3 Ultra Lightweight Tripods

Ever since I broke my lightweight backpacking tripod last fall, I’ve been looking for the perfect replacement. Of course, there is no such thing as perfect when it comes to outdoor photography gear, but you can sometimes get pretty darn close.

While there are quite a few tripods in the 3 lb. and above range, there are not very many quality choices in the under 3 lb. range. Most tripods that are super light weight just aren’t very sturdy. You might as well try to stack your camera on top of a set of twigs, which is essentially what you’re doing if you get one of those cheapo models.

When it comes to quality, though, here are three of the best options that I’ve found. If you’re the kind of photographer who likes to carry your equipment into the backcountry, who likes to go light, fast and unencumbered, and who isn’t afraid to spend decent money on a good tripod, you should definitely consider one of these. All are carbon fiber, which has excellent strength to weight ratio, and it doesn’t radiate cold on your hands in the winter like aluminum does.

1. Gitzo GT0531 Mountaineer

Gitzo tripods are the cream of the crop when it comes to camera support. There is simply no finer tripod that you can buy. Whether you need ultralight or big lens support, you can never go wrong with a Gitzo.

At 1.59 lbs, the GT0531 Mountaineer is by far the lightest choice it’s class. It’s not quite as light as a feather, but it sure comes close. It’s also quite sturdy for how little it weighs. It’s rated to 11 lbs, and it obviously won’t provide the support of a heavier tripod if you’re using longer telephotos like 300 and 400mm, but if you’re looking for a set of legs that feels like you’re carrying nothing at all, this is your best bet.

2. Gitzo GT1541 Traveler

At 2.1 lbs, the Gitzo Traveler is not quite as light as the GT0531, but it has 4 leg sections, as opposed to 3, so it packs smaller. We’re still talking 2.1 lbs, though, which is way lighter than most other “lightweight” tripods on the market. It costs a little bit more, but if you want the ultimate, ultralight, compact tripod with a beautiful streamlined design, this may be it.

3. Manfrotto 732CY

Next to the Gitzo GT0534, the Manfrotto 732CY carbon fiber tripod feels heavy. However, that’s not really a very fair comparison. Take that one out of the equation and the 732CY is pretty much the lightest thing around. At 2.1 lbs., it’s offers the same weight as the Gitzo Traveler at about one third the price.

The Manfrotto is not quite as sturdy as the Gitzos, but again, it’s much more affordable. Weight capacity is listed as 7.7 lbs., which is certainly strong enough to hold most camera lens combinations.

The reality is that if you’re so worried about weight that you’re carrying a 2 lb. tripod, you’re probably not carrying your super heavy telephoto lenses; you’ll likely using smaller wide angles, normal and macro lenses, which the 732CY will easily support.

For many photographers the Manfrotto 732CY is probably the ideal choice. A two pound tripod for less than $200- how can you go wrong with that?

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