod is not for everyone or every trip, so you should consider do I need a travel tripod ? However, we do think a tripod is an essential part of your travel photography kit if you want to improve your photography.

First, a tripod opens up a range of photography styles and techniques that are either impossible or very difficult to achieve without a tripod. This includes long exposure photography and time lapse photography, as well as taking photos of stars , photos of fireworks , and photos of the Northern Lights .

However, it’s not just these more advanced types of photography that benefit from a tripod. If you are traveling on your own, a tripod is one of the best options for getting better pictures of yourself . A tripod also makes it way easier to take great couple photos without relying on strangers to take your photo.

A tripod, in our experience, also helps you compose better photos. This is because it slows you down and makes you consider the scene and composition more thoroughly. So it can help you improve you photography just by slowing you down and making you concentrate more on what you are shooting.

But there are lots of other instances you might find a travel tripod helpful. You can check out our guide to reasons why you need a tripod for travel photography for more ideas.

Travel Tripod versus Full Size Tripod

The biggest advantage of travel tripods over full sized tripods is that they are generally smaller and lighter. This make them easier to transport, pack, and use when traveling.

However, this reduction in size and weight in travel tripods means that they are generally not as durable or tough as regular tripods. They are typically more susceptible to breakage and damage, and are less stable.

Both types of tripods can work with any type of photography or video gear from smartphones to a professional DSLR camera setup. However, for heavier cameras and pro kits, you’ll want to look at the more high-end travel tripods as smaller and cheaper tripods are not going to be suited for heavier equipment.

If you are new to tripods, we think getting a good travel tripod is a great way to go, whether you plan to use it a lot for travel or not. If you do find yourself using it a lot and wishing you had something larger and more stable, you can always upgrade in the future.

We own several tripods ourselves. We generally use a regular full-sized tripod when at home or traveling by car, and use the travel tripods when traveling internationally or when hiking. For us, it depends a lot on whether we are traveling for work or leisure, where we are traveling, how we are traveling (e.g., plane or car), and luggage requirements.

Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of a travel tripod versus a regular tripod:

Advantages of a Travel Tripod vs. Regular Tripod

• Smaller and more compact
• More lightweight
• Often less expensive
• Takes up less space in luggage
• Easier to transport

Disadvantages of a Travel Tripod vs. Regular Tripod

• Not as durable
• Less stable and less able to hold heavy equipment
• Lower height can make it more uncomfortable and less useful for certain shots
• May offer fewer features

What to Look For When Buying a Travel Tripod

Before purchasing a travel tripod, you need to know what to look for. Travel tripods come in a range of sizes, materials, and prices. The best tripod for you will depend a lot on your camera and photography equipment, budget, and goals.

Whether you are looking for something “cheap and adequate” or “high end and tough”, we’ll help guide you through the various things you should pay attention to when deciding on which travel tripod to buy.

We’re going to go through all the features of a travel tripod that you should consider before making any purchase. That way, you can quickly evaluate any tripod, whether its on our list or not and make a good buying decision.

Travel Tripod Size / Height

Size is often one of the most important factors for people when it comes to picking a travel tripod. If you are looking for a travel tripod, rather than a regular full sized tripod, size is a probably a key consideration.

There are two measurements that you want to consider when looking at the size of a travel tripod.  First is the height of the tripod when it is extended for use. Second is the size of the tripod when it is fully folded and collapsed for storage.

Let’s look at the height first, which is achieved by extending the tripod. The majority of tripods on the market can extend in two ways. The first of these is the legs, which usually telescope out to give the tripod its height. The second way you can increase the height of the tripod is by use of a center column. This center column, which you attach the camera to, can extend above the top of the three legs, to give additional height.

Whilst the center column can be useful to give the tripod extra height, extending the center column too far can make the tripod less stable and steady. This is particularly the case with newer travel tripods which have 2 section colums that allows for telescoping extensions. As a result we’d recommend being cautious about fully extending your tripod’s center column, especially if you have heavy gear. We recommend looking at the height of the tripod with and without the center column extended when comparing tripods.

Ideally, you want a tripod that extends to a height that is comfortable for general use. If you will be using the tripod a lot, you don’t want to spend your time hunched over trying to look through your camera’s viewfinder.

There are a few considerations that will affect your decision regarding the extended height of the tripod. The most important will be your personal height. Taller people will generally want taller tripods as shorter tripods will be more awkward and require bending or hunching over.

If you have a camera with a flip out screen, this can help compensate for a shorter tripod, as you can flip out the screen to ninety degrees, and you can look at it from above without having to hunch over as much.

We would recommend that you will want a travel tripod that can extend to a height of at least 48 inches (122 cm). Preferably you can get this height without needing to fully extend the central column. Taller individuals will likely want something taller.

Those who do a lot of macro shooting, photography in confined spaces, or photography that includes getting close up to object will also want to pay attention to the minimum operating height for the tripod. Some tripods have legs that can angle at different degrees and can get down close to objects at ground level. Just note that the more you angle the legs, the more you will test the limits of your tripod.

If you are just going to be shooting on a tripod occasionally, or have a compact camera or smartphone, you might find a mini tripod or tabletop tripod works fine for you rather than a larger tripod. These tripods generally are only 5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm) in height and are much less expensive.

Now, the second size you want to pay close attention to is the size of the tripod when fully collapsed and folded up. For travel, you will want a tripod that folds away to a fairly compact size to make it easier to carry and store.

The ideal size for you will depend on your specific needs and how you plan to transport it. But we’d suggest for travel, a tripod that is 18 inches (45 cm) or less in size would be optimal. Anything larger may be difficult to pack and carry for many travelers.

If you want something super small, like something that can fit into a purse or small backpack, you’ll want to look at the mini tripods or tabletop tripods. Some of these can fold up to just several inches in length.

Overall, the size of the tripod will depend on your personal preference and what you are looking for from a tripod. You’ll also have to balance size against other factors like price, weight, and load capacity.

Travel Tripod Weight

When it comes to a travel tripod, weight is definitely something you want to consider. Of course, this will depend a little on your travel style. For example, if you primarily travel close to home or take road trips, the weight of your tripod may not matter as much.

However, if you plan to fly with your tripod, you will need to consider the weight of it against your luggage allowance. In addition, if your photography journey is likely to involve long walks or hiking, then you will definitely not want to be carrying anything too heavy with you.

We’d suggest that most people will want to look for a tripod that is 3 lbs (1.36 kg) or less in weight, as this will be easier to carry on a day to day basis. Most travel tripods on the market fall into a range of 2 lbs to 4 lbs. Heavier tripods are usually a bit more stable and sometimes offer more height, but this is a trade-off you will have to consider carefully when choosing.

The weight of a tripod is largely influenced by two main factors: the overall size of the tripod and the material the tripod is made from.

A larger tripod will inevitably weigh more than a smaller tripod. Other factors like how thick the legs are and the size of the head on the tripod will also contribute to the weight.

The material the tripod is made from also make a difference to the weight. For instance, a carbon fiber tripod is lighter in weight than the same model made from aluminum.

As an example, the travel tripod we use most is the Vanguard VEO 2 265CB , which is a carbon fiber travel tripod that weighs 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg). The aluminum version of the same tripod, the VEO 2 265AB weighs 3.4lbs (1.5 kg).

Note that a heavier tripod is not always a bad thing, as it may be more stable and sturdy, although less ideal for travel.

Material of Tripod

Most travel tripods are either made from some sort of metal, like aluminum, or from a composite material like carbon fiber. The two most common materials used to make tripods are aluminum and carbon fiber.

As noted above, the material of the tripod is important in terms of the weight of the tripods. The material can also affect the strength, durability, and load capacity of the tripod.

Carbon fiber is currently considered the ideal material for tripods as it is both lighter in weight and stronger than aluminum. Carbon fiber can also stand up to weather and scratches better than aluminum. So its a win-win when it comes to both weight and durability.

However, the downside is that carbon fiber is more expensive than aluminum. A carbon fiber tripod can somtimes be up to double the price of the same tripod made of aluminum.

If you have a healthy budget, then we’d recommend looking for a carbon fiber tripod. But if you have a smaller budget, you can still get a good tripod made of aluminum at a much lower price. Just note it will weigh a little more and may not last as long as a carbon fiber tripod.

Tripod Load Capacity / Stability

Tripods are all tested and given a load capacity by the manufacturer, which is the maximum weight of equipment that the tripod is able to hold.

Load capacity is definitely important to consider, as you want to be sure when buying a tripod that it will be able to handle your gear. The load capacity will also give you a good indicator of the stability of the tripod.

In our experience, these provided load capacities can be a bit optimistic, especially for travel tripods. There is also no universal testing standard for tripod load capacity calculations so you need to take them with a grain of salt. A DSLR camera with a long heavy lens will always test a travel tripod, especially in windy conditions.

There’s no ideal load capacity and it will depend on the weight of your gear. So to determine what kind of load capacity minimum you need in a tripod, you will want to calculate how heavy your camera equipment is including batteries and accessories. Then, you want to find a travel tripod with a load capacity well above that of your photography gear.

So, for instance, if your heaviest photography gear set up weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kg), I’d probably look for a travel tripod designed to hold at least 10 lbs. (4.5 kg). This will ensure a bit more stability and also flexibility if you get a heavier lens or camera body in the future.

It’s also worth noting that the rated load capacity is based on the tripod being extended normally. Some tripods offer the facility to angle the legs at greater angles. At these angles, the load capacity will be reduced. For example, the Leo 2.0 tripod has a load capacity of 66 lbs at the standard 23 degree angle but that drops to 22 lbs at a 80 degree angle.

Finally, in our experience at least, extending the center column can affect the stability of the tripod. For this reason, we advise against fully extending the center column, especially with heavier gear.

Type of Leg Locking Mechanism

Most tripods have collapsible legs made from a series of leg sections. This means that when you put away the tripod, the legs collapse inside each other.  When you extend the tripod for use, you then need to use leg locks to hold the leg sections in place and make them stable.

Each leg section of the tripod has a mechanism that you can use to release the leg section or tighten it. This means you can individually adjust the length of each leg section, and you can use the tripod with as many or as few leg sections extended as you want.

There are two main types of leg lock on the market: twist leg locks and flip leg locks. Twist locks have you twist the lock in order to tighten and loosen it. Flip locks flip open and closed.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of leg lock, and it mostly comes down to a personal preference for which you prefer. Or perhaps it is not a feature that makes much difference to you.

In our personal experience, we have found that flip locks are more liable to catch on parts of your bag or camera strap, as they stick out of the leg. However, I have found flip leg locks to be more reliable than twist locks over time, as the thread mechanism can eventually wear down on twist locks. Flip locks can also be easier for people who have a harder time gripping and twisting the legs.

That said, overall we prefer the twist locks. They are neater, fast to use, and don’t catch on our bags when packing the tripod away. So we prefer them, especially on a travel tripod. But again this is just a personal preference.

Tripod Head

The tripod head is the top part of your tripod and it is where you will attach your camera. The type of tripod head will determine the range of motion, speed, and versatility in which you are able to position and move your camera.

There are a range of different types of tripod head on the market, with the two most popular being ball heads and pan and tilt heads.

Ball heads are by far the most popular for still photographers and are the standard type of tripod head that comes with most travel tripods. They offer the most flexibility when it comes to adjustment and camera position, and are the most compact type of head.

Pan heads or pan & tilt heads allow for individual axis control, so you can pan and tilt the camera independently. This allows for easier small adjustments, and also makes for better video results as you can move on one axis without having to worry about the other axis. These are great for those who plan to a lot of photography or video that involves motion and action.

Most travel tripods, with the exception of most of the mini tripods and some of the lower end tripods, come with removable tripod heads. So you can remove and switch tripod heads if you want to change or upgrade your tripod head at a later date.

Most travel tripods with come with a head attached, and this is normally a ball head. For higher end tripods, they often sell the legs and heads separately, so you can choose the type of tripod head you want.

Generally, for travel photography, we’d recommend a ball head tripod head. As noted, most tripods come with this as the standard option.

Tripod Camera Mount / Quick Release

Another thing to consider in relation to your tripod head, is the camera mount attached to it. There are two main ways to attach a camera to a tripod: by manually screwing it to the tripod or by attaching it via the use of a quick release plate.

Most tripods will allow for one or the other. The screw in method is common on mini tripods, budget tripods, monopods, and older tripods. The use of a quick release mount has become the most common way for photographers to attach their cameras to a tripod and you’ll find it on most travel tripod models on the market today.

You will likely be aware that almost all cameras have a standard size threaded screw hole in their base. This is the tripod mount point, where you can directly attach the camera to a tripod with a camera screw (the standard 1/4″-20 screw ) . This is a simple process but if you need to take your camera on and off the tripod a lot, this becomes tiresome to do.

To avoid having to screw in a camera each time someone wants to use a tripod, most tripods now have some form of quick release system. So instead of needing to screw in your camera, the tripod will come with a mounting system and compatible quick release plates, or quick release shoes, that you attach to the bottom of your camera through the screw hole in the base.

The quick release plate allows you to slide or clip the camera into place onto the tripod mount without needing to screw it in. This allows you to more quickly attach and remove your camera from the tripod.

If you buy a tripod with a quick release mounting system, it will come with at least one camera plate for you to use. All you will need to do is to attach that to the bottom of your camera.

There are different standards for these plates, with the most common being the Arca-Swiss style of mount. This is a popular cross-brand mounting system, meaning all the tripod heads and attachment plates adhere to the same size standard. But some tripods, including Manfrotto brand tripods, do have manufacturer specific mounting standards.

We love the ease of the quick release system and most of our tripods have the Arca-Swiss style mounting system and we have compatible quick release plates on all our mirrorless and DSLR cameras. We recommend this system, especially for those who use a tripod a lot or need a tripod for heavier cameras

However, that said, most mini tripods often don’t have the quick release mounts. Our mini tripod, the VESTA TT , has a regular screw mount and we typically use it with our compact camera or action camera, or use it with an adapter for our phone. It still takes only a few seconds to screw these on and it is not much of an issue with lightweight cameras.

Travel Tripod Cost

No discussion about photography gear is complete without talking about cost and budget, and this includes travel tripods.

As you would expect, travel tripods generally cost less than standard sized tripods, although the prices vary widely. You can get a basic mini tripod for about $10 or pay over $1,000 for the most expensive travel tripod models!

A number of factors will affect the budget such as the material of the tripods, the size, and the brand. For example, you will pay more for tripods using carbon fiber and titanium parts than those made of aluminum. Amazon brand tripods are going to be less expensive than those from well-known tripods manufacturers like Manfrotto, Vanguard, and 3 Legged Thing.

There is no need to spend a lot on a travel tripod. This is especially true if you are new to tripods and are not sure how often you will use it. As noted prices for mini tripods on our list start at less than $10 and for regular travel tripods at just $30.

If you plan to use the tripod mainly with your smartphone, compact camera, or another lightweight camera, many of the more basic tripods will probably work just fine. You can always upgrade your tripod set up later.

For most travelers who are looking for a nicer tripod that is a good value, we’d look at tripods in the $100 to $200 range. You can find a lot of nice tripods in this range.

As you start to head north of $200 or $250, generally the return on investment begins to shrink. Sure, a $600 tripod is likely going to be better than a $200 tripod, but it is unlikely to be 3 times as good.

If you have a heavier setup, just be sure to get a tripod that is equipped to handle the load as the more basic and budget tripods are not adequate for DSLR or pro setups. So you will want to look at the mid-range and higher end tripods, but you can still find good value tripods out there.

Tripod Warranty

Tripods from most of the most known brands, like Manfrotto, Vanguard, and Gitzo, will come with some sort of manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties are usually for at least 2 year, some much longer. This is helpful if you find a defect in the tripod or something breaks and you need replacement parts.

Note that the length and type of warranty often depends on where you live (different countries have different laws) and the specific product. Some companies may require you to register your product to take advantage of extended warranties, so do read the warranty information.

While the warranty coverage may not be very important for those looking for a $50 tripod, we would definitely check on the warranty coverage for those planning to invest a bit more on their tripod.

Additional Features

At its heart, a tripod is a fairly simple three-legged device designed to keep your camera steady so you can use it handsfree. In order to stand out from the crowd, tripod manufacturers will usually differentiate their products with various features.

How important these are to you will vary depending on what you are going to be using the tripod for. One of the most common extra features is that the tripod may come with accessories such as a tripod cover or tripod bag which can be useful for transport. Many also come with a tripod level so you can easily tell if a tripod is level or not.

Some tripods allow you to flip the tripod head upside-down, with the camera hanging below and between the legs, instead of above them. This feature can be useful in certain photography situations such as macro photography where you want to get as close to a subject as possible. If this is important to you, pay close attention to the minimum operating height of the tripod when choosing a model.

Other tripods might come with a hook on the center column, from which you can hang a sandbag or tripod weight. This is useful for providing additional support, especially in more windy conditions. It can also be used to hang camera accessories when shooting.

However, there is a limit to how different a tripod can be given the size, weight, and material constraints on travel tripods. So most of these features are nice to have but are not necessary. As always, you’ll have to decide what features are most important to you.

Best Travel Tripods

Now that we’ve gone through the key specifications and features to look for in a travel tripod, we are now going to provide a list of recommendations for specific travel tripods.

We have broken the lists into three categories: mini tripods, regular travel tripods, and travel monopod. So you can skip to the list that is most relevant to you.

The tripods in each list are ordered by retail price, from least expensive to most expensive. We cover what we believe are the best travel tripods on the market today. For each tripod, we’ll explain its key strengths, and why we’ve chosen to include it on the list.

Best Mini Tripods for Travel

We’ll start our guide to the best travel tripods with a round-up of the best mini-tripods and tabletop tripods. Mini tripods usually fold up to 5 inches to 10 inches (12 cm to 25 cm), making them perfect for travel. They can be stashed away easily in a day bag or purse and usually weigh less than 10 ounces (283 g).

Some of the tabletop tripods can be a bit larger, especially those designed for heavier gear, but they are still smaller and lighter than the regular travel tripods.

These small tripods are ideal for smartphones, compact cameras, webcams, and action cameras. Some models can even support mirrorless and lighter DSLR cameras, but be sure to check the load capacities and read reviews if you have a heavier camera.

They are definitely not as flexible and useful as a regular travel tripod, but for occasional use they are definitely a great compact option.

Here are our picks for the best mini travel tripods, ordered by retail price, from least expensive to most expensive:

AmazonBasics Lightweight Mini Tripod

If you want a really small, basic, and budget friendly tripod for your compact camera or smartphone, this is an excellent option.

This mini tripod from Amazon features a ball head for 360 degree positioning of your camera, extendable legs that mean it packs away to a really small size, and rubber feet for stability.

The lightweight mini tripod extends up to 7.5 inches in height and collapses down to just over 5 inches, so it is easy to store. Just note that it has a load capacity of only 1.1 lbs, so you only want to use this for smartphones, compact cameras, GoPros, webcams, and other lightweight devices.

This isn’t the most durable mini tripod and it’s a bit flimsy, but if you are just looking for a basic budget mini tripod under $10 for a phone or small camera this would be our recommendation.

Just note that if you want to use this with a smartphone, you’ll need to also get a separate adaptor like this .

Weight : 4.2 ounces / 119 grams Folded Length: 5.1 inches / 13 cm Minimum Height / Extended Height : 4.75 inches (12 cm) / 7.5 inches (19 cm) Load Capacity : 1.1 lbs / 0.5 kg Main Material : Aluminum Head : fixed mini ball head Mount Type: international standard 1/4″ -20 screw Price : Check price and buy on Amazon here

Vanguard Vesta TT Mini Tripod

The Vanguard Vesta TT is the mini-tripod we have and use with our phone, GoPro, and compact camera. It comes with a smartphone adapter already included but can also be used for cameras and other devices on the screw mount.

In terms of capabilities, this a simple lightweight mini tripod. The legs fold out but they are not adjustable. Since there are no joints or leg locks, there are less parts that can break. The three legs are connected, so when you extend one for use they all extend, making setup very fast.

There’s a ball head with a friction lock, and rubber feet for stability. As noted, we also like that it comes with a detachable smartphone holder that is adjustable to hold almost any phone. This is great so you don’t have to buy an additional adapter if you want to use your phone.

In terms of carrying capacity, the Vanguard Vesta TT can support cameras up to 4.4lbs (2 kg) which means it can handle lighter camera setups. The lightweight mini tripod folds to a very convenient 6.7 inches (17 cm).

If you are looking for something simple and stable, we can highly recommend this one. We’ve had no issues with it so far.

Weight : 5.5 oz / 155 g Folded Length: 6.7 inches / 17 cm Height : 3.9 inches (10 cm)  Load Capacity : 4.4 lbs / 2 kg Main Material : Aluminum Head : fixed mini ball head Mount Type: international standard 1/4″ -20 screw (also comes with a smartphone adapter) Price : Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Manfrotto Pixi EVO 2 Mini Tripod

If you want a mini tripod that can support a heavier camera, the Manfrotto Pixi EVO 2 is a great choice at a reasonable price point.

The sturdy legs have two sections allowing them to be adjusted and extended to a height up to 7.8 inches (20 cm). The tripod is lightweight at just over 9 ounces (260 g) and folds up to 8 inches (20.5 cm) in length.

Note that while this is designed to hold mirrorless cameras and smaller DSLR cameras, it is not intended for heavy DSLR camera setups or pro setups. If you want to use this with a smartphone, you’ll need a separate adaptor like this from Manfrotto .

If you are looking for a good overall mini tripod, we recommend the Manfrotto Pixi tripods.

Weight : 9.2 oz / 260 g Folded Length : 8.1 inches (20.5 cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height :  4.1 inches (10.5 cm) / 7.8 inches (20 cm) Load Capacity : 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg Main Materials : Aluminum / Technopolymer Head : fixed ball head Mount Type : international standard 1/4″ -20 screw Price : Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

JOBY GorillaPod 5K

JOBY Gorillapod is a well-known line of mini and table top tripods that come with bendable and flexible legs. JOBY offers a full range of mini tripods from tiny ones suitable for phones and compact camera to larger ones suitable for heavier cameras. If you find the bendy legs appealing, then you can find a mini tripod to fit just about any kind of camera.

For those doing video and live streaming, we particularly recommend the JOBY GorillaPod 5K as it often recommended as the best travel tripod by vloggers and YouTubers. JOBY has recently released an upgraded version of this tripod that comes with 2 additional arms for more vlogging device attachments.

The strength of the Gorillapod design comes from its clever leg design. Each leg is made from a series of flexible joints, meaning you can bend and wrap this tripod in all sorts of ways. This is particularly useful if you are outside and want to wrap it around a bench or tree branch to get a shot.

The legs also come together and the rubberized rings make it easy to hold and grip for video. It can also be stood up like a regular tripod as well! This makes the JOBY GorillaPod tripods unique in terms of their functionality.

There are a number of GorillaPod models with the 5K being the heavy-duty version that can hold up to 11 lbs or 5 kg of gear and can extend up to 15 inches (38.5 cm) in height. So the tripod is able to hold the camera gear for most travelers. But there are several other smaller models like the GorillaPod 1K model  if you are just looking for something for a smartphone or lightweight camera setup.

The JOBY GorillaPod 5K sort of fits in the middle between a mini tripod and a regular travel tripod. It is heavier and larger than the other mini tripods on our list, but is much lighter and more compact than the regular travel tripods.

If you are interested in a versatile in-between size travel tripod, this may be the tripod for you.

Weight : 1.63 lbs / 0.74 kg Folded Length : 15.1 inches / 38.5 cm Minimum Height / Extended Height : ~ 6 inches (15 cm) / ~ 14  inches (35.5 cm) Load Capacity : 11 lbs / 5 kg Main Materials: ABS Plastic / Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type: international standard 1/4″ -20 screw & Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Now if you are looking for something a bit larger, we’re going to focus on the regular travel tripods. To help you choose a travel tripod, we’ve gone through a whole range of options and made a list of what we think are some of the best travel tripods currently on the market.

When selecting a tripod, there is quite a range in terms of length, height, weight, load capacity, and budget. You’ll likely have to compromise on some factors, but you want to know what is a must-have for you so you get all the features that matter the most.

Travel tripods often extend up to 50 to 60 inches (127 to152 cm) in height and weigh between 2 and 4 pounds (.09 to 1.81 kg). The collapsed folding length varies between about 12 inches and 25 inches (30 to 63 cm) with most travel tripods under 20 inches. Load capacities can range widely, with most travel tripods offering between 5 and 25 lbs. (2.27 to 11.34 kg) of load capacity.

We think most travelers will be best suited with one of these tripods as they offer the most versatility and durability out of the different types of travel tripods.

Here are our picks for the best travel tripods, ordered by retail price, from least expensive to most expensive:

AmazonBasics Lightweight 60 in Tripod

If you are looking for a budget buy, we’d consider taking a look at this AmazonBasics tripod. Despite its budget nature, it has many of the features you would expect from a travel tripod.

The tripod is lightweight, offers a pan and tilt head and quick release mounting system, and can extend to a good length of 60 inches when fully extended. The tripod also has two bubble levels to help you level the tripod and a hook on the center column for adding weight. The tripod also comes with an included zippered carrier bag.

The tripod is a metal and plastic construction with a 6.6 lb (3 kg) load capacity, and is suitable for smartphones, compact cameras, and smaller mirrorless and DSLR cameras. But this is not the tripod you want to attach a heavier camera or setup with large telezoom lenses!

The materials used in its construction mean that it is not going to be as sturdy or durable as higher priced tripods. It is also by far the bulkiest travel tripod on our list with a folded length of 24 inches. The arms of the pan head also add additional bulk.

The tripod comes with a quick-release mounting system which is useful; however, note that it does not appear to be compatible with most Arca-Swiss plates. However, this only matters if you already have quick release plates on your gear.

All this said, if you want a good sized tripod at a budget price, this is a great option to consider. This is a great tripod setup for someone starting out on their photography journey. It is also perfect for those with lighter weight gear looking for an occasional tripod at a budget price.

Weight : 3 lbs / 1.36 kg Folded Length : 25 inches / 63.5 cm Minimum Height: 24 inches (61 cm) Fully Extended Height: 60 inches (152 cm) Height without Column Extension : ~ 52 inches (132 cm) Load Capacity : 6.6 lbs / 3 kg Main Materials: Aluminum / Plastic Head : 3 way pan and tilt head Mount Type: quick release mount (not Arca-Swiss compatiable) Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here

SLIK Sprint 150

Another tripod to consider for those with a smaller budget is this SLIK tripod. It is a bit more pricey than the Amazon model, but offers a better build, less weight, and less bulk.

The tripod is super lightweight, has a ball head, bubble level, and Arca-Swiss compatible quick release mounting system. It folds down to 20 inches (50 cm) and extends up to 64 (163 cm) at its maximum height. The tripod also comes with an included carrier bag.

You get a lightweight tripod with a reasonable load capacity (up to 4.5 lbs), that folds down to a manageable size. It isn’t designed for heavier camera setups, but the build quality is good, the price is certainly reasonable, and it is a great option for those with lighter camera setups.

The SLIK Sprint 150 travel tripod is another good option for those looking for a budget-friendly travel tripod. You can usually get it for around $60. Just be aware this doesn’t come with an Arca compatible quick release plate. However, some of the more expensive Slik tripods do include Arca compatible heads.

Weight : 2.3lbs / 1 kg Folded Length : 19.9 in (50cm) Minimum Height: 7.4 in (18.5cm)   Fully Extended Height : 64.3 in (163cm) Height without Column Extension: 52.5 in (133cm) Load Capacity :  4.5lbs / 2kg Main Material: Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type: Quick-release mount (not Arca compatible) Price : Check the latest price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Vanguard Vesta TB204AB

The Vanguard Vesta TB204AB is one of many tripods in the Vanguard range.

Laurence has been an ambassador for Vanguard since 2014, and we have used many of their tripods over the years. We always have a Vanguard tripod in our travel photography gear kit .

The Vanguard Vesta TB204AB is the entry-level model in the Vanguard line, but is still a very capable tripod at a very attractive price point. For your money, you get a lightweight aluminum ball head tripod with an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release mounting system.

The 204AB folds down to 14.8 inches (38 cm) and weighs only 2 lbs (0.9 kg), making it ideal for travel. For its size, it has a decent load capacity of 6.6 lbs so can handle most types of gear.

The main drawback of this tripod is that the maximum height of the tripod is only 51.2 inches with the center column extended, and only 41.5 inches with it down. So this isn’t the tallest travel tripod. However, given the price and travel-friendly folded size and weight, it’s definitely a great option to consider.

Weight : 2 lbs / 0.9 kg Folded Length : 14.8 in / 38 cm Minimum Height: 11.8 inches (27.9 cm) Fully Extended Height : 51.2 inches (130 cm) Height without Column Extension : 41.5 in (105cm) Load Capacity : 6.6 lbs / 3 kg Main Material: Aluminum Head : Ball head, arca compatible Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro Aluminum

MeFOTO are another popular tripod brand, and this aluminum tripod is their classic travel tripod.

Another neat feature of this tripod is that you can detach the center column from the tripod, attach it to one of the tripod legs, and you have yourself a 64″ monopod. So if you are thinking that a monopod might come in handy at times, this tripod gives you that option.

The tripod has a good load capacity of 17.6 lbs (8 kg) for a travel tripod at this price range and is pretty compact. However, at 3.6lbs (1.6kg) it is a bit heavier than many of the other options on our list.

The tripod comes with a fairly wide range of color options which is nice bonus, and also comes with a carry case.

Like many of tripods on our list, there are both aluminum and carbon fiber versions available of this tripod. So if you like the specifications but don’t like the weight, consider the carbon fibre version. This is a bit lighter and more durable than the aluminum version, but it almost doubles the cost. So the aluminum model is probably the best bet for those looking for a good value tripod.

Weight : 3.6 lbs / 1.6 kg Folded Length : 15.4 in (39.1 cm) Minimum Height: 15.4 in (39.1 cm) Fully Extended Height : 61.6 in (156.5 cm ) Height without Column Extension : 53 in (134cm) Load Capacity : 17.6 lbs / 8 kg Main Material: Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check the latest price on Amazon here and B&H here

Vanguard VEO 2 GO 265CB

The VEO 2 Go 265CB tripod is a smaller and lighter version of the travel tripod that we currently use (the VEO 2 265CB ). The Go range of VEO tripods are even more travel focused than the original VEO range, with the tripods being even lighter and smaller than the original VEO range.

The VEO 2 Go 265CB is wonderfully light thanks to the carbon fiber construction, and it folds down to a very compact 12.75 inches. This is the most compact of the travel tripods on our list, and also one of the lightest!

However, there are some downsides to this compact nature. Whilst the extended height is a reasonable 56.5 inches, this is largely thanks to a 2-section center column. The tripod without the center column extension is a fairly short 44 inches. So we’d caution against using this tripod fully extended, especially with heavier gear. Although using a tripod weight bag can help.

The tripod also includes a center column hook for adding weight, a set of spiked feet, and a carrying bag.

Overall though, we think this tripod offers a compelling option for those looking for something that is very lightweight and compact, yet can still handle a reasonable load (up to 13.2 lbs).

Those of you looking for a taller tripod should consider the VEO 2 GO 265HCBM , which is designed for taller photographers and offers a much higher maximum height. The center column on this latter tripod also converts for use as a monopod.

Weight : 2.63 lbs / 1.2 kg Folded Length : 12.75 inches (32.4 cm) Minimum Height: 8.25 inches (21.5 cm) Fully Extended Height : 56.5 inches (143.5 cm) Height w/o Column Extension: 44 inches (113 cm) Load Capacity : 13.2 lbs / 6 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check prices Amazon here and  B&H here

Vanguard VEO 3 GO 265HCB

The Vanguard VEO 3 265HCB is our current go-to travel tripod that we use for most of our travel photography when traveling internationally. We think it offers an excellent combination of price and performance.

The VEO 2 265CB has a carbon fiber construction and weighs only 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg). The fully extended height is an impressive 65.5 inches and it still offers 49.5 inches of height without any center column extension. It folds away to a reasonably compact 16.2 inches.

Load capacity is fantastic at 22 lbs (10 kg), meaning it can support the camera setup of most travelers. The ball head features a bubble level so you can easily see if your camera is level, and the quick release plate is Arca-Swiss compatible. We also like the twist lock legs which make for quick and easy setup. It comes with its own carrying bag.

Overall, we think this is a very well priced carbon fiber tripod that should satisfy most travel photographers. It is currently our favorite all-around travel tripod pick.

Weight : 3.1 lbs /1.4 kg Folded Length :  16.2 inches (41 cm) Minimum Height : 8 inches (21 cm) Fully Extended Height : 65.5 inches (166.5 cm) Height without Column Extension: 49.5 inches (126 cm) Load Capacity : 22lbs / 10 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type: Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check prices on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon Fiber

Manfrotto is another respected name in the tripod space, and Laurence’s very first travel tripod was a Manfrotto model. They have an extensive range of tripods to choose from, with the BeFree range being their main line of travel tripods.

One of the models that stands out in this range is the Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon Fiber tripod. The tripod offers a great load capacity (22 lbs / 10 kg) at a reasonable weight (3.42 lbs / 1.55 kg) and compact folded length of 16.9 inches (43 cm). It comes with a carrying bag included.

The tripod has a ball head with a quick-release system, however, be aware that Manfrotto uses their own mounting system standard and plate designs which are not compatible with the Arca-Swiss standard. So you will need to only use their release plates on your cameras and other gear.

This same tripod is also available in a less expensive aluminum version as well.

Weight : 3.42 lbs / 1.55 kg Folded Length : 16.9 in (43 cm) Minimum Height : 16.9 in (43 cm) Fully Extended Height : 63.8 in (162 cm) Height without Column Extension : 54 in (138cm) Load Capacity : 22 lbs / 10 kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type : quick release mount (not Arca-Swiss compatible) Price : Check price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Peak Design Travel Tripod

We’ve been big fans of Peak Design for a long time, primarily for their awesome camera straps which we use on all our cameras. However, Peak Design also make a travel focused tripod, which offers some unique features.

It’s available in both aluminum and carbon fibre. We think the aluminum model will suit for most users as the carbon fibre model is quite a bit more expensive. The aluminum version is the one we use.

With a load capacity of 20lbs (9.1kg) and weight of 3.43lbs (1.56kg), this travel tripod should meet the needs of most traveling photographers. You get a built-in magnetic phone mount, a built-in ball head, and a tripod that presents a very packable profile. In fact, it’s one of the more portable full size travel tripods we’ve used.

It’s easy to set up and use, with fast-access low-profile leg locks. The mounting plate is ARCA compatible, and it comes with a hex tool and weatherproof carrying bag. There’s a load hanging hook, optional attachment points for Peak Design straps.

Weight : 3.44 lbs / 1.56 kg Folded Length : 15.4 in (39.1 cm) Minimum Height : 5.5 in (14 cm) Fully Extended Height : 60 in (152.4 cm) Height without Column Extension : 51.25 in (130.2cm) Load Capacity : 20 lbs / 9.1 kg Main Material : Aluminum Head : Ball head Mount Type : quick release mount, Arca-Swiss compatible Price : Check price on Amazon here , and Peak Design here .

3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0

3 Legged Thing are another well known tripod manufacturer who are definitely worth checking out when it comes to travel tripods, especially if you have heavier camera gear. They have a number of options, but I suggest the Leo 2.0 model is the one to check out for most travelers.

The 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 tripod is a sturdy well-built carbon fiber travel tripod, with an impressive maximum load rating of 66 lbs (30kg)! This is the highest load capacity of all the travel tripods on our list and is an impressive number for a travel tripod.

It folds up to a compact 14.7 inches (37.4 cm) and can extend up to 57.7 inches with the center column extended. However, it is worth noting that this impressive height is due to the longer telescoping central column. Without the central column extended, the tripod is only 44 inches, which is definitely on the lower end. This tripod is also heavier than most travel tripods at 4.08 lbs (1.85 kg).

All three of the legs on this tripod are detachable, and you can attach the center column to one of the legs to create a monopod. The monopod is 59.2 inches (150.4 cm) with the ball head attached. A great option for those who want the option to take a lighter monopod on some trips.

If you are looking for a sturdy tripod with a high load capacity, and don’t mind it being a little heavier than the average travel tripod, this is a solid option.

Weight :  4.08 lb / 1.85 kg Folded Length : 14.7 in (37.4 cm) Minimum Height: 4.9 in (12.5 cm) Fully Extended Height :  57.7 in (147 cm) Height without Column Extension: 44.13in (112 cm) Load Capacity : 66 lbs / 30 kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type : Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Gitzo Lightweight Series 2 Traveler

We couldn’t do a round up of tripods without featuring one of the tripods from the high-end brand Gitzo. Gitzo are essentially the Rolls Royce of tripod manufacturers. They are certainly not a budget option, but for those of you with a healthy wallet, they are certainly a solid choice.

Their travel tripod range is conveniently called Traveler. We’d recommend the Lightweight Series 2 traveler tripod as offering a great balance of size and stability.

The Gitzo Lightweight Series 2 is a well built tripod featuring an Arca-Swiss compatible ball head that has a bubble level and independent pan and tilt locking, which makes it easier to capture panoramas. It extends up to 65 inches (165 cm) with a load capacity of 26.4 lbs (12 kg), allowing it to work for just about any photographer’s needs. Even with the center column down, you still get an impressive 55 inches (142cm) of height.

However, this tripod is one of the heaviest on the list at just over 4 lbs. If you want something lighter and even smaller, checkout the Lightweight Series 0 Traveler, which offers a more compact system at the expense of height.

This is definitely a premium tripod, but we think it is worth the price if you have the budget and you want something sturdy and durable from a well-known brand.

Weight : 4.06 lbs / 1.84 kg Folded Length : 17.6 in (44.5 cm) Minimum Height: 13 in (33.2 cm) Fully Extended Height : 65 in (165.5 cm) Height without Column Extension : 55 in (142cm) Load Capacity : 26.4 lbs / 12 kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Ball head Mount Type : Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release mount Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Travel Monopods

Whilst a monopod isn’t a tripod, some photographers find that a monopod offers a good balance between portability and use. Travel monopods are lighter, less bulky, and more portable than a travel tripod. Travelers who choose monopods over tripods typically do so because they don’t want to carry the weight of a tripod.

You can find a lot of travel monopods weighing less than 1 lb and they typically don’t weigh more than 2 lbs. So they can be perfect for someone who wants the height but not the weight or bulk of a travel tripod. However, they are usually a bit longer than the average travel tripod when collapsed.

Note that monopods generally come with a fixed head. However, you can attach a tripod head to them, just note that this will add weight so be sure to keep that in mind. Generally, monopods don’t come with quick-release mounts/plates but you can attach a tripod head that supports a quick release plate if you wanted to use one.

Monopods are particularly useful for when a photographer is shooting wildlife, events, or sport scenes and needs to move and reposition heavier gear a lot. They can also be used to support a microphone or camera boom. Some travel monopods are also designed to double as a walking stick and so can be particularly useful for those who do a lot of hiking or backpacking.

However, although monopods offer more support and stability than freehand shooting, they are still more limited than using a tripod. Monpods are not a substitute for a tripod. So it is a tradeoff between the easier portability and the functionality for many people.

Note that if you are thinking that a monopod sounds useful in some situations, but you still want a tripod, you might consider a tripod that can convert into a monopod. For instance, the MeFoto RoadTrip Classic and the VEO 2 GO 265 HCBM are two examples of tripods that can be converted into monopods.

If you are considering a standalone monopod for your travels, here are some to consider:

Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod

If you are looking for an excellent balance of price and features, we think the Manfrotto 290 carbon fiber monopod offers great value for money.

This carbon fiber tripod offers a flip lock leg system that extends up to almost 60 inches (151 cm) and folds down to 19.2 inches (49 cm). The load capacity of 11 lbs (5 kg) means it will help support most cameras. A rubber grip and angled wrist strap help provide extra stability.

The carbon fiber construction means its lightweight but strong, and you get good load capacity combined with a good maximum height. For those with a smaller budget, an aluminum version is also available.

Weight : 17.6 oz / 500 g Folded Length : 19.2 inches (49 cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height : 19.2 inches (49 cm) / 59.4 inches (151cm) Load Capacity : 11 lbs /  5 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Fixed Mount Type: dual 1/4″-20 screw and 3/8″-16 screw Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR

If you want a slightly more fully featured monopod, check out the VEO 2S CM-264TR monopod from Vanguard. It actually has three feet which fold out, and whilst these make the monopod a little heavier than others, you get a huge stability advantage over a standard monopod.

The VEO 2S CM-246TR offers a twist lock leg system that can extend up to 64 inches (162 cm) and folds down to 21.5 inches (54.6). The foldable feet allow for more stability and smoother videos. The load capacity of 13.2 lbs (6 kg) means it can handle all but the heaviest camera setups.

This monopod also comes with a wrist strap, universal smartphone mount, carabiner, and protective rubber transport cap for the mounting screw. The included mount is great for those who also want to use it with their phone.

If you like the look of this one but have a smaller budget, a less expensive aluminum version is also available.

Weight : 1.96lbs / 890g Folded Length : 21.5 inches (54.5cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height :: 21.7 inches (55cm) /  64 inches (162 cm) Load Capacity : 13.2lbs / 6kg Main Material : Carbon fiber Head : Fixed Mount Type : international standard 1/4″ -20 screw Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

3 Legged Thing Alan Monopod

If you have a seriously heavy setup, then you might want to consider the Alan Monopod from 3 Legged Thing. Boasting a spectacular load capacity of 132 lbs (60 kg), this should be able to handle even the most professional and extreme lenses without trouble!

Despite this load ability, the Alan still only weighs 1.34 lbs (600 g) thanks to a carbon fiber construction. It has a 5 section twist lock style leg construction that collapses down to a relatively compact 17.7 inches (45 cm). It comes with large rubber grip and a tri-mount plate that allows for a camera or other accessories, such as microphone or boom, to be easily attached.

If you want to add more stability to the tripod, you can add a three-way foot add-on like this to increase stability if you wish.

This is a more pricey monopod option, but if you need something that can support a lot of weight, this is a great option.

Weight : 1.34lbs / 609 g Folded Length : 17.7 inches (45cm) Minimum Height / Extended Height : 17.7 inches (45cm) / 58.7 inches (149cm) Load Capacity : 132 lbs / 60 kg Main Material: Carbon fiber Head : Fixed Mount Type: dual 1/4″-20 screw and 3/8″-16 screw Price : Check Price and buy on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Best Travel Tripod for Different Travelers & Purposes

Here are our picks for the best travel tripods, depending on your specific needs and budget:

• Best Mini Travel Tripod : Manfrotto Pixi EVO Mini Tripod
• Best Travel Tripod Under $30 : Amazon Basics Lightweight 60 in Tripod
• Best Travel Tripod Under $100 : Vanguard Vesta TB204AB
• Best Compact / Lightweight Travel Tripod : Vanguard VEO 3 Go 235CB
• Best Rugged Tripod for Adventure Travelers : 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0
• Best Tripod for Video and Vlogging : JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit
• Best Luxury Travel Tripod : Gitzo Lightweight Series 2
• Best Travel Tripod for Extra Heavy Camera Setups : 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0
• Best Monopod for Travel : Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber
• Best Convertible Tripod/Monopod for Travel : Vanguard VEO 3 GO 265 HCB
• Best Overall Travel Tripod : Vanguard VEO 3 Go 265HCB

As you can see, the specific tripod we’d recommend will depend a lot on your needs and your budget. There is no one size fits all travel tripod.

Overall, our favorite brand for travel tripods is Vanguard, an American manufacturer of tripods as well as scopes and binoculars. We find the company offers a wide range of well-built tripods at decent prices. We’ve been using their tripods for many years, and Laurence has been an ambassador for the brand since 2014.

As Vanguard Ambassadors we are able to offer you a unique discount code which will get you 20% off everything in the Vanguard USA , Vanguard UK , Vanguard Spain , and Vanguard Germany online store websites. Just use code FindingTheUniverse  (case sensitive) on checkout.

Travel Tripod Accessories 

Depending on your tripod, camera gear, and travel style, there may be some extra accessories you may need or want to have to get the most out of your travel tripod.

Most travel tripods come with a tripod ball head included so most people won’t need to buy a separate tripod head. But even if your tripod comes with a ball head, you may wish to replace it or get a second tripod head to use. On most tripods, you can remove and replace the ball head if you wish.

Some people may want to replace it for a higher quality ball head or for one that matches the standard of their quick release plates (although most support the Arca Swiss mounting standards).

In some cases you might want to get a different type of tripod head to use in certain instances or for other equipment. For example, you may get a tripod that comes with a standard ball head and wish to also have a tripod pan head for making videos or for a wildlife viewing, such as this one for Manfrotto BeFree tripods .

It is generally recommended that you purchase ball heads from the same manufacturer to ensure the best fit, but you can often use them across manufacturers. Just be sure to check compatiability before purchasing.

Quick Release Plates

Quick release plates, or quick release shoes, are mounting plates that allow you to quickly attach and detach your camera from your tripod head. The quick release plate is attached to the bottom of your camera and then that fits into the head mount.

If your tripod has a quick release mounting system, it likely came with a least one quick release plate to attach to your camera. However, if like us, you have more than one camera or other devices that you want to attach plates, you will need to purchase extra plates.

Most tripods use a Arca-Swiss style mount standard making it so you can use the same release plates across a number of tripods, but some do have manufacturer specific mounting standards.

It is generally best to buy extra release plates from your tripod manufacturer to make sure you get a release plate that is compatible with that tripod. So if you have a Manfrotto tripod, you probably want to get a Manfrotto quick release plate .

You can purchase tripod quick release plates on Amazon , B&H , & Adorama

Tripod Phone Adapter

If you plan to use your tripod with your smartphone camera, you will likely need to purchase an adapter since most are designed to accommodate regular cameras. But some of the mini tripods do come with a smartphone adapter or the brand may offer it as an accessory or as part of a bundle kit.

If your tripod does not come with an adapter, you can purchase a tripod smartphone adapter like this one , that can work with almost any phone or tripod.

Tripod Collar

A tripod collar, also known as a lens collar or tripod mount ring, is a lens accessory that you can use to attach a camera lens to a tripod. In most cases, you will attach your camera, not your lens, directly to your tripod.

But if you have a camera with interchangeable lenses and are planning to use longer and heavier lenses, you may need to use a tripod collar to better support the weight of your camera setup. This means instead of attaching your camera base directly to the tripod, you will attach it from a mount on your camera lens.

Longer telephoto lenses generally come with either an attached or removable tripod collar. Smaller telephoto lenses may not. If you have a heavier telephoto lens over 100mm it is something you might want to consider for extra stability.

If you need to purchase a tripod collar, you want to make sure that you purchase one that will work specifically for the lens you own. For instance, there is no universal Canon telephoto lens tripod collar, but instead they come in different sizes for different lenses.

We generally recommend buying from the lens manufacturer to ensure fit and quality, but there are third-party brands, like Vello , that make them as well. Just be sure to check reviews and load capacity for third party ones.

You can see tripod collars on Amazon , B&H , & Adorama

Tripod Weight Bags

Tripod weight bags, or tripod sand bags, are a tripod accessory you can use to help better stabilize your tripod. These are particularly useful for travel tripods which are often less heavy and stable than regular sized tripods.

There are two main types of bags, ones that come pre-weighted and those that you add your own weight to as needed. Weight can be added by putting sand, gravel, stones, extra gear, etc. in the bag or sling. This helps you adjust the weight to be best for your tripod as you want to be sure not to overload your tripod.

Obviously traveling with heavy sandbags in your luggage is not going to be ideal, so for traveling, the add your own weight tripod bags are going to be the best option. A couple of different examples are these fillable sandbag weights and this sling style one .

I would get your tripod first and then see if you think it needs extra weight for stabilization for the kinds of shooting you do. You also want to make sure that you get a weight bag that will fit your particular model of tripod as many, for example, require a hook on the central column.

Tripod Feet

Your travel tripod will come with at least one set of tripod feet, also known as tripod shoes or tripod boots. So you probably don’t need to purchase additional tripod feet unless they break. But some people may wish to replace them if they prefer a specific kind of tripod feet or need them for a special terrain.

There are a number of different kinds of tripod feet, which are designed to be best suited for different types of terrain and shooting locations. For instance, spiked feet are often more useful for dirt and sand, whereas rubber feet are best for slippery surfaces and indoor shooting.

There are also tripod feet with retractable spikes or spikes ones with removable rubber boot covers which makes them more versatile.

Tripod feet and boots are not universal, so make sure you get ones that will fit your particular tripod. It will depend on the diameter of your tripod leg. Some screw on and some just slip onto the bottom of the tripod.

Tripod Bag or Photography Bag with Tripod Pocket

If you are planning to travel with your tripod, it is a good idea to get some sort of cover or bag for it. This helps with transport and helps protect your tripod and your other gear. Many travel tripods come with a carry bag included, but some do not.

If you are just wanting a bag to carry your tripod, you might want to get something like the  Manfrotto Befree Padded Tripod Bag which will fit most travel sized tripods. Just be sure to check dimensions of bags as most are designed for full-sized tripods and may be much larger than you need.

If you are wanting something to store all of your photography gear, you will want to look for a photography bag or backpack with a tripod pocket or compartment. We personally travel with the Vanguard Alta Sky backpacks , which come in a variety of sizes and styles. We are able to put a travel tripod in the side pocket, inside the bag, or strap it to the bottom, and it is nice to have options.

We recommend finding something designed for the type and amount of gear you plan to carry. So if you have a compact camera, travel tripod, and accessories, you can get a much smaller bag than someone wanting to travel with a DSLR camera, travel tripod, and 3 lenses.

Now, if you have a mini tripod or a smaller travel tripod that you may not need any special bag and it will fit well in your regular backpack or purse. However, I would find something (like a dry bag) that you can store it in when you are not using it. This will help protect the tripod as well as the other stuff in your bag.

And that’s it for our advice on choosing the best travel tripod. We hope you found it useful. As always, we are here to help if you have any questions about choosing a travel tripod!

A reminder that if you are thinking about buying a Vanguard tripod, we are able to offer you a unique discount code that will get you 20% off anything you purchase in the Vanguard USA or UK online stores. Just use code  FindingTheUniverse  (case sensitive) on checkout from the  Vanguard US store . UK readers can use the code  FindingTheUniverseUK  ( case sensitive) in the  Vanguard UK store .

If you are also interested in a new travel camera, be sure to check out our guides to the best compact cameras , best mirrorless camera for travel , and best DSLR cameras for travel . We also have a general guide to choosing a travel camera and an online travel photography course if you are wanting to improve your photography skills.

Interested in a new tripod for traveling? PIN this guide on Pinterest to read later:

Do you have any of your own tips or advice on choosing or using a travel tripod? Have a question about tripods or travel photography? If so, just let us know in the comments below!

Share this Post!

There are 13 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Peter B. Post author

April 20, 2024 at 4:12 pm

Thank you for your informative Travel Tripod article. You stated that the SLIK Sprint 150 Aluminum Tripod has Arca Swiss quick release. My Sprint 150 has a quick release system but my SBH-150DQ Ball Head is not Arca Swiss compatible – it takes its own proprietary 6183BK base plate.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

April 22, 2024 at 3:39 am

Glad you found our article helpful and thanks so much for bringing this to our attention about that specific SLIK Sprint tripod model. So yes, that specific model does not come with a Arca Swiss compatible head. We have updated that information.

Now, many of the SLIK tripods do come with Swiss Arca-style tripod heads and brackets. But many of there mini and travel ones do come with a proprietary one. However, it does seem they are trying to update those as the SPRINT PRO III BHAC (another travel tripod in the Sprint series) has just been updated to have an Arca-style ballhead (SBH-100AC). So hopefully they will update more of their smaller heads to make it easier for people to use and swap cameras. But this does make the prices of these tripods go up.

Best, Jessica

Devail Post author

November 25, 2022 at 1:23 am

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

November 26, 2022 at 5:28 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment. If you have any questions about travel tripods, or travel photography in general, just let us know!

Ruth Post author

August 20, 2022 at 11:30 pm

I’ve read lots of articles on travel tripods in the last few weeks and yours is the most helpful and informative with lots of explanation, thank you!

August 21, 2022 at 4:06 am

Glad you found it helpful. If you have any questions about choosing a travel tripod, just ask and happy to try to help.

Andtemiz Post author

March 3, 2021 at 3:14 am

I learned a lot about travel tripods from this article. Thanks for the useful information.

March 4, 2021 at 9:47 am

Glad you found it useful! If you are looking for a travel tripod (or any type of tripod) and have any questions, just let us know! Happy to try to help or give advice based on our experiences.

Kishanu Post author

May 21, 2020 at 12:50 am

I agree that Vanguard VEO makes some of the best travel camera tripods for the prices. Very helpful article about tripods. Keep posting such type of articles!

May 21, 2020 at 5:09 am

Hi Kishanu,

Glad you found the article helpful and yes, so far we have also had very good experiences with the Vanguard VEO and Vanguard VEO 2 Go tripod lines!

Paul Post author

May 16, 2020 at 8:54 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

Love your camera and tripod guides. I would like to be able to get better family photos on vacations – I have one of the little Manfrotto mini tripods but it doesn’t really work in most places for our group photos as it isn’t tall enough to get good family photos as it is limited to where it can be set. But I also don’t want to carry around something heavy and bulky when traveling so not sure what might be best? My wife has a little point-and-shoot Sony camera and I have a small Panasonic mirrorless camera, and my kids use their phones, so ideally something that could support up to a mirrorless camera would be best. I think the heaviest would be well under 3 lbs….

Thanks in advance!….Paul

May 16, 2020 at 5:30 pm

Yes, mini tripods can be great but they are definitely limited if you don’t have a place to put them.

I think for those family trips where you want to take nice family photos, I’d look for a regular travel tripod. But I would look for one of the most compact and lightweight ones so that you don’t regret taking it with you. I’d find something you’d be OK throwing in your day bag and walking around with all day.

We’d recommend something like the Vanguard VEO 2 GO 204CB (or the aluminum version 204AB ) for you. The carbon fiber version only weighs 1.7lbs and folds up to about 12 inches! It isn’t the tallest tripod, but certainly tall enough for what you want to use it for and can definitely support your compact camera and mirrorless camera. It has the Swiss Arca quick release system so you can quickly attach your camera. We have a heavier/taller version of the VeO 2 Go tripod and really love it.

If you want to also use smartphones on the tripod, you’ll just need to get a smartphone adapter.

Hope that helps! Jessica

May 17, 2020 at 8:44 am

Thanks, will take a look at those tripods, super helpful!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

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

These are the best tripods currently on the market, no matter what type of photography you're shooting.

Best overall

Best for portability, best for multiple disciplines, best lightweight option, best affordable option, best for versatility, best for awkward positions, best for shooting low to the ground, best for studio photographers, best for flexibility, best for beginners.

• How we test

1. The list in brief ↴ 2. Best overall 3. Best for portability 4. Best for multiple disciplines 5. Best lightweight option 6. Best affordable option 7. Best for versatility 8. Best for awkward positions 9. Best for shooting low to the ground 10. Best for studio photographers 11. Best for flexibility 12. Best for beginners 13. Tripod FAQs 14. How we test

Having one of the best tripods in your kit is very important if you take your photography seriously. Whether it's to steady your camera on those long exposures, or helping you reach new angles, tripods have a lot of uses — and if you're heading out into the world (or the studio) with your camera, you shouldn't hesitate to take a tripod along with you.

While most tripods all have the same aim — to keep your camera steady and secure while you're shooting — they aren't all made equally, and some will be better at a particular job than others. For example, if you shoot in particular terrains, you'll find that some tripods are better equipped for the job than others.

We've taken everything into account when rounding up our picks of the best tripods, and most of the tripods on this list have been tried and tested by our own experts. In each section below, you'll find the pros and cons of each one we've selected, and we've noted the areas they're strong (or weak) in. 

We've also rounded up the best travel tripods if you're primarily looking for an ultra-portable option. Some models also support additional accessories like interchangeable feet to handle different types of terrain when shooting outdoors. You'll want to make sure that any tripod you buy is suitable for the kit you intend to use, including your camera, lens and any other accessories. Combine with one of the best cameras or best mirrorless cameras and start snapping.

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

The quick list

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

Read more below

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

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

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

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

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

Load the next 4 products ↴

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

An incredibly versatile, lightweight yet capable tripod that's great in almost any situation — particularly shooting low to the ground.

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

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

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

• Back to the top ⤴

Best tripods we recommend in 2024

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

Benro Mach3 TMA37C

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

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

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

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

The best of all the best tripods on the market has to be the Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C: A professional bit of kit that is sure to be the envy of any photographers. It's not cheap, but it's well worth the cost if sturdiness and durability is what you're looking for.

This is a premium tripod that can be used on all types of terrain and in all types of weather thanks to its spiked feet. If you're typically an outdoor shooter, then, whether astrophotography or wildlife/landscape photography, the Benro Mach3 is an excellent choice. 

There are two versions of this tripod on the market: One made of carbon fiber and another made of aluminum. Unsurprisingly, the carbon fiber version is the more expensive of the two, but both are surprisingly lightweight and equally durable. If you're looking for something extra-portable, though, the carbon fiber model is the lighter of the two.

The short center column of the Benro Mach3 means you can shoot low to the ground without any issues, giving extra flexibility when setting up creative shots. The downside, though, is that you'll need to buy a tripod head separately, making it even more of an expense — but it at least means you can purchase a head that suits your shooting style.

If you have the budget for it, there are few better tripods on the market than the Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C. This is an excellent bit of kit for professionals and enthusiasts alike, which will last for years to come.

• Check out the Best cameras for photos and videos

Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

In our Peak Design Travel Tripod review , we praised how small and compact the ball head design is, noting it's small than almost any other tripod on the market. There are no extra levers or knobs sticking out anywhere, which keeps things nice and tidy (and easy to transport!). The camera plate, on the other hand, isn't quite so good, as you'll need a hex tool in order to attach it — if you're shooting astro in the dark, it's a very fiddly task that you probably could do without. 

Once it's all set up, however, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is extremely secure, with its feet feeling very sturdy at the bottom of the legs. It's not quite as tall as some other tripods on this list, but we love the versatility of it — it's capable of shooting just 5.5 inches (14cm) from the ground. Oh, and if you want to shoot with your phone's camera, there's a handy smartphone mount in the center column, which is a nice touch. 

• Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read our full 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian tripod review

Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum

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

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

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

When you're moving around with a tripod, being lightweight is super important. And for that reason we can't praise the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum tripod enough: It's one of the lightest aluminum tripods around, proving you don't always need to fork out for carbon fiber to get something super light. 

More impressively, though, is just how well built this tripod is. It has an excellent build quality, with its solid center column offering a lot of support thanks to its own fastening mechanism. While it doesn't hold the biggest load of all the tripods on this list (just under 20lbs), your camera alway feels reassuringly secure on top of the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced.

The build quality and security comes at a slight cost, though, as this isn't the most compact travel tripod out there. It's a small price to pay, and one we'd say is probably worth it, thanks to the high-end features like wraparound twist-lock rings on the leg choices, and an aluminum 200PL PRO base plate. So unless you absolutely need a really compact tripod for travel, it's a trade worth considering.

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

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

• Read our Manfrotto Befree Advanced tripod review

Manfrotto Element MII

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

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

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

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

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

There's no fiddly procedures involved in setting up the Manfrotto Element MII: Thanks to its twist locks and legs that open very quickly, it's a painless and stress-free process. We also like that the tripod's ball head has built-in spirit levels for shooting both landscape and portrait orientations — although a small downside is that the camera obscures them once it's in place. So you'll need to make sure you check you're level beforehand.

The main drawback of the Manfrotto Element MII is that the central column doesn't allow for any rotation, meaning you can't shoot at 90 degrees. Depending on your photography style it might not be an issue at all, but it's worth noting. On the other hand, the 360-degree panning function on the tripod is excellent: It's silky smooth and very useful for shooting videos, panoramas or tracking moving objects.

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

• Read our full Manfrotto Element MII review

Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod

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

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

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

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

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

One particularly neat feature of the Manfrotto 190 Go! tripod is its 'Easy Link' attachment. You'll find it hidden underneath a rubber cover in the top casing, and it allows you to attach a bunch of useful accessories, like an LED light reflector. Whether you shoot in the studio or outside, it's something that will come in handy for many photographers.

This is still a very pricey tripod, and so casual photographers might be put off, but if you do have the budget for it, it's an excellent piece of kit. Its lightweight build and versatile features make it a valuable competitor to more expensive carbon fiber models. 

• Read our full Manfrotto 190 Go! review

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB

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

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

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

If you like getting creative with your photography, shooting from a number of different angles and positions, the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is a great choice of tripod. Almost every part of this tripod adjusts, from its legs, which can go from 25 degrees to almost 90 degrees, and the central column itself can be retracted and angled at 90 degrees from the legs. Set it up in just the right way, and you can point your camera directly at the sky from just 10 inches above the ground.

If you're an astrophotographer, then, the Alta Pro is a fantastic choice, making it easy to create long-exposure shots of the night sky. Capturing something like a star trail will be made easier than ever without having to worry about judder coming from a sudden gust of wind, for example. It also helps that it's pretty easy to set up, with the leg adjustments being a simple case of pushing just one button.

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

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

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

• Read our full Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod review

Benro Tortoise 24C

✅ You want to shoot low to the ground:  Its lack of center column keeps this tripod light, and also helps it be much more flexible than most.

✅ You want something versatile: This is a great tripod for almost any type of terrain thanks to its interchangeable feet.

❌ You need a tall tripod:  The Benro Tortoise 24C is shorter than most, so if you need something tall, this isn't it.

🔎  Benro Tortoise 24C:  If you want something versatile, lightweight, and with an excellent build quality, you can't go wrong. It's not the tallest tripod but if you plan on shooting low, this is the tripod for you. ★★★★

While the Vanguard Alta Pro we mentioned above excels at shooting in weird and wonderful angles, the Benro Tortoise 24C tripod should be your go-to if you plan on getting low. Its legs can get very close to the ground, offering a sturdy and reliable base for shooting some interesting shots.

But that's not all this tripod is good for. In our Benro Tortoise 24C review , we praised the tripod for its versatility and also for its sturdiness and build quality. Sporting a carbon fiber body, the Tortoise is extremely light but still very reliable — it can hold up to 30.9lbs, so it's good to be used with most photography kit.

It's great for most terrains too, thanks to its interchangeable feet. It's equipped with rubber grips on the bottom as standard, or you can change them out for spikes, letting you sink into the ground for extra stability. 

However, the Benro Tortoise 24C doesn't have a center column — and that's one of the reasons its able to remain so light and compact. It does mean that it's shorter than other tripods, so it's not the best choice if you're going to need extra height when shooting. But staying close to the ground? This is the tripod for you.

• Read our full Benro Tortoise 24C review

Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2

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

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

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

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

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

If you're a seasoned photographer, you'll love the level of precision you're able to achieve with this tripod. You can select the precise angle of each leg, for example, choosing between 25, 46, 66 and 88 degrees. There's a 90-degree center column mechanism too, and the ball head has 360-degree markings all the way around which make it easy to rotate your camera whether you're shooting video or tracking a moving object.

With something this sturdy and precise, however, there has to be a trade-off, and in this case it's the weight. The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is pretty heavy, and that's why we recommend it most for studio use. You can travel around with it, of course — we carried it around for half an hour with no problems — but if you're looking for something that's primarily lightweight and travel-friendly, there are better tripods on the market. But for sheer resilience? They don't come much better than this.

• Read our full Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review

Joby GorillaPod 5K

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

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

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

The Joby GorillaPod 5K isn't your usual type of tripod. It's probably not going to appeal to traditional photographers, but if you like trying out funky innovations and tend to seek out creative photography opportunities, you might find a lot of use in the GorillaPod. Particularly considering how lightweight and travel-friendly it is.

Rather than having straight tripod legs, it has three legs made from articulated ball joints, each with rubber grips wrapped around them. The idea is that you wrap the GorillaPod around any object you want — like a fence pole, or a railing — in order to create a stable grip for your camera.

It's pretty effective at doing that, but you need to bear in mind that the GorillaPod 5K's maximum load weight is much less than that of other tripods: just 11lbs. That's plenty for a full-frame camera and kit lens, but we would be very wary about mounting our most expensive equipment on it.

The ball head is more traditional in style, with two knobs — one for setting the horizontal position and one for rotating the ball head. It also has an Arca-Swiss connector plate, allowing for easy camera mounting via a D-ring.

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

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

• Read our full Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review

Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Learn How to photograph the Milky Way

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the best tripod for cameras?

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

What is the best tripod for beginners?

What is the best budget tripod?

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

How many legs does a tripod have?

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

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

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

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

How does a tripod work?

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

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

What makes a good tripod?

Aluminum vs carbon fiber tripods: Which are best?

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

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

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

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

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

What does tripod payload mean?

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

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

What height tripod do I need?

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

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

Tripod legs: Twist or flip locks?

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

Should I change my tripod feet?

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

How we test the best tripods for astrophotography

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

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

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

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

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Get the Space.com Newsletter

Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

• Rowena Cockett Contributing writer
• Tantse Walter Contributing Writer
• Kimberley Snaith Freelance contributor

Early Star Wars Day Lego deal: $130 off UCS Razor Crest

Pre-Star Wars Day Lego deal: 20% off the Emperor's Throne Room

Private moon lander will carry Nokia's 4G cell network to the lunar surface this year

Most Popular

• 2 Hubble Space Telescope pauses science due to gyroscope issue
• 3 'Traffic jams' in the hearts of galaxies can force black holes to collide
• 4 'Cat nights' are here as Leo, Leo minor, and Lynx constellations prowl the evening sky
• 5 Highly precise atomic clocks could soon get even better. Here's how

• Accessories
• Camera Reviews
• Become a Photographer
• Photo Editing
• Photography 101
• Photography Tips
• Astrophotography
• Travel Photography
• Livestreaming & YouTube
• Video Cameras
• Video Lenses
• Video Monitors
• Video Lighting
• Streaming Accessories
• Videography
• Audio for Video
• Microphones
• Desktop & Laptop
• Console Gaming
• iPads & Tablets
• Televisions
• Camera News
• Adorama Business
• Adorama Rentals
• 800.223.2500

The Best Travel Tripods for Any Budget

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

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

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

Why you need a travel tripod

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Tripods for Any Budget

3pod wander aluminum travel tripod.

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

Key features:

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

3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 + AirHead Pro Lever kit

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

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

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

Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Travel Aluminum Tripod

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

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

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

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

Benro Travel Angel FTA28CV1 9X Carbon Fiber Series 2 Tripod

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

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

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

Key Features:

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

3 Legged Thing Legends Jay Carbon Fiber Travel Levelling Base Tripod

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

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

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

Benro Go Plus FGP18A 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod

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

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

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

Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2 Section mini Tripod

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

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

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

Benro Slim Tripod Kit with Ball Head

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

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

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

Vanguard VEO 2 GO 235AB Travel Tripod Kit

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

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

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

What about tripod heads?

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

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

Nathan Lee Allen

You might also like.

Vanguard VEO 3T+ Travel Tripod: Hands-On Review

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Gimbal Tripod Head

Best Tripods for Your Phone

How to Become a Travel Photographer for Expedition Outfitters

Currently Trending:

APS-C vs full-frame – which sensor size is best?

Why are we obsessed by full-frame sensors, alternatives to the fujifilm x100v here are 7 retro styled cameras, amateur photographer of the year 2023 winners announced, nikon z8 wins product of the year at the 2024 ap awards.

Advertisement

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works

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

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

In the review

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

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

What to look for in a tripod

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

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

Carbon fibre or aluminium?

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

Other ways to use a tripod

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

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

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

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

Best tripod for photography: Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS

Price: $499 / £499

Amateur Photographer verdict

• Tilting centre column
• Friction adjustable ball head
• Sturdy build

At a glance:

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

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

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

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

Best for: a great all-rounder but especially useful for Landscape and Macro

Read our Vanguard VEO 3+ 303CBS review .

Best premium tabletop tripod: Benro Tablepod Flex Kit

Price: $159 / £140

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

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

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

Best for: small mirrorless cameras

Read our Benro Tablepod Flex Kit review .

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

Price: $220 / £139

• Very versatile
• Phone clamp
• Shorter centre column
• $220 / £200
• Supplied with a smartphone clamp

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

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

Read our Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fibre Tripod review

Best travel tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod

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

• Incredibly compact
• Fast set up
• $649 / £559 (carbon fibre), $379 / £349 (aluminium)
• 1.27kg(carbon fibre) / 1.56kg (aluminium)
• 5-section legs

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

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

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

Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review .

Budget tripod for mirrorless: Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB

Price: $156 / £129

• Super lightweight
• Smartphone Bluetooth remote
• Only 4kg rated load
• $156 / £129
• Arca-Swiss compatible

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

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

Read our Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB review .

Best large tripod: Kingjoy SolidRock C85

Price: $693 / £449

• Very stable
• Supports large cameras
• 164cm extended
• Tricky to adjust height without centre column
• $693 / £1449
• Four bubble levels
• www.kingjoyuk.com

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

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

Read our Kingjoy SolidRock C85 review .

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

Price: $719 / £549 

• Reversible legs
• 10 kg payload
• Short centre column
• Ball head could be better
• $719 / £549
• 10kg maximum payload

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

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

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

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

Best for landscapes: 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0

Price: $279 / £224

• Impressive 18kg load capacity
• Detachable legs
• Carbon fibre
• $279 / £224
• 18kg maximum payload

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

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

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

Read our 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 .

Best for macro: Manfrotto 190 Go!

Price: $159 / £149

• Solid build quality
• Quick release twist locks
• We struggled to find any
• $159 / £149
• Rotating centre column

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

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

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

Read our Manfrotto 190 Go! review .

Best workhorse: Manfrotto 190XPro4

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

• Quick power locks
• Easy link plug
• $386 / £199
• 175cm maximum working height

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

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

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

Premium travel tripod: Gitzo GT1542 Mountaineer Series 1

Price: $719 / £659

• Excellent build
• Detachable centre coulmn
• Very expensive
• $719 / £659
• 159cm maximum height

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

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

Designed for video tripod: 3 Legged Thing Legends Tommy

Price: $679 / £583

• Super stability
• Can convert to tabletop use
• High Payload
• $679 / £583
• 60kg maximum payload

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

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

Cheapest: Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod

Price: $24 / £24

• 1 kg payload
• 1kg maximum payload

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

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

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

Related articles:

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

Follow AP on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube and TikTok .

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

You may also like...

April 29, 2024

Best smartphones for video in 2024

We round up the best smartphones for video, helping you create the best-looking content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and more.

by Jeff Meyer

The best mirrorless cameras you can buy right now

Looking for the best mirrorless cameras? Geoff Harris and the AP team spin you through the top options for all budgets and skill levels.

by Geoff Harris

The best lenses for portrait photography

For capturing perfect people pictures, the best lenses for portrait photography are essential. Andy Westlake picks the best for each system.

by Andy Westlake

Looking to improve your photography? Amateur Photographer is the magazine for you, subscribe today and pay just £26 for your first 13 issues!  

No thanks, I’m not interested!

How to Take Better Travel Photos With Just Your Phone

Boost your travel photography game with these nine smartphone accessories.

Designed with capabilities to take great photos on the go without the heavy, bulky body seen on traditional cameras, smartphone cameras have become one of the best ways to capture memories. Whether you’re traveling to a new city, exploring beautiful landscapes, taking portraits and selfies, or hoping to capture some wildlife shots, your phone can be a fantastic option for taking impressive photos, particularly with upgraded features like RAW shooting, night and portrait modes, and self-timers. In addition to a quality smartphone itself, there are plenty of accessories specifically designed to help you get the best shots — and they happen to make excellent travel companions. From compact travel tripods for taking long exposure shots and selfies, to high-quality lenses that attach directly to your phone’s lens, these accessories can boost your smartphone travel photography game.

Best Tripod: Joby HandyPod 2

Buy at Bhphotovideo.com

Buy at Shopmoment.com

Why We Love It

It’s very compact and lightweight.

What to Consider

The legs don’t extend, so it’s a fixed height.

We love the tiny but mighty Joby HandyPod 2 for a travel tripod that’s portable but stable. Tripods are one of the best photography tools to have on hand, especially when traveling. A tripod is useful for reducing shaking, which can make your photos (particularly long exposure photos) blurry. The long exposure setting on your smartphone can help capture waterfalls with a dreamy effect, or nighttime images like the northern lights. Tripods also come in handy when setting the self-timer on your phone. Shooting a time-lapse video? No problem with this tripod. It’s pocket-sized and easy to carry around in your backpack or purse when exploring — just pull it out and enjoy a quick set-up when you need it. Since it holds cameras up to 2.2 pounds, it’s perfect for smartphone photography. Want to switch effortlessly between portrait and landscape mode? The smart push-button mechanism allows you to do this fast, so you don’t miss the shot. The legs don’t extend, but they do have rubber feet so you don’t have to worry about the tripod (and your phone) slipping and crashing to the ground. The built-in ball head is compatible with most tripod accessories.

Best Tripod Mount: Moment Tripod Mount for MagSafe

It works with any tripod.

If you have an iPhone 11 or earlier model, or a Pixel or Samsung device, you’ll need to either purchase the stick-on adapter or a phone case with magnets built in.

Make annoying phone clamps a thing of the past with the Moment Tripod Mount for MagSafe, which works with virtually any tripod. This mount makes using a tripod fast and easy, and you won’t have to fumble around to set it up. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to travel with and it’s extremely user-friendly as well. The magnet is strong, so you can feel secure about your phone staying attached and safe. If you have an iPhone 12 and onward, the built-in MagSafe means you don’t need a special case or attachment to use this tripod mount. It doesn’t get in the way of your phone lens when shooting via wide angle, either.

Best Flash: Godox LEDM32 Smartphone Mini Light

Buy at Amazon.com

It clips right onto your smartphone.

The on/off switch can be hard to see in low light.

We love the budget-friendly Godox LEDM32 Smartphone Mini Light for its ease of use, compact size, and functionality. For low light situations, this external light is a lifesaver for taking smartphone photos thanks to its 32 high quality LED beads. Whether you’re indoors or taking photos in the evening, this device adds soft lighting to help improve the quality and exposure of your images. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 45 minutes on a full charge and another amazing feature is that the brightness is adjustable so you can tailor it to your needs. It shines best from 1.6 feet away from the subject and is fantastic for both photo and video, providing more natural-looking illumination than a typical flash.

Related: The 10 Best Portable Photo Printers for 2024

Best Bluetooth Remote: Moment Bluetooth Remote

It has a long battery life.

Though this remote allows you to step away from your phone for photos, we don't recommend doing so in crowded settings.

Compatible with both iOS and Android, the Moment Bluetooth Remote is our top pick when it comes to remote shutters. Using a wireless shutter is fantastic for creating sharper photos as well as eliminating shake when taking long exposure images. We love the compact size and included attachment cord so you can clip it to your bag, tripod, or even your key ring. Perhaps the most impressive is the distance you’ll be able to activate your shutter from though. Take a photo from up to 32 feet away using this bluetooth remote (but be sure to keep an eye on your phone when you're that far from it!). With its simple to use design, budget-friendly price point, and easy portability, you can’t go wrong with this smartphone photography accessory.

Best Phone Lens: Moment 58mm Tele Lens

It lets photographers shoot up to six times closer than using a smartphone alone.

To achieve the 6x closer shot, you’ll need the Moment Pro Camera app.

Our top pick for a stand-alone extra lens to attach to your smartphone is the Moment T-series Tele 58mm lens, which allows you to zoom up to six times closer to your subject. As a standard, it also sits twice as close to the main camera lens of your phone. This allows for sharper shots versus using the zoom on your smartphone, which diminishes the resolution. Fantastic for landscape, wildlife, and portrait photography, this lens definitely elevates your smartphone photo game by offering more flexibility without sacrificing quality. Video will also benefit thanks to a beautiful bokeh effect and an overall cinematic vibe. This lens is easy to use, as it features a straightforward mounting process and quickly twists off. This lens is compatible with most phones, but it’s wise to consult the description before purchasing.

Best Lens Set: Moment T-series Mobile Lens Starter Kit

It comes with three versatile lenses and a lens cleaning pen.

Make sure you're choosing the correct kit for your phone model.

Amp up your smartphone photography game with the Moment T-series Mobile Lens Starter Kit, featuring a trio of awesome attachable lenses as well as a mounting system and lens cleaning pen. Having a clean lens can really make or break a photo, so that should always be your first move before shooting. We love that you can customize your kit based on your phone model and lens preferences, which range from a 14mm fish-eye lens to a 58mm tele mobile lens, wider Anamorphic lenses, and a 10x macro mobile lens great for shooting flora, fauna, textures, and insects. A rear lens cap is also included for added protection to your phone.

Best Mini Ring Light: Lumecube Ring Light Mini

Buy at Lumecube.com

It produces light with even coverage.

It doesn’t come with a bag for carrying.

Sometimes a good ring light is all you need to elevate your video and photo game, and the Lumecube Ring Light Mini is the perfect portable accessory that ticks all the boxes for soft, even lighting. Whether you’re vlogging, shooting product imagery, or just in need of extra lighting for indoor photos or a zoom call, this light adds flattery to almost any situation. We love how versatile this mini ring light is thanks to an extendable stand that spans 16 to 40 inches and a 180 degree rotating mount that allows you to tailor your angle and even shoot top-down images and video. Brightness and color can easily be adjusted with user-friendly controls, and the included mounting options just make it even more versatile.

Best Grip: ShiftCam ProGrip Mobile Battery Grip

It has a built-in power bank.

The higher price point makes it more of an investment.

To avoid dropping your phone when taking photos and videos, the ShiftCam ProGrip Mobile Battery Grip is here to help. We really like that it can charge your phone while in use, and provides a much better ergonomic grip on your phone, making it feel more like a camera. The straightforward set-up makes using it a breeze and you can easily switch between landscape and portrait modes with the adjustable grip. The grip has a Bluetooth shutter built-in for quick and easy shooting so you don’t have to tap your phone’s screen while using. The cold shoe mount and tripod connection make this a flexible accessory for adding lighting and microphones or attaching to a tripod.

Related: The 20 Best Protective Phone Cases of 2024

Best Suction Mount: Casely Grippy Silicone Suction Phone Mount With MagSafe

Buy at Getcasely.com

The suction cups hold strong.

It can be difficult to relocate or change position because of the ultra-grippy suction cups.

Enjoy hands-free shooting with your smartphone using the Casely Grippy Silicone Suction Phone Mount, which uses MagSafe technology. Compatible with iPhone 12 and higher models, the magnet sticks directly to the back of your phone so you can attach the suction cups to any clean, flat surface such as a mirror, windows, etc. The hold is strong and secure, so you don’t have to worry about your phone falling while shooting. If you want to forgo a tripod for traveling, you can still enjoy the benefits of mounting your phone for still shots and video using this handy silicone suction phone mount that’s super compact and lightweight — as long as you have a surface to stick it to. The fact that it comes in five different colors is a bonus.

Best Kit: ShiftCam SnapGrip Creator Kit

Buy at Kohls.com

It has a variety of features making it a versatile all-in-one tool.

It works without an adapter for iPhone models 12 and up.

With amazing functionality and a line-up of helpful features, the SnapGrip Creator Kit is our top pick for an all around solid kit. For content creators looking to raise their photography and video quality, a multifunctional kit like this can be exactly what you need. The MagSafe connection offers a secure hold, and the 180 degree pivot system makes it easy to shoot in landscape or portrait view, while included light provides four levels of brightness. We love that it also has a built-in wireless power bank, so you don’t have to drain your phone battery while shooting. The grip helps you hold your phone steady, and the wireless shutter button on the grip makes it easy to snap a photo without having to touch your phone’s screen. A small tripod with a rotating ball head is included as well, and it allows for a full 360 degree range of motion so you can choose the precise angle you want.

Tips for Taking Better Photos With Your Phone

Consider lighting .

It goes without saying that lighting is one of the most important elements of photography. When shooting with smartphones, correct lighting is even more crucial since phone cameras aren’t as capable as mirrorless or DSLR cameras. The flash on smartphone cameras can only do so much, so it’s wise to consider purchasing a compact external light that projects soft lighting for your photos or videos. Other great attachable lighting options include the tiny Joby Beamo Mini LED which has a range of up to 3.3 feet, is waterproof and shockproof, has a magnetic back, and is tripod/clamp mountable. In general, the goal is to get the most natural looking light, and adding an external light can help to achieve this for smartphone photography.

Prioritize stability 

Don’t underestimate the power of stability when choosing smartphone photography accessories. A stable camera, whether it’s built into your phone or not, will take the sharpest images and help reduce potential blurry photos and even allow for selfies, group photos, and long exposure shots. Having a travel tripod, selfie stick, grip, or clamp can help achieve the most stable photo and video results. 

Understand the specs and settings

It’s important to understand the standard settings of your smartphone’s camera and which ones you can adjust to improve the quality of your photography. For instance, if using the iPhone 15, you can change the Megapixels to 12, 24, or 48 in your camera settings, with 48 providing the highest resolution images. Additionally, use “tap to focus” to keep your chosen subject as sharp as possible. If you hold down when using this setting, you can also lock the focus area so it doesn’t automatically move in the middle of composing your shot. This is particularly important when shooting in portrait mode, since the mode is meant to blur the background area that’s not in focus. The “grid view” can help you line up your photos, too. 

Although the “auto mode” works a fair amount of the time, utilizing the manual controls like exposure settings and shutter speed to get better results in certain situations allows you to get even more creative. When you tap to focus and lock it, you’ll see a little sun (brightness) icon that you can slide up or down to choose the right exposure for your image. The other way to access this and other manual controls is in the hidden menu, seen when tapping the down arrow on the top of your screen in camera mode. The plus/minus icon controls exposure. If you have a single shot that requires different exposures (say, for the sky and subjects or foreground), try shooting in HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode which will blend several images together, yielding the best results. Also in this hidden menu are the controls for burst mode (you can take 10 quick photos at once), flash, self-timer, and more.

You can also change your iPhone’s shutter speed (which controls how long the shutter is open and affects movement in your images), but you’ll need an additional app like the Camera +2 or Slow Shutter Cam . For instance, if you’re taking a photo of a pet, child, or quick action, you’ll want a faster shutter speed to avoid blurry images. If you’re trying to capture something in very low light, like the northern lights, or want to slow down movement of water for that dreamy effect, you’ll need a slower shutter speed. 

Your phone will likely automatically choose “night mode” in low light settings, but you can turn it off if it makes your photo look too unnatural.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RAW mode on my phone?

RAW mode is many photographers’ go-to setting, as opposed to JPEG. The difference is in compression, file size, quality, and overall editing ability. JPEGs are compressed files that don’t take up as much storage room on your phone, but allow for a lot less flexibility when editing, and ultimately aren’t as high-quality. For most purposes like social media, websites, and small prints, JPEG is just fine. If you want the ability to fine-tune edit, have more control over the final image, and potentially produce bigger prints, shoot in RAW format — the images produced are uncompressed and much larger, but are more detailed. To change this setting on your iPhone, open the camera app, and in the upper right corner, click RAW so the line going through it disappears. You can also go into your settings and choose Apple ProRAW under Camera and “photo capture.”

Can I print large photos taken with a phone?

The megapixels your phone has and the mode you're shooting in (JPEG or RAW) will determine how large of a photo you can print without it appearing blurry. Photos up to 11 x 14 inches will print just fine, but if you want to print 24 x 36 photos and larger, you may end up with lower resolution and noise (grainy appearance). Generally, most newer smartphones should be able to print images up to 16 x 24 inches. Still, it’s best to use the 48 megapixel setting, and, if you shoot in RAW, edit the image and export it at around 300dpi (dots per inch) for the best results, in which case you can likely print up to 24 x 36 inches with little issue. 

There isn’t a setting to figure out pixel sizing in your photo, but you can use math. Take a look at the info box which displays the image’s metadata. This will show how many megapixels a photo was taken in and the long and short edge in pixels. Now, you can divide the longer edge of the photo, (say it’s 3,000 inches) by the longest edge of the print size you’d like (let’s say 18 inches) to find the ppi, which should be at least 240 for high quality results. In this case, the photo comes out to 166ppi, and printing something big wouldn’t come out very clear. However, you could print something up to 10 inches on its longest size (so an 8 x 10 print), which would be of high quality. Another easier option is to upload the file to a site for ordering prints to find out if the image resolution is too low to be printed clearly.

How do I edit photos taken on my phone?

There are many photo editing apps, and the built-in editing tools for the iPhone 15 are pretty great for basic edits. But if you’d like to do more, like remove something from an image, enhance clarity, or brighten up the background or subject, then Adobe Lightroom is your best bet. The mobile Lightroom app is quite intuitive and makes editing photos on the go a snap.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

A travel photographer herself, T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove used her personal experience with smartphone photography as well as research to curate this list of the best portable phone accessories for smartphones based on her findings.

Related: The 14 Best Portable Chargers of 2024

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services—learn more about our process .If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Restaurants
• Best-of Guides
• MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
• My Favorites
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Booking partnership with OpenTable
• Booking partnership with Resy
• USA - English - USD
• In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in Spain

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the country.

Spain Hotels Travel MICHELIN Keys

In 2024, The MICHELIN Guide is announcing the first ever MICHELIN Keys — a brand new distinction that recognizes the most outstanding hotels across the world. Head here for everything you need to know about the new Key distinction, and visit this page to explore the full list of Key hotels in Spain.

The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (80 properties) or Two Keys (12 properties) is difficult enough, but only five hotels received the Three Key distinction in Spain. These hotels — the most outstanding in Spain — crisscross the country, from the capital of Madrid and to the spectacular Montsant National Park. In any location, our Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. But in this series , we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design. Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our Three Key hotels in Spain.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz

Book Mandarin Oriental Ritz with The MICHELIN Guide →

Terra Dominicata — Hotel & Winery

Torre del Marques

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine

Atrio Restaurante Hotel

Hero Image: Torre del Marques 

Mikhail Baryshnikov's New York is an Ode to the City's Artists

The icon celebrates and champions the boldfaced names in the city from meat purveyors to Three Star chefs.

Total Package: Key Hotels with Star Restaurants in Spain

21 spots that have it all in Spain.

Inside The Top Suite of Mallorca's Seaside Fortress Hotel

The so-called "Sentinel Suite" is cut into the cliffside — where a cannon once sat guarding the sea.

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

Cristine Bedfor Is By Your Side in Menorca

Cristine Bedfor is charming, graceful, and generous. She’s a true bohemian and, if you find yourself in Menorca, a trustworthy confidant. She’s also a Key hotel.

The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Spain

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Spanish hotels in 2024.

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

The Most Outrageous Design Hotel In Miami

The Faena Miami Beach is a Two Key hotel with a $15 million gilded woolly mammoth.

A Brief Guide to All the Key Hotels in Washington D.C.

Seven hotels earned at least one MICHELIN Key in Washington D.C.

Inside the Top Suite of the Only Three Key Hotel in Big Sur

The so-called "Cliff House" has the views you're looking for.

SingleThread: The 5-Room Inn with Three Keys and Three Stars

Revered for its Three MICHELIN Star restaurant and biodynamic farm, the SingleThread Inn earns Three Keys for its tiny, food-driven hotel.

MICHELIN Guide

Use the app to find the best restaurants and hotels everywhere

Be the first to get news and update about the michelin guide.

MICHELIN Guide selections

The michelin group.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice

Display settings

Customize your experience by easily adjusting display settings for territory, and currency to suit your preferences!

Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.