When it comes to capturing stable, shake-free shots and images, a reliable tripod is essential. In 2024, advances in materials, connectivity, and portability make tripods more versatile and travel-friendly than ever before. After extensive research comparing features, specifications, and real-world performance, we've selected the 3 best tripods for a wide range of needs in 2024.
Here is an exciting insight into the 3 best tripods for 2024:
| SKU | material | Weight | Maximum Height | min. Height | Folded length | Head type | Quick Release | Load capacity | Leg cuts | Angle of the legs | Other features |
| Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo | Carbon fiber | 3.31 lbs | 142 cm | 14 cm | 45 cm | ball head | Arca-Swiss/F38/CLAW | 20 kg | 5 | 20°/55°/81° | Leveling system Removable center column |
| Ulanzi Zero F38 | Carbon fiber | 2.4 lbs | 159 cm | 15.3 cm | 42.5 cm | ball head | F38 compatible | 18 kg | 5 | 20°/55°/75° | Legs with lever lockQuick assembly and disassembly1/4"-Center column for low-angle shots |
| Ulanzi Zero Y | Carbon fiber | 2.4 lbs | 156 cm | 15.3 cm | 42.3 cm | ball head | Arca-Swiss compatible | 18 kg | 5 | 20°/55°/75° | Legs with lever locking Quick assembly/disassembly1/4"-Center column for low-angle shots |
Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
The Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo tripod features an unbeatable blend of stability, features, and portability, making it our favorite.
Main features of the Ulanzi TT09
- Constructed from premium carbon fiber for exceptional durability at only 3.31 pounds
- The quick assembly system allows for quick assembly and disassembly in seconds
- 360° swivel ball head for smooth, versatile shooting angles
- Integrated leveling system enables precise adjustments
- Maximum height of 55,91" (with center column) for full height shots
- Foldable to a compact length of 17,7" for easy transport
With its robust, 5-section carbon fiber legs, quick-release lever locks, and rubberized feet, the TT09 offers rock-solid stability in a variety of terrain. Whether you're shooting landscapes, selfies, or action shots, the quality is top-notch.
Arca-Swiss, F38, and CLAW quick release options ensure seamless mounting and switching between cameras. The ball head allows for quick 360° panning and a tilt range of 50° to +60° for on-the-fly adjustments.
From its full extension height down to a compact minimum height of 14 cm, the TT09's 5-angle leg adjustment allows it to be adapted to the specific application, while the removable center column increases versatility. Overall, it offers an ideal balance between stable support, silky-smooth head movement, and compact size.
Ulanzi TT09's robust performance in real-world use
In extensive practical tests with the Ulanzi TT09 in harsh outdoor environments, it proves to be an invaluable companion and exceeds expectations for a travel tripod.
The intelligent quick-locking mechanisms ensure fast and frustration-free setup – by simply flipping the clamps on each leg section, it can be extended and locked at the desired height in seconds. Combined with the robust carbon fiber construction, the TT09 offers remarkable stability for its light weight of 3.31 pounds.
When shooting dynamic action shots on hikes and in urban areas, we capture impressively shake-free footage when panning fast-moving subjects with both mirrorless cameras and smartphone gimbals. The flexible 5-section legs and rubber feet ensure secure footing on all surfaces, from jagged concrete to loose dirt roads.
The smooth 360° ball head is ideal for switching between horizontal and vertical compositions, capturing wide landscapes and portrait perspectives with an ease unmatched by simple panning heads. The universal mounting plate and various quick-release systems make it easy to use a TT09 tripod with different camera bodies.
Especially for frequent travelers and mobile content producers who want to maximize performance from compact kit, the TT09's professional stability in such a lightweight and compact package is a decisive advantage over conventional travel tripods. Offering a robustness that rivals that of full-size tripods, the TT09 solves a number of problems long faced by photographers who require flexible, professional support.
Ulanzi F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod 3131
The Ulanzi Zero F38 Carbon Fiber Tripod is designed for those who value maximum mobility without sacrificing too much stability. It offers impressive performance at a weight of just 2.4 pounds.
Main features of the Ulanzi Zero F38
- Ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction (2.4 lb)
- Integrated ball head with F38 quick release plate
- Unique 1/4" Center column for low/inverted shots
- 5-section legs with 20°/55°/75° angle settings
- 5 cm folded length for exceptional compactness
With its versatile, quick transitions between traditional upright stance and low-angle shots, the Zero F38 mimics the capabilities of full-size tripods despite its ultra-lightweight form factor. The integrated ball head pairs with the quick-release plate for quick camera attachment and orientation changes.
The five leg sections are equipped with quick-release fasteners that allow for quick angle adjustment from 20° to 75° and allow for different shooting heights from a minimum of 14 cm to a maximum of 159 cm. Furthermore, the entire unit packs down to just 42.5 cm in length, making it easy to transport.
The intelligent design and reliability of the Zero F38 make it a reliable companion for photographers on the move who need to squeeze every ounce of performance out of a simple kit.
Ulanzi Zero F38's outstanding mobility and shooting flexibility
Although the Zero F38 measures just 42.5 cm when folded, its carbon fiber legs and quick-lock mechanism provide remarkable stability that belies its ultra-compact size. Combined with the integrated Arca-Swiss ball head and quick-release plate, cameras can be mounted and repositioned with precision.
In field tests, the Zero F38 proves to be an invaluable tool for mobile cameramen who need to quickly adjust compositions in suboptimal positions. Whether shooting time-lapse sequences at sunrise on rocky cliffs or shooting cyclists from awkward gravel shoulder angles, the F38's flexible, multi-adjustable legs and reversible center column are impressive.
The ability to lower the center of gravity with the inverted center column enables unique worm's-eye perspectives from just 14 cm above the ground. This offers photographers and videographers creative flexibility comparable to that of a full-size professional tripod.
Despite its immense shooting flexibility, the Zero F38 folds up to fit into any camera bag or even a large jacket pocket. For writers who need professional composition control in an ultra-portable package, this cleverly designed tripod offers operational flexibility that goes far beyond its size and weight.
Ulanzi Zero Y Carbon Fiber Lightweight Travel Tripod 3028
Rounding out our top 3 is the Zero Y tripod from Ulanzi, which features an innovative hemisphere head and a foldable, lightweight design tailored for mobility.
Main features of the Ulanzi Zero Y
- Compatible with Arca-Swiss quick release plates
- Unique folding design for the fastest assembly and disassembly
- Lever locking of the legs with quick angle adjustments from 20° to 75°
- 153mm minimum height to 156cm maximum height
- Ultralight 1.1Kg carbon fiber construction
With its CNC-machined ball head, the Zero Y features a smooth 360° pan that's unmatched by block heads. This makes switching between focal lengths and framing subjects frustration-free.
The legs feature a clever locking design that allows them to be extended in seconds without the need for tedious lever pulling. Quick angle adjustment offers the ability to shoot at low heights, on uneven surfaces, or in an upright position.
Best of all, the Zero Y offers all this camera control and stability with a featherweight of 1.1 kg and an impressively small folded size. This powerful combination makes it one of the most portable tripods on the market.
Ulanzi Zero Y: Smooth maneuverability in a feather-light frame
After extensive field testing—from busy city streets to lush national parks—the Zero Y proves to be an invaluable asset for photographers who require dynamic, professional-class camera movements in a lightweight and highly maneuverable package.
The CNC-machined hemispherical head features exceptionally smooth 360° panning, completely free of the clunky friction points that can be a hindrance to simpler panning heads. This makes framing subjects in flight a real pleasure, rather than a test of patience.
Combined with the quick lever-lock mechanism for the legs, filming walking and shooting sequences with a travel tripod has never been easier. Simply slide the levers outward while holding the central hub, and the five leg sections lock into place in seconds. You can then fine-tune the three angle settings to compensate for uneven terrain.
At just 1.1 kg, the Zero Y carbon fiber frame is barely noticeable on the shoulder. Despite its light weight, its solid construction and stability rival or even exceed those of much bulkier travel tripods. This allows for the kind of on-the-fly flexibility normally only possible with handheld tripods, without compromising stability.
For those who crave the fluid maneuverability of professional-grade video tripod heads, but without the cumbersome weight, the Zero Y's unique folding design offers a compelling balance of power, performance, and unrestricted portability.
Summary
Whether you need unmatched stability for large camera sets or nimble mobility for compact mirrorless systems, eOne of these three exceptional tripods is ideally suited to meet your recording needs as you head into 2024.
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