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Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1: Two Minute Review
We photographers often become obsessed with gear, even if we try to deny it. Despite this uncomfortable truth, it's always great to find something that reduces the amount of kit you need, which is exactly what the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1 does.
It is a well built tripod and looks more expensive than it is. The head is also of excellent quality and offers dual pan controls. The tripod plate is on the long side and extends beyond the edges of the head. This is because the Arca-Swiss compatible plate transforms into a smartphone holder to secure your smartphone to the tripod.
The knobs and dials are finished in a nice red that contrasts with the chrome and black finishes elsewhere and matches the angle release buttons on the legs and the center column locking knob on the legs. However, I didn't find the chrome or chrome-look finish on the top of the three legs to be the most visually appealing.
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The four-section legs are made of carbon fiber and feature twist locks. What I really like here is that the bottom sections of the thinner legs are still thicker than the middle sections of many other travel tripods. This makes the legs satisfactorily rigid when fully extended and, as a result, improves stability. The leg release buttons to change the angle of the legs can be fiddly, but other than this they are great.
However, the main limitation of the tripod is that the maximum height is 1570mm/5.15ft. On the plus side, the minimum height is 175 mm/6.9 inches and the weight of the tripod and head is only 1.65 kg/3.64 pounds. As a travel solution, this is perfect, but you'll need a full-size tripod if you want something taller and/or heavier.
In the tripod kit, you also get three short two-section composite carbon fiber legs, which feature a twist lock. These are for desktop mode, which requires you to split the center column with a hex wrench and then insert the shorter section with the base to attach the ball head. Converting to this mode is the most complicated, but it is still much more convenient and reduces weight, compared to carrying a travel and desktop tripod.
Without the ball head attached and with the desk legs at a 90-degree angle, you can create a stand for use in monopod mode. It's not as effective as dedicated monopods with three built-in mini legs, and it's certainly not as stable, but it's still a potentially useful and welcome feature.
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Trekking pole mode simply requires you to remove the non-foam leg and extend it, although there's nothing to suggest that the two foam legs couldn't be used as a pair of trekking poles. When you use one or two legs in this mode, you must remove the rubber foot at the bottom of the leg. This can be used to cover the screw thread at the top of the leg while also revealing the metal tip at the bottom.
The maximum payload of the legs is 20kg/44lb, but as the maximum payload of the head is 10kg/22.04lb, this is the figure to go by. However, 10kg is still a respectable payload and will fit the vast majority of camera and lens combinations. The maximum payload of the legs also explains how one leg, or possibly more, can be safely used as trekking poles.
The Freewell 5-in-1 is a fantastic tripod that does everything it says and does it well. The only use of the five that doesn't appeal to me is trekking pole mode, because if I know I'll need trekking poles, I'll always carry them with me. However, if you are hiking and feel the need for a trekking pole, the ability to use the tripod leg or even a pair of them is useful.
I'm a fan of small desktop tripods with Arca-Swiss ball heads, so I can use L-brackets with them for low-level shots, and this one fits the bill. For me, the tripod, desktop and monopod modes are the most effective. The sturdy metal smartphone holder integrated into the tripod plate is a work of genius. In fact, the overall implementation of the different modes illustrates an innovative design that takes the humble tripod beyond expectations.
Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1: Key Specifications
|
Head |
ball head |
|
Leg sections |
four |
|
Height |
175mm – 1570mm / 6.9in – 5.15ft |
|
Weight |
1.65 kg/3.64 lbs (head and legs) |
|
Maximum payload |
10 kg / 22.04 lbs (head) |
|
Material |
carbon fiber |
Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1: Price and availability
The Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1 was released on October 8, 2025 and is priced in US dollars at $330, which at the time of writing converts to £246 / AU$500. This is a reasonable and attractive price for a carbon fiber travel tripod, and excellent value for money when you consider the versatility of this model. Amazon sells Freewell equipment, so the tripod will likely be available soon on Amazon.
The tripod comes with a stylish padded carrying bag with handles and a shoulder strap. Inside the bag are short desktop mode legs, a carabiner that can be screwed to the tripod for hanging filter kits, and a pair of hex wrenches. The larger one is used to tighten the legs and the smaller one is used to split the center column. Splitting the center column allows you to set up the tripod in desktop mode and also use the shorter legs as a base in monopod mode.
Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1: Also Consider
Should I buy the Freewell Real Multi 5 in 1 Tripod?
Buy it if…
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How I Tested the Freewell Real Multi 5-in-1 Tripod
- The tripod was tested for several weeks.
- Handling, stiffness and rigidity were evaluated.
- All five uses were tested.
I tested the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 for several weeks, primarily for still photography but also for some videography, despite it not being a video tripod. The tripod was tested in all five modes to evaluate effectiveness and handling.
I used the tripod with several different camera and lens combinations, photographing subjects including landscapes, cityscapes, and product photography. I carried the tripod around a lot using the carrying case and also with the tripod attached directly to my camera bag.
First review in October 2025
