Lightweight, Portable Tripod Systems by Rolatube
Compact tripods with class-leading strength-to-weight – pack down small, carry easily, each with its own carrying bag.
Load-rated up to 115kg from a 3.5kg system (depending on product and spec)
No bulky telescopic tubes.
No heavy steel frames.
Just stable, durable, compact tripods that go wherever you need them.
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Tripod Systems for Your Application
System 30 Industrial Compact Tripod (ICT)
Derived from the higher spec military version, the Industrial Compact Tripod (ICT) is a rugged industrial tripod, ideal for mounting instruments for surveillance, surveying, civil engineering, construction and more.
What sets the ICT apart is its incorporation of Rolatube’s cutting-edge rollable composite material – composite legs that roll up into compact rolls for packing, then deploy into a completely rigid structure – ensuring a durable, minimum-maintenance tripod that packs down to just 190 x 200 x 180mm – smaller than any other full-size tripod on the market, and small enough to fit in a backpack or its own carrying bag.
Two leg sets (650mm and 1250mm) plus a stubby configuration give payload heights from 145mm right up to 1290mm, with an adjustable equipment deck included – a flexible tripod system in configuration, and completely rigid once deployed.
Ideal for sensor platforms, monitoring equipment, and any ground-level application where you need a stable, sturdy base without carrying a full-size tripod to site.
View System 30: Industrial Compact Tripods
System 50 Tripods
The Rolatube System 50 tripods are full-sized tripods with exceptional strength-to-weight that pack down to unrivalled pack sizes. Three leg lengths (1m, 2m and 3m) give payload heights of 0.9m, 1.9m and 2.8m – sturdy tripods for their weight class, suited to communications, surveillance and lighting equipment.
No moving parts. Virtually maintenance free.
The System 50 is the heavy-duty tripod of the range – supporting heavier payloads or greater heights – CCTV cameras, floodlights, communications equipment – while still packing down to a size you can carry in one hand. Supplied with pegs, leg ties and a central pull-down; available in Black, Multicam, Multicam Arid and Multicam Alpine.
View System 50: Tripods
Strength Where It Counts: Serious Loads, Lightweight Tripods
No tripod this light and compact carries more. Rolatube’s bi-stable composite legs deploy into a rigid, stable structure load-rated for serious payloads – sensors, floodlights, cameras, radar – from a system you can carry in one hand.
A fixed steel frame will always win on absolute load – but you can’t fly with it, carry it up a cliff path or deploy it in under three minutes. If you need a strong tripod you can actually take with you – heavy duty tripod capability at a fraction of the weight – nothing else comes close. And with no hinges, locks or telescopic clamps, there is nothing to work loose, seize or fail: durable by design, with almost nothing to maintain.
Compare Rolatube Tripods
| Specification | System 30 ICT | System 50 Tripods |
|---|---|---|
| System weight | 2.84kg (6.2lb, without pegs) | 3.5kg (1m) / 4.8kg (2m) / 6.0kg (3m) |
| Maximum top load | Up to 100kg (220lb, with leg tie in use) | Up to 115kg (253lb, 1m legs) |
| Payload height options | 145mm to 1290mm (stubby, 650mm or 1250mm leg sets) | 0.9m (1m legs) / 1.9m (2m legs) / 2.8m (3m legs) |
| Packed size | 190mm w × 200mm d × 180mm h | Packs to a size you can carry in one hand |
| Materials | Glass reinforced polypropylene composite, ABS & aluminium accessories | PP-glass fibre composite & high performance ABS |
| Included | Adjustable equipment deck; modular leg sets; leg tie | Pegs, leg ties & central pull-down |
| Colours | Black | Black, Multicam, Multicam Arid, Multicam Alpine |
| Moving parts | None | None |
| Heritage | Derived from military-spec version | Military-spec variants available |
Specifications vary by model and configuration – get in touch for full datasheets.
Not sure which tripod fits your payload?
Tell us what you’re mounting and we’ll recommend the right system – or call us on +44 (0)1590 688019.
Camera Tripods for Broadcast, Film & Surveillance
Rolatube camera tripods carry payloads far beyond a conventional photo tripod – from broadcast and film cameras on location to CCTV, thermal imaging and ground surveillance systems left deployed in the field.
Cabin-baggage-friendly pack sizes make them ideal for travelling camera crews and rapid-deployment surveillance teams alike: fly with your tripod, roll it out on site, and mount up to 115kg of equipment on a rigid, stable platform.
Discuss your camera applicationSurvey Tripods for GNSS, Total Stations & LiDAR
A surveying tripod has one job: hold your instrument perfectly still. With no hinges, clamps or telescopic locks to work loose, Rolatube survey tripods give GNSS base stations, total stations and LiDAR scanners a rigid, sturdy tripod platform that stays put.
At a fraction of the weight and pack size of a traditional wooden or aluminium surveyor tripod, they’re easy to carry between stations – or keep permanently in the vehicle.
Discuss your survey applicationWhy Rolatube Tripods?
Lightweight
Our ICT weighs in at just 2.84kg and our System 50 tripods start at just 3.5kg.
Exceptional Weight to Load Ratio
The System 50 1m tripod supports 115kg from a system weighing just 3.5kg – class-leading strength-to-weight, holding 33 times its own weight.
Compact
Both systems pack down into easy to transport sizes which can be easily carried in a backpack. Store them in a vehicle, carry them in a bag, deploy them on site.
Durable – No Moving Parts
No hinges, locks or telescopic mechanisms to jam, wear or maintain. Durable by design, in any conditions.
Cabin Baggage Friendly
Accepted as cabin baggage on flights – true travel tripods for working crews, anywhere in the world, without checking them in.
Carrying Bag Included
Every tripod packs into its own carrying bag – sling it over a shoulder, drop it in a backpack or keep it in the vehicle.
Sectors We Serve
Wherever equipment needs a stable, load-rated platform in the field, a Rolatube tripod does the job of a heavy conventional tripod at a fraction of the weight and pack size.
Defence & Border Security
Military-derived tripods for surveillance radar, sensors and mobile border security points.
Construction & Civil Engineering
Sturdy instrument platforms for site monitoring, setout and inspection – carried in a backpack, deployed in minutes.
Surveying & Geospatial
Survey tripods for GNSS/GPS base stations, total stations and LiDAR scanning platforms.
Broadcast, Film & Media
Cabin-baggage-friendly camera tripods for crews filming on location, anywhere in the world.
Security & Surveillance
Rapid-deployment mounting for CCTV, thermal imaging and acoustic detection systems.
Telecoms & Communications
Stable, portable bases for communications equipment and temporary connectivity on site.
Scientific Research & Environmental
Field-ready platforms for scientific instrumentation, environmental monitoring and test equipment.
Site Services & Lighting
Heavy-duty support for portable floodlighting and temporary site infrastructure.
And many more – contact us to discuss your application.
Trusted in the Field
Military Heritage
The System 30 ICT is derived from Rolatube’s higher-spec military tripod – the same rollable composite technology relied on in defence applications worldwide.
Patented Technology
Rolatube’s bi-stable rollable composite material is patented and proven – the only technology of its kind delivering full-size rigidity from a rolled tube.
UK Designed & Supported
Designed and supported from our facility in Lymington, Hampshire. Talk to the people who actually make the product on +44 (0)1590 688019.
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
When coastguard teams deploy across cliff paths, beaches and headlands that vehicles can’t reach, their equipment has to be carried in on foot and set up fast – in any weather. The MCA use a modular Rolatube kit, including the System 50 2m tripod and System 75 5m mast, for frontline operations, training and public demonstrations.
- Reduced weight and pack size compared to telescopic alternatives
- One modular system – from standalone tripod to fully extended 5m mast
- No moving parts to seize – ready for short-notice response
“Unmatched by anything else on the market.”Anthony L.On Rolatube tripod portability
“Improved the efficiency of the overall maintenance process.”Project Engineer, BNFInspection system deployment
“This design allowed us to enhance our robot’s capabilities and competitiveness.”Roger BaasTeam Leader, Code Red Robotics
Guides & Insights
Tripods for Construction Sites
How portable tripods provide lighting, security cameras and site monitoring on construction sites – without permanent infrastructure.
Read the guide
Masts & Tripods for Broadcasting
Portable field support for TV and radio – live events, emergency reporting and outside broadcast work.
Read the guide
Masts & Tripods for the Railway Sector
Trackside lighting, communications, security monitoring and inspection – built on military-proven composite technology.
Read the guide
Compact Tripods for Surveyors on the Move
Lightweight, compact survey tripods compared to traditional models – for professionals working across multiple sites.
Read the guideTripod FAQs
How sturdy are Rolatube tripods?
Sturdier than anything near their weight. System 50 tripods are load-rated to 115kg from a 3.5kg system, and the 2.84kg System 30 ICT supports up to 100kg with its leg tie in use. Deployed, the bi-stable composite legs form a rigid, stable structure with no hinges or clamps to work loose. A fixed steel tripod will carry more in absolute terms – but you cannot carry it to the job in one hand.
Can I use a Rolatube tripod as a camera tripod?
Yes – Rolatube tripods are used for broadcast and film cameras, CCTV, thermal imaging and surveillance systems. With payload capacities up to 115kg they carry far more than a conventional camera tripod, and they pack small enough for cabin baggage. Contact us to check compatibility with your camera or head.
Are they suitable for surveying equipment?
Yes. Rolatube tripods are used as survey tripods for GNSS/GPS base stations, total stations and LiDAR scanning platforms – with no moving parts to work loose and disturb your instrument. Contact us to confirm fitting for your instrument.
Do the tripods come with a carrying bag?
Yes – each tripod packs into its own carrying bag, so it can be carried over a shoulder, in a backpack or kept in a vehicle ready to deploy.
How small do they pack down?
Smaller than any other full-size tripod on the market. The System 30 ICT packs to just 190mm x 200mm x 180mm, and both systems pack into sizes that fit a backpack – and are accepted as cabin baggage on flights.
How much maintenance do they need?
Almost none. There are no hinges, locks or telescopic mechanisms to jam, wear, corrode or maintain – which is what makes Rolatube tripods so durable in harsh site conditions.
Let’s find the right tripod for your application
Get in touch and we’ll help you identify the right system and configuration for your requirements.
Prefer to talk it through?
+44 (0)1590 688019