The best budget travel tripod can eliminate most of your nightmares and miseries when it comes to taking breathtaking photographs on the go.
Are you struggling to get high-quality images despite having an excellent travel camera in your equipment? The solution to this problem is to have the best budget video tripod.
Sometimes, it is too dark or too windy. On other occasions, you cannot control the moment of your hands, resulting in a blurry image. In short, you simply cannot take a good image despite your best efforts. The solution might be very simple that is to get a good travel tripod.
You don’t need to spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars on tripods. In fact, some of the best travel tripods are available for less than $100.
Having a good camera is very important to take beautiful shots. But, it is equally important to have a good lightweight travel tripod. It can actually help take not only good images but awe-inspiring ones.
It is not very difficult to get the best budget camera tripod either. All you have to do is to do a little search online and you will have a wide variety of tripods to choose from. Sometimes, plenty of options can clutter your mind, making it difficult to make a decision. That is why we have compiled a definitive list of the best travel tripods for you. Of course, the list also includes some of the best affordable tripods for DSLRs as DSLR cameras are becoming all the rage nowadays.
After reading this guide, you will be able to choose the tripod which suits your budget and style and start taking pictures like Bob Kirst and other award-winning travel photographers.
The Best Budget Travel Tripod In 2022
We present you with the best budget travel tripods for 2020 without wasting any more time. The list is in no particular order as everyone has different requirements and uses.
| Image | Produce Name | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | AmazonBasics 50-inch |
| Check Price |
 | JOBY GorrillaPod Flexible |
| Check Price |
 | Vanguard VEO 235AB |
| Check Price |
 | Manfrotto Compact Action |
| Check Price |
 | Dolica AX620B 100 |
| Check Price |
 | Zomei Q555 |
| Check Price |
 | AmazonBasics 60-inch |
| Check Price |
 | Phone Tripod UBeesize |
| Check Price |
 | MACTREM PT-55 |
| Check Price |
 | GEEKOTO 77-inch |
| Check Price |
- AmazonBasics 50-inch Lightweight Tripod: Best budget travel tripod
- JOBY GorrillaPod SLR Zoom Flexible Tripod: The best tripod for DSLR camera
- Vanguard VEO 235AB: The best tripod under 200 dollars
- Manfrotto Compact Action 5 Section Tripod: Best travel tripod under 100 dollars
- Dolica ZX620b100: Best tripod under 50 dollars
- Zomei Q555 Aluminum Alloy Camera Tripod: Best Professional Tripod
- AmazonBasics 60-inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag: The best budget tripod
- Phone Tripod, UBeezie Portable: Best lightweight tripod for backpacking
- MACTREM PT55 Camera Tripod: Best beginner tripod for amateur photographers
- GEEKOTO 77-inch Carbon Fiber Tripod: Best tripod for heavy photographic equipment
1. AmazonBasics 50-inch Lightweight Tripod: Best budget travel tripod
AmazonBasics is one of the most popular best budget tripod series. They offer different types of tripods which meet the requirements of everyone at a very affordable price.
The AmazonBasics 50-inch Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod is one such tripod. It is one of the simplest tripods on our list. But, the chances are it will be perfectly adequate for your needs. The tripod is available for only $14.99 and comes with its own bag, which is quite impressive considering its price. In fact, this tripod should be your choice if you are looking for the best tripod under 100 dollars.
Build, Material, and Quality
AmazonBasics 50-inch is a very well designed and well-made tripod. It has a very smooth finish and the color look premium as well. The tripod is mostly made of aluminum. The holding sections and joints are made of high-quality plastic.
The tripod weighs just over half a kilogram (500 grams or 1 pound). Therefore, you can carry it with you for long time periods quite easily. The maximum height of the tripod is 50 inches. It is more than sufficient for most situations despite the fact that it does not reach the eye level of an adult. If you like this tripod but you want extra height, you should go for AmazonBasics 60-inch version.
It is a collapsible tripod with the collapsed height of 16 inches. The legs can contract and handles can rotate down. The tripod becomes very short and compact when collapsed. The surface level checker enables you to set your camera parallel to a horizontal plane as well.
Features
Amazon Basics 50-inch is a versatile camera thanks to a 3-way head. You can buy a separate clip to attach your smartphone to the tripod.
- The first way enables you to change the camera orientation from portrait to landscape. Similarly, you can also tilt the camera at any angle.
- The second way enables full panoramic operation/action as it allows 360-degree swivel.
- The third way means it is possible to pan your camera up and down or vertically or horizontally.
Each leg of AmazonBasics 50-inch tubes or legs has further 3 extendable sections with Lever-Locks. Leg extensions and locks make it easier for you to mount the tripod on rough surfaces. The lever-lock legs also help you customize the tripod setup. Even more, you can individually adjust each leg of the tripod according to the type of surface, height requirement, and other needs.
Removing the camera from the tripod is a breeze as the little knob on top of it quickly releases the mounting plate. This particular feature offers a quick transition between different shots.
AmazonBasics 50-inch Lightweight is the best budget tripod considering its price and the excellent features it offers.
2. JOBY GorrillaPod SLR Zoom Flexible Tripod: The best tripod for DSLR camera
JOBY GorrilaPod SLR is one of the most unique and strangest tripods you will ever see. It is the best tripod for DSLR camera because of its flexible legs. You can fix the tripod on almost any surface including tree branches, giving more variety and perspective to your shots.
Build, Material, and Quality
If finding the best portable tripod is your mission, the GorrillaPod SLR Zoom is the tripod for you. It is basically an updated and upsized version of the simpler GorrillaPod. It is very easy to pack the tripod because it only has a height of under 10 inches when you straightened and fold its legs. The tripod is also very lightweight, weighing only 5.8 ounces.
The best thing about GorrillaPod Zoom is that you can bend its leg in whatever position you want. The legs are made up of “balls and sockets” giving incredible flexibility to the tripod. Rubber covers the entire tips of the legs for improved grip. Similarly, rubber rings cover the rest of the ball joints to wrap the tripod around anything you want.
It is easy to attach a camera to the tripod thanks to a “slim-line attachment” on the head. There is also a rotating ring lock for extra security. Similarly, a screw mount allows 3/8 inches or ¼ inches mount to any tripod or camera head you prefer. The handling capacity of GorrillaPod SLR is 1.75 pounds and 6.6 pounds for cameras and lenses respectively. It means you can attach really long lenses with the tripod as well.
Features
GorrillaPod does an amazing job of holding an infinite number of positions thanks to its rubberized joints and feet. The holding capacity is also quite sufficient for most of the photographs.
The tripod’s locking mechanism and slim-line attachment make it extremely easy to attach cameras. Similarly, you can also buy additional slim-line attachments to use the tripod with multiple cameras.
JOBY GorrillaPod is the best tripod for travel because it is lightweight and small in size. It also offers good value for its price, also making it the best budget travel tripod for both amateurs and professionals who don’t want to spend too much money on tripods.
3. Vanguard VEO 235AB: The best tripod under 200 dollars
Vanguard VEO 235AB offers tremendous durability and strength despite being lightweight. It is actually a great option for people who travel a lot. It is actually the best tripod under 200 dollars. The most impressive things about this particular tripod are portability, flawless functions, and versatility.
Build, Material, and Quality
Vanguard has used solid aluminum to build 235AB. The tripod has a folded height of only 14.88 inches as the center leg folds underneath the tripod. This also allows compact and easy transportation of the tripod. Each leg has five extendable sections with four adjustable tension flip flops. It is actually the flip locks that secure the tripod to the surface. The overall maximum height of the tripod is 57.1 inches.
The legs have rubberized feet with a spike underneath each of them. The rubber feed provides great traction for the tripod on solid ground. On the other hand, you can reveal the traction spikes by screwing the rubber feet upwards. These spikes offer brilliant traction for muddy terrain. Depending on your requirements, you can position each leg individually at three different angles.
Features
The TBH-50 ball head securely attaches your camera to the tripod and prevents it from sliding away. The ball head moves very smoothly and it locks the camera extremely securely as well. The tripod and ball head can hold up to 5.9 kilograms of weight.
The tripod also has bubble level 1 which keeps things fairly straight. Similarly, Vanguard 235AB allows 360 degrees of the swivel as well. The tripod also comes with a “low angle” adapter. The low angle adapter enables you to bring the camera close to the ground as much as possible so you can create a solid low-perspective platform.
Vanguard 235AB is the best tripod for smaller DSLRs. is a lightweight yet sturdy tripod. It is easy to carry this tripod and it is capable of holding most of the small size DSLRs and other cameras, also making it the best tripod for a mirrorless camera.
4. Manfrotto Compact Action 5 Section Tripod: Best travel tripod under 100 dollars
Manfrotto Compact Action is the best travel tripod under 100 dollars. It is a cheap tripod yet it adds much-needed stability to your camera, helping you take razor-sharp and splendid images while on the move.
Build, Material, and Quality
Manfrotto Compact Action is a lightweight tripod, measuring only 1.75 kg. It is a true featherweight tripod which is very easy to carry around. The tripod does not feel unstable or flimsy despite being extremely lightweight. Similarly, it has a maximum load capacity of almost 1.75kg. Therefore, you can expect it to struggle with telephone lenses and full-frame DSLR cameras. But, it is the perfect option for entry/mid-level DSLRs and points and shoot cameras.
Materials used to manufacture this tripod include aluminum and ABS plastic which also makes it sturdy and durable. The tripod’s durability also owes a lot to its simple design which is less likely to break even if you abuse your equipment a lot.
The Manfrotto Compact Action has a collapsed height of 17.83 inches and the extended height of 53.36 inches. The height is on the shorter side to be honest, especially for the taller people. However, it is a tradeoff you can make for its low price, featherweight, and a small footprint.
Features
The Compact Action tripod does extremely well when it comes to stabilizing the camera. The four telescopic legs get thinner and thinner as you extend them. Three out of four legs are very robust but the fourth one does not look thicker than a toothpick. The tripod does tend to shake at full height because of elements like uneven surface, wind, and human movement. On the other end, it works to perfection if you don’t fully extend its legs.
The tripod also comes with a 360-degree ball-head movement. It also features a pistol-like moving and locking mechanism that you don’t see with similar tripods. It helps you switch the orientation from landscape to portrait in an instant. It is also the best travel video tripod because of its unique grip which helps you record great travel videos.
Overall, Manfrotto Compact Action is the best budget travel tripod out there. It has some subtle flaws but its merits outnumber its demerits quite comfortably.
5. Dolica AX620B100: Best tripod under 50 dollars
Dolica AX620B100 Proline is a popular tripod with thousands of reviews on different websites. It is a budget tripod which you can use only with lightweight cameras. However, it offers a lot of features for its price, making it a top bargain for everyone.
Build, Material, and Quality
Dolica AX620B100 is made of aluminum alloy of the highest quality. It is a lightweight yet sturdy tripod best for all kinds of travel and adventure photography. It only weighs 4lbs with a maximum extended height of 62 inches. It also has a reasonable collapsed height of 24 inches.
Dolica AX620B is arguably the best tripod under 50 dollars. It features regulated rubber feet which provide the tripod with incredible grip. Therefore, there are no chances of your tripod making any movement while in use. Similarly, all the legs have 4 adjustable sections that restrict the tripod’s movement both indoors and outdoors.
It is a ball-head tripod where the ball-head can rotate 360-degree and 90-degree in a horizontal and vertical position respectively. This rotation offers you extra freedom of movement and more field of action to work with.
It can support cameras and other photographic equipment up to 13.2 pounds in weight.
The overall performance of the Dolica AX620B100 is excellent, making it the best cheap tripod. It delivers satisfactory performance and some of its features are really outstanding. The price is also low, a real bonus for people with a limited budget. In general, it is the best budget travel tripod which you can buy for less than $50.
6. Zomei Q555 Aluminum Alloy Camera Tripod: Best Professional Tripod
Zomei Q555 is a brilliant travel tripod for those professional photographers who want to spend less than $100 on this important photographic accessory. Zomei is one of the best tripod brands in the world right now. Therefore, you can also expect great quality and performance from this very tripod. It is a lightweight and portable tripod that you can easily fit into your luggage and backpacks.
Build, Quality, and Material
Weighing only 2.9lbs, it is the perfect tripod for family gatherings, camping, sports activities, and for all kinds of events. It has a compact size of 17.5 inches thanks to its legs which you can fold back 180 degrees. Similarly, they can be inverted as well.
The tripod is made of high-quality aluminum alloy. It has a net weight of 1.32kg and a total loading capacity of 8kg. Q555 also features a ¼” standard national screw for assembling and dissembling.
Features
The best feature of Q555 is the universal-ball head with 360-degree panoramic panning. So, the tripod is perfect for horizontal panoramic shooting. The ball-head also has 3 lock knobs that safely secures the camera to the tripod.
You can also attach and detach your camera to the tripod in a flash with the help of the quick-release mounting plate. Another great thing about Q555 is that you can invert the center column for taking breathtaking low-angle shots.
Last but not least; Q555’ legs or tubes have 4 adjustable sections with quick flip locks. The legs can extend to a maximum height of 62.5 inches. You can individually adjust each leg as well to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles.
Zomei Q555 is an affordable but terrific travel tripod port for all types of photographers. It is lightweight, sturdy, and offers an amazing set of functions, such as a quick-release plate, which you don’t find in other tripods available at this price.
Pros
7. AmazonBasics 60-inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag: The best budget tripod
If the price is your main concern, you should opt for AmazonBasics 60-inch Lightweight Tripod. It is arguably the best tripod under 50 dollars. As the name suggests, it is a basic tripod that ticks all the right boxes for beginners and amateur photographers. It is surprisingly lightweight and very easy to carry despite the fact that it does not get as small as advertised when you fold it up.
Build, Quality, and Material
AmazonBasics 60-inch has a very basic design. The body is made of a simple, silver brushed aluminum. It also has solid black accents. The legs are flat and slightly contoured which gives it a pleasant look. Amazon focuses on functionality more than appearance and this what this tripod is all about.
The setup takes only minutes to complete and it is a straight forward process. You just have to pull the legs out of the bag and the cross braces will start sliding horizontally, forming a classic three-leg layout. Each leg has two telescopic and adjustable extensions with their own clasps, giving quite a bit of height to the tripod. The overall maximum height when fully extended is 60 inches.
Features
According to Amazon, it is not a travel tripod but a “lightweight aluminum” model. It is definitely lightweight, weighing only 1.5kg, but not the smallest. In fact, it is 5-6 inches longer than other tripods with a folded length of 25 inches.
The build quality is slightly questionable but it is a tradeoff you can make considering how affordable it is. Amazon has used rougher, thinner aluminum for this particular tripod. The plastic used on all the components and fixtures is cheap-filling, to say the least.
However, the tripod remains stable and feels sturdy regardless of the surface you mount it on, especially due to its rubber feet. The maximum loading capacity is 3.5kg which should cover most of the cameras. However, the lifespan of AmazonBasics 60 inches can decrease if you attach heavy equipment to it.
The tripod also comes with a thin canvas bag, which is a pleasant surprise for the price of the tripod. All these features make AmazonBasics 60 inch the best camera tripod under 50 dollars.
Finally, AmazonBasics 60-inch is by far the best budget tripod. It is difficult to find a better deal at this price. The build quality raises some concerns but you can’t do better at this price, especially if you take portability, sturdiness, featherweight, and aluminum legs into account.
8. Phone Tripod, UBeesize Portable: Best lightweight tripod for backpacking
UBeesize Portable Phone Tripod is a compact, portable, and featherweight universal tripod for smartphones. However, you can use the tripod with all kinds of digital cameras, webcams, and smartphones with a width of up to 9.0cm.
You will also get a Remote Control with UBeesize Tripod which you can use both for Android and iOS devices.
Build, Quality, and Material
The box contains a Universal Action Camera Holder, a fabric carry bag, a strap, and a universal clamp.
The tripod is mostly made of plastic, metals, and foam. It only weighs 550g, easily becoming the best lightweight tripod for backpacking as well. It has a maximum height of almost 60 inches and a width span of almost 1 inch.
Features
The UBeesize Portable Mobile Smartphone can hold almost all kinds of smartphones. However, you need to slightly adjust the position of your device for it to fit into the tripod without covering the camera, depending upon the location of the lens on your device. As a result, the tripod sometimes tends to topple over.
You can mount the tripod on any surface such as a flat surface or a pole. It is also nice to have a Bluetooth remote to control your smartphone remotely. The advertised range of the Bluetooth remote is 10 meters but it normally gets a range of 8 meters, which is not that bad either.
The tripod also comes with a universal head type. It means you can use the tripod all over the world with any camera or smartphone without any trouble. It is also the lightest tripod for travel due to its weight.
Summing up, UBeesize Mobile Tripod is one of the easiest tripods on this list to use. It is an excellent option for group photographs and for people who like to travel light. With a price tag of just $13.99, it is a great bargain for frugal tourists and easily the best budget travel tripod to look out for.
9. MACTREM PT-55 Camera Tripod: Best beginner tripod for amateur photographers
MACTREM PT-55 Aluminum Tripod is an ideal entry-level and low price tripod for novice photographers. However, it can easily cater to the needs of professionals, easily becoming the best tripod for travel photography. MACTREM PT-55 is not only lightweight but it has a robust and durable body that can last for years. The tripod also comes with a nice carry case with a strap and therefore, it is among the best travel tripods as well.
Build, Quality, and Material
MACTREM has used ABS plastics and high-quality aluminum to build PT-55 tripod. It is available in orange, yellow, and black colors. All these variants have a detailed black finish.
The tripod measures 140cm when fully extended with a width span of 83cm. It is relatively heavier than other tripods as it weighs 1195g. The collapsed or the folded height of the tripod is only 24cm. It has a load capacity of 5kg.
Features
As you would expect from any modern tripod, it has a little bubble level to properly mount it on any terrain. Similarly, it is the best tripod for DSLR, camcorders, and other cameras because it features a universal mounting plate and screws.
It is also the best-handled tripod thanks to a smoothly functioning 360-degree handle. Similarly, sponge grips also provide the excellent grip of the tripod when in use. The handle design further makes PT-55 an ideal tripod for taking panoramic shots and shooting axis.
Each leg of the tripod has 4 sections and 3 locks. Furthermore, the central column also provides extra support to the tripod. You can easily adjust the central column and lock it in place as well. The rubberized feet can move independently because of a ball joint design. This particular design offers the necessary grip both on the even and rough surfaces.
It is also possible to pivot the camera on the quick release plate from a horizontal to the vertical position. The tripod also has 360-degree swivel. In short, it is a pretty good travel camera tripod to have.
The tripod is slightly fiddly though. The main body of the tripod also lacks a carry handle, which is a glaring omission because all the modern tripods have one.
MACTREM PT-55 is a pretty good tripod for beginners. It is a lightweight and practical tripod which offers some really cool features.
10. GEEKOTO 77-inch Carbon Fiber Tripod: Best tripod for heavy photographic equipment
The GEEKOTO 77-inch Carbon Fiber Tripod is an elegant and fashionable tripod that offers really terrific specifications.
GEEKOTO is a well-known name when it comes to photography equipment. The 77-inch Carbon Fiber Tripod is yet another great product from the professional range of GEEKOTO. Also considered as the best travel camera tripod, Geekoto Carbon Fiber is well equipped to perform all types of heavy duties and functions.
Build, Quality, and Material
The tripod is made of high-quality carbon fiber giving it extra sturdiness and durability. The orange and black tripod is extremely pleasing to the eyes as well. It is a heavy-duty tripod with a load capacity of whopping 12kg. GEEKOTO Tripod is very compact with a collapsed height of only 19 inches. The extended or maximum height is 77 inches, which is highest in the industry. All these features also make the Carbon Fiber the best professional tripod in the world as well.
Features
The tripod has fully adjustable legs with four sections. Each of the legs also has quick-release flip-locks. These locks help you adjust the height of the tripod from 19 inches to 77 inches within the blink of an eye.
GEEKOTO Carbon Fiber is a ball-head tripod. The ball-head can rotate 360 degrees. On top of that, it has free angles which means you can take amazing panorama views and shots every single time. The pull buckle locking mechanism securely attaches the camera to the tripod as well.
You can mount the tripod on any type of surface thanks to adjustable tripod legs. All the legs have three levels of opening angles which ensures the tripod doesn’t topple over regardless of the type of terrain.
GEEKOTO Carbon Fiber is a multifunction tripod. For example, the central axis screw enables you to quickly disassemble the tripod and convert it into a monopod. As a result, you have additional options to take pictures with the utmost ease.
GEEKOTO Carbon Fiber is the best budget DSLR tripod, especially for people who use heavier DSLR cameras. It is an ideal choice for experienced or professional photographers looking for a high-quality yet affordable tripod.
Important Characteristics of the Best Budget Travel Tripod
You may be wondering what is the best tripod? Or, what are some of the important characteristics of the best budget travel tripod? Well, there are many features or factors you should keep in mind when you decide to buy a cheap travel tripod. It does not need to be overwhelming as well. A good travel tripod should always be lightweight, robust, flexible, and reliable.
However, not all tripods are created equal. Some of them will have all of these features while others will have only some of them. Finding the perfect tripod may also result in spending a huge amount of money. On the other hand, the best value tripod may meet most of your requirements without breaking your bank.
You will have to be selective when it comes to choosing a tripod because you can’t get everything you want. You may need a large tripod or something lightweight? Or, you may need a simple tripod or the one that can bend an indefinite number of ways.
However, you must consider the following factors when looking for a tripod.
Size and Weight
Both of these factors can have serious consequences, especially if you need a travel tripod. It is the size and weight of the tripod that determines how heavy it is and how you are going to pack it. Similarly, you need a large tripod to carry heavier photographic equipment and withstand adverse conditions. However, they will be heavy and you will get tired after carrying them for a while.
The best small tripod which is also very easy and light to carry will be less expensive. But, you may have to compromise stability and photo quality at times with a smaller tripod.
Material and Durability
The price, quality, weight, and durability of the tripod largely depend on the material. In simple words, the tripods made of cheaper material will be less expensive, weaker, and heavier. Expensive, lighter, and stronger tripods will always be made of expensive materials. Two of the most common materials used to manufacture tripods are aluminum and carbon fiber. The earlier is ubiquitous and cheap but usually handles the elements well. On the other hand, the best carbon fiber travel tripod tends to be stronger, lighter and more expensive.
Load Capacity
The best travel video tripod should have a reasonable load capacity. Smaller tripods are not capable of holding heavy cameras but larger tripods are difficult to carry for long time periods.
For maximum image quality, it is necessary to have a tripod that can carry and hold your camera properly. Therefore, you should go for a larger tripod if you have a heavy camera otherwise its legs will shake, adversely affecting the image sharpness.
Tripod Head
The tripod ball-head should allow for a full 360-degree range of movement. Similarly, they should be free-floating but they should also have clamps to lock them into the place. There are two different types of clamps, larger winged screws, and nobs but the difference between them is negligible.
The best budget travel tripod should also have a bubble leveler and a quick release plate.
Cost
Since we are talking about the best travel tripods, the cost is an important factor to remember. You can’t afford an expensive tripod. That is why you are reading this article. The common saying is that you get what you pay for. But, there is always a way to get what you want at a good price. Go through all these factors once again to determine how much you have to spend to get the best budget travel tripod.
Frequently Asked Question
The following are some of the best mini tripods.
- JOBY GorrillaPod SLR Zoom Flexible Tripod
- Benro PocketPod
- Manfrotto Pixie Evo
- UBeesize Portable Phone Tripod
- Platypod Pro Max Plate Mini Tripod
- Sirui 3T-35k
It depends upon what kind of camera you have. You will need a sturdier travel tripod if your camera set up is quite heavy. On the other hand, you may not need a tripod in the case of smaller and lightweight mirrorless, DSLR or compact cameras. Similarly, you may also consider having a travel tripod if you want to take high quality travel photographs without a lot of effort. Similarly, you can take better photographs in certain conditions such as low light and rough terrain with the help of a travel tripod.
Conclusion
You should buy a tripod immediately after purchasing the camera. However, you must think long and hard about your requirements and what type of tripod can meet them. Finally, we welcome you to give your valuable suggestions regarding the best tripod for photography and travel. Have we included all the latest and the best travel tripods on this list or not?
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