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3 Best Mini Tripod for Camera – Leofoto Tripod
Are you tired of carrying around your large tripod all the time? is the weight too much? wish to travel with less gear? Let us look at the Pros and Cons and see which best small tripod for your mirrorless cameras setup may benefit you and your photography.
Best Mini Tripod for Camera – Leofoto Tripod or Manfrotto
Pros of using a small/table mini tripod for camera
Stating the obvious the biggest gain you will have is that they are smaller, lighter and more transportable. Hence you are more likely to pack it in your camera bag when you head out for a shoot.
They are also quick to set up and allow you to shoot in some interesting locations when you need to get that special photograph. The small tripods excel when you need to get close to the ground shots, or into tight spaces. They are also quite at home mounted on the desk at home.
Several small tripods exist on the market and each varies in weight, style and function. Each variant is worthy of being named as the best small tripod for mirrorless cameras.
Cons of using a small/table tripod
Once you have used a small tripod for a while you will start to see the versatility of using one. Although they do have their place and have a few drawbacks.
If you like to photograph at the beach and often find yourself with the tide around your feet, then a small tripod is not for you. It will place your gear far too close to the water. There are times when you can find a handy rock or breakwater for a small tripod to sit on – this is where it will shine.
Also, expect to be physically mobile by getting down low to mount the camera and tweak your settings. Gammy knees, bad backs and even poor eyesight can hinder getting the most from the low-down shooting positions.
Whether shooting mirrorless or even using your iPhone, the small tripods are a versatile setup for vlogging. Being light enough to act as a selfie pole or stand your camera on whilst you record that all-important video.
Tried and Tested – Best Small Tripod for Mirrorless Cameras
I have had the following mini tripod for camera setups in my kit for several years and they work amazingly alongside my larger tripod.
Manfrotto Pixie Evo 2
After starting with the Manfrotto Pixie 2, a cheap alternative to more expensive variants. The Manfrotto offers a good stable base for desk camera mounting and shooting in the field. Retailing around the £40 in the UK. The ball head is attached to a 1/4in screw which can securely be attached to the bottom of a camera, light or phone mount. The legs can be adjusted to 2 positions.
Overview
- Compatible with your entry-level DSLRS/Mirrorless and devices up to 2.5Kg
- Mini tripod two leg angles give you stability on uneven ground
- Sturdy and lightweight aluminium & adapto structure
- Camera tilts to a full 90° letting you shoot in portrait mode
- Integrated ball head for easy setup
Specs
- Weight: 0.26 kg
- Top Attachment: 1/4″ screw
- Closed Length: 20.5 cm
- Ball Locking: Yes
- Maximum Height: 20 cm
- Safety Payload Weight: 2.5 kg
- Front Tilt:-35° / +35°
- Lateral Tilt:-90° / +40°
- Leg Angles:50°, 75°
- Leg Lock Type:Button Lock
- Material:Aluminium, Technopolymer
- Min Height:10.5 cm
- Panoramic Rotation:360 °
- Plate Type:fixed – with 1/4-20″ screw
Conclusion
A trusty tripod to have in your kit bag offering flexibility and function to those on a budget. It’s not the most compact tripod in size and it doesn’t quite have the same functionality as its more expensive competitors.
Leofoto Tripod MT-03
After searching for the most compact and stable tripod I invested in the Leofoto tripod MT-03.
I wanted a tripod that I could carry around with me in my sling bag whilst using my most minimal camera setup. This tripod is so small that it fits into the small sleeve of my Wandrd Sling, once secured don’t even notice I am carrying it. This gives me the flexibility whilst out photographing, that at any time I need to mount the camera or do a long exposure shot, I can do it.
Why is s special? it’s tiny and light and I can even fit it in my back pocket. Weighing just 251g, and 192mm in length, but with the ability to set 3 leg positions and extend to a height of 229mm.
Overview
The Leofoto Pocket Mini Tripod MT-03 Kit comes with the MBH-19 Ball Head. This is a very compact ball head with a 1/4-inch tripod screw measuring 49mm high. It features a robust design made of Aluminium, making it light and highly resistant to scratches. It also has CNC finishing, strong precision, a panning base diameter of 29mm as well a strong locking force.
Specs
- Folded Height: 192mm
- Min Height: 79mm
- Max Height: 229mm
- Weight: 251g
- Max load (when fully open): 5kg
- Locked Angles: 35/55/85
Conclusion
I don’t have a bad word to say about the Leofoto MT-03 and is the best small tripod for mirrorless cameras, phones or action cameras. The tripod’s legs unfold to form a spider-like shape for extra stability and positioning it in awkward places, although I haven’t been brave enough to test this with my heavier setups.
If quality and portability are your top priority then you really cannot go wrong with investing in Leofoto’s little gem.
Leofoto Ranger LS-223CEX
At the other end of the scale is the Leofoto Ranger LS-223CEX, a tripod that offers greater flexibility, and stability and will hold larger mirrorless setups with no problem at all. I have used this balanced on rocks with the Canon R5 and the RF70-200 and have been completely happy that the tripod is secure enough not to move.
It comprises – carbon fibre 3-section twist lock legs, and an integrated levelling base. It offers 3 leg angles and due to no centre column, it enables the camera mount to get low to the ground.
Leofoto also supplies the tripod with a robust carrying bag, stainless steel spiked feet, Allen keys and a flat multi-tool.
The tripod basic option does not come with a ball head, but there is an option to add one on during the purchase options from Leofoto. This does save around £20 if you buy separately. I elected to add a K&F ball head to mine, but in hind sight, I would now elect to get the Leofoto one.
Overview
- Incorporated FIXED Leveling Base
- Leveling Base Diameter: 50mm
- Independent Leg Spread
- Three Angle Stops: 23-, 55-, and 85°
- 3/8″ mounting stud
- 1/4″-20 threaded Accessory Socket for Monitor, Microphone, LED light or More
- Interchangeable Feet (3/8″)
- Carrying Case
Specs
Max. Height: 317mm / 12.48″
Min. Height: 73mm / 2.87″
Folded length: 220mm / 8.66″
Leg Section : 3
Max load: 5kg / 11lb
Weight: 0.61kg / 1.34lb
Tilt range : -15°/+15°
Leg Tube: 22/19/16mm
Conclusion
If you are looking for a tripod that you can take anywhere and provides a stable base for your camera then look no further.
This tripod is small and compact enough to pack in your camera cube. I tend to lay it horizontally on the top inside pocket of my rucksack. This is great when hiking as it alleviates having a tripod dangling from the side of your bag.
The twist lock legs are quick to deploy and lock securely with minimal effort. The same is true when packing away.
Final Thoughts – Best Mini Tripod for Camera Kit
The tripods discussed here have been purchased and tested thoroughly by myself in real-world situations. Each one comes highly recommended and which one you choose will be very dependant on your setup and intended use.
Hopefully, this has helped you decide on whether one of these tripods is a worthy addition to your creative kit. If you decide to purchase one of the Leofoto tripods then check out Leofoto USA as even with shipping they tend to be cheaper than buying from UK stores. If you have any questions then please leave in the comments below.
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