Best Compact Tripods of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Compact tripods are a popular photography accessory that allows users to capture stable and sharp images. These tripods are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel and outdoor photography. They typically feature adjustable legs and a ball head that can be rotated and tilted to achieve the desired angle. Compact tripods come in a variety of sizes and styles, with some models even able to support heavy camera equipment. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, a compact tripod is a must-have tool for capturing stunning images with ease.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with B00K Head Cover #TOP 1
SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with B00K Head
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SmallRig VT-20 Mini Tripod Cover #TOP 2
SmallRig VT-20 Mini Tripod
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B Cover #TOP 3
Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 8 Compact Tripods

SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with B00K Head

Traveler 5CX
Black
Carbon 5CX
SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with B00K Head Cover
SIRUI 52" Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod, Compact Lightweight Camera Tripod, 360° Ball Head Detachable, Load 10kg/22lbs, Folded Height 13" (Traveler 5CX)

The SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is a high quality, lightweight and sturdy camera tripod with a maximum loading capacity of 8.8lbs/4kg. It features 5 section carbon fiber legs with quick release twist-locks, allowing you to adjust the working height from 3.54" to 51.97" in seconds. The tripod also features a 360 degree ball head with two independent control knobs, allowing you to take photos at any angle in horizontal and vertical directions. The center column is removable, allowing for extreme low angle photography and macro shooting. The tripod is easy to carry, with portable legs that can be inverted and folded back 180 degrees, saving length to 12.4" compact storage size, and comes with a portable bag.

What We Like
Lightweight and sturdy carbon fiber construction
Adjustable and extendable legs with 3-position angle adjustment system
360 degree ball head with two independent control knobs for panoramic view
Removable center column for extreme low angle photography and macro shooting
Portable legs that can be inverted and folded back 180 degrees, with a portable bag included

SmallRig VT-20 Mini Tripod

16566
Black
SmallRig VT-20 Mini Tripod Cover
SmallRig VT-20 Aluminum Mini Tripod, 20" Desktop Tripod with 360° Ball Head, Compact Desktop Tripod for DSLR Camera Video Camcorder, Load up to 13lb/6kg-4289

The SmallRig Mini Tripod offers compact convenience for photographers and videographers alike. Its foldable aluminum legs make it easy to store and transport, weighing just 1.5 lbs and measuring only 7 inches when collapsed. You can quickly adjust the height from 6.7 to 20 inches with its 5-section leg design, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the tripod features a quick angle adjustment lever with three different angles, allowing you to capture shots from different perspectives. The 360-degree ball head lets you take stunning panoramic images and switch to vertical shots effortlessly.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Quick height adjustments
Versatile shooting angles
360° panoramic capability
#TOP 3

Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B

MTPIXIMII-B
Black
Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B Cover
Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B, PIXI Mini Tripod with Handgrip for Compact System Cameras, for DSLR, Mirrorless, Video, Made in Italy, Technopolymer and Aluminum, Black

The Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod is a versatile and compact support system for photographers. With its closeable legs, it can be transformed into a comfortable grip for capturing unique videos. Thanks to its universal 1/4 Inch screw thread and stability, it is compatible with a wide range of digital devices, including iPhones, compact cameras, CSCs, and entry-level DSLRs. The automatic locking feature ensures safety and stability during use. This tripod is the ideal solution for photographers who are looking for a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-use support system. It allows you to find new perspectives and capture flawless shots, providing a secure base for any shooting situation.

What We Like
Versatile
Compact
Safe
#TOP 4

SIRUI AM-TT50 Mini Tripod

AM-TT50
SIRUI AM-TT50 Mini Tripod Cover
SIRUI Compact Mini Desktop Tripod, 20" Aluminum Portable Small Tabletop Tripod Stand with 360° Ball Head for DSLR, Camera, Phone, Loaded up to 22lbs, Phone Holder Included, AM-TT50

The SIRUI Mini Tripod is a compact and portable solution for your photography needs. Its foldable aluminum legs make it easy to store and carry, weighing less than 1.7lbs. You can quickly adjust the height from 7" to 20" to suit various shooting scenarios, ensuring you get the perfect angle every time. With multiple angle options and a detachable center column, capturing low-angle shots becomes effortless. The 360° ball head allows for smooth panoramic shots, making it ideal for both horizontal and vertical photography. This tripod is designed to support up to 22lbs, providing stability for your gear.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Quick height adjustments
Versatile angle options
360° panoramic movement

SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel 5C Tripod

Traveler 5C
Traveler 5
Carbon Fiber 5C
SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel 5C Tripod Cover
Sirui Compact Traveler 5C Tripod 54.3 inches Lightweight Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Portable Camera Tripod with 360° Panorama Ball Head for Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate Load Capacity Up to 8.8lbs

The SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel 5C Tripod is a lightweight and sturdy tripod made of high-quality carbon fiber. It has a maximum loading capacity of 8.8lbs/4kg and weighs only 1.87lbs/0.85kg. The tripod is adjustable and extendable, with 5-section carbon fiber legs that allow you to adjust the working height from 6.3" to 54.3" in seconds. The 360° ball-head and panoramic view feature makes it easy to take photos at any angle in horizontal and vertical directions. The tripod also has a center column inverted function for extreme low angle photography and macro shooting. It is easy to carry and pack for travel, with portable bag included.

What We Like
Lightweight and sturdy
Adjustable and extendable
360° ball-head and panoramic view
Center column inverted function for low angle photography and macro shooting
Easy to carry and pack for travel with portable bag included

Victiv 74” Camera Tripod

NT70
Orange
Victiv 74” Camera Tripod Cover
Victiv Tripod 74” Camera Tripod for Cell Phone, Aluminum Professional Heavy Duty Camera Tripod Stand, Tripod for Camera DSLR SLR with Carry Bag, Compatible with Canon Nikon iPhone

The Victiv 74” Camera Tripod is a lightweight, professional tripod stand designed for DSLR/SLR cameras. It features a smooth 3-way pan head, adjustable height from 19” to 74”, and a detachable head for easy direction changes. It is compatible with all cameras, and comes with a phone holder and a carry bag. Customers report that it is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to use.

What We Like
Telescoping head
Flip head
Sturdy construction
Lightweight
Comes with carry bag
#TOP 7

Victiv 72-inch Camera Tripod Aluminum Monopod T72

Victiv T72 Tripod
Black
72 INCH
Victiv 72-inch Camera Tripod Aluminum Monopod T72 Cover
Tripod for Camera, 72" Tall Camera Tripod with Remote, Compact Camera Stand Tripod for Phone, Lightweight DSLR Tripod& Monopod, Professional Heavy Duty Tripod for Spotting Scope, Telescope, Binocular

The Victiv 72-inch Camera Tripod Aluminum Monopod T72 is a lightweight and compact tripod that is great for travel. Made of aluminum alloy, it has a thicker leg tube than an ordinary tripod, making it sturdy and adequate for long exposure work. It takes only 5 seconds to go from tripod to 55in monopod, making it perfect for amateur photographers and travelers. It has a smooth 3-way swivel head that can pan and tilt 360 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it easy to change directions at different angles. Additionally, it comes with an extra universal Arca Swiss mounting plate for easily swapping cameras.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact for travel
Upgraded solid construction with thicker leg tube
Combines tripod and monopod functions
Smooth 3-way swivel head with 360 degree panning and tilting
Comes with extra universal Arca Swiss mounting plate

JOILCAN 74" Tripod for Camera Cell Phone Video Photography

AH75
Black
JOILCAN 74" Tripod for Camera Cell Phone Video Photography Cover
JOILCAN Tripod Camera Tripods, 74" Tripod for Camera Phone Video Recording, Heavy Duty Camera Tripod Stand, Professional Travel DSLR Tripods Compatible with Canon iPhone, Max Load 15 LB

The JOILCAN 74" Tripod for Camera Cell Phone Video Photography is a lightweight and adjustable tripod that is perfect for a variety of shooting environments. It is made of durable aluminum and can hold up to 15 pounds of weight. It features a 3-way pan head with 360° rotation and a quick release head. It also comes with a travel bag and a level bubble. Customers have praised its sturdiness and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers.

What We Like
Sturdy and reliable
Easy to set up and manipulate
Comes with additional features like a level bubble and travel bag
Compatible with heavy DSLR cameras like Canon
Provides smooth and reactive movements
Buying Guide Image

Finding the Best Compact Tripods to Meet Your Needs

Compact Tripods: How to Choose the Perfect One for Your Needs

When it comes to photography, having a reliable tripod is essential. A good tripod not only stabilizes your camera, but it also helps you take sharper and more professional-looking photos. If you're in the market for a compact tripod, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase. In this article, we'll walk you through the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a compact tripod that fits your needs.

Size and Weight

The first thing to consider when choosing a compact tripod is its size and weight. Compact tripods are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel and outdoor photography. However, you don't want to sacrifice stability for portability. Look for a tripod that is sturdy enough to support your camera and lens, but still lightweight enough to carry around with ease.

Material and Build Quality

The material and build quality of a compact tripod are also important factors to consider. Most tripods are made of aluminum or carbon fiber, with carbon fiber being the more expensive option. Carbon fiber tripods are lighter and more durable, but they come at a higher cost. Aluminum tripods are heavier, but they are also more affordable.

Regardless of the material, make sure the tripod is well-built and sturdy. Look for a tripod with a solid construction and a stable base. A wobbly tripod will not only affect the stability of your shots, but it can also damage your camera.

Maximum Load Capacity

The maximum load capacity of a tripod is the maximum weight it can support. Make sure to choose a tripod that can handle the weight of your camera and lens. If you have a heavy camera or plan on using longer lenses, you'll need a tripod with a higher maximum load capacity.

Height and Adjustability

The height and adjustability of a tripod are also important considerations. Choose a tripod that is tall enough for your needs, but still compact enough to fit in your camera bag. Look for a tripod with adjustable legs and a center column that can be raised or lowered. This will allow you to adjust the height of your camera and get the perfect shot.

Brand Reputation

When it comes to choosing a compact tripod, brand reputation matters. Stick with reputable brands that have a proven track record of producing high-quality tripods. This will ensure that your tripod is built to last and performs well in a variety of shooting situations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right compact tripod can make a big difference in the quality of your photos. Consider the size and weight, material and build quality, maximum load capacity, height and adjustability, and brand reputation when making your choice. With these factors in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect compact tripod for your photography needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the strongest yet lightest tripod material?

What Is the Strongest Yet Lightest Tripod Material? When it comes down to it, carbon fiber is the most popular lightweight material used in tripods these days. While more expensive than other materials, the strength-to-weight ratio can't be beat. Carbon fiber is sturdy, durable, and can often hold a lot of weight.

2. What is mini tripod?

Manfrotto Mini Tripods have been conceived as small and unobtrusive solutions for professional and enthusiast photographers to use in situations in which they cannot have a full-length tripod with them. ... There are multiple series of mini tripods dedicated to different types of cameras and photographic applications.

3. Should I buy a travel tripod?

A quality travel tripod will allow you to stabilise your camera for tack-sharp landscapes, macro, and low-light shots, as well as provide you with a stable shooting platform for timelapses, long exposures, and video. And, a tripod will also allow you to hop in front of the camera for selfies and group shots too.

Editor's Notes

During our compact tripod research, we found 16 compact tripod products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 178,171 customer reviews through our big data system to write the compact tripods list. We found that most customers choose compact tripods with an average price of $35.18.

The compact tripods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of compact tripods, including Sirui, SMALLRIG, Manfrotto, Victiv, JOILCAN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 203 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.