SD: With telescoping legs, you’ll find two methods of locking the legs when extended: twist locks or flip locks. You may want to go with something a bit thicker to reduce the chances of it breaking or getting bent if it accidentally gets sat on or smashed in your suitcase. The only exception to this may be if you choose a travel tripod with plastic legs (which will likely be an inexpensive option). The actual thickness of the materials is secondary. In general, it’s fair to say that thicker tripods will be more stable, but that’s not to say that there can’t be thin, stable tripods, especially if they’re made with strong materials like carbon alloys. SD: Thickness doesn't matter at all-what matters is the sturdiness. PM: How important is thickness of a tripod? So the biggest difference between an inexpensive travel tripod and a pricey one generally comes down to which of those qualities you’re going to sacrifice (or not). If you want it to be small, sturdy, and lightweight, you’ll probably have to buy a more expensive one. If you want it to be sturdy and lightweight, it may not be that small. ![]() If you want it to be lightweight and small, it may not be very sturdy. You can generally have two of those without paying a lot. Think of travel tripods as having three main points to evaluate: weight, size, and strength. PM: What is the biggest difference between a budget travel tripod and an expensive one? Note: You can buy tripod mount adapters, but you'll still have to deal with weight limitations-so you can usually mount lighter cameras to smaller tripods, not the other way around. Quick release plates stay screwed into the bottom of your camera and snap onto your tripod, so you don't have to thread your camera in each time. ![]() Look for a tripod with a quick-release plate to make mounting and removing your camera much. If you're looking for a travel tripod for a DSLR, make sure your camera has a threaded hole on the bottom. If you're buying a smartphone travel tripod, get one with a smartphone mount (usually a spring-loaded hook that grips across the back of your phone). Either the tripod will break or, more likely, the weight of your camera and lenses will cause it to tip forward, potentially damaging your camera.įinally, look at the device that attaches your camera to the tripod (called a mount, or mounting plate) and make sure the mount will work with your camera. Keep in mind there are risks to exceeding the weight rating. Every travel tripod should say the maximum weight it can hold. Next, consider the weight capacity/limit: If you find an inexpensive tripod with small measurements, look at the weight rating before you buy it, especially if you have an SLR camera with heavy lenses. Travel tripods still have that feature, though many have uniquely shaped legs or modified center columns and handles to make them thinner and shorter when compressed, at least compared to a tripod not designed for travel. Traditionally, tripods have (as the name belies) three telescoping legs. The second most important factor is size. Our Pack-and-Go Picks: Best Travel Accessories | Best Travel Bags | Best Travel Gifts ![]() Carbon fiber is extremely strong and lightweight, but much pricier. Plastic travel tripods will probably be the lightest but potentially the least durable. Sturdy studio tripods can easily weigh into the 15-plus-pound range, but for a travel tripod, you'll likely want to keep it somewhere around 4 pounds or less-roughly the weight of a pair of boots. Every pound counts when you're working against airline baggage weight limitations, especially on smaller planes or airlines with lower-than-normal weight limits. One of the two most important considerations is weight. Not every travel tripod will be marketed as a travel tripod, so when selecting one to use during travel, there are a few specific factors to consider. I've used many tripods while traveling and am very conscious of weight and size as I often come close to airline weight limits with my bags, especially if I'm already carrying a heavy camera and lenses. While landscape photos may seem easy, I often shoot scenes with moving water, night sky, and time-lapse shots, which all require a tripod. Show more The Expert: I'm a freelance travel writer and editor who focuses primarily on adventure travel, which means I often take photos for stories in challenging conditions.
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