Travel tripods with swing-up legs can reduce carrying size, and some designs go further still to keep stowage size to a minimum. Naturally, a greater number of extending sections in each leg enables a decent maximum operating height while minimising the size. As such, most travel tripods have four or even five sections per leg, whereas most general-purpose tripods have only three. The Benro, Kenro and Sirui travel tripods on test also feature dual-section telescopic centre columns, further increasing the difference between maximum operating height and folded size.
The downside is that larger numbers of leg and centre column sections require the operation of more clamps for setting up the tripod and packing it away. When you need to swing the legs up and down as well, you can find that wrestling your tripod into position can be a time-consuming chore.
By contrast, conventional tripods like the Manfrotto 190XPro4 and the Benro Mach3 are comparatively quick and easy to set up, although their folded size is quite large.
Another drawback of greater leg section numbers is that the bottom leg sections can end up being thin and spindly, and more prone to flexing. Each clamp is a potential weak point as well, so a greater number of clamps can also reduce overall rigidity.
Travel tripods tend to be lighter, so less of a burden to carry around. The Benro and Sirui travel tripods on test weigh barely more than a kilogram, although the Kenro Karoo is closer to the weight of a conventional tripod at a little over 2kg.
For larger, conventional tripods, the use of carbon-fibre instead of aluminium tends to reduce the weight by about 20 per cent. Carbon-fibre can also be more resistant to vibrations and less cold to the touch, but it is more prone to shattering if it takes a sharp knock.
Naturally, you’ll need a tripod that is sufficiently sturdy to support the heaviest camera outfit you want to use, so it’s crucial to check the maximum load rating before you buy. With most tripods, you can buy the legs and head separately, and even mix and match between different manufacturers for each. For this test, however, we’ve chosen complete kits that have both legs and head.
What to look out for…
Get the features you need for the way you shoot
SWING-UP LEGS
The five ‘travel tripods’ featured in this test group all feature swing-up legs to reduce stowage size, so the feet surround the head when folded down.
LOW-ANGLE ADAPTER
For ultra-low-level shooting, the Benro Mach3, Kenro and Novo tripods come with a low-angle adapter, which can be used in place of the centre column.
COLUMN PIVOT
The centre columns of the Manfrotto 190 and Kenro tripods have a 90-degree pivot facility. A 180-degree arc of movement is in the Vanguard.
TWIST OR FLIP
Twist-action locking clamps are generally more popular for locking the leg sections. The Manfrotto 190 bucks the trend with equally effective flip locks.
BALL HEAD
Ball heads are more popular for travel tripods as they’re more compact. They’re often preferred for larger tripods as well, as they’re quicker to set up.
GOING SOLO
A common feature in the latest tripod designs is that you can unscrew one leg and attach it to the removable centre column, for use as a monopod.
Benro Mach 3 TMA28A
£213/$260
A very traditional tripod kit
Specifications
Construction material Aluminium
Also available in Carbon-fibre
Weight 2.42kg
Folded height 60cm
Max/min operating height 167/44cm