3 best portable tripod with ballheads
A portable tripod with a ball head is an essential piece of equipment for photographers and videographers. These tripods are designed to provide stability and support for cameras and other imaging devices, allowing for steady and precise shots. Here are some key features and information related to portable tripods with ball heads:
Stability and Versatility: Portable tripods with ball heads offer stability for your camera or camcorder, ensuring that your shots are sharp and free from camera shake. The ball head allows for versatile positioning and angle adjustments, making it easy to frame your shots precisely.
Compact and Lightweight: These tripods are designed to be easily portable. They are typically lightweight and foldable, making them suitable for travel and outdoor photography. Many come with carrying cases for added convenience.
Quick Setup: Portable tripods are designed for quick and easy setup. Many models feature flip-lock or twist-lock leg mechanisms that allow you to extend and lock the legs into place rapidly.
Height Adjustability: Most tripods come with adjustable legs that allow you to vary the height. This flexibility is useful for capturing shots from different perspectives, including low-angle and high-angle shots.
Ball Head: The ball head is a critical component of these tripods. It consists of a ball and socket joint that enables smooth and precise adjustments in all directions. The quick-release plate allows you to attach and detach your camera easily.
Load Capacity: It's important to check the load capacity of the tripod to ensure it can support your camera and any additional accessories like lenses and external flashes.
Material: Tripods are commonly made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum tripods are sturdy and cost-effective, while carbon fiber tripods are lighter and more expensive.
Price Range: Portable tripods with ball heads are available at various price points, depending on their build quality, features, and brand. You can find budget-friendly options as well as high-end models.
Brand and Model Variations: There are numerous brands and models to choose from, with varying degrees of quality and features. Some popular brands known for their tripods include Manfrotto, Gitzo, Vanguard, and Benro, among others.
Compatibility: Ensure that the tripod and ball head you choose are compatible with your camera equipment.Check the mounting plate size and thread type to ensure a secure fit.
Additional Features: Some tripods come with extra features like built-in bubble levels, spiked feet for stability on uneven terrain, and multi-angle leg adjustments for shooting in tight spaces.
In summary, a portable tripod with a ball head is a versatile and essential tool for photographers and videographers looking to capture stable and precise shots. These tripods are available in various sizes, materials, and price ranges to suit different needs and budgets.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable tripod with ballheads on the market- Solid Construction: High quality carbon fiber camera tripod, construction for maximum lightness and sturdiness. Center column with hook for hanging goods to increase stability. Max. loading Capacity: 8.8lbs/4kg. Tripod weighs only 1.87lbs/0.85kg.
- Adjustable and Extendable: 5-section carbon fiber legs with quick release twist-locks allow you to adjust the working height from 6.3" to 54.3" in seconds, while with a folded height of 13". 3-position leg angle adjustment system can provide flexible shooting for different photography scenarios and conditions.
- 360° Ball-Head and Panoramic View: With two independent control knobs, the specially designed ball-head can rotate 360° allows you to take photos at any angle in horizontal and vertical directions, making it easy to take panoramic photos and video shooting. Quick release plate with standard 1/4" screw for fast camera connection, compatible with almost all DSLR such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, Pentax and more.
- Multi-angle Shooting: The center column inverted function ensures extreme low angle photography and macro shooting. When the center column attached to the tripod, twist the column lock to adjust the column for additional working heights.
- Easy to carry: Light-weight but durable, the portable tripod legs can be inverted and folded back 180 degrees, saving length to 13" compact storage size, also comes with a portable bag, which is easy to carry and pack for travel.
User questions & answers
Question: | How many sections does each tripod leg have |
Answer: | Each tripod leg of 5C has 5 sections. Therefore the working height can actually be easily adjusted flexibly. |
Question: | Does this come with metal spikes? Thanks |
Answer: | Yes, it does come with stainless spikes, which is suitable for outdoor photography. |
Question: | Is the quick release assembly standard Arca Swiss |
Answer: | Yes, it is. It is compatible with almost all DSLR such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, Pentax and more. |
Question: | Is the center axis reversible |
Answer: | Certainly. I have reversed it once and got excellent pictures. |
Product features
SIRUI Compact Lightweight Traveler Tripod-A Capable Travellig Partner!
Weighing less than 1. 05kg/2.3lbs, the SIRUI Traveler 5A/5C can reversibly fold up to minimize its size at 330mm/13inches.
- Shoulder less: With a reverse leg fold-up, easily backpack the 330mm/13inches compact fit and carry less at a weight approximate to 0.85kg/ 1.87lbs.
- Multiple Working Height: Remove the center column for low angle and macro shots. When the center column attached to the tripod, twist the column lock to adjust the column for additional wor king heights.
- Easy Leg Adjustments: Adjust the legs to your desired angle by pulling out the semi-automatic leg angle adjustment button. Easily set up the legs with a quick turn twist of the leg locks.
- Shoot Beyond Your View: Smoothly pan the head 360° to capture a beautiful landscape panorama shot.
You deserve a better one!
360° Panorama Shooting
Smoothly pan the head 360° to capture a beautiful landscape panorama shot.Quick release plate with standard 1/4" screw for fast camera connection, compatible with almost all DSLR such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, Pentax and more.
Multiple Working Height
Remove the center column for low angle and macro shots. When the center column attached to the tripod, twist the column lock to adjust the column for additional working heights.
Compact & Lightweight
With a reverse leg fold-up, easily backpack the 330mm/13inches compact fit and carry less at a weight approximate to 1.05kg/2.3lbs.
Opt for the Carbon Fiber Traveler 5C (0.85kg/1.87l bs ) or the Aluminum Traveler 5A (1.05kg/2.3l bs).
Weight Hook
With a stability weight hook and non-slip rubber feet design, you can hang additional weight to get better stability on the different ground surface for more types of shooting.
SIRUI Traveler 5C&5C Tripod
Material: Carbon Fiber
Sections: 5
Tube Diameter(mm/inch): 10-22/0.39-0.87
Min. Height(mm/inch): 160/6.3
Max. Height(mm/inch): 1380/54.3
Retracted Height(mm/inch): 615/24.2
Folded Height(mm/inch): 330/13
Weight(kg/lbs): 0.85/1.87
Product description
NOTE:
The Camera is Not included.
Description:
The tripod is Made of Aluminum Alloy, durable and solid
With the use of a tripod, it can achieve greater performance and maintain image quality for cropping larger picture sizes
Adjustable height 6.7-19.7 inches/ 17-50 centimeters, 5 sections adjustable-height leg tubes, so it is the best choice for macro shooting with smaller size, lighter weight and closer distance
360 degree swivel ball head with bubble level provide you with a panoramic view
Non-slip feet design to keep the tripod steady. Max load weight is 11 lbs/ 5kg for optimal performance
Compatible with many DSLR Camera Video Camcorder, such as Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Olympus and other digital DSLR cameras
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Color: Black+Red
Load Capacity: 11 pounds/ 5 kilograms
Maximum Height: 19.7 inches/ 50 centimeters
Minimum Height: 6.7 inches/ 17 centimeters
Standard Screw: 1/4 inch
Net Weight: 24.7 ounce/ 700 gram
Package Contents:
1x Aluminum Alloy Tripod
- SOLID CONSTRUCTION: The tripod is Made of Aluminum Alloy, durable and solid; With the use of a tripod, it can achieve greater performance and maintain image quality for cropping larger picture sizes
- UPGRADED DESIGN: Adjustable height 6.7-19.7 inches/ 17-50 centimeters, 5 sections adjustable-height leg tubes, so it is the best choice for macro shooting with smaller size, lighter weight and closer distance
- PANORAMIC VIEW: 360 degree swivel ball head with bubble level provide you with a panoramic view; 3 position leg angle adjustment system provides flexible shooting
- NON-SLIP DESING: Non-slip feet design to keep the tripod steady. Max load weight is 11 lbs/ 5kg for optimal performance
- COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with many DSLR Camera Video Camcorder, such as Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Olympus and other digital DSLR cameras
User questions & answers
Question: | Is it easy to carry |
Answer: | Yes. Folded up, it's about 6in tall and 3.5in thick. It's a solidly built product and does feel a bit heavy (about 1.5 lbs) for its size. |
Question: | Does this tripod head tilt completely horiztontally |
Answer: | The head will turn 90 degrees to one side and spin. Very sturdy tripod. I use it with a Nikon D800 and a Sigma 180 macro lens, together about 10 lbs. |
Question: | Does it come with phone holder and if it does can it fit iphone 11pro |
Answer: | Hello, no there is no phone holder with this tripod. But, it is worth purchasing and you can pick up a holder separately. |
Question: | Does the ball head screw off |
Answer: | Yes - the base structure in which the ball joint is housed screws off of the center pole. |
Product description
PRO-GRADE TRIPOD KIT. The GorillaPod 5K Kit pairs the precision engineered BallHead 5K with a premium GorillaPod 5K for a pro-grade tripod solution. Whether you’re taking photos, making movies or vlogging, this kit will support pro gear up to 5kg (11lbs).
GRIP IT. WRAP IT. STAND IT. Rubberized rings and foot grips provide enhanced stability in difficult terrain. Wrappable legs allow you to secure professional camera equipment to virtually any surface.
- Flexible: Grip it, wrap it, stand it, wrappable legs allow you to secure professional camera equipment to virtually any surface
- Efficient: Arca-Swiss system compatible quick release plate stays connected to camera for instant set-up
- Accurate: Numbered scale on base lets you accurately repeat 360 Degree pans, secondary knob locks pan separately
- Modular: Works with JOBY pro-level accessories, including grip tight pro mounts, GorillaPod arms and hub adapter that allow for mounting GoPro adapters, flash clips, lighting and microphones
- Stable and Durable: The Anodized construction delivers confident positioning in challenging terrain
User questions & answers
Question: | maybe I missed it, but are the 5k leg balls and joints made of metal or plastic? I read that they are metal on a review site of flexible stands |
Answer: | 5he leg only is a 3/8 thread..you'll need a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter or the joby ballhead |
Question: | Does this come with the phone attachment |
Answer: | With 18-55 yes but if you have heavy lens like 85 your camera will falling off |
Question: | What is the difference in the GorillaPod focus and the newer version |
Answer: | The red5k one has the new arca swiss release plates. Switch between devices quick without unscrewing. Also the red looks dope. |
Question: | Can I use this for a canon t6? Like is it adaptable to any camera |
Answer: | I believe the difference is that the kit has a swivel head on top of the legs and the stand just has a screw mount on top of the legs. A swivel mount is really useful for a traditional tripod but not as important for a gorilla pod. The swivel makes it easier to make small adjustments to angle/position but also is more likely to slip if you load it up with a heavier camera and lens. |
Product features
Grip It.
GorillaPod creates the perfect hand grip for vlogging.
Wrap It.
GorillaPod grasps branches, bars & more for unlimited angles and precise composition.
Stand It.
GorillaPod delivers a level and stable shot on any surface.
Versatile
Mount pro-level DSLRs, strobes, flash or video lighting, microphone, Pico projector, speaker or any other ¼-20 device weighing less than 5 kg (11 lbs) or ⅜ mount with included adapter.
Precise
Features a 360° panning bed and 90° tilt and bubble level for optimal position control. Obtain the perfect level and optimal angles for portrait or landscape shots. The numbered scale on the base lets you accurately repeat 360° pans, and the secondary knob locks pan separately.
Take it Anywhere
Capture unique shots from ground level to high up in a rig, with one easy to configure tripod that fits in almost any bag or backpack.
Latest Reviews
View all
Leggings
- Updated: 11.06.2023
- Read reviews

Towing Winch Quick Connect Systems
- Updated: 07.02.2023
- Read reviews

Air Cleaner For Cars
- Updated: 28.07.2023
- Read reviews

Apple Hard Drive Enclosures
- Updated: 13.04.2023
- Read reviews

Lowes Upright Freezer Frost Free
- Updated: 04.02.2023
- Read reviews