1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best travel tripod overall
3. Best for height
4. Best for serious travel
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
The best travel tripods can be a great solution for travel photographers or astrophotographers who need to transport a lot of kit to remote locations to avoid light pollution. They tend to be lighter than regular tripods, often being made from materials like carbon fiber instead of aluminum, and they fold down to a more compact size, allowing them to comply with TSA-approved carry-on luggage.
The drawback to this is that they sometimes have a more restricted payload than regular tripods, which can be an issue when it comes to the heavier kit used in astrophotography. Our expert reviewers have scoured the market for the best travel tripods, highlighting their pros and cons and explaining any trade-offs you may have to make, so that you can choose the best option to suit your current setup.
With Black Friday fast approaching on November 24, we're expecting some fantastic deals to come up, so this is an ideal time to invest in a travel tripod check our Black Friday hub for the best deals spotted. If you think you need something more heavy-duty, then we also have a guide to the best tripods overall, and if you need a better way to transport your kit, check out our list of the best camera backpacks. Those looking to pursue astrophotography may also wish to explore our guides to the best cameras and best lenses for astrophotography.
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 for serious travel photographers
This Benro tripod will last for years to come. It's also the tallest tripod on our list — when fully extended, its maximum height is 66.92-inches (170 cm).
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 2023
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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 tops our list thanks to its sleek, narrow and compact design that still maintains impressive stability even with full-frame DSLR cameras. The three legs and ball head fold down to meet with no gaps, measuring just 3.125 inches in diameter and 15.4 inches in height when packed up. This means it fits easily away in luggage or camera bags, but it comes with its own soft padded case with a waterproof zip and carry handles as well.
We loved the speedy setup and takedown on this tripod, although we were slightly less fond of the camera attachment. The ball head (which is one of the most compact we've seen) comes with a tripod plate that attaches to your camera using a hex tool. Whilst 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 unfurled, which might be a bit of a stoop for taller people but helps to save on weight.
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, so we'd probably stick with the aluminum.
- 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 some 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.
🔎 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. ★★★★½
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 given a closer look at. Its sleek design, reliability and portability make it a fantastic choice for studio work or travel.
The braided material used to construct the carbon tubes increases stiffness, and at standard operating heights, the FRHN24C performs as well as some other non-travel-oriented tripods. 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 some of the others on the list, many professional travel photographers would find it to be a wise investment.
If this tripod piques your interest, keep your eyes peeled for our review of this model coming soon.
- Read more: Best camera backpacks
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Stylish carbon fiber construction |
| Performance | Sturdy and strong |
| Functionality | Converts to monopod |
Best for serious travel photographers
✅ You want one of the tallest travel tripods: This one reaches a maximum height of 66.92-inches and is the tallest in this guide.
❌ You want something especially lightweight: At 1.81kg, this is one of the heavier tripods in this guide, though it's still not outrageous.
🔎 Benro Travel Angel 9X CF Series 2 Tripod While it's not the lightest tripod on this list, it's more suited to serious photographers with lots of heavy kit as it can hold up to 22 lbs (10kg). ★★★★½
While the name 'Travel Angel' might feel gimmicky, in this case we think it's entirely warranted. The Benro Travel Angel 9X CF Series tripod is a godsend for all travel photographers.
It's on the expensive end of the tripods included in this guide, but it's a premium product from a reliable, well-known brand, so if your budget stretches that far, we think it's worth it. Granted, it's not the lightest of travel tripods, coming in at 3.99 lbs (1.81kg), but it can handle an impressive 22 lbs (10kg) of weight. The tripod legs are made of nine layers of carbon fiber, which means it's sturdy enough to provide stability for heavier kit while remaining lightweight and portable.
This tripod is also the tallest of all the options we've listed, extending up to 66.92 inches (170 cm). However, as with other models on this list, the Benro Travel Angel can fold up to measure 17.3 inches (43 cm), so it can be packed away into most larger bags.
- Check out the Best cameras for low light photography
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Great quality build |
| Performance | Substantial maximum payload |
| Functionality | Wide height range |
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 an excellent choice for travel or hiking, especially when you're heading to remote places for those stunning dark sky shots you've always wanted. It can fold down to a length of 13.6 inches, which is impressive. While it may not be the tallest tripod available, its weight and compact folded size make it a compelling option. The ball-head is also really smooth to operate, which photographers on the move will appreciate, and the build quality is commendable.
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. It has 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 has a maximum height of 59 inches and measures 15.7 inches when packed up. It has an unusual configuration whereby you pull the tripod legs back through 180 degrees to meet the ball head on the extended center column to fold it down. This works well for transporting it, although it's not as compact as some of the tripods on our list and it does leave significant gaps between the legs when you're 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. The four-section legs are versatile, with three angled positions that click neatly into place and sturdy rubber feet to provide grip. Whilst it's not the smallest or lightest travel tripod out there, we think 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.
Although it's extremely portable, weighing only 8.7 oz/463g and measuring 12 inches/30cm, it can carry a pay load of 6.6 lbs/3kg, which is enough for a mirrorless camera and lens set up. This means that it's likely to appeal to travel photographers and vloggers, as well as to content creators, who can buy a separate mount to attach their smartphone.
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.
You'll need to be careful to distribute the weight evenly when you set it up to avoid any equipment tumbles, but once everything was in place, we found it very secure and stable and had no worries about our camera even with a telephoto lens attached. All in all, it's an intriguing alternative to more traditional tripods and is eminently portable for taking out and about with you.
- 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 has taken a premium, aesthetically conscious approach to travel tripods and other camera accessories with the Legende series. The Legende Traveller Tripod Kit has a great design and performs just as nicely as it looks thanks to its well-designed, ultra-smooth knobs, dials and adjustments.
The attention to detail is excellent, with nice little features such as the specially designed matte silver aluminum Center Ball Head and the leather strap adding to the discerning feel. It reaches a maximum height of 65-inches with the central column and folds down to a compact collapsed length of 16.9-inches. It has four leg sections and can carry loads of up to 17.6 lbs.
If you're willing to spend, we think this tripod is good. However, we do have one criticism: there are many other tripods available, including some 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
With a carrying capacity of 8 kg, this option from Benro holds less weight and is a more compact and less pro-style setup, but that doesn't mean it can't compete with some of the other travel tripods on the market. It features five leg sections that can extend up to 60-inches (155cm), which is impressive — the central column also has two sections. It weighs just 3.6 lbs and collapses down to 15.4-inches. It can also be configured in six different ways, to act 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 if you have to twist or unscrew each one individually, it might take a bit more time to set up. Nevertheless, we think it's a hassle-free choice that won't strain your budget, making it a great 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 — though we quite like that it stands out, 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 range of tripods from 3 Legged Thing is ideal for travel due to their compact and lightweight design, made from magnesium alloy. Surprisingly, they can support up to 30 lbs of weight, which is more than 8 times their own weight of 3.95 lbs. The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0 Tripod can reach a height of 54.3 inches when fully extended and folds down to just 14.2 inches, making it easy to fit into your carry-on luggage when you're flying. You can substitute the feet to make low-level or tabletop tripods, or you can remove the legs entirely to make a monopod or selfie stick.
Despite the fact that 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: Best DSLR cameras
| 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.
