Best Travel Tripod for OM SYSTEM OM-5
The OM SYSTEM OM-5 is a marvel of miniaturization, packing professional computational features into a weather-sealed body that weighs next to nothing. To truly unlock its potential—specifically for those stunning 50MP High Res shots and silky Live ND long exposures—you need a tripod that matches its go-anywhere ethos. I’ve spent years testing supports that won’t weigh down a Micro Four Thirds kit, and the Peak Design Travel Tripod stands out as the ultimate companion for this specific camera.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Travel Tripod for OM SYSTEM OM-5: Detailed Reviews
Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber) View on Amazon View on B&H
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is the most logical partner for the OM-5. When collapsed, it’s roughly the diameter of a water bottle, fitting perfectly into the side pockets of most hiking packs. The carbon fiber version weighs just 2.8 lbs, yet it provides the rigid stability required for the OM-5’s computational modes. I find the integrated ball head exceptionally intuitive; it eliminates bulky adjustment knobs in favor of a single ergonomic ring. The Arca-Swiss compatibility is seamless with the OM-5’s small footprint. Its maximum height of 60 inches is impressive for such a compact unit. The only real drawback is the price and the fact that the leg cams can occasionally trap fine sand, requiring a quick rinse after beach shoots. For the photographer who prioritizes space and weight above all else, this is the gold standard.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro View on Amazon View on B&H
If you need your gear to multi-task as much as the OM-5 does, the Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Pro is a fantastic value proposition. It’s not just a tripod; it converts into a monopod, a walking stick, and even a tabletop tripod. For OM-5 users who often find themselves in tight spots where a full tripod isn’t allowed, the monopod conversion is a lifesaver. It’s remarkably sturdy for its size and handles the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens with ease. You’ll notice the build quality feels more “traditional” than the Peak Design, using high-quality twist locks that are very reliable in the field. While it doesn’t pack down quite as thin as our top pick, its sheer versatility for the price makes it the best “bang for your buck” option on the market today.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Manfrotto Element MII View on Amazon View on B&H
The Manfrotto Element MII is an excellent entry-level tripod that doesn’t feel like a toy. For those who spent most of their budget on the OM-5 and a PRO lens, this provides a stable platform without breaking the bank. It weighs 3.4 lbs and supports up to 17.6 lbs, which is overkill for an OM-5 kit but ensures great stability during long exposures. The aluminum construction is rugged and can take a beating in the woods. While it lacks the fancy carbon fiber or ultra-compact folding of premium models, its simplicity is its strength. The twist locks are fast to deploy, and the ball head is surprisingly smooth for this price bracket. It’s a “no-frills” workhorse that just works, though you will feel the extra weight on longer hikes compared to carbon alternatives.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Gitzo Traveler Series 1 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is often considered the “lifetime” tripod. It pioneered the 180-degree leg folding mechanism that most modern travel tripods now copy. Using Gitzo’s proprietary Carbon eXact tubing, it offers an incredible stiffness-to-weight ratio. When using the OM-5’s Tripod High Res mode, even the slightest micro-vibrations can ruin the shot; the Gitzo dampens these better than almost any other travel support I’ve used. It feels incredibly premium in the hand, with “G-lock” leg joints that are silky smooth and incredibly secure. It’s an investment, certainly, but for the serious landscape photographer who wants a tripod that will likely outlast their next three camera bodies, the Gitzo is the pinnacle of engineering. It’s lightweight, incredibly tall when extended, and rock-solid in windy conditions.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y View on Amazon View on B&H
The Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y is the “disruptor” in the travel tripod space. It clearly takes inspiration from Peak Design but adds its own unique flavor, specifically with a more traditional (yet still compact) ball head design. It’s incredibly fast to set up, which I find vital when chasing the light during a sunset. The carbon fiber build is surprisingly high-quality, and it includes a built-in screwdriver tool which is incredibly handy. For an OM-5 user, it strikes a great balance: it’s lighter than the aluminum budget options but more affordable than the high-end carbon picks. The integrated ball head is very smooth and offers a great range of motion for vertical shots. Its sleek, “Zero” dead space design means it fits easily into the gear loops of a photography backpack.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Travel Tripod
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Design CF | Ultralight Hiking | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Benro RoadTrip Pro | Versatility | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Manfrotto Element MII | Budget Shooters | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Gitzo Traveler Series 1 | Pro Landscapes | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y | Fast Setup | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a tripod for the OM-5 given its great IBIS?
While the OM-5 has industry-leading 7.5-stop image stabilization, a tripod is still essential for specific tasks. Computational features like Tripod High Res Shot (80MP) and long-exposure Live ND modes beyond ND16 often require absolute stillness that even the best IBIS cannot guarantee. For star tracking or long-exposure night photography, a physical support remains a mandatory piece of gear for achieving professional-grade sharpness and clarity.
Is carbon fiber worth the extra cost for travel?
For most OM-5 users, yes. Carbon fiber isn’t just about saving a few ounces of weight; it’s about how the material handles energy. Carbon fiber naturally dampens vibrations much faster than aluminum. When you’re shooting in windy conditions on a mountain ridge, a carbon tripod will settle much faster, ensuring your High-Res composite images don’t suffer from “motion blur” artifacts during the multi-exposure process.
Can these tripods handle the Olympus 100-400mm lens?
Yes, all the tripods on this list can handle the physical weight of the OM-5 paired with a 100-400mm lens. However, at the 400mm focal length (800mm equivalent), the Gitzo Traveler and Peak Design CF will offer noticeably better stability. When using long telephoto lenses, it is highly recommended to use the lens’s tripod collar rather than the camera’s tripod mount to maintain a better center of gravity.
What is Arca-Swiss and why does it matter?
Arca-Swiss is the industry standard for quick-release plates. By using an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod, you can use a wide variety of plates, L-brackets, and accessories without being locked into a proprietary system. Since the OM-5 is a small camera, many users prefer to use a small Arca-Swiss “plate” that stays on the camera permanently, allowing them to clip into their tripod or a bag-strap clip instantly.
How do I maintain my tripod after shooting in saltwater?
The OM-5 is weather-sealed, and you might be tempted to use it in the surf. If your tripod legs get wet with saltwater, you must extend them fully and rinse them with fresh water as soon as possible. Salt is highly corrosive to metal components and can ruin the smooth action of twist locks. A quick rinse and wipe down will ensure your travel tripod lasts for many years of adventure.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of OM SYSTEM OM-5 users, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is the clear winner because it mirrors the camera’s own philosophy: pro-level performance in a pocketable size. If you are a landscape professional who demands the absolute stiffest legs, the Gitzo is worth the investment. However, if you’re just starting out or need a reliable backup, the Manfrotto Element MII provides a stable platform that won’t let you down.