Update June 17, 2025, 5:30 PM: just a few hours after the campaign launch, Peak Design has already raised over €500,000, far exceeding its initial Kickstarter goal.
Peak Design introduces the Pro Tripods, a new generation of taller, more robust, yet still compact tripods, designed for wildlife, landscape, and video photography. Six years after shaking up the market, the California-based brand returns with a feature-rich model. The Peak Design Pro Tripods, successors to the Travel Tripod, are currently being funded through a Kickstarter campaign.
Peak Design Pro Tripods: taller, more robust
For its return to the tripod market, Peak Design unveils three tripod models at once: Pro Lite, Pro, and Pro Tall. As their names suggest, the main difference is height.
These new models build on the Travel Tripod formula, in a larger format capable of supporting heavier loads. Like their predecessors, they are launched via a Kickstarter campaign offering early-bird discounts.
Here are the technical specifications for the three Peak Design Pro Tripods:
| Caractéristique | Travel Tripod (Aluminium) | Travel Tripod (Carbone) | Pro Lite Tripod | Pro Tripod | Pro Tall Tripod |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poids | 1,56 kg | 1,27 kg | 1,7 kg | 1,9 kg | 2,0 kg |
| Longueur repliée | 39,4 cm | 39,4 cm | 48,8 cm | 50,1 cm | 58,1 cm |
| Diamètre replié | 8,3 cm | 8,3 cm | 8,5 cm | 9,3 cm | 9,3 cm |
| Hauteur max (colonne centrale levée) | 152,4 cm | 152,4 cm | 162,5 cm | 168,4 cm | 197,4 cm |
| Hauteur max (colonne centrale baissée) | 130,2 cm | 130,2 cm | 133,2 cm | 138 cm | 162 cm |
| Hauteur min (mode bas) | 14 cm | 14 cm | 15,8 cm | 15,9 cm | 17,3 cm |
| Charge maximale | 9,1 kg | 9,1 kg | 15,9 kg | 18,1 kg | 18,1 kg |
| Sections de jambes | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Support mobile intégré | Oui | Oui | Oui | Oui | Oui |
| Rangement de l’outil hex | clipsé à la jambe du trépied | clipsé à la jambe du trépied | rangé dans la colonne centrale | rangé dans la colonne centrale | rangé dans la colonne centrale |
| Tête rotule incluse | Compact Ball Head | Compact Ball Head | Pro Ball Head | Pro Ball Head | Pro Ball Head |
| Prix | 379,95 $ | 599,95 $ | 799,95 $ | 899,95 $ | 999,95 $ |
As noted in the table above, the “small” Pro Lite reaches a maximum height of 1.62 m, compared to 1.52 m for the Travel Tripod. The Pro Tripod stretches up to 1.68 m, and the Pro Tall Tripod nearly hits 2 m (1.97 m)! All values are with the center column fully extended.
Beyond greater height, the Pro Tripods also offer a significantly increased load capacity. While 2019’s models supported up to 9.1 kg, the Pro Lite can handle 15.9 kg, and the Pro and Pro Tall up to 18.1 kg – nearly double that of the Travel Tripod.
Yet despite the size upgrades, the Pro Tripod series remains fairly compact. All three models fold down to 48 to 58 cm, with weights ranging from 1.7 to 2 kg – still very manageable for transport.
By comparison, a similarly sized tripod like the new Manfrotto ONE folds to 70 cm, weighs at least 3.15 kg, and supports “only” 15 kg.
Exemplary build quality and new optional heads
To support heavier loads, the Pro Tripod models feature reinforced carbon fiber legs and a redesigned center column. The leg locks are said to be flatter, more robust, and easier to disassemble for cleaning. Notably, the Pro Tripods have 4 leg sections instead of 5 on the Travel Tripod.
The ball head is also reportedly smoother for panning and more precise thanks to a large adjustment ring. When the center column is fully lowered, it allows for a 15° tilt, a feature absent from the Travel Tripod version.
It retains a bubble level and a quick-release plate system compatible with Arca Swiss – and thus also with the Capture Clip. This mechanism has been redesigned for faster, more secure, and effortless camera attachment.
Additionally, for added versatility, Peak Design will offer two accessories for the tripod head: the Pro Leveling Base, which allows 20° of tilt and supports third-party heads – useful for specialized needs like video.
There’s also the Tilt Mod, an ultra-compact video head that instantly converts the photo tripod into a video tripod. It tilts 55° up and 90° down and features a telescopic handle – ideal for creating smooth pan shots. This will appeal to videographers.
Finally, the carrying case has been updated with a waterproof shell, padded construction, and an integrated adjustable shoulder strap. A smartphone holder is still cleverly hidden inside the center column, along with a tool for adjusting the legs. Peak Design also includes steel spikes for soft ground.
Peak Design Pro Tripod: Price and Availability
The Pro Lite, Pro, and Pro Tall tripods by Peak Design are currently available on Kickstarter until August 16, 2025. A pledge of $629 (about €536) gets you the Pro Lite – retail price is set at $799 in the U.S.
Similarly, a pledge of $659 (about €570) gets you a Peak Design Pro Tripod – instead of €899 after the campaign ends.
Lastly, the Pro Tall version is available for $729 (about €631) – versus $999 post-campaign.
Shipping is expected to begin in February 2026, except for U.S. customers who can pay extra for delivery in October 2025, and get access to a limited-edition Silver version.
Also note that the Peak Design Roller Pro rolling case, which also had its own Kickstarter campaign, is now available. More details in this article.
Our First Impressions of the Peak Design Pro Tripods
After revolutionizing the tripod market in 2019, Peak Design returns with a promising new range. Still compact, the Pro models now reach taller heights (up to 197 cm for the Pro Tall), while supporting heavier gear.
These new models retain excellent build quality and, thanks to carbon fiber, remain only slightly heavier than the travel tripods.
Admittedly, this premium upgrade is reflected in the price, but it shouldn’t deter professional photographers – especially videographers – for whom these products are designed. The addition of the compact video head, sold separately, further enhances the appeal for video creators.
