AOKA 28-inch/1.1 lb Mini Portable Carbon Fiber Tripod, Lightweight and Compact Travel Desktop Tripod for Mobile Phones, Mirrorless Cameras, Camcorders, Projectors, Webcams

This is easily the worst tripod I own in terms of stability and ease of operation. But it’s 1 1/4 pounds (with the ball head and center extension pole), so this is my favorite tripod for backcountry hiking with my 3/4 pound Canon G7X Mk II camera. (My next lightest full-size tripod would add more than 2 pounds). All the carbon fiber poles are quite stiff, but the linkages are sufficiently loose that with a moderately heavy camera, the telescoping center extension pole will easily flex when fully extended. In that position, vibrations also take a long time to dampen out. This configuration is probably only usable if there is no wind or other perturbations while you wait for the vibrations to die out after pressing the shutter. But if this works, it is almost as tall as my much sturdier Alta tripod (see picture). The situation improves markedly if the (thinnest) top section is retracted. With all 3 sections at minimum extension, the system is rock solid and I had no issues shooting starry night skies with >10 s exposures. (see video for vibrations after pressing shutter for each extension level.) If you are OK with a short tripod, you can leave out the center pole and screw the ballhead directly into the base (which also brings the weight down to a smidgen over 1 pound). Since I was pointing the camera at the sky, having the pole made for much better ergonomics though. The legs are essentially the same design as the center pole, but as they are only carrying 1/3 the load and directionally biased, I didn’t have any problems even at full extension. The center hook for a stabilizing weight also worked well with a 2L (4 pounds) hydration bladder, at least in wind-free conditions. Ergonomics are ho-hum. Pole segments are secured with twist-locks, which is not as fast as the lever locks on my other tripods. And for carrying in a backpack, the center pole has to be unscrewed from the base. So deploying is a matter of screwing in the center pole, unscrewing all the twist-locks, extending each pole segment and then tightening each twist lock. For compact carrying, I keep the ballhead rotated sideways to prevent snagging. So that’s another adjustment. All in all, not something you whip out quickly after spotting wildlife in the distance. Fine for landscape or macro photography where you have time to set things up. The ballhead is about as small as you can make it. It works well, but the controls are definitely bunched up. In addition to the ball adjustment, there is a separate lock for panning and the locking knob on the Arca-Swiss clamp. It’s all OK with bare hands, but I suspect it would be more difficult to operate with heavy gloves. That said, the ballhead is operated with a lever and only needs 90 degrees to switch between free and locked. All the movements are smooth, so changing camera position is still fast if you are not trying to lock the panning axis. Overall, this is a niche product that makes all the right compromises. I think of this as hiking gear rather than photography gear. It’s a decent (not great) full-featured, full-size (if you’re not too tall) tripod for lightweight cameras that weighs about a pound and packs down small enough to fit into a backpack side pocket. For that niche, it’s 5 stars. I use it far less than my other tripods, but it goes places that the others will never see.

First off, the center post extension is a joke, so get rid of it. Otherwise, the build quality on this tripod is outstanding. Solid components, I especially like the metal twist locks for the leg extensions. For seated use with a small, lightweight spotting scope this is about as lightweight as I can imagine I'd want to go and still have a moderate amount of stability. Of course it's not as stable as a lot of heavier tripods, but for the size and weight it does an outstanding job. You just have to realize you are purchasing a very compact, lightweight tripod and you are giving up stability to gain packability. The head isn't great either, but is easily replaceable. The original head is tiny and lightweight as well, but it's not smooth at all. You can make it work if you need it to, but I'd be looking for a head upgrade if you are relying on this ball head with the purchase. Fortunately, I already have a couple of much nicer heads I can stick on there when I decide a backpacking trip warrants the use of this little tripod. Overall, it's a phenomenal value as long as you understand it's limitations and are okay with those tradeoffs.

I have purchased many (too many) tripods, always looking for something compact, reliable, light weight, and well-built. This is it. This is NOT a full size tripod, but per the description, it's just what it says it is. The carbon fiber leg supports are just right, twist locks are simple and reliable, and the ball head is a mini marvel. I liked the AOKA 28" so well, I purchased a second one. I have "gone through" several previous tripods looking for compact, light-weight, travel tripods, and though small, this one works for a small camera (or iPhone) on the go set up. Now my working tripods are my Peak Design carbon fiber, another great piece, a super heavy duty, tall giant SLIK for when I need to reach the sky and hold a mountain, these two AOKA 28" gems, and some misc tripods not worth mentioning. Only "complaint" is the small ring under the leg connector/ball-head assembly has to be unscrewed and taken off in order for the legs to close. I don't often need to add the extra stabilizing weight, but when needed it is a bit of a hassle to find and attach the screw on D-ring assembly to attach extra weight. I will use this compact tripod today, and tomorrow, .... Update: Yes, I bought a third one of these to hold lights, microphones, etc. The new model has my one "complaint" corrected. The updated version has the "D-ring" under the ball head/between the legs built in so I don't have an additional piece to worry about and I can add stabilization weight when needed. Yes, I've used this little tripod to hold a Fuji X-H2 with a heavy lens, and it's steady—not my normal choice but it can handle the weight. For traveling and compact, light weight needs I love this little tripod(s—3x).

2021-9-26 I purchased this tripod for backpacking/hiking. My camera is a Panasonic Lumix G85. To be brief, I feel that this tripod is perfect for situations where weight reduction is a priority. My Manfrotto tripod is about 2.5 lbs and to reduce tripod weight to approximately 1.3lb is excellent. The packaging is very nice. Included is the following: tripod, ball head, center column/extension peice for additional height, a phone mount (anodized aluminum with rubber padding. It is non swivel but does have screw ports.), a stabilizer screw clip, 2x allen wrenches, and a tripod bag. The tripod build is nice and all functions operate smoothly. The Aoka KB 20 ball head has smooth adjustments that are fluid like. The camera plate is small. Fits securely and has 2 screws to limit any sliding movement sideways on the mount. I use the Peak Design capture system. Both Peak Design’s capture plates fit. The larger one fits sideways. Both plates do not have screws to limit sliding, however this does not seem to be an issue at all. As the clamp provides proper clamping force on the capture plates. I measured the weights to be the following: -Tripod with ball head mount: 502g -Extension rod: 79g -Stability screw piece is 9g Approximate tripod height with ball head mount (3 settings): 14” to 21-1/2” to 28-1/2” Approximate tripod at max base height with extension piece and ball head mount: 39”- 46-1/2” to 54-3/8” The ball head screw mount insert does tend to get loose and unscrewed out. Time and use will be the only way to test the function and how well the tripod holds up. In a controlled setting indoors, it's fairly sturdy. The tripod alone with my camera produced results with no noticeable shake at even lower shutter speed. Faster shutter speeds were fine, the slower ones were fine with camera stabilization on, the slower ones with no stabilization saw some shake when zoomed in. My camera does have image stabilization and from testing it does seem to assist. The center column fully extended is wobbly. With my 40-150mm f/2.8 lens and the extension piece, it wobbled with any vibration. Taking pictures without a timer or cable release would be very difficult at lower shutter speeds. A 2 second timer and the internal stabilization did make for acceptable results. I would be concerned with the 40-150mm lens (weighs 1026g) and my camera and just leaving it. Especially outside in the wind. Extension piece at its lowest setting is better. No extension piece, 40-150mm f/2.8 and camera did fine with camera stabilization on at shutter speeds as low as 1/8 ish second, and no timer. No stabilization required a fast shutter, and a 2nd timer helped as well. For a more reasonable weight, my camera with the 12-35mm f/2.8 worked well without any stabilization. The stabilizer screw without the clip does seem to affect the tripod's ability to close the legs. I had to loosen the screw to allow the ring portion to move in a way that allowed the legs to fully close. For a tripod that weighs about 590g (tripod/extension rod and stability screw) (1.3lbs) and priced under 100USD it is perfect for what I will use it for. I personally don’t use a tripod for every shot, and this allows me to have the option at a more reasonable weight and size. I am excited to lighten up my backpacking loads. Note: Larger system Sony A7II is 650g and 24-70mm f/2.8 is 886g may be more comparable with my 40-150mm f/2.8 lens set up in weight terms.

This is a Really great tripod. Pretty pricey but worth it imo for the weight

Super light and portable. Works great with my mirorless camera. This is the perfect add on for my travel accessories. When full extended there is a possibility of some light rocking when hitting the shutter button so I use a camera remote instead.

For me, this tripod is useful for getting good long exposure shots while hiking - a scenario where every ounce counts. And it is extremely lightweight, at least a pound lighter than comparable ones. However, it's only really useful if you don't plan on extending it to the full height. When fully extended, the tripod is very unstable owing to its design (effectively, the legs of the tripod are only half-height, but you can extend it with a single pole in the middle of the tripod to double its height). Fully extended, the tripod shakes in the slightest wind. I tried taking some exposures just over a second with this tripod, and found that when fully extended it was so unstable that it was unusable. So while it is usable without the extension, you won't get the height you want. I'll be getting something like the Siri or KF Concepts tripods in the future.

I've been looking for a tripod like this for a long time and finally found it. The perfect travel/backpacking tripod! If you look at units labelled "travel tripod" you'll find full sized tripods that open to around 50" to 70" maximum height and fold to around 16" to 19". Most have tubular legs and a center pole, which makes them quite chunky. Some of the newer ones have triangular legs that reduce the bulk a bit. But even so, they take up a lot of room, especially if you're backpacking where space and weight are at an absolute premium. Then, there's the tabletop tripods. These are tiny and easily fit into a backpack, but only open to a maximum height of 12" to 16". This makes them of limited usefulness if you don't have an appropriate height surface to place them on. Plus, they generally handle very little weight and are limited to small cameras or cell phones. This is the only one I've found that perfectly fills that void in between these two extremes. It folds to compact 12" or so, but more importantly has relatively thin legs and no center pole. So when it's folded up it is quite slender and easily packed. But it also comes with a small extension column that allows you to optionally get more height out of it. Using the legs only, it rises to 28". Considerably taller than tabletop models, but still a bit short for many uses. But despite the thinner legs, the carbon fiber construction makes for a very stable platform for a moderate size camera and lens. It easily supports my Lumix GH5 camera with a 12-60mm lens, or an 18-35 Sigma Art with speed booster. Adding the extension pole on top gives you around 38" of height, and still supports my camera and lens nicely, and with decent stability. The extension also has 2 more telescoping sections that lets you go even higher, but it starts to get wobbly with my camera when extended. It would work fine with a small point and shoot, or an iPhone. At 28" to 38" of height, it is tall enough to be usable in a lot of situations, while small enough to pack in almost any bag. For me, it really is the perfect travel tripod. The legs extend, retract, and lock easily, and their angle is adjustable to allow a very low height if desired. The included ball head works well, but I replaced it with a mini leveling head to make it even more compact. I love that this thing is small enough to allow me to carry it with me anywhere. It lets me have a tripod at the ready, even if I didn't anticipate needing one.