The best travel tripods give photographers and videographers a stable, reliable camera support that can come everywhere with them. Lightweight but sturdy, and more affordable than larger tripods, travel tripods are designed to fold down small and deploy quickly. Whether you’re a city-break photographer or a solo vlogger, a good travel tripod can be an essential asset for your kit bag.
We’ve assembled what we feel are the best travel tripods to buy right now, based on the testing conducted by our expert technical team. We’ve made sure to include tripods that suit a range of different budgets and use cases, and have provided specific recommendations for each one. If you’re new and not sure where to start, our top beginner recommendation is the Manfrotto Element Traveller, a compact, affordable and easy-to-use tripods. But as you’ll see, there are plenty more fantastic options.
If you’re still building other elements of your travel photography or videography setup, check out our guide to the best mirrorless cameras or the best compact cameras, both which feature plenty of fantastic, travel-friendly options.
Best travel tripod for beginners:
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Material: Carbon Fiber Load Capacity: 4 kg Maximum Height: 143 cm Folded Length: 32 cm Weight: 1.05 kg |
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Cons: Fairly basic feature-set |
As mentioned above, this is our top pick for beginner shooter – if you’re unsure what to buy, we’d highly recommend considering this Manfrotto-made tripod. With the Element Traveller series the Italian manufacturer has produced an affordable and accessible tripod range for those who don’t need much more than a capable camera support for a day’s photography.
The Manfrotto Element Traveller Carbon Small has a carbon fibre construction that means it boasts impressive rigidity despite its light weight – at 1.05kg, it’s one of the lightest tripods throughout the entirety of our list. The legs can be moved independently at three leg-angle stops, useful for uneven surfaces, and the central column is extendable for those moments when you need a little extra height.
Its maximum carrying capacity of 4kg will be comfortably enough for any beginner setup, though you may find it balances less well with large and heavy lenses. Also, the fact that it folds down to just 32cm makes it easy to pack away and bring on your travels.
Best travel tripod for vlogging:
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Material: Aluminium Load Capacity: 5kg Maximum Height: 148cm Folded Length: 54cm Weight: 1270g |
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This set of lightweight legs from Vanguard is pitched towards travelling vloggers – it can be used for photography, but the lack of a ball head or central column means that stills shooters will get better value elsewhere. Video shooters, meanwhile, will appreciate the integrated levelling base, with its own bubble level, which allows the user to set the camera straight when the tripod is on uneven ground — useful for locked-off shots. There’s also a smooth-moving pan-and-tilt shots that allow you to introduce a little movement into your footage where needed.
While the legs can splay pretty wide for low shooting, there’s no central column, meaning you can’t reverse it to lower the camera right the way down to ground-level. If you want to travel in the other direction, however, you’re well-covered, as the Alta Pro 3VLT 235AV10’s five-section legs offer a solid working height of 148cm.
It works best with the kind of lightweight mirrorless setup that vloggers tend to favour. With portable dimensions and a bevy of video-friendly features, the Vanguard Alta Pro 3VLT 235AV10 is an affordable tripod that any roaming vlogger should consider for their kit bag.
Best carbon fibre travel tripod:
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Material: Carbon Fiber Load Capacity: 12kg Maximum Height: 162cm Folded Length: 43cm Weight: 1.76kg |
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With 12kg of maximum load capacity, the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod can handle pretty much any photographic setup you care to mount on it. It’s specifically geared to help with macro photography, thanks to its central column that can be offset by 90° for down-to-the-ground shots. Splay the legs out to an angle of 89° and you can get a minimum working height of 9cm, meaning you can get incredibly close to the kinds of tiny flora and fauna that are so popular among macro photographers.
The tripod itself weighs a relatively slender 1.76kg, meaning it lives up to its “travel” title. Ergonomics are generally very good – the tripod is easy to use, with intuitive controls for setting up the central column. Like all Manfrotto supports, the construction is first-rate, with high-grade metals and beautiful engineering. This carbon fibre version is the premium choice – there is a substantially more affordable aluminium version for users working to a stricter budget.
Best small travel tripod:
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Material: Carbon Fiber Load Capacity: 10kg Maximum Height: 38cm Folded Length: 27cm Weight: 72g |
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The Leofoto Ranger LS-223C Mini Tripod is the smallest tripod in the Ranger series of travel stands by Leofoto. It is a lightweight, ultra-compact table tripod that fits into every tripod bag. The Ranger LS-223C Mini Tripod comes with LH-25 Ball Head, LH-25 headset, carry case, multi-tool as well as a set of stainless steel spikes. It includes a 1/4”-20 and 1/8”-16 thread mounting stud. Additionally, the design features a reinforced leg lock system that is unique and maintenance-free.
The tripod can handle some tough conditions thanks to the ten-layer carbon fibre tube legs. The LH-25 Ball Head features a panning base diameter of 36mm and a UNC3/8-inch-16 mounting hole, and also comes with a PU25 plate. As with most Leofoto ball heads, this one is also constructed from aluminium for a robust, ultra-compact experience. In addition to this, it is the lightest and smallest ball head in the Leofoto LH series, and has an Arca-Swiss compatible plate with a 3/8” tripod screw as well as a removable 1/4” adapter that allows the ball head to fit most tripods on the market.
Finally, the large diameter teardrop-shaped feet keep the leg sidewalls from touching the ground. They help to make positive contact with the ground at virtually any angle. This is true even when the tripod is at its lowest setting.
Best premium travel tripod:
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Material: Carbon Fiber Load Capacity: 9.1kg Maximum Height: 152.4cm Folded Length: 39.1cm Weight: 1.27kg |
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The Peak Design Travel Tripod arrived to a lot of fanfare, following an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign and a lot of excitement among the photography community. Could it really pack down as small as they were claiming, while still providing a robust support for a pro-level camera and lens setup?
Turns out it’s a resounding yes. This is the carbon fibre version of the travel tripod, more expensive than the aluminium version, but delivering the most rigidity and stability. As such, it is capable of holding even a professional DSLR and telephoto lens with rock-steady stillness. Plus, it really does fold down absolutely tiny, to a closed length of around 38cm, meaning you could probably fit it into the water bottle slot of your backpack if you wanted to. The sleekly designed tripod also features a unique, easy-to-use ball head which is governed by a single adjustment ring.
Best travel tripod for smartphones:
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Material: Carbon Fiber Load Capacity: 10kg Maximum Height: 166.5cm Folded Length: 41cm Weight: 1.4kg |
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While mobile users tend to get recommended tabletop tripods and similar devices, given that smartphones are used for professional content creation nowadays, there’s no reason a phone shooter shouldn’t have the option of a proper camera support.
Enter the Vanguard VEO 3GO 265HCB Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod, which as you may have noticed, looks pretty much like any other photographer’s tripod on this list – only it also comes packaged with a dedicated smartphone adapter for mounting a phone if so desired. The connector will work with any smartphone up to 87mm in width – even a Pro Max iPhone will be fine.
A number of other sensible extras have been included, such as a Bluetooth-powered remote shutter trigger, and the option to remove the central column and convert it into a selfie stick or vlogging handle. Quick to set up and lightweight to carry, the Vanguard VEO 3GO 265HCB Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod gives travelling smartphone shooters the kind of support they need.
Best professional travel tripod:
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Material: Carbon Fiber Load Capacity: 10kg Maximum Height: 133cm Folded Length: 36.5cm Weight: 1.29kg |
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With Gitzo, you know you’re getting a quality product. The Gitzo GK0545T-82TQD Series 0 Traveler Carbon eXact Tripod Kit is designed for pros who are thinking long-term – who want a travel tripod that is going to withstand years of use and keep on going. Meticulously constructed from premium materials, this carbon fibre tripod offers a superior balance between rigidity, stability and portability. It comes with the slim GH1382TQD Series 1 head, which offers independent pan and ball lock control for precise positioning and framing.
The Traveler tripods by Gitzo also feature G-lock, a proprietary leg-locking system designed by Gitzo that allows relatively tall tripods to fold down nice and small, while also reducing the level of dust and grit that enters the locks thanks to the internal O-ring. Weighing just 1.29kg, the Gitzo Traveler is easy to transport, and will make for an ideal companion for any travelling pro photographer.
How to choose the best travel tripod
The requirements of a travel tripod specifically are a little different from those of a generic photo or video tripod. For a start, a good travel tripod should be nice and lightweight. After all, you’re going to be carrying it around! Further to that point, it should pack down well, so that you can stow it in your suitcase or travel bag without sacrificing too much room.
And, of course, a good travel tripod needs to be both of those things while still providing a strong, stable camera support. The best tripods that balance these two things tend to be made from carbon fibre, however, this material is more expensive, and there are many great aluminium models out there that will also do the job, often for a substantially lower asking price.
You’ll want to pay attention to the maximum weight capacity of the tripod, as travel tripods tend to have lower capacities than standard types, and you’ll want to be sure that your setup won’t exceed it. Some tripods come bundled with a ball head and others do not, so it’s worth double-checking if you know you’re going to want one. Many also have reversible central columns for low-to-the-ground shooting, and in some cases, the centre column can be removed entirely in order to convert parts of the tripod into a monopod.
As with any gear purchase, it’s ultimately about balancing the features you want against your budget.
FAQs
What is a travel tripod?
A travel tripod is a compact and lightweight version of a traditional tripod designed specifically for travellers and creatives on the go. It is portable, easy to carry and often comes with features that make it convenient for outdoor or travel photography.
Why should I consider buying a travel tripod?
Travel tripods are ideal for photographers who frequently travel or shoot in outdoor environments. They are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport. Using a tripod can improve the stability of your camera, reduce camera shake and allow for longer exposure times, resulting in sharper and better-quality photos.
What factors should I consider when buying a travel tripod?
When purchasing a travel tripod, consider the weight and portability, load capacity, stability, maximum height, adjustability and compatibility.
Can a travel tripod support heavy cameras and lenses?
Yes, travel tripods come in a variety of load capacities. While they may not support extremely heavy professional setups, many travel tripods are designed to handle mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and lenses of various sizes. Make sure to check the maximum load capacity of the tripod before purchasing.
Are travel tripods adjustable for different shooting angles?
Yes, most travel tripods offer adjustable legs that allow you to set up your camera at different heights and shooting angles. Some tripods also come with a centre column that can be tilted or rotated for added flexibility.
Are travel tripods compatible with all camera models?
Travel tripods typically come with a standard 1/4"-20 mounting screw, which is compatible with the vast majority of cameras. However, it's always a good idea to check the compatibility of the tripod with your specific camera model first.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography experts, store staff and partners all work collaboratively to pour over our guides and tips articles. We also consider emerging trends and customer feedback to make sure our guides are always up-to-date and reflective of what people are truly looking for. By curating only the best products, our guides provide trustworthy recommendations, making it easier for customers to make informed choices with confidence.
If you would like more advice on any purchase our contact centre staff are here to help. Alternatively, you can reach us via email or social media. And don't forget. If you were to purchase anything based on our recommendations you'll be covered by our full returns policy
