There’s the travel tripod and the studio tripod, and then there’s the new 3 Legged Thing Travis 2.0. While it’s not a travel tripod, the new Travis 2.0 is a go-between. It’s not quite as light and compact as a travel tripod but has a bit more stability, a higher weight capacity, and a height limit of almost 5.5 feet. Weighing about four pounds, it’s not too heavy that it can’t the studio. And, folding down to 17.9”, it still sits within the carry-on dimensions. Add in a price of under $200, and the Travis 2.0 is easily an intriguing option.

Tripods, however, can look great on paper but wobble in the field. Or they can sit at a great price, but be too cumbersome to set up. I grabbed the new 3 Legged Thing Travis 2.0 to photograph a waterfall and see how the tripod holds up.

Too Long, Didn’t Read

The 3 Legged Thing Travis is a happy medium between the ultra-light travel tripod and the cumbersome studio tripod. It’s sturdy, simple to use, and has a lot of features for the price. I don’t love the tripod attachment or how long it takes to set up, but the $239 price makes those things easy to overlook.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Versatile height range

Monopod conversion

Two levels and labeled angle measurements

Good balance between weight capacity and folded size

Easy to use

Cons

Not the fastest to set up

Counter-weight loop isn’t as versatile as a hook

I don’t love the plate attachment

Innovations

The Travis 2.0, as the name suggests, is a modest update to the original. It keeps the same versatility but adjusts a few minor details like the metal knobs. The leg locks are sturdier than the earlier generation. All three legs can become a monopod or boom, and it can become a tabletop tripod by purchasing separate feet. There’s nothing earth-shattering here, though. It does continue to use 3 Legged Thing’s unique tri-mount plate, which adds three loops for hooking accessories.

Gear Used

I used the Travis 2.0 with the Panasonic S5 and the 70-200mm f2.8 S Pro lens.

Tech Specs

3 Legged Thing lists the following features for the Travis 2.0:

Magnesium Alloy construction

Includes AirHed Neo 2.0 ballhead

Folded length 17.9”

Maximum height 65.3”

Detachable legs convert to monopod

Counter-weight hook

Tabletop friendly with Vanz footwear (sold separately)

Capacity 40 pounds

Ergonomics

The 3 Legged Thing Travis 2.0 is topped by a ball head. The camera attaches using a metal plate, then turning a knob tightens it so the metal lip grips that plate. This attachment isn’t as fast as the Quick Release on my tripod of choice, a Manfrotto BeFree. But, it seemed to hold the camera securely enough, even with an almost 3.5-pound lens hanging upside down.

The ball head includes a bubble level, which is great for getting that horizon level. The bottom of the head is also labeled for angle adjustments. This is helpful for precision work, like panoramas. There are three knobs on the head: one tightens the camera plate, the black one adjusts the angle of the ball head, and one rotates the full head around. Under the head is 3 Legged Thing’s tri-mount plate, which is basically a plastic piece with three loops for hooking a carabiner and accessories.

The ball head includes a bubble level, which is great for getting that horizon level. The bottom of the head is also labeled for angle adjustments. This is helpful for precision work, like panoramas. There are three knobs on the head total — one tightens the camera plate, the largest, black one adjusts the angle of the ball head, and one rotates the full head around. Under the head is 3 Legged Thing’s tri-mount plate, which is basically a plastic piece with three loops for hooking a carabiner for accessories.

The ball head sits on a reversible center column to can get the camera close to the ground. The ball head, however, can’t be attached without the center column, so if you need to be super close to the ground, you need to reverse it. The bottom of the center column has a loop for adding weight. I feel like a hook (wher...