Lightest Tripod for Travel? 9 Lightweight Tripods For Travelers!

Whether you are shooting travel photographs for pleasure or for commercial purposes, you need the lightest, quality tripod if you want to travel lightweight while expecting quality results.

For the casual traveler planning to shoot a few panoramas and some food closeups with a smartphone, a tabletop tripod with bendable legs is likely all that is required for Instagram worthy snaps.

However, those looking for a lightweight tripod for backpacking all day with a DSLR camera and a bag of lenses will need a travel tripod to capture the perfect landscape image of a river valley or the texture of an exquisite desert scene or a layered dessert.

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The Balancing Act of the Best Travel Tripods

The best lightweight tripod delicately balances two things – portability and stability. When you are hitting the trail to take pictures from the mountaintop, a travel tripod needs to be lightweight so it will not bog you down or add to exhaustion on the climb. However, it also needs the stability to hold a heavy DSLR camera and the lenses necessary for your scheduled photo shoots. The best units are not only lightweight but will fold down to easily clip-on your camera bag and pack away in carry-on suitcase on the flight home.

Material and Weight

Most travel tripods with adjustable legs are made of an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber. Aluminum alloy tripods are typically a bit heavier than their carbon fiber counterparts and more affordable, making them the best tripods for the budget travel photographer.

To pick the option that is right for you, you need to assess what features matter the most, the type of photography you will focus on and how your tripod will be transported.

Maximum Height

In terms of features, you need to assess the weight of the tripod and how far you will carry it on a normal day. Determine if you need a tripod that extends up to over five feet high or if you need a unit that lowers to less than one foot for landscape photographs or detailed macro shots of ground-level vegetation and flowers.

A tripod with adjustable leg sections will allow you to fine tune the height adjustments and will be more functional on oddly shaped terrain like stairs or rock face. Will this be a feature that is important to you?

Is a detachable monopod an important feature you search for in your ideal travel tripod?

Anchor Point

Will you be shooting photos from a distance using a heavy zoom lens, such as a 70-200mm zoom? If so, a tripod capable of supporting a higher max load is necessary to increase stability while you snap pictures of wildlife. You may also want to select an option with the ability to add weight with a hook if you will be shooting in difficult weather conditions.

When your primarily focus is merely improving the quality of your vacation pictures or making sure you are able to capture photos of yourself in front of landmarks on a solo journey, a lightweight tripod option is fine, and you can even explore the lightest alternatives like a tabletop unit or tripod with bendable legs that you can secure to any number of surfaces.

Smartphone Tripod Mount

Consider adding on a smartphone mount for your tripod for days you want to leave the DSLR back at the hotel. Most tripods can easily hold a smartphone through the use of a screw-on adapter. To simplify switches between your traditional camera and the smartphone, invest in an additional quick-release plate to leave mounted to the smartphone adapter. Slide in your phone, clip in the mount and you are good to go for quick transitions between your favorite DSLR and your smartphone.

The Best Lightweight Tripods for Travelers

MeFoto Classic Carbon Fiber Globetrotter Tripod and Monopod Kit

Style: Carbon Fiber
Weight: 3.7 lbs.
Maximum Height: 64.2 inches
Leg Sections: 5
Leg Lock Type: Twist Lock
Max load capacity: 26.4 lbs.
Travel height: 16.1 inches
Panning: 360 degrees
Tilt: -45 degrees to 90 degrees

Notable features: Converts to full-size monopod. Features spiked Feet. Includes quick-release plate. Ships with carry case with shoulder strap. Five year warranty.

Despite its lightweight, the MeFoto Classic Carbon Fiber Globetrotter is capable of supporting the weight of a DSLR camera and most lenses without flinching. Its easy conversion to a full-size monopod lends added versatility on the road while two leg positions allow for shooting from small places or on jagged surfaces. Perfect for the hiker looking for unique panoramas.

Rangers 55 inch Ultra Compact and Lightweight Aluminum Tripod

Style: Lightweight Aluminum
Weight: 4.1 lbs.
Maximum Height: 55 inches
Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: Quick-release flip flocks
Max load capacity: 26.5 lbs.
Travel height: 15 inches
Panning: 360 degrees
Tilt: -45 degrees to 90 degrees

Notable features: Budget-friendly. Two year warranty. Converts to monopod.

For its price tag of less than $100, the Rangers Ultra Compact and Lightweight Aluminum Tripod offers a solid product for the beginning travel photographer. It attaches easily to camera bags and folds down to 15 inches for storage in a carry-on suitcase. A bit hefty for long walks, this is a tripod for planned scenes.

Benro Travel Angel 2 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with V1E ball head

Style: Carbon Fiber
Weight: 4 lbs.
Maximum Height: 66.9 inches
Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: Twist locks
Max load capacity: 22 lbs.
Travel height: 18.7 inches

Notable features: Converts to full-size monopod. Features interchangeable screw-in rubber feet and stainless steel spiked feet. Base tripod is available with multiple head configurations. Easy shifts to portrait orientation. Includes dust cover, carrying case and shoulder strap.

The Benro Travel Angel Series 2 is a very compact model that folds down from a maximum height of 66.9 inches to 18.7 inches – an acceptable length for any carry-on suitcase or bag. While weightier than some travel tripods, the Benro is designed to provide stability for any DSLR or mirrorless camera. The interchangeable feet make it possible to up the stability factor on various terrains.

Manfrotto 190 Go! M-Series Aluminum Kit 4-section with 3-way head

Style: Aluminum, but a Carbon Fiber option is available
Weight: 3.7 lbs.
Maximum Height: 59.8 inches
Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: M-lock
Max load capacity: 15 lbs.
Travel height: 17.7 inches

Notable features: Easy link attachment provides for easy attachment of accessories, such as lighting or reflectors.

The Manfrotto 190 Go! M-Series Aluminum Kit provides unique versatility due to its ability to lower to a minimum height of less than four inches when the center column is positioned parallel to the ground at a 90 degree angle. If you need to shoot low for landscapes or nature photography on a trip, this is a solid option, but its weight to max load capacity is a bit lacking when compared with other premium lightweight travel tripod options.

Sirui T-005KX 52” Aluminum Alloy Tripod with C-10X ball head and case

Style: Aluminum alloy
Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Maximum Height: 54.5 inches
Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: Twist locks
Max load capacity: 8.8 lbs.
Travel height: 11.8 inches

Notable features: Center column is removable for low-angle photography. Hook is located on center column.

The Best Lightweight Tripod For Backpacking

An extremely lightweight model, the Sirui travel tripod is still capable of supporting a DSLR camera with lightweight lenses, but it is probably the best travel tripod for a mirrorless camera. The lack of heft makes it a good option for a biking trip or backpacking expedition where both space and weight are paramount considerations.
An included hook extending from the center column makes it possible to increase the stability of the tripod by adding weight in adverse weather conditions or to compensate for heavier equipment. The tripod’s legs can be adjusted independently making it a solid option for jagged hillsides or rocky paths.

Zomei 55” Compact Lightweight Travel Portable Folding SLR Camera Tripod with carry case

Style: Aluminum alloy
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
Maximum Height: 55 inches
Leg Sections: 3
Leg Lock Type: Flip locks
Max load capacity: 11 lbs.
Travel height: 20 inches

Notable features: Includes center column hook. Legs can be adjusted to different heights for uneven terrain. Feet self-adjust. Available in a variety of colors.

The Best Budget Travel Tripod

A bargain-basement offering at less than $100, the Zomei compact tripod has a low max load capacity at 11 lbs. but features a center column hook to add additional weight for increased stability on the trail. With a lower price tag, some features of higher end models are lost, such as the guarantee of a smooth pan and tilt experience. This is a good starter tripod if you only need additional stability for a few really important travel photographs or to take pictures of yourself on your solo adventures.

3 Legged Thing Punks Corey Aluminum Tripod Kit

Style: Magnesium Alloy
Weight: 3.4 lbs.
Maximum Height: 58 inches
Leg Sections: 5
Leg Lock Type: Precision engineered leg-lock system
Max load capacity: 30 lbs.
Travel height: 13.7 inches

Notable features: Lowers to a minimum height of 4 inches. Two-section column. Includes bag. Detachable monopod. Interchangeable foot pads.

The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey Aluminum Tripod is a solid mid-level travel tripod investment with an average compromise between tripod weight and load capacity. With a maximum height just less than five feet, the tripod can lower to a minimum height of four inches and features a detachable monopod, increasing your photo options on the road.

Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit

Style: Anodized aluminum
Weight: 1.63 lbs.
Maximum Height: 15 inches
Max load capacity: 11 lbs.

Notable features: Flexible legs.

The Best Adventure Tripod

The Joby Gorilla Pod is a unique tripod option to explore if you’re in search of a the best adventure or action sports tripod that doubles as a travel tripod. The unit is small with a maximum height of only 15 inches and a 1.63 lb. weight, but it is capable of supporting a DSLR camera and accessories with a weight of up to 11 lbs. The unit’s flexible legs can be used like a traditional tripod, gripped for use as a camera alternative to the selfie stick, or wrapped around other objects, such as railings, posts or signs, to get the perfect shot. This is a fun option for urban photography where you can make the most of your surroundings and the unique legs of this unit.

Gitzo Lightweight Series 1 Traveler with center ball head

Style: Carbon Fiber
Weight: 3.2 pounds
Maximum Height: 54.3 inches
Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: Traveler G-lock
Max load capacity: 22 lbs
Travel height: 14 inches
Panning: 360 degrees

Notable features: Can lower to 7.9 inches with short center column installed. Ball head does not add to folded length. Includes shoulder strap.

For nature photographers, the Gitzo offers the ability to get low for macro shots of flowers or food elements on the vacation table while still rising to full-size for shooting cityscapes or ocean views. Its weight can make the tripod less than ideal for a day on the trail, but it’s a solid option for a day on the highway. The Gitzo is one of the more expensive travel tripod brands, so make sure it suits your needs before taking the plunge.

Smartphone tripod accessories

Almost any tripod can be converted to a smartphone tripod with a 1/4 inch screw-on adapter that connects to the quick release plate or directly to the tripod itself. Even if you are traveling with a DSLR camera and lenses, consider investing in a smartphone adapter to diversify your photography options or streamline spur of the moment uploads to social media.

Ailun Phone Tripod Holder

The Ailun phone tripod holder is a good option for the family or travel group with multiple phone sizes in play. An adjustment knob makes it possible for the holder to accommodate smaller smartphones and new, larger models like the iPhone XS Max. The holder also features an adjustment screw for easy flipping between portrait and landscape mode without tweaking the tripod settings.

MeFoto SideKick360 Plus Smartphone Tripod Adapter Large

Like the Ailun, the MeFoto is adjustable to fit larger cell phones. It sets itself apart and justifies a slightly higher price tag by featuring a 360 degree rotating ball joint that allows for shooting in landscape or portrait mode or at an angle in between.

Xenvo Squid Grip iPhone Tripod, GoPro Tripod

At approximately one-foot long, the Xenvo Squid Grip tripod can accommodate DSLR cameras, but for the serious travel photographer, it is best considered as an option for shooting smartphone videos or photos or use with a GoPro. While many specialized tripods or accessories better accommodate the GoPro or smartphone, the flexibility offered by the Squid’s legs and an easy transition from phone to GoPro to camera will reduce your need to pack multiple items for your more casual photographs.

With all of these amazing tripods to choose from, you cannot go wrong choosing any single one of them. I use the Roadtrip tripod MeFoto and I love it. I began with the aluminum MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Roadtrip Travel Tripod/Monopod Kit. My only complaint with the Aluminum model is that after a while of carrying it around, you feel that added weight over some of the lighter, more expensive options on the list.

In my opinion, the MeFoto Roadtrip Aluminum is still the best combination of cost, size, weight, strength and durability. While it isn’t the lightest offering from MeFoto, it is the tripod I would recommend to any photographer looking to get great value from the their travel tripod.

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