Get the perfect shot with expert-approved camera tripods
Pro photographers offer up nine favorites for snapping frame-worthy landscapes and tack-sharp night scenes.
For travelers interested in nature photography or photographing the night sky, investing in a good camera tripod is key. Tripods create a stable base for cameras to hold long exposures and produce ultra-sharp photos (think flowy waterfalls and glittery constellations).
“Weight and hardiness are generally what I value the most in a travel tripod,” says Fathima Simjee, a documentary filmmaker based in San Francisco, California. When shooting in demanding environments like the Congo Basin or the Kenyan bushveld, she looks for a tripod that can “stand the test of tough travel conditions, being knocked around on boats and puddle jumper planes, and still be light enough to toss over my shoulder and move quickly.”
We’ve been impressed with several travel tripods this year. The terrifically versatile 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod comes in as our best overall pick, due to its ability to strike the right balance between weight, durability, and ease of use.
Since much of my photography work is done from the back of a safari vehicle, I don’t always travel with a tripod. But when I do, I deploy a close cousin (brother?) of Brian, the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey 2.0. I love the brand’s sturdiness and weight capacity, and I think the orange accents look pretty cool. But there are plenty of great tripods to choose from on our expert-approved list below.
Our picks for the best camera tripods for travel
• Best travel tripod for Canon camera: Canon Tripod Grip HG-100TBR
• Best heavy-duty camera tripod for travel: 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0
• Best mini travel tripod for camera: Joby GorillaPod 3k Flexible Mini Tripod
• Best compact camera tripod for travel: Manfrotto Element MII Mobile Bluetooth Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod
• Best travel camera tripod for sturdiness: Benro CyanBird
• Best lightweight travel tripod for camera: Vanguard VEO 3 Go 235CB Carbon Fiber Tripod
• Best travel camera tripod with 3-way head: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced Tripod
• Best camera tripod for travel on a budget: Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Tripod
The best camera tripods for travel
The best camera tripods are lightweight, fold down to a manageable size, and deploy without fuss. Even the fanciest tripod is of little use if it’s so heavy or complicated that you end up leaving it behind. Read on for all the details about our top picks.
Best camera tripod for travel overall: 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Three-Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Why we like it: The Punks Brian 2.0 carbon fiber tripod is a standout example of 3 Legged Thing’s travel-friendly ruggedness. This tripod weighs less than four pounds, yet it can support an impressive 30 pounds of gear, and it extends to nearly 73 inches tall.
Punks Brian 2.0 has the added versatility of interchangeable feet (sold separately) to adapt to varying terrain, and all three of the legs detach if you need monopods or booms.
The legs deploy via four twist locks, which operate with a quick, satisfying rotation, allowing for fast setup and takedown. This all-rounder comes with the brand’s own smooth-moving Arca-type-compatible AirHed Neo 2.0 ball head and a surprisingly nice carrying case with a shoulder strap.
Between its massive height and weight capacity, efficient twist locks, and portable size, the Punks Brian 2.0 should tick all the boxes for most on-the-go photographers.
Keep in mind: This tripod is more expensive than some of its competitors.
Product details: Maximum height: 72.4 in. | Minimum height: 7.08 in. | Folded length: 16.5 in. | Weight: 3.7 lbs. | Load capacity: 30 lbs.
Best travel tripod for Canon camera: Canon Tripod Grip HG-100TBR
Why we like it: A Canon camera will be compatible with just about any tripod—weight considerations notwithstanding. But this camera tripod grip comes directly from Canon and works like a charm for lending versatility to your shooting methods.
The HG-100TBR can be used as a one-handed grip or as a tiny tripod. It’s ideal for travel vloggers who often find themselves in front of the camera, especially since the HG-100TBR allows you to attach a compatible external microphone. It also comes with a wireless remote control.
Thanks to its small size, the Canon HG-100TBR is a portable powerhouse of stability. It won’t take up much space in your camera bag. You can even slip it into a jacket pocket for those just-in-case moments.
Keep in mind: This tripod is mostly meant to function as a hand grip. You’ll need to purchase extra equipment if you need height.
Product details: Maximum height: 7.4 in. | Minimum height: 5.84 in. | Folded length: 7.4 in. | Weight: 0.4 lbs. | Load capacity: 2.2 lbs.
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Best heavy-duty camera tripod for travel: 3 Legged Thing Winston 2.0
Why we like it: Winston 2.0 is a weight-bearing beast of a travel camera tripod. It nearly triples the 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian load capacity (see above) at a whopping 88 pounds. Each of the three detachable carbon fiber legs lengthen or retract by way of two twist locks. They lock at three angles: 23°, 55°, and 80°. We also love that you can swap out the included rubber feet for grippier options, available separately.
Despite its strength, the Winston 2.0 weighs just 3.8 pounds. It also comes with a sturdy carrying case.
Keep in mind: While the Winston 2.0 tripod is very similar in functionality to the Punks Brian 2.0, most travelers probably don’t need their tripod to hold 88 pounds. You can save yourself $100 by opting for the latter.
Product details: Maximum height: 72.9 in. | Minimum height: 5.7 in. | Folded length: 24 in. | Weight: 3.8 lbs. | Load capacity: 88 lbs.
Best mini travel tripod for camera: Joby GorillaPod 3k Flexible Mini Tripod
Why we like it: This is a popular little tripod for cameras with good reason—it’s endlessly flexible. Each of the three GorillaPod legs have multiple joints that can bend independently at lots of different angles, allowing you to create a stable, level base no matter how uneven the terrain.
The ballhead—which isn’t a feature you’ll see on every mini tripod—offers precise angling to help you capture the perfect shot. At just over half a pound in weight, the Joby GorillaPod is easy to toss in a bag and take everywhere.
Keep in mind: The legs don’t extend, so you may need to get creative when it comes to shooting height.
Product details: Maximum height: 9.4 in. | Minimum height: 9.4 in. | Folded length: 9.4 in. | Weight: 0.5 lbs. | Load capacity: 6.6 lbs.
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Best compact camera tripod for travel: Manfrotto Element MII Mobile Bluetooth Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod
Why we like it: Lightweight at three pounds and priced under $200, the Manfrotto Element MII is a great option for photographers looking for a portable setup. The four-section carbon fiber legs operate via twist locks and set up at three angles, while the telescoping center column reverses for getting those ultra-low shots.
This one may not be a fit for high-level film production, but the Element MII can support 17.6 pounds, which will prove sufficient for a variety of everyday mirrorless and DSLR setups.
The Element MII is a versatile choice if you also want the option to shoot with a phone. It includes a smartphone clamp and a Bluetooth remote control. Improve stability by hanging a bag from the center column hook below.
Keep in mind: Extended to its full height, the tripod can be a little wobbly.
Product details: Maximum height: 63 in. | Minimum height: 16.9 in. | Folded length: 16.9 in. | Weight: 3 lbs. | Load capacity: 17.6 lbs.
Best travel camera tripod for sturdiness: Benro CyanBird
Why we like it: The Benro CyanBird tripod is “wonderfully light and sturdy,” according to travel photographer and writer Bella Falk of Passport & Pixels. “Size and weight are the two most important factors in a travel tripod, but it needs to be strong enough to support weight without falling over or wobbling,” she says.
With five-section carbon fiber legs that adjust via flip locks to three angles, the CyanBird is easy to maneuver into place. The two-section center column splits easily for low angles. When you’re done shooting, the 2.25-pound Cyanbird stows away in the included wrap-design carrying case. Benro’s FS20PRO 2-in-1 head features separate pan, tilt, and ball locks for photo and video versatility, and even includes a pan arm.
Keep in mind: Load capacity is modest at just under 10 pounds.
Product details: Maximum height: 60 in. | Minimum height: 7.2 in. | Folded length: 17.1 in. | Weight: 2.2 lbs. | Load capacity: 9.9 lbs.
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Best lightweight travel tripod for camera: Vanguard VEO 3 Go 235CB Carbon Fiber Tripod
Why we like it: For its size and versatility, the Vanguard VEO 3 Go carbon fiber tripod is a great buy. It weighs just 2.3 pounds, is only 13 inches long when folded, employs twist locks for quick setup, and includes a smartphone mount and a Bluetooth remote. The VEO 3 Go even comes with both rubber and spiked feet for added grip.
The included T-50 ballhead has a separate pan lock. You can catch those low-angle shots either by reversing the center column or removing the ballhead and using the included low-angle adapter.
This is a solid kit for travelers looking for a lightweight camera tripod that includes a few extra bells and whistles.
Keep in mind: The limited height and load capacity may not be a fit for everyone.
Product details: Maximum height: 53.3 in. | Minimum height: 7.9 in. | Folded length: 13 in. | Weight: 2.3 lbs. | Load capacity: 8.8 lbs.
Best travel camera tripod with 3-way head: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced Tripod
Why we like it: “The Befree has been a crowd-pleaser for years,” says Falk, and the 3-Way Live model is no exception. The tripod itself is made of sturdy aluminum, but where it really shines is in the versatile head. Manfrotto’s hybrid photo-video three-way head features foldable handles for portability, a fluid drag system for ultra-smooth panning and tilting, and an Arca-type-compatible quick release plate.
Three bubble levels ensure a perfectly framed shot every time, and setup is quick thanks to fuss-free flip locks. Manfrotto includes a carrying case, so the Befree 3-Way Live is ready to go right out of the box.
Keep in mind: This is the heaviest travel tripod on our list at just under 4.5 pounds.
Product details: Maximum height: 59.4 in. | Minimum height: 16.5 in. | Folded length: 15.7 in. | Weight: 4.3 lbs. | Load capacity: 13.2 lbs.
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Best camera tripod for travel on a budget: Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Why we like it: Weighing in at just a hair over two pounds with a 13-pound load capacity, the Sirui AM-225 carbon fiber tripod is a bargain at $120. The five-section legs operate via twist locks, and both rubber and spiked feet are included. The AM-225 comes with a basic ballhead with a quick release plate.
This is a no-frills tripod but it’s a great pick for new camera tripod users or travel photographers who prioritize light weight over lavish features.
Keep in mind: There is no center column, which limits both height and low-angle opportunities.
Product details: Maximum height: 50.2 in. | Minimum height: 2.7 in. | Folded length: 18.3 in. | Weight: 2.1 lbs. | Load capacity: 13.2 lbs.
How we chose the best camera tripod for travel
In addition to drawing on my personal experience as a travel journalist and photographer, I spoke to other photographers and filmmakers for their input on what makes a great travel tripod. We took into consideration the following factors:
• Size and weight: For travel, the best camera tripods must be lightweight and compact enough that you’ll reach for it while packing—and then use it instead of leaving it in the hotel room. We looked for compact-folding tripods that weigh less than four pounds.
• Stability: A tripod needs to hold your camera securely in place and remain steady to ensure sharp photos, especially during long exposures. Most height-adjustable travel tripods have a hook in the center so you can add weight to further increase stability, but we looked for tripods with known histories for doing what they were built to do.
• Third-party reviews: User experiences (and preferences) vary, so we combed through third-party reviews to ensure that each tripod on our list is well-received across the board and regularly performs to expectations.
Tips for buying a compact camera tripod
Consider maximum height
It can be frustrating to use a camera tripod that’s too short, either in relation to your height or that of your subjects. If you’re not sure by numbers alone, grab a tape measure and test the maximum working height of the tripod you’re considering to make sure it feels right for your needs.
Take weight and packed size seriously
We’ve mentioned this numerous times, but no matter how feature-packed a tripod is, if it’s too heavy or too fussy, it won’t be practical for travel.
Ease of use is key
Among photographers, debates about twist locks versus flip locks can go on forever. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you can visit a camera shop near you, do so. Getting your hands on a few tripods can help you get a feel for setup and takedown. Be sure to spend some time getting acquainted with the ball or pan head too. The last thing you want is to accidentally release your camera when you only meant to loosen the tilt adjustment.
Frequently asked questions
Does TSA allow travel tripods?
In most cases, travel tripods are absolutely fine to bring on airplanes. You may want to skip the spiked feet, though.
Should I bring a tripod for travel?
It depends on your photography goals. You may not need a camera tripod if you’re mostly walking around a city. However, you’ll need a tripod for capturing the night sky from a remote cabin in Iceland. If you’re not sure, a mini tripod like the Joby GorillaPod can be a great middle-ground.
Which tripod is best for solo travel?
A tripod that comes with a Bluetooth remote, like the Manfrotto Element MII or the Vanguard VEO 3 Go 235CB, will be useful for taking selfies and switching between a camera body and a mobile phone.
