As a photographer and filmmaker who’s frequently on the move, finding a tripod that strikes the right balance between portability and performance has always been a challenge. This carbon fiber tripod exceeded my expectations in nearly every way. It’s incredibly lightweight — small and light enough to pack in a carry-on without stressing about airline weight limits — but still sturdy enough to confidently support my mirrorless camera rig with a cine lens and monitor attached.

The fluid head is smooth and responsive, making it a joy to use for video work. I’ve shot interviews, landscapes, and B-roll across three countries with this thing, and the pan and tilt are consistently buttery, without any of the jerkiness you get from cheaper heads. I also love the height range — it’s tall enough for standing interviews, and the reversible center column lets me get creative with low-angle shots when needed.

Bonus points for the fact that it converts into a monopod, which came in handy more than once during fast-moving documentary shoots where I didn’t have time (or space) to set up the full tripod. The rubber feet with spike options, twist-lock legs, and accessory mounts are thoughtful touches that show this was built with working pros in mind. If you travel often and want a truly reliable tripod that doesn’t weigh you down, this one’s a no-brainer.