Best Travel Tripods – 2023

In most cases, yes! Modern cameras typically include an internal 1/4 screw thread at their base. This standardized feature allows most cameras then to connect to the external 1/4 screw thread on the tripod’s head.

There are, of course, cameras that don’t follow this standard practice. It could be because the camera is older, or because it is a specialty camera. Whatever the case, if your camera does not have this threading, you will want to opt for a tripod with a removable head. This way you can purchase a head that will properly secure your specific camera to the tripod.

Yes! Tripods can be packed in your carry on luggage or your checked luggage according the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) .

You can’t, however, carry it outside of a bag, unless it qualifies with your airline as a personal item. Or if it’s size requires the tripod to stick out of your bag, it could put you over the bag size limit set by your airline. Be sure to check our best travel tripod choices that are compact and easier to pack in your luggage.

This travel tripod option is perfect for the casual vacationer. It is low cost and covers all the basic needs of a tripod. The light weight and fairly compact size make it not too big of a hassle to bring along on a trip. Plus, we love the height that it can get to. This makes it ideal for taking full family shots and getting great perspectives for your camera.The carrying case is also nice to have and ensures that the tripod feet don’t get the rest of the items in your luggage dirty too.

Note that this is NOT recommended for heavy professional cameras, such as a DSLR and the total equipment weight on the tripod should not exceed 4.4 lbs.

• Price Point: Very Low
• Maximum Height: 127 cm (50 in)
• Minimum Height: 42 cm (16.5 in)
• Weight: 1.25 lbs

This travel tripod is ideal for professional photographers or videographers. Manfrotto is a trusted brand that offers many incredible travel tripod options. Though this tripod comes with different leg locking options, we prefer this lever locking option. This is because you can precisely adjust the height and angle of each leg so smoothly that your camera can even keep it’s focus throughout. The ball head also allows for a ton more versatility and perspective shots than you see in any standard tripods.

The price point is definitely justifiable when you consider the great brand backing this product. Plus quality and sturdy materials that will allow you to use this for many years and trips in the future. And lastly, this tripod was made for professional cameras and will allow you to more easily capture the shots you’re looking for.

• Price Point: Very High
• Maximum Height: 151 cm (59.45 in)
• Minimum Height: 40 cm (15.75 in)
• Weight: 3.51 lbs

If you love taking great photos on your smartphone while on vacation, this is one of the best travel tripods for you. This tripod is actually a hybrid selfie stick, so you get added versatility. It’s extremely lightweight and compact, which makes it ideal of packing. It also includes a wireless bluetooth remote. This can help you capture the moment without the pressure of being ready in time for your phone’s picture timer.

Please note that the wireless remote included does have a lithium battery. And because lithium batteries are prohibited in checked luggage per the FAA, you will want to make sure to pack the remote in your carry on. The tripod itself can be packed in any bag you like.

• Price Point: Low
• Maximum Height: 102 cm (40 in)
• Minimum Height: 21 cm (8.1 in)
• Weight: 0.5 lbs

We love this travel tripod option for GoPro (or lightweight camera) users who want to capture unique perspectives. Joby makes a wide-range of tripod options for on-the-go YouTubers or adventurers. But this one is so much fun! The legs are durable and completely flexible. The rubber bumpers help hold it in place to capture the perfect shot from a tree limb, railing, or by hand. Plus, they’ve now added powerful magnets to the feet to allow you to attach it to metal surfaces.

The mini size of this tripod also makes it a win for digital nomads, or travelers that are extra tight on space.

• Price Point: Low
• Maximum Height: 16 cm (6.3 in)
• Minimum Height: 16 cm (6.3 in)
• Weight: 0.1 lbs

Choose this option if you are looking for a quality and versatile tripod that is ideal for travel. MeFOTO is well-known for their well-built tripods, and they have many other variations and lines to choose from. However, our favorite is the Backpacker Classic. Just like the name suggests, it was made specifically for travel and taking size and weight into consideration.

The inverting leg design helps it pack up super compact, and the aluminum material keeps the weight low too while still being able to support large DSLR cameras. Also, we love the innovative twist lock design with deep rubberized grooves to keep the tripod at the ideal height. Plus, the fact that this can covert to a monopod gives it even more options for capturing the moment.

One of the coolest features is it’s ability to set up the perfect panorama, even on uneven terrain.

• Price Point: High
• Maximum Height: 131 cm (51.6 in)
• Minimum Height: 32 cm (12.6 in)
• Weight: 2.6 lbs

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