"Good travel tripods are hard to come by. Great ones are made from the likes of this Benro model. This carbon fiber tripod is very lightweight, folds down to a compact and easy-to-carry bundle, and opens quickly when I need to set up a shot. My Benro tripod comes with me whenever I travel or do an outdoors photoshoot. It adds almost no weight to my backpack, and never gets in the way of a great photo. "

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SmallRig AP-20 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head and Center Column

SKU: SR4059MFR: 4059

(1)

Lightweight carbon fiber tripod, only 2.75 lbs.
Stable platform supports up to 26.5 lbs.
Compact tripod folds to 15.7" for easy travel.
Arca-Swiss quick release plate ensures easy setup.
Durable build with aluminum alloy components.

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Benro 5-Section Carbon Fiber Slim Travel Tripod with N00 Ball Head

SKU: BEFSL09CN00MFR: FSL09CN00

(6)

Lightweight carbon fiber tripod, only 2.35 lbs.
Compact tripod folds to 12.4" for easy travel.
Sturdy tripod supports up to 8.81 lbs equipment.
Achieve heights up to 57.1" with this photo tripod.
Quick setup with twist locks on 5 leg sections.

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K&F Concept SA234 4-Section Aluminum DSLR Tripod with Ball Head

SKU: KFC09080MFR: KF09.080

(7)

Stable platform: Aluminum tripod supports 22lbs.
Adjustable height: Extends to 61.6", collapses to 16.3".
Lightweight tripod: Aluminum alloy, easy to transport.
Durable build: 4-section legs with flip locks.
Easy setup: Arca-Type quick release plate included.

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Benro Tortoise Columnless Three Series 4-Section C Tripod with GX35 Ball Head

SKU: BETTR34CGX35MFR: TTOR34CGX35

(10)

Lightweight carbon fiber tripod, only 4.1 lbs.
Stable tripod supports up to 39.68 lbs payload.
Compact tripod folds to 22.83" for easy travel.
Extends to 56.29" for versatile photo heights.
Quick setup with 4-section tripod legs.

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Benro Tripster 0 Series 5-Section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod/Monopod, Black

SKU: BE09CB00GBLKMFR: FTR09CB00GBLK

(11)

Compact carbon fiber tripod, lightweight build.
Sturdy tripod supports 13 lb, ensuring stability.
Adjustable height: 13.2" to 54.7", great photo tripod.
Converts to 56.1" monopod for versatile shooting.
Twist leg locks enable quick & easy setup.

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Benro Tortoise Columnless Three Series 5-Section CF Tripod with GX35 Ball Head

SKU: BETTR35CGX35MFR: TTOR35CGX35

(10)

Lightweight carbon fiber tripod, only 4.23 lbs.
Stable tripod supports up to 33 lbs payload.
Compact tripod folds to 22" for easy transport.
Achieve smooth pan & tilt with GX35 ball head.
Durable tripod with 5-section legs for varied height.

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3Pod Wander 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod with B2 AB Series Ball Head

SKU: 3PACTTK1MFR: 3P-ACTT K1

(11)

Achieve stable support with aluminum build.
Compact tripod folds to 15" for easy travel.
Lightweight design at only 4 lbs for portability.
Quick setup with 4-section aluminum tripod legs.
Durable photo tripod holds up to 33 lbs.

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Finding the Perfect Photo Tripod

There are more styles and configurations of photo tripods today than ever before. Finding the best tripod for you comes down to material, size, load capacity, and a few other key factors.

Tripod Materials

For full-size DSLR and mirrorless cameras and lenses, most photographers prefer aluminum and carbon-fiber tripods. Carbon fiber is the sturdiest and lightest material, while aluminum is usually less expensive.

Photographers who use lighter and smaller cameras, such as point-and-shoot cameras, action cameras, and compact interchangeable lens cameras, have the option of using a plastic tripod.

Maximum Tripod Height

Tripod heights vary significantly. Most models designed for traveling photographers have shorter leg segments and a shorter overall height when fully extended, while studio tripods are typically taller. Tabletop tripods work well with compact cameras in tighter environments.

Try to pick a tripod that’s well suited for your height. If you’re six feet tall and you buy a compact travel tripod, for example, you’ll spend a lot of time crouching to look through the viewfinder.

Load Capacity

Protect your camera and lenses by choosing a photo tripod that’s rated for the weight of your gear. While compact tripods work perfectly well with smaller cameras, you’ll need a heavy-duty tripod to accommodate a full-size DSLR with a battery grip and a telephoto lens.

Twist Lock vs Lever Lock Photo Tripod Legs

Contemporary tripod legs contain multiple joints so you can extend or contract the overall height as needed. Each leg segment locks into place for stability with either a twist or lever control.

Twist lock legs are far less bulky for travel and storage but tend to be slower to maneuver. Lever locks are fast and precise but may occasionally get snagged on clothing or gear, or need to be tightened with a hex key.

Best Brands for Photo Tripods

Buying a photo tripod from a top-rated brand ensures your equipment will stand up to regular use while keeping your camera and lenses safe and stable. Respected companies like 3 Legged Thing, Benro, Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Slik are favorites in the photography industry for their functionality, stability, and quality designs.