It's hard to get that excited over tripods but when Peak Design first released their travel tripod I was very impressed. It might have taken four years to design but the end result is truly a work of genius. With three flattened legs rather than the standard round ones you find on most tripods for photography, it packs down much smaller than any other travel tripod and can extend to a maximum height of 60 inches.
It might not be the tallest travel tripod ever but its compact ball head, quick release legs and versatile leg configuration enabling you to shoot really close to the ground certainly make up for it. The carbon fibre version is considerably more expensive than the aluminium version and only 300g lighter but if you're regularly taking it on long hikes or trips abroad those 300g can make a difference.
It's designed to be used with mirrorless cameras of DSLRs up to 9kg but it also comes with an adapter so that you can use your camera phone with it too. It's as strong and sturdy as any standard tripod I've ever used and despite it's compact pack down size doesn't feel flimsy like some travel tripods.
If you regularly shoot on loose dirt, sand, ice or gravel you can buy the Peak Design Spiked Feet separately, which will give your tripod added stability and prevent it moving on these surfaces. You can also buy a Table-top Kit that enables you to remove four sections and attach alternative rubber feet, which cut down on the weight by around 40%.
Peak Design doesn't usually offer such big discounts, so you should take advantage of the 30% off for Black Friday while you still can!
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Having studied Journalism and Public Relations at the University of the West of England Hannah developed a love for photography through a module on photojournalism. She specializes in Portrait, Fashion and lifestyle photography but has more recently branched out in the world of stylized product photography. For the last 3 years Hannah has worked at Wex Photo Video as a Senior Sales Assistant using her experience and knowledge of cameras to help people buy the equipment that is right for them. With 5 years experience working with studio lighting, Hannah has run many successful workshops teaching people how to use different lighting setups.