Like peanut butter and jelly, the camera and tripod combination will never get old, even in this era of digital photography. Nowadays, nearly everyone travels with a camera, whether it’s a smartphone, a compact camera, or a DSLR. Even with image stabilization and all sorts of editing apps, travelers often end up with a gallery filled with numerous blurred and out-of-focus shots.
A travel tripod can change that. Not only does it significantly improve the quality of your photos, but it also lets you capture priceless moments without you having to actually hold your camera.
Instead of relying on strangers or an unstable selfie stick, you can use a tripod to take more professional photos. You can set up your camera at the right angle and height to capture the best shots of your travels. Having a tripod is also beneficial in low-light situations.
Cameras typically struggle to take high-quality images when there’s poor lighting, but with a tripod, you can adjust its shutter speed and ISO to take clearer images. Whether you want to take photos of city lights or the stars, this photography gear will definitely help you achieve that perfect shot.
Tripods are your key to advancing your career in photography. They give you enough room to play with your options and test different styles. They’re more than a travel accessory—they’re a necessity for professional and budding photographers.
In this guide, you will find 10 of the best travel tripods you can get for yourself or a fellow travel enthusiast.
How to Choose a Tripod
Browsing through Amazon’s list of camera tripods for traveling can be quite overwhelming. While there are hundreds of manufacturers to choose from, there are far more options to consider. Here, you can take note of a few factors that will help you decide which tripod to purchase.
Convenience
If you want a travel tripod, you will need something that’s portable, preferably made with aluminum, which is lightweight and inexpensive, or carbon fiber, which is premium-grade but more expensive.
Aside from its weight, you also have to consider its size. Look into how small the tripod folds up and how high it extends. It’s best if you find a tripod that’s under 21 inches so you can easily stash it in a carry-on when you’re boarding a plane.
Stability
A heavy camera setup needs a more robust tripod that can support that weight. Check the tripod’s specs to see if its maximum load capacity is enough to hold up your camera. If you’re buying for someone with professional-grade cameras and lenses, you must always find out the tripod’s maximum load guidelines to make your purchase count.
Size
You wouldn’t want to have to bend over every time you set up your camera and use it, so remember to check the height range of the tripod you intend to purchase. If you’re tall, you ought to purchase a travel tripod that can extend to 50 to 60 inches. However, as mentioned, also make sure it folds up under 21 inches so that it’s easier to store.
Cost
Today, tripods range from $30 to $1,000. Professional-grade tripods are more expensive than those intended for entry-level cameras. As you can expect, premium tripods are created using high-quality materials that look great and last longer.
Affordable tripods are made with inexpensive materials like aluminum. It’s lightweight and cheaper compared to carbon fiber. However, it’s certainly more durable than plastic. Remember that a good quality tripod is an important accessory for a photographer’s profession, so it’s always great to invest in equipment that can take your career to the next level.
Our Top Picks
1. Roadtrip Travel Tripod by MeFOTO
Are you looking for a reliable camera tripod that won’t weigh you down? Look for a small, light, and ultra-portable camera tripod like the MeFOTO Roadtrip Classic.
Designed for a variety of camera styles, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and point-and-shoot cameras, this tripod converts into a full-sized 64-inch monopod, allowing you to take perfect self-portraits around the globe. It only weighs 3.6 lbs., but it can support gear weighing as much as 17.6 lbs. Not to mention, its legs can be folded back 180°, which makes it easier for you to take it with you wherever you may go.
The MeFOTO Roadtrip Classic is available for $144 at Amazon.com.
2. LX600B502DS Ultra Premium Tripod by Dolica
Do you want to invest in a strong and durable tripod that will last a long time? If so, you need the Dolica ultra premium professional tripod.
This is the only Dolica item made from a single block of aluminum using a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine, which makes it stronger than cast aluminum, protecting it against everyday wear and tear.
Not to mention, the tripod has a protective finish that makes it resistant to rubbing, peeling, and chipping, offering long-lasting durability. Dolica’s premium tripod offers amazing panoramic angles, and it also makes a sturdy selfie camera, as it can be converted into a monopod.
The Dolica Ultra Premium Alloy Tripod is available at Amazon.com for $199.99.
3. LA600 Pro Aluminum Alloy Traveler Edition Tripod by Dolica
Are you searching for a robust tripod that won’t break the bank? The Dolica LA600 is a budget-friendly tripod made especially for your travels.
Ideal for professional photographers and videographers, the Dolica LA600 is made with high-end precise CNC technology, and it’s coated with an anodized finish that makes it even more durable. You can fold the 60-inch aluminum alloy tripod into a portable 17 inches, so you won’t have trouble storing it in one of your camera bags while you’re on the road.
This also features an advanced ball head that’s built with a three-way bubble level system, which not only allows you to get precise horizontal as well as vertical shots, but also lets you pan and tilt your camera as smoothly as possible.
The Dolica LA600 is available for $54.97 at Amazon.com.
4. BackPacker Air Tripod and Selfie Stick by MeFOTO
Need an entry-level tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up and store? MeFOTO’s BackPacker Air is an ideal tripod for your travel needs.
The BackPacker Air, which is MeFOTO’s most lightweight travel tripod yet, was designed for action cameras, compact cameras, small mirrorless cameras, and smartphones. Sporting the new HyperLock system, you can quickly and easily set up a stable tripod or monopod and capture that perfect shot. Thanks to its ultra-lightweight and portable build, you can stuff this tripod inside a small travel bag and take it with you anywhere.
The MeFOTO BackPacker Air Tripod is available at MeFOTO.com for $79.
5. Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom Hybrid Flexible Tripod
Is your love for photography second only to your love for adventure? For adrenaline junkies everywhere, the best tripod to match your active lifestyle is the Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom.
Made with stainless steel, Japanese medical-grade ABS plastic, as well as German TPE, the Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom is built to survive your toughest adventures around the world.
You can mount your mirrorless camera or SLR camera on this tripod, as long as its total weight doesn’t go over 6.6 lbs. Since it offers incredible flexibility and precise positioning, you can wrap this around branches or poles and capture the best moments of your travels.
The Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom is currently out of stock at Amazon.com, but you can get slightly used versions of the same model for a discounted price.
6. T-1205X 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod by Sirui
Are you looking for a stable carbon fiber tripod that you can adjust easily in fast-paced photography environments? An excellent choice would be the Sirui T-1205X travel tripod.
Made with Sirui’s forging technology, the T-1205X is small and portable, but it doesn’t compromise on stability and sturdiness. Although it only weighs 1.76 lbs., this tripod can support as much as 22 lbs. of camera equipment and still serve as a sturdy base.
Other features include short center columns, which let it reach extremely low positions, and a leg warmer, which protects the device from extreme weather conditions.
Sirui’s T-1205X 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod is available for $280 at Amazon.com.
7. MKBFRC4-BH Befree Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod by Manfrotto
Is height a factor in your tripod choices? If it is, you might like the Manfrotto’s range, which reaches up to 56.69 inches and folds down to 15.75 inches.
Professional photographers and advanced hobbyists can now enjoy a lighter and more compact Befree carbon fiber travel tripod. Manfrotto made its legs with 100% carbon fiber to give you a tripod that’s sturdy, compact, and lightweight. Even with a longer zoom lens, you can take sharp and crisp images while your camera is mounted on this Manfrotto travel tripod.
The Manfrotto Befree Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is available at Amazon.com for $299.99.
8. GT1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod by Gitzo
Are you looking for a tripod suited for macro or low-angle photography? Gitzo’s carbon fiber tripod can reach up to 12.6 inches thanks to its short center column, allowing you to capture the perfect low-angle shots.
Another travel tripod built for professional photographers is the Gitzo Lightweight Series 1, which is perfect for those operating 135 mm lenses. It’s built with reverse-folding legs, making it an ultra-portable option for travelers who are always on the road. This tripod can extend up to 64.4 inches, and it can hold up to 22 lbs. of camera gear.
Gitzo’s lightweight carbon fiber tripod is available at Amazon.com for $949.88.
9. VEO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod by Vanguard
Do you need a full-sized tripod that’s travel-friendly? With the VEO tripod, you can travel light and improve your photography.
Sporting a patented column rotation feature, the VEO tripod can fold into a travel-friendly size, allowing you to minimize your luggage while you’re on the road. Even with amazing portability, the VEO tripod is sturdy and steady because of its strong leg locks. This setup also boasts three different leg angles giving you more shooting possibilities, and it comes with an adaptor for low-angle shots.
The Vanguard VEO travel tripod is available at Amazon.com for $97.
10. Photogrip Stabilizer by Adonit
Have you grown tired of taking blurred, unsteady shots with your smartphone? To eliminate blurred and out-of-focus photos, get the Adonit Photogrip Stabilizer.
Now that smartphones have increasingly wider screens and thinner builds, you will need something stable and steady to snap picture-perfect moments on your travels.
The Photogrip Stabilizer comes with a Bluetooth shutter remote that lets you capture photos from 10 meters away. It also comes with a small stylus for editing photos for social media. With this mini tripod, you can comfortably snap a selfie with one hand, and you can enjoy a stable live streaming experience online.
The Adonit Photogrip Stabilizer is available at Amazon.com for $30.99.
