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Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S: a quick overview
Talk to any dedicated photographers or creators, and many will know the brand Peak Design, but what about Heipi? That might be less familiar.
However, I have some exciting news – Heipi’s carbon fiber 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S outshines the Peak Design Travel Tripod in nearly every way, and it’s more affordable as well. Three-Legged Thing’s Punks Brian 2.0 poses some tough competition for standard usage, which I will discuss shortly.
The W28S is an upgrade from the W28, which I previously deemed one of the finest travel tripods available in my detailed review, now with several enhancements, making it a nearly perfect and highly adaptable support system in three forms.
Its 3-in-1 functionality includes regular tripod support for camera equipment, the option to hold a phone using a hidden clamp in the integrated ball head, plus a sizable detachable mini tripod stored within the main legs, which also serves as a center column – this innovative feature remains impressive in this second-generation model.
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You aren’t seeing double – this shows the Heipi 3-in-1 tripod’s main legs (right) and the mini tripod that fits inside the main legs when not being used (left)(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Since the main legs fit neatly between the mini tripod legs when packed, there’s no wasted space, allowing the Heipi 3-in-1 to be more compact than many competitors. It even comes with a well-fitted carrying case.
However, there are a few limitations. I would be cautious about attaching larger or heavier equipment – this is common to all travel tripods – and the Heipi tripod’s maximum height isn’t the tallest out there. Besides, while it has several features, it lacks a monopod within one of the legs, and you can’t replace the supplied ball head with a fluid head, which would enable smoother panning for videography.
If these points aren’t major concerns for you, then Heipi’s latest travel tripod offers a comprehensive solution with unique attributes.
Its high-quality carbon fiber construction is exceptional, and the improved leg locks are simpler to secure and release than previous models. Moreover, they lock evenly across different leg sections (instead of with a clamping lock), minimizing side-to-side movement between sections.
There’s also a helpful bubble level added at the base, although visibility is somewhat limited when the center column is stored away.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Heipi provides useful accessories for users with multiple devices, featuring clamp arms that easily attach to the legs of the mini tripod with a 3/8-inch screw. The arms supplied for this review can hold items such as an external monitor and even accommodate Heipi’s optional phone clamp, allowing you to support both a camera and a phone at the same time.
I have effortlessly transitioned between using a smartphone and a mid-range mirrorless camera with a moderately sized lens. Panning movements are smooth, which is a notable advantage over the Peak Design model, which doesn’t allow for this flexibility.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The design of the mini tripod has also improved; it now sits sturdily on tabletops for vlogging and can support a maximum weight of 11 lbs / 5 kg. The previous model compromised usability for versatility, as it was quite stiff to extend and retract compared to standard center column tripods.
Now, the mini tripod is much easier to adjust, allowing for various leg angles to accommodate different shooting positions, even close to the ground.
Additionally, it can be flipped and locked in an upside-down position to capture lower-angle shots. In short, this mini tripod stands out as one of the most advanced options available.
As camera equipment tends to become more compact and lightweight, and many content creators opt for their smartphones alongside traditional camera setups, the need for bulky support systems is diminishing, making travel tripods increasingly relevant.
Among the numerous travel tripods I’ve reviewed, the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S frequently becomes my preferred choice – I believe it’s the best tripod for most individuals.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Heipi travel tripod isn’t flawless. I sometimes found it too short, with a maximum height of 59 inches (150 cm) when fully extended.
Nonetheless, it has a compact design, folding down to just 17.7 inches (45 cm) in length, and weighs only 3 lbs (1.35 kg) including the ball head, making it a worthwhile trade-off for any height concerns.
It also lacks the feature of removing one leg to convert it into a monopod, which some other tripods offer.
However, if you can overlook these minor drawbacks, the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S is among the most versatile options you’ll find, offering a high-quality, lightweight carbon fiber structure and small folding size.
If lightweight support for various camera types is what you need, I highly recommend the Heipi.
You can find additional details about the design and features of the W28 in my comprehensive review – both tripods share many similarities despite the mentioned design adjustments.
3.04lbs / 1.38kg (includes ball head and mini tripod)
Max height
59.8 inches / 152cm (when center column is fully extended, or 47 inches / 119cm without)
Leg sections
5
Packed length
17.7 inches / 45cm
Max capacity
Up to 44lbs / 20kg
Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28 Pricing and Availability
The Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S featuring a ball head is currently available for purchase at $399 / £325 on the Heipi website, $399 on Amazon US, or AU$735 on Amazon AU.
Additionally, optional accessories like a QR plate and a different ball head are available in a pricier bundle. Heipi also offers clamp arms, an add-on phone clamp, and a hammock to store accessories or add weight for stability.
Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28: Other Options to Consider
Should I Purchase the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
How I Evaluated the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S
I’ve used it over several months.
I’ve thoroughly assessed its 3-in-1 capabilities.
I’ve attached various mirrorless cameras and smartphones.
Over the past few months, the Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod W28S has become my reliable support for camera gear.
This tripod has effectively supported entry-level, mid-range, and professional mirrorless cameras, though I haven’t used it with larger sports-oriented bodies and heavy telephoto lenses.
I have also utilized the phone clamp with different smartphones, including the large iPhone 15 Pro Max, and tried various accessories like clamp arms for external monitors.
The mini tripod was tested as thoroughly as the main one. While I’ve mostly used the gear in good weather, it held up well during light rain and sandy beach conditions.
