The 4 BEST LIGHTWEIGHT Travel Tripods of 2023

Рет қаралды 99,001

Күн бұрын

A review of 4 of the best lightweight travel tripods. These somewhat budget tripods range from $370-$117 and they can support up to full-frame cameras. They are compact and lightweight for travel.
🔥 PRODUCTS MENTIONED
My Main Camera Bag - geni.us/aUUKdqr
🤩 ULANZI DISCOUNT - Use code "Gemini" for a 10% discount on the Ulanzi Website!
Ulanzi & Coman Carbon Fiber Tripod - bit.ly/ulanzi-coman
NEW Ulanzi F38 Quick Release Tripod - bit.ly/3sWvj2x
Peak Design Tripod - Aluminum - geni.us/DUe6z
Peak Design Tripod - Carbon Fiber - geni.us/PFLiQ
📸 CONVERT YOUR EXISTING ULANZI TRIPOD WITH 📸
Ulanzi F38 Ballhead - bit.ly/3UHzV99
Ulanzi 1/4 Center Column - bit.ly/3AogIkO
VC4 Light Pole (Light Stand Conversion) - bit.ly/3Gkx3dW
1/4" to 3/8" Adapter
Manfrotto BeFree 3-Way Live Advanced Tripod Aluminum - geni.us/hkiY
Manfrotto BeFree 3-Way Tripod Carbon Fiber - geni.us/iQ1n7A
Manfrotto BeFree 3-Way Live Head - geni.us/P8Qkmsr
Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Column - bit.ly/3ZrcbJ6
Manfrotto Element Traveller Aluminum - geni.us/jgaOBPQ
Manfrotto Element Traveller Carbon Fiber - geni.us/9idB
NOTE - there are 2 sizes of the Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod: the small version (the one I have), and a larger version. However, the larger version has been discontinued.
▶ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - #1 Ulanzi Coman Tripod
2:56 - #2 Manfrotto BeFree 3-Way Live Advanced Tripod
6:09 - #3 Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Tripod
9:02 - #4 Manfrotto Element Traveller Small Aluminum Tripod
10:37 - Conclusion
🔥 FAVORITE TOOLS 🔥
✅ ALL of Our Current Camera Gear - bit.ly/current-cameras
❤️ Camera Gear Kits from Our Videos - kit.co/GeminiConnect
♪♪ Get 2 EXTRA Months FREE on an annual Artlist plan - bit.ly/my-artlist
♪♪ Epidemic Sound Royalty Free Music (Free Trial) - share.epidemicsound.com/CrG3S
✨ Video Templates and Presets - bit.ly/43AC0YB
✨ Unlimited Cloud Storage (Free Trial) - bit.ly/3AsIGLJ
🖥 CleanMyMac X - Free up space on your Mac - bit.ly/cleamymacx
📸 Ulanzi Camera Accessories - bit.ly/ulanzi-stuff
*All of the above are affiliate links
🍒 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 🍒
* KZfaq (TRAVEL VLOGGING) - bit.ly/gemini-discover
* KZfaq (CAMERA GEAR & TECH) - bit.ly/GeminiConnectKZfaq
* Instagram - / suzipratt
* Check out my blog - www.geminiconnect.com
* Twitter - / gemini_connect
⭐ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ⭐
* Join the KZfaq Membership ️- bit.ly/gemini-club
* Support us monthly on Patreon - / geminiconnect
* Make a one-time donation on PayPal - bit.ly/gemini-paypal
We love making KZfaq videos, but it takes time to film and edit material for you to enjoy. If you enjoy our free videos and would like to help us produce fresh content, please consider supporting us Patreon, making a one-time donation via PayPal, or using our affiliate links to purchase products (we receive small commissions at no extra charge to you). Our videos will continue to be free to watch on KZfaq, and there is no obligation to help at all. But any support offered is greatly appreciated and goes directly into creating better content for you to enjoy. Thank you! - Martin and Suzi
📭 SEND US MAIL
Gemini Connect
PO Box # 28353
Seattle WA 98118
👋 EMAIL INQUIRIES (Business Only Please)
geminiconnectdigital@gmail.com

Пікірлер: 98

@lhutton1 Жыл бұрын

Love your videos! I purchased the Ulanzi and Coman based on your recommendation😀

@AManoftheMeeple Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the link. I grabbed the Ulanzi!!

@StreetPhotographyChina 11 ай бұрын

Great rundown of some travel options. The Sirui seems to be the winner for me, I already have TWO Manfrotto tripods, one beast that's really for the studio and one "travel" one which is still 2KG and heavy enough that I stopped packing it for my 6 week trip to go online to see if I can buy a lighter one for my trip to Europe (and get it delivered to Europe). I'm mainly shooting a Rolleiflex twin lens reflex camera with a was it level finder so unless I have a stool, anything higher than chest height would be awkward to view and focus so the limited height is not a problem. Thanks again, great video.

@stevengoossen6019 Жыл бұрын

Great review, liked how you compared each tripod. I’ve been looking for a fluid head. Thanks.

@glenblaven 13 күн бұрын

Very useful comparison. Thank you for your assessment of each tripod.

@rs779 Жыл бұрын

Good review - appreciate the fact that you give your own objective views. I am leaning to the Ulanzi with the Arca head but wonder - can you insert a leveling base (like the Leofoto LB-60N or equivalent) below the head? Thanks

@melvintanchannel 7 ай бұрын

thank you soooOOOOOOOOOOO much for this sister.....helps alot in my decision making :)

@jgoldman2 Жыл бұрын

I like your comparison video a lot, thanks! Wondering if you're planning an update to include the new Heipi travel tripod that's getting amazing reviews. Would love to hear your take on it vs. the Ulanzi. Those are the two I'm deciding between right now.

@jokwonpope1561 Жыл бұрын

The fluid head on the manfrotto makes me want it for the ability to take regular shots but also get those smooth panning shots

@fernandobautista3200 Жыл бұрын

Lovely video, thanks.

@danoc51 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for another good review! I only use a tripod for video and have owned a lot of them including some big & heavy Manfrotos we used back when video cameras were much heavier. My current go-to unit is the Magnus 300, which costs $70, with additional camera plates available for $11 each. Pros: 1) Fits in my small suitcase, 2) has a center column that cranks up and down for fine vertical adjustments...without this feature you have to raise and lower the camera by adjusting the three legs, 3) it has a fluid head that is good enough to give me smooth pans, and 4) the price is right. I really have no complaints about this unit. My cameras range in weight from very light to 6 pounds.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Nice, I haven’t heard of the Magnus. I’ve got to check them out!

@justinwbecker Жыл бұрын

You're a great help! Love the content. CHANGE YOUR TITLE TO 2023 THOUGH! ILY

@808islandlife_HI Жыл бұрын

Great review. Thanks for sharing 😀

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 🤙

@Cassadybooth Ай бұрын

I've just discovered your channel, and I love the variety of your videos! Just one question though, where did you get the info for this vid that the Manfrotto Traveller aluminium vs carbon fibre have different payloads? Everything I can find states the same (4kg) for both. I'm Aussie, so please excuse discrepancies in spelling and systems of measurement.

@RonaldBrown59 Жыл бұрын

Great comparison of these travel tripods. I had never heard of the Sirui before, that was very interesting, due to the price and carbon fiber design. Thanks for sharing.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Sirui has a lot of great low cost options in particular.

@user-xz5bv8ir7j 8 күн бұрын

A video showing your light setup will be much appreciated. Thank you.

@macburnspiper Жыл бұрын

Thank you for another great review! I am a new subscriber and find your comparisons are very fair and you point out practical considerations for outdoor and travel photographers. After watching your review of the Ulanzi, I believe Santa will be leaving one under our tree this year. 😃

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas, and enjoy the Ulanzi!

@veritasca24 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for this helpful review. I am looking for a lightweight tripod to use for plein air painting. Based on your review, I think the Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Tripod would work well since I don't need the height especially since I will probably use it most often sitting down to paint. If you have any other other lightweight tripod that would work better, I would appreciate knowing about it. Thanks again and happy holidays!

@szank Жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for it. Personally I lust after the Ulanzi, but I already have a sturdy tripod for my DSLR. On the other hand, I've bought recently Sirui 5CX. It's tiny when folded, and not very tall when unfolded either (unfortunately!), but it's carbon fiber, super light, packs well and is IMHO good enough for a small mirorrless camera with normal prime/zoom. And is extremely cheap for what it is IMHO. Ideal for family vacations, where my phtography hobby is dead last on the priority list 😂😭😂

@rizzo-films 4 ай бұрын

When using a ballhead tripod, do you have trouble doing pan and tilt motions? I've never used a ballhead for video, so I'm curious. I'm in the market for a lightweight travel tripod, so I'm glad I came across your video!

@user-xz5bv8ir7j 8 күн бұрын

Waaw very interesting. What is your lighting setup.

@jasoneldridgephotography Жыл бұрын

You seem so happy doing this video. That's awesome! I now have the Ulanzi in my wishlist.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Finding affordable, lightweight tripods has been tough. I’m so happy there are lots of good options these days 😊

@jasoneldridgephotography Жыл бұрын

@@Gemini_Connect I bought one years back and used it one time. The Ulanzi would get used much more especially when I can't take the massive RRS one I use most of the time.

@rizzo-films 4 ай бұрын

@@Gemini_Connect yep. It's a good time to be in the market for useful video gear! I remember when I started in the 00's, you either go to a pro photo shop and make sure you have business-level credit or lots of $$$$ in the bank, or get something cheap, generic and flimsy at Best Buy. Now there are so many options in several degrees of middle ground for quality and price in literally every department.

@ulanzi Жыл бұрын

Glad that you like our travel tripods. Thank you for sharing~❤

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

You guys make the best quality, most useful camera accessories. Keep up the great work!

@stevenwaldstein2249 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the video. I just picked up the Ulanzi F38 tripod for just $269 in March 2024 direct from Ulanzi with no shipping cost. Hope it works out. Take care.

@artvikeu Жыл бұрын

Such a great review! Thank you!!!

@martinworos914 11 ай бұрын

very useful video.

@PizzlesTechTime 11 ай бұрын

I'm looking for a good locking tripod that has options to use over head

@MusikPiratCH Жыл бұрын

Hm, travel tripods are always a compromise between weight and stability (also take into account the possible height). I'm leaning towards Sirui but my favorite model being the ST-124 or even ST-224. Yes, they are heavier and cost more but stability has its price. If price plays no role at all I'd choose either a Gitzo Traveler Serie 2 (legs only) combined with Novoflex ClassicBall 2 (upside down mounted) or a Novoflex Triopod! 😇 Novoflex also offers a model with walking sticks (an other option which could be very interesting)! 😍

@nevvanclarke9225 Жыл бұрын

I am a massive fan of the Ulanzi coman ..I have had mine for about three months now and I absolutely love it. It’s got me back out hiking. And honestly it’s become my go to tripod now for just about everything. I love the size the way it sits up and it’s nice and stable yes you probably need to put a counter weight on the hook. Which I do when I’m doing longer exposures but if I’m just doing normal Photography I don’t need to weigh it down at all as it is really stable

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. I used to never travel with tripods because of the size, but now I bring one to every shoot because they’re so much smaller!

@BrandonShi Жыл бұрын

I own this tripod. And am selling it! Mine really does not work. The tightening system is terrible! I’ve dropped my FX3 2 times because of it,

@nevvanclarke9225 Жыл бұрын

@@BrandonShi I would suggest that you're not using it properly as I've not heard of this. I don't know how you've dropped your camera because of it but you're not putting the camera on the base plate properly... If you use the F38 system that's even quicker but are used is older system which is an Accra Swiss head and it's really fine. I have put heavy cameras on there with no problems.... There is no problem with the tripod I think it's a problem with how you using it

@charlynow8153 5 ай бұрын

@@nevvanclarke9225 mine didnt work either, to unstable, and I am using it properly. your comment is really funny.

@guytrahan8789 Жыл бұрын

What would you use for a l-bracket for the F38 Ulanzi? The one they have, Ulanzi, is off centre when mounted in portrait, which seems poorly balance? 🤔

@ShoebMortoza 9 ай бұрын

Excellent built in handheld stabilization for video on most cameras? When I compare my FX3 active stabilization, the best of it, with my apple pro 12, it's not even close. You must have stands or gimble for video in -SLRs unless you are shooting a ghost movement

@paulhowardvideos Жыл бұрын

Good review. I'm still up in the air on a travel tripod. Have you looked at any of the Benro tripods, specifically the Tripster 0 or Tripster 1? They seem very comparable to the Ulanzi and give you a monopod option as well which is very intriguing to me as a wildlife and landscape photographer.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

The first tripod I ever bought was a Benro - I think it was called the travel flat, because it could easily fit into a suitcase. It worked really well for me for several years until I wanted to upgrade to carbon fiber. Benro is great, but haven’t used one in awhile.

@erickheyl8293 Жыл бұрын

Was looking for a lighter tripod for my A7IV and this video really helped!! Leaning towards the Ulanzi because I want the height.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

I seriously love the Ulanzi for the most lightweight and practical tripod with features that I use regularly.

@erickheyl8293 Жыл бұрын

@@Gemini_Connect ended up getting the Ulanzi!! Love the features/price/weight and quick release system for switching between horizontal and vertical shots.

@stario87 6 ай бұрын

Whats your view on smallrig AP-10 carbon fiber

@donkurts1805 11 ай бұрын

I have this tripod. The quick release plate on top of the ball head will not turn, even with the set screw totally open-end or loosened. Any suggestions?

@alrozanski8352 Жыл бұрын

Hello Suzi, new to your channel, nice work on these videos. Question can you recommend a good starter vlogging camera and for regular scenery uses? thx

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Hi Al, great question! I think it largely depends on your budget and what kind of shooting you want to do. Personally, we use the GoPro Hero 11 Black as our main vlog camera and supplement footage with the Fujifilm XT3. I’d recommend something along the lines of the Fuji (XT5 is the latest model), or look at the Sony a6000 series. Hope this helps!

@alrozanski8352 Жыл бұрын

Ok That’s cool I just received a hero 11 GoPro and like it a lot, will check out the Fugi camera thanks very much.

@chingchun 10 ай бұрын

I think you put the plate of Manfrotto in the wrong direction. Since it has only 2 fluid axes, the short handle controls roll angle. If tou want a smooth tilt, you need to use the long handle to control it. Or all of the 3 axes are fluid ones?

@skyyefinance 4 ай бұрын

What about the Neewer TP62 travel tripod? Weighs 2.6 pounds, goes to 62”. It costs $259 and is on sale right now for 30% off

@Rick_In_Melb 4 ай бұрын

Can't believe you didn't mention the Heipi tripod with it's innovative centre post design that makes it extremely stable and doubles as a small tripod

@yotamdolev1275 Жыл бұрын

Would love to hear your opinion on some 100$ tripods like the k&f concept or the mactren or neewer

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

I’m definitely curious about the K&F tripod and others at that price point. Will work on a video about even cheaper tripods soon!

@stephenchen7232 11 ай бұрын

Nice reviews! Where's the discount code?

@Battlem0nk Жыл бұрын

Any of them have ability to remove a leg off for monopod use?

@timothylinn Жыл бұрын

Well done video, as usual. FWIW, the Ulanzi is now available through B&H for $299. That's not a sale price. I only imagine this tripod getting more popular now. Perhaps nicer than the price is the fact that we in the US have a local supplier so if a buyer doesn't like it for some reason, they can ship it back to New Jersey rather than China.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Nice, thanks for the heads up! Also, the original Ulanzi tripod can now be shipped to to USA. For awhile, only the quick release version was available.

@timothylinn Жыл бұрын

@@Gemini_Connect B&H is now listing the Zero-Y as discontinued. Ulanzi is still selling it on their own website with no mention of this. I’d love to know what is going on behind the scenes with this tripod’s availability. I’ve never seen anything like this.

@jayl24 Жыл бұрын

Regarding overall stability or rigidity, is Ulanzi comparable to Manfrotto befree Advanced Carbon Fiber tripod in light wind condition? Thanks!

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

I love Ulanzi for being lightweight, but Manfrotto is heavier and thus stronger in wind conditions. You can however hang something heavy like a filled up water bottle or your camera bag from the bottom of the Ulanzi to give it more stability.

@awonglk Жыл бұрын

Time to take a look at Fotopro X-Aircross 3.. as a travel tripod. Ligther, and looks as usable as any mentioned in this video.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Just got it and did a review about it. I like the way the legs deploy on it--very fast to set up.

@tylerjames3620 Жыл бұрын

Surprised the small rig tripod wasn’t on here. The lightweight one at least

@MARB.Camera 7 ай бұрын

Which one of them is the most stable and sturdy? Idc about the weight

@Gemini_Connect 7 ай бұрын

Manfrotto

@dannythemedic 10 ай бұрын

is it still Manfrotto if it is made in china?

@Youtuberkt Жыл бұрын

I have had the ulanzi coman - i found it time consuming to setup , adjust. it wasn't smooth either.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

I've had the opposite experience. The Ulanzi is my go-to tripod.

@nevvanclarke9225 Жыл бұрын

I do not like tripods with screws as as soon as you get any little bit of sand in one of those screws the whole tripod is basically different and once you get any sort of sand inside those screws they are with all due respect I screwed I will only ever use clips because clips can be easily washed and the dust and dirt is much easier to keep out. Tripod should never be used with screw ins now when will they actually learn if you’re like me and likes to go to the beach and out into the landscapes where there’s dirt and grime then screw in tripods are a waste of time I wish someone would tell them and I’ve sent them emails telling them this

@808islandlife_HI Жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree with this statement 💯%

@timothylinn Жыл бұрын

Sand in the twist locks is a hassle but it's not an insurmountable problem. I use my tripod at the beach regularly and rarely deal with sand in anything. If I have to, it's not a problem to take the legs apart, rinse everything off, and reassemble. At least this is true with the higher end Gitzos. I don't know about the cheap stuff. Maybe it's a different story there.

@nevvanclarke9225 Жыл бұрын

@@timothylinn thanks for the reply Tim I just find it a pain in the butt to be really honest and when you're shooting near the beach and there's waves moving about you often have to adjust the tripod quickly in terms of the height and other things as well and I just find the clips so much quicker and faster than I do having to screw them. And after awhile they start to wear out as well. Where is if a clip after a while breaks or whatever you can just get a replacement clip. It's just a much better system in my bio and I will never use a screw tripod again. But like you said each to their own and I use my tripods in a lot of salt water

@timothylinn Жыл бұрын

@@nevvanclarke9225 I definitely understand where you are coming from, Nev. I use both but I've always preferred the speed and convenience of the clip style too.

@nevvanclarke9225 Жыл бұрын

@@timothylinn Honestly what the manufacturers probably should do for all tripods is just make two versions make one with clips and one with screws and give people choice you can order either one if your studio shooter. You probably go for the screws but if you’re a landscape photographer out in the dirt wind and sand you’ll probably go for quick you could actually have two models are different legs. That would probably solve the problem

@chunthaveelee747 Жыл бұрын

Please help me, do I need a gimbal for GoPro 11?

@DavidSchertz Жыл бұрын

Just got an email from BH saying the Ulamzi is discontinued. 😢

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

Whaaaat?? Someone else commented saying it was on sale at B&H…

@AndrewDasilvaPLT Жыл бұрын

When Is 5.6cm @05:04 "a lot taller"? That's less than 3"

@sengjariangrojkul1310 Жыл бұрын

Where is Gitzo?

@houssamreg9360 Жыл бұрын

❤❤

@dannythemedic 11 ай бұрын

oooooo so expensive

@spruceguse Жыл бұрын

These are far from the best out there. Look into Gitzo, Really Right Stuff, ProMediaGear, and even Three-Legged Thing for high-quality and feature-packed tripods.

@Gemini_Connect Жыл бұрын

They are definitely not the highest quality, but they are more affordable than Gitzo, RRS, etc, which was a key quality for me.

@timothylinn Жыл бұрын

@@Gemini_Connect One brand that is more on the affordable side that I quite like is Leofoto. I would put them on par with Sirui in terms of quality (which I agree is quite good). In some cases, it seems like Sirui and Leofoto tripods come out of the same factory-kind of like a Chevy/GMC thing. I tend to like the aesthetics of Leofoto better, all else being equal.