HEIPI W28S 3-in-1 Travel Tripod Review

As a photographer dedicated to the analog world, I cultivate a special relationship with my equipment. Each piece is carefully selected, must prove itself in the field, and suit my often slow and deliberate workflow.

However, one piece of equipment I’ve consistently struggled with is the tripod. Too often, I’ve grappled with wobbly, unwieldy, and poorly designed models that were more of a burden than a help.

As a result, the tripod usually stayed at home, and I preferred to rely on a steady hand and fast lenses. Yet, photography repeatedly forces you into situations where a stable base is essential – be it for the precise composition of a landscape shot in the fading light of day or for a long exposure to capture the flow of water or clouds.

So, I was constantly faced with the same dilemma. When I heard about the HEIPI 3-in-1 Travel Tripod, my curiosity was piqued, albeit accompanied by healthy skepticism. A tripod that is not only stable and lightweight but also combines three functions in a compact design?

Can this well-thought-out concept from a relatively new manufacturer actually convince a die-hard tripod skeptic like me and fundamentally change my opinion?

Background on the HEIPI Brand

HEIPI is a brand that is still considered relatively young in the established world of photography equipment suppliers. The company has made a name for itself through crowdfunding campaigns, proving that it has a feel for the needs of modern photographers. Instead of focusing on incremental improvements to existing concepts, HEIPI seems to have the ambition to rethink products from the ground up.

With the W28S model discussed here, this is already the second, updated version of the original tripod. The company has specifically responded to customer feedback and improved the design in key details, which speaks to the brand’s ambitions. It positions itself as a premium option for photographers who desire extreme compactness without wanting to compromise on reliability and quality.

Size and Build Quality

The first impression of a product often begins with the packaging, and here HEIPI shows remarkable attention to detail. The tripod comes in an elegant and functional bag.

From the first touch, you can tell that thought has been put into it. The bag is made of water-repellent material, which provides a sense of security when traveling. It can be comfortably transported with a shoulder strap, which can also be easily removed if needed. Additionally, a well-shaped handle is attached, which is comfortable to grip and makes carrying it by hand easier.

Another well-thought-out detail is the small carabiner on the bag. This allows you to easily hang the bag on the tripod during use, so it doesn’t have to lie in the dirt.

Inside the bag, there is a small inner pocket for the included Allen keys. However, this space is also ideal for storing a small smart tracker like an Apple AirTag – a clever precaution against loss.

Taking the tripod itself in hand confirms the high-quality impression. With a weight of around 1.38 kg and a packed size of 45 cm, it is pleasantly light and compact for a carbon tripod of this stability class. It fits easily on the side of a photo backpack or even in larger luggage.

The carbon fiber legs feel solid and high-quality, with no creaking or cheapness. The leg segments have tube diameters ranging from 26 mm down to 14 mm in the smallest segment, which provides impressive solidity despite the five extensions.

All locks and moving parts are precisely manufactured and convey a sense of durability and reliability. HEIPI seems to understand that trust in a tripod is primarily built through impeccable craftsmanship.

Accompanying the product is a detailed, illustrated instruction manual on paper, which is no longer a matter of course today. Additionally, the manufacturer explains all functions extensively in video format on its website, ensuring that no questions remain unanswered.

Features

The name “3-in-1″ is not just a marketing buzzword for this tripod; it describes the core of the concept. It consists of the main tripod, a removable mini tripod that also serves as a center column, and a full-fledged ball head. This modularity makes the tripod extremely versatile.

The tripod is truly packed with thoughtful features designed to simplify photographic workflows. The legs of the mini tripod even have 1/4”-20 threads, which are excellent for attaching accessories like Magic Arms.

Tripod

The main tripod forms the base of the system. The legs are made of five segments, locked with revised clamp locks. These “flip-locks” are now grippier, more comfortable to use, and can be opened and closed quickly. Once locked, there is no wobble; it feels stable and reliable, a sensation that can be noticeably absent in other well-known travel tripods. The locks can also be disassembled for cleaning.

At the bottom of the center column, there is a loop with a carabiner. This can be used to attach a weight, such as your photo backpack, for additional stabilization.

Another clever feature is the spikes hidden in the rubber feet. You unscrew the rubber foot, flip the hidden spike around, and screw it back on. These spikes have been extended to 30mm in the new model and provide additional grip on soft surfaces like sand or ice.

The solution is practical as you always have the spikes with you. However, changing them is a bit cumbersome. Anyone who frequently needs to switch between rubber feet and spikes might find this process less than ideal.

According to HEIPI, the tripod can be loaded with up to 20 kilograms. Therefore, using a heavy medium-format camera is also not a problem.

Tripod Head

The ball head is often the weak point of travel tripods, but HEIPI takes a different approach here. The W28S comes with a large, robust ball head, which is rare in this segment. It feels solid and stands out significantly from small, cheap-looking ball heads.

With a ball diameter of 50 mm and a weight of only 290 grams, it is surprisingly powerful. It securely holds my analog SLR camera with a medium-weight lens without any sinking.

Locking is done via a large lever, which ensures secure fixation. However, this lever is located on the right side, which requires an adjustment for photographers accustomed to operating the tripod with their left hand and the camera with their right.

The plate is Arca-Swiss compatible, making it easy to use L-brackets or plates from other manufacturers.

On the top of the ball head, there is a small spirit level. Additionally, there is one on the main tripod as well.

A special feature is the integrated panoramic rotation with a switchable click mechanism that locks every 10 degrees, facilitating precise panoramas. However, an Allen key is required to switch this function on and off.

A truly remarkable innovation is the smartphone holder hidden in the tripod head. It can be easily pulled out and is immediately ready for use. This means you don’t need to carry any additional accessories – a brilliantly simple and practical solution for occasional use.

Mini Tripod

The heart of the versatility is the removable mini tripod, called “Sub Tripod” by HEIPI. It functions as the center column of the main tripod but can be removed with a few simple steps and used as a standalone table or floor tripod.

The three-column construction makes the center column significantly more stable in its extended state than conventional single columns. If the tripod is accidentally bumped, it also settles down completely in a surprisingly short time.

The mini tripod is ideal for low-angle shots without having to completely reassemble the main tripod. The small tripod is particularly useful in places where the use of large tripods is not allowed or not well-received, such as in some cities or museums. With the mini tripod, you can work discreetly and stably.

But the possibilities go even further: you can also use it to position an external flash or a microphone. If you want to travel even lighter, you can also leave the mini tripod at home entirely and mount the ball head directly on the main tripod, reducing the weight by 200 grams.

Conclusion

After intensive use of the HEIPI 3-in-1 Travel Tripod, I have to rethink my opinion on tripods. The tripod has managed not only to shake my years of skepticism but to turn it into genuine appreciation. It is one of the most innovative tripods on the market.

The combination of thoughtful design, high-quality craftsmanship, and unparalleled functionality is impressive. From the clever bag and stable main tripod to the ingenious mini tripod, this product is well-thought-out from front to back. The stability is outstanding for a travel tripod of this size and weight.

There are few points of criticism, and they are very subjective. The position of the locking lever on the ball head on the right side takes some getting used to, and the fact that you move it upwards instead of downwards to lock it goes against intuition. It would also be desirable to be able to switch the panorama click on and off without tools. But these points fade in the face of the overwhelming advantages.

So, to answer the initial question: Yes, the HEIPI W28S has changed my mind about tripods. It has shown me that a tripod doesn’t have to be just a necessary burden, but can be a creative tool that brings joy and opens up new photographic possibilities. It is a reliable partner that I now gladly take with me.

Buy the HEIPI W28S 3-in-1 Travel Tripod

You can buy the HEIPI travel tripod in the HEIPI online shop. Amazon also has the tripod on offer.