im heading to japan next month and have a tiny sony z-v1 but honestly i have no clue how these tripod things work. i just need something super light to fit in my backpack because i dont want to carry extra weight. what are the best cheap options out there?
Japan is gonna be epic! For your ZV-1, dont overthink it. You want tiny and portable.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I think you have plenty of good advice here already. You definitely dont need to spend a ton of cash on a tripod for a ZV-1 since it is so light. Just be careful with those super cheap knockoffs you find on random sites because they tend to snap after a few uses, and you really dont want your camera hitting the pavement in Japan. If you want something that is actually reliable but wont break the bank, have a look at the Ulanzi MT-08 Extendable Mini Tripod. It is super cheap and honestly it serves as a nice grip too. Another solid pick if you need a bit more height is the Velbon EX-Mini Tabletop Tripod. It packs down small and feels a lot sturdier than the super budget plastic ones. Just make sure to check your bag weight before you fly, keep it light. Since people mentioned the tiny desk ones and the fancy carbon fiber options, I would say grab the Ulanzi if you are on a strict budget. It is cheap enough that if you lose it or it breaks, you arent out a massive amount of money. Have an awesome trip, Japan is unreal for photos!
If you want something that packs away into literally nothing, look into the carbon fiber travel tripods from brands like Sirui or Benro. Honestly, since you are rocking a tiny Sony setup, you dont need those heavy-duty beasts meant for cinema rigs. A compact carbon fiber leg set is gonna save your back during those long days walking around Tokyo. The weight savings are massive compared to aluminum. Another direction is checking out the ultra-lightweight travel series from Peak Design. They are kinda pricey, but the way they fold down into a slim cylinder is just witchcraft. It slides right into the side pocket of most daypacks without sticking out or getting caught on doorways. If those are too much cash, just head to a local shop and grab any lightweight travel tripod from Vanguard. They make decent stuff that holds up well for point-and-shoots and smaller mirrorless cameras. You just want to make sure the ball head is smooth enough for the ZV-1 so you dont get jerky movements when you are trying to frame up a shot. Dont stress too much about the technical specs. Just pick something that feels sturdy enough to not tip over in a light breeze and you will be fine for your trip. Enjoy Japan!