Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Long Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with Integrated Ball Head

best small travel/backpacking tripod.

When I took it out of the box I first thought was how small this tripod is, especially for a long version. I own two different RRS tripods, the 45 and 55 versions. The Ascend -14 long is quite a bit smaller when folded and quite a bit lighter than the 45. It really does fit within carry on dimensions. When packed the diameter is much smaller than the 45L. The triangular shape of the center column contributes to its stability when extended. And I'm not a fan of center columns. Being able to remove the bottom half of the column also makes it possible to get the camera close to the ground without inverting it and the leg sections are short enough that you can shoot with a 16mm down low without getting one of the tripod legs in your composition. The locking level and adjustments are also in line with their other products. My only criticisms are that the ball (in the recessed head) is quite small and there is no tension adjustment for the ball itself like the other ball heads have. But if they made the ball any larger the head itself would be too large to be recessed the way it is. The tension on the ball is factory set and the one I have is a little stiffer than I'd like. However I found that there is a small hex head screw by the locking lever that you can adjust yourself to loosen it a bit if desired. I loosened mine just a tad so it was faster to adjust and once its locked in place it's good and stable for camera/lens combos up to at least 7 lbs. I haven't tried anything heavier as I've just used it for landscapes so far. The center column itself needs to be raised at least 4 for the ball head to clear the platform enough to use it for verticals but I haven't found that to affect its stability and have used it with exposures up to 15 seconds. I'm 5'10 tall and I can stand behind it and not have to bend over to compose an image If I want that height. I've only had it for a few weeks but have taken about 700 frames, including HDR, Pano, and focus stacked images and everything has worked out excellent. This tripod is going with me no matter what or where I go. If I need a second tripod for multiple cameras or large lens I'll bring the 45 or 55 if needed. And I'm considering perhaps getting the BH 30 ball head to see if I like it any better. You can get the tripod with a plate so you can attach another head besides the recessed one. But I got this for the small size, light weight and maximum height. I'd recommend the long version, especially for anyone over 5'7_ much easier, faster and comfortable to use for someone that height. If I got the BH 30 to go with it I'd probably pack it with the head detached for travel to keep it as short as possible. But for now I'm just going to keep using the recessed head that comes with it. I also got the rock claw feet because I do a lot of work in wet, rocky and icy terrain and the claw feet can't be beat for those conditions. If you want a really compact, light, sturdy and versatile tripod then this is the one I'd get. I've been using RRS tripods for over 20 years and they have lasted longer than any of the other popular pro brands I've used, bar none. They are worth the cost.