Best Travel Tripod for 2024

The Peak Design Travel Tripod Ultralight Conversion Kit is our overall best pick because it perfectly balances weight, compactness, and functionality. This tripod stands out with its ultra-compact design, folding down to the size of a water bottle, making it incredibly easy to carry. Made from durable aluminum, it provides impressive stability without adding bulk. What's more, its quick-setup mechanism allows you to get ready for the shot swiftly, no matter the situation. Versatile enough to handle everything from sprawling landscapes to candid street photography, this tripod suits various photography styles, which makes it a must-have for any travel photographer.

The SmallRig AD-50Lite is our runner-up because of its remarkable features tailored for videography. With a fluid head that ensures smooth camera movements, this tripod excels in capturing high-quality footage. Despite its 2.8kg weight, it remains surprisingly portable and travel-friendly. A 65mm bowl leveling base helps achieve perfect horizons, and the 1/4-20 thread on the shoulder allows for added accessories. This tripod is a superb value for budget-conscious filmmakers and vloggers who need reliability and versatility in their gear.

If you're looking for an affordable yet high-quality option, the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod with Lever Closure stands out as our budget pick. This tripod combines ease of use, portability, and solid features at a reasonable price point. It can support up to 8.8 pounds, which makes it suitable for a wide range of cameras. Its quick-release plate and compact design make it ideal for photographers on the move. While it might not be the most stable option for long exposures, it offers remarkable value, especially for those just starting or needing a capable travel companion.

For photographers handling heavy camera equipment, the Sirui Compact Traveler 5C Tripod is an exceptional choice. Constructed with carbon fiber, this tripod boasts a high load capacity while remaining very portable. It performs exceptionally well with heavy DSLRs and large lenses, providing the sturdiness needed for professional photography. Additionally, its compact design ensures it's easy to carry around, essential for travel photographers who rely on their gear to be both durable and lightweight.

The 3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 shines for its versatility and innovative features, earning it our best pick for versatility. Made with carbon fiber legs, it can be transformed into a mini tripod or a microphone boom, making it suitable for varied photography and videography setups. Despite its robust 18kg support capacity, it weighs only 1.57kg, ensuring easy portability. Its compact build makes it a versatile option without compromising ease of use or stability.

For those in need of a highly compact yet functional travel tripod, the MeFOTO RoadTrip Convertible Tripod Kit is an excellent choice. Known for its multifunctional capability, it can easily convert into a monopod, adding to its versatility. Despite its compact size, it offers great stability and ease of use, making it a reliable partner for travel photographers. However, it may not handle very heavy cameras as well as some other options on this list, but its versatility and compact design make it a strong contender.