SmallRig 4222 AP-02 FreeRover Lightweight Travel Tripod
The SmallRig AP-02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod with Arca-Type Ball Head is a highly versatile and compact travel tripod with a load capacity of up to 8kg along with a maximum working height of 159cm. The SmallRig AP02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod comes in at a weight of only 1.15kg and folds down to just 53cm, making it easy to travel with. The lightweight legs and centre column feature a faceted shape to enhance strength and rigidity.
The SmallRig AP-02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod with Arca-Type Ball Head is a highly versatile and compact travel tripod with a load capacity of up to 8kg along with a maximum working height of 159cm. The SmallRig AP02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod comes in at a weight of only 1.15kg and folds down to just 53cm, making it easy to travel with. The lightweight legs and centre column feature a faceted shape to enhance strength and rigidity.
The SmallRig AP-02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod with Arca-Type Ball Head is a highly versatile and compact travel tripod with a load capacity of up to 8kg along with a maximum working height of 159cm. The SmallRig AP02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod comes in at a weight of only 1.15kg and folds down to just 53cm, making it easy to travel with. The lightweight legs and centre column feature a faceted shape to enhance strength and rigidity.
The SmallRig AP-02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod with Arca-Type Ball Head is a highly versatile and compact travel tripod with a load capacity of up to 8kg along with a maximum working height of 159cm. The SmallRig AP02 Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod comes in at a weight of only 1.15kg and folds down to just 53cm, making it easy to travel with. The lightweight legs and centre column feature a faceted shape to enhance strength and rigidity.
in 4 offers
The lowest price for SmallRig 4222 AP-02 FreeRover Lightweight Travel Tripod right now is $202.00 at Harvey Norman, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $153.82 on 26 Apr 2026 — today's price is 31% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 10 June 2026.
Last updated at 10/06/2026 06:10:43
SmallRig Lightweight Travel Tripod AP-02
Smallrig Lightweight Travel Tripod Ap-02 4222
Delivery $9.95
SmallRig Lightweight Travel Tripod AP-02 4222
Delivery between 17–19 June $8.95
SmallRig Lightweight Travel Tripod AP-02 with Compact Structure 360° Ball Head Quick Release Plate
Free delivery
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I see this as a competitor to Peak Design’s travel tripod. Its triangular legs make it very thin footprint when collapsed.It does lack a leveler or gimbal at top, but other than that it’s quite competitive. Even taller than Peak’s.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I am still traveling with a full frame camera with a heavy WA zoom lens mostly for night skies. I gave my last tripod away as a trade in a remote place. The AP-02 is not one of those fussy 4 stage things that focus on lightness and smallness over steadiness. It's quite light, easily packable, sturdy for what it is, thoughtfully designed and very functional. I am delighted. I especially like the head operation and the pull-off rubber feet that cover the metal points. SmallRig has been a go-to for many years now.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
So, how does this tripod outperform other travel tripods? (I’ve had many over the years)1. Robust and sturdy: even at maximum extension it’s very solid. Well designed and implemented cams and hardware, quality aluminum alloys for the channel.2. Nicely compact: smaller diameter collapsed than tripods with round legs and columns. Much easier to carry or clip to the backpack.3. Outstanding ball head: cam lock is fast and firm. Degreed rotation and bubble levels optimal.4. Very fast to deploy, level and lock. Equally quick to break down.5. Light weight for its size and robustness.6. Affordable7. Attractive: Seems as if fashion has made its way into the hardware, not just through the lens and onto the SD card.I now use this tripod for travel and most ... MoreSo, how does this tripod outperform other travel tripods? (I’ve had many over the years)1. Robust and sturdy: even at maximum extension it’s very solid. Well designed and implemented cams and hardware, quality aluminum alloys for the channel.2. Nicely compact: smaller diameter collapsed than tripods with round legs and columns. Much easier to carry or clip to the backpack.3. Outstanding ball head: cam lock is fast and firm. Degreed rotation and bubble levels optimal.4. Very fast to deploy, level and lock. Equally quick to break down.5. Light weight for its size and robustness.6. Affordable7. Attractive: Seems as if fashion has made its way into the hardware, not just through the lens and onto the SD card.I now use this tripod for travel and most mobile assignments. Although this will handle the 200-600mm balanced at its center of gravity in a pinch, a larger tripod for deploying the big glass is preferred.
| Camera Mounting Screw | 1x 1/4"-20 Male |
| Camera Plate | Quick Release- Arca-Type |
| Head Type | Ball Head |
| Drag Control | No |
| Primary Leg Material | Aluminum |
SmallRig Lightweight Travel Tripod AP-02
Smallrig Lightweight Travel Tripod Ap-02 4222
Delivery $9.95
SmallRig Lightweight Travel Tripod AP-02 4222
Delivery between 17–19 June $8.95
SmallRig Lightweight Travel Tripod AP-02 with Compact Structure 360° Ball Head Quick Release Plate
Free delivery
I see this as a competitor to Peak Design’s travel tripod. Its triangular legs make it very thin footprint when collapsed.It does lack a leveler or gimbal at top, but other than that it’s quite competitive. Even taller than Peak’s.
I am still traveling with a full frame camera with a heavy WA zoom lens mostly for night skies. I gave my last tripod away as a trade in a remote place. The AP-02 is not one of those fussy 4 stage things that focus on lightness and smallness over steadiness. It's quite light, easily packable, sturdy for what it is, thoughtfully designed and very functional. I am delighted. I especially like the head operation and the pull-off rubber feet that cover the metal points. SmallRig has been a go-to for many years now.
So, how does this tripod outperform other travel tripods? (I’ve had many over the years)1. Robust and sturdy: even at maximum extension it’s very solid. Well designed and implemented cams and hardware, quality aluminum alloys for the channel.2. Nicely compact: smaller diameter collapsed than tripods with round legs and columns. Much easier to carry or clip to the backpack.3. Outstanding ball head: cam lock is fast and firm. Degreed rotation and bubble levels optimal.4. Very fast to deploy, level and lock. Equally quick to break down.5. Light weight for its size and robustness.6. Affordable7. Attractive: Seems as if fashion has made its way into the hardware, not just through the lens and onto the SD card.I now use this tripod for travel and most ... MoreSo, how does this tripod outperform other travel tripods? (I’ve had many over the years)1. Robust and sturdy: even at maximum extension it’s very solid. Well designed and implemented cams and hardware, quality aluminum alloys for the channel.2. Nicely compact: smaller diameter collapsed than tripods with round legs and columns. Much easier to carry or clip to the backpack.3. Outstanding ball head: cam lock is fast and firm. Degreed rotation and bubble levels optimal.4. Very fast to deploy, level and lock. Equally quick to break down.5. Light weight for its size and robustness.6. Affordable7. Attractive: Seems as if fashion has made its way into the hardware, not just through the lens and onto the SD card.I now use this tripod for travel and most mobile assignments. Although this will handle the 200-600mm balanced at its center of gravity in a pinch, a larger tripod for deploying the big glass is preferred.
Well designed and flawlessly executed travel tripod. Love the clamps, easy to use and secure. Not designed for big full-frame cams, but holds my LUMIX G9M2 very securely.Recommend without reservations.
Got this tripod because of the nice look. But it's functional and robust too. Brought it to deserts, swamps, and rocks, so far no problem at all.
This is what I was looking for; A simple, tall, well-made tripod with an arca-type head. It's almost perfect. My only issue is center rising mechanism isn't super easy to use, you really have to loosen it to slide it up an down easily so it can be slow and finicky. But I have no regrets. The tripod is compact and overall easy to use and it feels well made. Plus it came with extra feet and a carrying bag.
For some reason, most manufacturers can't seem to meet the four basic requirements of a travel tripod (based on my 20 years of experience in adventure photography):#1: lightweight; #2: fast setup/teardown (flip locks); #3: solid enough for a full frame DSLR and lens; #4: compact when collapsed but tall enough to be useful when extended (at least ~5 feet in max height)Most tripods fail requirement #1 as they are simply too heavy, especially when traveling (every ounce in your pack must be justified because it's that much more you have to carry). Most of the rest fail #2 because their twist locks are much slower to setup/teardown than flip locks. Most of the remaining fail #3 because they're too flimsy for DSLR's with decent lenses attached. Most travel tripods ... MoreFor some reason, most manufacturers can't seem to meet the four basic requirements of a travel tripod (based on my 20 years of experience in adventure photography):#1: lightweight; #2: fast setup/teardown (flip locks); #3: solid enough for a full frame DSLR and lens; #4: compact when collapsed but tall enough to be useful when extended (at least ~5 feet in max height)Most tripods fail requirement #1 as they are simply too heavy, especially when traveling (every ounce in your pack must be justified because it's that much more you have to carry). Most of the rest fail #2 because their twist locks are much slower to setup/teardown than flip locks. Most of the remaining fail #3 because they're too flimsy for DSLR's with decent lenses attached. Most travel tripods fail requirement #4 because they don't reach 5 feet (60 inches), thus limiting your available perspectives.The few tripods that haven't been disqualified at this point, like the Peak design travel tripod, are overpriced abominations (and still too heavy). No travel tripod should even approach ~$400... or weigh more than 2-3 lbs. By this point, nearly every tripod on the market has been eliminated from consideration as a travel tripod for the professional adventurer.The SmallRig AP-02 tripod, however, checks all the boxes: #1: lightweight (2.5 lbs); #2: fast setup/teardown (flip locks can be disengaged for an entire leg all at once); #3: it's much more solid than even my old beloved tripod. It just barely squeaks past the size requirements of #4 in this list: It's not as small as others when collapsed, but it still (barely) fits inside my backpack. It's not quite what I'd call compact, but just small enough to fit where it needs to fit with minimal wasted space between legs when collapsed, while also reaching over 5 feet. The Three Legged Things - Patti tripod is the closest alternative out there.. but it adds on another 1 lb of weight and is significantly bulkier when collapsed.Manufacturers in general also seem clueless about how much attention their more flashy tripods attract. When I'm traveling, sometimes to dangerous locations, the last thing I want is to draw attention to myself. The AP-02 would be better off completely black, but its current color option is acceptable. I will still have to keep it covered in certain situations, though.Lastly, I've never encountered a use-case in the studio that couldn't be accomplished by the exact same travel tripod I use on the road. I see no need for specifically designed travel tripods; one good tripod should be able to excel in the studio AND on the road. My old Manfrotto tripod did just that for many years.. but nothing lasts forever and they replaced it with a significantly downgraded yet more expensive version and thus lost my business. The AP-02 is, as far as I can tell, one of the only tripods on the market that can do it all equally well while being significantly less expensive and lighter in weight than the competition.I had initially wished the AP-02 was available without the head (and thus an even lower price). But as it turns out, this uniquely designed head is actually much better than most others I've used. It's easy to adjust, it can do a smooth horizontal pan, and it clamps down extremely tightly and feels very secure.One issue to note, however: After thoroughly testing the AP-02, I am exchanging it with B&H (for another AP-02). A couple of the flip locks on my initial copy made an intermittent noise when locking. I'm hoping this is either a fluke or nothing to be concerned about. After the locks broke on my old tripod, I'm more cognizant of such issues and feel I should exchange it while I can during the return window. For the price/features of this tripod, compared to all others on the market, I am more than willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
| Camera Mounting Screw | 1x 1/4"-20 Male |
| Camera Plate | Quick Release- Arca-Type |
| Head Type | Ball Head |
| Drag Control | No |
| Primary Leg Material | Aluminum |
