Ask Neil: A guide to our ultra-compact travel tripods
Summer is finally here in the Northern Hemisphere! The longer days give more opportunities for getting outside to travel, explore and capture some awesome photos. The weather is warm and pleasant, plants and animals come out to play, and life seems in full bloom. What better time to grab a camera and a handy ultra-compact travel tripod to get outdoors?
In this article, we'll cover our selection of ultra-compact travel tripods. What's different about an ultra-compact travel tripod you say, and what makes it 'ultra-compact' or suitable for travel photography? Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of an ultra-compact travel tripod and this may help answer your questions.
What's an Ultra-Compact Travel Tripod?
The clue is in the name really – these are a special breed of tripods designed to be ultra-compact and more suitable for travel photography due to their size, weight, and engineering.
Our ultra-compact travel tripods counter-fold small enough to fit into everyday back packs and the lightness of weight make them easier to pick up and carry on longer walks, hikes, or adventures. The counter-folding legs cleverly protect the tripod head during transportation for safety and peace of mind.
Each travel tripod has a 5-section legs and 2-part telescopic centre column which creates the smaller folded size while maintaining the working height of the kit. This creates a lightweight and versatile camera support which is easy to transport and include as an essential part of your photography kit.
Our tripods are incredibly versatile with multiple setups including the regular travel tripod setup, the detachable monopod leg setup, or a low-level table top tripod setup by detaching all 3 legs and adding our Vanz Footwear (sold separately).
| PROS | CONS |
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Here's a Breakdown of Our Ultra-Compact Travel Tripods:
PUNKS RANGE - COREY2.0
The ideal companion for travelling photographers who need a tripod small enough to pack into a backpack or carry-on luggage. Made of magnesium alloy and strong enough to support a maximum weight load of 14kg / 30lbs while weighing only 1.78 kg / 3.92 lb including the AirHed Neo 2.0. Corey 2.0's magnesium alloy construction makes him the most cost-conscious of our ultra-compacts.
PRO RANGE - LEO 2.0
Increased stability and versatility within an ultra-compact package. Leo 2.0 is the professional's travel tripod with a max. weight load of 30kg / 66lbs and folded size of 37.4cm / 14.7". Leo 2.0 is capable of supporting loads up to 20 times his own weight.
LEGENDS RANGE - RAY
Ultra-compact tripod system ideal for those looking for ultimate stability in a professional level, travel-friendly and lightweight package. Ray is also able to support up to 30kg / 66lbs while weighing only 1.27 kg / 2.8lbs and maintaining superb stability within the ultra-compact travel tripod class. The folded length of 35.6 cm / 14.02" makes Ray our most ultra-compact tripod when folded.
| Name | COREY 2.0 | LEO 2.0 | RAY |
| Material |
Mg Alloy |
Carbon Fibre
|
Carbon Fibre
|
| Max. Height |
1.46 m / 57.4 "
|
1.46m / 57.4"
|
1.38 m / 54.33 "
|
| Max.Height w/o column |
1.11 m / 43.7 "
|
1.12m / 43.3"
|
1.03 m / 40.5 "
|
| Min. Height w/o column |
18.4 cm / 7.24 "
|
21 cm / 8.2 "
|
20.2 cm / 7.9 "
|
|
Detachable Monopod Leg Max. Height
|
1.49 m / 58.66 "
|
1.5m / 59"
|
1.43 m / 56.2 "
|
|
Folded Length |
36.1 cm / 14.2 "
|
37.4 cm / 14.7 "
|
35.6 cm / 14.02 " |
|
Max. Load Capacity |
14 kg / 30 lb
|
30kg / 66 lb
|
30 kg / 66 lb
|
|
Weight |
1.47 kg / 3.24 lb
|
1.52Kg / 3.35lbs
|
1.27 kg / 2.8 lb
|
So, whatever your plans when travelling make sure you have no excuse to not get out with your camera. Would a handy ultra-compact travel tripod be an essential addition to your kit? If so, I hope the above information helps with your decision.
