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.
Key features:
- 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.
Key features:
- 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.
Key features:
- 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.
Key features:
- 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.
Key features:
- 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.
Key features:
- 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.
Key features:
- 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.
