I always try to have a tripod with me. Finding a sturdy tripod was pretty easy. However, you will quickly look for something much lighter once you fly and carry your tripod through airports worldwide.

 

Carbon fiber’s high tensile strength, low weight, and low thermal expansion make it a perfect solution for making tripods strong, durable, and lightweight. So, a few years ago, I researched and tried a few tripods before buying my Gitzo GT-0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber tripod. 

 

Weighing only 1.6 lbs, it is 20.9” tall folded, extends to 51.6″, and can go as low as 10.6” with legs spread. 

 

When looking for a tripod, the smaller it is folded, combined with a really tall height when expanded, will make a tripod cost more. Carbon fiber cuts the weight by 1/3 compared to a similar tripod made of metal.

 

This tripod doesn’t come with a head. I liked ball heads and needed something small yet strong again, so I bought the Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head.

 

This combination fits in a small carry-on bag and keeps my camera steady when needed.