MeFOTO Air
Editor’s Choice

The Air is forged from anodized aluminum and sold in seven colors (though fear not tripod traditionalists, it’s also sold in black). It features a new Hyperlock leg locking system. Rather than a locking mechanism for each leg section, HyperLock uses one locking mechanism per leg, so a single turn unlocks and extends the entire leg. It also allows you to freely adjust leg height by twisting the lock at any desired length. All the tripods in the series have a detachable, telescoping selfie stick and include a spring-loaded smartphone holder. They also include a rechargeable Bluetooth remote control so you can remotely trigger your mobile phone. The tripods include a ball head with an integrated bubble level.
Price: $59+
mefoto.com

ProMediaGear Pro-Stix 34 Series

These carbon-fiber tripods are available in heights ranging from 51 to 71 inches and are capable of keeping up to 60 pounds of gear aloft. The tripods feature an interchangeable flat-plate and bowl mount with multiple ¼-20 mounts and anti-rotation pin slots so you can easily attach accessories. The legs have three adjustable locking angle positions and the feet have stainless steel spikes for stability on rough terrain.
Price: $799+
promediagear.com

Benro ProAngel

This new family of compact aluminum travel tripods have reverse-folding legs so they’re easy to pack up and stuff into your gear bag of choice. All of the ProAngel tripods feature a single leg locking mechanism that opens all of the tripod’s leg sections with a single twist. Once you have the legs positioned in their desired height, you simply give the locking mechanism a half-turn and the legs are secured in place. The center column has two telescoping sections with a standard 3/8-16-inch thread so you can add a tripod head (some ProAngel kits will include Benro’s B1 ballhead). The ProAngel line is available in several series with heights ranging from 51.4 to 63 inches and max loads from 11 to 26.4 pounds.
Price: $99+
benrousa.com

Gitzo 100th Anniversary Travel Tripod

This special-edition tripod features new magnesium spider, Carbon eXact tubing and a 180-degree leg folding mechanism to help keep the tripod compact when folded. There’s also a new Center Ball Head for smooth and precise camera movements. The 100th Anniversary model features an ergonomic strap made of genuine Italian leather that’s fashioned to look like carbon fiber. Let’s hope we all look this good at 100.
Price: $1,500
gitzo.us

Sirui A-1005

This aluminum tripod kit reaches to 58.5 inches with the dual stage center column, or to 46.5 inches with the column retracted. If you need to get low, you can detach the center column entirely. You can also convert a tripod leg to a monopod. It has three leg angle positions and a carrying capacity of 22 pounds.
Price: $140
sirui.com

Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit

Joby’s refreshed lineup of flexible GorillaPod tripods includes the new 1K, which is strong enough to keep up to 2.2 pounds of gear aloft. It can be paired with the Ballhead 1K, which can pan 360 degrees and tilt 90 degrees. It has rubberized rings and foot grips to stabilize the tripod on uneven terrain.
Price: $20+
joby.com