benro slim carbon fiber lightweight travel tripod kit

A Tale of Two Tripods: We Review the Benro Slim and the Benro Tortoise

It was the best of tripods, it was an even better tripod. This is why I ended up upgrading what I was already very pleased with to what I think is the best tripod my money could buy.

This story began with me searching for a tripod I could fit inside a small backpack I use when on my morning cycle ride. Camera bags are not suited to wear when on a bike, and I don’t carry a lot of kit. So, I just have my camera in that day-sack wrapped in a soft cloth for extra protection. But I do enjoy shooting long-exposure seascapes at dawn; therefore, I do need to take a tripod with me.

The tripods I already owned were far too big to carry in the bag, and strapping one onto the rear rack just wasn’t practical. Therefore, I measured the depth of the bag and started researching the best models to meet my needs.

The marketplace has changed a lot over the last few years. There was once only one brand I would contemplate; I won’t mention their name. However, recent encounters I’ve had with them have been poor, with several folk complaining about their tripods breaking within the first year of use. They clearly have a manufacturing problem.

Benro Slim in use on wet sand.

Thankfully, there are now reputable alternatives on the market. Benro is one of the best. Their Slim Carbon Fiber tripod (TSL08C) was exactly the right size to fit in the bag; I bought one.

The Benro Slim’s Features

The tripod weighs just 2.2 lb (1.01 kg) and can carry up to 8.8 lb (4 kg), so it's ideal for mirrorless photographers. It has a narrow profile when folded, making it perfect for traveling. Its four-section carbon fiber legs have anodized aluminum twist locks, which are ideal for me working on a beach, as sand and salt would destroy any other metal parts. Also, they only require a quarter turn to lock and unlock, ideal on those cold, winter mornings when I am running sunrise workshops.

The tripod extends to a maximum of 146.3 cm. The ballhead has an oversized, ratchet-style single-knob, again great for those cold mornings, and it is fitted with an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate. That has the camera-mounting screw fitted with a solid D-ring, making it easy to attach and remove. There’s also a handy bubble level on one shoulder.

Using the Benro Slim

In use, it is almost perfect for my needs. I am very impressed with the build quality. Both light and stable, the ballhead locks into position and doesn’t slip, as my old ones tended to do. Furthermore, it is easy to use.

The legs can open wide, adding to that stability. But that is the one design area that I wanted to improve. I like shooting very low down to the ground. I also demonstrate low-level shooting on the workshops I run. The tripod came with a center column, so it was not possible to open the legs horizontally without either raising the column or inverting it and hanging the camera below the tripod.

One of my clients shooting long exposures on a chilly morning, during a sunrise workshop, and using my Benro Slim and one of my Olympus OM-D E-M1s and an Urth ND1000 filter.

The Best Laid Schemes o' Mice an' Men Gang Aft A-Gley

That option of inverting the column is a bit of a faff, and I rarely want to raise the center column. So, I contacted Benro and asked them if they sold a short column for that model. They did. However, they also explained that they needed to get one from their factory overseas. I was in no rush, and I knew that because of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the shipping issues here caused by the UK leaving the EU, that there would be a wait.

After a while, Benro told me it had arrived, and they were dispatching it with a 48-hour delivery service. Unfortunately, despite the delivery being tracked, it then got lost by our postal service and wasn’t delivered.

Benro to the Rescue

This was a nuisance because I had some workshops running where I needed a tripod from which I could shoot a worm’s eye view. Benro was fantastic. They lent me a tripod that arrived the next day. As much as product quality is important, excellent customer service counts for a lot too, and Benro excelled.

The model they sent was the Tortoise TTOR14C-GX25 . Its quality blew my socks off.

Putting the Benro Tortoise through its paces.

The Benro Tortoise’s Description

This carbon fiber tripod comes fitted with a GX25 aluminum ball head. It’s lightweight, not much heavier than the Slim. Weighing under 3 lb (1.32 kg), it can still carry up to 22 lb (10 kg). Like the Slim, it has four leg sections, but it has no center column. This means, at 129 cm, it stands taller than the Slim before the latter’s center column is extended. The twist-lock legs have rubber grips, and they operate with a half-turn.

The GX25 aluminum ballhead is dual panning with a Swiss-Arca style quick-release plate. It has “Safe Locking Controls,” with stops that avoid the plate sliding off, plus a pull and twist release button to avoid accidental loosening. It has a dual panoramic pan head, with the second positioned above the ball mount, so a horizontal rotation can be achieved even if the tripod is not level.

Using the Benro Tortoise

I am going to gush! Some tools and mechanical devices are so well-designed and made that they are a delight to use. This tripod is delightful. While the Slim is a super piece of kit, but the Tortoise is outstanding. You know that when you use this that you are handling a superior piece of engineering, as it oozes quality. In fact, I would go so far as to say this is the best tripod I’ve ever laid my hands on, and I’ve used dozens.

The rubber feet of the Benro Tortoise unscrew and reveal the hex keys used to remove the legs. One of these is slightly cranked for better access to the screws. The rubber feet can be replaced with spikes for soft ground.

A great deal of thought has gone into the design of this tripod. All the adjustment controls are large enough and easy to manipulate when wearing gloves. Even the robust and smart carrying case has offset handles. Placing the tripod in the bag with the heavier head at the short end; it’s perfectly balanced for carrying.

The Benro Tortoise in Use

To test the tripod, I exposed it to the most extreme conditions available to me.

I took the tripod onto the beach to capture the sunrise and waded into the sea. The wind was howling, my boots sank into the sand. As the waves washed around shins, I shot long exposures, and the tripod didn’t miss a beat. Pushing the legs into the sand, it stayed still, even when I shot long exposures and the waves covered the bottom section.

Two minute exposure, shot while standing in the sea with the waves lapping at mid-shin height. The tripod gave a stable platform in these extreme conditions, despite the movement of the water and the sand on the sea bed.

Of course, sand is the bane of every seascape photographer’s life. It gets everywhere. Fortunately, my cameras and lenses are weather-sealed, but not so any tripod. However, the Benro ones are so easy to clean. Release the screw threads and dismantle the legs, run under the shower, allow to dry, and Bob’s your uncle! Getting the sand grains from the very fine screw-threads of the twist locks was the hardest part of the cleaning, but still easier than any other tripod I’ve used.

Furthermore, saltwater is a destroyer of any ferrous components. The release clips of my old tripod had failed because the springs had rusted. However, the Benro is just carbon fiber and aluminum construction; it’s sea resistant!

What I Do and Don’t Like

Both the Tortoise and the Slim are marketed as travel tripods. Indeed, they are light and compact enough to travel with. But I think the Tortoise is also a good all-rounder. It is robust, light, stable, and usable for day-to-day photography, as well as capable of withstanding the extreme conditions I’ll subject it to. Although I know the Tortoise will be the one that I use the most, the Slim is also a capable tripod too and well ahead of its competitors in design and usability.

At Fstoppers, we writers are instructed to write balanced reviews and include what we don’t like about products. I am genuinely hard-pressed to say anything negative about these tripods.

They are not cheap, but you are paying for a great design and high build quality. Their five-year guarantee shows that Benro believes in their products. As photographers are usually people who care about our planet’s limited resources, the longevity of what we buy should be an important consideration.

Putting my money where my mouth is, I was so impressed with the loaned Benro Tortoise , I bought it.

Earning a living as a photographer, website developer, and writer and Based in the North East of England, much of Ivor's work is training others; helping people become better photographers. He has a special interest in supporting people with their mental well-being through photography. In 2023 he became a brand ambassador for the OM System

Hi Ivor : thanks for the review. I've been using the Benro Slim for some time, and I really like it, but I too would love to get hold of a shorter center column for macro. I tried emailing Benro, and got no response, and camera stores tell me there is no center column available ! Did you ever get one delivered, and if so, do you have a part number for it ? Thanks so much !!!

Hi John, yes I did get one from MAC Group Europe, the Benro distributor, but they had to import it. Sorry, no part number.

Ok, thanks for the info. I will try harder to get in touch with Benro. Happy photographing !!!

If you are in the UK, DM me and I'll pass on contact details.

I too have enjoyed using the Benro Slim. I reviewed the Tortoise on B&H, and it is a bit pricier.

Benro Slim Travel Kit - Carbon Fiber

A photographic tripod is not a usual guest on Trailspace, but this one deserves a fresh look from the hiker or cyclist’s point of view. Its main feature is combination of full-scale unfolded dimensions with small folded size (just 2L volume), suitable for bottle pocket in any daypack.

• Small folded dimensions, occupies just 2 liters of backpack volume
• Lightweight at 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
• Great workmanship
• Arca-compatible replaceable ballhead
• Tripod and monopod in one device
• Reasonable price
• Short legs decrease stability
• Twist-lock leg design
• Too small ballhead with limited features
• Aluminum version is heavier by small fraction, but considerably cheaper

Very small folded dimensions

I do travel photography since 2005, and since then I've owned a couple of full-size tripods. It is known that the tripod may be really helpful in many travel situations:

photographing yourself on trek,

long-exposure shots of water objects,

nightscapes,

HDR stacked shots,

astro photography.

Though I almost never took my tripods to any trips because of their enormous folded dimensions and considerable weight. Basically such tripod would occupy the same volume as a small tent, and it was simply impossible to attach it or put inside a daypack.

In late 2018 I decided to get a possibly compact and lightweight tripod specifically for mobile usage. Usually the photographers disregard the lightweight tripods, considering the super-stable and heavyweight ones. But for a hiker who’s going to carry his photo equipment among some 20-50 pounds of other gear, the heavyweight tripod is just a dead weight. And in most cases it will reside at home, not in the backpack.

To shave some extra grams (but not too much) I decided to spend a bit more on carbon tripod. As long as I shoot with mirrorless cameras, the tripod itself may be not super-sturdy. Also in recent years some lightweight full-sized tripods became a lot more compact (shrinking from typical ~50 cm to ~35 cm in folded state), as more complicated design with legs folding by 180° and telescopic middle column gained popularity.

After considering several low-end Chinese manufacturers I ended up on Benro FSL09CN00 carbon fiber tripod, which is made by quite a respected manufacturer and doesn’t cost a fortune in mean time. This tripod is equipped with small replaceable ballhead with Arca-style mount (a standard for modern tripods) and carbon fiber tubes.

The legs are folded by rotating a full ark towards the head

Its key properties (measured by myself):

Tripod weight — 2.4 lb (1.1 kg)

Folded length — 13 in (33 cm)

Max. working height —  51 in (129 cm) / 40 in (102 cm) with extended/retracted middle column

Monopod working height — 52 in (133 cm)

Monopod weight — 1 lb (470 grams)

Rated camera weight — up to 4 kg/8.8 lb (to my opinion, this doesn’t apply to ballhead, see below)

This tripod is incredibly compact and lightweight, I can easily take it to almost any backcountry trip without any worries regarding the extra weight and bulk in my backpack. It easily takes place of water bottle in 18L daypack (the actual volume of packed tripod is 2L). So it can be carried both inside and outside your pack. It may be lost somewhere on the bottom of large 80-liter backpack. :-)

The included pack sack is very nice and lightweight, though minimalistic. There’s no zipper, internal pocket, or padding — only the fabric (looks like 100D) and very thick blue drawcord which also serves as a shoulder strap (if necessary). The quality of every carbon or metal piece is simply great. Everything is machined with great precision and attention to details. I especially like the monopod mode which allows for super-lightweight and low-profile camera setup (especially good for shooting videos in stationary position).

The tubular carbon legs utilize the twist-lock mechanism. While it looks durable and well-constructed, there’s no positive visual feedback, whether the leg is secured well. So there’s somewhat increased risk of sudden collapsing of leg which wasn’t secured properly. In present time the twist-lock design is very popular among most manufacturers — probably because of better compatibility with tubular carbon legs.

It worth mentioning that the included N00 ballhead is quite small, more suitable for lightweight cameras, like my Sony A6300 and A7III (I wouldn’t load it with more than 1.5-2 kg). The ballhead also lacks separate panoramic action, when you can rotate the camera around, while keeping it locked in other directions. The tripod legs are quite short, so in many cases you'll need to extend the middle post, which greatly reduces the stability.

Finally, the tripod body lacks any bubble level (if this concerns a buyer). The ballhead has one, but it's located on upper part and normally hidden under QR plate, so it's basically useless. Luckily the ballhead is of standard 3/8" type and easily replaceable.

*** Despite some drawbacks, this tripod is a great traveling companion. But, it's too unstable for serious photo work with heavy cameras and/or lenses involved. On the other hand, having this tripod in backpack will be much better than leaving a heavier and better one at home. So I can highly recommend this tripod for hikers and other outdoor-oriented people who love photography.

I've owned it for several months, using in several short backpacking trips and many other occasions (not outdoor-related). This is my third tripod overall since 2005.

Source: bought it new Price Paid: 120$

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Benro SLIM Carbon Fiber Lightweight Travel Tripod Kit (TSL08CN00) › Customer reviews

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Benro SLIM Carbon Fiber Lightweight Travel Tripod Kit (TSL08CN00)

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Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Lightweight Travel Tripod Kit (TSL08CN00)

Carbon Fiber

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• Slim profile shoulder - allows for the tripod legs to be more compact when folded.
• Anodized aluminum twist locks - only require a quick half turn to lock and unlock.
• Arce-Swiss style camera plate - Blue anodized aluminum Arce-Swiss style quick release plate with a d-ring 1/4"-20 camera screw.
• Lightweight magnesium shoulder - features 3 leg positions and each leg can be positioned individually for uneven terrain.
• Removable single action Billhead - Oversized ratchet style lock knob for easy operation and a panoramic scale.

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Product details

• Is discontinued by manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 51 x 8 x 8 cm; 1.01 kg
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ June 12 2017
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ MacGroup
• Place of Business ‏ : ‎ NORTH WHITE PLAINS, NY, 10603 US
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B071JYLS7K
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ TSL08CN00
• #648 in Tripods

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From the manufacturer.

Get a Lightweight, Versatile Tripod

The Benro SLIM is a new, easy-to-use, travel tripod kit that features an innovative, slim profile shoulder that allows the legs to be more compact when folded. Whether it’s your very first tripod or you’re looking for an affordable aluminum or carbon fiber set, grab a Benro SLIM for your next adventure.

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Product description.

The Benzo Slim TSL08CN00 is a lightweight Carbon Fiber tripod kit which features a Slim profile shoulder allowing for the tripod legs to be more compact when folded. With a maximum weight capacity of 8.8 lb. this tripod is ideal for mirrorless and compact DSLR cameras. The Slim tripod legs feature anodized aluminum twist locks that only require a quick half turn to lock and unlock. A grooved center column prevents twisting when in use and can be reversed for low to the ground shots. A weight hook is located underneath the center column for windy conditions. The rubber feet on the tripod are fixed. Benzo Slim features a lightweight magnesium shoulder which has 3 leg positions and each leg can be positioned individually for uneven terrain. Staying level is made easy with included bubble levels on the tripod shoulder and on the quick release clamp. The removable single action billhead has an oversized ratchet style lock knob for easy operation and a panoramic scale. The billhead includes a blue anodized aluminum Arce-Swiss style quick release plate with a d-ring 1/4"-20 camera screw.

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Benro Slim 4-Section Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head

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Key Features

• Lightweight carbon fiber tripod with a slim profile design for easy portability
• High load capacity of 8.8 lb, ideal for mirrorless and compact DSLR cameras
• Anodized aluminum twist locks and grooved center column for stability and versatility
• Features a weight hook and sturdy rubber feet for enhanced stability in various conditions
• Equipped with adjustable magnesium shoulder and bubble levels for precise positioning
• Includes a removable single-action ball head with quick-release plate for easy camera attachment

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About Benro TSL08CN00

PRO REVIEW by Enon Avital , Artwork

Good travel tripods are hard to come by. Great ones are made from the likes of this Benro model. This carbon fiber tripod is very lightweight, folds down to a compact and easy-to-carry bundle, and opens quickly when I need to set up a shot. My Benro tripod comes with me whenever I travel or do an outdoors photoshoot. It adds almost no weight to my backpack, and never gets in the way of a great photo.

Where precision meets portability, the Benro Slim TSL08CN00 stands out as a top-tier choice for photographers and videographers alike. This lightweight carbon fiber tripod kit is engineered with a sleek, slim profile shoulder design, enabling the four-section legs to collapse into a more compact form for effortless transportation and storage. With its robust 8.8 lb weight capacity, this tripod is perfectly suited for supporting a wide range of equipment, from mirrorless cameras to compact DSLRs, without compromising stability. Crafted for durability and ease of use, the Benro Slim's tripod legs are equipped with anodized aluminum twist locks that are designed for rapid deployment, requiring only a swift half-turn to secure. The innovative grooved center column is a testament to the tripod's thoughtful design, eliminating unwanted twisting and offering the option to invert for low-angle photography, expanding creative possibilities. For those shooting in challenging environments, the tripod's stability is further enhanced by a convenient weight hook located beneath the center column, providing an anchor point in breezy conditions. The tripod's steadfast rubber feet ensure a solid grip on a variety of surfaces, maintaining the equipment's poise in any setting. The lightweight magnesium shoulder of the tripod is not only strong but also versatile, featuring three selectable leg angles for optimal positioning. Each leg can be adjusted independently, allowing for stable setup on uneven terrain. The inclusion of bubble levels on both the tripod shoulder and the quick-release clamp ensures that your shots are perfectly aligned with the horizon every time. The Benro Slim is topped with a removable single-action ball head, which boasts an oversized ratchet-style lock knob for intuitive adjustment and a panoramic scale for capturing sweeping landscapes or executing precise image composition. The ball head's functionality is further enhanced by a blue anodized aluminum Arca-Swiss style quick-release plate, complete with a D-ring 1/4"-20 camera screw, facilitating a swift and secure camera attachment process. In summary, the Benro Slim 4-Section Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head is a high-quality, sturdy, and versatile tool that is essential for photographers and videographers who demand both durability and lightweight design for their on-the-go shooting requirements.

Benro TSL08CN00 Features

Benro tsl08cn00 specifications, benro tsl08cn00 reviews.

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Benro FSL09CN00 Slim Travel Kit Carbon Fiber Tripod

Benro fsl09an00 slim travel kit aluminum tripod.

Benro PU50 37X50mm Arca-Swiss Style Quick Release Plate

Description

The Benro SLIM Series has been expanded and now includes two new models that are the perfect travel tripod. Each has 5 sections and the reverse folding design reduces the folded size to only 12.9" (33cm). But don’t let its small size fool you, these tripods open to an impressive 57.1" (145cm) making them a practical solution for photographers who need to travel light but still need to travel with a tripod.

There are two models of the SLIM Travel offering either Aluminum or Carbon Fiber construction. Aluminum gives strength but Carbon Fiber remains the ultimate material for lightness and stability.

The SLIM Travel tripod legs are fitted with anodized aluminum twist locks that only require a quick half turn to lock and unlock. A grooved center column prevents twisting when in use and can be reversed for low to the ground shots. Benro SLIM Travel features a lightweight shoulder, which has 3 leg positions and each leg can be positioned individually for uneven terrain. A weight hook is located underneath the center column for windy conditions and the rubber feet on the tripod are fixed. Staying level is made easy with a bubble level on the quick release clamp.

Both versions of the SLIM Travel series use the compact N00 head. This removable aluminum ball head has an oversized ratchet style single locking control knob for easy operation and a panoramic scale. The ball head includes a blue anodized aluminum Arca-Swiss style quick release plate with a D-ring 1/4"-20 thread. A compact carry case is included.

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Slim Tripod Kit - Carbon Fiber

SKU: TSL08CN00 | FREE U.S. shipping on all orders over $100!

• Slim Profile Shoulder - Allows for the tripod legs to be more compact when folded.
• Anodized Aluminum Twist Locks - Only require a quick half turn to lock and unlock.
• Arca-Swiss style Camera Plate - Blue anodized aluminum arca-swiss style quick release plate with a D-ring 1/4"-20 camera screw.
• Lightweight Magnesium Shoulder - Features 3 leg positions and each leg can be positioned individually for uneven terrain.
• Removable Single Action Ballhead - Oversized ratchet style lock knob for easy operation and a panoramic scale.

Item Includes

• Trépied en fibre de carbone
• N00 Tête rotule
• Plateau pour Boitier PU30
• sac pour trépied

Specifications

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Benro Slim Tripod Kit - Carbon Fiber

SKU: TSL08CN00 | FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER £100. UK MAINLAND ONLY

DELIVERY TO UK and EFTA COUNTRIES: the estimated delivery date is 15 June 2024. DELIVERY TO EU COUNTRIES: the item is in stock. The estimated delivery date is 27 May 2024.

• Slim Profile Shoulder - Allows for the tripod legs to be more compact when folded.
• Anodized Aluminum Twist Locks - Only require a quick half turn to lock and unlock.
• Arca-Swiss style Camera Plate - Blue anodized aluminum arca-swiss style quick release plate with a D-ring 1/4" camera screw.
• Lightweight Magnesium Shoulder - Features 3 leg positions and each leg can be positioned individually for uneven terrain.
• Removable Single Action Ballhead - Oversized ratchet style lock knob for easy operation and a panoramic scale.

Item Includes

• Carbon Fiber Tripod
• N00 Ballhead
• PU30 camera plate

Specifications

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Benro Slim Tripod Kit - Aluminum

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Hands on: Peak Design Travel Tripod review

Could this be the best travel tripod going.

Early Verdict

If you're looking for a quality set of legs that packs away neatly, Peak Design might have come up with the perfect option.

Clever design

Packs away neatly

Quality construction

Quick to use

Decent height for a travel tripod

No spiked feet (but can be purchased separately for $25)

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is quite a big departure for a company known for its quality camera bags, straps and clever clips. 

You might think another travel tripod is nothing to get too excited about, but Peak Design has done things a little differently with its first ever tripod, travel or otherwise. 

Ripping up the rulebook, the engineers at Peak Design have spent the last four years designing and refining its tripod, with the company taking a step back to look at how it could eliminate the dead space that even the most cleverly designed travel tripods have an issue with. 

Peak Design's solution is a much more compact offering than most traditional travel tripods – in some cases, taking up half the volume when stowed. So could this be the ultimate travel tripod? 

• Carbon fiber and aluminum versions available
• Max working height of 152.4cm
• Max load of 9.1kg

Before we get onto the design, let's look at the basics. The Peak Design Travel Tripod will be available in both carbon fiber and aluminum variants, weighing in at 1.27kg and 1.56kg respectively.

Both tripods will support a maximum load of 9.1kg, which means you'll be able to realistically mount a full-frame DSLR and decent bit of glass on it should you wish. 

The legs are a five-section design, with cam levers to lock and release the sections, while the Travel Tripod sports a neat, built-in ball head which features a single adjustment ring to control a wide range of articulation that incorporates three portrait-mode cutouts instead of one. 

You can attach your camera quickly thanks to the inclusion of Peak Design's Standard Plate quick-release mechanism (which is Arca Swiss compatible), while should you want to shoot footage with your smartphone there's a neat little universal mobile mount hidden in the center column that snaps onto the quick release mount. 

The center column is reversible, so it's possible to position your camera low to the ground, while the tripod has a maximum working height of 152.4cm.

• Folds down to 7.9 x 39.4cm
• Can be stowed inside pockets of camera bags
• Streamlined cam levers

This is where the Travel Tripod from Peak Design gets really clever. The company's designers have worked hard to try and avoid any wasted space when the tripod is folded away, and we have to say we're very impressed with the result.

Thanks to the six-sided shape of the legs and thin center column, the Travel Tripod packs down to a very neat 39.4cm (that's including the ball head). What's more, the diameter is only 8.3cm, meaning it will happily sit in most camera bag pockets that are designed to hold a bottle of water, and it goes without saying that it will easily stow away in a suitcase – it really is a well thought-out and clever design. 

The Travel Tripod can set up easily and quickly, thanks to the fact that the legs don't invert when folded away, and the easy to use cam lever leg locks. 

Performance

• Nice and stable under a decent load
• No spiked feet
• Ball head works nicely

The Travel Tripod is impressively stable, even when fully extended (without the center column raised). Push down with plenty of pressure and there's a bit of flex, but in the real world, and with your camera attached, this is a stable set of legs. Even with the thin center column extended it still feels nice and rigid. The absence of spiked feet may be a disappointment for some photographers, but the wide rubber feet give a decent amount of grip. If spiked feet are a deal breaker, these can be purchased separately for $25.

The ball head also performs well, with smooth articulation, while it's handy to have the three portrait modes. The adjustment ring works nicely too, making it quick and easy to lock the ball head in position.  

At the moment, the Travel Tripod is a Kickstarter campaign , with prospective purchasers able to select either the carbon fiber or aluminum alloy leg constructions. The carbon fiber option carries an RRP of $599 (about £470 / AU$1,095), while the aluminum alloy option is a more affordable $349 (about £275 / AU$500). 

Those willing to pledge money towards the campaign can currently grab themselves a discount on either model, at approximately $289 / £225/ AU$420 for the aluminum model and around $479 / £375 / AU$695 for the carbon fiber version.

Peak Design has already smashed its crowdfunding target, so it looks like it will easily hit its target of shipping the first full-production models by the end of the year. 

We'd recommend reading up on the Kickstarter process before pledging any money, but if you're looking for a quality set of legs that pack away neatly, Peak Design might have just come up with the perfect travel tripod.

• Best travel tripod
• Best tripod
• Best camera accessories

Phil Hall is an experienced writer and editor having worked on some of the largest photography magazines in the UK, and now edit the photography channel of TechRadar, the UK's biggest tech website and one of the largest in the world. He has also worked on numerous commercial projects, including working with manufacturers like Nikon and Fujifilm on bespoke printed and online camera guides, as well as writing technique blogs and copy for the John Lewis Technology guide.

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Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. For more information, see TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee .

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Peak Design Travel Tripod (Aluminum) review

Peak design's unconventional design has resulted in a very compact yet strong and stable travel tripod.

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is a tripod you won't mind carrying just in case you need it. It takes a little while to get used to the unconventional head design, but overall it works well, and it's capable of holding a heavy load still in a breeze. We love the carbon fibre version, but the aluminum one is only a little heavier and saves a heap of money.

Extremely compact

Stable for its size and weight

Fast to deploy

Centre column must be raised to allow head movement

Supplied tool is easily lost

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Peak Design make two versions of the Travel Tripod, one made from carbon fibre (£599/$649.95) and the other, reviewed here, from aluminum. Aside from the pattern of the carbon fibre weave, the two tripods look identical and have the same maximum and minimum heights, but at 1.56kg, the aluminum version is 290g heavier than the carbon fibre version (see our separate review of the Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber ).

The Travel Tripod has 5-section legs that enable it to pack down to 39.1cm, but its narrow diameter of less than 8cm is what really impresses. Rather than round, the leg tubes are shaped to fit closely together around the centre column to reduce the packed diameter. 

With the legs fully extended and the centre column at its longest point, the tripod is 152.4cm high. Dropping the centre column but keeping the legs at full length gives a height of 130.2cm. At the other end of the scale, the main section of the centre column can be removed to reduce the height to 14cm, or the column can be reversed for super-low shooting.

Peak Design has used a very unusual design for the tripod's head as the ball is visible at the top of the centre column beneath the pivoting top section with the release plate clamp. When the tripod is collapsed fully, the ball is surrounded by the top of the legs and the three struts that mount the clamp onto it slot neatly between the legs. This means that the centre column must be extended a little before the head can be moved.

Peak design supplies the tripod with a dual hex key tool and a stretchy bag. Also, if you remove the hook at the bottom of the centre column, you'll find a phone holder that can take the place of the Arca-Swiss quick release plate in the clamp.

Specifications

Material : Aluminum 

Folded length : 39.1cm

Maximum height: 152.4cm

No. leg sections: 5

Weight: 1.56Kg

Maximum load: 9.1Kg

Build and handling

Because of the unusual shape of the legs and the novel head design, the Peak Design Travel Tripod looks quite different from other tripods, but it feels great, and the aluminum legs are robust.

The legs have clip locks, and it's easy to flip open all four locks on a leg with one movement. This, plus the fact that the legs don't flip over the head and centre column for storage, means the tripod can be ready for use in a matter of seconds. 

The centre column is locked and unlocked using the small knob between the tops of two of the legs. Once the column has been extended a little, the tripod head can be angled for shooting. A knurled ring above the head ball locks and unlocks the head's movement, and just above it there's a lock for the quick release plate. 

Peak Design has used the same Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate as it uses for its clips. This requires a hex key to mount it on a camera, and the supplied tool comes in handy. However, this tool slips quite easily out of its plastic holder on one of the legs, especially if the tripod is inverted for any reason.

Many backpacks have a side pocket for carrying a water bottle, and the Peak Design Travel Tripod slips neatly in. Alternatively, there are mounting points on the tripod and its bag for Peak Design's Anchor Loops for attaching one of the company's straps. 

Performance

Peak Design spent four years developing the Travel tripod, and it was clearly time very well spent because it's an excellent tripod. It can bear a maximum payload of 9.1Kg, and I've captured sharp long-exposure images using it to support a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. It's even delivered sharp long-exposure results with a medium format camera.

The only weak point I've encountered is the quick release plate mount on the camera. If the camera is in landscape orientation, it's fine, but if the camera or lens is very heavy and you're shooting in portrait orientation, it's hard to tighten the plate on sufficiently to avoid it slipping. 

In terms of performance, it's difficult to discern a difference between the aluminum and carbon fibre versions of the tripod. However, even when the tripod is added to a backpack full of camera gear, it is possible to tell the difference in weight between the two models.

With around $270 difference in price between the carbon fiber and aluminum versions of the Peak Design Travel tripod, the aluminum tripod makes a desirable alternative to its more expensive sibling. The difference in weight, 290g, is noticeable, but it's only about the same as a bottle of water. If you're going to walk long distances, then the carbon fiber version may be more attractive, but many photographers will be happy to accept the extra weight for the cost-saving.

Whichever model you opt for, the Peak design Travel Tripod is an impressively well-designed and well-made tripod. It's small and light enough to be taken on most photographic expeditions, and it's ready for use in seconds.

• The best tripod
• The best travel tripod
• The best video tripod
• The best travel camera
• The best monopod
• The best camera bag for travel

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Angela has been testing camera gear from all the major manufacturers since January 2004 and has been Amateur Photographer’s Technical Editor and Head of Testing for Future Publishing’s photography portfolio ( Digital Camera Magazine ,  PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine ,  N-Photo ,  Practical Photoshop ,  Photography Week and Professional Photography magazines, as well as the Digital Camera World and TechRadar websites). She is the founder of SheClicks - a community group that encourages and supports female photographers.

10 Of The Most Popular Camera Tripods, Ranked By Portability

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You may have a steady hand, but some shots require the stability afforded by a good tripod, which makes them an essential camera accessory . Camera tripods come in a variety of designs and flavors, from behemoths for use in fixed locations to sleek designs portable enough to tote while hiking to stunning landscapes.

However, the definition of portable can vary in the eye of the beholder. It can connote a lightweight piece of equipment, a compact size -- or both. Which of these metrics matters most depends on how you plan to use the tripod and how much tripod you feel comfortable carrying around. If weight is paramount, you're likely going to focus on carbon fiber models, although those models carry a price premium. If you can tolerate a slightly heavier design, aluminum tripods can be a good price alternative. Other points to consider when buying a tripod include the load capacity, minimum and maximum height, whether it includes a ball head, and its locking mechanisms.

We took all of these perspectives into account when considering this list. When considering portability, we focused on tripods that could hold more than 15 pounds of gear and weighed less than 3.5 pounds -- although we did find a few interesting travel tripods that held less than 9 pounds of gear or weighed closer to 4 pounds. At the end of the day, your choice comes down to personal design preferences and your budget. Read on for our picks of the 10 most popular camera tripods, ranked by portability.

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

SmallRig AP-10

The SmallRig AP-10 is a carbon fiber tripod with the longest folded length of any on our list -- 21.1 inches. That folded length may make this awkward to add to your backpack, even if you're attaching it to the outside of your bag. Yes, it does come with a shoulder bag, but for some, the folded length might be a drawback. That said, this is also one of the lightest tripods around that can hold a range of gear, as it weighs just 2.6 pounds yet can hold up to 26.5 pounds. In addition, the maximum height is 52.4 inches. 

The tripod includes a ball head with pan and friction knobs, 360-degree panning, and a 90-degree tilt. The head also supports Arca-Swiss quick-release plates. The tripod lacks a center column, but you can attach the ball head to the one removable leg to convert this into a monopod. You can buy the SmallRig AP-10 tripod for $139 at B&H Photo . 

3 Legged Thing Legends Bucky

The 3 Legged Thing Legends Bucky is a carbon fiber travel tripod that extends extra high and gets extra low. Its load capacity is up to 66 pounds, with a maximum height of 71 inches, which is terrific whether you're the tallest person in the room or if you want to shoot from on high using a remote. The minimum height is 4.3 inches using the standard legs, which is one of the lowest specs we've seen for a convertible standard tripod to table-top tripod. It also converts into a table-top tripod if you add the $70 Vanz dual ball and spike legs.

Bucky's folded length is 16.1 inches, which is large enough to struggle with being inside a backpack but compact enough to travel -- the kit includes a padded carry bag with a shoulder strap and handles. The hallmark of British manufacturer 3 Legged Thing's approach to tripods is modularity, and this model is no exception. The legs and column are removable, which is how this tripod converts into a monopod or tabletop tripod. 

The base model comes with a flat mount, but 3 Legged Thing sells a version with its AirHead Vu ball head for $100 more. The five-section legs have leg locks with a unique squared-off design that makes it simpler to lock into place, even if you have gloves on. At 3.4 pounds, this model is a bit heavier than our most portable models, but this tripod makes the cut for its unique design and capabilities.

The 3 Legged Thing Bucky is $430 at B&H Photo  and 3 Legged Thing . Add the company's AirHead Vu ball head and pay $530 at 3 Legged Things .

Benro Induro Hydra 2

The Benro Induro Hydra 2 is, as its name implies, a waterproof tripod that's primed to go on all your outdoor adventures, regardless of how harsh the terrain -- or the weather. Benro specifically calls out how this model has waterproof and dust-resistant twist locks on the tripod's carbon fiber legs, which boosts both the endurance and durability of the tripod. The locks are larger than most and easy to turn, even with gloves on.

The tripod has five sections, with a maximum height of 60 inches and a minimum height of 13.2. Its legs fold upwards, but even with five sections, the Induro Hydra 2 remains a bit bulky. It's portable, but when folded it measures 16.7 inches, which means it's too big for a typical backpack. Benro supplies a padded carry case with both handles and a shoulder strap, but this won't be something you pop into your bag. That said, its weight is a reasonable 3.3 pounds, making it a good companion that straps to the side of your backpack.

The Hydra has a center column and includes a built-in bubble level. It also has a ballast hook should you want to add weight or hook a bag to it. Speaking of weight, the Hydra is one of the sturdiest portable tripods we found -- it supports up to 37.5 pounds. Built into the tripod is a hidden hex wrench, so you can make adjustments to leg tension and more on the fly. This tripod is sold for legs only and does not come with a ball head. The Benro Induro Hydra 2 costs $475 at B&H Photo . 

Zomei Z669C

The Zomei Z669C delivers a versatile tripod that won't break the bank. This carbon fiber model weighs 3.2 pounds and measures 14 inches when folded. That translates to a highly portable package that can fit inside many backpack designs. Yet, it still feels sturdy and is capable of supporting up to 33 pounds of gear. Its maximum height is 59.4 inches, and its minimum height is 20.8 inches. With five sections and padded twist locks, it's easy to set this up on the fly. The rubber feet adjust so you can add spikes for added stability on some terrain.

The tripod has a removable center column that you can attach to one of the legs to convert it into a monopod. Alternatively, you can invert the central column to mix up the angle and shoot from low down from between the tripod's legs for added creativity. It comes with a ball head that's compatible with Arca-Swiss plates for quick removal.  

You can buy the Zomei Z669C for $120 at Amazon . Zomei makes the same tripod in aluminum. That version is a little heavier, at 3.6 pounds –- but that weight comes at a savings of $45, bringing the total price of this tripod down to just $75 at Amazon , which makes this a great tripod for beginners looking to find accessories a new camera . 

Manfrotto Element MII

At 3 pounds and a folded length of 16.9 inches, the Manfrotto Element MII is portable enough to bring with you, even if it might be a tight fit inside a backpack. It has three-section adjustable-angle carbon fiber legs with an aluminum Manfrotto ball head capable of smooth adjustments along a single axis, with a pan lock and friction control knob, too. The head is not sold separately, but it supports Manfrotto and some Arca-Swiss quick-release plates.

This tripod supports up to 17.6 pounds of gear. Its extensible center column lets the tripod stand an impressive 63 inches tall, with a modest minimum height of 16.9 inches, which is the same as its folded length. This model is a good choice for content creators using a mobile phone since it also comes with a universal smartphone clamp for phones up to 3.2 inches in width and a Bluetooth remote control. You can find the Manfrotto Element MII at B&H Photo for $188.

Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fiber Series 1

The Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fiber Series 1 tripod is one of the most versatile tripods we've seen for the price. It includes a Benro Q-series ball head and a convertible center column design that lets you turn it into a monopod as well. This tripod weighs 3 pounds, and it folds up to 15.1 inches, making it a fairly compact and portable package to take with you. The carbon fiber legs have five sections, with metal twist locks. Each leg is independently adjustable.

The tripod's maximum load capacity is 17.6 pounds, which is enough for most body and lens combinations. Its maximum height is 61.8 inches, and its minimum height is 15.6 inches, just a bit more than the tripod's folded height. The center column comes off easily, and a removable padded leg lets you turn this tripod into a monopod. You can also invert the center column to get low-angle shots, and there is a set of small legs hidden inside the center column that works with the ball head to turn this tripod into a table-top tripod. The ball head itself includes an Arca-Swiss compatible QR plate and a separate plate that includes a convertible phone holder.

You can find the Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fiber Series 1 for $199 at B&H Photo .

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Our second Manfrotto tripod to make the cut is the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod, which includes Manfrotto's 494 ball head with pan and friction knobs and a separate panoramic knob. The head supports the Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss quick-release plate mounts, so you have flexibility on what accessories to use. It has a load capacity of 19.8 pounds, with a maximum height of 59.1 inches and a minimum height of 16.1 inches, which is the same as its folded length.

The carbon fiber legs have four sections and use Manfrotto's M-Lock design for twist leg locks. The legs have three angles you can adjust independently. The tripod also has Manfrotto's Easy Link design–seen on other, pro-grade models–for attaching lights or reflectors to the Befree.

Buy the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod for $374 at Amazon or $390 at B&H Photo .

Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

The Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod mixes an elegant space-saving design with functionality. The Peak Design tripod weighs 2.8 pounds and folds up to 15.5 inches, making it a reasonably compact package. Even better, It folds up tighter than most with its angled leg design that lets the legs get closer when folded. The tripod can hold up to 20 pounds of gear. It has a maximum height of 60 inches, and a minimum height of 5.5 inches, so you can get low down for creative angles. You can also invert the center column for low-angle shots.

The carbon fiber legs have five sections with flip locks. The ball head's minimalist design eschews the usual knobs and protrusions on ball heads for a single adjustment and locking ring. The ball head includes a Peak Design mounting plate, but it's also compatible with Arca-Swiss style plates, and it includes a mobile mount inside the center column. The center column itself has a weight hook. The tripod has mounts for a shoulder strap, too, although these are sold separately.

Buy the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod for $600 at B&H Photo  or Amazon . You can also find the aluminum version -- which weighs more but costs less -- for $380 at B&H Photo .

Sirui ET-1204

The Sirui ET-1204 carbon fiber tripod weighs 2.4 pounds and has a load capacity of 17.6 pounds, plenty for most camera and lens configurations. If you anticipate needing a higher load capacity, it's worth noting the similarly designed, slightly more expensive–and slightly less portable–ET-2204 supports up to 26.5 pounds to accommodate bigger lenses , although it's also half a pound heavier.

This model is one of the few we found that includes both standard and short center columns. The inclusion of both makes it easy to use one tripod in a variety of different scenarios and environments. The short column lets this tripod go down as low as 5.1 inches. Keep in mind, however, that when it does so the legs splay out, which means the ET-1204 requires a larger footprint than a dedicated tabletop tripod. It can also stand up to 55.1 inches tall.

The tripod's legs fold up in reverse to 16.5 inches, which is a little large for most backpacks. The tripod's legs have four sections, each independently adjustable using an unusually wide flip lock. Two legs have padding, too. The rubber feet also integrate metal spikes for further stability.

You can buy the Sirui ET-1204 for $200 at B&H Photo . If you like this tripod's design and are willing to trade weight for money, Sirui has an aluminum version that weighs half a pound more but saves you $60 on B&H Photo , where it retails for $140. Finally, the higher capacity Sirui ET-2204 sells for $250 at B&H Photo .

Gitzo GIGT1555T Traveler Series 1

The old adage that you get what you pay for comes to mind with regard to the Gitzo GIGT155T Traveler Series 1 tripod. This legs-only model is one of the most expensive on our list, but it is also the lightest and most compact. It weighs just 2.3 pounds and folds to 14 inches, making it easy to tote around all day long on your adventures. The tripod uses Gitzo's reinforced Carbon eXact Tube design which contributes to its sturdy feel, even if you max out its 22-pound load capacity. The legs use a twist-lock designed by Gitzo to be both ergonomic and quick to set in place.

The legs have five sections that fold up in reverse and the maximum height is 54.3 inches. With the invertible short center column, you can get creative low angles down to 7.9 inches. It has convenient built-in hooks for a shoulder strap, so you can throw the tripod over your shoulder if you prefer. If you've got the cash, you can buy the Gitzo GIGT155T Traveler Series 1 tripod for $550 at B&H Photo . 

Read the original article on SlashGear .

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