9 Best Travel Tripod under $200 (2022)

Unarguably the best travel tripod under $200, this Manfrotto tripod is an advanced tripod and the ultimate travel companion. The ergonomic design delivers superior stability and maximum performance. Manfrotto is a highly reputable manufacturer of quality tripods, and this will prove a great long-term investment. The Befree offers exceptional durability, and it certainly raises the bar higher for travel tripods.

We took it out for a spin and fell in love with the advanced upgrades, like the QPL level locking power. One might not spare a second glance at this feature on a list of best tripods under 200, but it means everything in the field. The QPL lever locking power makes it incredibly easy to shift between different heights and make fast transitions.

If you’re a wildlife photographer or a nature shooter, this aluminum tripod is a fabulous investment. It packs up high-performance support with a lightweight and portable design. The new generation carbon fiber legs work wonders at reducing weight without compromising performance and stability.

What makes this the best overall tripod? Its 494 ball head features ergonomic and independent controls and delivers an impressive load capacity. It also delivers impressive performance and we’ve never had any cause for complaints.

This is where the arguments will start. For some photographers, a ‘travel tripod’ has to be as stable as the regular sort but just pack away a bit smaller. For others, a ‘travel tripod’ has to be small enough to pack in a bag, otherwise, it has no point. The Vanguard Veo 2 Go 204CB fits into the second category! It doesn’t go very high, it feels flimsier than bigger rivals, but it is so small, light, and simple to use. It’s also short enough when folded to slip into the bottom compartment of Vanguard’s clever double-decker Veo Messenger Bags. How neat is that?

The Veo 2 Go 204CB extends to an adequate height, especially if your camera has a tilting rear screen, and while it’s a bit disconcerting that the center column is fixed it its extended position, there’s not much wobble and there’s a second section inside it for even more height. You wouldn’t get the Veo 2 Go 204CB for stability or big payloads, but if you like to travel light, this might be the one tripod you’re prepared to take with you when none of the others will do. There is a cheaper aluminum Veo 2 Go 204AB version, and some outlets have a Veo 3 Go version with a detachable monopod leg/selfie stick, smartphone holder and Bluetooth remote included.

The element series of travel tripods from manfrotto has something for pretty much everyone. There are big and small sizes to choose from, each featuring aluminium kits in black, grey, red and blue, as well as carbon fibre editions.

The ‘big’ aluminium option we’ve featured here is still fairly compact with a 42cm folded height, yet a strong 8kg load rating. The ‘small’ edition only has a 4kg load rating and no monopod configuration. Despite being fairly inexpensive, the Element Traveller Big certainly isn’t lacking in features, and the lack of a telescopic centre column in the larger edition pays dividends when it comes to rigidity.

The ball head has an independent panning lock and two bubble levels, but no friction adjuster. In our tests, this tripod proved rigid and resistant to vibrations; it’s a good performer and easy to use. It’s one of the best travel tripod under $200 in this price bracket.

Synonymous with one-handed filming and YouTubers for almost a decade, the Gorillapod 5K is a machined aluminum flexible tripod with strong ball head, providing multiple placement possibilities for travel photography or video shooting.

With its sturdy aluminum parts and robust ball head, the Gorillapod 5K tripod kit is the heaviest of flexible tripods, but still the best lightweight flexible travel tripod.

The strongest of Gorillapod tripods, with a high quality ball head and bending legs. Best tripod for travel when camera bag space is at a minimum, but tripod head strength/durability is still required for heavier setups.

As long as your zoom lens weighs less than 3kg / 6.6lb (most do), the Gorillapod 5K tripod will support all sub 2kg / 4.4lb cameras – basically any camera you’re likely to take backpacking! Leg joints are stable and strong, but you’ll need to find thin tubular objects to wrap them around, or flat surfaces for optimum stability (since all leg lengths are identical).

Ballhead with Arca-Swiss quick release plate. Anodized aluminum construction for strength & smooth movement. Rubberized rings and foot grips are stable in difficult terrain. It’s flexible!

This Joby’s Gorillapod 5k is the best travel tripod under $200 for YouTubers and travel YouTubers.

Pronounced as SEE-RAY, Sirui is a Chinese manufacturer famous for producing high-quality and tech-savvy gear for professional photographers. We’ve tried this travel tripod, and we guarantee that it is one of the sturdiest tripods under $200.

Its unique selling point is undoubtedly the automatic leg-angle lock. This unique leg-lock mechanism allows you to move the legs up to 180-degree, which enhances flexibility and creativity tremendously. It’s amazingly compact and easy to store and carry on long and hard mountainside journeys. What’s more, the legs fold up to 180-degree to deliver superior compactness.

We’ve tried different budget tripods from Sirui, and we really like this one for several compelling reasons. The grooved center column is easily inverted, making it an ideal pick for low-angle shots. We took it along on a little hiking trip to test out the functions. We were surprised to see how amazingly the position leg angle works on uneven and rocky terrains.

If you enjoy macro or low-angle shooting, this is a sturdy tripod that will enhance your work and creativity. Another notable feature is the retractable spiked feet, ideal for outdoor photography and uneven terrains. At just 3 lbs, it’s also the easiest tripod to carry.

The Manfrotto 290 XTRA Series is a heavy-duty beast and a super-sturdy aluminum tripod. With this series, the iconic brand has revived its classic design with cutting-edge features. We work with this lightweight tripod regularly, and we love how the brand has revamped its technical functions.

If style is a crucial consideration for you, this tripod’s sleek and classic construction will undoubtedly win you over. It features a classic design with a rock-sturdy aluminum and composite carbon fiber construction. Its 4-leg angle positions deliver superior stability and impressive flexibility to play around with multiple angles.

The center column and top disc support flexibility, while the rubber legwarmer enhances the grip and sturdiness. If you work in unpredictable terrains, like unpaved mountain cliffs, this feature is worth all your money! Imagine losing your precious camera and lens with a slip of the hand. The Manfrotto 290 Xtra will help you prevent damages and ensure superior stability.

The quick-flip leg locks are its unique selling point, as this locking mechanism supports a quick and easy setup. This rock-solid travel tripod comes with a branded Manfrotto carrying bag to elevate your style. Being on the lower end of our price range, this is also the best budget tripod on our list of best tripods under 200.

This British tripod company, specializing in multi-functional tripods and accessories, often with quirky design features. The lightweight, compact, and impressively strong Punks Corey offers high quality at a reasonable price.

Designed specifically for travel, the Punks Corey tripod packs down to an impressive 35cm / 13.67″, with the legs folding back 180 degrees over the center column, helping to create a slim overall packed diameter for your camera bag.

At extended height(147.5cm / 58″), the 3 Legged Thing is tall enough for comfortable usage, while still good rigidity. Legs can be positioned at multiple locking angles, or splayed close to the ground for low-angle or close-up travel photography.

The Punks Corey is a lightweight (1.5kg) travel tripod for photographers who prefer to travel carry-on only.

With 5 leg sections and a unique 2 section center column, the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey travel tripod maintains great rigidity. A unique detachable d-ring under the column allows you to hang extra weight for increased stability. Impressive maximum load capacity of 14 kg / 30 lb.

This is the best travel tripod under $200,if you are a solo travel photographer or ridder.