10 Best Travel Tripods for Your Next Trip – Lightweight & Strong
Traveling with a tripod can open the doors for creative photography or video. Here are 10 great options that won’t weigh you down.
Camera Gear Guides | Tripod & Monopod Guides | By Mark Condon and Greg Cromie | Last Updated: February 20, 2025
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Our guide to the best travel tripods for your next trip is the ultimate reference for selecting lightweight and strong tripods to optimize your creative outcomes.
Traveling with camera gear can be both a blessing and a bane! If you pack too much gear, your creative experience will suffer from the back, neck, and arm strain of lugging gear worldwide.
However, if you’re packing sensibly, you’ll be sure to select a lightweight and compact travel tripod to complement your holiday photography kit.
Ultra-light tripod that's quick to setup and adjust making it ideal for any travel adventure.
There’s a perfect travel tripod for you regardless of whether you are shooting with a smartphone, compact point-and-shoot, full-frame mirrorless camera, or medium format behemoth.
With the carbon-fiber age, travel tripods have become lighter, more stable, and incredibly compact compared to the older steel-tube models of the past.
Read on to discover the best travel tripods and everything you need to know about these handy platforms.
What To Look For In A Travel Tripod
Credit: Min An
Weight
When selecting a tripod for travel, the number one consideration is weight.
The weight of a tripod can make or break your outdoor adventure or holiday – you may have to carry it halfway around Europe!
Tripods range from one or two pounds up to tens of pounds for studio-quality models.
A travel tripod should be lightweight enough to attach securely to your camera bag or backpack but not so light that it topples over in a light breeze.
A 4lb (1.89kg) travel tripod is a good starting point—it’s about the weight of a laptop, like a 14″ MacBook Pro.
It’s also worth noting that all tripods have a maximum load capacity to support a camera and lens setup. The capacity can range from 10lb (4.54kg) to 90lb (40.82kg).
Collapsed Size
Knowing the collapsed size—or the size when folded down—is essential in choosing the best travel tripod.
A travel tripod must collapse into a size small enough to be comfortably carried in or strapped to most camera backpacks.
It’s also crucial if you’re traveling and must pack your tripod in a suitcase to be stowed under the plane or carry-on luggage.
On average, a travel tripod folds to a size or length of around 14 to 20″ (35.5 to 50.8cm), with 16″ (40.6cm) being the sweet spot!
Height
In addition to the folded size of a travel tripod, you must consider its minimum and maximum height when in use.
There’s no point getting a compact 14″ (when folded) tripod weighing just 2lb if it’s only 3 feet tall when unfolded.
A tripod’s minimum height is helpful to know if you want to capture low-to-the-ground shots or invert the camera so that it hangs upside down. Some travel tripods accommodate a minimum height of as little as 5″ (12.7cm).
The maximum height is essential, considering we are all different heights. The last thing you need is a sore back from bending down to view your composition with a tripod that’s too short.
However, when traveling, we make sacrifices for comfort and convenience for the sake of weight and ease of transportation.
The average adult is between 5 and 6 feet (60-72 inches or 152.4-182.8cm) tall, and a well-designed travel tripod will accommodate this height range.
An ideal travel tripod should be between 60″ and 75″ (152.4 and 190.5cm) high.
Materials
Gone are the days of travel tripods made of heavy, tubular steel prone to rust. Travel tripods are primarily made from aluminum, carbon fiber, and strengthened plastic.
Strengthened plastics typically form key components, including clips, pivot joints, feet, and hooks.
Aluminum tripods offer incredible durability and strength while providing a lightweight platform. In the early days, carbon fiber tripods were rare and expensive.
With improved manufacturing processes, the cost of lightweight carbon fiber tripods has decreased significantly, making them more affordable than ever.
A carbon fiber tripod offers the greatest strength, durability, and weight reduction of any tripod.
Head
Many studio-based tripod systems allow you to purchase the legs and head separately—you can mix and match them to suit your needs.
Travel tripods are an all-in-one kit with a fixed or removable ball head to provide greater convenience and portability.
Most travel tripods feature a ball head mechanism that allows for greater flexibility and range of movement.
As the name suggests, a mounting plate is attached to a ‘ball’ that sits within a mounting ‘cup’ – much like a boiled egg in an egg cup.
As a result, you can rotate or pan the ball horizontally with the camera attached. It also allows for angular motion, tilt (forward and back), and yaw (rolling left to right).
Some travel tripods opt for a rotating or panning disc that only offers horizontal motion.
All tripod heads feature a mounting plate, with most offering the industry-standard Arca-type system. Other travel tripods will include a proprietary mounting plate and/or a 1/4″20 mounting thread.
Leg Sections/Leg Locks
To keep travel tripods compact and portable, the design must feature multiple leg sections that telescope inwards and outwards to achieve the desired tripod height.
Leg sections are typically constructed of carbon fiber, aluminum, or magnesium alloy to retail durability, stability, and a lightweight product.
Given that the legs expand and collapse, it’s essential that each section can be quickly locked and unlocked.
Most travel tripods feature one of two locking systems. The first is a twist lock that allows you to twist a rubber-coated sphere to simultaneously unlock one or multiple sections.
Other travel tripods feature a push-down clip system that clamps the leg sections in place.
Twist locks are easier to manage in colder conditions or when wearing gloves. The clamp-style locks can be a little fiddly and, in cheaper models, may freeze up or become rigid.
Feet
Tripod feet support the downward force of the combined weight of your tripod, camera, and lens.
Furthermore, the feet must prevent the tripod from slipping on concrete, gravel, dirt, sand, snow, and even ice surfaces.
As a result, tripod feet are typically made from highly durable rubber or plastic. Tripod feet can sometimes be replaced if they wear out or are swapped for metal spikes that dig into the ground.
Additional Features
Travel tripods can also offer a wide range of features and accessories to optimize the travel and photography experience.
Many travel tripods include essential accessories, which can be bought separately. These include weather-proof carry bags, detachable carry straps, swappable spike feet, adjustment tools, and bag hooks.
Ease Of Use
One of the most essential considerations when selecting a travel tripod is the ease of use. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a destination, seeing a winning shot, and missing it as you spent too long trying to set up your tripod.
Travel tripods fold down into small sizes, and unfolding them can take a little longer than a standard studio tripod.
Before selecting your travel tripod, understand how it works and how easily it can be folded up and unfolded again.
What is the Best Travel Tripod in 2024?
| Image | Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel TripodOUR #1 CHOICE |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod With 496 Center Ball HeadBEST FOR PROS |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod with AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball HeadGREAT VALUE |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Heipi W28 3-in-1 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with Ball HeadGREAT FOR TRAVELLING |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Benro MiniBird 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with N00P Ball HeadIDEAL GO-ANYWHERE TRIPOD |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Sirui T-1205 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with K-10 II Ball HeadGREAT ALL ROUNDER |
| Check Price → |
 | SmallRig FreeRover Carbon Fiber Photo Tripod Kit AP-100LIGHTWEIGHT FULL-FEATURED TRAVEL TRIPOD |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball HeadSUPPORTS ANY CAMERA SIZE |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Aluminum Tripod with 496 Ball HeadBEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
 | 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 Magnesium Alloy Tripod with AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball HeadIDEAL FOR ENTHUSIAST TRAVELLERS |
| Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price → |
We at Shotkit have used, tested, and reviewed countless tripods, so we know a thing or two about the best travel tripods for your next photography adventure!
The above advice on what to look for in a travel tripod is based on decades of experience and more than a few tragic mistakes with the wrong tripod types.
We’ve considered the size, weight, performance, and price to bring you the 10 best travel tripods, including new and older models.
Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Weight: 2.9lb (1.31kg)
Folded Length: 15.5″ (39.3cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 60″ (152.4cm) / 5.5″ (13.97cm)
Load Capacity: 20lb (9.07kg)
Head: Locking ring ball head
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 5 / Aluminum Leg Locking Cams
Additional Features: Peak Design Plate & Arca-Type Compatible
- Ultra lightweight travel tripod
- Gorgeous design
- Carbon fiber is easy to maintain
- Simple lock/unlock leg mechanism
- Center column is a little flimsy
- Expensive option
- A little short for some
Peak Design is a household name (at least in photographer’s houses). It offers high-tech products, current-generation thinking, and modern aesthetics and materials.
The Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is one of the most sought-after travel tripods due to its ultra-lightweight 2.9lb (1.31kg) and 15.5″ (39.3cm) folded size. It will fit in any travel bag, case, or backpack.
Peak’s Carbon Fiber tripod offers a flexible working height of 5.5″ (13.97cm) to 60″ (152.4cm). Some may find the shorter length frustrating.
In our comprehensive review, the Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod by Peak Design delivered impressive performance in any conditions.
The clever leg section and locking mechanism allow instant leg deployment, while the fluid ball head features a quick-release system compatible with most Arca-type and Peak Design standard plates.
The Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod retails for around US$600 and includes a carry bag, mobile phone mount, and adjustment tools.
Peak Design also offers a comparable Aluminum Travel Tripod for around US$380.
Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod With 496 Center Ball Head
Weight: 3.9lb (1.77kg)
Folded Length: 16.9″ (42.9cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 64.6″ (164cm) / 3.5″ (8.9cm)
Load Capacity: 26.5lb (12kg)
Head: 496 Center Ball Head
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 4 / Twist M-Lock Leg System
Additional Features: Built-In 90° Column
- Compact and lightweight
- High max capacity
- Outstanding build quality
- Ideal max-height
- Ultra-low min-height
- Expensive pro-grade model
- Little to complain about
The Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is a pro-grade travel tripod featuring outstanding build quality and a sublime 496 Centre Ball Head mechanism for optimal composition control.
Manfrotto is one of the most popular and reliable tripod manufacturers, and the GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is a step above the rest.
The lightweight and compact (folded) travel tripod offers excellent payload capacity, ideal for full-frame or medium-format camera kits.
Each leg has four sections and a single-action Twist M-Lock Leg System to release or lock it quickly. The angle of each leg can also be altered independently, achieving a minimum working height of just 3.5″ (8.9cm).
The 496 Centre Ball Head features dual control knobs for movement, tension, and smooth panning while also offering a Manfrotto quick-release 200PL Pro plate.
A standout feature of the GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is its ability to remove the center column and reattach it at a 90º angle, like a boom arm.
The Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod retails for around US$520. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head is an excellent alternative, which is around US$350.
3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod with AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head
Weight: 3.46lb (1.57kg)
Folded Length: 17.9″ (45.46cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 65.3″ (165.8cm) / 7.8″ (19.8cm)
Load Capacity: 40lb (18.1kg)
Head: AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 5 / Ergonomic Twist Lock Joints
Additional Features: Arca-Type Compatible QR Plate Included
- Ultra lightweight
- Excellent max working height
- High load capacity
- Fast leg release and locking system
- Excellent value for money
- Updated V 2.0
- What’s with the name?!
- Cumbersome to reassemble
The updated 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod is an incredibly light and compact travel tripod ideal for any photography holiday or adventure.
3 Legged Thing’s Punks Billy 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod features the smooth Arca-Type AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head and a Tri-Mount plate for flexibility and accessory application.
The carbon fiber legs offer a lower center of gravity and adjustable angles and can each be detached to assemble a monopod, boom arm, or selfie stick.
The Billy 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod offers a robust 40lb capacity to support high-end full-frame or medium format digital camera systems while providing superior stability.
3 Legged Thing has employed quick and reliable Ergonomic Twist Lock Joints to adjust the 5-section legs with a single action.
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod with AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head retails for around US$270, which is exceptional value for money. It’s also available in three unique colorways.
The 3 Legged Thing Legends Bucky Carbon Fiber Tripod with AirHed VU Ball Head Set is an excellent alternative at around US$370.
Heipi W28 3-in-1 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with Ball Head
Weight: 3lb (1.36kg)
Folded Length: 17.7″ (45cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 59″ (149.8cm) / 5.7″ (14.5cm)
Load Capacity: 55lb (25kg)
Head: KF50-Q Ball Head
Leg Sections: 5 / Leg Locks: Twist-Lock Legs
Additional Features: Removeable Mini Tripod Center Column
- Ultra lightweight
- Stunning 55lb load capacity
- Removable mini tripod
- Optional spikes included
- Clever design elements
- A little short for some
- Fiddly leg locks
The Heipi W28 3-in-1 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is ideal for anyone carrying larger and heavier cameras and lenses on assignments or while traveling.
It’s one of the lightest carbon fiber tripods, offering an impressive 55lb load capacity while delivering flexibility and remarkable performance.
As the name suggests, Heipi’s W28 3-in-1 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod has a maximum height of 59″ (149.8cm) with the center column extended.
When the center column is removed, it expands into a mini carbon fiber sub-tripod ideal for macro and tabletop work. The compact and durable KF50-Q Ball Head delivers 360º panning and a 90º drop-notch to shift into portrait orientation quickly.
The carbon fiber, 5-section legs feature flip locks for instant height adjustment and the ability to alter each leg’s angle independently. Including steel spikes for icy or slippery conditions is a welcome touch.
While the Heipi W28 3-in-1 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod doesn’t offer a very tall maximum working height, it is one of the best options for lightweight travel with pro-grade gear.
The Heipi W28 3-in-1 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with KF50-Q ball head is an ingenious and flexible design that retails for around US$400.
Benro MiniBird 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with N00P Ball Head
Weight: 1.6lb (0.72kg)
Folded Length: 17.9″ (45.4cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 43.5″ (110.5cm) / 7.1″ (18cm)
Load Capacity: 8.8lb (4kg)
Head: N00P Ball Head
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 3/ Lever Locks
Additional Features: Removable Center Column
- Lightweight at just 1.6lb
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Quick-release lever locks
- Ideal go-anywhere tripod
- Ideal for Smurfs
- Less stability than larger tripods
The Benro MiniBird 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod is an ultra-lightweight travel tripod ideal for smartphone photography or those carrying a point-and-shoot digital mirrorless camera.
Benro’s compact and lightweight travel tripod is among the lightest on the market. It still offers a superb N00P Ball Head with Arca-type compatibility, precise positioning, and a 90º notch for portrait orientation.
The MiniBird 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod weighs just 1.6lb (0.72kg) but can support up to 8.8lb (4kg) of capacity—still enough to hold many APS-C digital mirrorless camera and lens combos.
MiniBird’s carbon fiber legs feature a 3-section twist-lock design for fast deployment and pack-up.
If you’re concerned about the lightweight carbon fiber tripod being blown over, the base of the center column features a bag hook for added stability.
Unfortunately, the reduced weight comes at the cost of a 43.5″ (110.5cm) maximum height—you’ll have to bend over a bit to frame your shots.
The Benro MiniBird 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod retails for around US$180.
An excellent full-sized alternative from Benro is the Benro Tortoise Columnless Carbon Fiber Three Series Tripod with GX35 Ball Head. It retails for around US$430.
Sirui T-1205 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with K-10 II Ball Head
Weight: 3.51lb (1.59kg)
Folded Length: 16.93″ (43cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 64.4″ (163.5cm) / 10.1″ (25.6cm)
Load Capacity: 44.1lb (20kg)
Head: K-10 II Ball Head
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 5 /Twist-Lock
Additional Features: Converts to 66.8″ (169.6cm) Monopod
- Convenient monopod conversion
- Flexible max and min-height
- Fast twist lock leg system
- Flexible travel solution
- Perhaps there are too many moving parts
- Less need for bubble levels
Sirui’s T-1205 (sounds like a Terminator) Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is a great all-rounder with an excellent load capacity, portable folded length, and easy-to-carry weight.
The T-1205 Carbon Fiber travel tripod is an excellent choice for enthusiast photographers carrying larger full-frame cameras and lens combos to remote locations or sporting events.
One of the standout features of the Sirui T-1205 is the ability to unscrew one of the carbon-fiber legs and attach it to the center column to form a lightweight monopod.
A monopod is ideal for capturing fast-paced sports or wildlife on the move.
The Sirui T-1205 offers a maximum load capacity of 44.1lb (20kg) while retaining a weight of 3.51lb (1.59kg).
The Siruir K-10 II Ball Head boasts an Arca-Type quick-release plate, tension control, bubble levels, and a notch for quick 90º portrait orientation.
Another neat feature is a short center column for greater flexibility and low-level shooting.
The Sirui T-1205 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with K-10 II Ball Head retails for around US$250. A great alternative is the Sirui ET-2204 Carbon Fiber Tripod with E-20 Ball Head, which retails for around US$200.
SmallRig FreeRover Carbon Fiber Photo Tripod Kit AP-100
Weight: 2.98lb (1.35kg)
Folded Length: 19.3″ (49cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 59″ (149.8cm) / 5.1″ (12.9cm)
Load Capacity: 17.6lb (7.98kg)
Head: Inverted Ball Head with Arca-Type QR
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 4 / Twist Locks
Additional Features: Three locking leg angles: 23°, 55°, 83°
- Ultra lightweight
- Multiple leg angles
- Ideal for compact cameras
- Folded length is still long
- Maximum height is short
SmallRig designs and manufactures a wide range of high-quality, precision-engineered photography and videography accessories for various camera systems.
The SmallRig FreeRover Carbon Fiber Photo Tripod Kit AP-100 is one of our list’s lightest full-featured travel tripods.
The carbon fiber tripod weighs only 2.98lb (1.35kg), making it ideal for carry-on luggage or long hikes where you carry more than just your camera gear.
However, the SmallRig FreeRover Carbon Fiber Photo Tripod Kit AP-100’s drawback is its larger 19.3″ (49cm) folded size. It will stick out of the top of most everyday backpacks.
SmallRig’s FreeRover AP-100 features a fluid ball head with a rotating disk design that supports up to 17.6lb (7.98kg), making it ideal for APS-C digital mirrorless systems.
The design allows the carbon fiber legs to be independently locked at 23°, 55°, and 83°, and three 1/4″20 accessory holes allow for additional accessories.
The SmallRig FreeRover Carbon Fiber Photo Tripod Kit AP-100 retails for around US$170, making it excellent value for money. The SmallRig AP-02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod with an Arca-Type Ball Head is a great alternative.
Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head
Weight: 4lb (1.81kg)
Folded Length: 17.5″ (44.45cm)
Build Quality: Carbon Fiber
Max/Min Height: 65.2″ (165cm) / 13″ (33cm)
Load Capacity: 26lb (11.7kg)
Head: Arca-Type Compatible Ball Head
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 4 / Traveler G-Lock Leg Lock System
Additional Features: Short Center Column & Shoulder Strap
- Ideal maximum height
- Durable and lightweight
- Arca-compatible ball head included
- It’s ultra-expensive
Gitzo is an established manufacturer of camera tripods, monopods, accessories, and camera bags.
The Gitzo GIGT2545T Traveler Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod is an excellent, lightweight, compact, travel-friendly option that supports any camera size or system.
Gitzo’s GIGT2545T is a portable 4lb (1.81kg) and measures 17.5″ (44.45cm) folded – it’s an excellent option for a camera backpack with a dedicated tripod pocket.
As a premium brand, the Gitzo Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod retains its size, durability, and stability thanks to its reverse-folding Carbon eXact legs, which feature Traveler G-lock for quick and accurate deployment.
A neat feature is removing the included rubber feet and replacing them with various alternative options.
The travel tripod features Gitzo’s GH1382QD Series 1 Center Ball Head, which has a tungsten disulfide coating for ultra-smooth movement and control. It also features an Arca-type compatible mount, a quick-release mechanism, and a friction-control locking dial.
The Gitzo GIGT2545 T is a premium carbon fiber travel tripod that costs around US$750—you don’t want to misplace it while traveling!
Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Aluminum Tripod with 496 Ball Head
Weight: 4.1lb (1.85kg)
Folded Length: 16.9″ (42.9cm)
Build Quality: Aluminum
Max/Min Height: 64.6″ (164cm) / 16.9″ (42.9cm)
Load Capacity: 26.5lb (12kg)
Head: 496 Ball Head with Pan & Friction Knobs
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 4 / M-Lock Twist Leg Locks
Additional Features: Three Leg Angles with Side-Pull Selector
- Excellent durability and stability
- Multiple leg angles
- Brilliant enthusiast-level tripod
- Ergonomically designed
- Paired back features from XPRO Carbon
While the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod (above) is an exceptional carbon fiber travel option, a lightweight aluminum tripod is also worth considering.
The Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Aluminum Tripod offers the same features and performance as the GT XPRo Carbon Fiber version.
It’s an incredibly robust and durable travel tripod that provides a stable platform for long exposure work and finessing composition.
Where the GT XPRO Carbon Fiber tripod weighs just 3.9lb (1.77kg), the GT Aluminum option isn’t far behind at 4.1lb (1.85kg).
The included 496 Centre Ball Head features the same dual control knobs for movement, tension, and hyper-smooth panning and includes a Manfrotto quick-release 200PL Pro plate.
While the GT Travel Aluminum doesn’t offer a 90º boom mount, the center column is height-adjustable and delivers an ergonomic maximum working height of 64.6″ (164cm).
The Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Aluminum Tripod with 496 Ball Head retails for around US$270.
3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 Magnesium Alloy Tripod with AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head
Weight: 3.92lb (1.78kg)
Folded Length: 14.2″ (36cm)
Build Quality: Magnesium Alloy
Max/Min Height: 57.4″ (145.8cm) / 7.1″ (18cm)
Load Capacity: 40lb (18kg)
Head: AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head
Leg Sections/Leg Locks: 5 / Ergonomic Twist-Lock
Additional Features: Arca-Type Compatible QR Plate Included
- Lightweight and compact
- Excellent leg-lock mechanism
- Outstanding load capacity
- A little short for the taller folk
3 Legged Thing also offers a range of travel-friendly magnesium alloy tripods in several colorways.
The 3-Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 Magnesium Alloy Tripod with AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head weighs just 3.92lb (1.78kg) and, when folded, is only 14.2″ (36cm) long.
However, it could be argued that the compact folded size compromises the ergonomic design as it only achieves a maximum working height of 57.4″ (145.8cm).
One of the best non-carbon fiber travel tripods, the Corey 2.0 Magnesium Alloy model includes the hyper-smooth Arca-Type AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head.
The Neo 2.0 ball head delivers excellent flexibility while supporting precision control over pan and title actions.
3 Legged Thing’s Punks Corey 2.0 Magnesium Alloy Tripod offers excellent stability and performance thanks to the 5-section legs featuring the quick Ergonomic Twist-Lock system.
The 3-Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 Magnesium Alloy Tripod with AirHed Neo 2.0 Ball Head retails for around US$200, making it ideal for enthusiast travelers.
How To Care For Your Travel Tripod
Keep It Secure
Strap it to the base or side of your camera bag or backpack
Some camera bags, especially backpacks, feature an upright pocket to store the tripod and a strap at the top of the bag to secure it. Alternatively, store your travel tripod in your backpack’s water bottle pocket.
Many camera bags feature straps at the base of the bag to tightly secure the tripod so that it hangs low and is not at risk of getting tangled on low-hanging branches when hiking in rough terrain.
A travel tripod is probably one of the easiest accessories to misplace or lose while on travels. I recommend adding an Apple AirTag or similar tracking system to your tripod so that you can easily track it down.
Keep It Clean
It’s surprising how quickly a tripod can become caked in dirt, dust, and grime. I recommend always traveling with a simple microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe down your tripod after a day’s use.
If you’ve had your tripod anywhere near seawater, wash it with fresh water before putting it away.
Tripods with dirt or grime in the leg locking mechanism will become increasingly difficult to lock and unlock.
Keep It Safe
If you’re setting up a travel tripod in a busy location or challenging conditions in the wilderness, take a moment to ensure its safety.
If setting up near a waterway, cliff, or any other precarious location, you must weigh your travel tripod down. While a lightweight tripod is ideal for travel, it also makes them easily knocked over or blown over in a strong gust of wind.
Most travel tripods feature a hook at the base of the center column. Hang your camera bag from this hook to create a downward force that will root your tripod to the ground.
It’s also possible to replace the tripod rubber feet with metal spikes that dig into the ground for greater stability – especially in icy conditions.
Keep It Simple
Your tripod is ultimately responsible for supporting one of your most expensive camera technologies. To keep your tripod, camera, and lens safe, follow a few simple steps and make them part of your setup routine.
If you’re especially concerned about the safe of your gear, keep your camera strap attached to your camera and always hold the end of the strap.
Is A Tripod Essential For Travel?
While carbon fiber and alloy travel tripods are incredibly light and compact, they still take up precious room in your luggage or daypack.
Depending on the region and airline, a 4lb (1.81kg) travel tripod takes up a significant portion of your allowed carry-on luggage. If you weren’t packing a tripod, you could pack an extra lens or two.
I’ve traveled to Japan for solo photography adventures on four occasions and never opted to pack a travel tripod – I wanted to keep my kit as light as possible, given the amount of walking I planned.
While a 4lb (1.81kg) tripod doesn’t sound like much, when you add a camera and lenses weighing 5lb (2.27kg), plus spare batteries, filters, chargers, your phone, and more, you suddenly have a travel kit weighing over 10lb (4.54kg).
However, much must be said for including a lightweight and compact tripod in your travel photography kit.
Landscape, cityscape, and astrophotography demand a stable and reliable tripod for optimal composition and long exposure outcomes.
If you plan to travel with a tripod, I recommend selecting a lightweight carbon fiber model with a reasonable maximum working height to save you from straining your neck and back.
It’s also essential to consider the best camera bag for your travels and ensure that it features a dedicated pocket or compression straps to secure your tripod.
My final advice is to consider your trip and decide whether to pack a tripod. I strongly advise against packing one just in case you ‘might’ need it!
Final Thought On Travel Tripods
Traveling with a lightweight tripod allows for countless creative possibilities in photography genres where stability and composition are essential.
The best travel tripod for you depends on several key factors, including airline luggage limitations, intended use, carrying solutions, and budget.
Fortunately, as we’ve demonstrated in our guide, countless lightweight, compact, and ergonomically designed travel tripods are available.
Moreover, thanks to lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, travel tripods are incredibly durable, offer excellent stability, and fold to a fraction of their full-height size.
I recommend packing a travel tripod as a way to expand your creative output, especially in long-exposure landscape applications and astrophotography.
Ultra-light tripod that's quick to setup and adjust making it ideal for any travel adventure.
Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.
I’m a Melbourne-based street photographer and blogger. I love to travel to Japan to photograph and document its dynamic people and culture.
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ABOUT YOUR EXPERT
Mark Condon has been a professional photographer for 10+ years and has used and reviewed hundreds of tripods for backpacking around Australia and overseas travel. He prefers to fly without checked luggage (carry-on only), so a lightweight tripod is essential.
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