The Best Mini Tripods
Tripods are essential tools for photographers and videographers of all experience levels. The steady shots that tripods allow for are simply impossible in human hands. However, traditional tripods are too bulky for light travel and somewhat unnecessary for the grab-and-go nature of amateur photography. That’s why mini tripods are a must-have for anyone who loves taking pictures. Mini tripods stand just a few inches tall and fit easily into carry-on luggage, backpacks, and even jacket pockets. To help you start snapping steadily ASAP, we’ve assembled this list of the best mini tripods on the block for your consideration.
UBeesize Phone Tripod
Ready and Steady
Flexibility in a mini tripod is essential when you’re setting up on uneven surfaces. This highly versatile pick from UBeesize features posable legs that allow you to mold your tripod to your environment for optimal stability. Not only do the flexible legs offer versatility, but they’re also perfect for wrapping around bicycles, poles, or branches, so you can transform your mini tripod into an all-purpose camera mount. The UBeeszie weighs only 150 grams and stands 10 inches tall, so portability and transport are a breeze. What’s more, this mini tripod comes with a wireless remote for snapping pictures and a universal phone holder. We can’t recommend this versatile and durable mini tripod enough.
Pros:
- Flexible, posable legs
- Includes wireless remote and phone holder
- Highly portable
Cons:
- It’s harder to get a straight shot after the legs are bent
Bcway Selfie Stick/Mini Tripod Combo
Two for One
We take notice when a product can do it all. That’s why this mini tripod from Bcway piqued our interest so much. Selfie sticks are a staple of modern phone photography; they make interesting, improbable angles possible with a click of a button. Bcway’s mini tripod has not only tripod capability, but it can also convert into a selfie stick in seconds. This kind of functionality makes it perfect for vacations and traveling. Take a few mini tripod pictures in the hotel room, then stretch it out for a selfie stick walk out on the town. Bcway conveniently includes a wireless remote and universal phone holder. The possibilities are endless with this pick, and at this low price, you’d be crazy not to try it out.
Pros:
- Easily converts into a selfie stick
- Comes with Bluetooth remote control
- 360° rotatable phone holder
Cons:
- Not the sturdiest tripod
Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2 Section Mini Tripod
Say Cheese
This mini tripod from Manfrotto has durability written all over it. Just from one look at the unique design, you can tell that this is a solidly made product. This is a lightweight, bite-sized mini tripod that you’ll have no problem slipping into a jacket pocket for a day of photography. Manfrotto also offers some versatility via their sliding selector that lets you choose which leg angle you want. The camera mount can tilt to a full 90°, making for some lovely phone photography in portrait mode. This mini tripod is a little pricy, but you get what you pay for. In this case, you pay for quality.
Pros:
- Sturdy durable design
- Full 90° tilt
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The full extended height leaves something to be desired
AmazonBasics Lightweight Mini Tripod
Photo Finish
Sometimes, “simple” is all you need, and Amazon Basics brings simplicity and more to the plate with this affordable mini tripod. If you’re just a hobbyist or someone who loves getting the family together for pictures, spending a lot of money on a fancy mini tripod might not be in the cards. That’s where this little number from Amazon Basics shines. Perfect for phones, GoPros, and small digital cameras, this mini tripod gets the job done at a fraction of the cost of other models. It extends out to an impressive 7.5 inches and can bear 1.1l pounds, which is nothing to scoff at considering the size. We highly recommend this pick for anyone looking for a no-frills, reliable solution to their shaky cam woes.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Very lightweight, good for travel
- Stands up to 7.5”
Cons:
- No phone holder included
- Not the sturdiest
Neewer Mini Tripod
Sturdy Snaps
If you’re looking for a mini tripod that’ll stand the test of time, this pick from Neewer is right up your alley. This is a finely crafted mini tripod that sets itself apart from the pack in more ways than one. For starters, it can extend all the way up to 19.7” in height, which is far above the average mini tripod height. This mini tripod is the closest you’re going to get to a traditional one without going up a size. Plus, the non-slip feet design allows the sturdy aluminum legs to stand firmly on just about any terrain. And with a max bearing capacity of 11 pounds, the Neewer dwarfs the competition. If you’re looking to take photography more seriously, the Neewer is a great investment to start with.
Pros:
- Extends to 19.7” in height
- Non-slip foot design
- Highly durable aluminum build
Cons:
- Steep price
- No phone holder included
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get a mini tripod instead of a traditional one?
Unless you’re a professional photographer who needs to take stable shots outdoors for work, a traditional tripod may prove to be a bit of an unnecessary purchase. With a mini tripod set on top of a table or counter, you’ll get the steadiness and height of traditional tripods at a fraction of the size and cost. Standard tripods have their place and purpose, but if you can get all their functionality from a smaller, cheaper item, why not?
Will a mini tripod be compatible with my phone or camera?
Not all mini tripods include a smartphone clip, so if you intend on using your mini tripod for phone photography, you may need to buy one. Most DSLR cameras, however, have some level of universality with tripods. The camera mount that comes with your digital camera will be compatible with your mini tripod with no additional purchase necessary. There are a few exceptions to this, but the vast majority of DSLR camera mounts will work with these mini tripods.
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