13 Best Mini Tripods for DSLR: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Last updated on April 4th, 2023

Looking for the best mini tripod for a DSLR camera or iPhone?

Great! Using a mini tripod for a camera is much more simple and fast than using a regular camera tripod. Because, in fact, many videographers use them as grips for their cameras.

If you are a photographer, vlogger, or traveling enthusiast, you need a mini tripod for your camera because they’re so small and lightweight.

Holding your camera with a tripod is easy but selecting the right one is confusing. That’s why I created this comprehensive guide that not only saves your time but also helps you to get the right tripod for you.

So let’s dive right in with my recommendations.

13 Best Mini Tripods in 2023

In case you don’t have free time to review all available mini tripods and find the best mini tripod among the hundreds of models on the market, don’t worry, I have got you covered.

If you are a photographer, videographer, or traveling enthusiast, you are probably on the lookout for the best mini tripods for your smartphone or DSLR.

In comparison to regular tripods, the tabletop tripod is more compact and easily transportable, therefore is perfect for those photographers who are working on the go.

Despite the small size, the mini tripods are solid, steady, and can provide high-quality shots.


1. Fotopro Camera Tripod

The Fotopro tripod is a gorgeous piece of gear that will attract anyone’s attention. It’s a flexible mini tripod with legs, which can boast rubber coating. The legs’ anti-slip characteristics guarantee the durability of the tripod.

This way, you can work without unnecessary worries about its reliability and focus on the creative process of shooting. It’s waterproof as well so that the rain isn’t a problem anymore.

All of the above makes up for a wide range of angles, working surfaces, and set-up experiences. The remote control feature is another wonderful add-on that solves an issue of a plastic body slip.

The lock is fast and enables you to keep the mount tightened to snap the desired photo and use a bulkier camera.

Pros

  • Light up your travel
  • Flexible & Sturdy
  • Waterproof & Antiskid
  • Lightweight & Portable

Cons

  • Not good for heavy DSLR

2. Oben TT-100

Another tabletop tripod impressed me a lot. This is a great mini tripod DSLR for average-sized cameras, including all of the additional accessories such as the lens.

The aluminum design of the Oben TT-100 makes it a perfect variant for tabletop photographers.

The model is equipped with a ball head that allows a number of set-up options. Feel free to position it however you like.

Pros

  • Flexible & Sturdy
  • Mini Ball Head
  • Waterproof & Antiskid
  • Lightweight & Portable
  • Aluminum Construction

Cons

  • It would stand up taller

3. Bestshoot Desktop Tripod

Bestshoot is one of the best mini camera tripods that is constructed of the same materials as the bigger tripods.

This mini camera tripod is what you may want for a tabletop studio or monopod base for various-angle shooting.

It features with impressive Portable and lightweight design. As a result, it ensures an easy move on during travel on road. Aluminum Alloy Mini Tripod is a table tripod made of 3 aluminum alloy tubes.

It is the best solution for your grounding level shooting and monopod ground support. Maximum load: 3KG / 6.6lb, 1/4 inch, and 3/8 inch screw in one allows you to either mount a monopod or camera for shooting.

You can change the height from 90mm to 245mm according to your needs. The metallic parts are strong enough to last for a long time and satisfy you with their durability.

However, there’re some height limitations, the legs aren’t expandable so you have to work from 3 possible angles to bring some variety to the shots.

Nevertheless, the BestShoot tripod will be a great value for those, who look for monopod base support and level shooting.

Pros

  • Stable and solid
  • Holds quite a weight
  • The wrench comes with a kit
  • A carrying bag is included
  • An anti-slip pad for extremely smooth surfaces
  • Well-designed out of the rugged materials

Cons

  • You aren’t able to extend the legs

4. Altura Photo Mini Tripod

The foldable legs simplify the transportation of this model. Altura Mini Tripod may be placed into any bag or backpack. It can hold all types of cameras and other gadgets that weigh no more than 2.5 lbs.

The model can’t but please users with an automatic one-button locking system that allows you to swiftly attach or take off a camera from the mount.

Its extra steadiness is ensured with the padded feet. Taking everything into account, the device can be rightfully called the best mini tripod for DSLR.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Durable
  • Well-built
  • Easy handle,
  • Versatile robust
  • Cheap price

Cons

  • Isn’t compatible with all smartphones

5. Manfrotto PIXI

The Manfrotto PIXI tripod provides you with an opportunity to capture videos and panoramic images thanks to its ergonomics. Since it’s lightweight and thin, I carried it around in my bag without any difficulties.

With this Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod, you may adjust and fix the ball head in one swift motion by using a modernized push-button function.

It has the greatest benefit is the ability to hold various gadgets – from smartphones to all types of professional cameras. Its universal compatibility came in very handy for me, since I have lots of gear that I use.

The Manfrotto PIXI is the perfect mini tripod for Compact System Cameras (CSC). As one of the smallest and simplest mini tripods available in 2022, it’s also one of the most enjoyable to handle.

It has been designed to satisfy the needs of those consumers that are looking for support that is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. The PIXI is great for achieving hard-to-get video shots while keeping your camera steady.

The Manfrotto Pixi is no exception, sporting a look that wouldn’t look out of place in a design museum.

With its smooth edges, perfectly curved legs, and ball head that can be locked or loosened at the press of the all-inviting red logo button.

I have to say that the Manfrotto Pixi is one of my favorite mini camera tripods I ever used.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Economical
  • Durable
  • Well-built
  • Easy handle,
  • Beautiful to see
  • Versatile robust

Cons

  • Doesn’t have any

6. Pedco UltraPod Lightweight Camera Tripod

The UltraPod is a small, convenient tripod that can be taken and used anywhere. If you don’t want to waste much money on the tripod, this model could be a perfect cheap tabletop tripod for you.

It impressed me with its stability on various surfaces and its ability to fit even in the smallest spaces in a folded position. The tripod features non-slip feet made from vinyl, a Velcro cinch strap, and three fold-out legs.

It will serve you well for a long period of time & a resin frame fabricated of nylon and aluminum is filled with glass by 30%.

Aside from placing it on a table, you can fasten this device to other steady objects such as trees, bridges, etc. This mini tripod for DSLR or other devices can also be used as a handle when needed.

This is designed to be a fun tripod for use with small digital cameras, webcams, and more. This Can also be used to mount remote flashes to light stands using the Velcro strap.

The UltraPod can fit into a small camera bag or pack without adding excessive weight or bulk. With three fold-out legs, the tripod provides a stable platform or it can be attached securely to a fence, rail, or tree with its Velcro “one wrap” strap

Pros

  • Compactness
  • Lightweight
  • Can support even a bulky DSLR
  • Foldable to carry in the pocket
  • Can be attached to other objects
  • Can be used as a tabletop tripod

Cons

  • A common problem with Velcro straps – they will get worn out sooner or later

7. Neewer Portable Desktop Mini Tripod

The Neewer Portable Desktop Mini tripod is Made of Aluminum Alloy, durable and solid. It is the best choice for macro shooting with a smaller size, lighter weight, and closer distance.

With the use of a tripod, it can achieve greater performance and maintain image quality for cropping larger picture sizes.

It’s a really scaled-down tripod but it packs quite a punch and provides us with a lot of features that are typical for the fancier options.

Non-slip feet are designed to keep the tripod steady. Max load weight is 11 lbs/ 5kg for optimal performance. You can fold down the legs just as any other large-sized tripod.

The great advantage to pay attention to is also its high load capacity, namely, it manages to handle up to 11 lbs.

The long legs are extendable and can even create a plain horizontal surface for shooting on the ground.

In case you damage or lose the tripod’s head, you can always replace it with any other that is compatible with a screw hole.

The head rotates at 360 degrees and height is adjustable, thus, it gives a lot of space for creativity and experiments.

Pros

  • Legs don’t slip
  • Portability and small size
  • Looks modern and professional
  • Designed in black or red colors
  • Legs can be positioned individually

Cons

  • Weighs a lot for a tabletop tripod

8. Fotopro Flexible Tripod

The Fotopro is a flexible tabletop tripod that will attract anyone’s attention. It’s a flexible mini tripod with legs, which can boast rubber coating.

It is very similar to Dinky Pocket Tripod which is currently unavailable. It also has tangle-free pocket-sized sync and charges on the go. No more like the sponge material, easy to crack or break.

This Flexible tripod is supporting both portrait and landscape shooting for occasional private photos such as selfies, family celebrations, and vlogs. 

You can literally use the tripod in the water or on a rainy day, without worrying about it being rusty. used with high-quality materials and do not the secondary materials that are cheap but stinky and easy to crack.

The legs’ anti-slip characteristics guarantee the durability of the tripod. This way, you can work without unnecessary worries about its reliability and focus on the creative process of shooting.

It’s waterproof as well so that the rain isn’t a problem anymore. All of the above makes up for a wide range of angles, working surfaces, and set-up experiences.

The remote control feature is another wonderful add-on that solves an issue of a plastic body slip. The lock is fast and enables you to keep the mount tightened to snap the desired photo and use a bulkier camera.

Pros

  • Anti-slip
  • Waterproof
  • Stunning design
  • Bluetooth remote control
  • Integrated bubble level indicator
  • 360°shooting view with a ball head
  • Multifunctional: tripod, phone holder, iPad mount, etc.

Cons

  • Bluetooth isn’t compatible with all smartphones

9. Sirui 3T-35 Table Top/Handheld Video Tripod

The greatest benefit of the Sirui 3T-35 is compatible with all devices like the DSLR or other devices. As You are free to use it in any desired way while shooting – hold it in your hands or locate it on the table.

This mini camera tripod is extremely lightweight and fits in any bag. Whether as a hand-hold for action cams or as a table-top tripod with a system camera.

It features an extendable center column up to 8.5cm. A non-extendable small central part may be detached and the camera is fastened straight to the shoulder of the tripod.

Additionally, the tripod can be used without a center column by attaching the camera directly to the tripod’s shoulder. The ball head operates smoothly and softly. It can support cameras up to a weight of 4kg. 

This is also Equipped with 10 cm rubber-tipped legs and foldable feet up to 180, the model ensures decent steadiness. What is more, this is the best tabletop tripod is very compact and can be transported in bags of different sizes.

Pros

  • Steady head
  • Can be used as a monopod
  • The center column is detachable
  • Extremely sturdy metal structure
  • Reliable and smooth lock knobs
  • The ends of the legs are covered with rubber

Cons

  • The head won’t pan in case the ball is fixed. You would need a larger size of head, otherwise, it won’t allow it.

10. JOBY GorillaPod SLR Zoom

There’s nothing better than Gorillapod. This model has 3 modes: stand, wrap, and grip. I’ve shot a variety of things with this tripod: still, life images, live streams, videos, and vlogs with this mini camera tripod.

It may handle different sorts of equipment up to 11 lbs. This lightweight, professional tripod and ball head bundle are designed for use with your SLR or mirrorless cameras up to 6.6 lbs. (3kg.). 

The ability to be fastened to each and every type of surface makes it an ideal bendy camera tripod. With over two dozen flexible joints, the legs will stay secure, even when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The device might be rotated and bent 360 degrees due to foot grips and more than 24 leg joints with the ring made from rubber.

This tabletop tripod will allow your creativity and imagination to run wild, as you can select diverse mounting variants for the image. All in all, Gorillapod is a worthy addition to the list of your professional photography gear.

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Steady and accurate
  • Impressive loading capacity
  • Beautiful design with black and red colors

Cons

  • Too heavy in comparison with similar mini tripods

11. Zeadio Metal Mini Tripod

Zeadio knew what they were building and had the experts get it done. It folds perfectly and it balances even better! This compact camera tripod is made excellent with portability and stability support.

This well-furnished and well-designed mini camera tripod is made entirely of metal with soft rubber feet that will not slip on smooth surfaces. It can be stored in your pocket. Ideal for use in travel or outdoor filming.

It even can be Ideal for time-lapse photography or low-angle shooting. The soft rubber feet ensure that this will not slip on smooth surfaces. And the metal frame helps give it a quality feel.

The payload can be up to 10 kg. The height of the tripod when the 3 legs are fully extended is 1.96 inches or 49.98 mm. Above all, this allows you to get smoother shots.

Therefore, This is also suitable for cameras, gimbals, monopods, etc. You need this Sturdy, durable, storage, workable type tripod. Recommended for the better and for the price values.

Pros

  • All-Metal structure
  • With non-skid rubber feet
  • With a 1/4 inch screw (Standard Thread)
  • Easy to switch between grip and stand mode
  • Pocket size, easy to carry

Cons

  • A little bit of weight

12. JOBY Gorillapod 3K Stand

The JOBY GorillaPod is a compact and flexible camera tripod designed for photography and videography.

The rise of the JOBY GorillaPod over the last few years has been impressive, and it’s now the go-to tripod for most of the YouTube vlogging community.

This tripod’s wrappable legs allow you to secure professional camera equipment on virtually any surface. We’ve found that having a flexible camera tripod can really help you get more creative.

When you can put your camera anywhere, it makes you think more about where you should put it, versus just where you can put it.

The branding is minimal on all five models, which we like. The 1K, 3K, and 5K models have a “JOBY” logo on the legs and attachable ball head, while the 325 and 500 models only have one logo, on the tripod head.

This model of tripod offers rubberized rings and foot grips that provide enhanced stability in difficult terrain. It also holds devices weighing up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs)

Pros

  • Versatile and practical.
  • Great size and weight for travel.
  • Made with durable materials.

Cons

  • Can take a while to master the flexible legs.
  • Doesn’t extend in height like a traditional tripod.

13. Qubo Mini Tripod

The Qubo Mini Tripod is a multifunctional and expandable mini camera tripod for anyone. This tripod is designed to be used for DSLR, iPhone, and projector.

This is the perfect Vlogging tripod for Travel, YouTube, and streams.

You can use the ball head as a separate stand and also the hand tripod can be used as a second stand, for example, for a microphone or your other devices that have a 1/4′ screw mount.

It has two levels of extensions. One at 8 inches and one at 10 inches. The legs easily unfold and the push-button extension is very convenient.

The tilt ball is adjusted by a knob on the front to loosen or lock down. The platform takes all 1/4-inch devices or holders.

Pros

  • Legs easily unfold
  • Push-button extension is very convenient.
  • Suitable for tabletop, vlogging, video, or snapshot use, this is an excellent choice.

Cons

  • Support attachment could be seen as slightly separated

Why Use a Mini Tripod?

In general too, the taller the tripod, the less stable it is for shooting, particularly in high winds or with a heavier camera. Common use on a table would be to hold a microphone for podcast recording.

And for a camera to talk into when recording a video of yourself. By using a compact mini tripod, you’re really limiting any movement that can occur after you press the shutter button.

Some flexible mini tripods also allow you to accommodate their bendy legs. Attaching the tripod to a fence post, table leg, or any other thin object can be easy with a mini tripod.

How to Choose the Best Mini Tripod?

Key points to consider:

  • Sturdiness
  • Easy set-up
  • Maximum Payload
  • Compatibility
  • Versatility

1. Sturdiness

This is precisely influenced by the previous factor. Sturdiness is a feature that everybody searches for in a mini tripod for DSLR.

Apart from other numerous advantages such as explicit framing, better pictures in low light circumstances, composition, and more freedom to be inventive with perspective.

Photographers often aim at getting a tripod to have an acute and stable-looking photo. The mini tripods, however, have a smaller weight capacity and a ballast hook is absent most of the time.

It’s a hook on the large-sized samples that allows you to hang a heavy bag for achieving balance. If there’s none, then the stiffer a mini tripod – the safer it is.

2. Easy Set-up

The actual sign of quality is you, intuitively understand, how to use the best mini tripod to its full potential. Look for alternatives with a user-friendly push-button system.

Sometimes the tripod producers want to get noticed and create elaborate things that are hard to apprehend even with a handbook, let alone on your own. The set-up process also represents some difficulties when there’re many functions to explore.

3. Maximum Payload

 Take a look at the weight capacity and compare it to the weight of your camera, the figures should be at least equal.

Remember about the additional equipment like the lens that adds up to the more impressive number, This is the first thing to pay attention to when choosing a tabletop camera tripod.

They are traditionally smaller than their standard-sized rivals. It’s also a bad idea to buy a tripod if you’re going to change shooting gear in the near future, otherwise, you’ll be forced to compromise on the camera decision.

3. Compatibility

The best mini tripod for DSLR should be universal. Every tripod is provided with a mounting hole that facilitates attachment of the camera by screwing it.

There’re also tripods with a quick-release plate that you have to attach a camera to, they let you act quickly.

The universal type of attachment gives you limitless opportunities, you can work with a number of tools, from standard cameras to GoPro and smartphone devices.

4. Versatility

The flexible mini tripod should be versatile and serve well in different situations. You can name it “multifunctionality”, it’s when you’re able to use a tripod as a phone holder, handgrip, iPad mount, etc.

It also includes a broad variety of levels, angles, and viewpoints to work with.


FAQ about Mini Camera Tripod

Is a Mini Tripod Useful?

It depends on where you place a mini tripod. Basically, a Mini tripod is useful for supporting lights, mics, and other accessories. But you can reach pretty much any height you need.

How Much is a Mini Tripod?

A mini tripod would cost between $35 and $150 for the legs and the head, which is a good price for a simple tool.

How Often Will You Use Your Tripod?

Some photographers might only use their tripod once a month, in fair weather conditions.

Others might need to use their tripod twice a week, sometimes on the beach, other times in sand dunes, or in other tough conditions. but using a mini tripod makes it a bit more convenient by using as much as you want with care.

Summing up

A mini camera tripod will provide a stable base for the camera so you can perfectly frame your subject and obtain shake-free, clear, and smooth images.

Take a look at the weight capacity and compare it to the weight of your camera. Remember about the additional equipment like the lens that adds up to the more impressive number.

The mini tripods, however, have a smaller weight capacity and a ballast hook is absent most of the time. It’s a hook on the large-sized samples that allows you to hang a heavy bag for achieving balance.

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