The best travel tripods are for photographers who often hit the road and like to take their photography equipment with them. They differ from standard tripods thanks to their compact, foldable design which makes them easier to fit inside backpacks. They also tend to be lighter than the standard best tripods.
A good balance of lightness and quality is important, so in choosing the best travel tripods, we didn't just consider their size and weight; we opted for tripods that are also sturdy and well-built. With Black Friday just round the corner, some travel tripods are already on sale, such as the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB which is $35 off at Amazon.
Our expert reviewers have tested the best travel tripods in a range of real-world environments, assessing their ease of use, portability, and weight. And if you'd like help keeping your travel tripod safe, we've got you covered with the best camera backpacks.
The quick list
Best overall
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is a novel travel tripod that is so narrow it can fit into cabin luggage. It is night-friendly and can support full-frame DSLRs and even smartphones.
For
- Narrow design
- Compact ball head
- Hidden smartphone mount
Against
- Lacks height
- Requires Hex key
- High price
Best for height
One of the best tripods we've seen, complete with a detachable monopod and built-in phone mount. The carbon fiber tubes keep it quite light.
Best compact option
Incredibly slimline and great for travel, but the lack of a center column has pros and cons. It's not the tallest tripod out there, but it's lightweight and easy to transport.
Best lightweight option
A very light and compact tripod which can fold down to 13.6 inches, small enough to put into your cabin bag, and a smooth operating ball head.
Best for videographers
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod's aluminum rig is as light and as solid a travel tripod as you’re likely to find, making it great for full-frame astrophotography gear.
For
- Lightweight aluminum build
- Versatile ball-head
- Soft twist leg locks
Against
- Relatively large when collapsed
- Not full height
Best for content creators
The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit is a unique take on a tripod that can wrap around almost anything to hold 6.6 lbs (3 kg) worth of photography gear.
For
- Flexible legs can grip around almost anything
- Great for travel
- Very lightweight and portable
Against
- Not for super heavy setups
- Legs can be a bit fiddly
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Best stylish option
An excellent quality premium tripod that looks stunning and performs just as well, but it does come with a premium price tag.
Best budget option
A 6-in-1 option, the Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro converts into a variety of styles to suit different styles of shooting. The legs have a twist and lock function.
Best value for money
The Punks Corey 2.0 is lightweight, but it can support over 8x its own weight, and you can remove its legs to make it a monopod.
Best travel tripods we recommend in 2024
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Best travel tripod overall
✅ Only the best will do: This is an exceptional, thoughtfully-designed tripod. We found it hard to fault.
❌ You need more height: This tripod can only reach a height of 60 inches.
🔎 Peak Design Travel Tripod: An exceptionally narrow and compact design makes the Peak Design Travel Tripod a great piece of kit for traveling astrophotographers who want something highly mobile, that can be set-up and taken down fast. ★★★★½
The Peak Design Travel Tripod's slim and compact design as well as its high build quality earn it pole position in our guide. This lightweight tripod still guarantees stability, even when using heavy DSLR cameras.
Its three legs and ball head meet seamlessly with no gaps when it's folded, which results in a compact package just 3.13 inches in diameter and 15.4 inches high. As its name suggests, the Peak Design Travel Tripod can easily be packed into your camera bag or luggage if you're often on the go. It does also come with a soft padded case featuring a waterproof zip and carry handles to make carrying it around easier.
During our Peak Design Travel Tripod review, we loved how easy and fast it is to setup and take down, although we were slightly less fond of the camera attachment. The ball head (which, as an aside, is one of the most compact we've seen) comes with a tripod plate that attaches to your camera using a hex tool. While this is great to keep your camera incredibly stable for long hours when shooting star trails, we can't help but feel that a tool-free D-ring plate would have saved a lot of time.
The smartphone clamp on this tripod can be cleverly stowed away under the center column, saving more space in your camera bag. Granted, with a tripod like this one you probably won't be wanting to take smartphone pictures, but the option is there should you need it.
As much as we love the Peak Design Travel Tripod, its size means it may not be suitable for all photographers. It has a maximum unfolded height of 60 inches/152.4cm, which is great for keeping its weight down, but if you're tall or want to extend the height you can shoot from, there are more suitable tripods on this list.
There are two different versions of the Peak Design Travel Tripod available: one with a carbon fiber body, and one aluminum. As you'd expect, the carbon fiber-bodied version is the lightest, but it also comes with a premium price tag as a result. Since the aluminum version is already light — weighing just 3.44lbs/1.56kg — we think it's more than adequate for most people, so you don't need to splash out on the other version unless your budget stretches to it.
- Read our full Peak Design Travel Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Narrow, space-saving design. |
| Performance | Speedy setup and takedown. |
| Functionality | Not as tall as other tripods. |
Best for height
✅ You want one of the tallest travel tripods: This one has a maximum height of 66.3 inches (168.5cm).
✅ You want a detachable monopod: Monopods are better for the likes of sporting events, where you have limited space. This model comes with a detachable one.
❌ You're sticking to a budget: This is another premium tripod, though we think it's a great long-term investment.
❌ You want something super lightweight: It's not heavy per se, but there are certainly lighter options out there.
🔎 Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head: Although it's not cheap, for passionate photographers who need a lightweight, portable tripod capable of providing more height than most, this is a fantastic option. ★★★★★
The Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head's build quality really shines through, typical of Benro's high-end Rhino tripod range. It comes with all the bells and whistles you could ask for from a higher-end model including a phone mount, carbon fiber tubes and a detachable monopod.
In our Benro Rhino 24C Two series review, we praised its sleek design, reliability and portability. It's not the smallest tripod on this list, but since it folds down to 19.3 inches, it's still very compact and TSA luggage allowance-friendly. When completely extended, it measures 168.5cm (66.3 inches), so it should be tall enough for most users. We also love that it can be configured into a monopod, making it versatile for different types of photography.
The Rhino tripod is available in a wide range of different heights and sizes. You can choose between four different sizes and between models with four or five leg sections, so you can tailor it to your needs.
During our testing, we found it easy to set up and take down in the dark. The rubber grips are soft on the hands, and the interchangeable feet are a nice touch — we found that swapping to the spiky feet helped with stability when we were shooting in windy conditions. The VX25 head also has some neat safety features to prevent your camera from slipping off, something many other tripod manufacturers don't think of.
Perhaps the biggest drawback is that the Benro Rhino FRHN24C is amongst the most expensive tripods on our list, but if you're looking for the very best, that cost may be justifiable. After all, many professional travel photographers swear by this tripod and see it as a wise investment. Overall, we loved this tripod and awarded it a full five stars.
- Read our full Benro Rhino 24C Two series review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Stylish carbon fiber construction. |
| Performance | Sturdy and strong. |
| Functionality | Converts to monopod. |
Best compact option
✅ You want to shoot low to the ground: The legs can splay out to almost 90-degrees, great for those shots where you need to be as low to the ground as possible.
❌ You want height: There's no center column, so it can't reach the heights that other tripods can.
🔎 Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod x GX30 head: A sturdy and reliable tripod that will last you for years to come. It doesn't sit at the affordable end of the market, but for photographers who need something lightweight and user-friendly, you can't go wrong. ★★★★
In terms of weight and compactness, it's hard to beat the Benro Tortoise. In fact, in our Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod review, we even questioned why this isn't Benro's flagship tripod. The Rhino, which came in second on our list, may be seen as the superior option, but we think the Tortoise is just as great a tripod.
One of the key differences between the two is that there's no center column on the Benro Tortoise. This means that the tripod isn't very high when extended, coming in at just 51 inches (129.5cm); our 5'4 reviewer felt they had to stoop when they were using it at full height, so it won't be ideal for taller users. On the other hand, the lack of a center column keeps the tripod much lighter and more compact than the Rhino. It also means that the tripod's legs can spread out almost 90 degrees, giving it a greater degree of flexibility. If you're wanting to shoot from unique angles, the Tortoise is a good choice.
The GX30 head features two safety elements to prevent the camera from slipping off when you're putting it on or taking it off, but we found the head was bulkier than it needed to be. The main ball adjustment knob protrudes out a fair amount, when, in our opinion, it doesn't need to. It's not completely impractical, but we think it could do with being smaller.
- Read our full Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight and compact. |
| Performance | Can shoot low to the ground. |
| Functionality | Lack of center column aids its slimline design. |
Best lightweight option
✅ You want something lightweight: This tripod weighs less than 2 lbs but still has a maximum payload of 6.6 lbs.
✅ You want an affordable carbon fiber tripod: This tripod is excellent value for money and a great price for a carbon fiber model.
❌ You're looking for a lot of height: This one can only extend to 51.6 inches, which may be a bit small for some.
🔎 Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB Carbon Fiber Tripod: You won't find a travel tripod much lighter than this compact option from Vanguard. It's ideal for those dark nights when you have to hike to get to your chosen location. ★★★★½
While the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB tripod can only extend to a height of 51.6 inches (1.3m), we were astonished by its lightness, as this model weighs just 1.8 lbs (0.81 kg). Although there are taller tripods in this guide, and those that can bear a weight greater than its 6.6 lbs (3 kg) maximum payload, you can't do much better for sheer portability.
This tripod is perfect for travel or hiking, particularly if you're going to remote locations to shoot astrophotography under glorious dark skies. It can fold down to just 13.6 inches in length, which is quite impressive. Although it may not be as tall as other tripods, its lightweight and compact design makes it an attractive choice.
Photographers on the go will also appreciate its smooth-operating ball head, and overall, we think the build quality is top-notch. This is a surprisingly versatile tripod, and if you're a creative shooter, you'll really benefit from the various forms the Vanguard VEO 3 GO can take: It can also be used as a monopod and a selfie stick.
Like some other tripods on our list, the Vanguard VEO 3 GO comes in both a carbon fiber and an aluminum variant. As usual, the carbon fiber model is the most expensive of the two, but unlike with the Peak Design featured above, we found it to be surprisingly affordable. As the aluminum version is a few ounces heavier (2.1lbs compared to 1.8lbs), we think the small uplift in cost is worth it in this instance.
- Read more: Best mirrorless cameras
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Very light and compact. |
| Performance | Smooth operating ball-head. |
| Functionality | Converts into monopod. |
Best for videographers
✅ You're a videographer: The three-way ball head employs a hydraulic dampening mechanism to ensure the camera moves smoothly.
❌ You get frustrated having to take the camera off your tripod: We sometimes had to remove the camera from the plate to access the battery and memory card doors.
🔎 Manfrotto Befree 3 Way Advanced Tripod: At 3.28 lbs, the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod is not much heavier than its pricier carbon fiber rivals. As travel tripods go, it’s not as compact when collapsed as others, but it's packed with great features. ★★★★½
We highlighted this tripod's excellent build quality in our Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod review, especially the presence of a central column that makes it incredibly reliable. We should note that it isn't the lightest option out there — weighing 3.28 lbs (1.49 kg) — but it earns its place on this list as an excellent option for videographers.
It comes with a new and improved ball head that features 360-degree flexibility, using a hydraulic dampening mechanism to ensure the camera moves smoothly. The 200PL PRO base plate attaches to your camera easily using a D-ring, which is great when you're using it in the dark. The four-section legs are versatile, with three angled positions that click neatly into place and sturdy rubber feet to provide grip.
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod has a maximum height of 59 inches when it's set up, and it collapses down to just 15.7 inches when it's folded away. It's not as compact as some of the tripods on this list since it has a reverse folding design, but it's easy enough to transport. It is worth noting, however, that there are noticeable gaps between the legs when it's folded, which takes up extra space when you're packing it away.
Despite being so robust, we're pleasantly surprised with how affordable the Manfrotto Befree is. We think it offers great value for money compared to some of the more expensive carbon fiber options we've included in this guide — and as a bonus, it even includes its own carry case.
While it's not the smallest or lightest travel tripod out there, it's great value for the quality you get.
- Read our full Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight unit. |
| Performance | Suitable for many photography styles. |
| Functionality | Nice three-way video head included. |
Best for content creators
✅ You'll be shooting from uneven surfaces: The unique flexible legs can bend around almost anything — a branch, handrail, fence post and so on. They can also keep steady on rocks or uneven land.
❌ You have a lot of heavy kit: The payload is a pretty small 6.6 lbs (3kg). This is still enough for most casual shooters, but it's not suited to heavy gear.
🔎 JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod: The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit is a lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy travel tripod that enables you to shoot anything, anywhere. The ideal tripod for traveling and vlogging. ★★★★½
At first glance, the JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro is an odd-looking tripod, but we can forgive that because of its lightweight yet sturdy build. The way the legs are configured means you'll have a lot of fun using it, as you can attach them to almost anything to access new vantage points. Ultimately, this is a tripod that challenges you to get creative.
The main selling point of the GorillaPod is that it's extremely portable, weighing only 8.7 oz/463g and measuring 12 inches/30cm. It can carry a payload of 6.6 lbs/3kg, not the most generous, but certainly enough for a mirrorless camera and lens. This makes it an attractive option for travel photographers, vloggers and content creators, especially as you can buy a separate mount to attach their smartphones to it.
Along with its unique legs, the GorillaPod comes with an Arca-Swiss compatible ball head that can be panned 360 degrees. Coupled with 90 degrees of tilt, you can shoot from practically any angle you like, making this an excellent choice for photographers who like to experiment with composition.
It's worth noting that setting up the GorillaPod properly can be a little fiddly compared to other tripods. You need to ensure the weight of your equipment is evenly distributed, as the GorillaPod is liable to tip over. The fact there's no spirit level on the tripod makes this is a little more difficult, but if you have a newer camera, there's a good chance it'll have a built-in level feature anyway.
When everything is set up properly, however, we found the GorillaPod to be perfectly stable — even with a large telephoto lens attached to our camera. It's a very unique alternative to a traditional tripod, and one that you can have a lot of fun with.
- Read our full JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Flexible rubber gripping legs. |
| Performance | Easy to set up. |
| Functionality | 3kg payload. |
Best stylish option
✅ You want a stylish tripod: This tripod has been designed with a beautiful aesthetic, and it performs just as nicely as it looks.
❌ You don't have a big budget: Though it is beautiful to look at, most of the tripods on this list do the same job at a fraction of the cost.
🔎 Gitzo Legende Traveller Tripod Kit If you have the money, this is a pretty nice tripod to use, but we do have one criticism: there are many tripods on the market, including several in this guide, that can do the same tasks for a lot less money. ★★★★
Let's face it, nobody is choosing their tripod based on how aesthetically pleasing it is. That said, if they were, everyone would flock to the Gitzo Legende Traveller Tripod Kit.
This tripod looks incredibly stylish. The Gitzo Legende is expertly crafted, sporting smooth dials and knobs to make setting it up and adjusting it an easy, straightforward process. It also impresses with its stunning details, including features like the custom-designed matte silver aluminum Center Ball Head and the gorgeous leather strap, enhancing its premium feel.
All this talk of design doesn't mean the Gitzo Legende doesn't perform well: More than just looking great, it's a very good tripod, too. It extends to a maximum height of 65 inches with the central column extended, and collapses to a compact length of 16.9 inches when folded. Four leg sections can support a load of up to 17.6 lbs.
That extra style does come with a premium price tag. If you're willing to spend the money on it, we think it's a good option. However, we do think plenty of other tripods available, many of which we've mentioned in this guide, can perform the same functions equally well at a much lower cost.
- Read more: Best camera accessories for astrophotography
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lovely design cues. |
| Performance | Other tripods do the same for less money. |
| Functionality | 17.6 lbs payload. |
Best budget travel tripod
✅ You want versatility: This is really a 6-in-1 model that works as a tripod, monopod, selfie stick, high hat (for unique camera placement) and a table tripod.
❌ You want a super speedy setup: Though the mechanism works well, setup time might take longer as you have to twist and lock each section.
🔎 Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro: This 6-in-1 tripod from Benro really can do it all — from a tripod, monopod, boom pole and selfie stick to a high hat and tabletop tripod. ★★★½
Benro is one of the best tripod manufacturers in the world, so it comes as no surprise, that the MeFoto Road Trip Pro tripod is a high-quality piece of kit. Despite being more affordable than some other models from Benro, it still boasts a great build quality and an excellent performance.
Its lower price does come with a number of trade-offs, but for most photographers, we don't think they'll be a massive problem. It has a smaller frame, so its maximum payload is a little less than other tripods in this guide, but 17.6lbs (8kg) is more than enough for large cameras and lenses. It's also not the tallest tripod, with its highest extended height of just 60 inches/155cm, so taller users may be want to look elsewhere.
At just 3.6 lbs, the Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro is very lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack or luggage. It's also seriously versatile: In addition to being a tripod, it can be configured into a monopod, boom pole, selfie stick, high hat, and tabletop tripod. It's suited to practically every type of photography and videography, and with so many options to choose from, it promotes creativity and experimentation.
We found the tripod's graduated panning scale quite handy as it helps you maintain a level position for smooth video panning or capturing panoramic shots. The twist locks work effectively, but it might take longer to set up as you have to twist or unscrew each one individually. Nevertheless, the MeFoto Road Trip Pro is a quality choice that won't strain your budget, making it an excellent option for amateur travel photographers.
- Read more: Best cameras for beginners
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminum construction. |
| Performance | Very versatile. |
| Functionality | Converts into a monopod. |
Best value for money
✅ You have heavy kit: The 3 Legged Punks Corey 2.0 can hold a whopping 30 lb (14kg) payload, that's 8x it's own weight.
❌ You don't like the look of it: It certainly stands out aesthetically, but it isn't for everyone.
❌ You need more height: Its maximum height is 54.3 inches, which is on the shorter side of tripods in this guide.
🔎 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0: The Punks range is ultra light and compact but amazingly, these tripods can still support 30 lbs of weight, over 8 times their own weight of 3.95 lbs. ★★★½
Danny Lenihan, the founder grassroots UK business 3-Legged Thing, used his photography and lighting knowledge to design versatile and lightweight tripods. The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0, available for $200, offers fantastic value for money.
3-Legged Thing's Punks series has been made with travel in mind. The Punks Corey 2.0 has a magnesium alloy body, keeping its weight low and its size compact. But despite that small stature and light weight, it can still hold an impressive payload of up to an 30lbs — more than eight times its own weight!
The Corey 2.0 Tripod is 54.3 inches when fully extended, and when it's collapsed, it's just 14.2 inches long. That's super compact, making carrying it or packing it away a breeze. We also appreciate that its feet can be swapped out in favor of a low-level/tabletop setup — and if you prefer, you can remove the legs entirely to opt for a monopod setup.
Even though we liked the tripod's vivid colors, they might not be to everyone's taste. And while the solid design and general great performance impressed us, some seasoned amateurs or professionals may want more bells and whistles, such as more complex head systems.
- Read more: 3 Legged PUNKS Brian tripod review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Colorful designs, made from magnesium alloy. |
| Performance | Holds over 8x its own weight. |
| Functionality | Perhaps a bit basic for pros. |
Travel tripods: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lightest travel tripod?
The lightest travel tripod we tested is the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod which weighs just 1.02 lbs (463g). However, this is a unique model designed to wrap around objects such as branches and fences, so it's not a traditional tripod per se.
The lightest 'standard' tripod in our guide (which has extendable legs and can be used on the ground) is the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB Carbon Fiber Tripod, which weighs just 1.6 lbs (725g).
Can I use a travel tripod with my smartphone?
Yes, you can. Some travel tripods come with a phone adapter, such as the Peak Design Travel Tripod, Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head and Benro MeFoto Road Trip Pro, but if they don't, you can also purchase a tripod smartphone mount separately. This is especially useful for content creators and those who mostly shoot using smartphone cameras.
Should I buy a carbon fiber or aluminum tripod?
Carbon fiber tripods generally weigh less than their aluminum counterparts, but they also cost more. Some models come at a considerable premium, so if you're not looking to spend too much, look to aluminum models first. However, if traveling light is your priority, then carbon fiber is the way to go.
For example, the Peak Design aluminum travel tripod costs around $380 at the time of writing, while the carbon fiber version costs $650 ($270 or 1.7x more expensive). However, the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204 aluminum tripod costs $130, and its carbon fiber version costs $150, so we think this extra cost is worth it.
What is the best travel tripod for astrophotography?
We'd recommend the Peak Design Travel Tripod as the best travel tripod overall if your budget stretches to its high price tag. A more budget-friendly option which we still rate highly would be the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB.
It's important to add up the overall payload (weight) of all the gear you will place on any given tripod to check it doesn't exceed the maximum payload (see question below).
What is a tripod maximum payload?
A tripod's maximum payload is the maximum weight it is designed to hold rock steady when taking photographs or video footage. To calculate this, add up the weight of everything you will place on the tripod, which may include: The camera, a lens and camera accessories like an intervalometer/remote shutter release, flash, filter, or a star tracker mount.
If it is just slightly over the manufacturer's stated maximum payload for the tripod, there's a chance you will be fine. That said, bear in mind that there are no guarantees of the tripod's stability, especially outdoors and in high winds. If in doubt, go for a tripod that is designed to comfortably hold the maximum payload of your camera gear, even if it means investing a little more money.
Travel tripods are designed to be lightweight and compact, so it may be that none on this list will support your maximum payload. If this is the case, we'd recommend a bigger, more generalist tripod from our best tripods guide.
How many leg sections should my tripod have?
Most tripods have between three and five leg sections. The leg sections are designed to extend to increase or decrease the tripod's height to aid composition.
For example, the Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head has four leg sections and reaches a maximum height of 66.3-inches. The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod has a maximum height of 11.8 inches with just one leg section, but this tripod is designed to wrap around and onto tall objects, so it's a bit of an exception.
If you're trekking or want to set up your camera on uneven ground, it's worth testing out tripods with multiple leg angles and the ability to adjust quickly. Usually, a small pin or lever at the top of the legs can be pulled out to increase the leg angle and therefore change the height and stability of the travel tripod.
How we test the best travel tripods
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best travel tripods to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every travel tripod through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each travel tripod is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions and its performance in the field.
Each travel tripod is carefully tested by our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each travel tripod and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy each travel tripod is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date material, and also make suggestions if a particular travel tripod would benefit from any additional equipment to give you the best user experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on travel tripods, whether you should purchase a travel tripod or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
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