Features to look for…

Size is not the only criterion in a travel tripod – there are other features to look for

Leg sections

Most travel tripods in this group have four-section legs, whereas the Giottos Vitruvian and MeFOTO Road Trip have five, and the Velbon Ultrek has six.

Section clamps

Twist-action locks are more compact for travel tripods, and are featured on all of the models in this group apart from the Manfrotto and Slik, which have clip locks.

Feet up

For reduced stowage size, all tripods on test apart from the Benro Flat Traveller 2 and the Slik Pro feature legs which flip up vertically, so the feet encompass the head.

Clever heads

To save space as well as to avoid operating arms jutting out, ball heads are more popular than three-way heads, and are featured on all but the Slik Pro.

Inverting centre column

For ultra-low level shooting, you can usually remove and invert the centre column. This isn’t possible with the Benro Flat Traveller 2 and the Velbon Ultrek.

Detachable monopod leg

You can sometimes remove one leg and use it with the centre column as a monopod. This is featured in the both Benro tripods, the MeFOTO RoadTrip and the Nest Traveller.