This Heipi Travel Tripod Is a Little Frankenstein's Monster

[@steveglennan]

I took a chance on this tripod and picked it up when Heipi was running it on their Kickstarter campaign. I'm very pleased with the compact size and functionality of this tripod. Glad you are also happy with your Heipi tripod too. Cheers!

[@BrentHall]

Oh nice, that's awesome to hear! It's been great for me so far.

[@heipi.global]

Thank you very much for your detailed introduction! 🥰You really captured the core features of our product. It's a very cute nickname. I hope that everyone who watches the video can learn more about HEIPI's little Frankenstein's monster.👾

[@davidfromdownunder]

Great review 👏 I have one as well (yet to use in my travels but about to) With any luck version 2.0 will have singular push button deployant legs (EG Manfrotto Neotec) and a stainless or alloy centre ring with robust inner rotatiinal clips rather than the current flimsy plastic ones.

[@bernym4047]

Great review. I also have had mine for a few of months. You did not mention the reversible spiked feet. I like to shoot long exposures of waterfalls where I'm often positioned on slippery rocks and the spiked feet are great. I'm 73 years old so I appreciate the low weight and compactness even though they have not sacrificed performance for reduced weight and physical size. Not inexpensive but absolutely worth the money. No regrets except I had to wait several months for delivery. I believe they have now caught up with stock levels. Thanks, subscribed.

[@jss27560]

I purchased the tripod through the Kickstarter campaign and only used it a few times but seems to be good. I also had an issue with the levers not locking completely so I’m glad I’m not alone. The only other issue is getting a Leophoto Arca Swiss adapter to fit on the ballhead. It seems to be just slightly too wide.

[@williamdavidson1490]

Congratulations to you and Camera Lady on surpassing 100,000 subscribers!! Informative video as always, thanks for all the work you both put in making these videos! Cheer's from Vancouver Canada.

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks man, we really appreciate that!

[@basilbcf]

Hi fellow New Mexican - I bought this during their Kickstarter program and got it at a deep discount through the Kickstarter. (I also have a Sirui Tripod). So far I have been super happy with this little gem of a tripod. It is so light and easy to carry, yet fairly strong. That 3-piece center column/ mini-tripod is genius-level stuff! By the way (and you may have mentioned this) you can put other bal heads on this tripod, so you're not limited to the Heipi ballhead. I have only had one issue and this is, I have a pro media gear L-bracket that I had to put another arca plate on because this L-bracket (supposed to be Arca) will not fit - it's just too thick for this ball head's mounting plate. Other than that - it's been great!

[@chrzanik666]

I don't need another tripod, I don't need another tripod,I don't need another tripod, I need this tripod 😮

[@bluwasabi7635]

A tripod in hand is worth two in the bush

[@josephnash3015]

Thank you for a great review on this tripod. I too have a Sirui tripod that has the waterproof legs, but it’s larger and hard to pack, but I love it. Happy Veterans Day as well, from a fellow Air Force vet.

[@BrentHall]

Oh thanks man! Yeah, I love my Sirui tripod too, but it's nice to have smaller options when I need to go more minimalist.

[@jimowens2283]

Looking for a light tripod myself and this might be a contender. I’m a little dubious about large prime lenses though. I’ve had tip over while I was occupied grabbing a filter out of my bag. I was lucky and managed to save it before it hit the ground.

[@yellolao]

Nice video! Very informative showing the comparison size between other travel tripods. Also, apparently, the Heipi also a hidden phone mount directly built into the head.

[@BrentHall]

Thanks! Yeah, I can't believe I forgot to mention that, it's a great feature.

[@MsOnce4all]

I have one of these, too, that I purchased through their Kickstarter campaign. I love the concept but have hardly used it. I have arthtitis in my hands and the flippy locks on the legs are not easy at all to use. My other tripods all have twist locks. I also replaced the head with a RRS BH-40 because I had issues with one of my L-brackets fitting. In the end, I leave the Heipi travel tripod in the truck as a spare. After watching your video, I might try using it again to see if i can get used to the flippy locks.

[@MsOnce4all]

P.S. The big ring that you were worried about breaking or losing is not meant to come all the way off. I'm pretty sure you can remove the mini tripod/center column without completely unscrewing the ring.

[@zacharylocks]

How does this compare to the ulanzi you have? Do you like this better overall? I currently have ulanzi and hate the ball head on it, so I'm looking at other options.

[@HansMartinØvre]

That was an interesting thing, but sorry to say, I think I have enough tripods. The oldest are a beast in alumium, nearly 50 years old, and still working!

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

This looks like a nice travel tripod! I’m in the market for something new for international travel to the English countryside next year. Thanks for the great review!

[@BrentHall]

Thanks! It's been pretty solid for me so far! That's awesome about your UK trip, too. I can never get enough of that place.

[@sprayhawk808]

Would that tripod handle your 500F4 if you had it on a gymbal mount - like a Wimberly sidekick? Sounded like the 'weak' link with the 500 was the ballhead that came with the tripod.

[@BrentHall]

Oh that's a good question! Idk, though, I'll definitely have to try that out if/when I get a gimbal head.

[@davidbarr9475]

Pretty cool! Hey I remember when looking for my first wildlife tripod, looking at those Colorado company tripods.

[@BrentHall]

Thanks! I'm definitely enjoying this one so far. It really is a bummer about the CO Tripod Company though. I have no idea what happened to them or why they're being so shady and still taking people's money but no longer making products.

[@davidbarr9475]

@BrentHall oh man!!! That's not good. I take it you? Or someone you know had that happen with an actual order? Ridiculous!

[@Richardisonline]

Awesome camera tripod.. I love the design and how easy it is to use and carry with you.. thanks to you and camera lady for another great video demonstration... amazing 👏 😊

[@BrentHall]

Thanks! It's been solid so far.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Questions...how will it go in.salt water...are the clips salt resistant Is the top compatible with other falcam 38 ulanzi quick release

[@BrentHall]

Idk...I live in the desert 😅🤣😜 Seriously though, I haven't been able to get to any salt water in a while. I would imagine it would perform about the same as anything else. Salt water isn't good for any gear so I would assume it wouldn't do any better or worse than any of the other travel tripods. The best thing you could do is to always rinse it off with fresh water after using it around the ocean. Unfortunately, I also haven't ever used the falcam system so I'm not sure how it would perform with those quick release plates. If they're standard arca-swiss than it shoul dbe fine. The Heipi works fine with my peak design capture clip plates, which are arca-swiss. Sorry, I'm not very helpful. I'd check their website or maybe see if you can email or chat with them. I'm sure they'd have the answers you need.

[@lindonfc]

I have been sitting on the fence over the Ulanzi, the Heipi & PD. I think the Ulanzi maybe be a bit weedy once it sniffs a breeze. Although it can be had for a great price. Black Friday deal on the Heipi with 13% off and the PD with a massive 30%. Here in the UK at the moment, that makes them closer price-wise. However you presentation (nicely spoken, informative & no Rave tunes in the background) has sold me the Heipi. Proper ballhead which can removed and stored like a lens, thus keep the tripod in the bag (out of sight, out of mind). That centre column and attachment points for accessories are proper upstairs for thinking. 💡👍

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it, and I'm glad the video helped!

[@danhiggins8733]

Good review, Brent. Interesting tripod. I actually have it alongside the Ulanzi knockoff of the PD tripod. I prefer the Heipi though I replaced the ball head with a lightweight one I have from RRS. This was because 1) though the arca Swiss mount is probably fine, I just couldn’t bring myself to fully trust it. (Same concern I has with the PD.) And operationally I prefer the ball tightening lever thingy to be on the left as I like to use my right hand to hold the camera grip as I am adjusting the camera position. I realize these may be silly things but needing to change the way I subconsciously operate the camera and tripod while I am focusing on a composition makes me nervous. All that said, I really like the 2-in-1 design and the simplicity of setting up for low to the ground or “table top” type shots. I know with other tripods you can sometimes flip the center column upside down and “hang” the camera but the Heipi approach is much simpler. FYI, my primary tripod is the (insanely expensive) RRS Ascend Long. But when I am using that I often use it with one leg extended as a “hiking stick”.

[@justin-kelsey]

If the price were exactly the same between PD CF and the Heipi (currently they are), would you pick one over the other? Or compared to the Ulanzi Zero Y currently at $400 with the F83 kit and new center column.

[@japrtorres]

I'm on the fence with this compared to Ulanzi. Any thoughts since you have both?

[@BrentHall]

I actually recently posted a video about my thoughts on all my travel tripods, including those two. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnvbZIJomr6Loc0si=rdx-dvPilXLQf-3N The Heipi part starts around 10 mins and the Ulanzi part at around 17 mins.

[@japrtorres]

@@BrentHall thanks! Will check it out.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

nicely done! Geoff

[@Battlem0nk]

Can the carbon legs be removed for cleaning & are the leg clips adjustable for locking tension?

[@heipi.global]

Hi~ We regret to tell you that the W28 Tripod is positioned as a traveling lightweight model rather than a professional-grade one. So we do not offer the possibility of disassembly or adjustment for this model.😊

[@lee_michae1]

Have you gone back to using the Ulanzi over this, as I don't think I've seen you use it in recent videos? I just can't decide between the Ulanzi & Heipi.

[@BrentHall]

My tripod life is pure chaos, lol. So I have this, the Ulanzi, and the Sirui ST-124 in my car, and most days I go for the sirui, but when I want the most ultra light and compact, I go for the Ulanzi. I also just got the new Freewell travel tripod, but I've only used it once. I do really like all the features of the Heipi, but I still gravitate more towards the Sirui as my favorite right now. I will say that I don't think you could go wrong with any of them though, they're all really solid.

[@lee_michae1]

@@BrentHall Thanks

[@MarinosPl]

I am between this and the Ulanzi tripod and just can't decide which to buy 😅

[@backyardjunkie]

Which one did, if any, you go for. How is it ?. Thanks.

[@MarinosPl]

@backyardjunkie I still didn't buy one, but it's more likely to go with Ulanzi.

[@Brotyx]

did you decide which one to get yet? Debating the same thing right now.

[@MarinosPl]

@@Brotyx I think I will go with Ulanzi.

[@japrtorres]

Same boat but leaning with ulanzi as well 🤔

[@comeraczy2483]

Thanks a lot for this excellent review. Interesting tripod indeed. By any chance, do you know if the center column can be mounted upside down, to have the camera between the tripod lags (for instance to get the camera at ground level, instead of 4 inches above ground level)?

[@BrentHall]

Yes, you can!

[@canonlensesandcameras4425]

so what thoughts have you got on the 200-800 lens I am on the fence weather to buy it

[@BrentHall]

I just put out a video about it. :)

[@canonlensesandcameras4425]

@@BrentHall cool so did i check it out

[@justin-kelsey]

If the price were exactly the same between PD CF and the Heipi (currently they are), would you pick one over the other?

[@BrentHall]

Well, PD offered to give me theirs for free and I still declined, because I just don't like it. So, I'd take the heipi every time. Now if you asked me between that and the Ulanzi zero y, I'd have a much harder time choosing.

[@justin-kelsey]

That's my predicament right now as well! For $100 less on sale this week (including the f38 ball head and center column), the Zero Y is definitely appealing. Super tough decision!@@BrentHall

[@WHEELSRT7]

Way cool! What is your backpack set up?

[@BrentHall]

Thanks! That is the Shimoda Action X 25L V2. There's a link in the video description, along with a discount code for any of their bags.

[@BillSmithBSartist]

I don’t think you need to remove that collar to extend or remove the center column/tripod. Only loosen it. You may only need to remove it if you want to put a ball head there. Possibly not even that.

[@BrentHall]

No, you don't, but a lot of times I loosen it a bit too much and it falls off like it did in the video. That's just me being clumsy though.

[@z352kdaf8324]

@@BrentHall I only tried 2x to pull the ball head on the main tripod without the center column - kept depressing the screw thread and couldn't get it to screw on.. just like your cut edit in the video @8:28 ... I guess it takes some practice.

[@efreutel]

Great review. Many thanks!

[@BrentHall]

You're welcome, I hope it helped.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Spikes in the feet.... phone holder in the ball head ?

[@BrentHall]

Yes and yes. sorry, I can't believe I forgot to mention those. 😅 😮‍💨

[@steveeb9567]

What happened to the Colorado Tripod Company ?

[@BrentHall]

I don't know. I'm pretty sure they're out of business, but their website is still up and a LOT of people have given pre-orders and deposits over the last couple of years and never received anything or any notifications. The company is also not communicating with anyone at all. I would stay away from them at all costs. Seriously unfortunate because their product was incredible, but ghosting people on a mass business level like that is horrible.

[@steveeb9567]

@@BrentHall I thought I saw somewhere that they had merged with 'Breakthrough Photography' but I don't see anything on their website.

[@BrentHall]

@steveeb9567 they're owned by the same guy. He seems to have pretty much disappeared.

[@briansilcox5720]

Despite the technical terms “thingy, clippy bit, clampy bit” decent review of a very well designed tripod.

[@BrentHall]

lol, thanks! I think my brain got burned out on technical terms in the military and grad school 😅🤣

[@eprohoda]

hey~Brent, awesome ~

[@RichardBO9]

Great review, Brent. Tell me about the feet, do they have spikes or the ability to add a claw foot? The Gila looks wonderful. Someday I need to come check it out. Probably going to have to quit working to ever have time. 🤠

[@BrentHall]

Thanks! Yeah it has the spikes built in. I filmed a part about it and I totally forgot to put it in the video 😒😮‍💨😶🙃🫠

[@wanderland_xyz]

Wow, two tripods in one sounds like a boon for a content creator--use one for the video camera, the other for whatever you're out to shoot. Of course, having an excellent Camera Lady mitigates that need, I suppose!

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, making that center column an actual extra tripod is pretty cool, I think! It's come in handy a number of times already, like when we want to setup a separate camera for a timelapse or something.

[@drexplordinaire]

why would u want top heavy that makes no sense>?!

[@bjchid1]

Looks like a Peak Design knockoff

[@BrentHall]

I mean, PD may have been the first to make a tripod in this style, but I certainly wouldn't call this a knockoff, as IMHO it's quite different and better in a number of ways. People said the same thing about the Ulanzi tripod, that it was a PD rip off, but again, it's better in almost every way. So it looks like this new tripod style (which was pioneered by PD) is now becoming more common and more standard moving forward. I sure hope PD can keep moving forward and improve their original design because the photography community will benefit from the innovation and competition.

[@bjchid1]

@BrentHall you're right, I commented before watching the full video and was just going off initial looks of the tripod. This one definitely is different when it comes to the actual function of the tripod👍

[@BrentHall]

@bjchid1 no worries man, it happens... thanks for watching! 😁🙏

[@MittenPrint]

As a total clueless newbie in photography, I realize I need a tripod for stability. In my dreams it was going to cost $100 😂 … Canadian 🤣 After researching I want this Heipi, it will be my only tripod, traveling or not. I know if it’s any bigger or heavier, it will be left at home.

[@MGMBPhotography]

Really - oooh the suns gone. Oooh there’s a bug. Oooh is 80 degrees. Worst review ever.

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, I know my videos aren't for everyone. I feel like, rambling aside, I still provided some decent value or info about it. I don't think it was the worst review ever. That seems a bit harsh. No worries, though. I've had much worse comments on here 😅. Anyways, I hope you find some better videos about it out there.