SmallRig 72" Aluminium Camera Tripod (CT-10) with 36mm Ball Head, Quick Release Plate – travel tripod up to 15kg

What you’re getting and why it matters

A travel tripod is one of those purchases that only feels “optional” until you try to shoot handheld at night, during long walks, or in situations where you don’t want to brace yourself awkwardly against a wall. The SmallRig 72" Aluminium Camera Tripod CT-10 is designed for exactly that: compact travel support with a ball head, quick-release plate, and a setup that’s meant to be fast when you’re out and about.

On paper, it sits in the practical end of the market: it’s lightweight enough for travel, but still aimed at real camera work rather than being a toy. It also gives you a flexible 2-in-1 approach, because it can convert into a monopod for more mobile shooting.

Key takeaways (the stuff you’ll actually notice)

The big draw is the mix of portability and range. The tripod uses a 4-section leg design with 3 quick-release flip-locks, so adjusting working height is something you can do quickly rather than “carefully”, which matters when you’re changing shooting angles on the move. The max height reaches 72", while the folded size is 17" for packing.

The 36mm metal ball head with 360° rotation is another practical feature. It’s meant for composing quickly at both horizontal and vertical angles. In other words, instead of fussing with fine-tuned movements, you can loosen, position, and re-tighten to frame your shot.

There’s also a little extra thinking in the design: the bracket has three 1/4" threaded holes, which can help if you plan to add accessories like external magic arms or mount other items.

Everyday use: where it fits in real life

If you do outdoor photography, travel videos, or content where you’re often switching locations, this type of tripod makes sense. For example, you can extend the legs to a comfortable standing height, attach your DSLR or mirrorless, and use the quick release plate to go from “car parked” to “camera ready” without spending time aligning screws.

The low-angle option is also worth mentioning. The central pole can be inverted for low-angle shooting and macro photography, which is the sort of thing that handheld can struggle with—especially if you’re trying to keep details sharp.

One more useful detail: the tripod includes a smartphone holder, so it’s not just for cameras. That can be handy for quick phone framing, travel vlogs, or simple projector setups (projectors are mentioned as supported with the available threaded compatibility).

Technical details that affect buying decisions

This tripod is built around a maximum payload of 15kg / 33lb, which is strong enough for many common camera setups within this travel category.

For mounting, it’s described as universally compatible with equipment that has 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded holes, including DSLR, sports cameras, mirrorless cameras, and also mobile phone use (via the included smartphone holder).

The head offers 360° rotation, and the system includes a quick release plate (two plates are included) plus a set of accessories and tools: carrying bag, Allen wrench(s), manual, and metal foot screws.

Things to be careful about before you buy

A tripod like this is a travel-focused design, so it may not suit every “heavy rig plus long lens” scenario. For camera setups with a telephoto zoom lens, the description specifically notes that you may need to buy a tripod mount ring or a telephoto lens bracket separately to achieve better balance.

Also, while 360° ball heads are great for speed, they’re not the best match for every highly specialised shot where you want very precise control over movement. If your style depends on micro-adjustments every time, you might find yourself wanting more fine-tuning than a ball head gives.

If you’re planning to push the maximum load regularly, do remember that real-world stability depends on your specific gear balance, not just the stated payload.

Who it’s for (and who should skip it)

It’s a solid pick if you want a lightweight tripod for travel and outdoor shooting, you want quick leg adjustments, and you like the flexibility of a ball head for fast composing. It also makes sense if you want the option to use it as a monopod when you’re hiking or moving around a lot.

You may want to skip it if you regularly shoot with long telephoto setups and don’t want to source a dedicated support ring or bracket. It may also be less ideal if you’re after a tripod built purely for studio-style precision and slow, controlled adjustments.

Final verdict

Should you buy it? If you want a travel tripod that’s quick to set up, reaches a useful 72" maximum height, and supports both camera and phone use with a ball head and quick release plate, this one makes practical sense.

It’s not the safest bet if your kit is all about balanced telephoto stability without extra accessories, or if your workflow needs ultra-fine head control rather than fast positioning.

Mini FAQ

Does it support phones?

Yes. It includes a smartphone holder, and the tripod is also described as usable with mobile phones.

What cameras is it compatible with?

The description states compatibility with most cameras and equipment that use 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded holes, including DSLR and mirrorless.

Can it be used as a monopod?

Yes. It can be turned into a monopod (it’s also described as usable like a walking stick on its own).

Does it work for low-angle and macro shooting?

The central pole can be inverted to allow low-angle shooting and macro photography.

Is a telephoto lens setup straightforward?

Not always. For telephoto zoom lenses, it notes that you may need to buy a tripod mount ring or telephoto lens bracket separately for better balance.