Tripods and Monopods
Best Travel Tripods for Every Type of Photographer
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe best travel tripods balance weight, stability, and price. For most photographers, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is the top choice. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced and the Ulanzi MT-08 offer great value and portability.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Peak Design Travel Tripod
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Best overall
The Peak Design Travel Tripod packs down to just 15.5 inches. It supports up to 20 pounds with a 5-section carbon fiber build. The integrated phone mount and low-angle adapter add versatility.
Material Carbon fiberMax Height 60.2 inFolded Length 15.5 inLoad Capacity 20 lb
- Extremely compact folded size
- Tool-less leg angle adjustment
- Built-in phone mount
- Expensive compared to others
- Center column is not removable
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best value
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced offers a solid balance of price and performance. It extends to 59.8 inches and folds to 16.1 inches. The carbon fiber legs keep weight at 2.9 pounds.
Material Carbon fiberMax Height 59.8 inFolded Length 16.1 inLoad Capacity 17.6 lb
- Great build quality for the price
- Easy to set up
- Compact folded size
- No hook for hanging weight
- Ball head is not interchangeable
Ulanzi MT-08
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best budget
The Ulanzi MT-08 is a mini tripod that fits in a pocket. It extends to 15.7 inches and supports up to 11 pounds. The aluminum build keeps the price low.
Material AluminumMax Height 15.7 inFolded Length 10.2 inLoad Capacity 11 lb
- Very affordable
- Ultra-lightweight
- Includes smartphone mount
- Not tall enough for eye-level shots
- Limited load capacity
Gitzo Traveler Series 1
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best for professionals
The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is built for demanding photographers. It uses a carbon eXact tube for maximum rigidity. It folds to 16.9 inches and weighs 2.5 pounds.
Material Carbon eXactMax Height 57.1 inFolded Length 16.9 inLoad Capacity 22 lb
- Exceptional stability
- Lightweight for its class
- High load capacity
- Very expensive
- Ball head sold separately
Best for: Best for professionals
Benro Slim Aluminum
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for hiking
The Benro Slim Aluminum is designed for backpackers. It weighs just 2.2 pounds and folds to 13.8 inches. The twist locks make setup quick.
Material AluminumMax Height 56.3 inFolded Length 13.8 inLoad Capacity 13.2 lb
- Very light and compact
- Quick twist locks
- Includes carrying bag
- Not as stable in wind
- Load capacity is moderate
Best for: Best for hiking
Joby GorillaPod 5K
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for vlogging
The Joby GorillaPod 5K features flexible legs that wrap around objects. It supports up to 11 pounds, making it ideal for mirrorless cameras. The legs lock into place for stability.
Material ABS plastic, aluminumMax Height 11.8 inFolded Length 15.7 inLoad Capacity 11 lb
- Flexible legs for unique angles
- Compact and portable
- Works with smartphone and camera
- Not tall enough for group shots
- Ball head can be stiff
Best for: Best for vlogging
Sirui T-025SK Carbon Fiber
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for travel vlogging
The Sirui T-025SK is a compact travel tripod with a fluid head. It extends to 51.2 inches and folds to 12.6 inches. The twist locks are smooth and fast.
Material Carbon fiberMax Height 51.2 inFolded Length 12.6 inLoad Capacity 8.8 lb
- Very compact folded size
- Fluid head for video
- Lightweight
- Lower load capacity
- Not as tall as others
Best for: Best for travel vlogging
What to Look For
Weight is the first factor. A travel tripod should be light enough to carry all day. Folded length matters for packing in a bag. Load capacity must exceed your camera gear weight. Material affects both weight and stability. Carbon fiber is lighter but costs more. Aluminum is heavier but cheaper. Leg sections and locks influence setup speed and compactness.
Stability vs Portability
A heavier tripod is usually more stable. But a travel tripod must be portable. Look for a center column hook to add weight. Leg angle locks help on uneven terrain. Some models have a short center column for low-angle shots. Consider the maximum height you need. A tripod that reaches eye level is convenient.
Matching Tripod to Camera
Mirrorless cameras are lighter and work with smaller tripods. DSLRs and telephoto lenses need higher load capacity. Video shooters should look for a fluid head. Smartphone users can use a mini tripod or adapter. Check the head type and whether it is removable. A ball head is versatile for photography.
Budget and Value
You can spend a lot on a carbon fiber tripod. But budget options can work well. The Ulanzi MT-08 is a good starting point. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced offers a balance. Consider how often you will use it. A higher price often means better build and stability. But a cheap tripod may be enough for occasional use.
Questions people ask
What is the best travel tripod for a DSLR?
The Peak Design Travel Tripod supports up to 20 pounds, making it ideal for DSLRs. The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is also a great choice.
How much should I spend on a travel tripod?
Budget options start around but quality rises with price. Expect to pay more for carbon fiber and better stability.
What is the difference between aluminum and carbon fiber tripods?
Carbon fiber is lighter and dampens vibration better. Aluminum is heavier and cheaper. Choose based on weight and budget.
Can a travel tripod hold a smartphone?
Yes, many travel tripods include a smartphone mount. The Ulanzi MT-08 and Joby GorillaPod are good options.
What is the ideal weight for a travel tripod?
Most photographers prefer under 3 pounds. Heavier tripods are more stable but harder to carry.
How do I choose the right load capacity?
Check your camera and lens weight. Add a safety margin. For a typical mirrorless setup, 10 pounds is enough.
Is a ball head or fluid head better for travel?
Ball heads are compact and quick for photography. Fluid heads are better for video. Choose based on your primary use.
What is the best budget travel tripod?
The Ulanzi MT-08 is a great budget option. It is light and cheap, but not very tall.
How do I keep a travel tripod stable in wind?
Use the center hook to hang your bag. Spread the legs wider. Choose a tripod with a higher load capacity.
What is the best travel tripod for hiking?
The Benro Slim Aluminum is light and compact. It is easy to carry on long trails.
The bottom lineSo which one?
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is the best overall for most photographers. For a budget pick, the Ulanzi MT-08 is hard to beat. Consider your specific needs for stability, weight, and price.
