The travel tripod conundrum is a cruel reality of physics and practicality. The larger and heavier a tripod is, the steadier it will hold a camera. The larger and heavier a tripod is, the less likely you will ever want to carry it around or take it on a trip. Why are we left with a photographic reality like that which makes the tastiest food bad for you?
Tripods come in all shapes, weights, heights, and styles. If you are new to the world of tripods, please check out The Tripod Explained article before reading further. Here, we are going to recommend travel tripods for the photographer. First, we must ask, “What makes one a ‘travel’ tripod?”
What Is a Travel Tripod?
Well, any tripod is a travel tripod if you are willing to travel with it, but some tripods are designed to fold up into a compact package that, in some cases, can fit into a carry-on bag. They are also designed to be lighter than their full-sized counterparts. Usually, they have four or more leg sections, legs that can fold up around the center column, or a center column that drops down between the legs for transport. In general, they do not extend to the same heights as full-sized tripods, so get ready to bend over while shooting. Other than those features, the travel tripod is basically the same as any other three-legged camera support.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 travel-ready tripods. These come in all shapes, sizes, builds, and, of course, prices. What matters most is they (mostly) fit the description above, are lightweight, and easy to throw in your luggage, hike your favorite trail, or just carry around. In no particular order, let’s take a look at some recommended travel tripods.
Gitzo GK1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head
Well, it really doesn’t get any better than the Gitzo GK1545T Series 1 Traveler Tripod and Center Ball Head, travel tripod and Center Ball Head, and the price would certainly indicate that. The entire design of the Gitzo travel tripod is based on maximizing its thin profile. The odd-shaped head is purposely curvy to accommodate the legs when inverted for transport. Gitzo travel tripod legs are narrower than much of the competition, but generally maintain higher load capacities. O-rings seal the top of the twist locks to keep debris out, the legs can be set at one of two angles, and the chassis is made of magnesium. The center ball head is a fine complement to its gorgeous legs and features a separate pan lock knob, screw lock for the Arca-type compatible plate, and a tungsten disulfide coating for silky smooth action. Like Manfrotto, Gitzo sells individual parts for its tripods, so if you wear out a component, it can be replaced.
The slightly higher-priced alternative has slightly larger legs, and a 26-lb capacity; the GT2545T.
Gitzo GK1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 22 lb
- Max. Height: 64.4"
- Min. Height: 12.6"
- Folded Length: 16.7"
- Leg Sections: 4
- Weight: 3.2 lb
Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
If you’ve been kicking around the Internet on photography blogs, you are likely still bouncing in the ripples caused by the giant splash the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod made when it landed on Earth. In the world of three-legged supports, there is innovation and then there is revolutionary innovation. The Peak Design tripod represents the latter with its triangular-shaped legs, integrated tripod head, and 5-section legs that can be released simultaneously. The center column reverses for low-angle shooting and this travel tripod folds down to a compact water-bottle-sized 15.5" without having to reverse its legs.
An aluminum version is also available.
Peak Design Travel Tripod
- Load Capacity: 20 lb
- Max. Height: 60"
- Min. Height: 5.5"
- Folded Length: 15.5"
- Leg Sections: 5
- Weight: 2.8 lb
Manfrotto BeFree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 496 Center Ball Head
Building on the deserved popularity of the BeFree tripod line, Manfrotto has assembled the flagship version of the BeFree travel tripod in the form of the BeFree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 496 Center Ball Head. A sleek design and paint scheme makes the tripod attractive to the eye, and a new innovative chassis allows the center column to be inserted at 90-degree angles for lateral applications. Backed by Manfrotto’s quality reputation and the ability to replace parts, this tripod will be a companion for years and years of traveling. The tripod has a 22.1-lb load capacity, extends to almost 65" and collapses to 16.9". Low-angle shooting? The removable center column allows you to shoot at a height of 3.5". The M-lock leg twist-locks feel great in the hand.
The BeFree GT XPRO is also available in aluminum. And the non-XPRO versions are fantastic as well and available in carbon fiber and aluminum.
Manfrotto BeFree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 496 Center Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 22.1 lb
- Max. Height: 64.6"
- Min. Height: 3.5"
- Folded Length: 16.9"
- Leg Sections: 4
- Weight: 3.9 lb
Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Three Series Travel Tripod with VX30 Head
You need to give credit to Benro, who snuck a full-sized tripod, with full-sized specs, into this list of recommended travel tripods with its impressive Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Three Series Travel Tripod with VX30 Head. Standing at almost 69" when fully extended, it is the tallest travel tripod on this list and its 44-lb load capacity also tops the group—by a large factor! The Rhino has reverse folding legs for storage as well as a reversing center column for low-angle shooting. Speaking of leg angles, you can adjust the degree of spread at any desired angle with the Auto-Hold Leg Trigger.
The tripod looks great with awesome carbon veneer and tasteful aluminum accents on the chassis and head, and the VX-series ball heads have a rare dual-panning functionality. For additional versatility, one of the legs detaches to become a monopod.
The Rhino series comes in a few flavors with different heights and load capacities.
Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Three Series Travel Tripod with VX30 Head
- Load Capacity: 44.09 lb
- Max. Height: 68.75"
- Min. Height: 19.3"
- Folded Length: 19.45"
- Leg Sections: 4
- Weight: 4.54 lb
K&F Concept D225C2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Arca-Type Ball Head and Monopod
The D225C2 Carbon Fiber Tripod by K&F Concept is a lightweight and versatile tripod suitable for travel and studio uses. Supporting up to 17.6 pounds, this tripod has more than enough strength to support most travel ready cameras, whether it be a smartphone, a compact point and shoot camera, or even a smaller mirrorless or DSLR camera. When a full travel tripod is too bulky, one leg can be unscrewed to convert into a 59.1” tall monopod, complete with a padded grip. The ball head itself even features a panoramic base with an independent locking knob for faster adjustments, a feature that, while common, is nice to see at this price point
K&F Concept D225C2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Arca-Type Ball Head and Monopod
- Load Capacity: 17.6 lb
- Max. Height: 55.5"
- Min. Height: 17.7"
- Folded Length: 15.7" (when collapsed)
- Leg Sections: 5
- Weight: 2.36 lb
Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod Kit with 494 Mini Ball Head and RC2 Quick-Release System
One look at the Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod Kit with 494 Mini Ball Head and you can tell that the Manfrotto folks spend a good bit of time on design. The MT190XPRO3 is a direct descendant of the popular 190Go! tripod series, but that does not keep Manfrotto from incorporating a modern look into its designs. The innovative design of the center column allows it to be rolled quickly to the 90-degree lateral shooting position—very rare for a travel tripod. The leg-angle locks are little pieces of sculpted art, and the twist locks have snazzy red top and bottom accents. This is a good-looking tripod with innovative design attributes.
Want a carbon fiber alternative? Check out the Manfrotto Element Carbon Fiber Small Traveler Tripod.
Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod Kit with 494 Mini Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
- Max. Height: 66.4"
- Min. Height: 7.0"
- Folded Length: 26.6"
- Leg Sections: 3
- Weight: 5.1 lb
Sirui AT-125 Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod with KS-5 Ball Head
One trip to the Sirui display in the B&H SuperStore and you will see that this is a company dedicated to designing and building travel tripods. The very lightweight (2.1 lb) and compact AT-125 Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod with KS-5 Ball Head is a fine tool for the traveling photographer with a small mirrorless camera or DSLR. Rare among travel tripods, this Sirui has a 2-section removable center column for low-angle shooting down to 7.5". The twist-lock leg design is straightforward and the overall feel of the unit is that of quality. The cleanly designed head is Arca-type compatible and has a separate pan lock knob.,
Sirui AT-125 Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod with KS-5 Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 22 lb
- Max. Height: 60.2”
- Min. Height: 7.5”
- Folded Length: 17"
- Leg Sections: 5
- Weight: 2.1 lb
Oben CT-3535 Folding Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with BE-208T Ball Head
When it comes to versatility, look no further than Oben. You can tell that the company likes packing the maximum number of features into each tripod it markets. Built for mirrorless and small DSLR setups, the Oben AT-3535 Folding Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod and BE-208T Ball Head is no exception. Where do I start? Brought your Oben tripod, but need a monopod or selfie stick? Done. Just unscrew one of the legs. For low-angle shooting, the kit comes with a removable center column and optional included short center column. Also included are retractable spikes, strap, bag, tools, and quick-release plate. The BE-208T head has a separate panning lock, bubble levels, and an Arca-type compatible quick-release plate.
The aluminum sibling to this tripod is the Oben AT-3535.
Oben CT-3535 Folding Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with BE-208T Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 9 lb
- Max. Height: 51.6"
- Min. Height: 8.6"
- Folded Length: 12"
- Leg Sections: 5
- Weight: 2.5 lb
Oben AT-3565 Folding Aluminum Travel Tripod with BZ-217T Ball Head
Exactly like the Oben tripod mentioned above, the Oben AT-3565 Folding Aluminum Travel Tripod and BZ-217T Ball Head is supremely versatile but has a larger load capacity. The AT-3656 comes with a removable leg for monopod/selfie stick uses, retractable spikes, removable center column, short center column, strap, bag, tools, and quick-release plate. An advantageous 20-lb load capacity means that you can mount up a heavy DSLR and zoom lens. The BZ-217T head has adjustable friction semi-coaxially mounted on the main knob, a separate panning lock, bubble levels, and an Arca-type compatible quick-release plate.
A carbon fiber alternative is the CT-3565 and BZ-217T Ball Head.
Oben AT-3565 Folding Aluminum Travel Tripod with BC-217T Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 20 lb
- Max. Height: 61.8"
- Min. Height: 9.1"
- Folded Length: 6.1"
- Leg Sections: 5
- Weight: 3.7 lb
Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Compact Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with Integrated Ball Head
Try saying that three times fast. Tripod naming conventions aside, this is one of the most durable tripods money can buy. Really Right Stuff lives up to its name in more ways than one, offering robust designs paired with smooth controls for a tripod that truly has the right stuff. The Ascend-14 Compact Travel Tripod is no exception, and with an integrated ball head, it’s sturdier than ever. With the removable center column, the tripod can even be lowered to just 5.1” for dramatic compositions. Is it the lightest tripod on our list? No, not at 3.2 lb it’s not. Is it the smallest? Nope. What it is, however, is the last tripod you’ll likely ever need, so long as you maintain it from time to time.
Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Compact Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with Integrated Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 30 lb
- Max. Height: 59.9"
- Min. Height: 5.1"
- Folded Length: 18.6"
- Leg Sections: 4
- Weight: 3.2 lb
Let’s Travel!
We hope this helps you find the travel tripod that best suits your needs and accompanies you on your next adventure! To read more about tripods in these Explora articles: The Tripod Explained and 10 Recommended Full-Size Tripods. For more information on all things photography and videography, check out our guides, reviews, and articles on the B&H Explora Site.
