Tripods are a tool that many photographers use. They stabilize the camera, eliminating vibration and blur from photos. Many studio photographers use them to get tack-sharp portraits. But what do you do if you’re travelling the world and want the same quality? Luckily there are many tripods for travel photographers to choose from. However, tripods are very much a “you-get-what-you-pay-for” product, with the more expensive ones usually being better than the cheaper ones.
What Does A Tripod Do?
Does your photography require the use of a tripod? Not sure? Here are a few reasons why you’d need one:
- To shoot panoramic shots that require consistent level and framing
- Your photo requires precise composition
- To support heavy gear (ie. telephoto lens rigs)
- You want the sharpest image possible (especially in low light conditions)
- You’re shooting slow shutter/long exposure photos (ie. night/astral photography, waterfalls)
- To shoot at a difficult angle
- You’re shooting macro photography
- You want to take self-portraits using the camera’s timer
Tripods For Travel: What To Look For
A good travel tripod needs to be highly functional, but it also needs to be portable. Consider the following when shopping:
Small, Medium, or Large?
When you’re on the road, everything requires downsizing, and tripods are no exception. Luckily most travel tripods collapse into a very compact size. Mini-tripods like the Joby Gorillapod series can be perfect for some travelers, while others still require a full-size, traditional design.
Tripods lose stability the longer their legs and center post are extended. For this reason, the majority aren’t overly tall. When fully deployed, a standard tripod reaches between 50 and 63 inches (126 to 160 cm) in height. If it has an adjustable center post, you can get it very close to eye level (depending on your height, of course).
Consider The Materials
The materials a tripod is crafted with are a huge reason why high-end models are so expensive. Some cost upwards of $1000, while others can hit 5 figures. But fear not, you can still get a good tripod in the $200 to $400 range. Many travel tripods are designed with carbon fiber material. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry long distances. The downside is that it’s less sturdy than a heavier aluminum tripod. For this reason, carbon fiber travel tripods usually include a center column hook to hang your backpack on. This helps weigh it down for added stability.
How Much Weight Can It Support?
Standard size tripods should have no problem accommodating the weight of most cameras and lenses. On average, a mirrorless camera and lens weigh between 2.5 and 5 lbs. However, if you’re using a heavy DSLR with a massive telephoto lens, the overall weight will be significant. Double-check that the tripod you want can support your camera setup.
Weatherproof
Travel photography requires you to shoot in outdoor conditions, and sometimes those conditions arent always ideal. Consider weatherproofing features that add durability and safety to your investment. Look for things such as anti-slip feet (some come with both rubber feet and metal spikes), as well as a weather-resistant outer coating to protect the legs and mechanical pieces.
Top 6 Tripods For Travel (2021 Edition)
The best tripods for travel are functional, lightweight, and won’t break the bank. Here are the top 6 (in no particular order) that you should consider if you’re in the market.
1. Peak Design Travel Tripod – $599 USD
Peak Design’s Travel Tripod is a bit pricey due to its ambitious design and carbon fiber construction. An aluminum alloy version is available for $250 USD less, but it also weighs an additional 0.6 lbs. Whichever model you prefer, this tripod was designed specifically with travel in mind. Folded down it’s super compact, rivaling the diameter of a water bottle, while still being able to extend to 5 feet tall. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and grippy, with twist leg locks that make it easy to deploy in roughly 10 seconds. The ball head is Peak’s own design and works well. You can also purchase an adapter for using any 3rd party ball head you prefer. Peak also included a clip for easily attaching your smartphone to the pod if need be.
Maximum Height: 60” (152.4 cm)
Max. Height Without Center Column: 51.25” (130.18 cm)
Minimum Height: 5.5” (13.97 cm)
Weight: 2.8 lbs. (1.27 kg) / Aluminum 3.4 lbs. (1.54 kg)
Folded Height: 15.5” (39.37 cm)
Folded Circumference: 8” (20.3 cm)
Maximum Weight Capacity: 20 lbs. (9.1 kg)
2. Benro Travel Angel FTA28CV1 – $420 USD
Benro’s Travel Angel FTA28CBV1 is a high-quality carbon fiber travel tripod. It has a folded height of 19.7 inches and unfolds to a maximum height of almost 67 inches. Even though it slightly tips the scales at 4 lbs., the extra weight gives it excellent stability. The tripod has a reverse fold design and the legs expand using 3 twist locks. It can also be converted into a monopod (or used as a walking stick), and it includes Benro’s V1E “triple action” ball head. This allows you full control over the angle of your shot while supporting up to 22 lbs. with an Arca-type clamp.
Maximum Height: 66.92” (170 cm)
Max. Height Without Center Column: 56.02” (142.3 cm)
Minimum Height: 18.7” (47.5 cm)
Weight: 3.99 lbs. (1.81kg)
Folded Height: 19.7” (50 cm)
Folded Length: 6.5” (16.5 cm)
Maximum Weight Capacity: 22 lbs. (10 kg)
3. Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Carbon Fiber – $265 USD
The BeFree line from Manfrotto has always been one of the top tripods for travel, and their Advanced Carbon Fiber model is no exception. Designed as black with red and white accents, it weighs a measly 2.65 lbs., stands just short of 5 feet at 59.1 inches, and folds down to a compact 16.14 inches for storage. Though it’s lighter than other travel tripods, it’s still incredibly sturdy and a great option for the majority of travel photographers. The included 494 ball head holds 20-lbs. camera setups and offers superior control over framing. Deployment of the legs is quick and easy with the triple M-lock twist legs. If price is an issue, Manfrotto produces this model in an all-black aluminum version for $195 USD.
Maximum Height: 59.1” (150 cm)
Max. Height Without Center Column : 50” (127 cm) / Aluminum 52.4″ (133 cm)
Minimum Height: 18.7” (47.5 cm) / Aluminium 15.8″ (40.1 cm)
Weight: 2.65 lbs. (1.2 kg) / Aluminum 3.4 lbs. (1.5 kg)
Folded Height: 16.14” (41 cm) / Aluminum 15.7″ (40 cm)
Maximum Weight Capacity: 19.8 lbs. (9 kg)
4. MeFoto RoadTrip Carbon Fiber – $320 USD
Available in black, titanium, and a few colors, the MeFoto RoadTrip Carbon Fiber is another lightweight and compact option. Weighing just over 3 lbs. and standing at 5’1” when fully extended, it can be used as a tripod, monopod, or walking stick. It comes with both rubber and spiked feet for all types of surfaces and folds down to a 15.4-inch height to easily fit into your day pack. The head can hold up to 17 lbs of weight, accommodating most mirrorless and DSLR camera systems. For added stability, a center column hook is included to hang your backpack on, and the legs are weather and dust-resistant. The RoadTrip also comes in an aluminum version (multiple colors) for $199 USD if you’re looking to save some cash.
Maximum Height: 61.6” (156 cm)
Max. Height Without Center Column: 53.1” (135 cm)
Minimum Height: 15.4” (39.1 cm)
Weight: 3.1 lbs. (1.4 kg) / Aluminum 3.6 lb (1.6 kg)
Folded Height: 15.4” (39.1 cm)
Maximum Weight Capacity: 17.6 lbs. (8 kg)
5. 3 Legged Thing Corey Magnesium Travel Tripod – $199 USD
This travel tripod from 3 Legged Thing is constructed with magnesium alloy (a less expensive material). It’s heavier than a carbon fiber tripod, yet lighter than an aluminum one. The dense nature of magnesium alloy makes it more stable than some of its competitors, all while retaining a relatively light weight of 3.4 lbs. Available in blue/orange or black, it folds down to a small 13.7” height. But where it really shines is its load capacity rating, as it can withstand rigs of up to 30 lbs. This makes it an excellent option for travel photographers that use DSLRs and large telephoto lenses. Its single-lock Neo head controls both the pan and ball, with a separate knob for the clamp. Additionally, like its competitors, it has an Arca-type quick release plate, rubber-coated twist locks on its legs, and can be transformed into a monopod if need be.
Maximum Height: 59” (149.9 cm)
Max. Height Without Center Column: 46.3” (118 cm)
Minimum Height: 7.3” (18.5 cm)
Weight: 3.4 lbs. (1.5 kg)
Folded Height: 13.7” (35 cm)
Maximum Weight Capacity: 30 lbs. (14 kg)
6. Joby Gorillapod 5k – $115 USD
The Joby Gorillapod is a legendary travel tripod. It first launched in 2006 and quickly became popular due to its compact size and functionality. It weighs next to nothing at just over 1 lb. and has a svelt diameter of only 2.6 inches when collapsed. Gorillapod’s claim to fame is its pliable legs. They wrap easily around anything in the environment, allowing you to stabilize the camera on virtually any surface. They come in various sizes and the 5k is their latest “large” model. They also offer an upgraded 5k Rig which allows you to connect up to three devices on a single pod (ie. action cam, Lume Cube, etc.). The Gorillapod is extremely affordable and adaptable, includes a smartphone mounting kit, and is still the go-to for many travelling photographers.
Weight: 1.06 lbs. (0.48 kg)
Folded Height: 15.2” (38.6 cm)
Folded Diameter: 2.6” (6.6 cm)
Maximum Weight Capacity: 11 lbs. (5 kg)
Travel With A Tripod
Wading through the various tripods for travel photography can be tedious, and making a final decision can be difficult. What works for you may not work for someone else. But investing in a well-made tripod will always work in your favor. Even though they’re more expensive, the cheap ones tend to fall apart faster (sometimes literally). Investing in a lightweight, sturdy, compact, and reliable tripod will help you get those memorable shots during your travels.
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