The post Review: Freewell The Real Multi Tripod 5in1 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darren Rowse.
First impressions
The Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 is a versatile, multi-function support system that’s clearly aimed at photographers and content creators who want one piece of gear to do many jobs. According to the manufacturer, it offers five modes (tripod, two types of monopod, desktop mode, and trekking-pole mode) and supports up to 20 kg of payload.
For someone new to photography, that instantly makes it appealing: you’re not just locked into one height/tripod scenario, you can experiment with angles, surfaces and shooting styles.
After a little time working out how each mode worked, the tripod did a great job in all of its modes, a great phone holder, a sturdy tripod with really solid feeling hardware, a handy desktop tripod for live streaming or photography, a walking pole (I’ve not used this as a walking pole for the test, but I have used walking poles before (Machu Picchu) and they’re pretty handy! As well as a regular or stabilised mono-pod.
As a “tripod multi-tool, and for a the comparatively low price, considering all of the things this Tripod MacGyver does, it’s great value for someone starting out and looking for a good solid, but less expensive choice. (Currently $279 on Freewellgear.com )
Key Features & What They Mean for Beginners
Here are the main specs and features, and what they translate to in practice if you’re just starting out.
- Five modes: Full tripod, two monopod variants, desktop mode (for low angle or table-top usage), and trekking pole mode.
What it means: You can use this gear for more than just “camera on a stand”. Want to shoot selfies or video with a phone or mirrorless? Want to go out and hike and still have a support tool? It covers lots of bases.
- Smartphone mounting built-in: Retractable clamps convert the included arca swiss compatible tripod plate into a smartphone holder. (You can buy these individually for $19.99, handy if you want to use your phone mounted on another arca swiss compatible tripod)
Why this matters: If you’re using your phone for practice or even learning photography via mobile, this gives you a leg-up. No need for a separate phone tripod or clamp.
- Height and angle flexibility: From a minimum height of ~17.5 cm (~175 mm) up to ~1.57 m maximum height. Legs lock at angles like 22°, 55°, 85° for uneven surfaces.
For beginners: Good for experimenting with low-angle (dramatic) shots as well as standing height. The adjustable leg angles help when you’re shooting on a hill, grass, or uneven pavement.
- Inverted column / low-angle shots: The center column can be inverted for really low viewpoints (macro or creative shots). Freewell Gear
What you’ll love: When you start exploring creative composition (getting low, shooting up at your subject, etc) this gives you an extra tool.
- Payload & build: Supports up to 20 kg (44 lbs) thanks to carbon-fibre + aluminium alloy construction. Weighs ~1.65 kg.
- What’s in the box?: The tripod, three desktop short legs, the phone/arca swiss camera plate, a load hook to anchor your tripod down in a stiff wind, a weight hook for the same thing, tools, a user manual and it’s all packed in a decent little tripod carry bag.
Why it’s relevant: For a beginner it means you can grow your gear (larger camera bodies, heavier lenses) and not immediately out-grow the tripod. Also the lighter weight helps portability.
Strengths (especially for beginners)
Here are what I see as big pluses, especially if you are just getting started.
- Versatility: This is the major selling point. One tool that adapts rather than buying separate tripod + monopod + smartphone stand.
- Encourages experimentation: With modes like desktop and trekking-pole you’re nudged to try different shooting scenarios beyond “camera on a stick”.
- Good value for what it offers: The spec sheet is impressive for the price and gives you a “future-proof” element (i.e. supports heavy gear, many modes).
- Smartphone friendly: A good nod to how many beginners start on mobile or want hybrid setups.
- Stable build and strong payload: Should support a wide variety of camera setups, meaning you’re less likely to need upgrades right away.
Considerations / Potential Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and there are a few things to be aware of.
- Complexity / mode-switching learning curve: When a tool offers many modes, sometimes the “switching from one to another” can be fiddly. Beginners may spend more time setting up than shooting until they familiarise themselves.
- Trade-off between portability and robustness: Although 1.65 kg is decent, it’s not ultra-light compared to minimal travel tripods. If your primary aim is ultra compact travel with just a mirrorless camera, there may be lighter simpler options.
- Size and folded length: While adjustable height is good, depending on your bag / carrying style you might notice the footprint of the fully-featured legs and mechanisms.
- Not dedicated to one thing: Because it tries to cover many roles (tripod, trekking pole, etc), each mode might not outperform the best dedicated gear in that role. For example, a specialised trekking pole or a dedicated travel tripod might have slight advantages in those individual niches.
How I’d Recommend Using It as a Beginner
Here are some practical ways you can get the most from this tripod as you start your photography journey:
- Start simple: Use it in full tripod mode for typical still-photography — landscape, portraits, family shots. Get used to mounting your camera, extending the legs, adjusting the head.
- Explore low angles: Try the inverted column or low-angle mode. Shoot at ground level for a different perspective (e.g., from leaves up to tree branches). This helps build your creative eye.
- Use desktop mode: This is great for indoor setups, still life, or constant-place shots (e.g., product photography, tabletop, even video calls).
- Mobile + camera hybrid: Use the smartphone mount to practice mobile photography or video, and switch to the camera when you feel confident.
- Outdoor adventures: When you’re ready to go hiking or travel, use the trekking pole mode or monopod mode. This gives you support and flexibility outdoors.
- Grow into it: Because it supports up to 20 kg, you won’t feel limited as you upgrade lenses or camera bodies. You can keep this tripod for a while rather than needing to replace it early.
Final Verdict
For a beginner photographer, the Freewell Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 is highly recommended if you are looking for a flexible, multi-purpose support tool that allows you to experiment, grow, and cover a wide range of shooting scenarios. It gives you strong value, and encourages creative exploration beyond just “tripod on flat ground”.
If your focus is extremely lightweight travel gear (just a very small mirrorless camera, minimal kit) and you never plan to monopod or do low-angle or trekking modes, you might find a simpler, lighter tripod sufficient. But if you like the idea of one piece of kit doing many roles, this is a solid pick.
The post Review: Freewell The Real Multi Tripod 5in1 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darren Rowse.