INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Whether it's a weekend city break or a longer trip away, if you're taking your camera, then a tripod is an essential item of kit to take
Without one, you won't be able to capture those striking early morning or low-light images, where a solid support is essential.Standard size
tripods are fine if you haven't got to walk far or are prepared to lug it around, but they're cumbersome when you're away from home, which
is where travel tripods come in.Smaller in size, they're much easier to carry around (and to fit in your suitcase), but still stable enough
to shoot long exposures with
There are a host of aluminium construction tripods available, but we've opted to look at the carbon fibre options here - they cost more, but
they're lighter than aluminium alternatives.A tripod's no good without a head to set the camera on, and we've picked models that feature
ball heads, offering quick adjustment as well as benefiting from small proportions to ensure they take up the least amount of space when
you're traveling with them.What to look for in a travel tripodChoosing a tripod isn't just about selecting the smallest and lightest model
Indeed, picking the lightest legs isn't always the best plan
Marginally heavier alternatives won't be a noticeable burden, but they can provide much more rigidity and versatility
All of these tripods use a carbon fiber construction to save weight, but this ups the price
Some models also have aluminium counterparts
Each includes a compact ball head, but check carefully: a ball that's too small for a larger DSLR will become a precarious balancing
act.Best travel tripods in 20181
MeFoto GlobeTrotter Carbon C2350Q2TSlick looking, well-made travel tripodMaximum load: 12kg | Maximum height: 163cm | Minimum height: 41cm |
Folded length: 42cm | Number of leg sections: 5 | Weight: 1.68kgLarge load capacityFirst class finishLimited leg lock anglesBall head could
be betterFancy travelling in style The GlobeTrotter will help you stand out: it's available in red, green and blue finishes, as well as
A 12kg capacity is enough to stand strong under all but the heaviest DSLR setup, yet the tripod tips the scales at just 1.68kg
The GlobeTrotter's measurements are just as well-balanced, with its 163cm reach retracting to a modest 42cm
Spiked feet and a capable ball head with adjustable friction enhance versatility
Vanguard VEO 265CBStable and versatile, its also great value Maximum load: 8kg | Maximum height: 150cm | Minimum height: 15cm | Folded
length: 39cm | Number of leg sections: 5 | Weight: 1.5kgGood low shooting angleLight weightNo monopod conversionNo centre column hookThe VEO
seems average on paper - its 1.5m extended height, 39cm closed length and 1.5kg weight are nothing special, but this balanced approach keeps
things portable yet versatile
The five-section carbon legs are mated to rock-solid extension clamps and rubber feet with integrated spikes
The included ball head is just as capable, holding steady under a large DSLR with a 70-200mm zoom attached
Unlike most tripods here that are set up by flipping the legs down from the head, the Veo only needs you to swing the centre column up
It's a speedy system, although once clamped upright, there's slight play in the ball joint.3
Gitzo Traveler Series 0 GK0545T-82TQDPremium option with excellent strength, but comes at a price Maximum load: 10kg | Maximum height: 133cm
| Minimum height: 15cm | Folded length: 30.5cm | Number of leg sections: 4 | Weight: 1.29kgSuperb finishIncredibly compactExpensiveMaximum
height limitedDespite the legs only extending to 133cm, this pays off when you're on the go, as the 36.5cm closed length is the shortest
here, and at 1.29kg only the Befree is lighter
Gitzo's four-section Carbon eXact leg tubes manage to defy their slim diameter and stay amazingly stiff, making the 10kg payload rating
The quality and precision of the other components is just as uncompromising
The bundled ball head features separate pan locking, and its 32mm ball diameter is just about large enough to support a full-frame DSLR.4
Benro Travel Angel FTA28CV1Bulky for a travel tripod, but turns into a handy monopod Maximum load: 10kg | Maximum height: 170cm | Minimum
height: 47.5cm | Folded length: 47.5cm | Number of leg sections: 4 | Weight: 1.81kgGreat maximum heightDecent payload of 10kgHeavyNot very
compactAt 1.81kg, not even carbon fibre can stop this lining up alongside the FLM as the heaviest platform here, while the 47.5cm packed
length also makes these the longest legs on test
But on the upside, the Travel Angel will raise your SLR higher than the competition, with the four-section legs and centre column extending
The nine-layer carbon construction results in a 10kg payload rating, and grippy twist-lock leg clamps, a sturdy ball head and a set of
spiked feet are great to have
The Travel Angel's stand-out feature is a removable leg that screws to the centre column to form a monopod.5
Manfrotto BefreeLight and compact, but comes at the expense of stability Maximum load: 4kg | Maximum height: 142cm | Minimum height: 34cm |
Folded length: 40cm | Number of leg sections: 4 | Weight: 1.1kgLightweightCompactLimited payloadLeg angle selectors fiddlyThe Befree weighs
a scarcely believable 1.1kg
Its 40cm packed length is almost as impressive, but the ageing design doesn't cut it so well for shooting
Even carbon fibre isn't enough to stop the legs from significant flexing, and that's reflected by a modest 4kg payload rating
Manfrotto's leg angle selectors are also fiddly
The ball head's crash diet means you only get one clamp to adjust the ball and pan base simultaneously, and the tiny ball will struggle to
effectively support anything bulkier than a medium DSLR with kit lens
The BeFree revolutionised travel tripods, but now this set of legs could do with some crutches.RcBHntnGHFgsNL4rjcY9uk.jpg#
