Who needs a travel tripod? You do! You do if you shoot in low-light situations, if you shoot close-ups with a macro lens, if you shoot with a long telephoto lens, if you shoot video with your DSLR camera (as many are now equipped to do) or if you just want the crispest, sharpest image you can obtain. But, as always there are trade-offs and you don’t want a heavy, bulky tripod or one that will break the bank. So let’s focus (pun intended) on a few options that will fit conveniently in your travel luggage and are reasonably priced.
Travel Tripod – Features to consider
First, let’s look at the characteristics we want in a tripod. There are a number of aspects of the ideal travel tripod.
Is the tripod tall enough?
First, because you don’t want to have to always take pictures looking up, you want a tripod that at full extension is tall enough so that you don’t have to tilt the camera upwards to get the shot you want. Yes, this can add to both the cost and the bulk, but this is important. So I would suggest a tripod that is 72 inches/six feet tall at its maximum as the ideal. But if your budget or your suitcase requires, 60 inches/five feet can work.
The proper head
Second, and this is especially important if you plan to shoot any video, you will want a tripod with what is called a panoramic head, meaning a head that will allow you to swivel the camera smoothly and easily.
A quick-release plate
Third, you want a tripod that quickly attaches to the camera. Pretty much any serious digital camera you have has a universal screw mount on the bottom and some of the longer telephoto lenses will have their own tripod mounts, which helps to keep things in balance. All these cameras and lenses have the same thread – that’s why the mount is called “universal” – so you don’t have to worry about buying a Nikon tripod or a Canon tripod, unlike the case with lenses.
A nice feature on higher-priced tripods is a system whereby you can attach a tripod adaptor to the base of the camera and then snap the camera onto the tripod quickly and easily. This is often referred to as a “quick release plate.” If the tripod lacks this feature you will have to screw the camera into the tripod whenever you need it.
Stability
The whole point of a tripod is stability so you won’t want a tripod that will shake in the slightest breeze. Of course, the dreaded concept of tradeoffs comes to play here again: the heavier (and often more expensive) the tripod the more stable it will be.
Weight
Finally, because we are talking about travel tripods here, we need to talk about weight. All three tripods we review below are under four pounds, with the lightest an even three pounds.
Other things to look for
There are two final points before I get into rating individual tripods. First, I should note that if you are shooting with a telephoto that has a vibration reduction system, such as Nikon’s VR lenses, you need to turn the system OFF when using a tripod. In addition, with a VR lens, you can do without the tripod in lower light situations.
Second, a compromise between hand holding the shot and using the tripod is something called a monopod. As you might guess, a monopod is a single-legged system (yes that high school Latin paid off: tri = three, mono = one) that will be cheaper and smaller but still offer more stability than hand holding a shot.) Some higher-end tripods can be converted to a monopod.
Polaroid VariPod Telescoping Monopod
You will often see the photographers with those huge telephotos on the sidelines of sporting events using monopods because the action is too fast for a tripod. I know we are recommending tripods in this posting, but this is one monopod you might consider: a 65 inch Polaroid VariPod with the added bonus of a mini-tripod base that you can use with the monopod for added stability or use alone for tabletop work.
All this for a very reasonable price and just a bit over three pounds.
Check price on Amazon.
My favorites
BC Master 75-inch DSLR Camera Tripod
A balance of quality and price
So let’s get to it. First up, here’s one I really like: BC Master 75-inch DSLR Camera Tripod
It is designed for DSLR cameras, has more than the height I suggested is needed, has the panorama head that helps with video, has a quick release plate and, as a bonus, comes with a carry-on bag.
Check price and reviews on Amazon.
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod
The best “bang for the buck”
If you want to stay with the most basic option, consider the Amazon Basics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag It is lighter and inexpensive but still has most of the features I would recommend. It only weighs three pounds, so they aren’t kidding about the “lightweight.” The only downside is the height, which at 60 inches is a little less than some of the other travel tripods mentioned here.
Overall a good option which provides a lot of value.
Check price and reviews on Amazon.
MeFOTO Classic Roadtrip Travel Tripod/Monopod Kit
The top of the line
Finally, here is a top of the line option: MEFOTO RoadTrip Classic Lightweight 61.6" Aluminum Travel Tripod/Monopod w/Case, Twist Locks, Triple Action Ballhead w/Arca Swiss Plate - Black (A1350Q1K) As the name implies, it can be converted into a monopod, a great feature which we talked about earlier. Also, for reasons I can’t fathom, it is available in eight colors. It’s more expensive than other options but is an all-around solid performer. With all the bells and whistles it still comes in at only 3.6 out at pounds.
Check price and reviews on Amazon.
There you have it, a variety of tripod options that will improve your photography or videography, fit in your luggage and not break the bank. Oh, and by the way, your DSLR probably has a self-time built-in, so you can use your new tripod to take a higher quality “selfie” than you can with your smartphone.
