Professional and Mid-Level Mini Tripods for 2018

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Although a sturdy tripod is the only solution for many applications, a mini tripod is sometimes all you need. Often, it’s the better option. Mini tripods, also known as tabletop or desktop tripods, are convenient solutions for travel, vlogging, small spaces, and locations where you need to be discreet, such as the Top of the Rock on the 4th of July (as per one of our customers). Depending on where you place a mini tripod, you can reach pretty much any height you need. But because they’re ultra-compact, they’re also useful for macro and ground-level shots. Put one directly on the steps where the skateboarder is gliding, and get close-up footage of this important action. Mini tripods are also useful for supporting lights, mics, and other accessories. Solutions are available for mirrorless and DSLR cameras, smartphones, tablets and action cams, and loads weighing as much as 50 lb or more.

One can’t discuss mini tripods and not mention Joby, the brand focused almost solely on mini tripods. This company has the experience and technologies to provide some of the best solutions. One of its most affordable mini tripods is also one of the most creative accessories ever made. The GorillaPod Magnetic Flexible Mini Tripod, which supports up to 0.7 lb, features magnetic feet. It can be attached to any metal surface, in any orientation, including sideways and upside down. The three legs are flexible, in Joby fashion. They’re adjustable for balance, as well as to wrap securely around any object for which they have the reach, such as a tree branch along a hike, or handrail on the boulevard. This capability lets you create many opportunities. Additionally, the legs can be used as a handheld grip, bent in any way that’s comfortable for you. There are multiple versions of this magnetic mini tripod available, in different heights and for cameras and smartphones.


Joby GorillaPod Magnetic Mini Flexible Mini-Tripod

Two of Joby’s most high-end models are the GorillaPod Rig and GorillaPod 5K Video PRO, which provide more professional solutions. They also feature the trademark flexible legs, but their legs are designed to hold heavier loads. The GorillaPod Rig supports up to 11 lb. It includes a quick release ball head plus two extension arms that hold accessories, such as lights. The legs, which are long at about 1', can be bent in various ways and used as a grip or even dual handles. The GorillaPod 5K Video PRO is the more professional version. Although it supports 8.8 lb, in contrast to 11 lb, it comes with a fluid video head with a pan bar, quick-release plate, and bubble level. Here, too, an included extension arm screws in on top for accessories. A similar option with a 6.6 lb payload is available in the GorillaPod 3K Video PRO. Check out all the solutions available from Joby, here.


Joby GorillaPod Rig

A compact, affordable, and very popular one for up to 5.5 lb loads, the PIXI EVO comes from Manfrotto, one of the big names in full-size tripods. The PIXI EVO is a stylish, sturdy mini tripod with button-adjustable legs and a built-in ball head. The legs can also be extended out to provide more stable support, as well as folded up and used as a comfortable handheld grip.


Manfrotto PIXI EVO Mini Tripod

The FEISOL TT-15 Mark 2 Carbon Fiber Mini Tripod is another one for more professional applications. It’s highly rated for several standout reasons. It supports up to 17.6 lb and has lightweight carbon fiber legs. The legs spread out enough to allow a ground-level minimum height of 2.1", and they’re relatively long, so they provide sturdy support when fully spread. The TT-15 is a great choice for heavy, long lenses.


FEISOL TT-15 Mark 2 Mini Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod

Really Right Stuff is known for its great build quality, creativity, and attention to detail across all its product lines. The Pocket Pod supports up to 15 lb and looks sleek and professional. It has button-adjustable legs, adjustable leg tension, corrosion-resistant parts, and a 1.7" minimum height. This one is also great for heavy, long lenses.


Really Right Stuff Pocket Pod

Both the FEISOL and Pocket Pod feature a 1/4"-20 mounting screw, but also come with a 3/8"-16 screw adapter. Using these two mount types, they work great with ball heads, quick-release systems, pan/tilt heads, and fluid heads. Some options to consider, across all price points, with payload a factor to look out for, include:

Oben BD-0 Mini Ball Head (6.6-lb payload)

Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head (4.4-b payload)

Oben BE-108 Single Lever Ball Head with Quick Release (8.8-lb payload)

Manfrotto 496 Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate  (22-lb payload)

Really Right Stuff BH-25 Ball Head (8.8 lb payload)Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head with Quick Release Plate (35-lb payload)

Gitzo GH2750QR Series 2 Off Center Magnesium Ballhead with Quick Release (11-lb payload)

Magnus Folding Z-Head

Really Right Stuff B2-Pro quick-release system

Another solid option from Really Right Stuff, its Ground-Level Tripod, supports up to 50 lb and has two leg sections and a maximum height of 17.7". The legs also spread out fully to allow a low-angle height of 1.9" with the same payload. This tripod has reversible feet, with spikes on one end and rubber tips on the other. With a sleek design and knobs and buttons in all the right places, it has a professional appearance.


Really Right Stuff Ground-Level Tripod

The Berlebach Mini Tripod, from Vixen Optics, is a sturdy wooden option made of solid ash, for improved vibration damping. It supports up to 33 lb and is adjustable along two sections from 2.6 to 14.8". This tripod has a professional and very rich look, and its functionality follows suit.


Vixen Optics Berlebach Mini Tripod

The iKlip Grip Smartphone Stand with Remote Shutter, from IK Multimedia, is a multi-purpose top seller for most smartphones. It works as an ultra-compact tripod and grip handle but, attach to it the included telescopic tube, and it becomes a monopod or selfie stick, reaching up to 17.5". In addition to this, it comes with a remote control that lets you trigger your phone’s camera shutter from up to 33' away (iOS/Android compatible). Moreover, you can remove the supplied smartphone mount and attach a compact camera or action cam in place via a ball head or other optional mount.


IK Multimedia iKlip Grip Smartphone Stand with Remote Shutter

The Beastgrip Mini Tripod BT-50 is a sleek and compact solution with a built-in ball head and 15 lb payload. It stands at a maximum height of 7.1", and the ball head features a quick release plate, 360-degree pan and 90-degree tilt motion, and an independent pan lock. The legs can also be held as a short handheld grip.


Beastgrip Mini Tripod BT-50

SHAPE always has interesting things to offer for professional and mobile applications, and we’ll end with its Tripod Flexible Grip with Ball Head, which is designed for compact cameras, as well as smartphones, tablets, and action cams via optional mounts available from SHAPE, Joby, and other brands. This mini tripod is affordable, sleek, and colorful, and can be wrapped around almost anything, including just a simple aluminum pole.


SHAPE Tripod Flexible Grip with Ball Head

Consider checking out all the mini tripods available at B&H, and please share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments section, below.

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