Peak DesignTravel Tripod, Aluminum, Compact Design, Quick Setup and Takedown, Pro-Level Stability, Ergonomic Ball Head, Compact and Portable Travel Tripod for Camera and Phone, 20 lb Capacity

I’ve been in photography since the 80s. This is the best tripod I’ve ever owned. The engineering and creativity are exceptional. I have the aluminum one, and it’s not too heavy and not too light. For backpacking, I use the Peak Design kit that allows you to remove some leg segments.

I have a tripod problem. Too many tripods in the stable over the years! Still in search of the perfect tripod. With low cost, low weight, compact for hiking, easy deployment, tall enough for near eye level work, and sturdy enough for a heavier setup. And more importantly, plate compatibility allowing easy transferability to alternate carry systems (strap clip, PD Capture).The Peak Designs team really did listen to photographers looking for a multi-purpose travel tripod. As a photographer who spends time hiking for picture taking opportunities, I have looked for the perfect travel tripod over the last decade. Surveying my current collection, including a Manfrotto MKC3-H01 travel tripod (now, MKCOMPACTACN-BK, with different proprietary hybrid head “joystick” grip ball head, and a different plate arrangement), a Velbon carbon fiber 630 with a Manfrotto 498 RC2 head, a Velbon DF-10ML (closely related to the EX Macro 3-section), and a small Neewer CK-30 compact tripod purchased for the Arca plate and ability for ground level macros.The PD aluminum tripod is not the lightest among them, and it is expensive --but it is one of the most thoughtful, compact, well-constructed, stable, and confidence inspiring tripods, with an advantage “in the field”.Features I like.Compact. In its carry state, a little taller than the size of a standard Nalgene water bottle.The legs, connection pieces, and clasps. I prefer the flip-out clasps for leg deployment over the screw types. For me, there is less fumbling around trying to find release and locking positions. The height is great, along with being able to position close to the ground.The ball head works well for me. The tightening mech on the ball works as expected, even with a Sony a7r-IV with a heavy Sony 200-600mm zoom. Positioning is easy and can be straight up or down. The Peak Design Capture clip uses the same Arca mount plate so you can easily go from carrying to tripod mount with no fumbling to change the mount plate. There is a locking mechanism that prevents accidental release of the plate.Tools attached to the tripod are a thoughtful addition. The carry bag is durable and apparently water proof.Things I don’t like.Price. Oh, the price is high for sure, even higher if you pick the lower weight carbon fiber version.Weight. It is not as light as my Manfrotto compact tripod, but not overly so. With anything like this, lower weight is always something I want.Is this tripod worth it? For those inclined to save money and look for a similar feature set, albeit not as complete? The Manfrotto travel tripod-- if you can find a head version that works for you (read through the comments on the different versions). IF Manfrotto had an Arca plate version, it would be a no brainer – significantly lower cost, lower weight, with just enough features, it would be a great choice.That said, I am keeping the Peak Designs tripod! For me, it is nearly perfect. If you can afford spending over $350 for a tripod, I do not think you would be disappointed.

I hated spending as much as I did on this tripod until I used it a few times. Its compact size is amazing, and it is surprisingly sturdy in windy conditions despite being lightweight aluminum. I have a couple of heavier tripods that don't do as well. The included iPhone holder folds up nicely into the center shaft, so is always there when I go looking for it. The standard feet do well on most surfaces although you can buy feet that will dig in nicely when extra stability is needed. I've used this with iPhone, decently large camera, and compact ham radio antenna, all flawless. It's easy and quick to set up and take down. If there is any criticism it might be that the pressboard case it comes in doesn't last long, but I keep it in with other gear, so not a problem. Highly recommended.

Really like the aluminum version. It feels quality and is very sturdy. Its worked very well, i carry it with all my gear and barely notice it.Minor issues is that the ballhead can be difficult to get minor adjustments correct when the weight is off center, for example my fuji 55-200mm telephoto lens does not have a lens collar. When fully extended to 200mm, a scenario where having a tripod is very handy for image stabilization, the weight is so far forward that i really have to crank the ball head tightener by hand to keep it from falling forward. This hard cranking also nudges the lens around and makes it very difficult to make small adjustments.Next, I wish it was taller, im 6’1. Im above average but not uncommonly large by any means. Even when fully extended I have to bend down to see through the viewfinder, which is my preference. I wish it was even 3 inches taller but another leg extension entirely would be ideal.Also the bubble is completely useless since it is under the camera? Why on earth is it not on the side or something. The alternative is putting the camera on backward to see it or setting it up beforehand but that limits your adjustments.Finally, when shooting in portrait or vertical there is no bubble and the tripod head actually dips just barely under 90 degrees. Meaning you have to align perfect level using features on your camera (if you have them). Why would it not just go immediately to 90 degrees and stop??