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9 Best Travel Tripods in 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]

9 Best Travel Tripods in 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]

Travel tripods are compact enough to fit in your backpack or suitcase, making them easy to take on your journeys. Many people like them just for their compact size, so several companies produce them as a staple of their tripod line-up. However, various products are made from different materials and come at different price points, so deciding which one to buy can be tricky.

We've compared nine bestselling travel tripods available online and tested them to recommend the best tripod for you.


We tested each product for the following:

  • Stability
  • Ease of Use
  • Portability

Which product ended up being the best of the best? In our buying guide, we'll also tell you how to pick the best travel tripods on your own, so read on for more shopping tips.

Last updated 08/30/2023
Junya Akita
Guide
Former camera sales rep; Head of Cameras at mybest
Junya Akita

Former camera sales representative at a major electronics retailer. Sales experience with digital SLR cameras, compact cameras, binoculars, photography gear, and so on. Conducted camera seminars at one of the largest camera retailers in Japan. Also has extensive experience assisting customers with gimbals and other video shooting equipment. Has appeared in both photography magazines and on TV. 16 years of experience operating cameras. Licensed Pre-Level 1 Photomaster. Currently in charge of camera-related media at mybest. Product comparison motto: look at every point and share only correct information.

Junya Akita's Profile
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How We Tested the Products

Scroll to testing method
We gathered the 9 bestselling Travel Tripods and put them through rigorous testing.
  1. Stability

    Test① Stability

    When it comes to tripods, nothing is more important than stability. We tested how stable each tripod was by attaching a camera with a super-telephoto lens and applying force to the setup while taking a picture. We analyzed the picture to see how well the tripod prevented blur and how well it mitigated shaking. The following conditions were consistent for all products.Legs extended to 55 inchesSony Alpha 9 with a SEL100400GM lens200mm focal length, ISO100, one-second shutter speed, aperture set to F9The camera image stabilization was turned off and only the electronic shutter was used. The timer was set to two seconds and the shutter was tripped via cable release.To test for impact on the camera, we snapped a rubber band against the bottom of the camera from the same distance each time.To test for impact on the tripod, we set up a rubber band to hit the first section of the legs when we snapped it.

  2. Ease of Use

    Test② Ease of Use

    If your tripod makes it easy to take pictures the way you want to, you can enjoy stress-free photography sessions and just focus on getting your shots. To test this, we attached a camera to the tripods and performed the following actions multiple times, evaluating how easy it was to extend and adjust the legs, how smoothly the head moved, and how easy the head was to lock in place. This is the procedure we followed.Extended the legs as far as possible and attached a mirrorless cameraPointed the camera directly at a subject on a table, made it level, and secured it in placePanned and titled the head gently with the camera attached, returned it to the position of facing the subject, and secured it in place

  3. Portability

    Test③ Portability

    Travel tripods are designed to be portable, but sometimes that’s not the case when you actually try to take them somewhere. We compared the size, weight, and how easy each tripod was to store in a camera bag to evaluate how portable they truly were. We believe tripods within the following ranges are comfortable, and those that are even smaller and lighter than this can be considered very portable.Less than three pounds five ounces, the weight of an average tripod for DSLR camerasSmall enough to fit into a typical backpack-style camera bag, or under 18 inches

All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest

Company Facility

Table of Contents

A Travel Tripod Has to Meet These 2 Criteria First

While there isn’t an official size or weight limit, a travel tripod can usually be folded into a small shape that easily fits in a backpack or carry-on bag. As cameras have gotten progressively smaller, the popularity of small, portable travel tripods has grown too. But what should you look for in a travel tripod?

It Needs to Be Both Stable and Portable

It Needs to Be Both Stable and Portable

A tripod’s main job is to hold the camera steady and prevent blurring. The bigger and heavier a tripod is, the more stable it is, but this comes at the cost of portability.


While stability and portability might seem opposite sides of the same coin, they’re both critical factors regarding travel tripods. The ideal product is both highly stable and highly portable.

How to Choose a Travel Tripod - Buying Guide

Here are the points to remember when choosing the best travel tripod.

① Even if You Have a DSLR, a $200 Aluminum Tripod Will Be Stable Enough

First, you want to ensure it can stabilize your camera, especially if you use a telephoto lens or a heavy DSLR.

An Unstable Tripod Doesn't Do Much Good

An Unstable Tripod Doesn't Do Much Good

The biggest benefit of using a tripod is that it prevents your camera from moving while taking a shot. If a picture is blurry, you won't be able to see the details of the subject, and the whole picture looks terrible.


A tripod isn't just necessary for those with shaky hands. It allows you to adjust your shutter speed and ISO freely, giving you more control over image quality without leading to blur. Tripods are handy for people who want to take pictures of landscapes.

Leg Diameter Matters, but Other Factors Also Affect Stability

Leg Diameter Matters, but Other Factors Also Affect Stability

Generally, thicker legs mean a more stable tripod; companies claim these can support heavier cameras. However, we found that the diameter of the legs doesn’t tell the whole story. While load capacity is typically included in the tripod specifications, every company calculates it differently, so these numbers can’t be used to compare different products.


The only way to compare the stability of different tripods is to test them under the same conditions. In our tests for this article, we applied a uniform amount of force to the camera and tripod for each product to test stability.

Carbon Fiber Was the Most Stable, but $200 Aluminum Tripods Were Adequate

Carbon Fiber Was the Most Stable, but $200 Aluminum Tripods Were Adequate

We found that well-known companies' tripods costing $200 or more were very stable. Not only were the legs themselves stable, but the overall structure was, too, making them capable of holding a DSLR camera. Generally, the material the legs are constructed of makes a big difference, and carbon fiber is the best at preventing shaking. In our test, carbon fiber legs stopped vibrations, and these tripods stabilized themselves more quickly than other products.


However, the difference between carbon fiber and aluminum alloy legs is so small that you probably won't notice unless you're a professional or advanced user. Also, there's no guarantee that carbon fiber legs will outperform aluminum alloy legs every time.


If you don't want blurry pictures, a tripod with carbon fiber legs by Gitzo, Manfrotto, or another manufacturer is ideal, but quality aluminum legs are sufficient for new photographers. Cheap aluminum tripods, however, can't stabilize a heavier DSLR camera, so if you own one of those, you should look for a sturdy aluminum tripod over the $ 200 range.

② If You Prioritize Lightness, We Recommend Carbon Fiber Even Though It's More Expensive

Choose one with carbon fiber legs if you’re looking for the lightest product possible.

Tripods With Carbon Fiber Legs Are 30 Percent Lighter Than Similar Products With Aluminum Legs

Tripods With Carbon Fiber Legs Are 30 Percent Lighter Than Similar Products With Aluminum Legs

We recommend one with carbon fiber legs if you’re looking for your dream travel tripod. Carbon fiber is about 20 to 30 percent lighter than the aluminum alloy used in most tripods. This makes tripods with carbon fiber legs very attractive for photographers who are often on the move.


Additionally, carbon fiber is resistant to cold, so these tripods are comfortable to use in cold areas. The downside is that they are more expensive than aluminum ones, but if you want the best, go with carbon.

Gitzo and Manfrotto Make the Most Stable, Easiest to Use Tripods

Gitzo and Manfrotto Make the Most Stable, Easiest to Use Tripods

After careful testing, we found that the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 and the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Twist, both with their respective ball head kits, were exceptional tripods. They both provide excellent stabilization in a compact package.


Comparing the two, the Gitzo provides superior stabilization and is very comfortable to operate. The legs are easy to extend and contract and can be easily locked into the perfect position without much force. This tripod has everything you'd want, and the specs are top-class.


On the other hand, the Manfrotto is lighter and comes at a lower price. The panning of the head and movement of the legs aren't as smooth as the Gitzo's, but this is an excellent option if you're looking for stability and portability at a lower price.

Junya Akita
Former camera sales rep; Head of Cameras at mybestJunya Akita

Gitzo and Manfrotto both belong to Videndum, formerly known as Vitec Group. Gitzo strives to create the best products without setting a maximum budget, while Manfrotto focuses on balanced products at a reasonable price.

③ Make Sure to Check the Folded Length and Maximum Height

The folded length and maximum height both influence how portable the tripod is. It’s essential to check these dimensions to find the right tripod for your style.

A Folded Length Under 18 Inches Fits Easily into a Camera Bag

A Folded Length Under 18 Inches Fits Easily into a Camera Bag

The folded length is a major factor in determining how portable a travel tripod is. This is especially important when putting it in a camera bag or suitcase. If you’re looking for a tripod that can fit into a typical mid to large-size camera bag, you want one with a folded length of 18 inches or less. This would make it smaller than the bag, making it easy to carry. If you plan to travel with a backpack often, check the size accordingly.

Setting the Camera at Eye Level Is More Comfortable

Setting the Camera at Eye Level Is More Comfortable

If the tripod is a lot shorter than you are, it will be harder to peek into the viewfinder and operate the camera. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by getting a tripod that can set your camera at eye level. A maximum height of 80 percent of your height is a good guideline. Considering the height added by the camera and the viewfinder, this is a suitable height to make things easy for yourself.

④ Twist Locks Are Best on a Travel Tripod

A tripod can be easier or harder to use based on the locks used when extending and contracting the legs.

The Differences Between Twist Locks and Flip Locks

The Differences Between Twist Locks and Flip Locks

The two types of locks for tripod legs are twist locks and flip locks. To operate a flip lock, you manipulate a part that looks like a small lever. You can easily see whether it’s locked, so you can prevent accidents caused by forgetting to lock them, making these locks suitable for beginners. However, they are bulky and can get caught on things, and they loosen after extended use.


Twist locks are simply twisted to lock and unlock them. While you can’t tell whether they are secure by looking at them, they are easy to twist. You can secure the locks further by twisting them harder, making them popular with pros and experienced amateurs.

Twist Locks Are Smooth for Easy Stowing and Set Up

Twist Locks Are Smooth for Easy Stowing and Set Up

We suggest going with twist locks over flip locks. Twist locks allow you to quickly lock or unlock all the sections simultaneously, making setup a breeze. This makes them very convenient for photographers who move locations or frequently adjust the legs.


In addition, they aren’t bulky and uneven, so they don’t get caught on anything when putting the tripod in a bag. These locks are better from both a performance and portability perspective.

Junya Akita
Former camera sales rep; Head of Cameras at mybestJunya Akita

Since twist locks have simple construction, they are easy to disassemble and clean. You can clean them on the road without tools, which is ideal if you’re shooting where sand, seawater, or other contaminants can get on your tripod.

⑤ Check the Head and Stabilizer Weight Hook for Comfortable Photography

The head and stabilizer weight hook affect the ease of use as well. If you’re looking for the smoothest experience, look at these parts.

Check if the Ball Head Has a Quick-Release Plate

Check if the Ball Head Has a Quick-Release Plate

The head is the part that connects the camera to the tripod. Most travel tripods use a ball head because they're compact and provide firm support. Most ball heads have a quick-release plate that allows you to attach your camera to the tripod and remove it quickly. Since you don't need to tediously screw your camera on every time, it makes getting ready to shoot much quicker.


While most travel tripods feature a ball head with a quick-release plate, there are some exceptions, so it's best to check just to be safe. A tripod head can be switched, so you can change it for another later if you're unsatisfied.

We Recommend a Stabilizer Weight Hook to Prevent Swaying Due to Wind

We Recommend a Stabilizer Weight Hook to Prevent Swaying Due to Wind

Some tripods have a hook attached to the bottom of the center column. You can increase the tripod's weight by hanging something heavy from the hook, making it more stable. This is especially helpful when extending the legs or shooting in a windy place, so we recommend picking a tripod with one of these hooks.

Junya Akita
Former camera sales rep; Head of Cameras at mybestJunya Akita

If the object hanging from the hook doesn’t touch the ground, strong winds can cause it to sway, destabilizing the tripod. If it’s windy, tie a rope to the hook and the object, and make sure the bottom of the object touches the ground.

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9 Best Travel Tripods Ranking

Here are the best Travel Tripods we found after testing them. We ranked them after weighting each of our testing specs.
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Breakdown of Product-testing CriteriaHow was each criteria weighted?
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Load capacity
for digital cameras
for mirrorless cameras
for SLR/DSLR cameras
Maximum height
50 in. or more
Length when folded
under 21 in.
under 17 in.
Weight
under 3 lbs.
under 3.3 lbs.
Leg sections
4
5
Tube diameter
25mm or more
Leg locking method
Twist lock
Head type
Ball head
Material
Carbon fiber
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble level
Carrying case
Monopod capability
Quick-release plate
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Key features
Ranking spec
Details
Stability
Ease of use
Portability
Load capacity
Maximum height
Maximum height without center pole
Minimum height
Length when folded
Weight
Leg sections
Tube diameter
Leg locking method
Head type
Material
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble level
Carrying case
Monopod capability
Type of feet
Quick-release plate
1

Gitzo

Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head

Gitzo  Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head 1枚目
4.22

mybest's Top Choice! With High Scores in All Areas, It's Stable and Easy to Use

4.44
4.29
3.90

22 lbs.

60.24 in.

51.18 in.

8.7 in.

16.7 in.

2.33 lbs.

4

25.3mm

Twist lock

Ball head

Carbon fiber

N/A

Carrying strap

-

Rubber

2

Manfrotto

Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Manfrotto  Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod 1枚目
4.16

Reasonably-Priced Carbon Fiber Tripod With Very Few Downsides

4.26
4.14
4.05

19.84 lbs.

59.1 in.

50 in.

16.14 in.

16.14 in.

2.76 lbs.

4

22mm

Twist lock

Ball head

Carbon fiber

N/A

N/A

N/A

Rubber

3

Manfrotto

Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod 1枚目
4.08

Easy to Operate and Adequately Stable, but the Center Column Gets Stuck

4.14
4.20
3.90

19.84 lbs.

59.1 in.

50 in.

15.75 in.

15.75 in.

3.28 lbs.

4

-

Twist lock

Ball head

Aluminum alloy

N/A

N/A

Rubber

4

Benro

Rhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/Monopod

Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/Monopod 1枚目
4.06

Sturdy and Easy to Use, but Rather Bulky and Heavy

4.32
4.29
3.60

39.68 lbs.

66.33 in.

-

19.1 in.

25.19 in.

3.83 lbs.

4

28.6mm

Twist lock

Ball head

Carbon fiber

Rubber and spiked

5

Sirui

ET-2004 Tripod

Sirui ET-2004 Tripod 1枚目
4.04

Heavy, but Stable, With Easily Adjustable Legs

4.26
4.14
3.69

26.5 lbs.

57 in.

48 in.

5 in.

17 in.

3.5 lbs.

4

-

Flip lock

Ball head

Aluminum alloy

N/A

Rubber with twist-out spikes

6

Peak Design

Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod 1枚目
3.92

Compact and Tall, but the Ball Head and Legs Are Somewhat Fussy

3.87
3.75
4.20

20 lbs.

60 in.

51.25 in.

5.5 in.

15.5 in.

2.81 lbs.

5

-

Flip lock

Ball head

Carbon fiber

N/A

Rubber

7

Geekoto

AT24EVO Peak 77 Inches

Geekoto AT24EVO Peak 77 Inches 1枚目
3.69

Can Be Used as a Monopod, but if There's Shaking, It Won't Settle Down

3.72
3.69
3.66

17.6 lbs.

77.55 in.

-

19 in.

18.8 in.

3.4 lbs.

4

-

Flip lock

Ball head

Aluminum alloy

N/A

Rubber

8

K&F CONCEPT

Lightweight Travel Tripod Compact Aluminum Alloy

K&F CONCEPT Lightweight Travel Tripod Compact Aluminum Alloy 1枚目
3.53

Has Monopod Capability, but Legs Are Stubborn and It Doesn't Prevent Blurring

3.50
3.46
3.69

22 lbs.

63.8 in.

55.12 in.

22.44 in.

18.5 in.

2.8 lbs.

4

-

Flip lock

Ball head

Aluminum alloy

Rubber

9

UBeesize

Camera tripod with travel bag

UBeesize  Camera tripod with travel bag 1枚目
3.25

Light, but Bulky and Too Unstable for a DSLR

3.10
3.20
3.75

12 lbs.

67 in.

56.6 in.

26 in.

18.8 in.

2.8 lbs.

4

-

Flip lock

Pan and tilt head

Aluminum alloy

N/A

Rubber

Product details
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No.1
Top Choice Travel Tripods
No.1 in Stability
No.1 in Ease of use

Gitzo Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball HeadGK1545T-82TQD

Overall rating

4.22

  • Stability
    4.44
  • Ease of use
    4.29
  • Portability
    3.90
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 1
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 2
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 3
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 4
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 5
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 6
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 7
Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head Image 8
Lowest price
$549.00

mybest's Top Choice! With High Scores in All Areas, It's Stable and Easy to Use

Gitzo is a world-renowned tripod manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in the industry. Its construction and warranty give the impression it's built to last, making it a popular choice even for professional photographers. Of all the products we tested, this one was the most stable, as we noticed almost no blurring in the photographs. It managed to absorb impacts and prevent the camera from shaking too much.


There is almost no resistance when extending the legs and the twist locks are easy to operate with little force. The head moves smoothly and we felt hardly any resistance using it, leading to a satisfying experience.


The size and weight of the unit make it easy to carry and highly portable. The total diameter when folded is relatively small, allowing it to fit into a bag easily. This product offers everything you could want in a travel tripod and is highly recommended for anyone who doesn’t want to settle for less than the best.

Load capacity22 lbs.
Maximum height60.24 in.
Maximum height without center pole51.18 in.
Minimum height8.7 in.
Length when folded16.7 in.
Weight2.33 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter25.3mm
Leg locking methodTwist lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialCarbon fiber
Stabilizer weight hookN/A
Bubble level
Carrying caseCarrying strap
Monopod capability-
Type of feetRubber
Quick-release plate
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No.2

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel TripodMKBFRTC4-BHUS

Overall rating

4.16

  • Stability
    4.26
  • Ease of use
    4.14
  • Portability
    4.05

Reasonably-Priced Carbon Fiber Tripod With Very Few Downsides

The Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod by Manfrotto, an Italian photography brand, is a popular tripod with a beautiful design and is easy to operate. This tripod is very stable, as there wasn’t much blurring in our photos during our test. Thanks to its carbon fiber composition, it quickly suppresses motion and eliminates shaking. You shouldn’t have to worry about your pictures coming out blurry under normal circumstances.


The center column felt a little loose, but the legs and head moved smoothly, making setup and height adjustments effortless. Its length when folded is on the smaller side and of course, it’s made of lightweight carbon fiber. Its case has a wide opening, making it easy to insert and remove the tripod. It offers a nice balance of price and performance, making it a great travel tripod for anyone.

Load capacity19.84 lbs.
Maximum height59.1 in.
Maximum height without center pole50 in.
Minimum height16.14 in.
Length when folded16.14 in.
Weight2.76 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter22mm
Leg locking methodTwist lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialCarbon fiber
Stabilizer weight hookN/A
Bubble levelN/A
Carrying case
Monopod capabilityN/A
Type of feetRubber
Quick-release plate
No.3

ManfrottoBefree Advanced Aluminum Travel TripodMKBFRTA4BK-BH

Overall rating

4.08

  • Stability
    4.14
  • Ease of use
    4.20
  • Portability
    3.90

Easy to Operate and Adequately Stable, but the Center Column Gets Stuck

Another product by the Italian company Manfrotto, this tripod has a stylish design and high load capacity, making it a popular choice for many photographers. It performed well when the camera was hit, but not as well when the impact was applied to the tripod itself. It displayed an average ability to prevent blurring in photos, so it should get the job done most of the time.


It was very easy to extend and contract the legs and move the head. While the center column had a tendency to get stuck, everything else was seamless to operate. We didn’t notice any movement of the head after it was locked in place. Because it folds down to a small size, it’s easy to carry around. It’s made of aluminum, so it isn’t lighter than the average tripod, but it’s highly portable overall.

Load capacity19.84 lbs.
Maximum height59.1 in.
Maximum height without center pole50 in.
Minimum height15.75 in.
Length when folded15.75 in.
Weight3.28 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter-
Leg locking methodTwist lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialAluminum alloy
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble levelN/A
Carrying case
Monopod capabilityN/A
Type of feetRubber
Quick-release plate
No.4
No.1 in Ease of use

BenroRhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/MonopodFRHN24C+VX25

Overall rating

4.06

  • Stability
    4.32
  • Ease of use
    4.29
  • Portability
    3.60

Sturdy and Easy to Use, but Rather Bulky and Heavy

The Rhino tripod is part of the animal-inspired “Zoo series” by Benro, a famous Chinese tripod maker, and is a basic travel tripod that focuses on portability and performance. This tripod is as stable as the best products on the market, allowing almost no blurring during the camera impact test. While it performed a little worse on the tripod impact test, it wasn’t enough to drastically alter the quality of the photo. It seemed to reduce swaying very quickly and we were satisfied with its sturdiness and stability.


In addition, we didn’t feel any resistance when extending or retracting the legs and could lock them in place with one twist of the wrist. The twist locks are made of a soft rubber that doesn’t hurt your hands even if you squeeze them hard. The head also moves smoothly and it’s easy to use overall. However, its length when folded is rather large for a travel tripod and it’s a bit heavy, making it less portable than other products on the market.

Load capacity39.68 lbs.
Maximum height66.33 in.
Maximum height without center pole-
Minimum height19.1 in.
Length when folded25.19 in.
Weight3.83 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter28.6mm
Leg locking methodTwist lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialCarbon fiber
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble level
Carrying case
Monopod capability
Type of feetRubber and spiked
Quick-release plate
No.5

SiruiET-2004 TripodET-2004+E-20

Overall rating

4.04

  • Stability
    4.26
  • Ease of use
    4.14
  • Portability
    3.69

Heavy, but Stable, With Easily Adjustable Legs

This aluminum travel tripod by Sirui, a large Chinese tripod manufacturer, has legs that are 28 millimeters, or just over an inch, in diameter and is suitable for low-angle photography. While the picture came out a little blurry when we hit the tripod, there wasn’t much of an issue when we hit the camera instead. This tripod should perform well even with a heavy DSLR with a large lens attached.


The legs were easy to slide and we didn’t feel any resistance. It also comes with a high-precision head, allowing it to move seamlessly with a camera attached. Additionally, it only moved slightly even when the locking knob was being turned to secure it. Its folded length of 17 inches is small enough to fit into a bag without trouble. On the other hand, the legs are made of aluminum and the tripod weighs four pounds three ounces, which is very heavy. If you plan on doing a lot of foot travel, you may want to keep that in mind.

Load capacity26.5 lbs.
Maximum height57 in.
Maximum height without center pole48 in.
Minimum height5 in.
Length when folded17 in.
Weight3.5 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter-
Leg locking methodFlip lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialAluminum alloy
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble level
Carrying case
Monopod capabilityN/A
Type of feetRubber with twist-out spikes
Quick-release plate
No.6
No.1 in Portability

Peak DesignCarbon Fiber Travel TripodTT-CB-5-150-CF-1

Overall rating

3.92

  • Stability
    3.87
  • Ease of use
    3.75
  • Portability
    4.20

Compact and Tall, but the Ball Head and Legs Are Somewhat Fussy

Peak Design is famous around the world for their camera accessories. They raised almost 10 million dollars through crowdfunding to produce this carbon fiber travel tripod, and got the industry’s attention in the process. When we tested the result of impact on the camera, we didn’t notice much blurring in the picture, but it was noticeable when the tripod was hit. The camera was still slightly shaking after the impact, so it didn’t seem to have mitigated it well.


The legs use a flip lock system, which can be stubborn at times and requires a lot of force to operate. In addition, the head is finicky and has a narrow range of motion, and we were concerned about movement when securing the camera. That being said, it is very compact. It is similar to a water bottle in diameter, allowing it to fit easily in a camera bag and making it very portable.

Load capacity20 lbs.
Maximum height60 in.
Maximum height without center pole51.25 in.
Minimum height5.5 in.
Length when folded15.5 in.
Weight2.81 lbs.
Leg sections5
Tube diameter-
Leg locking methodFlip lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialCarbon fiber
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble level
Carrying case
Monopod capabilityN/A
Type of feetRubber
Quick-release plate
No.7

Can Be Used as a Monopod, but if There's Shaking, It Won't Settle Down

Geekoto sells a variety of camera products, including lighting equipment and tripods. This is an aluminum tripod with removable legs, allowing it to be used as a monopod. We didn’t notice much of a problem when the camera was struck, but when the tripod was struck, there was substantial blurring. Not only that, but once it started shaking, it kept going for an extended period of time. If you plan to use this tripod with a heavy camera, you have to watch out for this issue.


The top sections of the legs extend smoothly, but there is some resistance when pulling out the bottom sections. The head can be difficult to move when you apply torque, but it holds its position even when turning the knob to secure it. It uses a similar folding style to other travel tripods, but it has large dimensions, so it’s still on the larger side even when folded down. It’s not exactly light, but it’s on the same level as other aluminum tripods.

Load capacity17.6 lbs.
Maximum height77.55 in.
Maximum height without center pole-
Minimum height19 in.
Length when folded18.8 in.
Weight3.4 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter-
Leg locking methodFlip lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialAluminum alloy
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble levelN/A
Carrying case
Monopod capability
Type of feetRubber
Quick-release plate
No.8

K&F CONCEPTLightweight Travel Tripod Compact Aluminum AlloyB234A1+BH-28L

Overall rating

3.53

  • Stability
    3.50
  • Ease of use
    3.46
  • Portability
    3.69

Has Monopod Capability, but Legs Are Stubborn and It Doesn't Prevent Blurring

K&F Concept is a Chinese company that produces tripods, camera bags, and lens filters. Their aluminum four-section tripod has removable legs, and can be used as a monopod with the included head. When force was applied to the tripod, you could see significant blurring in the shot without even zooming in. This also occurred when the camera was hit, so if you want to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with this tripod, you’re going to need a timer or shutter release.


While the top two sections of each leg extend by themselves, the bottom section gets caught and doesn't extend smoothly. Additionally, there’s not much space between the head’s lock lever and the bottom of the camera, so it's easy to bump your finger during operation. Finally, it's hard to move precisely in some directions, making it hard to make slight adjustments. This product can be folded down like a typical travel tripod, and while its folded size of 18.5 inches is smaller than a normal tripod, it’s a bit large for a travel tripod.

Load capacity22 lbs.
Maximum height63.8 in.
Maximum height without center pole55.12 in.
Minimum height22.44 in.
Length when folded18.5 in.
Weight2.8 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter-
Leg locking methodFlip lock
Head typeBall head
MaterialAluminum alloy
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble level
Carrying case
Monopod capability
Type of feetRubber
Quick-release plate
No.9

UBeesize Camera tripod with travel bag

Overall rating

3.25

  • Stability
    3.10
  • Ease of use
    3.20
  • Portability
    3.75

Light, but Bulky and Too Unstable for a DSLR

This tripod with a travel bag by UBeesize works not only with cameras but also with smartphones, and comes with a smartphone holder and Bluetooth remote. Unfortunately, it’s very unstable, leading to pictures with obvious blur even without enlarging them, when either the camera or tripod is hit. It claims a load capacity of 12 pounds, but we don't feel it’s suitable for DSLR or mirrorless cameras.


There was a lot of friction between the pipes, making the legs hard to extend and contract. The levers used for the flip locks were small and hard and sometimes hurt our fingers. Also, the head is loose and made of plastic, and we noticed the camera moving even when the knob was completely fastened. While it’s light, it has the same design as a typical travel tripod. It’s not designed to shrink to a size that’s easy to carry, so it’s a little big to put into a camera bag.

Load capacity12 lbs.
Maximum height67 in.
Maximum height without center pole56.6 in.
Minimum height26 in.
Length when folded18.8 in.
Weight2.8 lbs.
Leg sections4
Tube diameter-
Leg locking methodFlip lock
Head typePan and tilt head
MaterialAluminum alloy
Stabilizer weight hook
Bubble level
Carrying case
Monopod capabilityN/A
Type of feetRubber
Quick-release plate

How We Tested the Travel Tripods

We took some of the top-selling tripods from Amazon, B&H Photo and Video, Best Buy and other sites, and tested them to find the best one. Here at mybest, we define that as a tripod that is stable, portable, and easy to use.


We tested the tripods for each of the following three things.


  • How stable it was
  • How easy it was to use
  • How portable it was

Products we tested

  1. BenroRhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/MonopodFRHN24C+VX25
  2. GeekotoAT24EVO Peak 77 InchesAT24PRO II
  3. Gitzo Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball HeadGK1545T-82TQD
  4. K&F CONCEPTLightweight Travel Tripod Compact Aluminum AlloyB234A1+BH-28L
  5. ManfrottoBefree Advanced Aluminum Travel TripodMKBFRTA4BK-BH
  6. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel TripodMKBFRTC4-BHUS
  7. Peak DesignCarbon Fiber Travel TripodTT-CB-5-150-CF-1
  8. SiruiET-2004 TripodET-2004+E-20
  9. UBeesize Camera tripod with travel bag

Test① Stability

Stability

When it comes to tripods, nothing is more important than stability. We tested how stable each tripod was by attaching a camera with a super-telephoto lens and applying force to the setup while taking a picture. We analyzed the picture to see how well the tripod prevented blur and how well it mitigated shaking.


The following conditions were consistent for all products.


  • Legs extended to 55 inches
  • Sony Alpha 9 with a SEL100400GM lens200mm focal length, ISO100, one-second shutter speed, aperture set to F9
  • The camera image stabilization was turned off and only the electronic shutter was used. The timer was set to two seconds and the shutter was tripped via cable release.
  • To test for impact on the camera, we snapped a rubber band against the bottom of the camera from the same distance each time.
  • To test for impact on the tripod, we set up a rubber band to hit the first section of the legs when we snapped it.

Test② Ease of Use

Ease of Use

If your tripod makes it easy to take pictures the way you want to, you can enjoy stress-free photography sessions and just focus on getting your shots. To test this, we attached a camera to the tripods and performed the following actions multiple times, evaluating how easy it was to extend and adjust the legs, how smoothly the head moved, and how easy the head was to lock in place.


This is the procedure we followed.


  • Extended the legs as far as possible and attached a mirrorless camera
  • Pointed the camera directly at a subject on a table, made it level, and secured it in place
  • Panned and titled the head gently with the camera attached, returned it to the position of facing the subject, and secured it in place

Test③ Portability

Portability

Travel tripods are designed to be portable, but sometimes that’s not the case when you actually try to take them somewhere. We compared the size, weight, and how easy each tripod was to store in a camera bag to evaluate how portable they truly were.


We believe tripods within the following ranges are comfortable, and those that are even smaller and lighter than this can be considered very portable.


  • Less than three pounds five ounces, the weight of an average tripod for DSLR cameras
  • Small enough to fit into a typical backpack-style camera bag, or under 18 inches

Top 5 Travel Tripods

No. 1: Gitzo | Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head | GK1545T-82TQD

No. 2: Manfrotto | Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod | MKBFRTC4-BHUS

No. 3: Manfrotto | Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod | MKBFRTA4BK-BH

No. 4: Benro | Rhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Tripod/Monopod | FRHN24C+VX25

No. 5: Sirui | ET-2004 Tripod | ET-2004+E-20

View Full Ranking

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