Toby's Tripod Buying Guide - Spring 2025
/Short and Sweet Tripod Recommendations (Complete Guide Below)
Smallest and Lightest
Oben CQL-13 (Best value tiny travel option)
Weight: 1.5 lbs | Max Height: 51.1” | Folded Length: 14.5”
B&H Photo – $149
Tallest and Sturdiest
FLM CP30-L4 II (Tall Legs - almost 70 inches)
Weight: 3.1 lbs | Max Height: 68.3” | Folded Length: 23”
B&H – $506 Pair with Leofoto LH-25 Head Amazon - $55
Total weight under 3.5lbs and it will be taller than you!
Tripod Basics
Head Type – Ball Head – these are the most common and the most versatile. All of the recommended tripods below are ball heads. If shooting video AND you need to pan during the shoot, consider a fluid head tripod. Consider a geared head if you want incredibly precise movements but are willing to pay $$$ and you don’t mind a slower setup.
Plate Type – The two common types are Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto. Arca-Swiss is more universal—if you forget your plate while traveling, you're more likely to find a compatible spare. Spare Arca Swiss Plates – Consider an L-Bracket for easier vertical photography. I love my L-Bracket from Kirk. Really Right Stuff makes excellent camera-specific versions. Sunway Foto has affordable generic ones. If you buy a tripod without a center column, an L-Bracket becomes essential. Even if you do have a center column, it’s still a great upgrade. Learn why L-Brackets are Awesome.
Leg Lock Type – Twist locks vs. flip-locks. I prefer twist locks for their packability and comfort. Just be cautious not to overtwist. Flip locks are more tactile, but can be fiddly and may need occasional tightening.
Center Column – Center columns offer easy last-minute height adjustments, but they’re less stable. Some models below don’t include one for weight and stability savings. If your tripod lacks a center column, an L-Bracket becomes even more important for vertical shots. Specs often list max height with the column extended—take that with a grain of salt.
Budget – Many under-$200 tripods sacrifice stability and longevity. The tripods I recommend below are all travel-friendly, lightweight, and reliable enough to last for years—saving you more money in the long run.
Tripod Recommendations – Updated May 2025
Travel Friendly / Budget Friendly Options
Oben CQL-13
Weight: 1.5 lbs | Max Height: 51.1” | Folded Length: 14.5”
Lightest and most compact tripod I recommend. Supports up to 13 lbs—great for mirrorless and DSLRs.
B&H – $149
MeFOTO RoadTrip Aluminum
Weight: 3.6 lbs | Max Height: 61” (47” w/o center column) | Folded Length: 15.6”
Reliable and rugged. I’ve used these for over a decade. A bit heavier, but great value.
B&H – $179
Leofoto LX-224CT + LH-30 Ball Head
Weight: 2.47 lbs | Max Height: 43” (51” w/ center column) | Folded Length: 14.5”
Great compact setup with a reversible center column. LX-254CT gives more height.
B&H – $260 | Amazon – $260
High-End Option
Gitzo GT2545T Series 1 + Ball Head
Weight: 3.2 lbs | Max Height: 64” | Folded Length: 16.7”
Legendary Gitzo quality. Premium price, but the smoothest, most reliable tripod in the field.
B&H – $589
Build Your Own: Legs + Head
FLM CP30-S4 II
Weight: 2.4 lbs | Max Height: 53” | Folded Length: 18.9”
Well-balanced for weight, stability, and pack size.
B&H – $459
FLM CP30-L4 II
Weight: 3.1 lbs | Max Height: 68.3” | Folded Length: 23”
Same sturdy build, just taller. Best for people who want headroom—literally.
B&H – $506
Ball Head Options
Really Right Stuff BH-40
Load: 18 lbs | Weight: ~1 lb
Exceptional control. High-end quality.
B&H – $485
Leofoto LH-40 Low Profile
Load: 44 lbs | Weight: 1.1 lbs
Great performance for the price.
B&H – $179 | Amazon – $170
Leofoto LH-25 Mini Head
Load: 13+ lbs | Weight: 0.33 lbs
Super compact and affordable.
Amazon – $55
Tripod Accessories
Glow in the dark tape – Great for finding your tripod legs in the dark and not bumping into them.
Cloth Tape – Wrap around one or two legs for insulation in cold weather. Makes it easier to grip without touching cold carbon or metal.
Pipe Insulation – Inexpensive, from hardware stores. Comfortable for shoulder carry. Secure with electrical tape, and it’s non-permanent.
Tripod Tools - SmallRig Foldable Multi-Tool - Has all the little tool bits you need to properly attach your tripod plate and tighten up a leg or two when your tripod starts to get wobbly. Or keep it simple with this Leofoto MPL Multi-Function tool that has most of what you need when working with plates and tripods and is also a bottle opener!
