THE HEIPE W28S Lightweight Tripod
I’ve been using tripods since 1956 when I used one with my little Kodak Retina IIa folding Rangefinder camera.
I have a whole closet full of tripods, and there are no crappy ones (or few) there. I have Gitzos that can hold a bowling ball or a Burzynski ball head. And I have several little ones like the Gitzo QT 1545 T that are about as light as I can go to support my Nikons, Hasselblads, and Cambo view cameras.
And then I stumbled on an advertisement add for the HEIPI W28S, a lightweight (3 lbs) carbon fiber tripod that folds up tight like a pocket knife. I studied the literature with care and found myself nodding yes to all the features, but of course I had to see the thing in person and it was only $429, which is inexpensive compared to all my RSS tripods. I ordered it.
When it arrived, I was delighted to see that it was even better than I imagined. I couldn’t be happier and set about to test every part of it. It all checked out.
And before I knew it, I had it outside in the garden taking photos with my Hasselblad. Fully extended it seemed light as a feather, and I was overtired from dragging my Series-3 RSS tripods with the Arca-Swiss Cube1 geared head on it all these years.
And it was stable enough for the light work I do, and I still have all those heavier carbon-fiber RRS and Gitzo tripods if I need them. Otherwise, they can stay in the studio and work there.
And the most controversial feature of the HEIPI W28S is that it has a small three-leg tripod that acts like a central column and is amazingly steady. I hate center columns and never use them, not ever. I have a whole tub of columns in the closet that I never used.
Yet this tiny, three-legged column works powerfully and I find myself using all the time instead of endlessly extending and retracting the tripod legs. I keep those legs extended so the tripod will fit in the back of my car, but extend the 3-leg column more and more of the time. And, as mentioned, that tiny 3-legged column, with a twist of the hand pops right out and can be used on the tabletop or ground and still have all the Arca-Swiss clamp with it. I have used it a couple of times, and have no complaint. Amazing, a column that actually works.
And the Ball Head on the top of the tripod is larger than you would expect for this sized tripod and really is a pleasure to use. And best of all for me, the various clamps and twists ae exactly perfect for my hands, and it is like I had the HEIPI W28S for many years.
I know tripods, and yes, they can be beautiful, but equally they are a necessary evil for me to haul around, so much that I have to think twice about whether I should use it to this or that shot.
And I know that the new Hasselblad X2D2 is so flexible that it can be used handheld even at very low shutter speeds, and I also do that. I have carefully tested the very best handheld shots with the X2D2 against taking the same shot on a tripod.
And unfortunately for me I am so old-fashioned (and also just old) that I can see the little bit of difference between handholding with the new X2D2 and putting it on a tripod. So, when I can, I still want that tripod for all still life, yet thanks to the HEIPI W28S it is not a chore. I am enjoying it and lifting the tripod with camera attached around the gardens is fun.
And it folds up small and tight taking up almost no space in the car. No, I won’t always use it because handheld with the X2D2 is amazing in itself, yet as mentioned, I always, always, always want that last bit of sharpness if can get it. The HEIPI W28S is a blessing to me. And I am not being paid or given anything free for this review. I actually love the product and use it all the time.
I write this because there must be others like me looking for a light yet feature-rich carbon-fiber tripod with an Arca-Swiss clamp that is so easy to use but safe. Solid.
Here is their site and plenty of photos that show the features. When I received the tripod, I was surprised how well and thoughtfully made it was. I could not do a better design myself, and actually using did not take but a moment and it felt like I have been working it for years.
The three-legged central column is a brilliant design and solid as a rock. I use it all the time and it saves me extending and retracking the three main legs.
HEIPE W28S Tripod
https://heipivision.com/products/heipi-3-in-1-travel-tripod-w28s?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21681803202&gbraid=0AAAAA-B6i_n60RaqvSBtCBGEsShnT3Y-Y&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_rPGBhCbARIsABjq9cfhF-U-5OMMuNxEnv4lGis4dyNpS28AulIt_Mx1b6raSJ1qGolxkWYaAqK6EALw_wcB
