Whether you are an amateur photographer taking a trip to Europe, or a professional photojournalist snapping shots in the Amazon, you know the importance of an excellent portable tripod. Since you will likely travel with the camera tripod and carry it around, the tripod will need to be a reasonable weight and collapsible.
More than that, it will need to be able to take a beating. Durability is one of the critical factors for finding the best travel tripod. In this article, I will give a comprehensive list of the most useful camera tripods.
HOW I RATED THE TRAVEL TRIPODS ON THIS LIST
Not all travel tripods are created equal. To find the best travel tripod, I created an accurate set of grading criteria. I rated the camera tripods on this list according to three important factors: price, functionality, and tripod material.
For each of these factors, I will ask crucial questions to determine whether they are worth their cost. I will then rank them on the list accordingly with a scoring system of one to five stars. The product that scores a five is genuinely the best travel tripod.
- Price — How much does the tripod cost? Is it worth the money charged? What is the overall value of the tripod?
- Functionality — How does the tripod hold up when it is used? Does it help take useful pictures? Or is it clumsy and awkward?
- Tripod Material — What material does the manufacturer of the travel tripod use? Is it sturdy material? Will it last a long time? Or will it break easily?
TOP EIGHT BEST TRAVEL TRIPODS LIST
1. MeFoto GlobeTrotter Carbon C2350Q2T
Overall you will be hard-pressed to find a travel tripod that is more durable than the MeFoto GlobeTrotter Carbon C2350Q2T. It is strong enough to hold almost every type of DSLR (unless you take sports photography).
This tripod is also at the top of our list because of its fantastic usability. With secure panning technology and a monopod feature, the GlobeTrotter is unmatched in tight spaces or fast-moving shots. The GlobeTrotter currently costs around $300, which is a bit of an investment. But it is worth the cost.
The only real downside of the GlobeTrotter is its ball head. For some users, it has broken early on for them. Luckily, the piece is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: twenty-six pounds
- Maximum height: sixty-four inches
- Minimum height: sixteen inches
- Folded length: sixteen inches
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- Material: Carbon fiber
2. BENRO TRAVEL ANGEL FTA28CV1 9X CARBON FIBER SERIES 2 TRIPOD
The Benro Travel Angel FTA28CV1 9X Carbon Fiber Series 2 Tripod is another option you cannot go wrong with when buying. The product currently costs around $380, so it is a little more expensive than the GlobeTrotter.
This price range is one of the reasons it scores a bit lower. The Travel Angel also only features 180-degree turning capabilities, while the GlobeTrotter features 360 degrees.
Still, there is plenty to like. The spike feet are particularly useful for mounting the tripod to the ground. You can also convert it into a monopod.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: twenty-two pounds
- Maximum height: sixty-seven inches
- Minimum height: nineteen inches
- Folded length: nineteen inches
- Weight: Four pounds
- Material: Carbon fiber
3. VANGUARD VEO 265CB
If you are looking for something close to the professional grade quality of the Benro Travel Angel or the MeFoto GlobeTrotter but much cheaper, then the Vanguard VEO 265CB is perfect for you. The VEO costs around $260, which makes it a bit cheaper than both of the options listed above.
Overall this price drop does not affect the quality or the durability of the product, though it does miss out on some of the features the higher-end models have. For example, the Vanguard VEO 265CB can only move eighty degrees.
But unless you obsess over the perfect shot, you probably will not notice this flaw. Some areas of the VEO, like the ball head, are superior to the GlobeTrotter by offering friction control technology. It is also very light compared to the other models.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: eighteen pounds
- Maximum height: fifty-nine inches
- Minimum height: seven inches
- Folded length: sixteen inches
- Weight: three pounds
- Material: Carbon Fiber
4. NEST TRAVELLER NT-6294CK
The Nest Traveller NT-6294CK is another tripod model with affordability on its mind. Like many of these tripods, it can take a beating. Typically the Nest prices the Traveller around $200.
Its degree leg locks allow for optimal rotation and rubber feet ensure that the tripod will not slip on hard ground. Like the other three-legged models, the Nest Traveller can be transformed into a monopod as well.
Unfortunately, the Nest Traveller is relatively heavy compared to some other models, which hinders its portability.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: forty-four pounds
- Maximum height: sixty-two inches
- Minimum height: seven inches
- Folded length: seventeen inches
- Weight: Five pounds
5. GITZO TRAVELER SERIES 0GK0545T-82TQD
If you are willing to spend the big bucks, the Gitzo Traveler Series 0GK0545T-82TQD is probably the best quality travel tripod you can find. Unfortunately, this quality comes with an incredibly steep price tag.
The tripod is engineered to turn at 180 degrees. The g-lock technology allows for endlessly adjustable length placements that will never falter. The Traveler is without a doubt the most durable tripod on this list. The Gitzo Traveler cost a whopping $700!
While the Gitzo Traveler is indisputably a fantastic travel tripod, there are several other models toward the top of the list that do everything it does. Still, if you want the best money can buy, then look no further.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: twenty-two pounds
- Maximum height: fifty-two inches
- Minimum height: fourteen inches
- Folded length: fourteen inches
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Material: Carbon fiber
6. 3 LEGGED THING PUNKS! COREY ALUMINUM TRAVEL TRIPOD
The 3 Legged Thing Punks! Corey Aluminum Travel Tripod is another excellent option for customers looking for a more affordable entry-level tripod. Though the Corey tripod only costs $200, it features five section legs, a quick-release plate, and two section columns.
They make the tripod out of aluminum which means it is a little more substantial than some of its carbon fiber cousins. But the aluminum material also means it is more durable than other models.
There are a few downsides. At fifty-eight inches, the 3 Legged Thing Punks! Corey Aluminum Travel Tripod might be too small for some individuals. Faulty screws are another problem that affects a lot of people.
As such, you should make sure your model is functional before using it. Otherwise, you might not be able to return it.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: thirty pounds
- Maximum height: fifty-eight inches
- Minimum height: fourteen inches
- Folded length: fourteen inches
- Weight: four pounds
- Material: Aluminum
7. MANFROTTO MKBFRA4-BH BEFREE COMPACT ALUMINUM TRAVEL TRIPOD BLACK
The Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Compact Aluminum Travel Tripod Black is a better tripod for lighter cameras. It can not carry much weight, but the pressure does make it stable. The Manfrotto prices the BeFree tripod at $170, which makes it one of the more affordable models on this list.
It features 180-degree swivel technology for optimal visibility while shooting.
Unfortunately, this low price rubs off on the quality a bit. The ball bearing on the BeFree tripod is not durable. You will likely need to replace it within eighteen months of buying. The legs are also a bit flimsy.
They have been known to break when used roughly. As such, you should make sure that you treat the device carefully.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: 9 pounds
- Maximum height: fifty-six inches
- Minimum height: thirteen inches
- Folded length: sixteen inches
- Weight: One kilogram
8. PRIMAPHOTO BIG TRAVEL KIT TRIPOD
The PrimaPhoto Big Travel Kit Tripod is nothing special. But if you are on edge about investing in travel photography equipment, then this tripod can be an excellent product for you to test the waters with before going further. The PrimaPhoto Big Travel Kit Tripod costs around $15.
It features all of the ball head sockets, adjustable legs, and monopod features as the other tripods. This product is excellent for learning how to operate a travel tripod.
Then, when you are ready, you can upgrade to a better model. But remember, there is a good chance it might break on you.
Specifications
- Maximum load amount: Eighteen pounds
- Maximum height: Fifty-four inches
- Minimum height: Seventeen inches
- Folded length: Seventeen inches
- Weight: Four pounds
- Material: Aluminum
BUYER’S GUIDE FOR FINDING THE BEST TRAVEL TRIPOD
If this is your first time buying a travel tripod for your camera, then it is easy to get bogged down in technical specifications. While these numbers might seem irrelevant, they are essential when you choose a tripod.
The most important thing you should keep in mind is what type of camera you have and whether or not it will be a good fit for the tripod. Your price range should come in a close second as this will determine what model you can buy.
You should also consider:
- The size of the tripod — Are you planning on flying with this tripod? If so, you will want one that can be stored easily in your luggage and carry-on. If you are taking pictures around you down, the size might not be as big of a concern.
- The weight of the tripod —Travel usually means a lot of walking. When you’re already holding an expensive camera, then every extra pound begins to add up. If you plan on doing nature photography, then you should try to get the lightest tripod possible. It will save a lot of back pain in the future.
- The strength of the tripod —This is important if you have a larger camera. Some camera tripods cannot hold the weight of the DSLR camera they are carrying, especially if the lens is big. Make sure you check the maximum load amount to determine how much influence the tripod can bear before collapsing.
- The durability of the tripod— When you carry a tripod around for a long time while traveling it is bound to get banged up. Pay close attention to what material the manufacturer uses on your travel tripod. This material will often indicate how durable it is. For example, aluminum is more durable than carbon fiber, but carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum. These are the kind of tradeoffs you need to consider.
- Height — If you want to take shots of people while standing up, you will need to make sure you check the height of the tripod. Some travel tripods are so affordable and portable because they will not extend. As such, you have to find surfaces to put these smaller tripods on. If you know there will be a lack of surfaces to steady yourself on, you should pay attention to the height.
The best tripod is a bit of a subjective phrase since there is a bit of preference involved. With that said, there are expensive tripods that are naturally superior to cheaper ones. While obviously, amateurs are not likely to drop $$$ on a new tripod, there is a model out there for everyone.
No matter what your price range is, some models offer unique and helpful features for their users. We hope this list helped you find the best travel tripod out there. Happy traveling!