Weight vs Stability
Lighter tripods are easier to carry but less stable in wind. Carbon fiber offers the best strength-to-weight ratio but costs more.
Best Tripods (2026)
A good tripod unlocks sharper photos, longer exposures, and smoother video. Here are our tested picks for every budget and use case.
At a Glance: Top Picks
| Tripod | Best For | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Design Travel Tripod | Best Overall | 1.27kg | Check Price → |
| Manfrotto BeFree Advanced | Video | 1.49kg | Check Price → |
| Ulanzi MT-79 | Budget | 0.8kg | Check Price → |
🏆 Best Overall 
Peak Design Travel Tripod
The most innovative travel tripod ever made. Peak Design reimagined every aspect — from leg locks to the center column — to create the most compact, full-featured tripod available.
When collapsed, it's barely bigger than a water bottle yet extends to 60 inches. The integrated ball head has a unique quick-release plate compatible with Peak Design's Capture system.
Material Carbon Fiber (or Aluminum)
Weight 1.27kg (carbon)
Max Height 152cm / 60"
Load Capacity 9kg / 20lbs
Why Buy It
- Most compact when collapsed
- Innovative quick-deploy design
- Built-in phone mount + hook
- Premium build quality
Consider If
- Expensive (premium pricing)
- Proprietary quick release plate
- Ball head not as smooth as dedicated heads
🎬 Best for Video 
Manfrotto BeFree Advanced
Manfrotto is the industry standard for video production, and the BeFree Advanced brings that reliability to a travel-friendly package.
The twist-lock legs are fast to deploy, and Manfrotto's 494 ball head is one of the smoothest in its class. Available with aluminum or carbon fiber legs.
Material Aluminum or Carbon
Weight 1.49kg (aluminum)
Max Height 150cm / 59"
Load Capacity 8kg / 17.6lbs
Why Buy It
- Industry-standard reliability
- Smooth 494 ball head included
- Arca-Swiss compatible plate
- Great value for build quality
Consider If
- Larger folded size than Peak Design
- Twist locks can be slow in cold
💰 Best Budget 
Ulanzi MT-79
The best tripod under $50. Ulanzi's MT-79 doubles as a selfie stick and tripod, making it perfect for vloggers and content creators.
It extends to 79cm (31") — tall enough for most tabletop and low-angle shots. The hidden phone holder and compact size make it ideal for travel.
Type Selfie Stick + Tripod
Weight 0.8kg
Max Height 79cm / 31"
Load Capacity 2kg / 4.4lbs
Why Buy It
- Incredible value (under $50)
- Doubles as selfie stick
- Phone holder included
- Super compact and lightweight
Consider If
- Not tall enough for standing shots
- Low load capacity (light cameras only)
- No ball head (simple tilt)
Tripod Buying Tips
Flip Locks vs Twist Locks
Flip/lever locks are faster to adjust. Twist locks are more compact but can freeze in cold weather or get grit in them.
Head Matters
A cheap tripod with a good head beats an expensive tripod with a bad head. Consider buying legs and head separately for best results.
Why Trust Us?
We use these tripods on real shoots — not just unboxing videos. We test stability, ease of use, and durability over months of use.