A real INNOVATIVE Tripod! - HEIPI Travel Tripod Full Review

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Be careful of ANY scams in the comments. Sadly they're becoming more and more aggressive! Some even try to impersonate me. The real "me" has a grayed out name! I DO NOT run ANY competitions or give-aways and I will NEVER EVER ask you to contact me! If you see a comment like that please click the three dots on the right of the comment and report it as spam / scam / misinformation.

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

That's a shame, Mads 😕 I just noted one in my comments to you

[@andymiles5156]

Some cool features in there. My concern would be getting mud on the feet of mini tripod and then that getting into the mechanism on the base tripod as you slide it in. Likewise for sand.

[@AdrianW_photo]

Some nice features. Worth taking a second look. The ballhead on my Induro seized up and legs don't lock completely after about 2 years of use. I tried a smaller travel tripod, the BeFree, but found it cumbersome to set up. Settled for Sirui's travel tripod, which is quick and easy to set up. I do like the two in one feature on the HEIPI and appreciate the thought that has obviously gone into its design.

[@jacobmurphy5774]

I’d be curious to see how everything stands up during the colder months. Especially the leg release snaps. Besides the aforementioned issue with attaching L-brackets, everything else looks pretty good.

[@johnprisk]

Aside from how hard it would be to clean, my biggest concern would be the quick release for the arca-swiss plate. It looked way to easy to click it to one side for release, and that would give me very little confidence with it while in the field. I personally like to carry my tripod on my shoulder with the camera already mounted to it and this set up would make me feel that the slightest bump and my camera would be hitting the ground from 6+ feet. I think a lot of the features are kinda cool and innovative, but that quick release set up would be an absolute deal breaker for me personally. Additionally, while I am aware it is a travel tripod, it's a little too short for my needs. Six foot something folks need travel tripods to fit their stature as well. Overall though it does look pretty cool.

[@richardgrant418]

Definitely agree about the height I just posted about it’d be great if like the Benro Theta, they had a taller “Max” version If each of the leg segments were ~ about 6 cm longer, that should get them to around 170 cm total. Perfect

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Loved the design of 2x1 tripods 👏🏻 no need to carry another mini tripod, having everything in one place at the backpack 🙌🏻 Congrats to the designers and thank you, Mads for sharing this honest & direct review on the field. See ya, blue skies 🤙🏻🍀📸

[@johnsmith1474]

Are you a bot or just sound like one?

[@richardgrant418]

@@johnsmith1474 maybe. Or maybe he’s what’s called a positive person?

[@TheCreativeMediaProject]

I've been seeing this Kickstarter on KZbin constantly. And I will say that I avoided it like the plague because at first glance it didn't look to be anything out of the ordinary. I am intrigued though now thanks for the review mads. And I know you are not huge on doing a lot of reviews. But you may like to know people like me will trust your word as we love following your videos

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome, Tony. Obviously, I can't say whether people should or should not back it, some people may find it too low and then that's the deal breaker. I haven't had a chance to use it for a long time, so I don't know whether it has any longevity. I've tried many tripods over the years and I keep reaching for my Benro Travel Angel - at least until I tried this :)

[@scotty4418]

Definitely designed to offer plenty of options and nice touches with the phone holder and the spikes. Just wondering how well the securing the device will hold up in relation to the weather and potential exposure to salt water and other elements

[@johnsmith1474]

When you try to do everything, you do none of it well.

[@scotty4418]

@@johnsmith1474 so what you are saying is don't try and be innovative. I have various tripods and none of them are perfect so I for one won't knock someone for trying to improve the photography experience

[@markf6202]

I ordered mine. I had a Benro MeFoto Roadtrip that this is going to replace. Hopefully, I will receive this next month ( August ) I ordered it on June 15th. Problem is, I need a tripod now. I dont really know when I am actually going to receive this. It looks like it's a well made tripod. Only thing concerning to me is the ballhead lock mechanism. I am hoping it takes a little more effort to release.

[@scottfwalter]

Spoiler alert: They didn't fix the l-bracket issue

[@Reviews4fun1]

I’ve already reserved one with an extra anchor. I hate tripods in general but I might bring this one on trips.

[@richardgrant418]

Looks like the new best all-round travel tripod. Just ahead of Benro’s Theta (also crowdfunded and currently in “pre-production”) My only wish is that, like the Benro Theta, Heipi also offered a taller version - with a maximum height of ~ 170 cm. If each of the five leg sections were only around 6 cm longer, that should about do it Particularly as the Heipi has the extra stability from its unique centre column - the extra height could take better advantage of that 😊

[@louisburley1597]

Probably going to get some heat but I think that’s too much money. My Sirui ST 124 is compact, carbon fiber, has spikes that you just loosen the feet to get to stick out, and it’s considered weatherproof. It’s $250 and it gets tall for a compact tripod. I don’t know what else I’d buy for the money (you will need a ball head and I use the GX-20)

[@ChrrZ]

that center-column/mini-tripod is a really really cool feature, i dig this design idea alot!! thanks for this review!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

My observations and questions: - Like you, I use L brackets, which that ball head won't accept. That's a non-starter for me and many others. Is the Heipi available with legs alone, so one can use another head? - The upper section with three legs creates a rather high center of gravity; i.e., it will be top-heavy. The heavier the camera and lens attached, the more problematic that becomes. How stable is it when fully extended? How does the tripod handle vibrations and wind? - I often shoot in hilly areas. My current tripod has no center column, and its legs can flip up to almost flat. It's really versatile in almost any terrain. It doesn't look like the Heipi's main section legs flip up more than about 45°. What are their actual flip-up limit? Last point: I'm 5 ft 11 in. tall (1.8m). I believe you're around the same. Do you find that Heipi a little short sometimes?

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Hi John, As I mentioned in the video, they're fixing the compatibility issue, so hopefully your L-bracket ought to work. I am not sure if you can get it without ball head. I find it to be rather stable, but honestly haven't tried it in heavy winds, so I can't say. I don't think it's particularly different from my Benro Travel Angel. I show the fully "flipped" legs of the main section somewhere in the video and I jsut measured it to 16 degrees ;) It has about the same height as my Benro Travel Angel, which is my most used tripod. Yes, sometimes they do feel a bit low, but it is almost only in forests where I need that extra height.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@MadsPeterIversen thanks. I don't think the Heipi is for me, all things considered. Actually, that's travel tripods in general.

[@johnsmith1474]

Why bother?

[@mibreit-photo]

Not being able to take it apart it a major problem. Do you think based on feedback they can fix this or are they too far in their development phase? That's why I usually prefer twist locks over lever, less moving parts and easy to disassemble. Otherwise it's a very innovative piece of gear!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

I don't think they'll change that specific design of this tripod, however, they'll likely make one with twist locks in the future :)

[@mibreit-photo]

@@MadsPeterIversen yea Twist locks and a tough longer. Just a few cm of the folded length will help for taller people.

[@Paul9]

Looks a great design, glad they’re going to sort the head compatibility. Those tripod leg condoms you can get could be a solution to the issue around using it for seascapes.

[@1WillyK]

I would like to see a head to head comparison with the Ulanzi tripod as well. Thanks for your review.

[@PlanItPhoto]

Hi Bill, stay tune on my YT account. I did a full comparison of PD and Heipi and will do another video to compare several other travel tripods including Ulanzi Zero Y.

[@pierre-yveslapeyronniepyl]

@@PlanItPhoto Really liked your Heipi tripod test, specially coming from someone used to RRS... Are you still planning to release the PD / Heipi / Ulanzi / Other tripods comparison review? Thx

[@photog1529]

Been looking for a travel tripod for times when I want to travel light. Using an older Gitzo 2540 Mountaineer with an RRS-BH40 ballhead...has some weight but still manageable. Never was very impressed with the Peak Design model, so the quest continues. I do like the fact the ballhead can be removed and replaced with a different model, such as an RRS BH30.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

This one works, but as mentioned in the video, I wouldn't bring it near the sea ;)

[@simonbaigrie2485]

Its hard to tell from a video but the build quailty looks a bit cheap? I wonder how well it would last long term? I'd also be interested to see how it performs in windy weather, particularly with the centre column raised. Some interesting ideas in the design though.

[@christinekilpatrick4495]

This looks like a pretty amazing travel tripod! I only have one tripod and taking it on vacation can be very cumbersome. This looks like a pretty great alternative! Thanks for the detailed review!

[@DesignArtEmbroidery]

I ended up ordering the first version as it was half the price of the new version. I’m working on a set of long fitted waterproof sleeves for the legs for anything ocean based. I will see how that goes 😅

[@johnsmith1474]

There are a lot of traps in tripod design, experience teaches that a solid tripod is worth saving the weight elsewhere. Very few leg sections (2-3) are worth the length when compacted, because they are far more stable at severe angles and handier to set. You aren't always able to just yank out all the legs open and viola all done, you often need to have one leg at a differing angle, then reach down to change another leg's length, & do it smoothly and easily in a hard wind with $5K on top when you are tired from hiking. A pan under the ballhead is ok in a studio, but outdoors it becomes useless for panos, because getting the legs to level perfect enough for a pano is not just a hassle, it's impossible most of the time. The camera will swing down or up when panned. The smooth and satisfying work process is: set the legs for max stability, then adjust one or more lengths getting near level, then level the camera separately with it's electronic level or a hotshoe-mounted 3-axis bubble you can actually see. You need the a panning mount at the Arca plate position of the camera, not the base of the ball. This is why some smart manufacturers now make "upside down ballheads" with the pan on top, and why I've been mounting my small German Linhof ballhead upside down for years. I can pretty much guarantee any devoted landscape shooter they will need to work through tripod tech, and so it's good idea to separate legs from all the various head pieces. The preferred setup is a great set of strong legs with at most a short center post, then a simple leveling dish/plate with setscrew to lock on a panning attachment. Arca mount on that pan, & L bracket on camera. The end. To hell with ever flipping a ballhead 90 degrees for verticals, leveling legs with a tiny bubble instead of the camera level, 4-5 section flexy legs, and fussy locks.

[@d3bz875]

easy fix for your pano problem: just put a leveling base between the tripod and the ballhead. the clicky pan thing is awesome for night shoots, so you don't need to use the head lamp for every single adjustment.

[@robertnystrom289]

I wonder how the three upper supports work in the wind? Specifically, will there be any buffeting / vibration as the wind bounces around and through the upper supports. Full disclosure: I ordered one, so I guess I'll find out.

[@ejwkooi]

To quick. The vanguard has the spikes in de feet. You can screw the the rubber feet further in and then the spikes stick out. You can't loose the spikes

[@JaypeaFoto]

Looks like a great travel tripod. I’d definitely would purchase it and use it for, “dry travel”.

[@macsandsquid528]

I had seen this tripod on Kickstarter and wasn't sure about the 2 in 1 design. Thanks to your review I'm going to take a second look and see if it's worth replacing my Peak.

[@Sustainavore]

It's it possible to insert the top tripod upside down into the main tripod (while extended) to allow an underslung camera mount?

[@extremelydave]

I thought this was a great, honest review. Good job Mads.

[@rlfisher]

A very balanced review, Mads, thank you. I think I would get in on this kickstarter, but I am not confident that the product will accept my ARCA-SWISS L-bracket, which is essential.

[@ingabett]

Cool tripod! Thought of one thing- the screws that you have to take of and screw back: can’t you have screw threads (?) on both sides of the feet and have the screw fixed? For me it would be easier to screw on a bigger part, and also if you drop it it’s easier to find.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

It’s a challenge mate for all sea and beach photographers…….I use a lot near the ocean and why I went with Ulanzi because I felt it would handle salt better

[@Boatzerama]

Nice design especially the mini tripod feature.

[@CZOV]

If they fix the PD and arca swiss brackets, it will be a perfect tripod.

[@mlhart3741]

Excellent review - lots of detail and real-use examples. Thanks!

[@mikefinley6148]

Has the W28 been upgraded to work with the peak design capture clip camera tripod plate?

[@rogernuffer]

Signed up for the Kickstart. If they don't fix the Arca Swiss plate issue the I'll use my Colorado Tripod head. Thank you for the honest, straightforward review.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

They have already fixed it and it should fit most other companies baseplates now :)

[@AnVoPhotography]

Very, very interesting design. I love the multi purpose centre column. Sheer genius.

[@johnsmith1474]

I see it as a gimmick, certainly not genius.

[@andreasschaefer8613]

Looks nice, and a few good ideas in there! But I think it won't replace my beloved Sirui N-1204 with Rollei T3s Ballhead (old Version, much better than the new one), wich only weights 1100gr. together, super sturdy (also with Center column out!), and you can fully disassemble it. I use it for years and it works like on its first day.

[@MIMCKMedia]

How can you tighten your Arca swiss plate if its longer or use a cage with arca swiss slot? it don´t look like the snap quick release on the ball head can be adjusted in clamping force?

[@marklaurendet1861]

Great review looks like an interesting inovative tripod. The difference between the width of all my arca swiss plates is nearly 2mm so they have a big job ahead of then to make them all fit with that style of head lock. I guess that is why most arca swiss heads have a screw thread lock. I think the ball head lock may not lock as hard over time as well because of the limited travel of that lever, again a screw thread lock has more ability to tighten over time. Do the leg locks have any adjustment?I have not seen that discussed on any reviews so far? All up looks to be a great idea. I will be watching to see how this one turns out with a view to a possible purchase, but it has a long way to go yet but the ideas are sound

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Interesting and a well-constructed review 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rphandler]

I purchased mine through Kickstarter. I may sell it. There are three components: the main legs, the sub tripod, and the head. I like the sub tripod. It's useful for wildflower photography close to the ground. The more I use the head, the less I like it. Using a 600 g lens such as my Sony 90mm macro, the camera is front heavy. Making fine adjustments in the ball position is too difficult because friction and locking are governed by a tiny short throw lever with little mechanical advantage. Loosen it slightly and the camera moves too easily and too far. When the tilting notch faces away from the photographer, as it will when aiming downwards, this tiny lever is on the left side of the head. My non-dominant left thumb is not powerful enough to clamp the ball firmly enough to prevent camera drift. So this head may have a large ball, but for me it's less stable than heads I own with smaller balls. Even with the collar around the sub tripod forcefully tightened there is some give and horizontal motion when the camera is handled, disconcerting and detrimental. The main legs are sufficiently stable. The flintlock clamps were initially very stiff but are breaking in (will they loosen too much with normal wear?). The tripod with its sub tripod and head weights 1.05 kg My Sirui AM 284 legs + my Arca p0 ballhead + Novoflex Q-Mount clamp also weighs exactly 1.05 kg. Its maximum height is about that of the Heipi with its sub tripod 25% extended. It can go low, within 20mm as low as does the Heipi sub tripod, and works just as well (or better) for those tiny flowers. It is more stable, much easier and faster to set up and take down, and when the legs are extended and splayed, as would be used over a brook, it is far more rigid than is the Heipi. (If someone wished less weight they could use the Sirui AM 254 legs instead of the 284.) And the Arca p0 has a wonderful friction control + an ovoid ball which gets tighter as the camera is tilted. So what is the advantage of the Heipi? It does have a center column which taller photographers might wish and which is useful to clear high obstructing railings. The Heipi takes less room in my carry on bag, but my Sirui AM 284 also fits. Both tripods are of equal weight when added to my camera backpack, and if I mount my Arca p0 head the Heipi becomes heavier than the Sirui. So when I am going to travel and and walk with 1.05 kg of tripod, I'll choose my Sirui AM 284 with the Arca p0.

[@johnathanpham6592]

Do you know if the Heipi clip works with PDs capture clip?

[@lesladbrook4508]

Love the review thanks Mads 🙂

[@DavidSmith-cf4wq]

Will it be available with different types of Heads. ?

[@nevvanclarke9225]

You should not move it when it’s locked …it weakens the spring 😮don’t 😊 I’m not sure I’d use the low to ground much …or head height. It’s pretty cool design I must admit 😊

[@rabvtec999]

@Mads Peter Inverson, you mention the ball head locking lever being a little small .. from your video, I would agree. Do you know if HEIPI are looking to make this more robust?

[@MadsPeterIversen]

For the first batch of tripods it'll stay as it is in the video. The design process was too far ahead for them to change it apparently.

[@rabvtec999]

@@MadsPeterIversen Thanks for your quick reply! 👍 I've just become a backer but I hopefully won't be in the first batch! 😏😄

[@robertwhitemoto]

HA "complete fool"... it is a cool design! A lot to like here. I was waiting for you to talk about ArcaSwiss compatibility so I hope they fix that. I have so much invested in my big bulky carbon fiber, not sure my wallet is going to justify another, but yet I don't do a lot of travel, so there's that. Thank you for the honest feedback. Pretty cool design.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Really interesting. Thank you.

[@PlanItPhoto]

Hi Mads, glad you like the tripod. I knew you since your Faroe videos. When Mr. Ban asked me who to recommend to send the production copy of the tripod, you are the first person I suggested to him ;-) I knew you travelled a lot and this compact and feature-rich tripod will definitely come in handy.

[@KuroroRushirufuru0]

Have you considered photo cascadia as they go through different terrains shooting? I plan to go to death valley with this tripod, but now I am concerned about the legs.

[@ejwkooi]

Thank you for this review. I was thinking about pledging, but don't see a improvement in comparisson to my Vanguard. An additional question. Do you use the L-Bracket and Peak Design Quick Release together?

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're welcome :) Yes, I do use the L-bracket and peak design capture clip together.

[@marcysloan6818]

Hi Mads! I currently use the cotton carrier harness system. They have a universal adapter that can attach to most tripods..not sure if you've ever used it. I was wondering if this fits the top portion. Sounds like they might be still working on it. 🤔

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Hi, I am not entirely sure how your system works. Does it have like an arca swiss baseplate? If that's the case chances are it'll fit. There are a couple of screws on top of the ball head, which may have to be removed.

[@marcysloan6818]

@@MadsPeterIversen it does have an arcade swiss baseplate. That's good. I think I'm gonna check it out! Thank you for this informative video and reply!

[@donniebel]

Interesting design concepts. Implementation for usage is the test. Not being arca swiss compatible and lacking ability to disassemble the legs is a deal breaker for me. The ball head looks rather weak in the video also. Looks like a consumer/tourist piece of gear and it may be fine for that market. Just not convinced it would hold up in more challenging situations.

[@fakkerdakker]

Bloody algorithms...I watched the kickstarter video of this tripod earlier today. I was quite concerned about the arca swiss compatibility. From your critique, that would be a deal breaker for me. Neat product though, well thought out.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Great that there certainly is some tripod choices out there for years tripods were heavy cumbersome and poorly designed and it’s only probably been in the last three or four years where companies have actually started to put some tech into tripods. I have switched over to the Ulanzi tripod and I’ve gotta say that I’m loving it. Fantastic that we now have some choice

[@johnsmith1474]

My Slik carbon legs are almost 25 years old, bigger and fatter than these, go almost 6' high and weigh 2.5lbs. The 30+ year old small German Linhof ballhead I use (upside down so the pan is on top) locks like a bank vault with velvet smoothness via diamond knurled rubber knob that is superb to use, and weighs 10oz. All these technologies are old. What is new is gimmickry and come-ons, various all-in one designs that are interesting but not better except perhaps in compactness.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@johnsmith1474 have you seen the Ulanzi ….it’s funny 😆 I was a skeptic too but now love it 🥰

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Nice if they get their bullhead fixed to work with other baseplates and L-brackets. Still I would prefer to get a tripod without ballhead, since I will replace it with either my long-lens head or my geared head! 😅 That said it's an interesting tripod and seems rather well-designed.

[@HJN67]

I guess I am more adventurous than most here , as I took the opportunity to support the concept less than half an hour before I saw this video. I am sure the quality will be good enough for my use - Chinese or not.

[@TheAegisClaw]

It's just too short for me.

[@sunburntknees2904]

Get yourself a 3LT Leo and save yourself a stack of cash.

[@rkefacebook9956]

BEWARE. Most of us who paid for this tripod on Indiegogo have not received our tripods, which are now three months late. We were supposed to receive our tripods in March, but the shipping date has been pushed back two or three times. We were promised that we would receive our tripods in May. As of May 31, we have no tripod (at least those of in the US and Europe). HEIPI has stopped responding to requests for updated shipping information. However, backers of HEIPI's Kickstarter campaign for this tripod have received their tripods as of early May. HEIPI is responding to backers on their Kickstarter campaign. This is very disconcerting to say the least for those of us who are backers of the Indiegogo campaign.

[@MarceloFernandez1967]

I loved! I'm going to sell my camera so I can buy this little tripod 😁

[@composedlight6850]

It looks like a good idea for a travel tripod ------- but i have found that the company totally un responsive and dont answer questions. Personally i will wait to see it put into real production, if that ever occures. As you say there is no way can clean the inside of the legs after water use esspecailly sea water/sand. In addition they never bothered to answer my questions concerning L-Bracket conpatibility. Given the cost i will wait, but it looks to expensive for an undelevloped product.

[@silvere36]

Flip locks are a big no no for me. They never clean out properly once you have sand on them.

[@AlexArmitage]

I know the use case is small but for making videos/vlogging - this seems so sick. I could see this being attached to my video camera a lot.

[@MagnitudeReviews]

I'd rather support a similar competitor's tripod that is American-made over a Chinese-made tripod. I'm talking about the Peak Design tripod which I already own and am extremely happy with.

[@jimpack9622]

Eh the PD has a poor ball head and isn’t as stable cost much more also

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I'm a seascape photographer and it frustrates me that ther isn't a proper seascape photography tripod

[@MorningDriftwood]

👍

[@pablobrown7747]

What is didn’t added the standard of HEIPI customer service. Ordered a Tripod on the 9th September 2024 it’s now 20th of September 2024 and I have yet to receive this item. To ad to this I’ve emailed HEIPI seven times not once have I received a response. No information given on the tracking on any wed site and the Tripod was needed for today for a photo shoot. It has been wasted time energy and money. What good is a product with customer service this poor. But there’s one point HEIPI has still managed to send a number of emails advertising there new equipment.

[@obryn]

Heipi? A trusted company? That's a straight out lie right there sir but this is a paid video so I understand why you said that. money talks. haha What other products have they come out with? Good thorough review though. I've had bad kickstarter experience so no thanks. I think it's important to mention in your video that they are backing project and not buying the product you are reviewing. I'd been duped before by KZbinr reviewing a kickstarter, and the final product was complete trash. Some of those companies on kickstarters are predatory and KZbinrs like yourselves may be leading people into scams. Hopefully I'm proven wrong but we'll see

[@AKHeadsup]

Run far from this company. They have had my money since March, and I still have no tripod and they are refusing to refund my money or send the tripod. Total scam. I am out 339.00 at this point.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Hi, I forwarded your message to my contact there and they couldn't find your information based on your KZbin name. Could you send me an email with the order number and I'll forward it to them. Obviously, you should get your tripod.

[@AKHeadsup]

@@MadsPeterIversen Will do, I will send you an email shortly.

[@terrancejkingsr.7876]

@@MadsPeterIversenIs there still a hundred dollar coupon available?

[@Alastair6]

Someone at Heipi was really thinking outside of the box. I just bought one.