Best Travel tripod

Sooner or later every amateur photographer and videographer is faced with the problem of which tripod solution he wants to take with him in his flight luggage or on the way in his backpack. It should already be noted that a fully functional travel tripod for filming doesn’t really exist. Thus, these lightweights are limited to a static and stable position, but in many cases they already bring about considerable improvements. When photographing, for example, self-portraits, animal shots and long exposures are successful and when filming, wobble-free shots are the better choice anyway. Since the weight, size, carrying capacity and functions of a travel tripod play a major role, a detailed research is highly recommended before the purchase. Every interested holidaymaker should have a clear idea of what he wants to pick up on the way with which equipment.

The small tripods with a ball head, also called table tripods, are a good choice for smartphones and light compact cameras with the standardized “¼” thread mount. Recommended models for this are:

(a) Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI. The table tripod is 18 cm long in transport condition, weighs only 190 grams and yet holds devices weighing up to 1 kilogram securely in the set position.

b) Cullmann Magnesit Copter Multistativ CB2.7. This model is a bit more robust, 22 cm long, 250 grams heavy and also suitable for camera weights up to 1 kilogram. The next category of mini tripods includes slightly more solid constructions with several adjustment options:

a) Rollei Compact Traveler Mini M-1: A travel tripod with an interesting packing size of 15 cm and professional workmanship. Although it weighs 800 grams, it has a variable height of up to 41 cm, has a spirit level and can position cameras weighing up to 3 kilograms in a stable manner.

(b) Velbon EX-Macro tripod. With a tripod head like the big models this cheap travel version shines. Turning and tilting by hand is quite practical and the exchangeable plate is locked with an eccentric clamping lever. The pack size is 28 cm and the weight is almost 600 grams. As a highlight, you can use your 3 kilogram camera at a maximum height of 56 cm with this mini tripod.

c) Carbon tripod K&F KF09.010 . This travel tripod captivates by a high-quality and very light aluminum carbon construction. With a transport length of 47 cm and a weight of 1500 grams, the tripod is no longer a mini version, but offers corresponding functions. The load capacity is designed for a maximum of 12 kilograms and the maximum height only ends at 1.68 meters. Another popular tripod version for on the go are the models for clamping or for flexible fixings. This allows a variety of objects to be used as a base, such as railings, posts, fences, trees, tables and chairs. Practical travel companions are among others:
a) Joby GP1-BGEU Original Gorillapod. With this lightweight mini tripod you can load your backpack with only an additional 45 grams and still position cameras weighing up to 325 grams. The flexible leg joints can be brought into many different shapes and thus fastened or hung on numerous objects.
b) Rollei Clampod Set 22560 This exceptional and very functional travel tripod weighs only 210 grams and can also be used as a normal table tripod. The load capacity of the ball head is 3 kilograms and the main function of this tripod is its clamping possibilities. This construction can be securely fastened to round and square profiles as well as to thin and thick table tops.