Polaroid ST5S 10" tripod

Folds down so small I almost lost it in my camera bag, but the five-section legs lock in place firmly when I need them. It's held steady on rocky ground and a wooden deck this week, and the compact weight makes it easy to carry all day.

The metal build feels way more solid than the price suggests, and it holds my compact camera steady even on a windy balcony. Five sections give me plenty of height options without it ever feeling wobbly.

The five sections collapse down small enough to slip into my jacket pocket, which I didn't expect from something this sturdy. It holds my camera steady on uneven rocks and the black finish hasn't scratched yet after a few hikes.