This is exactly the reason I don't fancy this locking system. Just by looking at it for the first time I wondered how to adjust on oneven terrain. Most reviewers don't even show this.
First of all, thank you for this balanced review. With all the other influencers, I only hear the advantages all the time, without even the slightest mention of the disadvantages. It's up to you to decide whether these actually bother you. In addition to your video, I have also seen the following disadvantages for me compared to a "classic" travelling tripod like the Ulanzi Zero: 1. the Ulanzi is completely Arca-Swiss compatible, which is not the case with the Freewell due to the locking screw - Peak Design users would then fall out of the target group. 2. although the Freewell is two chocolate bars lighter, it is also 9 centimetres shorter at its maximum height. 3. the clamps for the leg adjustment on the Ulanzi can be tightened if in doubt; according to some reports on the net, the Freewell's rotating mechanism cannot be repaired so easily if it is defective. 4. the direction of rotation for releasing the monopod leg from the tripod is the same as for releasing the leg adjustment. 5. the screw for turning the base plate (upper panorama function) for portrait shots is the same as for releasing the base plate - quite risky if you need to do it quickly... 6. the Ulanzi's head has to be extended slightly for adjustment, but the Ulanzi is also 2.8 centimetres smaller than the Freewell when packed up - this can be decisive depending on the rucksack etc.. Best wishes and always good light ;-)
5. isn't a valid point. Yes, the panorama function and the plate release are on the very same side. However the plate release is the inner upper one and the panorama function is done with a different shaped red "screw" on the outside. Impossible to confuse the two even for me!
Thank you for this review. I looked at a lot of travel tripods.The one that came out best for me was the promaster chronicle. Reasons are: the deployable height is just under 6ft without centre column, and yet packs into a carry-on, It also deploys like the promediagear line of tripods which I also use. The only draw back is cost at £400, albeit far less than the Gitzo traveller. But for me it was the only one that really worked in terms of height and weight, so it was worth paying that price for peace of mind. It is an excellent tripod and made in the USA. Many thanks
Thanks for the review. I was looking at tripods as someone who is rather mobile (foot/bike), doing mostly birding and scenic photography. Initially I thought "Oh, surely the speed of the legs would be nice, and it has a panning grip" but then I imagined how dirty the feet would get, as well as the very real possibility for everything to go tipping over into water or mud. Eugh.
I needed a new travel tripod for my current documentary project and i was seriously looking at the Freewell tripod. I thought the iPhone holder was ingenious and the muli use head seemed interesting. But the twist legs really threw me off. I feel more secure with the standard lock downs. Also i don't know the company and some of the reviews i watched were as you saw for yourself less than positive. Instead i went with the Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced 4-Section Tripod with Befree 3-Way Live Head and couldn't be happier. Still very lightweight (hardly know its on the backpack) but more importantly it holds my fully rigged out R6 like my larger monster Manfrotto at 1/16th the weight. Three way fluid head and Arca plate so i can mount my larger plate wit the rails right on it and for the price I can't recommend it enough.
I personally have discovered, that you get what you pay for. I always feel that I am not going to put $8000 (camera and lens) on a $70 tripod. But.... that was a good review...
Goodness, that leg adjustment is a disaster. If you used it on muddy ground the foot release would be gross very quickly. If you had gloves on, feeling those indents wouldn’t be fun either. Thanks for the honest review.
Forgot to mention that. You're absolutely right. The feet got dirty while shooting outdoors, which made my hands dirty whenever I collapsed the tripod.
Yes, that's really the only way to tell if the camera is level. Also, because the tripod is so light (< 2lbs), a camera body and lens will likely weigh more. This makes the tripod top-heavy, so even with a level camera, if the *base* isn't level when the tripod is standing on a slope, it can easily fall over.
Your honesty is refreshing! Thank you for another great unbiased review.
This is exactly the reason I don't fancy this locking system. Just by looking at it for the first time I wondered how to adjust on oneven terrain. Most reviewers don't even show this.
The tripod system is ingenious. I love it.
First of all, thank you for this balanced review. With all the other influencers, I only hear the advantages all the time, without even the slightest mention of the disadvantages. It's up to you to decide whether these actually bother you.
In addition to your video, I have also seen the following disadvantages for me compared to a "classic" travelling tripod like the Ulanzi Zero:
1. the Ulanzi is completely Arca-Swiss compatible, which is not the case with the Freewell due to the locking screw - Peak Design users would then fall out of the target group.
2. although the Freewell is two chocolate bars lighter, it is also 9 centimetres shorter at its maximum height.
3. the clamps for the leg adjustment on the Ulanzi can be tightened if in doubt; according to some reports on the net, the Freewell's rotating mechanism cannot be repaired so easily if it is defective.
4. the direction of rotation for releasing the monopod leg from the tripod is the same as for releasing the leg adjustment.
5. the screw for turning the base plate (upper panorama function) for portrait shots is the same as for releasing the base plate - quite risky if you need to do it quickly...
6. the Ulanzi's head has to be extended slightly for adjustment, but the Ulanzi is also 2.8 centimetres smaller than the Freewell when packed up - this can be decisive depending on the rucksack etc..
Best wishes and always good light ;-)
5. isn't a valid point. Yes, the panorama function and the plate release are on the very same side. However the plate release is the inner upper one and the panorama function is done with a different shaped red "screw" on the outside. Impossible to confuse the two even for me!
Thank you for this review. I looked at a lot of travel tripods.The one that came out best for me was the promaster chronicle. Reasons are: the deployable height is just under 6ft without centre column, and yet packs into a carry-on, It also deploys like the promediagear line of tripods which I also use. The only draw back is cost at £400, albeit far less than the Gitzo traveller. But for me it was the only one that really worked in terms of height and weight, so it was worth paying that price for peace of mind. It is an excellent tripod and made in the USA. Many thanks
Very good review Todd
Thanks for the review. I was looking at tripods as someone who is rather mobile (foot/bike), doing mostly birding and scenic photography. Initially I thought "Oh, surely the speed of the legs would be nice, and it has a panning grip" but then I imagined how dirty the feet would get, as well as the very real possibility for everything to go tipping over into water or mud. Eugh.
Should check out the benro cyanbird. The head on that is also average/frustrating but the legs are sturdy and light. Super compact too.
I needed a new travel tripod for my current documentary project and i was seriously looking at the Freewell tripod. I thought the iPhone holder was ingenious and the muli use head seemed interesting. But the twist legs really threw me off. I feel more secure with the standard lock downs. Also i don't know the company and some of the reviews i watched were as you saw for yourself less than positive. Instead i went with the Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced 4-Section Tripod with Befree 3-Way Live Head and couldn't be happier. Still very lightweight (hardly know its on the backpack) but more importantly it holds my fully rigged out R6 like my larger monster Manfrotto at 1/16th the weight. Three way fluid head and Arca plate so i can mount my larger plate wit the rails right on it and for the price I can't recommend it enough.
I personally have discovered, that you get what you pay for. I always feel that I am not going to put $8000 (camera and lens) on a $70 tripod. But.... that was a good review...
Right?
Goodness, that leg adjustment is a disaster. If you used it on muddy ground the foot release would be gross very quickly. If you had gloves on, feeling those indents wouldn’t be fun either. Thanks for the honest review.
Forgot to mention that. You're absolutely right. The feet got dirty while shooting outdoors, which made my hands dirty whenever I collapsed the tripod.
What about the level in the camera!
Yes, that's really the only way to tell if the camera is level. Also, because the tripod is so light (< 2lbs), a camera body and lens will likely weigh more. This makes the tripod top-heavy, so even with a level camera, if the *base* isn't level when the tripod is standing on a slope, it can easily fall over.
Maybe by T2 they'll make something that works well. Tha's a lot of cons.
Thanks. Understand it’s a travel tripod, but unless you are 8 feet tall it seems very short!
I’m six-four, so yeah it’s not tall enough to get the camera at eye level. Common with most travel tripods.
I kind of like the thought that you are eight feet tall!@@dominey
Hudson Henr
Apple specifically suggests you NOT use the AirTag for tracking stolen gear.
Travel Tripod = Cheap inexpensive. Not a full size equivalent. Will it hold a 600mm f/4 like a Manfroto or Bogen? Stop misleading your audience.