Great design & build quality sort of like your Apple Watch Ultra on your wrist.....Tough, ruggered and ready for outdoor action! I've had mine since Kickstarter launch as an early bird backer 18-24 months ago, about to finally take Heipi on her maiden voyage out to NSW Southern highlands, Australia 🇦🇺 This is way better in terms of design & affordability over Peak Design's pricey alternative
Came late to the party and I could only order it with 10% off but I really didn’t mind as I was about to order the Peak Design in aluminum (no way I was paying 650 bones for the carbon fiber version) when I caught whiff of the HEIPI and after seeing as many reviews as I could, it was a no brainer to buy it. It’s being delivered tomorrow and I can’t wait to start using it!! Good review Sr. Thank you!!
I was in the same boat as you. I didn’t want to spend $650 on the peak design tripod, so I started looking around to see what was out there. I stumbled upon the HEIPI and instantly knew I wanted to go with that. They’ve struck a great balance between features and price. I don’t see any reason to go with the Peak Design at this point. Can’t wait for you to get yours! Let me know how you like it!
A tripod, in a bag, in a bag, in a box, in a box! ;) All kidding aside, I'm a KS backer and have it. So far, so good and I like it. The center column design is what peaked my interest after owning the Peak Design tripod for a couple years now (also an original KS backer). I'm still putting it through its paces and time will tell which one I'll keep vs. sell. My #1 goal for them is ability to travel.... both packability & weight are critical and as long as everyone understands neither will be as stable as a full (heavy in comparison) CF tripod, then either could be a great choice. For simple value for your money spent, the HEIPI wins in my book, although the PD is a bit smaller and weighs a tad less. My only complaint about the PD is the last section of its legs are so thin that they are mostly unusable. Not the case with the HEIPI. Tip... get a Leofoto QS-45 quick release set and extra plate... allows you to swap the head between the main and mini tripod legs quickly (no need to unscrew/re-screw).
😂😂 I agree with all of your points. If I’m doing a big production, that doesn’t involve moving around, I’m going to be using my bigger heavier tripod. It instills more confidence. With that said though, I do feel like out of all of the tripods I’ve seen in the travel category, HEIPI has struck a nice balance between durability and functionality. Like you said, only time will tell though! Thanks for sharing!
I have had the Heipi for a couple of months. I only use it on occasion with my "lightweight" kit (Sony mirrorless with the 2nd gen of their f4 "trinity"). I find it a bit finicky to use but that is probably because I need to break it in a bit. The ball head doesn't work well with my RRS base plate and L-bracket but it works fine with PD Capture Clips. (I use PD Capture plates a lot so this is a big plus.) I left the Heipi plate in the box but for those who don't use PD Capture it would work fine. I also sometimes swap out the Heipi ball head for my RRS BH-30. I am simply more accustomed to the RRS ball head and clamps and I don't want to drop some gear because I didn't get it seated correctly in the ball head due to my lack of experience. The only other issue I have is one I also had with the PD tripod (yes, I had that one, too). I shoot a lot with the tripod in moving water (streams, ocean, etc.) that can lead to vibration in the lower leg sections. In addition, I need more length for at least 1 or 2 of the legs than a tripod of this size can provide (sides of hills, 2 legs in the water and one out, etc.). So it is not my primary tripod. But for some use cases it is fine.
I’ve had mine for a short while but so far no complaints. I’m taking it on a trip to Northern California here soon and look forward to testing it out there! I also use Peak Design Capture Clips. I haven’t tried using their plates with the tripod yet but that’s reassuring that it will work. Appreciate your insight!
@@chrisschackart All good. My Peak Design tripod’s ballhead drives me crazy so was researching into what else is out these days. Wish i could rip it out and replace it with something like the Ulanzi one lol..
I believe PD offers a lifetime warranty though, so that does play a factor. For the same price I think it comes down to what your needs are. If you’re looking for something rock solid and versatile, than the Heipi. If you’re looking for something slightly more compact and lightweight that offers a great warranty, PD. It edges out the Heipi in terms of travel friendly ever so slightly, but just barely.
@@chrisschackart appreciate the fast response on that! For the $399 price I'm sold on the Heipi, but the Ulanzi Zero Y is also on sale for $300 right now including the F38 ball head and extra center column upgrade, so currently weighing those two! (my main use case will be traveling europe for 3 months with it)
I looked into the Ulanzi and I still chose the Heipi, but you would save $100 so you have to decide whether that extra $100 is worth it. It’s a close call to save $100.
Not too worried about price, just want to get the best option for the price. Thank you for the help,@@chrisschackart -- I think I'll go with the Heipi!
Have you found a way to stabilise the tripod by hanging a weight off the little metal L-shaped thing sitting under the ball head? I find it useless - you can’t get to it unless the centre column is fully extended and even then the horizontal bit is so small you can’t hang a bag off it and there’s no way to attach a carabiner. The tripod isn’t unstable but I do a lot of long exposures and if it is windy I like to make sure the tripod is as stable as possible
That is the one gripe I have with the tripod. The loop that they provided is practically useless. I know they sell a stone bag that you can attach to the legs of the tripod. That would be my recommendation.
@@chrisschackart I know. I haven’t tried that yet but it looks like it would only work well if the legs are at equal angles. I’m going to try and bodge up something like a small camera wrist strap that will let me use a carabiner to hang my bag off
That’s a great idea. I might try something like that as well. If they were going to use the loop design, they should’ve made the loop longer and retractable.
It is $538 CAD $398 USD on Amazon. I like it but I won't buy it. Too easy for me to lose it while travelling. Especially going for tour in a foreign country. Hiking with an expensive tripod? Not for me.
great idea but another of the series of nonsense that does not meet the requirement for a maximum height of 40 cm when folded. So this is just unsuitable for travel. In low-cost airlines (which travelers use non-stop), the upper limit for hand luggage is 40 cm, which is why the vast majority of backpacks are adapted to this, and dragging a 45 cm monster with you is, unfortunately, a complete no-brainer. shame on the extra 5 cm because I love the idea. I really don't understand it at all. everyone looking for a compact travel tripod is looking for something up to maximum 40cm.
I've never been on a flight that didn't have a 55cm cabin bag limit. And that's the case for most places around the world. This is very much a travel tripod and the smaller you get, the more you compromise on features and stability.
wow.. never heard of Ryanair?? wizz air etc.?? you probably haven't traveled much :D lol.. but ok - please you tell me what feature I miss from my 34cm (980g) rollei Compact Traveler No. 1 - carbon tripod?? when you travel a lot you will also very quickly find that even paying 400-800 Euro for Peak design is much cheaper than adding extended baggage limit to low-cost airlines all the time.
@@adamaeva Maybe you should blame the cheap low quality airlines that you decide to fly with rather than the tripod. Airlines that only accept up to 40cm height for cabin luggage are most definitely in the minority.
** I forgot to mention that there is a phone mount built into the ball head of the tripod.
I'm getting lost with all the reviews. They are all the best travel tripods and we are sill all lost.
There are a lot of great options out there. Out of all of the ones I’ve tested so far, this is still my favorite.
Great design & build quality sort of like your Apple Watch Ultra on your wrist.....Tough, ruggered and ready for outdoor action!
I've had mine since Kickstarter launch as an early bird backer 18-24 months ago, about to finally take Heipi on her maiden voyage out to NSW Southern highlands, Australia 🇦🇺 This is way better in terms of design & affordability over Peak Design's pricey alternative
Good luck on your trip! I hope it serves you well!
Wow, that is a brilliant design!
It really is!
Came late to the party and I could only order it with 10% off but I really didn’t mind as I was about to order the Peak Design in aluminum (no way I was paying 650 bones for the carbon fiber version) when I caught whiff of the HEIPI and after seeing as many reviews as I could, it was a no brainer to buy it. It’s being delivered tomorrow and I can’t wait to start using it!! Good review Sr. Thank you!!
I was in the same boat as you. I didn’t want to spend $650 on the peak design tripod, so I started looking around to see what was out there. I stumbled upon the HEIPI and instantly knew I wanted to go with that. They’ve struck a great balance between features and price. I don’t see any reason to go with the Peak Design at this point.
Can’t wait for you to get yours! Let me know how you like it!
A tripod, in a bag, in a bag, in a box, in a box! ;)
All kidding aside, I'm a KS backer and have it. So far, so good and I like it. The center column design is what peaked my interest after owning the Peak Design tripod for a couple years now (also an original KS backer). I'm still putting it through its paces and time will tell which one I'll keep vs. sell. My #1 goal for them is ability to travel.... both packability & weight are critical and as long as everyone understands neither will be as stable as a full (heavy in comparison) CF tripod, then either could be a great choice.
For simple value for your money spent, the HEIPI wins in my book, although the PD is a bit smaller and weighs a tad less. My only complaint about the PD is the last section of its legs are so thin that they are mostly unusable. Not the case with the HEIPI.
Tip... get a Leofoto QS-45 quick release set and extra plate... allows you to swap the head between the main and mini tripod legs quickly (no need to unscrew/re-screw).
😂😂
I agree with all of your points. If I’m doing a big production, that doesn’t involve moving around, I’m going to be using my bigger heavier tripod. It instills more confidence.
With that said though, I do feel like out of all of the tripods I’ve seen in the travel category, HEIPI has struck a nice balance between durability and functionality.
Like you said, only time will tell though! Thanks for sharing!
If the price were exactly the same between PD CF and the Heipi (currently they are), would you pick one over the other?
@@justin-kelsey The Heipi. Better legs (as per my original comment) and the center column that doubles as a table pod.
I have had the Heipi for a couple of months. I only use it on occasion with my "lightweight" kit (Sony mirrorless with the 2nd gen of their f4 "trinity"). I find it a bit finicky to use but that is probably because I need to break it in a bit. The ball head doesn't work well with my RRS base plate and L-bracket but it works fine with PD Capture Clips. (I use PD Capture plates a lot so this is a big plus.) I left the Heipi plate in the box but for those who don't use PD Capture it would work fine. I also sometimes swap out the Heipi ball head for my RRS BH-30. I am simply more accustomed to the RRS ball head and clamps and I don't want to drop some gear because I didn't get it seated correctly in the ball head due to my lack of experience. The only other issue I have is one I also had with the PD tripod (yes, I had that one, too). I shoot a lot with the tripod in moving water (streams, ocean, etc.) that can lead to vibration in the lower leg sections. In addition, I need more length for at least 1 or 2 of the legs than a tripod of this size can provide (sides of hills, 2 legs in the water and one out, etc.). So it is not my primary tripod. But for some use cases it is fine.
I’ve had mine for a short while but so far no complaints. I’m taking it on a trip to Northern California here soon and look forward to testing it out there!
I also use Peak Design Capture Clips. I haven’t tried using their plates with the tripod yet but that’s reassuring that it will work.
Appreciate your insight!
What a nifty tripod!!! 👏🏻
Seriously so cool! I love the versatility of it!
You have a good and clear voice. Good for video. I do think your lighting in this video could be a lil bit better. Keep up the good work 👌🏾
Thanks for the feedback. What about my lighting do you think could be improved? I’m open to criticism. 👌
Wow; worth taking a closer look!
It hasn’t disappointed so far!
Thanks for the video, Chris. This is a well-designed tripod.
They really did think it through. Can’t wait to see what they do with V2.
You couldn’t mention how much it weighs? I believe that is a significant detail on this item’s consideration.
I appreciate the feedback! You can check all of the details about it on their website.
@@chrisschackart All good. My Peak Design tripod’s ballhead drives me crazy so was researching into what else is out these days. Wish i could rip it out and replace it with something like the Ulanzi one lol..
Did you ever get a chance to post the in-depth review of this after your trip?
Looks bigger than peak design. How does it stack up?
I haven’t personally owned a peak design tripod, but I still love this and use it all the time.
If the price were exactly the same between PD CF and the Heipi (currently they are), would you pick one over the other?
I think that the Heipi is more versatile and more stable than the peak design. They’re both great, but I would pick Heipi.
I believe PD offers a lifetime warranty though, so that does play a factor. For the same price I think it comes down to what your needs are. If you’re looking for something rock solid and versatile, than the Heipi. If you’re looking for something slightly more compact and lightweight that offers a great warranty, PD. It edges out the Heipi in terms of travel friendly ever so slightly, but just barely.
@@chrisschackart appreciate the fast response on that! For the $399 price I'm sold on the Heipi, but the Ulanzi Zero Y is also on sale for $300 right now including the F38 ball head and extra center column upgrade, so currently weighing those two! (my main use case will be traveling europe for 3 months with it)
I looked into the Ulanzi and I still chose the Heipi, but you would save $100 so you have to decide whether that extra $100 is worth it. It’s a close call to save $100.
Not too worried about price, just want to get the best option for the price. Thank you for the help,@@chrisschackart -- I think I'll go with the Heipi!
Have you found a way to stabilise the tripod by hanging a weight off the little metal L-shaped thing sitting under the ball head? I find it useless - you can’t get to it unless the centre column is fully extended and even then the horizontal bit is so small you can’t hang a bag off it and there’s no way to attach a carabiner. The tripod isn’t unstable but I do a lot of long exposures and if it is windy I like to make sure the tripod is as stable as possible
That is the one gripe I have with the tripod. The loop that they provided is practically useless. I know they sell a stone bag that you can attach to the legs of the tripod. That would be my recommendation.
heipivision.com/products/heipi-heavy-duty-tripod-weight-stone-bag
Here’s the link to it
@@chrisschackart I know. I haven’t tried that yet but it looks like it would only work well if the legs are at equal angles. I’m going to try and bodge up something like a small camera wrist strap that will let me use a carabiner to hang my bag off
That’s a great idea. I might try something like that as well. If they were going to use the loop design, they should’ve made the loop longer and retractable.
@@TheUnknownVideographer that’s a great idea! Thanks for the tip!
3:29 When it takes that long to open it up, it´s definatly not the BEST Travel Tripod of 2023 😂
You have a point, but that was definitely user error. I can open it really easily now. I wouldn’t factor that into your purchase decision.
U can’t put a handle in that
700$
your depth of field is too shallow, everything is out of focus
It is $538 CAD $398 USD on Amazon.
I like it but I won't buy it.
Too easy for me to lose it while travelling. Especially going for tour in a foreign country. Hiking with an expensive tripod? Not for me.
great idea but another of the series of nonsense that does not meet the requirement for a maximum height of 40 cm when folded. So this is just unsuitable for travel. In low-cost airlines (which travelers use non-stop), the upper limit for hand luggage is 40 cm, which is why the vast majority of backpacks are adapted to this, and dragging a 45 cm monster with you is, unfortunately, a complete no-brainer. shame on the extra 5 cm because I love the idea. I really don't understand it at all. everyone looking for a compact travel tripod is looking for something up to maximum 40cm.
I've never been on a flight that didn't have a 55cm cabin bag limit. And that's the case for most places around the world. This is very much a travel tripod and the smaller you get, the more you compromise on features and stability.
wow.. never heard of Ryanair?? wizz air etc.?? you probably haven't traveled much :D lol.. but ok - please you tell me what feature I miss from my 34cm (980g) rollei Compact Traveler No. 1 - carbon tripod?? when you travel a lot you will also very quickly find that even paying 400-800 Euro for Peak design is much cheaper than adding extended baggage limit to low-cost airlines all the time.
@@adamaevaOk
@@adamaeva Maybe you should blame the cheap low quality airlines that you decide to fly with rather than the tripod. Airlines that only accept up to 40cm height for cabin luggage are most definitely in the minority.