Freewell Multi Tripod 5-in-1 Review
Freewell's 5-in-1 Multi Tripod is a versatile carbon-fibre kit priced at $299.99. It converts to a monopod, table-top tripod, stand, and trekking poles, but stability decreases when its centre column is fully extended.
Freewell has released The Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1, a $299.99 kit designed to function as a full-size tripod, table-top tripod, monopod, stand, and pair of trekking poles. According to a review by Amateur Photographer, the carbon-fibre tripod offers a maximum height of 157cm and a 20kg load capacity, but its slim centre column becomes wobbly when extended too far. For photographers tracking their gear inventory, this versatile tool could be a valuable addition to their kit, much like how teams manage their player squad.
The core of the system is a tripod with four-section carbon-fibre legs that lock with a twist. Each leg can be set to three different angles independently. The aluminium centre column has a thin triangular profile to aid a compact fold. A clever design allows the column to be split in two for low-level work without first removing the ball head.
A robust ball head is included, featuring a large locking lever for friction control and a smoothly panning Arca-Swiss type camera clamp. The kit comes with a nylon carry case that has handles, a detachable shoulder strap, and internal pockets for accessories.
Key Specifications and Features
The review provides the following specifications for the Freewell Multi Tripod.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 / £268 |
| Leg Material | 4-section carbon-fibre |
| Max Height | 157cm |
| Folded Length | 56cm |
| Min Height | 17.5cm |
| Weight | 1.65kg |
| Rated Load | 20kg |
Notable features include rubber feet that unscrew to reveal spikes, a pair of 1/4-inch accessory mounts on the central spider, and a camera plate with an integrated smartphone holder. A carabiner clip is supplied as an alternative to the centre column's weight hook.
Versatile Configurations
The kit's versatility is its main selling point. By swapping the standard legs for a set of short two-section legs, it becomes a table-top tripod. The ball head can be attached to a single leg to create a monopod, though the centre column is needed to reach eye level. Its ability to adapt to different roles is reminiscent of how a versatile player's performance is tracked across various stats.
For outdoor use, the rubber feet can be moved to the top of two legs that have foam grips, transforming them into trekking poles. Another configuration involves fitting a leg between the table-top tripod base and the head to create a stand roughly 1.5 metres tall, potentially useful for video or placing equipment in tight corners.
Build Quality and Performance
Amateur Photographer found the tripod well-made, with red anodized captive controls that add style and prevent loss. The reviewer stated, "Everything feels well-made and fits together nicely." Stability is good when the centre column is lowered but diminishes as it is raised, a trade-off that requires careful setup, similar to how a team's form can fluctuate over a season of fixtures.
The reviewer advises avoiding the last few inches of column extension and recommends hanging a weight for increased stability. Using a camera's self-timer or a remote release is also suggested. In tests, the tripod successfully supported a Sony A7R V with a 100-400mm zoom and provided the necessary stability for a Leica SL3-P's pixel-shift multi-shot mode, provided the centre column was kept reasonably low.
The final assessment notes the kit is a clever, feature-rich design that works well as long as its centre column is not over-extended. The reviewer also cautions that only one configuration can be used at a time.
