I Tested Every Budget Travel Tripod: Here Are the Winners

[@funnybeingme]

I'd like to add that for those who have a photo tripod and doesn't want to carry an additional video tripod, I have the Neewer GM30 video head and I attach a camera plate on the bottom and put it on my Ulanzi Zero Y tripod. This video head is great as I has its own leveling base (if you want to use it on traditional tripod with no head or monopod) and it can do vertical shooting.

[@glenberman873]

Nicely done. Thank you for this. I had purchased the Ulanzi TT35 about 10 months ago. Works great. Is highly versatile and unique in design. Weighs less than 3lbs. I shoot with M43 but high rated weight. Can convert to mono, table top tripod, selfie and can use legs as walking sticks for trekking. I was able to purchase a single extra leg so two of us can use the sticks.

[@cre8r61]

Great info in the field. Adds a new dimension being away from the desk. A good video - thanks for making the internet a better place

[@offpawel]

The Slik 3W Sprint Pro III has been my tripod of choice for several years, offering an exceptional balance of price and quality. It's lightweight yet sturdy and provides reliable stability.

[@craigbooker]

Thank you for this review. It was by far the best coverage I could find on KZbin. I've clicked on many of your affiliate links, so hopefully you got a little kickback for all your hard work. I bought the ULANZI TT09 VideoGo Carbon Fiber Travel Video Tripod based on this video. It has been a very solid choice so far. I highly recommend it. Thanks Mark!

[@markwiemels]

Yes, it's a good one. I use it a a lot too.

[@chiefmcconnell]

i will mention one that a lot of people dont really talk about. at 79$ its a pretty budget friendly lightweight all arounder - Manfroto Element MII. I started out with a super budget Joby and thought i would be happy with them. They are ok. The Manfroto for me is a premium-ish tripod with a lot of great features. Its aluminum and very nice to carry around in my camera backpack. One other thing I will say about tripods in general, usually for the better tripods you can actually swap out the heads on them. This gives you the best of both worlds… if you find a set of “legs” you really like and maybe need to swap to a better ballhead for it you usually can (at least on the manfroto tripods). Not sure if they make add on video heads with a quarter mount screw or not - never owned a video only tripod yet.

[@jackoneil3933]

Perfect Timing! I was just starting to shop for a compact travel tripod, thanks.

[@philmastman2490]

We need to hear bout the rigidity and weight capacity of these things. If they can’t hold the camera steady, they’re worthless. Also, which if any use the Arca Swiss mounting system?

[@TheGolfingWerewolf]

Thank you! Needed a small tripod for travel and golf footage and decided to go with the Smallrig!

[@chosenideahandle]

Great video Mark! My favorite travel tripod is still my Sirui Traveler 5C! A carbon tripod considerably less money than the Freewell, and still the lightest travel tripod available. It folds down to only 13" long. No video head, although it's usually what I use it for (a6700, and FX30). I've been using mine for over two years now every week, and it's gone to Iceland with us as well. Rock solid!

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

Nice job covering that class of tripods. Thank you, Mark.

[@RichardKagan-k8p]

Well thought out comparisons of tripods. However you neglected what is arguably a most important factor if you want sharp photos. How much shake or vibration do they have, with and without your camera bag hanging from center column. Using live view, you can see shake. Try it.

[@wheatthicks]

Yeah. Odd that there’s no mention of stability or load capacity.

[@andreyslivin6378]

Thank you so much. If it's not too much, I was wondering if you could review 3 Legged Things tripods. The Punks line falls into the same price range, but apparently they have universally stellar reviews. They also have an "Arhed Trinity" video head that pairs with any tripod, and there isn't a single review on it. I believe if you reviewed the latter especially and showed a simple video pan/tilt test it would help a ton of people. One last thing: apparently their marketing team is very friendly towards online reviewers. I'd give them a shout!

[@b.2221]

At the end of the day a good breakdown of these top quality tripods for different budgets and different applications. Great informative insights Sir.

[@JohnBeebe]

Great video was hoping to see 3-Legged Thing in the mix but this gave me food for thought

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great comparison video, thanks for sharing.

[@jordangrobe8698]

Shoutout to Coman’s solo line - the Light H is basically the best of both worlds between the Zero Y and iFootage, for between $110/$140 depending on the sale price. The center column is rounded so it’s probably closer to the Neewer ‘copy’ in that regard, but the fluid head is fantastic and it comes with a separate blank adapter head for attaching any other ballhead you may prefer. The Coman Light G might be almost exactly the same as that Neewer one (although I think it’s still slightly cheaper) but neither of those have a panoramic ballhead, which I find to be a dealbreaker.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Woah!! What a list!!

[@mariee_the_outlander]

how many times i came back and watched this video. can’t decide which one but now i decided the ifootage will be my everyday partner. thanks for this

[@seecraig]

Would you test the Ulanzi & Fotopro F38 video travel tripod? I find the video head very smooth for panning and tilting although I have to lock it for tiling when using my Sony FX3. I like that twisting the legs makes for a faster setup than snap locks or standard twist locks. It has a center column to adjust height and the head and the bowel head can be leveled without adjusting the legs.

[@mtbboy1993]

I already got a Peak Designs, it's not perfect. But fits into a water bottle holder. I phone holder was plastic it failed after just a few uses. But mor importantly thete no proper ball head, it has limited angles. But with universal adapter I can install a proper ball head or any head I want. But not having it was a big mistake I think. But I got it on sale, it was a good deal. So I don't regret it, I had to get something. But the tripod it self is good. Adding a a ball head won't be an issue for me, it will eb compact enough, height won't be an issue. But they has other flawed products too, like Microclutch and Clutch hand strap, they last about a year before eit tears, seperates.

[@hellohuman_cr]

Nice video :) really like the way you compare them. I'm curious if you have tried or have an opinion on the Benro SuperSlim Carbon Fiber Tripod, I own one and it's very portable and budget friendly

[@alexandermoursiotis1465]

Where is the heipi 3-1 ??

[@kyleledotnet]

thanks Mark!

[@markcamm5330]

For someone like me who only occasionally needs or uses a tripod, and wants to carry one just in case, the Ulanzi Mt-55 Ombra is perfect.

[@Andy-rk9mu]

I love my K&F Concept 60 inch Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod

[@outsidetherapyexperience]

Tons of great info here. Thank you

[@robbynholland9602]

This is awesome I need a need a new one. I"m going with the Freewell

[@VirtualTourPhotographer]

You may want to include the Benro Cyanbird in your list to compare too

[@DidIDoThaat]

Great video! Would you say the gitzo travel tripod is better than those?

[@markwiemels]

Haven't used it. Sorry.

[@dansklrvids7303]

Your vids are always super helpful

[@markwiemels]

Thanks!

[@felixxyzz]

Can you put the Ulanzi Video Head on the Ulanzi Coman for extra height?

[@StevePorter_au]

You can get a Ulanzi video head for the Ulanzi and Coman. It's not the same as the one in this video, but it's just as good. It has adjustable tension, so you can use it to pan and tilt fast or slow.

[@DavidWRankinJr]

I would have loved to hear your opinion of the Smallrig CT-10 or CT-20 in the mix. It’s quite inexpensive but light and pretty good

[@stevewilson8988]

I monitor nests of birds of prey during breeding season. I had the Smallrig CT-20 and after use maybe twice a week or so for around 10 months in 2024, the leg hinges would often need tightening and one plastic hinge eventually just cracked. Understand, I take care of my stuff, regardless of its nature being frugal and to protect my investment, even small ones. I don't recommend this tripod; however, it may be the price point and an issue with any manufacturer trying to create an inexpensive option. My guess is a more durable model will simply be more expensive.

[@OldishGoalie]

Do what it takes to buy the ulanzi treeroot f38 pro. Trust me, it's worth every penny.

[@cheikhibrahimaniang3670]

Better than the smallrig?

[@mavericklast2555]

My clamp actually cracked one time and I tried everything. What I can reccomend is using electrical tape if your in a pinch on location to keep the leg in position. For a permanent fix when you have time buy some resin mix it up and place it on the clamp broken piece secure it with some sort of clamp (or tape) and it works as if it never happened and it's not even stronger.

[@3wheelie]

I got the Ulanzi-Coman and it suits my Sony RX10 M4 as a glove, superpleased about this combo.👍

[@metalgear1288]

noticed you are using 7Artisans 85mm f1.8 AF lens. How do you like it so far?

[@markwiemels]

Only taken a few test shots, but looks good. Will have a full review upon release.

[@davidligon6088]

Good information, but at 6’-5”, max height is among my top 3 requirements. While I can certainly go look it up, the very important feature is missing here. That is not to say the information in the review is not useful - it helps narrow down my search.

[@DavidWRankinJr]

Consider the SmallRig CT-10 or CT-20, especially used or clearance store on FleaBay. I have 2 of them because the ball head and a monopod was more expensive, and then I ordered another monopod to use the tripod…

[@hyphenphotography]

No Gitzo GT1545T?

[@SGR47]

What if I need a tripod with shortest folding length? For travel it is very important.

[@mtbboy1993]

It would be interesting to see a comparison on stand alone ball heads.

[@SirKelvin]

Can this tripod be used on a DJI Pocket3 ?!

[@blitzstormer]

Thank you Mark!!

[@gennatay]

This is a great review! I was able to get the Neewer The LT32 on sale for under $200 this weekend.

[@VladimirKostek]

What about the Benro CyanBird

[@NeilEvery]

Too bad you weren't able to include Heipi. It has a couple of unique innovations, the biggest being a far more rigid trig-column center column that transforms into a mini tripod. It beats all of these center column tripods as it allows for much more precise panning with minimal torsion when panning with long lenses. It can take a fair amount of weight too. I've had a fully rigged out mirrorless with a Benro S6 head and it performed great. Ulanzi Coman and Peak Design get all the looks but the Heipi is far superior. I wish someone could make a legit small footprint fluid head. The iFootage is pretty good but it still lacks. Also, I wish an illuminated bubble level was standard at this point!

[@nomad0714]

Hi Mark, Interesting. I have both the iFootage and Freewell. I’m a hybrid shooter and would say I reach for the Freewell because of lightweight, more functional for a hybrid shooter, and weight to performance beats the iFootage. Perhaps I am biased or expectations has been set for iFootage as I have several of their quality ones. This has to be their cheapest quality and feels like it. For a little more weight, I rather go with their monopods with the K5, much more smoother and I got it cheaper than this set. Huge difference so I feel it’s a big downgrade. Maybe I’ll try to give it another try but sits in my pile at the moment. Thanks for putting together a comprehensive comparison to choose from!

[@waingro725]

Thanks for this - these are 2 of the top 3 on my shortlist for a new travel tripod (other one is Sirui Traveler X.) I think you might be the only person on the Internet I've seen give an opinion based on real world usage of both. I was wondering whether the K3 head was so good it might be worth compromising on weight/portability, but it sounds like probably not?

[@TDCIYB77]

I wish there would be a small travel tripod but with a standard 75mm bowl for my fluid heads.

[@TheLawnMechanic]

Thanks for the video !

[@Latvietis_Pasaule]

None of the affiliate links seem to be working..

[@peterfritzphoto]

Bloody good video!

[@griftgfx]

Dang no K&F Concept tripods? Curious how they stack up in the "ultra budget" category.

[@puppet_master]

Badly I hear

[@markwiemels]

I don’t think they make any that fold down this small, for travel.

[@montazownianr1]

@@puppet_master Pretty good (I know, because I have two)

[@pietro-viecelli]

@@markwiemels They fold smaller.. 35cm

[@markwiemels]

@@pietro-viecelli that one is very wide when folded, might be suitable for some situations, but in total volume it’s larger.

[@Buckeye-ish]

Nice review

[@floriansteiner2612]

What about the Leofoto LY-254C?

[@markwiemels]

That’s a very good one, I have a similar model, without the center column. I have been finding the leofoto tripods harder to find lately, which is the main reason I didn’t include one of theirs.

[@uncle-english]

Very useful buyer's guide

[@paulhenry7]

But not the Heipi?

[@fadecomic]

I’m a little confused by the “budget” term here. Budget to me is the things like Zomei all over Amazon. The budget options here are only a few tens of dollars less than the Peak Design travel tripod they’re being compared to.

[@markwiemels]

The cheapest tripod is about $60, most expensive under $300, the PD is $600. I have a video coming up that has good quality travel tripods all under $100, might be more inline with your idea of budget.

[@fadecomic]

@@markwiemels apologies if that came across a bit rude. I saw the peak design (aluminum) at $378 and the top pick at $300 here. I like the Ulanzi, it just didn’t seem like it was much of a discount. At least for the aluminum. But I get its carbon fiber.

[@markwiemels]

@@fadecomic no worries. Yeah, the carbon comes at a premium for sure.

[@marieta.s]

Honestly I really liked your video and the whole comparison thing. I still can’t make up my mind though. I have 3 tripods already and I want one that can fit in the water bottle holder of my backpack. I really lime the ulanzi coman but I don’t want to spend this much. I was also looking at the ifootage. I really have to think this through and I do appreciate your recommendations.

[@markwiemels]

The Neewer that is almost exactly like the Ulanzi is onsale, the link should take you to the correct listing, it's a great tripod and steal right now.

[@marieta.s]

@@markwiemelsthank you very much, I will look into it.

[@Koensol]

I have the Ulanzi Videogo TT09 tripod and man do I regret my purchase. The videohead sucks for smooth pans and the center column is terribly designed. It becomes loose over time and when you want to take it apart to remove it you have to unscrew it with the allan wrench and it's a fiddly mess. On top of that, when I wanted to screw it back in, the screw go stuck and it damaged the tripod. Sent it in for repair but man I wish I would have bought the ifootage tripod...

[@TimDillardPhotography]

In your opinion, is the Ulanzi, and buying in to the F38 eco system, worth it over the Neewer LT32, and piecing together quick release? From my understanding, the Neewer quick release plates can be used in PD and Pgytech quick release bases, so in theory, you could piece together a QR system.

[@TravisVarga]

ULANZI!!

[@montazownianr1]

No K&F???

[@markstanton2362]

How tall are you, Mark?

[@markwiemels]

6'5" - Good question, I probably make the tripods look shorter than they actually are.

[@erikbarsingerhorn4485]

You can always take photos with a video head tripod, you can't always film with every photo tripod if you ask me?

[@CZiP]

Yes and no, still shots are different then panning and certain motions that not all tripods can do.

[@JackTse]

LOL i still cant decide

[@PhuzzPhactor]

Bump

[@jeffreyfleisher4624]

Unfortunate he didn’t include a Leofoto tripod in the review. They have become my favorite tripod and I recently purchased their LS-255cex.

[@mahersho.1]

I put the tutorial on making a camera base on my channel, it's cheap and practical👌

[@Soreeyezzz]

Goofy model numbers?! Lol.... 😂

[@robinlundnet]

The ultra budget Ulanzi is trash. Flimsiest legs on any tripod I have ever had.

[@montazownianr1]

Yeah, no mention about stability in this video.

[@KandidVision]

Nah the best budget bipod is one many people have - your legs

[@SparkySenor]

Not very stable, especially as you age

[@KandidVision]

@@SparkySenor you are very right on that one!

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

2 + a Bogen (u.s. agent for Manfroto in older days) monopod adopted w/ a mini ball head served well for many yrs. I'm looking for a light & low 3-leg base for the mono. The tripods 3035 & 3046 (Y legs) can easily handle 8x10 & more.

[@wheatthicks]

what a clever chuffer

[@scratch_that_itch]

watched this and still dont have a fuckin clue 😂

[@azizjourney8757]

Watch more 😂

[@Stoneyburnpiper]

😂