1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best travel tripod overall
3. Best for height
4. Best compact option
5. Best lightweight option
6. Best for videographers
7. Best for content creators
8. Best stylish option
9. Best budget travel tripod
10. Best value for money
11. Best travel tripods FAQ
12. How we test
Take one of the best travel tripods on your next big adventure and see how easy it is to take breathtaking photos. These space-saving tripods are great for astrophotographers hiking out to remote locations, or travel photographers trying to keep their backpacks light. When combined with the best cameras and best lenses you'll be surprised at just how great your photography can look.
Our team of expert reviewers have put these tripods through their paces in real-world conditions, taking note of their weight and dimensions so you can determine if they'll fit into your bag. Typically crafted from carbon fiber for lightweight durability, these tripods often feature telescopic design, collapsing to a compact size that easily fits into your carry-on luggage or one of the best camera backpacks.
We've made sure to highlight any trade-offs you may have to make for the lighter tripod, as some tend to have a more restricted payload than one of the full-sized best tripods. But overall, they can cut your overall kit weight right down and take up far less space than a traditional tripod.
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.
Best for height
One of the best tripods we've seen, it comes with a detachable monopod and built-in phone mount. The carbon fiber tubes keep it relatively light.
Best compact option
This tripod is incredibly slimline and great for travel, but the lack of a center column brings 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 in your cabin bag. We like the smooth operating ball head too.
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.
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.
Load next 3 products ↴
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 utilize 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 the legs to make it a monopod.
Best travel tripods we recommend in 2024
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Best travel tripod overall
✅ If only the best will do: This is an exceptional, thoughtfully designed tripod for photographers on the move. We found it hard to fault.
❌ You need more height: You'll only be able to reach a height of 60-inches with this travel tripod.
🔎 Peak Design Travel Tripod: An exceptionally narrow and compact design makes the Peak Design Travel Tripod a key piece of kit for traveling astrophotographers after something highly mobile and with a fast set-up and takedown. ★★★★½
The Peak Design Travel Tripod earns the top spot on our list due to its slim, compact design that doesn't sacrifice stability, even with heavy DSLR cameras. When folded, the three legs and ball head seamlessly meet without any gaps, resulting in a compact package measuring just 3.125 inches in diameter and 15.4 inches in height. This makes it easy to stow away in luggage or camera bags. Additionally, it comes with a soft padded case featuring a waterproof zip and convenient carry handles.
We loved this tripod's speedy setup and takedown during our Peak Design Travel Tripod review, although we were slightly less fond of the camera attachment. The ball head (one of the most compact we've seen) comes with a tripod plate that attaches to your camera using a hex tool. While this was incredibly stable for long hours when shooting star trails, we can't help but feel that a tool-free D-ring plate would have been easier.
A hook at the bottom of the center column twists to reveal a folded-up smartphone clamp, which we thought was a neat additional feature. The five leg sections allow it to reach 60 inches/152.4cm when fully extended, which might be a bit of a stoop for taller people as it's not the tallest tripod out there, but helps to save on weight when traveling.
You can buy this tripod in either an aluminum or carbon fiber version, but there's a steep jump in price to carbon fiber when the aluminum model is already a very light 3.44lbs/1.56kg. To be honest, we'd be happy enough with the aluminum version.
- 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 reaches a maximum height of 66.3-inches.
✅ You want a detachable monopod: Monopods are better in certain situations, like 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 it's a great long-term investment.
❌ You want something super lightweight: It's not heavy, but there are certainly more lightweight 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 premium end of Benro's travel lineup is represented by the Rhino series, and with a detachable monopod, an included phone mount and carbon fiber tubes, the Benro Rhino FRHN24C tripod is one of the best tripods we've seen, as we stated in our Benro Rhino 24C Two series review. Its sleek design, reliability and portability make it a fantastic choice for studio work or travel.
When the four leg sections are completely extended, it measures 169cm (66.3-inches). It folds down to 19.3-inches, so it's also TSA-friendly and easy to carry around in a backpack or suitcase. You can also configure it into a monopod by removing one of the legs and attaching it to the removable center column, providing versatility for different photographic styles.
Although this tripod is more expensive than others on this list, many professional travel photographers would find it to be a wise investment. And the great thing about Benro is the range of height and size options available for each product. The Rhino comes in four different sizes and a choice between either 4 or 5 leg sections, so photographers can choose whichever size suits their needs best.
We found it easy to set up and take down in the dark, the rubber grips were soft on the hands and the interchangeable feet were 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 or being dropped, something a lot of other tripod manufacturers don't tend to think of.
Overall, we absolutely loved this tripod and gave it 5 stars. Although it's certainly an investment, we think it'll last you a very long time.
- 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, which is 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. ★★★★
When we first looked at this tripod in our Benro Tortoise 24C Tripod review, we couldn't figure out why it wasn't their primary travel tripod due to its weight and compactness. The Rhino wins out overall, but if these two particular factors are more important to you than height and versatility, we'd recommend the Benro Tortoise.
There's no center column, so it can't extend particularly high (our 5'4-inch reviewer even had to stoop down when using it at full height), but the lack of a center column means it folds down much slimmer than other tripods, making it a great option for strapping to your camera bag when traveling or if you need to save on space. This also enables you to shoot extremely low to the ground with the legs splayed out at almost 90 degrees.
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 thought overall 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. That said, it's not impractical, we just 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
✅ Being lightweight is important: This tripod weighs less than 2 lbs but still has a maximum payload of 6.6 lbs. It folds down to 13.6 inches, too.
✅ 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 extend to a height of 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 would be ideal for those dark nights when you have to hike to get to your chosen location. ★★★★½
The Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB tripod is one of the lightest full-size tripods we've ever come across, and it's the lightest on this list by a long shot, weighing in at just 1.8 lbs. It can extend to a height of 51.6 inches, which is not the tallest of the tripods in this guide, and hold a load capacity of 6.6 lbs (just about 3 kg).
We think this tripod is perfect for travel or hiking, particularly if you're going to those remote locations to shoot astrophotography under the glorious dark skies. It can collapse 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.
Another thing to note is the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204CB tripod is also really affordable, especially for a carbon fiber tripod. There is an aluminum version available, but it's actually not that much cheaper and you'll be bumping the weight up by a few ounces to 2.1 lbs. It can also be converted into a monopod or selfie stick, making it a solid choice for vloggers and social media content creators who use smartphones.
- 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 will get frustrated having to take the camera off your tripod: We found that 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 Italian-made Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod isn’t ultra-lightweight, yet this aluminum travel tripod is not much heavier than its far pricier carbon fiber rivals. As travel tripods go, it’s not as compact when collapsed as others, yet it’s as advanced as any we’ve come across. ★★★★½
The Manfrotto Befree 3 Way Advanced Tripod is a lightweight aluminum tripod that makes a cost-effective alternative to more expensive carbon fiber travel tripods. In our Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod review, we thought had fantastic build quality with a very strong center column that proves sturdy and reliable in the field, and it comes with a handy red and black carry case.
This tripod can reach a maximum height of 59 inches and collapses to 15.7 inches when packed up. It has a reverse folding design which works fine for transportation, but it's not as compact as some other tripods on our list, and there are noticeable gaps between the legs which could waste space when packing it in a suitcase.
It comes with a new and improved ball head that features 360-degree flexibility and the 200PL PRO base plate attaches easily to your camera using a D-ring, which can be done anywhere and requires no extra tools, 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. 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. It can also be manipulated to be steady on rocks and 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 more suited to lightweight 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
The JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro is an unusual looking tripod that is very lightweight and surprisingly sturdy. The design of the legs means that you can attach it to almost anything, allowing you to shoot from any position or vantage point and opening up a world of creative possibilities — we had a lot of fun with this during our JOBY GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit review.
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, which isn't the most generous, but it's certainly enough for a mirrorless camera and lens setup. This makes it an attractive option for travel photographers, vloggers and content creators, who can buy a separate mount to attach their smartphones to it.
As well as the unique legs, it comes with an Arca-Swiss compatible ball head that offers precise panning of 360 degrees and 90 degrees of tilt, allowing you to capture shots from any angle you like. It lacks a spirit level for ensuring straight shots, but many newer cameras come with this built into the screen anyway.
Make sure to evenly distribute the weight when setting it up to prevent any equipment from tipping over. Once everything was in position, we found it to be very secure and stable, even with a telephoto lens attached to the camera. Overall, it's an interesting alternative to conventional tripods and is highly portable for outdoor use.
- 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 aesthetic: This tripod has been designed with a beautiful aesthetic in mind, 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 but for a fraction of the cost.
🔎 Gitzo Legende Traveller Tripod Kit If you have the money, we believe this is a pretty nice tripod to use, but we do have one criticism: there are many tripods on the market, including several that are included in this list, that can do the same tasks for a lot less money. ★★★★
Gitzo's Legende series offers a premium and visually appealing lineup of travel tripods and camera accessories. The Legende Traveller Tripod Kit not only boasts an attractive design but also delivers excellent performance, thanks to its well-crafted, smooth knobs, dials and adjustments.
The Legende Traveller Tripod Kit impresses with its meticulous attention to detail, including features like the custom-designed matte silver aluminum Center Ball Head and the stylish leather strap, enhancing its premium feel.
It extends to a maximum height of 65 inches with the central column extended and collapses down to a compact length of 16.9 inches when folded. With four leg sections, it can support loads of up to 17.6 lbs.
If you're willing to spend the money on it, we think it's a good tripod. However, we do have one criticism: there are many other tripods available, many of which we've mentioned in this list, that can perform the same functions 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 six-in-one model — it works as a tripod, monopod, selfie stick, high hat (that allows for unique camera placement) and a table tripod.
❌ You want a super speedy setup: The twist and lock function works well, but 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 — it can be a tripod, monopod, boom pole, selfie stick, high hat and tabletop tripod. ★★★½
This Benro option may hold less weight and have a more compact design compared to professional-style setups, but it still offers impressive performance among travel tripods. With five leg sections extending up to 60 inches (155cm), along with a central column featuring two sections, we think its versatility is impressive.
Weighing just 3.6 lbs and collapsing down to 15.4 inches, it's lightweight and portable. Additionally, it can be configured in six different ways: as a tripod, monopod, boom pole, selfie stick, high hat and tabletop tripod.
We find the tripod's graduated panning scale quite handy because it helps you maintain a level position for smooth panning in video or capturing panoramic shots of the scenery. The twist locks work effectively, but it might take more time to set up if you have to twist or unscrew each one individually. Nevertheless, it's a hassle-free choice that won't strain your budget, making it an excellent option for amateur travelers looking to take photos.
- 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: We mean aesthetically — it certainly stands out, but it isn't for everyone.
❌ You need more height: The maximum height is 54.3 inches, which is on the shorter side of the scale of tripods in this guide.
🔎 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0: The Punks range is ultralight and ultra-compact and, amazingly, they can still support 30 lbs of weight, which is over 8 times their own weight of 3.95 lbs ★★★½
3-Legged Thing started as a grassroots business in the UK. Danny Lenihan, the company's creator, used his knowledge in lighting and photography to create extremely versatile, lightweight tripods and other equipment.
The Punks series of tripods from 3 Legged Thing is designed with travel in mind, featuring a lightweight and compact build crafted from magnesium alloy. Despite their portable size, they boast an impressive weight capacity of up to 30 lbs, surpassing their own weight of 3.95 lbs by more than 8 times.
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 Tripod can extend to a height of 54.3 inches and collapse down to just 14.2 inches, ensuring easy packing in your carry-on luggage for flying. You have the flexibility to swap out the feet for low-level or tabletop setups, or even remove the legs entirely to transform it into a monopod or selfie stick.
Even though we liked the tripods' vivid colors, strong designs and general performance, some seasoned amateurs or professionals might be looking for 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 have tested is the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod; it weighs just 1.02 lbs (463g). However, it's worth noting that it is a unique model that is designed to wrap around objects such as branches and fences.
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 1.6 lbs (725g).
Can I use a travel tripod with my smartphone?
The answer is 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 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 cost more. Some models will cost significantly more, so if you want to save money on a tripod look to purchase an aluminum model. However, if traveling light is your priority then opt for a carbon fiber model.
For example, the Peak Design aluminum travel tripod costs around $380 at time of writing, whereas the carbon fiber version costs $650 which is $270 or 1.7x more expensive. However, the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204 aluminum tripod costs $130, and its carbon fiber version costs $150, just $20 or 1.25x more.
What is the best travel tripod for astrophotography?
This depends on the overall payload (weight) of your camera, lens and camera accessories. We'd recommend the Peak Design Travel Tripod as the best travel tripod overall if your budget stretches. But 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 weight of all the gear you will be place on any given tripod because all tripods have a maximum payload; see below.
What is a tripod maximum payload?
A tripod's maximum payload is the maximum weight a tripod 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 things will be fine. But bear in mind that there are no guarantees for its stability, especially in high winds. If in doubt, go for a tripod that is designed to 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?
Between three and five leg sections is typically the most common. The leg sections are designed to extend to increase or decrease the tripod's height to aid composition. The Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head has four leg sections and reaches a maximum height of 66.3-inches. However, the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Tripod which has a maximum height of 11.8-inches with just one leg section, but this is intentional because it's designed to wrap around and onto tall objects so
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.
Best for height
One of the best tripods we've seen, it comes with a detachable monopod and built-in phone mount. The carbon fiber tubes keep it relatively light.
Best for height
One of the best tripods we've seen, it comes with a detachable monopod and built-in phone mount. The carbon fiber tubes keep it relatively light.
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