Peak Design Travel
Score: 85/100
Benro Mammoth
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber is a compact, five-section tripod offering a high 20 lb load capacity and carbon-fiber stability. Its single-ring ball head limits friction control and the folded size, while still larger than ultra-compact rivals, may be a trade-off. Ideal for travel and landscape photographers needing portability and height.
The Benro Mammoth TMTH34C is a carbon-fiber tripod leg system delivering an impressive 18 kg payload in a relatively lightweight package. Missing a bubble level and center column, and a potentially optimistic payload rating, may affect precision work. Targeted at professional videographers and wildlife shooters demanding high load capacity.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1.27 kgbest | 1.95 kg |
9.07 kg | 18 kgbest | |
152.4 cm | 160 cmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 39.37 cmbest | 56.9 cm |
| ↓ lower better | 14 cmbest | 14 cmbest |
5best | 4 | |
— | 2 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Height (cm) | 152.4 cm | 160.0 cm |
Minimum Height (cm) | 14 cm | 14.0 cm |
Load Capacity (kg) | 9.07 kg | 18.0 kg |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.27 kg | 1.95 kg |
Folded Length (cm) | 39.37 cm | 56.9 cm |
Material | Carbon fiber legs with anodized aluminum components | Carbon fiber |
Leg Sections | 5 | 4 |
Features(2) | ||
Leg Lock Type | Flip-lock cams | Twist lock |
Bubble Level | true | false |
General Specs(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | Lifetime years | 2 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber for delivering remarkable stability, vibration damping, and load capacity in an ultra-compact package. The carbon-fiber legs and innovative geometry set it apart from bulkier competitors, while the integrated ball head and mobile-phone mount add functional versatility. Minor criticisms focus on the perceived density when folded and the limited friction control of the single-ring head.
Customers appreciate the tripod's lightweight feel, high load capacity, and the ability to pack it into a small space, especially for travel and landscape work. Recurring complaints center on the folded size still being somewhat bulky for casual travel and the feeling of heaviness due to its dense construction.
Professional editors consistently commend the Benro Mammoth for its impressive payload-to-weight ratio, sturdy carbon-fiber legs, and versatile interchangeable bowl, making it a strong choice for heavy-rig videography and wildlife photography. However, they also warn that the advertised 55 lb capacity may be optimistic in extreme conditions and note the missing built-in bubble level as a minor inconvenience.
Although direct consumer reviews are scarce, the limited feedback mirrors the professional view: users appreciate the stability for heavy gear and the quick-setup features, while expressing concerns that the payload claim might be overstated and wishing for an integrated bubble level.
