25/02/2026 7:17 pm
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Hey everyone! I finally pulled the trigger and upgraded to the Sony a6700 a few months back, and I am absolutely loving how compact and powerful this little APS-C beast is. I am currently in the middle of planning a three-week trip through Japan later this year, and I am trying to dial in my travel gear list. I really want to capture some long exposures of the city lights in Tokyo and maybe some smooth waterfall shots near Kyoto, but I realized my old Manfrotto tripod is just too much of a heavy beast to lug around in a carry-on.
I am looking for something that specifically fits the travel criteria without being super flimsy. Since the a6700 is a smaller body, I do not need a massive rig that can hold twenty pounds of gear, but I do want something stable enough to handle a bit of wind and the occasional uneven terrain.
Here are a few specific things I am looking for:
- It has to be short enough when folded to fit inside or on the side pocket of a Peak Design 20L Zip backpack.
- I am mostly using the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 and sometimes the Sony 70-350mm G lens, so the ball head needs to be able to lock down that heavier zoom without drooping.
- I would strongly prefer an Arca-Swiss compatible plate because I use a Capture Clip on my shoulder strap and I really hate swapping plates back and forth all day.
I have been looking at the Peak Design Travel Tripod and some of the newer Ulanzi carbon fiber models, but I am a bit torn. The carbon fiber ones are great for weight, but I am worried about them being too light and shaking during a thirty-second exposure. I am also curious if there are any hidden gems from brands like Benro or Sirui that offer a good balance of height and packability.
Has anyone here used the a6700 with a specific compact tripod that they absolutely swear by for international travel? I am really looking for that sweet spot where I actually won't mind carrying it all day. What would you recommend for a lightweight setup that doesn't sacrifice too much stability?
4 Answers
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25/02/2026 8:22 pm
Tbh, I swear by the Leofoto LS-224C Ranger Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-25 Ball Head. Its super compact, way more stable for long exposures, and much cheaper than the PD.
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25/02/2026 7:32 pm
I saw your post earlier and wanted to chime in because I actually use the a6700 for my hiking setup. Since you are worried about that 70-350mm lens drooping, you really need to look at the Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y Lightweight Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. I know you mentioned Ulanzi already, but this specific collab with Coman is basically a direct competitor to the Peak Design one but for a much better price point. It has a triangular center column so it packs down incredibly thin, which is perfect for the side pocket of your PD 20L Zip. The ball head is surprisingly sturdy for its size, though I always recommend hanging your camera bag from the weight hook at the bottom if it gets windy in Tokyo. Another solid option if you want more height is the Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod. It is a bit more traditional in design than the Zero Y, but it is super versatile. It actually converts into a monopod which can be a lifesaver in crowded spots like Shibuya where you might not have room to fully deploy three legs. It is fully Arca-Swiss compatible so it works perfectly with your Capture Clip without any annoying plate swaps. Just a heads up, with that long 70-350mm lens, always make sure the center column is down when doing those long exposures in Kyoto. Honestly, any travel tripod will struggle with vibrations if you have the neck fully extended with a telephoto lens like that, but these two handle the weight of the a6700 setup really well.
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25/02/2026 7:17 pm
Congrats on the a6700! The Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber is unbeatable for packability in that 20L Zip, but for the 70-350mm lens, the Sirui AM-225 Carbon Fiber Tripod with B-00K Ball Head is my pick. It's stiffer for long exposures and still fits your Arca-Swiss Capture Clip setup perfectly. PD is great for size, but Sirui wins on stability for the price... definitely worth checking out.
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02/03/2026 5:29 am
Re: "Tbh, I swear by the Leofoto LS-224C Ranger..."
- I actually tried that Leofoto and was honestly pretty disappointed. The leg locks got super gritty after just one trip near the ocean and the ball head had some serious creep when I used my longer lenses. Honestly, I had issues with the PD tripod too... those leg cams are just a nightmare to keep clean if you are actually out in the elements. Looking at the thread so far, you have got the PD for packability, the Sirui or Leofoto for budget carbon, and the Ulanzi for that middle ground. I eventually switched to the Benro MeFoto RoadTrip S Carbon Fiber Tripod and it has been much more reliable for me. It might not look as fancy as the Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y Carbon Fiber Tripod, but the build feels way more solid for the price. I used it for some night shots in a windy city recently and it did not budge at all. It fits my a6700 setup like a glove. Quick tip: Always hang your backpack from the center column hook if it is even slightly breezy. It makes a massive difference for sharpness during long exposures.
