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| Last Updated: March 14, 2018
Your bags are packed for that great vacation you’ve been looking forward to for a long time. But when you pack your photography bags, don’t forget to keep a travel tripod handy. Every photographer knows that a good tripod can make or break a shot—and you certainly don’t want to be without one when that perfect moment comes along!
There are many travel tripods on the market today, but not all of them will give you good quality for your money — and none of them is better than MeFOTO’s Globetrotter model.
The Globetrotter works wonderfully in the field, its durable frame and clever adjustability features
Its features outpace many travel tripods that sell for two or three times the price, and rave reviews testify that it works like a charm in even the most challenging of outdoor shoots.
The Best Travel Tripod for DSLR
MeFOTO Globetrotter
MeFOTO’s adaptable yet sturdy model is a home run across the board. Its rich features and usable design handily earned it a place at the very top of our list.
This highly affordable, lightweight model is easy to set up, yet locks firmly in place to ensure your equipment is secure and steady throughout shooting. Afterwards, it’s light enough to hook to a backpack or throw in a carryon bag.
The Globetrotter can capably accommodate any camera setup, from an amateur’s small rig to a heavy professional DSLR with a large zoom lens. And its many adjustability features allow you to position for the perfect shot every time.
All in all, there’s no better choice on the market today in terms of overall value and quality. You can’t go wrong with this one!
Higher-end Pick
Gitzo GT1542T
Though this model from Gitzo is a bit pricier, that extra cash buys a wealth of amazing features and durable materials.
The GT1542T excels primarily in the realm of brilliant design. It sets up and tears down in seconds, and a unique collapse mechanism achieve an incredibly compact folded form.
Plus it shoots great in all conditions, with special settings for low-level shooting and legs that anchor firmly into the ground to eliminate shake.
Overall, the GT1542T offers an absolutely fantastic step up for the photographer who’s ready to take the plunge and invest in a high-end travel tripod.
The Backpacking Tripod
Manfrotto BeFree
If value for money is your most important consideration, you’ll probably want to take a serious look at this offering from Manfrotto.
First off, this sleek model looks great. You can be sure that you’ll always look professional in the field.
But the BeFree has more than just looks. It’s also highly adjustable, accommodating a medium-weight camera at several different shooting heights with ease.
Plus, it collapses quickly into a portable package that’s lightweight enough to be carried all day without putting stress on your back. It won’t break the bank, but it will certainly revolutionize your photos!
What to Look for in a Travel Tripod
Ideally, a good tripod for your travel camera should last you for years—and vacations—to come. But in order to choose a model that will stick around far into the future, you’ll need to think about a couple of key features:
- Load capacity: Not every travel tripod can handle the same amount of equipment. Make sure that the model you purchase can comfortably accommodate the camera you intend to use.
- Compactness: This is one aspect of design that’s particularly important in a piece of travel equipment. If you intend to carry your tripod in a backpack or on a plane, make sure that it will fold up small enough to do so.
- Height: You’ll also want to make sure that your tripod extends to a tall enough height to accommodate the kind of shots you want to aim for.
- Materials: Carbon fiber or aluminum? Each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so consider which material will best suit your needs.
What to Expect When Spending More
A travel tripod will usually set you back considerably less than a studio model, but some still cost a fair amount more than others. Depending on your situation and intended use, a larger investment may be well worth it. You’ll want to be on the lookout for a few areas in which more expensive models usually excel.
First of all, a more expensive tripod will generally be made with better quality materials. Expect to find titanium and carbon fiber in place of basic aluminum, as well as sturdier fixtures. You’re also paying for adjustability—a pricier tripod will be able to adapt to more difficult terrain and accommodate more diverse shooting styles.
Those higher-quality materials will also ensure a better shooting experience. You can expect a more expensive travel tripod to provide more stability, so your shots will always come out crisp and clear.
For many photographers, it’s worth investing a significant amount of money for a travel tripod. No other single piece of equipment can improve the quality of your shots outside the studio, so consider your purchase with care!
Rankings & Reviews
In this section, we’ll be detailing exactly what we did and didn’t love about each travel tripod on our list.
We’ll be looking at elements like quality of materials and design, compactness when folded, weight, sturdiness, and more.
Our #1 Pick: MeFOTO Globetrotter Travel Tripod
- Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 16.1 in.
- Weight: 4.6 lbs.
- The high points: Easy to assemble, adjustable, affordable, sturdy
- The not-so: Weak fixtures, heavy
This lightweight but dependable tripod won us over with its blend of great value, fantastic build quality, and awesome adjustability features. It truly satisfies in every category, making it a great option for any photographer on the go.
What you really want in a travel tripod is flexibility without a compromise in stability, a balance that the Globetrotter manages to nail perfectly. It keeps your camera secure while still facilitating fantastic shots.
If you’re in the market for a travel tripod that delivers premium professional results without the hassle or huge cost of a pro rig, then you can’t go wrong with this offering from MeFOTO.
What reviewers say about it
Reviewers were full of praise for the capable Globetrotter, reporting that it handled heavy professional rigs with ease, even in more extreme settings.
It also earned high marks for general build quality. Reviewers say that the Globetrotter’s aluminum frame and sturdy fastenings gave them a rock-solid performance in the field without weighing them down.
Many reviewers were quick to praise the Globetrotter’s amazing value, saying that they had shot with similar products for ten times the cost.
What’s good?
For starters, the Globetrotter is built on a very sturdy design. Its durable titanium and rugged frame will stand up to windy days on the beach with ease.
It’s also insanely adjustable, with a 360-degree panning mechanism that can quickly accommodate panoramas, while the legs can be locked into two different positions to facilitate shooting in cramped spaces.
Unlike lesser tripods, however, that adjustability is only there when you need it. If you need a rock-solid shooting surface, the Globetrotter’s Anti-Rotation system locks its legs into place. Shoot with confidence every time!
Plus, the Globetrotter is incredibly lightweight despite being able to support a professional DSLR rig (or even your beginner DSLR setup). Able to stand up to arduous hikes or an all-day wedding, this tripod is ideal for adventure and event photographers alike
What could be better?
The Globetrotter’s adjustable ball joint occasionally breaks, and some of its smaller adjustment knobs can be sticky.
In addition, those highly adjustable legs come at the price of some stability, which shows during more extreme conditions.
It’s also a bit heavier than some of the entries on this list because of the materials used, so don’t invest in the Globetrotter if a light weight is at the absolute top of your list.
How does it compare in value?
For the price, the Globetrotter offers remarkable performance. It’s sturdy, highly adjustable, and puts out clear shots every time.
All these features mean that it’s a step up in cost from the most inexpensive travel tripods, but for that extra money you get a product that will stand up to serious use for years to come.
You can get many of the same features and results with professional rigs that cost upwards of a thousand dollars. At considerably less than half that cost, the Globetrotter really is a steal.
How has it improved?
Many of the features that set the Globetrotter apart from the rest of the competition are patented MeFOTO innovations, so you know you’re getting the ultimate in thoughtful, quality design.
In particular the Anti-Rotation system in each leg, which prevents slippage and instability, is a huge improvement over previous models from MeFOTO.
It’s also more durable than other models, supporting an impressive 26 pounds of equipment.
The Next Best: Gitzo GT1542T
- Dimensions: 4.17 x 34.17 x 16.7 in.
- Weight: 2.4 lbs.
- The high points: Easy to use, lightweight, compact
- The not-so: High price
Its name might be a bit of a mouthful, but this powerful model from Gitzo delivers across the board in quality, ease of use, and sheer practicality.
Comparable in stability and durability to tripods from Gitzo’s more rugged Mountaineer Series, the GT1542T offers premium features and performance, all wrapped up in an incredibly compact package.
Plus it clocks in at a very manageable weight, far less than many of the models on this list. Perfect for the photographer who flies frequently and wants to avoid those pesky extra weight charges!
What reviewers say about it
The GT1542T is a huge success with reviewers, who almost unanimously praise its lightweight, compact frame and impressive practicality for extended trips.
Reviewers also raved about the Gitzo’s lightweight construction and easy, quick setup and teardown.
All in all, the GT1542T comes highly recommended from hobbyists and professionals alike. Many even report that this small travel model has entirely replaced their larger full-time rig.
What’s good?
Where the G1542T really excels is in the realm of compactness and clever design. You’re investing in a product that can accompany you anywhere: in a backpack, on a plane, or out to a long, taxing shoot.
The G1542T is capable of folding up to a much smaller size than most other full-size tripods because of its unique design. Once the ball head folds up to nestle inside the collapsed legs, minimizing space inefficiencies.
A durable yet incredibly lightweight carbon fiber frame provides excellent support, while a patented Safe Lock reduces shake and ensures that your camera is tethered securely to the head.
In addition, the G1542 also employs Gitzo’s Ground-Level Set shooting technology, enabling you to snap away even in low-level shooting conditions. This tripod certainly won’t stand in the way of a perfect shot!
What could be better?
Like many other more expensive tripods, the GT1542T does not come with an included ball head, so you’ll need to supply that on your own.
It also comes up lacking in the stability department when certain adjustments are made, according to some reviewers.
Additionally, it does fall on the pricier end of the spectrum. If you’re in the market for something cheap and cheerful, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
How does it compare in value?
All of these full features and excellent materials do come at a premium price. Though the GT1542T is considered a mid-range option, it still bumps up against more professional rigs in overall cost.
We still believe that it’s well worth the investment, especially if you travel frequently and need something that will hold up to difficult conditions while consistently delivering perfect performance.
All in all, even with its higher price tag, the GT1542T is still an incredible value in terms of quality and dependability.
How has it improved?
One massive improvement that Gitzo has made in their mid-range travel tripod series is to introduce the light carbon fiber frame in place of weighter aluminum. That means that you’re getting the same stability in a more manageable package.
With its easy-fold frame and retractable ball head, the GT1542T is far more compact than previous Gitzo models.
So if you’re looking for a travel tripod with a range of cool and useful features, then you can’t go wrong with this one.
Our Next Favorite: Manfrotto BeFree
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 15.5 in.
- Weight: 3.1 lbs.
- The high points: Comfortable to carry, compact, adjustable, affordable
- The not-so: Less sturdy, balance issues
It earned a well-deserved place on this list for its extremely affordable blend of comfort, accessibility, and resilient construction.
The BeFree is also refreshingly affordable, with a price tag that comes in far below most equipment of comparable materials and features. You can get great performance without compromising on budget!
If you’re looking for the ultimate bang for your buck, then Manfrotto’s highly capable mid-range setup could be your best option.
What reviewers say about it
Reviewers concur that the BeFree is a superior choice for extended trips, providing all the support and portability necessary for long days in the field.
In particular, the BeFree received praise for its compact frame and easy adjustability features, which helped many people get great shots even in traditionally difficult shooting situations.
It was also popular for its durability, with many reviewers commenting that it has entirely replaced their heavy-duty backpacking rigs.
What’s good?
The BeFree certainly lives up to its name! It’s the perfect size for folding up and tucking into a carry-on bag or backpack, and weighs in at far less than most other models of its size and capability.
Another very useful feature is the quick release head, which holds your camera body safely while you’re shooting and loosens with a few easy adjustments when you’re finished.
The BeFree’s newly patented leg angle selectors also provide for the ultimate in adaptability, letting you readjust to several different positions until you get that perfect shot.
It’s also great to look at, with a premium brushed metal finish that gives the whole piece an air of quality and professionalism. Both you and your shots will look fabulous!
What could be better?
A few reviewers were less than satisfied with the BeFree’s balance, reporting that it needs a bit of counterweighting to handle heavier rigs.
Its smaller ball head also doesn’t manage panorama shots well, since it lacks the smoothness in adjustability of some other models.
In addition, its legs don’t have the same advanced locking mechanism as some pricier models, so you’ll need to be more aware when setting up your rig.
How does it compare in value?
This is by far the most inexpensive of our top three picks, yet still delivers a comparable level of performance and versatility. You can easily use the BeFree to get the same stability and crisp shots that you’d achieve with pricier models.
You can expect to make some sacrifices in the areas of material quality, but for the impressively low price we still believe this capable model is one of the best values on the market today.
How has it improved?
Over the years, Manfrotto has made a name for themselves in quality travel photography equipment. The BeFree includes many of the features that have made this brand a hit with the pros.
The BeFree’s most useful new feature is probably its quick release system, which allows the whole rig to be folded down much more quickly than previous models.
Manfrotto’s patented leg angle adjustors are also a welcome development, adding a range of versatility to the model, while the new leg locks also provide increased stability.
BENRO GoTravel Tripod
- Dimensions: 18.2 x 5.8 x 5.8 in.
- Weight: 5.8 lbs.
- The high points: Cool features, comfortable, sturdy, adjustable
- The not-so: Sketchy fixtures, heavy
It has a range of useful features, including a , that you won’t find in any other models listed here. So if you’re looking for a unique design with a few awesome perks, be sure to give the GoTravel a look!
What reviewers say about it
Reviewers rave about the GoTravel’s manageable weight and flexibility options. Many reported success with both the tripod and monopod functions, and said that the latter allowed them to work in tighter spots where a tripod wouldn’t do the trick.
It also earned praise for its highly unique monopod capabilities, with several reviewers offering that they
What’s good?
Its quick-flip center column allows you to make minute adjustments to angling and position, while its steel spiked feet keep it anchored in the ground to ensure a stable shot every time.
A layer of thick, cushy rubber surrounds the legs, making it easy to grab and comfortable to carry for long distances.
Additionally, the GoTravel can easily morph from tripod to monopod with a few simple adjustments, a feature that gives you even more flexibility and is hard to find in many pricier models.
What could be better?
Unfortunately, even at its higher price point, the GoTravel kit does not include a ball head.
However, some of its less essential fixtures fall on the flimsier side, so you’ll need to exercise caution with elements like the column lock.
Sirui T2205X
- Dimensions: 21.4 x 5.8 x 5.3 in.
- Weight: 4.8m lbs.
- The high points: Lightweight, sturdy, easy to use
- The not-so: Bulky
What reviewers say about it
Of all the travel tripods on this list, this Sirui got some of the most unequivocally positive results.
Reviewers absolutely loved its lightweight construction, and reported that it held up well on all kinds of shoots, from long overseas vacations to adventure shoots in the mountains.
What’s good?
Spiked feet, collapsible lightweight frame, and a quick-collapse center column, and included ball head and carrying pouch—what’s not to love?
The T2205X also pulls its weight incredibly well, accommodating a surprisingly large weight for a piece of equipment so portable.
It’s very well-made, plus its classy brushed finish looks fantastic out in the field.
What could be better?
Though it’s sturdy, the T2205X isn’t the most compact tripod on the market.
If you absolutely need something that will fit into a tight backpack or suitcase, then you may want to shop elsewhere.
3 Legged Thing Punks Rick
- Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 55 in.
- Weight: 2.7 lbs.
- The high points: Great support, compact, affordable, comfortable
- The not-so: Low material quality, unreliable quality
What reviewers say about it
Reviewers were full of praise for the Rick’s quick leg-locking system and portable yet rigid carbon fiber body. They also loved the collapsibility function, which allows the tripod to stash easily in a backpack or camera bag.
However some also commented that the rig was a bit too wobbly for their tastes, and that the included ball head doesn’t accommodate heavy zoom lenses well.
What’s good?
With a smooth 360-degree panning head and quick release plate, the Rick offers a premium in adjustability and ease of use without sacrificing anything in terms of
Its ParaLock leg mechanism and durable grips also provide an extra layer of stability in difficult conditions.
What could be better?
While on paper this tripod can accommodate a lot of weight, you will lose out on stability and balance when mounting heavier equipment.
The Rick also occasionally falters in extreme shooting conditions. It’s not adventure photography level equipment, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Induro Grand Turismo CGT114
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.3 x 20 in.
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
- The high points: Lightweight, strong
- The not-so: High price, clunky fixtures
What reviewers say about it
Reviewers had high praise for the Grand Turismo’s light weight and easy folding design, saying that it easily facilitated long shoots and bulky equipment.
It also includes a comfortable carrying case and extra short center column, which is great for low-level work.
What’s good?
The Grand Turismo definitely excels in the weight-to-stability ratio, supporting an impressive 66 pounds despite its relatively modest poundage.
It’s also very versatile, accommodating a range of different DSLR setups and shooting styles.
What could be better?
As mentioned above, some of the knobs controlling the ball head aren’t particularly stable, which means more time spent fiddling with fixtures.
Oben AC-1341
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 5 x 28 in.
- Weight: 5.2 lbs.
- The high points: Great build quality, sturdy, light
- The not-so: Small, doesn’t accommodate large cameras
What reviewers say about it
The AC-1341 was generally well-received, with many reviewers commenting that it feels extremely sturdy and well-built.
Unfortunately, many complained that the Socialmatic’s instructions weren’t adequate to actually understand its complicated operations, and that the charging mechanism can break easily.
What’s good?
The AC-1341 works very well for smaller DSLRs. It’s highly adjustable, with an interchangeable short column for low-level work and longer option for macro shots.
Its rubber feet and adjustable legs anchor to a variety of surfaces to provide a rugged, sturdy foundation for your shots.
What could be better?
Unfortunately the Oben has a much lower weight capacity than most of the other models, so it won’t be able to support a heavy-duty rig.
Benro Travel Angel II
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 2 x 2 in.
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- The high points: Adjustable, lightweight, comfortable
- The not-so-high points: Lower quality construction, high price
What reviewers say about it
Reviewers loved the Angel II’s sleek, lightweight design. They reported that it performed great in the field as well, supporting large weights with ease and folding up easily when the job is done.
However, a few were unsatisfied with some of its fixtures, saying that they were less than durable.
What’s good?
This tripod can’t be beat for adaptability. Independently adjustable legs let you find the best position for your shot, then invert quickly for storage.
Benro’s patented water-resistant rubber locks resist the weather while providing a sturdy foundation for your equipment. A comfortable foam grip and durable case round out the package.
What could be better?
This is a higher-priced tripod. While it delivers admirably on all fronts, it isn’t a better value for your money than a few other options on this list.
Additionally, as some reviewers mentioned, its materials aren’t as high quality as you might expect from a comparable mid-range model.
RetiCam Tabletop Tripod
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 4 x 4 in.
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- The high points: Compact, lightweight
- The not-so: Small, lower quality
What reviewers say about it
Reviewers had high praise for the RetiCam’s stability, saying that it provided plenty of support for most DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
They also loved its compact frame and the included carrying case.
What’s good?
This offering from RetiCam is fantastic for those times that you need additional stability but don’t have the space to set up a full tripod rig.
Its durable aluminum frame provides a good deal of stability, while a 3-way tilt head lets you adjust for the perfect shot.
What could be better?
You’ll get what you pay for with a table tripod: a lightweight, easy-to-use accessory that can add some stability to some shoots.
It is certainly not in the same category as many of the heavy-duty travel tripods on this list, but it’s great when you need a small, handy piece of equipment.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, we believe that the MePHOTO Globetrotter is the best choice for professionals and hobbyists alike. It’s simply the best combination of value, build quality, and excellent performance.
You’re hardly at a loss for fantastic alternatives, though. If you’re an avid traveler ready to sink some serious cash on a professional quality model, then the Gidzo GT1542T can provide a wealth of adaptability, even on the go. Photographers looking for a more affordable option can always opt for the Manfrotto BeFree, which delivers an impressively wide range of features that will make your photos the best they can possibly be.
Hopefully, this list has helped you to choose the best travel tripod for your next big vacation!
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