It's important to add up the weight of all the gear you will be place on any given tripod because all tripods have a maximum payload; see below. This ranges from adjusting leg sections and pivot facilities (where available), to the locking mechanisms of the head, as well as independent pan and friction damping adjustments, where fitted. It can also be configured in six different ways, to act as a tripod, monopod, boom pole, selfie stick, high hat and tabletop tripod. Although the weight-saving can be substantial in full-sized tripods, it’s much less noticeable in relatively small tripods. We also measure the combined weight of each set of tripod legs and head, using electronic scales, and measure the diameter of all leg sections, from the widest to the thinnest, using digital calipers.

With a maximum 160cm height, it's also taller than many travel tripods – making it perfect for presenting to the camera at near head height. There is an aluminum version that's a massive 40% cheaper, however, which has all the same design features but just a little less vibration resistance.It’s also very lightweight although, as expected, the alternative aluminum version is a little heavier. But, for the vast majority of purposes, this is an impressive all-around package and merits serious consideration for any traveling photographer or videographer.

It's more expensive than most tabletop tripods but it does so much more – so we think it's worth it. The GT1545 Series 1 model has 4-section legs, but there is a GT1555 version with 5-section legs – it all depends on whether you favor a speedy setup (fewer sections) over a shorter folded length (more sections).Unlike some in the Manfrotto Befree range, the 2N1 is only available in aluminum, but you can choose between clip locks and twist locks for the 4-section legs.

The center column is also removable in most tripods, so you can invert it and shoot from between two of the legs with the camera upside down, right down at ground level.It also boasts an Easy Link socket for attaching accessories and has a refined locking mechanism for its multi-angle legs. The Peak Design Travel Tripod may be the first tripod that Peak Design has made, but it's hands-down the best travel tripod that I've ever used! Many recent travel tripods fold down small enough to fit inside a bag or backpack, rather than needing to be tethered to the outside.

The 3 Legged Thing Legends Jay has no center column (this is video, not eye-level stills photography), but it does have a leveling base – a huge time-saver for setting up panning shots and keeping the camera level. Whilst this was incredibly stable for long hours when shooting star trails, we can't help but feel that a tool-free D-ring plate would have been easier. Some also include as many as five sections in each leg, and a two-section extending center column, reducing the folded height even further, while still enabling reasonably lofty shooting.They have a more luxurious feel, a smarter looking finish, and can be slightly more resistant to vibrations. Benro Rhino FRHN24C+VX25 Head Although it's not cheap, for passionate photographers who need a lightweight, portable tripod capable of providing more height than most, this is a fantastic option. It ticks another two boxes on our wish list by easily converting to a monopod, and enabling ultra-low-level shooting with the option of attaching the ball head directly to the canopy (leaving the center column out of the equation).