Feed aggregator

Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1: two-minute review

We photographers often obsess over gear, even if we may try to deny it. Despite this uncomfortable truth, it’s always great when you find something that reduces the amount of kit you need, which is exactly what the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 does.

With Tripod, Desktop, Monopod and Trekking Pole Modes, plus the Smartphone Clip for attaching your phone to the tripod, the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 is one of the best travel tripods available. This level of versatility means you can have one tripod to provide a range of solutions, which can be unbelievably useful when traveling.

It’s a well-built tripod and looks and feels more expensive than it is. The ball head is also excellent quality and offers dual panning controls. The tripod plate is on the long side, extending beyond the edges of the head. This is because the Arca-Swiss compatible plate transforms into a smartphone holder for attaching your smartphone to the tripod.

Knobs and dials are finished in a pleasing red that contrasts with the chrome and black finishes elsewhere and match the leg angle release buttons and center column locking knob on the legs. However, I didn't find the chrome or chrome-look finish at the top of the three legs to be the most visually attractive.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The four-section legs are made of carbon fiber and feature twist locks. What I really like here is that the thinnest bottom leg sections are still chunkier than the middle sections of many other travel tripods. This makes the legs satisfyingly rigid when fully extended and improves stability as a result. The leg release buttons for changing the leg angle can be fiddly, but aside from this, they’re great.

The main limitation of the tripod, however, is that the maximum height is 1570mm / 5.15ft. On the plus side, the minimum height is 175mm / 6.9in, and the weight of the tripod and head is just 1.65kg / 3.64lbs. As a travel solution, this is perfect, but you’ll need a full-size tripod if you want something taller and/or weightier.

In the tripod kit, you also get three short carbon fiber legs made up of two sections, which feature a twist lock. These are for the Desktop Mode, which requires you to split the centre column using a hex key and then insert the shorter section with the base to attach the ball head. Transforming into this Mode is the fiddliest, but it’s still much more convenient, and reduces weight, compared to carrying both a travel and a desktop tripod.

Without the ball head attached and with the desktop legs angled out at 90 degrees, you can create a support for use in Monopod Mode. It’s nowhere near as effective as dedicated monopods with three mini legs built in, and certainly nowhere near as stable, but it’s still a potentially useful and welcome feature.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The Trekking Pole Mode simply requires you to remove the leg without the foam and extend it, although there’s nothing to suggest the two legs with foam couldn’t be used as a pair of trekking poles instead. When you use a leg, or two, in this mode, you have to 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 spike at the bottom.

The maximum payload of the legs is 20kg / 44lbs, but since the head’s maximum payload is 10kg / 22.04lbs, this is the figure to go with. However, 10kg is still a respectable payload and will accommodate the vast majority of camera and lens combinations. The maximum payload of the legs also explains how one leg, or possibly more, can be used safely as trekking poles.

The Freewell 5-in-1 is a fantastic tripod that does everything it claims to, and does it well. The only use of the five that doesn’t appeal to me is the Trekking Pole Mode, because if I know I'll need trekking poles, I’ll always take them with me. However, if you’re hiking and feel the need for a trekking pole, the ability to utilize the tripod leg or even a couple 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, it’s Tripod, Desktop and Monopod Modes which are the most effective. The robust metal smartphone holder built into the tripod plate is a work of genius. In fact, the overall implementation of the different Modes illustrates innovative design that takes the humble tripod beyond expectations.

Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1: key specs

Head

Ball head

Leg sections

Four

Height

175mm – 1570mm / 6.9 inches – 5.15ft

Weight

1.65kg / 3.64lbs (head & legs)

Max Payload

10kg / 22.04lbs (head)

Material

Carbon fiber

Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1: Price and availability

The Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 launched 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 when you consider the versatility of this model. Amazon sells Freewell gear, so the tripod will likely be available on Amazon soon.

The tripod comes with a smart padded carry bag with handles and a shoulder strap. Inside the bag are the short Desktop Mode legs, a carabiner clip that can be screwed into the tripod to hang filter kits, and a couple of hex keys. The larger one is used to tighten the legs, and the smaller is used to split the center column. Splitting the center column allows you to set the tripod to Desktop Mode and also use the shorter legs as a base in Monopod Mode.

Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1: Also consider

Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod

The Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod is a small, lightweight travel tripod with three functions and a different basic design from the Freewell. Just like the Freewell, it can support multiple camera types, including smartphones, but it's ultimately more limited because it doesn't offer the same number of modes or functions.

Read our Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod review

Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB travel tripod

The Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB travel tripod is a unique model due to its articulating center column, which isn't a common travel tripod feature. It's well-made, but one of the heavier travel tripods available at 4.4lbs / 1.98kg.

Read our Vanguard VEO 3T+ 234CB travel tripod review

Should I buy the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1?

(Image credit: James Abbott)Buy it if...

You need versatility

This tripod performs several functions of different types of tripods and does all of them well.

You’d like portability

This is a compact and lightweight travel tripod that won’t take up too much space or weigh you down.

Don't buy it if...

You need height

At 1570mm / 5.15ft, this isn’t the tallest travel tripod available, but it is adequate in many situations.

You mainly shoot video

If you mainly shoot video, there are video travel tripods available with fluid heads and other video-specific features.

How I tested the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1

• The tripod was tested for several weeks
• Handling, stiffness and rigidity were assessed
• All five uses were tested

I tested the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 over several weeks, mainly for stills photography but also for some videography, despite it not being a video tripod. The tripod was tested in all five modes to assess effectiveness and handling.

I used the tripod with several different camera and lens combinations, shooting subjects including landscapes, cityscapes and product photography. I carried the tripod extensively using the carry case and also with the tripod attached directly to my camera bag.

First reviewed October 2025

Wondering how to help a teen get better sleep? This weekend's time change can be a boost. Here's why. Plus tips from sleep doctors to get more zzzs.

Tulsa King season 4 has been renewed on Paramount+. Here's everything we know so far from release date, trailer, predicted cast, plot rumors and more.

Declining population means caring for parents, grandparents, and other relatives could become even more challenging with fewer professionals and family members to pitch in.

(Image credit: Claire Harbage)

Zohran Mamdani's focus on affordability concerns has energized many young voters around the country, who say he speaks to some of their most pressing economic concerns.

(Image credit: Angela Weiss)

While previous deployments to Democratic-led cities have largely led to protests and lawsuits, Trump is banking on the moves helping him and Republicans, especially in next year's midterms.

(Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)

Thirteen deals for all uses and budgets - picked out from thousands of options

All the ways to watch 2025 New York Marathon live streams, including free options, as Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan lead the fields in the Big Apple.

In a World Series for the ages that went back and forth again and again, Will Smith delivered the biggest swing of all for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

(Image credit: Brynn Anderson)

The Beelink Mate SE is a desktop dock that has been designed to sit neatly on top of the SER8, SER9 or SER9 Pro. It's a neat solution with a few additional ports for accessories, but what really stands out is the dual M.2 slots inside, enabling you to boost your Mini PC's storage with ultra-fast transfer rates.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 drops to £169.99 in an early Black Friday deal at Argos.

Heat pumps are energy-efficient and reduce emissions; we turned to experts to determine if one will work in your home.

All the ways to watch ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final as India and South Africa meet, with the winner declared world champion for the first time.

British police said 10 people have been hospitalized, nine with life-threatening injuries, following a mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train Saturday evening, and that counter-terrorism police are supporting the investigation.

(Image credit: Chris Radburn)

British police said 10 people have been hospitalized, nine with life-threatening injuries, following a mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train Saturday evening, and that counter-terrorism police are supporting the investigation.

(Image credit: Chris Radburn)

The U.S. military has carried out another lethal strike on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean Sea.

(Image credit: Evan Vucci)

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Nov. 2, No. 405.

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Nov. 2.

I worked out with the new AirPods Pro 3 to see if their new fitness features are up to scratch.

We explain how to watch New Zealand Kiwis vs Tonga for free as they face each other in a key clash in the Pacific Championships 2025.