When backpacking or traveling abroad, a sturdy, lightweight travel tripod can make all the difference in successful plein air painting.
Below are 6 lightweight travel tripods, ranging from budget-friendly to premium. Each offers a balance of portability, durability, ease, and functionality for your outdoor painting set-up.
Read on to see which one I packed for my recent trip to Scotland…
1. Sunpak 2001UT Tripod (620-Budget-friendly option)
• Build Quality: A budget-friendly aluminum tripod that’s compact but less durable for long-term use.
• Load Capacity: 4.4 lbs (2 kg), suitable for small easels but less ideal for heavier setups.
• Height: Extends to 48.9 inches (124 cm), which may be limiting for artists who paint while standing.
• Weight: 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg), making it easy to transport but potentially less stable in windy conditions.
• Features: Equipped with a 3-way pan-and-tilt head, quick leg locks, and rubber feet for basic adjustments. This tripod is best for occasional or casual use.
Best for: Artists looking for a very basic, affordable tripod for lightweight setups.
2. Slik Sprint Pro Tripod
• Build Quality: Constructed from aluminum, this tripod is more durable than the Sunpak and provides better stability for outdoor use.
• Load Capacity: 4.4 lbs (2 kg), similar to the Sunpak, but its sturdier design handles the weight better.
• Height: Extends to 64 inches (162 cm), making it a good option for standing work.
• Weight: Weighing just 2 lbs (0.9 kg), it’s a very portable option for artists on the go.
• Features: Features a ball head for smoother adjustments and quick leg locks for easy setup, with the added benefit of low-angle shooting capability.
Best for: Artists looking for a taller, lightweight tripod with smooth adjustments and enhanced portability.
3. MeFoto “Roadtrip” Trip
• Build quality: Available in aluminum or carbon fiber, the MeFoto Roadtrip is durable and designed for outdoor use. It’s versatile enough for both painting and photography.
• Load Capacity: Supports up to 17.6 lbs (8 kg), ideal for heavier plein air easels or larger setups.
• Height: Extends to 61.6 inches (156.5 cm), offering plenty of height for standing or sitting work.
• Weight: 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg), slightly heavier but still manageable, especially given its higher load capacity.
• Features: Includes a 360-degree panning ball head and can convert into a monopod, adding versatility for various painting environments.
Best for: Artists who need a durable, versatile travel tripod that can support larger gear and convert to a monopod.
Let’s Paint the English countryside!
Plein Air Painting in the Cotswolds with Lori McNee (May 2025)
4. OBO N3 Tripod
• Build Quality: A mid-range travel tripod designed for portability and durability. This provides a balance between weight and stability.
• Load Capacity: Handles up to 6.6 lbs (3 kg), stronger than the Slik Sprint Pro but lighter than the MeFoto.
• Height: Extends to 63 inches (160 cm), providing ample height for most plein air painting setups.
• Weight: Weighs 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg), making it easy to carry but stable enough for moderate wind conditions.
• Features: Includes a ball head for fluid adjustments and quick leg locks for easy setup.
Best for: Artists seeking a well-rounded tripod with a good combination of height and portability at a reasonable price.
Note: The OBO N3 tripod has become harder to find, but it’s been a reliable choice for many plein air artists, and I still love mine. If you’re interested, here’s a current listing on eBay—but availability may vary! For a similar, high-quality option, the STRADA CF305 below is a solid alternative, offering excellent stability and portability.
5. STRADA CF305 Tripod
Build Quality: This carbon fiber tripod is designed to be lightweight, compact, and sturdy, perfect for artists looking for a high-quality setup
without the cost of other premium tripods.
Load Capacity: Supports up to 33 lbs (14.97 kg), making it suitable for large easels or heavier pochade boxes.
Height: Extends to a maximum height of 59.1 inches (150 cm) and can be adjusted down to a minimum height of 19 inches (48.26 cm), giving flexibility for various painting setups.
Weight: Weighs 3.23 lbs (1.46 kg), including the ball head and quick release plate, making it easy to carry without compromising stability.
Features: Equipped with a 360° panning ball head, twist-lock legs for quick adjustments, and a quick-release plate. It also includes a ballast hook for added stability in windy conditions
Best for: Artists who want a lightweight, durable, and high-capacity tripod, suitable for both studio and outdoor plein air setups.
6. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Tripod
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Build Quality: Made from carbon fiber, this tripod is both lightweight and sturdy, perfect for travel and plein air painting.
• Load Capacity: Supports up to 19.8 lbs (9 kg), making it a great option for heavier gear, such as large pochade boxes.
• Height: Extends to 59.1 inches (150 cm), offering plenty of height for most painting setups.
• Weight: Weighs 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg), making it very portable without compromising on strength.
• Features: Includes a 494 ball head with friction control for smooth adjustments and a compact, foldable design. It also has an Easy Link attachment for additional accessories like lights or reflectors.
Best for: Artists looking for a lightweight but strong tripod that offers flexibility and stability in a compact, portable design.
7. Gitzo Traveler Series 0 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Premium option)
• Build Quality: This high-end carbon fiber tripod is built for maximum stability while keeping weight low. It’s ideal for
outdoor professionals or serious painters.
• Load Capacity: Supports up to 22 lbs (10 kg), making it perfect for large easels or pochade boxes.
• Height: Extends to 58.5 inches (149 cm), with a compact foldable design for travel.
• Weight: Weighs 2.3 lbs (1.03 kg) offering a superb balance between portability and heavy-duty capacity.
• Features: Equipped with an Arca-Swiss compatible ball head for precise movements and a reverse-folding design for compact storage. Its carbon fiber build ensures durability in challenging weather conditions.
Best for: Outdoor painters or backpackers who want a premium, lightweight tripod capable of supporting larger setups and working in windy conditions.
Conclusion
For plein air painting, choosing the right tripod depends on your specific needs. The Sunpak 2001UT is a budget-friendly option for lighter setups, while the Slik Sprint Pro offers more height and versatility. The MeFoto Roadtrip is ideal for those needing a higher load capacity and monopod conversion. The OBO N3 and STRADA CF305 both provide a solid balance between price and performance, while the Manfrotto Befree Advanced combines stability and portability. Finally, the Gitzo Traveler Series 0 is a premium choice for demanding setups or challenging weather conditions.
For my trip to Scotland, I packed the Slik Sprint Pro, and it was fantastic for portability and quick setup on those rugged landscapes! If you’re working with larger pochade boxes or painting in strong winds, consider a sturdier option starting with the MeFoto Roadtrip up to the Gitzo Traveler for greater stability.
*Disclaimer: The specifications listed in this post are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. However, manufacturers may update product features or release new versions, so we recommend double-checking the official specs.
PS. Join me in the English countryside!
Plein Air Painting in the Cotswolds with Lori McNee (May 2025)
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