NEEWER Basics 66.5"/169 cm Travel Tripod for Camera, Lightweight Portable DSLR Stand with Ball Head, Arca Type QR Plate, Cell Phone Holder (TP12)
Quick take
The NEEWER Basics TP12 is a lightweight travel tripod designed for photographers and content creators who want a single stand for both a camera and a smartphone. It extends to 66.5 in (169 cm), supports up to 11 lb (5 kg), and uses an Arca-type QR plate for faster on and off. The main tradeoff is that its streamlined setup and compact design can take a little figuring out at first, especially if you are new to tripod camera mounting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good height range for travel, 20.1 in to 66.5 in, plus a liftable, invertible center column for low-angle and macro shots
- Arca-type QR compatibility on the plate and clamp helps with quick camera swaps, and supports 1/4 in and 3/8 in mounting where applicable
- Detachable low-profile ball head that can be used with other tripod stands, monopods, or sliders via a 3/8 in thread
- Includes a universal phone holder with 360° rotation for portrait and landscape video
Cons
- Learning curve for mounting and setup can be a hurdle without guidance
- Aluminum with plastic components means buyers expecting a heavier, more premium feel may be less impressed than they hoped
- Not a water-resistant tripod, so it is not intended for wet or harsh weather shooting
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence highlights three recurring themes: value, ease of everyday use, and confidence once the tripod is locked in. Many shoppers like how lightweight it feels for travel while still feeling steady when they attach cameras or phones. The included phone holder is frequently treated as a practical bonus for creators who switch between a camera and an iPhone. Setup is generally described as straightforward, but there is still a note that camera mounting may require a bit of figuring out, especially on the first use.
Design and key features that matter in real use
Compact travel build, with a usable max height
This tripod targets travel with a stated folded diameter of about 2.4 in (6 cm) and a weight of about 2.9 lb (1.33 kg). In the field, it spans from 20.1 in (51 cm) up to 66.5 in (169 cm), which is a helpful range for standing shots, eye-level video, and taller framing when you do not want to lug a bigger studio tripod.
Low-angle and macro flexibility
The TP12 includes a liftable center column that can be inverted for low-angle work and macro-style setups. If you shoot tabletop content, product b-roll, or want a lower perspective for portraits and video, this feature can reduce the need for extra gear.
Arca-type QR system for faster changes
The tripod uses an Arca-type QR plate and clamp base. In practice, that matters if you already use Arca-style plates on other camera accessories, or if you want to swap between compatible plates quickly. The top 1/4 in screw is listed as compatible with common camera mounting needs, and the platform includes additional threading options (including 3/8 in on the detachable head) for accessory flexibility.
Detachable low-profile ball head
The ball head is detachable and mounts to other support systems through a 3/8 in thread. It is also designed for smoother movement, with a lower center of gravity concept intended to improve stability. For creators who already own sliders or monopods, this modular approach can make the tripod feel more versatile than a single fixed-head travel stand.
Phone holder built for vertical and horizontal video
The included phone mount is intended for iPhone and a range of Android models, with a 360° rotation so you can move between portrait and landscape framing. If you record talking-head content, livestream, or do mobile-first video where you sometimes need a camera too, the phone mount reduces friction compared to using a separate clamp every time.
Who this tripod is best for
- Travel creators who want one compact tripod for both camera shots and phone video without carrying multiple mounts
- Beginners and intermediates who appreciate a simple, minimal design and a QR-style mounting approach
- Content workflows with frequent orientation changes where portrait and landscape shots are common (vertical video, reels, vlogging)
- Arca-type plate users who want to stay within that ecosystem for quick setup
Who should consider something else
- Buyers who need weather-proof performance, since this tripod is not described as water resistant
- People expecting a “premium, all-metal” feel, because the design includes plastic components alongside aluminum
- Users who already own a full system and do not need the phone mount or QR plate ecosystem, since you may prefer a more purpose-built head or a different mount style
Pros and cons recap
If your priority is a travel-friendly tripod that can handle both cameras and smartphones, the TP12 brings a practical feature bundle: useful height, Arca-type QR compatibility, a detachable ball head, and a phone holder with 360° rotation. The main caveat is that the setup may not be perfectly intuitive at first, and buyers who are sensitive to build feel or who shoot in wet conditions may want to look elsewhere.
Price and availability
Check current pricing and stock status before you commit, since travel tripods in this category can swing based on promos and retailer inventory. Buy on Amazon.
FAQ
Is the NEEWER Basics TP12 compatible with Arca-type quick release plates?
Yes. It uses an Arca-type QR plate and clamp base, designed to work with Arca-type plates and related mounts.
What is the maximum height of the TP12?
The TP12 reaches a maximum height of 66.5 in (169 cm) and has a minimum height of 20.1 in (51 cm).
How much weight can the tripod support?
It is rated for a maximum load of up to 11 lb (5 kg).
Does it come with a phone holder?
Yes. It includes a universal phone holder intended for iPhone models and compatible Android models, with 360° rotation for portrait and landscape use.
Can the ball head be detached?
Yes. The low-profile ball head is detachable and can mount to other tripod setups using a 3/8 in thread.
Is the tripod water resistant?
No water resistance is listed, so it is best treated as an indoor or dry-condition travel tripod.
Specifications
| Product Title | NEEWER Basics 66.5"/169 cm Travel Tripod for Camera, Lightweight Portable DSLR Stand with Ball Head, Arca Type QR Plate, Cell Phone Holder Compatible with iPhone Video Recording, Max Load 11 lb, TP12 |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Complete Tripods |
| Brand | NEEWER |
| Manufacturer | NEEWER |
| Model Name | TP12 |
| Model Number | TP12 |
| Video Capture Resolution | 1080p, 4K |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Length | 66 Inches |
| UPC | 191073114753 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 10105742 |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Manufacturer |
| Built-In Media | 1 x Travel Tripod |
| Maximum Height | 169 Centimeters |
| Minimum Height | 20.1 Inches |
| Leg Diameter | 2.4 inches |
| Folded Size | 2.4 inches |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Features | Compact, Rotatable |
| Weight Limit | 11 Pounds |
| Head Type | Ball Heads |
| Material Type | Aluminum |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Media Type | ProductImage, Video |
Available variants
Style
- Basics Travel Tripod
- Overhead Tripod w/Dual Camera Setups
- Travel Tripod with Remote
- Travel Tripod
- Travel Tripod w/Cleaning Cloth
- Overhead Tripod
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