Best Budget Travel Tripods of 2022

BEST FOR: ANY TERRAIN

With its patented column rotation, the VEO 235AB presents a fast set-up. To secure your camera no matter the terrain, the tripod features convertible feet. They can be either regular for urban ground or spikes for an uneven one. Furthermore, if you’re traveling, you’ll need a sturdy tripod. To account for that, the 235AB has aluminum alloy legs. These allow for 3 angle settings, one of them being an extra-low angle for creative composition. 

As for ergonomics, this tripod has a large rubber handle that retains its grip in any weather. Plus, there is a ball head with another large locking knob that is easily accessible and adjustable. And another seemingly small, but useful feature is a bubble level that will help you position the tripod and the camera perfectly. As good as that sounds, this tripod may not be able to keep heavier cameras in place.

BEST FOR: THE URBAN TRAVELLER

The Manfrotto BeFree is a compact tripod with a unique folding technique. Its legs fold up and around the center ball head, achieving a small size. Namely, it can extend from 15 inches to 56. The legs, also, can be unfolded and set up independently from others. And with two angle stops, there are a lot of set-up possibilities, letting you experiment with a variety of different angles.

This tripod can support up to 8.8 pounds – enough to support even the heaviest of cameras. Although, be careful with DSLRs in portrait orientation since the angle won’t be held up. One disadvantage, though, is that this tripod has fixed feet, so you can’t switch them out for spikes. This limits the terrain you can take the tripod to, but if you’re more of an urban traveller with lightweight gear, this tripod should be just right.

BEST FOR: THE MULTIMEDIA ARTIST

The Manfrotto Compact Action tripod may look average, but it features one interesting function. On the grip head of the tripod, there is a knob that lets you switch between a photo and a video mode. The photo mode gives you free control over the angle of the camera. Meanwhile, the video mode maintains the same horizontal level for flawless panning. If you work with both photography and videography or take panning photos, this feature is a big plus.

As for other specs, this tripod weighs about 2.6 pounds and can support gear of 3.3 pounds. While this doesn’t seem too impressive, it does mean that it will be well balanced. The joystick head, as well as the quick-release plate makes working with the tripod fairly simple. Plus, a regulating dial helps adjust and fine-tune your camera in place. Overall, this tripod is great for multimedia projects with photos and videos, as well as for supporting mid-sized DSLRs.

BEST FOR: THE BACKPACKER

True to its name, the Manfrotto Element Traveller Small is collapsible to 12.6 inches. This is slightly bigger than a page that you put into your printer. Thus, it is easy to carry the tripod around in your backpack. The Element Small expands to a regular size of 52 inches. 

Besides the size, this tripod offers flexibility with angles and positioning. Its center column has 2 sections that let you adjust the height at which your camera is placed. Plus, the legs have 3 sections each that you can set up independently from the other legs. This way, you can work on any terrain and uneven ground. 

You can control the ball head along with your camera via two knobs. The primary one deals with the ball, while the second one engages 360-degree panning. This panning base also has degree markings. An additional notch lets you flip your camera 90 degrees into the portrait orientation. All in all, these features make the tripod versatile in any setting.

BEST FOR: THE VLOGGER

One of the only mini tripods on this list, the Manfrotto PIXI Evo is a tabletop tripod great for filming YouTube videos, taking low-angle shots, or using it in an unextended form as a selfie/vlogging stick. The tripod weighs only 9.4 ounces. It is able to support about 5.5 pounds, which is impressive considering its lightweight. However, it can become unbalanced, just like the other tripods. The legs have two preset angle positions that you can change with a slider selector. 

For more filming and shooting options, the PIXI Evo features a 90-degree notch in the ball head that you can use to flip your phone or camera into a portrait orientation. That said, this tripod performs better on flat surfaces, so if you are an urban vlogger, it will be fine. Despite its portability, its feet don’t have enough rubber to stay put on rocky ground.

BEST FOR: ANGLE EXPERIMENTS

If you are looking for some flexible alternatives, then a gorillapod may be the answer. The Joby GorillaPod 3K has several joints that you can hook around something so you can experiment with all sorts of angles and orientations, as well as prop it up on rocky ground. The feet, as well as certain parts of the joints, have a rubber finish to help it stand. At just 9.4’’ in length, and weighing in at only 8.7 oz, this tripod is very portable. Especially so since you can fold it up at the joints. 

The tripod is well suited for mid-sized DSLRs, as it will confidently support 6.6 pounds of weight. Once your camera is mounted, you have limitless angle options, as the ball head is capable of 360-degree panning and 90-degree portrait tilting. As a bonus, it has a small bubble level to help you set up the perfect angle.

BEST FOR: THE HEAVY LIFTER

Another 2-1 tripod, one of Neewer tripod’s legs doubles as a monopod. Monopods are useful when you are working with heavy gear, such as telephoto lenses. You can mount your camera and take the weight off your shoulders, while still being able to maneuver. However, monopods are not as stable as tripods, which is why this product has both. Plus, the monopod can serve as a walking stick. Another innovation is the use of carbon fiber, which is a lightweight and sturdy material perfect for a travel tripod.

Neewer’s ball head allows for 360-degree panning, which comes in especially handy when it is used as a monopod. If you want to take photos at low angles, the legs can be flattened or the central column can be inverted. Some smaller features include a column hook for weighing down the tripod and a bubble level for accurate positioning.

BEST FOR: THE LENS PRO

The Dolica Proline GX is a 2.5-pound tripod that is able to support heavy gear like a telephoto lens and a flash weighing up to 12.5 pounds. It extends from 1 meter to 1.5 meters, which doesn’t make it exceptionally packable, but it is good for a heavy-duty tripod. Plus, you can take it outside, as it is made from anodized aluminum alloy and plastic. This means that it is weather-proof and sturdy. 

The Proline GX even considers accidents. Its ball head has a safety lock that prevents the camera or the lens from falling. The legs have 4-level positioning and retractable spikes for stability on uneven ground. Among other features, the ball head also has degree markings, so you can set up the perfect angle and capture panoramas. If that’s not enough, there’s also a bubble level as well!

BEST FOR: BALANCE

Able to be collapsed to a mere 30 centimeters, the SIRUI T-0S presents many transforming options, as well as stability. The tripod’s legs can be folded by 180 degrees, which accounts for its compact packed size. To cut down on this size, you can also take off the head and the center column. This lets you take low-angle shots as well. Speaking of angles, independent 3-section legs offer you the flexibility of any positioning. 

Stability is accounted for by the head that you can mount on the tripod’s shoulders. Plus, a keyring and a carabiner are on the bottom of the center column so you can hang weights for added stability. As for other features, you can experiment with 360-degree panning if you want to shoot panoramas. Finally, if you happen to travel to chilly places, the tripod has cold-weather grips that stay sturdy and don’t freeze in your hand.