Capturing those breathtaking moments takes more than having a quality camera. You have to stretch yourself a little bit and invest in quality gear. And that's where a mini tripod comes in. For any professional photographer who has ever given mini tripods, a try knows how using them can transition your photography. Though they may be small in size, these gears are designed to help you eliminate the hassle of having to stretch your arm or holding your camera for long hours. Better still, they position your camera in strategic angles for smooth snaps.
Compared to regular tripods, the mini camera holders are sturdy, stable and deliver exceptional quality shots. And in our review, we have selected quality brands to help you select the best mini tripod.Best Pick
Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod is our best pick. Featuring fold-out legs with slip-resistant feet this tripod will offer you maximum stability on any relative surface. Its socket camera mount and unique ball adjust to any angle swiftly allowing for smooth transition between shots. Its compact and foldable design makes it an excellent pick for travelling and outdoor use.
Budget Pick
UBeesize Tripod S is the go-to camera holder when on a budget. Being the tallest mini tripod in the market, UBeesize camera holder gives you the possibility for broad applications. Its compact design and super gripping power provide you with confidence even when exploring unfavourable ground. Through the wireless remote control, you can capture smooth videos and photos 30ft away with ease.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Mini Tripods
1. Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod
Highlighted Features
Capture smooth shots with this Pedco ultrapod. The camera holder features a socket camera mount and a special ball which together positions your devices at any angle. With the help of its three fold-out legs and non-skid Vinyl feet, this ultrapod II will offer you high stability for any flat surface.
Designed with 30 % glass-filled resin frame with aluminium threaded components this Pedco tripod will offer you smooth operation and years of service even for the most demanding photographers. The tripod comes with a removable D-ring Velcro strap for holding your tripod secure on posts, frames, trees, railing, and any sturdy object. One thing that makes this tripod stand out from the competition is its ability to accommodate any device provided it has a tripod socket of ¼-20 female thread.
With a maximum payload of 6pounds, this Ultrapod II delivers smooth performance with DSLR camera, camcorders, binoculars, 35mm cameras with big lenses, and sporting scopes. Its ability to provide the same experience with different devices allows you to switch devices anytime.
Its lightweight and compact design allow you to travel with your tripod anywhere. Though small in size, the ultrapod II is strong and stable enough to hold your devices, making it the best mini tripod for DSLR.Pros
Cons
2. UBeesize Tripod S
Highlighted Features
The UBeesize tripod S is designed to offer you a greater possibility for a wide range of applications. The tripod comes with a wireless remote for taking group, party, family and solo photos as far as 30 feet away. With premium thick metal legs, this Tripod S will offer you support needed to take your photos and videos with ease. The tripod also comes with a sturdy ball head for supporting all smartphones regardless of their weight.
Its rubberized feet offer maximum support for fast and high precision shots. The legs feature OCTOPUS style and have anti-slip properties for keeping it stable on any ground. Its ability to accommodate different smartphones allows you to capture stunning moments using your phone without the need for touching the screen. Besides having great features, this tripod is affordable and easy to use.
Pros
Cons
3. Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod
Highlighted Features
The Manfrotto mini tripod is an excellent choice for sports fanatics, videographers, photographers and travellers. The tripod boasts of its universal attachment that makes it compatible with different devices. Its adaptable and smart design makes it easy for use even for first-time users. The tripod works with different smartphones giving you versatility like no other. With its new push button, you can position and lock the ball head preventing any unwanted movements.
Its stainless steel design and rubberized feet offer you maximum stability for your photography needs even on unfriendly terrains. The compact and flexible design allows you to carry your tripod anywhere. With a payload of 1 kg, this tripod will offer you smooth operation with temperatures ranging from -30degrees t0 60 degrees which is perfect in hot and cold areas.
Overall, this tripod offers you flexibility, exceptional performance and high compatibility.Pros
Cons
4. Fotopro 12" Flexible Tripod
Highlighted Features
Fotopro is a high-quality tripod designed using premium rubber-coated legs which deliver maximum stability. For maximum stability and increased gripping power, the tripod is designed such that it does not leave any space between the object surface and the slip-resistant rubber legs. Its 360 degrees swivelling head allows you to rotate your device in full axis swiftly for more flexibility.
Its ability to rotate your device at 360 degrees gives you the freedom to switch positions with ease. At only 0.28 kgs, this tripod can support different devices for up to 800g. Switching from video recording to photo shooting is easy and straightforward. With a simple press of a button, you can make swift transitions in a breeze. Better still, the tripod has waterproof which gives you the freedom to use it during the rainy season and inside water without having to worry about rusting.
Aside from cameras, you can also take smooth videos and crisp pictures by mounting your iOS and Android phones to this tripod. Through the Bluetooth wireless function, you can explore the world while standing 10 M away. And the best part is, you do not need to download any App to use the Bluetooth feature for both photos and videos.Pros
Cons
5. RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod
Highlighted Features
Experience a smooth shooting feel with this RetiCAM tabletop tripod. The camera holder boasts of its three-way pan/tilt head which allow your camera to rotate independently in two or three axes. Each axis has lockable levers to keep them secured in place, giving you a chance to do what you do best.
Unlike most tripods which do not allow you to do extensions, this RetiCAM enables you to extend it up to 19”. Its quick-release plate allows you to mount and release your devices with ease. For increased stability, the tripod three legs feature aluminium construction with fast snap flip locks. Set up has been made easy thanks to its inbuilt bubble level.
Its 20mm center post is geared for quick height adjustments on the go. Though small in size, this tripod is sturdy and robust enough to hold DSLR or sporting cameras. Its standard ¼-20 tripod screw accommodates different devices including smartphone adapters, microphones, LED lights, and most cameras which give you the freedom to swap devices whenever needed.
Included in the package is a convenient carrying bag for easy transportation and storage. Investing on this amazing tripod will offer you versatility, flexibility and convenience.Pros
Cons
6. AVAWO Universal 12" Inch Flexible Tripod
Highlighted Features
AVAWO is a 12” universal tripod which is designed to travel enthusiasts. At 5” minimum height, this tripod can hold up to 6.6lbs, while offering maximum stability for all your photography needs. Equipped to this amazing camera holder is a quick release plate which facilitates quick mounting and release of your device.
A standard ¼-20 thread on this camera holder makes the tripod compatible with a wide variety of cameras and all smartphones so you can switch your devices with ease. Its legs are wrappable and offer unmatched gripping power with full 360 degrees rotation for maximum stability and exceptional shooting experience. You can also wrap it around branches, poles, trees, and chairs for added stability.
With the help of a bubble level indicator, you can track the best horizons in a jiffy. Customers who gave this tripod a try have been impressed by its performance. Aside from being compatible with different cameras, the camera holder has been rated as the best mini tripod for Gopro.Pros
Cons
7. Neewer Desktop Macro Mini Tripod
Highlighted Features
If the best mini tripod for macro shooting is what you may be looking for, then this Neewer desktop series could be all you need. The tripod extends to 50cm and folds to 23cms which is more than half it’s size making its portability possible.
Its non-skid legs boast of 5 interlocking segments clutch design which is specially designed to keep the tripod steady with maximum loads of up to 11lbs. The tripod features a 360 swivelling ball head with a bubble level for a panoramic view and increased precision.
The quick-release plate enables you to make smooth transitions between shots making the entire process fun. A carrying bag is included for travel and storage convenience.Pros
Cons
8. Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod
Highlighted Features
Manfrotto has designed yet another amazing tripod to offer you exceptional support for cameras with large lenses. The tripod touts of its two-leg section which allows you to adjust them in five different ways giving you the freedom to capture architecture photos and low light landscape while providing optimal support needed.
The tripod enables you to tilt your camera 90 degrees when shooting in portrait while offering you great support throughout the shooting process. At 750g, this camera holder can hold up to a maximum load of up to 5.5lbs without wobbling. Though the mini tripod is sturdy and stable, it’s lightweight, which makes it ideal for travelling. The tripod comes in three different colors giving you the freedom to choose one that suits your personality.
Overall, this Manfrotto mini tripod is designed to offer you maximum stability for smooth and crisp photos.Pros
Cons
9. Bestshoot Desktop Mini Tripod
Highlighted Features
Bestshoot mini tripod is designed with a heavy duty aluminium alloy for increased durability and stability. The camera ball head allows for smooth angle transition from 0 to 88 degrees. The legs also offer you great flexibility by adjusting your preferred height to suit the task at hand.
At 0.53kgs, this tripod will offer you great stability even on windy days. The ¼ and 3/8" screw allow you to mount your camera or monopod with ease. The screws hold your devices in place throughout the shooting without causing any vibrations.
The tripod comes with an anti-skid pad which helps increase stability on smooth ground. So if you are looking for a solution for ground-level shooting, this tripod could be the end of your photography woes.Pros
Cons
10. Altura Photo Mini Tripod Tabletop Stand
Highlighted Features
This Altura tabletop stand can be used as a pistol hand grip for easy manoeuvrability when shooting videos on the go or as a mini tripod when capturing still images. The tripod is designed to offer you smooth operation regardless of the task you are performing.
Its rubberized grip offers you maximum comfort, so you do not get tired when you use it for long. The new, improved model has reinforced legs which provide maximum stability, so you do not have to worry about your camera falling. With a payload of 2.5lbs, this tripod has a standard ¼-20 screw mount for accommodating a wide range of cameras. The base is padded, offering a camera-friendly surface preventing any chances of getting scratches.
The feet are rubber-padded for super gripping power even on delicate surfaces, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.Pros
Cons
Benefits of using a Mini Tripod
Versatile
You can do almost everything with a mini tripod. The devices are designed to help you explore the world in style while giving you limitless photographic creativity. From taking smooth videos to crisp photos, you will, for sure, get baffled by what you can do with a mini tripod.
Stable
Though small, mini tripods are designed to keep your camera and smartphones secured without wobbling. You can also attach them on poles, trees, chairs for increased stability.
Portable
Their lightweight and compact design makes mini tripods more portable as compared to any regular camera holder. Due to their size, you can easily fold them and toss in your backpack and travel with it anywhere.
Flexible
Every photographer knows how tripod flexibility can transform your photography and that what you get when you use a mini tripod. You get to enjoy insanely different shooting angles with smooth transition between shots.
Highly compatible with different devices
Mini tripods allow you to use different devices ranging from sports camera, DSLR, Gopro, smartphones, binoculars, and camcorders. And because of this, you get to enjoy limitless choices for unmatched photography experience.
Convenient
Holding your camera all day long is hectic. Worse still, you spend more time trying to get a good shot without success. But when you take advantage of mini tripods, you can capture stunning photos and smooth videos with ease.
Factors to consider when buying a mini tripod
Size
Though mini tripods are said to be small in size, their size should not be overlooked. Your tripod size helps determine how big it is and determine if it is the right size for you. There is no recommended size, so this will always depend on what you feel comfortable with.
Height
Though most mini tripods are designed to be placed on a tabletop, you cannot afford to ignore its height. Tripods with adjustable height offer you great flexibility whenever you need low or more height.
As a rule of thumb, you should go for tripods that position your camera viewfinder at your eye level. However, if it’s higher than your eye level, you can also adjust it to the preferred position, and it shouldn't be a deal-breaker.
The height you choose will depend on your height and will depend on personal preferences. Tripods with foldable design facilitate easy transportation without overwhelming the space.
Maximum payload
Most rookie photographers run into trouble when trying to figure out the preferred payload for their camera. Just like any other tripod out there, mini tripods are designed to hold a specific weight depending on the quality of material and design.
For best results, your camera or attached device should not exceed the recommended weight. Loading your tripod with heavy devices that are heavier than the maximum payload will cause your tripod to wobble. When your camera shakes, you will end up with shaky videos and blur images.
If you are looking forward to using different devices with varied weights, you need to know their bulkiness prior to your purchase. To be on the safe side, always make sure you go for tripods which can support twice the weight of your devices.
Stability
Tripods vary in regards to their ability to remain stable. While you may keep your payload in check, gusty winds may make your tripod lose balance. This will eventually cause your camera to vibrate, leading to poor quality images.
To overcome this challenge, you need to invest in a quality tripod and study the weather patterns where you are planning to take your adventure. Tripods with straps allow you to attach them to trees, chairs, poles and stable object for better stability.
Weight
Mini tripods are designed to offer you portability, but the weight will vary from each other depending on the material used. Through the manufacturers may claim that the tripod is lightweight, this may be the case for some. Remember a hefty tripod will always be hard to move around with.
Material
Tripods are designed using different materials with the most popular ones being, Aluminum, stainless steel and carbon fiber. Aluminium is lightweight and affordable. Though lightweight, it offers maximum stability and support for your devices. However, when not well maintained, Aluminum may rust increasing the rate of wear and tear.
Stainless steel is another commonly used material for designing photography tripods. Though slightly heavy as compared to Aluminum and carbon fiber, it is designed to offer better stability for video equipment. In regards to price, stainless steel tripods cost higher than Aluminum.
Carbon fiber, on the other hand, is exceptionally light, durable and is not prone to rust. Though it's great for the tripod, it is expensive.
Tripod feet
The design of your tripod feet determines its stability. Always pay attention to the design and material used. Rubberized feet are an excellent pick for outdoor and indoor use. Metal spiked feet come in handy in areas that are muddy, icy or rainy.
Center post
Though not available in every tripod, a center post is one of the important additions to your camera holder. The main purpose of a center post is to allow you to extend your tripod height or lower it for low angle shooting. If you settle for a tripod with a center column, make sure you do not extend it fully to avoid vibrations.
Tripod head type
Pan & tilt head
Pan and tilt head comes with either a single handle for vertical movement or double-handles for both vertical and horizontal movement. Due to their smooth movement, pan and tilt head offers a quick transition between shots.
Ball head
Ball heads are known for their flexibility and ability to hold your camera secured in place. They have one control mechanism which is specially dedicated to allow you to tighten and loosen your device when needed.
Gimbal head
Gimbal heads are great for supporting heavy cameras. They are best suited for fast-action photography.
Quick-release system
Most mini tripods come with a quick-release system which allows you to attach your camera to the tripod or detach it faster. The system has screw locks for locking the device, preventing any chances of accidental falls. Another great reason behind the quick release system is to prevent unwanted rotation of the plate relative to the device.
Modern quick-release system use machined Aluminum which attaches to your lens or camera with a standard ¼-20 hex screw. One thing that makes the aluminium quick release systems popular and reliable is their ability to accommodate a wide variety of devices.
Bubble level
Bubble level helps you align your camera in the right position when composing panoramas, landscapes, architecture and anything else that calls for a horizontal line. Some tripods come with an inbuilt level to help eliminate guesswork, but the good news is that you can use an external bubble level and achieve your desired results.
Leg lock type
Tripods feature different leg locking mechanism with the most popular being flip locks and twist leg locks. Flip locks are handy and easy to engage. Another outstanding feature about flip locks is that they do not collect debris like sand.
However, with time they may loosen up making it hard to maintain a firm grip. Some models can be adjusted to increase gripping power, but others cannot.
Twist locks, on the other hand, are reliable but may take you more time to master them.
Waterproof properties
Some mini tripods have waterproof properties to allow you to shoot smooth footages in water or during the rainy season. This is not the case for every model, so if you are looking forward to exploring the world underwater, then this is an important feature to look out for.
Remote control
A wireless remote control enables you to take full control your tripod remotely without the need to download any app. Better still; you can also take group, party and family pictures at a distance without having to touch your phone or camera.
Compatibility
As much as mini tripods accommodate different devices, not every camera or smartphone will work with your tripod. In fact, there is no single tripod that can accommodate all devices. To be on the safe side, always get to know the recommended devices and their weight and width limitation.
Flexibility
Mini tripods are designed to offer you flexibility, but the far you can rotate your device will dictate how flexible your camera holder is. Some models may have a 360 degrees rotation while others have the lower swivelling capability. A fully adjustable tripod will allow you to make swift transitions with ease while positioning your camera to your preferred angle.