Excellent, comprehensive review that's answered most of my concerns. Thank you. Regarding your final comments about weigh/stability trade-off. the amazing rated load of that tripod means you can hang some heavy rocks on it in a stiff breeze.
Cool product! We are seeing a lot of people take the peak design one and alter it a bit... nice to see the industry moving forward. Mostly I don't use a tripod anymore (although I own 5 or so) because image stabilization has got so good that it allows me to get the shot I want. I do have a travel tripod that is around 2Kg but I really don't take it since it let me down at Yosemite... Sure it was holding 100-400mm... but in the end carrying 2Kg for 10 miles to not get the stability you need makes it pointless and telephoto is when you need it most (was shooting a couple of climbers on the wall and it just couldnt it to be stable enough even when legs collapsed and 10s timer). These days if I am going to a place or am shooting something where I am going to need a tripod I sacrifice and take the one that I know is going to work in any situation. I think the other thing that I hate is the whole dance you have to do with the legs when leveling a tripod... which I also have a solution for (flexshooter mini) and it all comes in at 4Kg (a little heavier than I want but workable). I do have a tabletop tripod that just comes with me that makes do for most "christmas card shots". I just have to find an appropriate rock and view.
I've been using one of these since December of 2023. Took the safety stops out of the top of the head so that I can use it with the Smallrig grip on my Zf and with the ishoot replacement foot on my 100-400. Light, works really great, and I use both the tripod and the column as a mini-tripod often. It packs up so small that it has never been an issue in terms of traveling.
Have pre-ordered one a month or so ago by looking at other reviews, yours just added a lot of peace of mind. It looks great for the price and that's good enough for me as my 6kg Manfrotto one usually stays home unless I need it for a studio shoot
So I got my kickstarted tripod a few weeks ago. I have had a chance to get it out and use it and I have to say it is a brilliant little tripod. I still have a much bigger heavier one that I think I would feel more comfortable leaving with my camera on it if I was recording a event or something BUT for a small compact light tripod to take on hikes and trips the Heipi tripod is brilliant
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.
As a lifelong amateur photographer I already have the tripod I need and use. Bought at a quarter of the price four, five years ago and without anything to do with Kickstarter who's lured me into more than one unsuccessful campaign. I am sure this will be the right tripod for some, but not me. (This comment to reminder readers of it as well as myself that it is easy to get caught up in buying stuff to improve ones photography/videography. A neverending choice 😀 ).
Once I was interested in the carbon bicycle frame, and found out that nearly all of them are made in only two places on Earth. The difference was the sticker. It might be some special quality testing later on but they were from the same smithy. Myself have only experience with 3 brands, if it comes to tripods but I can say the medium range price brands are great, fully usable. I would avoid only the cheapest aluminium one if going outside and exposing to wind etc. Shakes too much.
Just pledged in at $319.00. The worst part is that I have to wait till January to get it. I can't wait! I've tried taking my full-size RRS tripod on short walks and it was torture. This will fix that issue.
I like to use my tripod sometimes as a light stand. It’s handy to have one device fulfill two requirements. I was thinking of picking up a tripod like this for such purposes.
An interesting tripod. Other reviewers have also mentioned the tripod does not take all Arca Swiss plates. Hope the final version is adjustable for width or some thing, as we have all found out there is a lot of variation in these plates. . Are the leg lock adjustable? as these need adjusting over time as well. Overall all very inovative
When you put your fingers around it you were indicating circumference but you just stated its diameter. So was the measurement circumference or diameter?
Tripods and camera bags are the worst things to shop for as a photographer. I actually am giving this a go as I mostly like my current tripod but it is just a little too heavy for travel even though it is listed as a travel tripod.
@@mattgranger Unless you live near one of the large camera stores you can really only shop for tripods and bags via images and people's reviews. Both tripods and bags have features that will either be a pleasure or pain with the pain in many cases not appearing till after the return period has ended. My camera bag is starting to shows signs that a new bag will be needed within a year. None of the places near me have a selection of bags greater than 5 and only one of those bags can even fit a 200-600mm (it also costs $35 and I'm not sure it is worth that much). So now I have 4 bags that I have found online, each review has pros and cons and now I have to guess if those cons will make me wish I made a different choice.
@@davidlewis5929 guessing you are missing a Zero on the price of that bag :) In the end, I have come to the conclusion that photography is one big compromise. It's a hobby where gear is important, but the gear you need in every situation is different. You can bet if you have 400mm you are going to wish you had 600mm, and if you have 600mm you are going to wish you had a wide angle or a fish eye. The bag will be not big enough, or too big or too heavy once full. The tripod will be too heavy or not stable enough, and either not pack down small enough or get as tall as you need. In the end, limitations inspire creativity... embrace the compromises :)
@@MeAMuse "guessing you are missing a Zero on the price of that bag" - Nope, it really was $35.00. This is one of the things that really sucks about bag shopping, I can't even discover first hand what compromises I might be making until it shows up at my door.
@@davidlewis5929 oh wow... well personally I would not even try that. If something is too good to be true it often is. At $35 something is not going to have sufficient build quality. When it fails and the 200-600 goes smashy smashy it aint going to be pretty.
Hi Matt, I was shooting 4K, 24 with my Z30 and noticed in a couple of segments, the video looked like it was warping as I panned slowly back and forth across the dining room table. I remember noticing it in your review video when you were out in the park in one segment. I searched and cannot find anyone posting anything about it. Have you run across this issue? Thanks, Rick
I've got a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod. Got it with a special deal for 40 bucks. I think it's 80 bucks normally. I don't think anyone needs more than that. It also has a hook to hang your backpack on, so it get's more sturdy if needed. As with a lot of photography gear: A lot of stuff is just a scam that nobody really needs. Photography doesn't have to be expensive and I'm a little bit disappointed that you think that a 400 dollar tripod is a good deal (especially if it's a Kickstarter project. Kickstarter isn't known to deliver good - or any - products).
First off. Manfrotto don’t make an $80 carbon tripod. That’s not true. I’ve handled the tripod and used it, and yes I think it’s better built and more functional than the $750 one I was using and I think it’s great value.
I find it interesting how people are willing to spend $3000 for a camera and lens then they balk at spending a few hundred for a tripod to hold it. There is an excellent article called "How to choose and buy a tripod". The article is available on line, you can easily find it using your favorite search tool. I highly recommend you give it a read.
Hey man, I haven't seen you in quite some time, used to get shown your videos a lot, you even made a video for a question I asked you, when youtube still had PMs. I mean this purely out of concern, but are your legs alright? I don't want to pry just something this video made me look at. I hope youre okay.
look closer - not really. They both pack down tight, but everything is different. This has a sub tripod for center column instead of a tiny single column, leg shape totally different, head design totally different, this has almost triple the weight capacity too
@@mattgrangerI Made the mistake of buying a tripod a Manfrotto Element 2 . Which it can't even take my Sigma 150-600 .Because it vibrates /shakes out of focus .. The vibration is sooo bad i can't use my sigma . I recently bought new tripod thicker legs a Ben Ro tripod . And it's not impossible to show all you had to do was put the biggest lense you have on and show if the tripod could actually be used without any shake , vibration affecting the screen with minimal touch of the pod after it being secured
The ball head is included. The option to add one is if you want 2 heads. So you can have one for the sub tripod also (you can always share the one between tripods though)
I looked at this on kickstarter recently myself, it looks like someone took a peak design travel tripod and tried to improve upon it, they are very comparable in size and weight but a few things with this tripod is a more functional ball head (Std design), you really can't pan very well with the peak design head because the tripod head doesn't mount on a threaded rod and pan freely because the head is attached to the ball that is part of the center column so you untighten it and adjust the head into position then re-tighten it up. Also if you want spiked feet that is an optional accessory on the peak design tripod. You don't specify how heavy the camera can be on this tripod , it is 20 lb. on peak designs model. This seems like a very good deal on kickstarter since the peak travel tripod is $650.00 vs, $400.00 and like you said if purchased thru kickstarter it's even cheaper. my only question is I feel the last leg section on the Peak Design tripod is so small it makes the tripod flimsy, do you have that same opinion with this tripod? Thanks for the review, I would definitely buy this if I didn't already own what I have. - Jeff
@@mattgranger I ended up placing an order for one, I can always sell my Peak Design one if I wish, this just had some key improvements and the price is great. Thanks again for the video.
You know what they say..imitation is the best form of flattery..all these "newer" Tripod companies/kickstarter...all look like the Peak Design Tripod..the compact form factor that Peak Design "designed" everyone seems to be doing now..even the way the legs fold out and how the middle is compacted and have no negative space in between..yes its not Peak Design and by now these other companies have "improved" on their initial design..but im sure if Peak Design wanted to..they will come out with a version 2..lol but this tripod is interesting none the less..very cool..lol
Every tripod stems back to the original, that’s true. But compare your average manfrotto to most others and there’s very little variation. certainly more difference between this and the peak design (leg shape, second tripod, quick release, ball head design, triple weight rating,….. half the price)
Take a look at all tripods on the market, they all stem back to just a few models originally. Heipis concept of the triple center column is unique afaik.
My first thought was Oh great Matt is recommending travel tripod! I'm in the market for a good one before next year. As usual a comprehensive detailed review and it is much appreciated. But kickstarter? I have see people get burned by kickstarter. A great price is not as good if the product never materializes, or if warranty service or support becomes non-existent. I tried to find some info on Heipi, the company, history, sales. But nothing came up using Google.
true there are risks. That’s said, I have sold on Kickstarter and overwhelming majority of projects go off without a hitch. I have a segment talking about this in the video. I wouldn’t recommend it (and buy myself) if I wasn’t confident.
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The thing I'm most impressed with is the re-thinking of the center column! What a great idea.
Excellent, comprehensive review that's answered most of my concerns. Thank you. Regarding your final comments about weigh/stability trade-off. the amazing rated load of that tripod means you can hang some heavy rocks on it in a stiff breeze.
The center column is a weak point on small tripods. Their solution looks great.
It work’s surprisingly well
Cool product! We are seeing a lot of people take the peak design one and alter it a bit... nice to see the industry moving forward. Mostly I don't use a tripod anymore (although I own 5 or so) because image stabilization has got so good that it allows me to get the shot I want. I do have a travel tripod that is around 2Kg but I really don't take it since it let me down at Yosemite... Sure it was holding 100-400mm... but in the end carrying 2Kg for 10 miles to not get the stability you need makes it pointless and telephoto is when you need it most (was shooting a couple of climbers on the wall and it just couldnt it to be stable enough even when legs collapsed and 10s timer). These days if I am going to a place or am shooting something where I am going to need a tripod I sacrifice and take the one that I know is going to work in any situation. I think the other thing that I hate is the whole dance you have to do with the legs when leveling a tripod... which I also have a solution for (flexshooter mini) and it all comes in at 4Kg (a little heavier than I want but workable). I do have a tabletop tripod that just comes with me that makes do for most "christmas card shots". I just have to find an appropriate rock and view.
I've been using one of these since December of 2023. Took the safety stops out of the top of the head so that I can use it with the Smallrig grip on my Zf and with the ishoot replacement foot on my 100-400. Light, works really great, and I use both the tripod and the column as a mini-tripod often. It packs up so small that it has never been an issue in terms of traveling.
Thanks, good to see a review from someone who actually travel a lot. Looks really promising!
Glad it was helpful!
Check out the Kickstarter: geni.us/HEIPI
It's so good I bought TWO of them for my tours!
you are a good sales person and was ready to buy but I can't figure out how to by from that link. Too confusing.
@@12geneg all you have to do is click "back this project," then pledge (order) what option you want. It's pretty straightforward.
What an excellent review. You really covered all the bases on this one.
It certainly looks a good product.
Have pre-ordered one a month or so ago by looking at other reviews, yours just added a lot of peace of mind. It looks great for the price and that's good enough for me as my 6kg Manfrotto one usually stays home unless I need it for a studio shoot
Cheers
So I got my kickstarted tripod a few weeks ago. I have had a chance to get it out and use it and I have to say it is a brilliant little tripod.
I still have a much bigger heavier one that I think I would feel more comfortable leaving with my camera on it if I was recording a event or something BUT for a small compact light tripod to take on hikes and trips the Heipi tripod is brilliant
Best thingy for the road i've ever seen! At $300 is a steal.
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.
I’m sorry to hear that! I paid for mine on Kickstarter and it arrived on time.
The thing looks solid, but the quick release mechanism is the Peak Design quick release.
As a lifelong amateur photographer I already have the tripod I need and use. Bought at a quarter of the price four, five years ago and without anything to do with Kickstarter who's lured me into more than one unsuccessful campaign.
I am sure this will be the right tripod for some, but not me.
(This comment to reminder readers of it as well as myself that it is easy to get caught up in buying stuff to improve ones photography/videography. A neverending choice 😀 ).
Very good point. Photographers are always chasing gear. It's bad for the planet.
Once I was interested in the carbon bicycle frame, and found out that nearly all of them are made in only two places on Earth. The difference was the sticker. It might be some special quality testing later on but they were from the same smithy. Myself have only experience with 3 brands, if it comes to tripods but I can say the medium range price brands are great, fully usable. I would avoid only the cheapest aluminium one if going outside and exposing to wind etc. Shakes too much.
Just pledged in at $319.00. The worst part is that I have to wait till January to get it. I can't wait! I've tried taking my full-size RRS tripod on short walks and it was torture. This will fix that issue.
I like to use my tripod sometimes as a light stand. It’s handy to have one device fulfill two requirements. I was thinking of picking up a tripod like this for such purposes.
Definitely on my very short shopping list . Thank you very much for your help . 👍
I've been looking at it for a while and am glad to see a review.
Great review Matt
Excellent video. Well done.
Gr8 evaluation, m8!
Great review looks like a nice tripod light weight thank you.
Looks like a great backpacking tripod. Would definitely get one if I wasn’t currently cash challenged.
Same here.
There are tripods that are more compact but don't have the same design.
An interesting tripod. Other reviewers have also mentioned the tripod does not take all Arca Swiss plates. Hope the final version is adjustable for width or some thing, as we have all found out there is a lot of variation in these plates.
.
Are the leg lock adjustable? as these need adjusting over time as well.
Overall all very inovative
I discussed all this in video. The head will be fully Arca Swiss compatible
I bought the "second best" value carbon fiber travel tripod. The one that isn't the Peak Design one.
When you put your fingers around it you were indicating circumference but you just stated its diameter. So was the measurement circumference or diameter?
Cool casioak watch!
Tripods and camera bags are the worst things to shop for as a photographer. I actually am giving this a go as I mostly like my current tripod but it is just a little too heavy for travel even though it is listed as a travel tripod.
I’m sure you’ll appreciate how light this is.
What do you mean about tripods and bags being bad to shop for?
@@mattgranger Unless you live near one of the large camera stores you can really only shop for tripods and bags via images and people's reviews. Both tripods and bags have features that will either be a pleasure or pain with the pain in many cases not appearing till after the return period has ended.
My camera bag is starting to shows signs that a new bag will be needed within a year. None of the places near me have a selection of bags greater than 5 and only one of those bags can even fit a 200-600mm (it also costs $35 and I'm not sure it is worth that much). So now I have 4 bags that I have found online, each review has pros and cons and now I have to guess if those cons will make me wish I made a different choice.
@@davidlewis5929 guessing you are missing a Zero on the price of that bag :) In the end, I have come to the conclusion that photography is one big compromise. It's a hobby where gear is important, but the gear you need in every situation is different. You can bet if you have 400mm you are going to wish you had 600mm, and if you have 600mm you are going to wish you had a wide angle or a fish eye. The bag will be not big enough, or too big or too heavy once full. The tripod will be too heavy or not stable enough, and either not pack down small enough or get as tall as you need. In the end, limitations inspire creativity... embrace the compromises :)
@@MeAMuse "guessing you are missing a Zero on the price of that bag" - Nope, it really was $35.00.
This is one of the things that really sucks about bag shopping, I can't even discover first hand what compromises I might be making until it shows up at my door.
@@davidlewis5929 oh wow... well personally I would not even try that. If something is too good to be true it often is. At $35 something is not going to have sufficient build quality. When it fails and the 200-600 goes smashy smashy it aint going to be pretty.
My Sirui is smaller (folded) and lighter, and was about 1/3 the price. Best sticks I've ever used!
(I'm not affiliated with Sirui, either.)
which model if I may ask?
What model sirui ?
Probably am223...tabletop
Hi Matt, I was shooting 4K, 24 with my Z30 and noticed in a couple of segments, the video looked like it was warping as I panned slowly back and forth across the dining room table.
I remember noticing it in your review video when you were out in the park in one segment. I searched and cannot find anyone posting anything about it. Have you run across this issue?
Thanks,
Rick
I've got a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod. Got it with a special deal for 40 bucks. I think it's 80 bucks normally. I don't think anyone needs more than that. It also has a hook to hang your backpack on, so it get's more sturdy if needed. As with a lot of photography gear: A lot of stuff is just a scam that nobody really needs. Photography doesn't have to be expensive and I'm a little bit disappointed that you think that a 400 dollar tripod is a good deal (especially if it's a Kickstarter project. Kickstarter isn't known to deliver good - or any - products).
First off. Manfrotto don’t make an $80 carbon tripod. That’s not true. I’ve handled the tripod and used it, and yes I think it’s better built and more functional than the $750 one I was using and I think it’s great value.
I find it interesting how people are willing to spend $3000 for a camera and lens then they balk at spending a few hundred for a tripod to hold it. There is an excellent article called "How to choose and buy a tripod". The article is available on line, you can easily find it using your favorite search tool. I highly recommend you give it a read.
Have you tried leofoto tripods, they seems quite nice as a travel tripod
Hey man, I haven't seen you in quite some time, used to get shown your videos a lot, you even made a video for a question I asked you, when youtube still had PMs.
I mean this purely out of concern, but are your legs alright? I don't want to pry just something this video made me look at. I hope youre okay.
This Tripod looks exactly like Peak design one???
look closer - not really. They both pack down tight, but everything is different. This has a sub tripod for center column instead of a tiny single column, leg shape totally different, head design totally different, this has almost triple the weight capacity too
What's the biggest lense the pod will take and also garuntee's the screen will not show any vibration/ shake .. when being used
That’s impossible to answer. How hard are you bumping it, what terrain are you on… is be enabled? It’s rated to 25kgs
@@mattgrangerI Made the mistake of buying a tripod a Manfrotto Element 2 . Which it can't even take my Sigma 150-600 .Because it vibrates /shakes out of focus .. The vibration is sooo bad i can't use my sigma . I recently bought new tripod thicker legs a Ben Ro tripod . And it's not impossible to show all you had to do was put the biggest lense you have on and show if the tripod could actually be used without any shake , vibration affecting the screen with minimal touch of the pod after it being secured
Looking at the web site it appears the ball head is another $79, the web site is very flaking on information as to “if”the ball head is included…..
The ball head is included. The option to add one is if you want 2 heads. So you can have one for the sub tripod also (you can always share the one between tripods though)
Thank you
I looked at this on kickstarter recently myself, it looks like someone took a peak design travel tripod and tried to improve upon it, they are very comparable in size and weight but a few things with this tripod is a more functional ball head (Std design), you really can't pan very well with the peak design head because the tripod head doesn't mount on a threaded rod and pan freely because the head is attached to the ball that is part of the center column so you untighten it and adjust the head into position then re-tighten it up. Also if you want spiked feet that is an optional accessory on the peak design tripod. You don't specify how heavy the camera can be on this tripod , it is 20 lb. on peak designs model. This seems like a very good deal on kickstarter since the peak travel tripod is $650.00 vs, $400.00 and like you said if purchased thru kickstarter it's even cheaper. my only question is I feel the last leg section on the Peak Design tripod is so small it makes the tripod flimsy, do you have that same opinion with this tripod? Thanks for the review, I would definitely buy this if I didn't already own what I have. - Jeff
Hey jeff, I believe the last (and all) leg segments are a bit bigger on this. It is certainly larger than my $750 one.
@@mattgranger I ended up placing an order for one, I can always sell my Peak Design one if I wish, this just had some key improvements and the price is great. Thanks again for the video.
Do you feel confident it is stable enough for the weight of a z9? Would you use z9 and 100-400 on it? Thanks
For travel - sure.
@@mattgranger Matt, I used your link and purchased one. I'm excited! Thanks for your great review!
$400 for a kickstarter with unproven company. Big NOpE
That’s exactly why I wanted to test it for myself.
Have the snap locks drawn any blood? I usually opt for the rotary locks for that reason. Lost a lot of flesh along the way!
Nope
Matt, does the Peak Design clip fit in this ballhead?
The Arca Swiss? Yep bits an open platform
You know what they say..imitation is the best form of flattery..all these "newer" Tripod companies/kickstarter...all look like the Peak Design Tripod..the compact form factor that Peak Design "designed" everyone seems to be doing now..even the way the legs fold out and how the middle is compacted and have no negative space in between..yes its not Peak Design and by now these other companies have "improved" on their initial design..but im sure if Peak Design wanted to..they will come out with a version 2..lol but this tripod is interesting none the less..very cool..lol
Every tripod stems back to the original, that’s true. But compare your average manfrotto to most others and there’s very little variation. certainly more difference between this and the peak design (leg shape, second tripod, quick release, ball head design, triple weight rating,….. half the price)
@@mattgranger Yes the Peak Design price point definitely not good!.lol
Seem good but the price is kinda of expensive for me
Hi Matt, Does this tripod ballhead fit the peak design plates?
Yep. Arca Swiss compatible
How does this compare to Peak Design and the Ulanzi and Coman F38?
Haven't compared all 3 side by side. But this is cheaper, is carbon, has the sub tripod and has a higher weight rating than the others.
No hook on the center stalk tripod for hanging weight for balance? Is a tool included to tighten screws?
There is a hook, and there are tools... I covered the hook in video and the tools are mentioned on the kickstarter page :)
Hi Matt, have you looked at the Ulanzi travel tripod? This tripod is price at 370.
Yep. I like this better. And it’s currently $300 👍🏼
Thanks! I think I am too tall. Thanks
Ulanzy, now Heipi... how many PeakDesign wanna be brands are going to be 😸
Take a look at all tripods on the market, they all stem back to just a few models originally. Heipis concept of the triple center column is unique afaik.
All Good, but the clicky sound of it doesn't impress me!...
Of the pan function? We boosted that a lot so it’s easier to hear over the music
it's heavier than the manfrotto befree carbon fibre tripod and almost £100 more expensive, not sure how this is the best value carbon fibre tripod...
I didn’t say lightest or cheapest. Value is quality and features vs price 👍🏼
69!
Too much pricey.
Not compared to the other quality options in this market!
My first thought was Oh great Matt is recommending travel tripod! I'm in the market for a good one before next year. As usual a comprehensive detailed review and it is much appreciated. But kickstarter? I have see people get burned by kickstarter. A great price is not as good if the product never materializes, or if warranty service or support becomes non-existent. I tried to find some info on Heipi, the company, history, sales. But nothing came up using Google.
true there are risks. That’s said, I have sold on Kickstarter and overwhelming majority of projects go off without a hitch. I have a segment talking about this in the video. I wouldn’t recommend it (and buy myself) if I wasn’t confident.
@@mattgranger Pledged the cash for one today.