Carrying heavy gear on trails can turn photography into a workout you didn’t sign up for. That’s why lightweight tripods have become essential for photographers who love exploring the outdoors or hopping between cities. These compact supports keep your camera steady without weighing down your backpack, letting you focus on capturing stunning shots instead of nursing sore shoulders. Whether you’re hiking mountain paths or navigating airport terminals, the right tripod makes all the difference.
1. Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon)
A tripod that folds down to the size of a water bottle and fits snugly in your backpack’s side pocket, Peak Design achieved exactly that with their Travel Tripod, which has become legendary among photographers who count every ounce. The carbon version weighs just 1.27 kilograms but extends to a comfortable 152.4 centimeters, giving you plenty of working height.
What makes this tripod special is its unique cylindrical packdown—legs nest together tightly instead of splaying out. Setup takes seconds thanks to clever twist locks that release all at once. Despite its slim profile, stability surprises most users, handling moderate wind and uneven ground better than you’d expect from something so portable.
2. Ulanzi Zero Y (Carbon)
At 1.1 kilograms, the Zero Y from Ulanzi ranks among the featherweights in this lineup. Photographers who fly frequently or tackle long day hikes appreciate how little space it demands—folding to just 42.3 centimeters means it slips into carry-on bags without fuss. Extended height reaches 156 centimeters, which works well for most shooting situations.
However, this tripod shines brightest on paved roads and gentle trails rather than rocky scrambles. Its lightweight build prioritizes portability over brute strength, so save it for travel photography and city wandering. For photographers who need something ultralight and don’t plan on battling harsh conditions, the Zero Y delivers excellent value and convenience.
3. Ulanzi Zero F38 (Carbon, quick-release)
Quick-release systems can make or break your shooting flow, especially when you’re racing against golden hour light. The Zero F38 builds on Ulanzi’s ultralight design but adds their F38 quick-release ecosystem, which lets you swap cameras and accessories in seconds. Weighing 1.1 kilograms and folding to 42.5 centimeters, it matches its sibling’s portability.
Extended height reaches 159 centimeters, giving you a bit more reach than the Zero Y. This extra height helps when shooting over bushes or crowd situations. The quick-release plate system really pays off if you own multiple F38-compatible accessories—you can move between tripod, gimbal, and slider without fumbling with screws, keeping your creative momentum going strong.
4. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon
Manfrotto has earned trust over decades, and the Befree Advanced Carbon continues that tradition with reliable performance. Weighing 1.25 kilograms and packing down to 41 centimeters, it hits the sweet spot between weight and stability that many photographers seek. Maximum height of 150 centimeters suits most shooting styles comfortably.
Smooth twist leg locks feel solid under your hands and rarely jam with dirt like some cheaper models. One underrated advantage? Manfrotto’s massive retail network means finding replacement parts or getting repairs becomes much easier than with boutique brands. This tripod has accompanied countless travelers through airports, forests, and city streets, proving itself as a dependable workhorse that won’t let you down when moments matter most.
5. Gitzo Traveler Series 1 Kit (GK1545T-82TQD)
Premium craftsmanship comes at a price, and Gitzo makes no apologies for charging top dollar. This kit weighs about 1.45 kilograms complete with head and folds to 42.5 centimeters using a clever reverse-fold design where legs wrap around the collapsed center column. Extended height reaches 164 centimeters, offering generous working room.
What justifies the steep price? Exceptional stiffness that minimizes vibration even with telephoto lenses, plus legendary durability that can outlast several cheaper tripods. Landscape photographers who regularly shoot in challenging conditions—wind, cold, rough terrain—often consider Gitzo their final tripod purchase. The compact fold and rock-solid performance make it ideal for serious trail work where failure isn’t an option.
6. Sirui Traveler 5C (Carbon)
Sometimes you need a tripod that practically disappears in your pack. Sirui’s Traveler 5C weighs an astonishing 0.85 kilograms and folds to just 31.5 centimeters—small enough to fit inside many camera bags. Extended height of 138 centimeters works fine for most situations, though taller photographers might find themselves bending slightly.
This tripod targets minimalists who strip gear down to absolute essentials for day hikes or ultralight travel. Load capacity won’t handle super-telephoto lenses, but for mirrorless cameras and standard zooms, it provides surprising stability. If your photography philosophy emphasizes being there over having every piece of equipment, the Traveler 5C removes excuses about tripods being too bulky to bring along on adventures.
7. Leofoto LS-284C Ranger (legs or kit)
Landscape photographers have quietly made Leofoto one of their favorite brands, and the LS-284C Ranger shows why. Legs alone weigh 1.12 kilograms, and with the popular LH-30 head, you get 139.5 centimeters of working height. Folded length reaches 45 centimeters, slightly longer than some competitors but still very manageable.
The level apex—a built-in bubble level at the tripod’s top—helps you nail horizon lines without constant checking. Build quality impresses even photographers used to premium gear, with smooth leg adjustments and solid lock mechanisms. While not the absolute lightest option here, the Ranger balances portability with the stiffness needed for long exposures in breezy conditions, making it a favorite for serious outdoor work.
8. Vanguard VEO 3GO 235CB (Carbon)
Versatility defines the VEO 3GO 235CB, which transforms from tripod to monopod when one leg detaches. Weighing 1.06 kilograms and folding to an incredibly compact 33 centimeters, it practically vanishes in luggage. Maximum height reaches 136 centimeters as a tripod, perfect for travel situations where adaptability matters more than maximum reach.
Vanguard includes smartphone adapters with some kits, recognizing that modern content creators shoot with multiple devices. This tiny pack size makes it ideal for photographers who create both stills and video for social media or blogs. The monopod conversion adds value for wildlife shooting or situations where a full tripod draws unwanted attention, giving you options without carrying separate gear.
9. Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB (Carbon, articulating column)
Weight jumps to approximately 1.98 kilograms with the VEO 3T+ 234CB, making it heavier than true ultralights. So why include it? The articulating center column that tilts and extends laterally opens creative possibilities other tripods can’t match. Folded length of 46 centimeters and maximum height around 146 centimeters keep it travel-friendly despite the extra mass.
Macro photographers and anyone shooting low-angle compositions will find this feature invaluable in the field. Position your camera parallel to the ground without awkward leg splaying or lying in dirt. The tilting column also helps with product photography and creative angles that standard tripods make difficult. If your style demands flexibility over absolute minimum weight, this Vanguard delivers specialized capability worth the extra grams.
10. 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 (Carbon)
Most travel tripods sacrifice height for portability, but Brian 2.0 refuses that compromise. This carbon model weighs approximately 1.68 kilograms yet extends to an impressive 186 centimeters with head attached—tall enough for standing work without hunching. Folded size ranges from 42 to 44.5 centimeters depending on configuration, remaining reasonably packable.
Taller photographers often struggle with compact tripods that force awkward postures. Brian 2.0 solves that problem while maintaining travel-friendly dimensions. Legs detach for monopod use or flip upside-down for tabletop shooting, adding versatility. The quirky name comes from 3 Legged Thing’s tradition of giving tripods personality—Brian might weigh more than ultralights, but the extra height and multi-use capability justify carrying those additional grams for many users.
11. NEEWER LITETRIP LT32 (Carbon)
Carbon fiber tripods usually command premium prices, but NEEWER challenges that assumption with the LITETRIP LT32. At 1.18 kilograms, 43 centimeters folded, and 157 centimeters extended, specs compete directly with pricier options. The difference shows up in your wallet—this tripod costs significantly less than most carbon competitors.
Budget-conscious photographers or those new to lightweight tripods will appreciate the accessible entry point. Build quality won’t match Gitzo’s heirloom durability, but for occasional travel use or photographers building their first serious kit, it delivers solid performance. The LT32 proves you don’t need to drain savings for carbon fiber benefits, making lightweight support available to more photographers who want to explore without heavy gear holding them back on trails.
12. Manfrotto Element MII (Carbon)
Manfrotto’s Element line targets photographers stepping up from basic tripods without jumping to professional prices. The MII carbon version weighs 1.35 kilograms, folds to 42.5 centimeters, and reaches approximately 160 centimeters extended. These numbers place it comfortably in travel-tripod territory while maintaining Manfrotto’s reputation for reliability.
Entry-level doesn’t mean cheap construction—Manfrotto applies decades of engineering experience even to affordable models. Twist locks operate smoothly, and the included ball head handles most camera combinations capably. For photographers who want a recognized brand backing their purchase and don’t need the absolute lightest option, the Element MII offers reassuring quality at a price that won’t require months of saving, making it a practical choice for growing photographers.
