Freewell’s The Real Multi Tripod 5-in-1 is a real Swiss army knife of a design. It’s a full-size tripod that can convert to a table-top tripod, a monopod, a stand, and even trekking poles. Clearly the idea is that one kit can do everything you need.

　　Freewell The Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1 at a glance: $299.99 / £268 4-section carbon-fibre legs 157cm maximum height 56cm folded length 17.5cm minimum height 1.65kg weight 20kg rated load freewellgear.com In normal use, the tripod employs four-section carbon-fibre legs with twist locks. Each leg can be set independently to three different angles via a push-button at the top, including practically flat.

　　To maintain a slimline form when folded, the aluminium centre column uses a thin triangular design. Unscrewing the small weight hook from its base reveals a hex key that allows you to split the column in two for low-level shooting or table-top use. Unlike some other tripods, this doesn’t require you to remove the head first, which means it’s much quicker and easier to use.

　　The hefty ballhead employs a large locking lever that provides a good degree of friction control. This means you can, with a bit of practice, set the friction so you can smoothly adjust your camera without it flopping around. Both the base and the Arca-Swiss type camera clamp pan smoothly.

　　A nylon carry case is included, with a large internal pocket that will hold the table-top leg set, plus the instructions and supplied tools. It has both carry-handles and a detachable shoulder strap. You also get a carabiner clip that can be used as an alternative to the weight hook.

　　Freewell The Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1 key features: Feet: Unscrewing the chunky rubber feet reveals a set of spikes Accessory mounts: There’s a pair of 1/4in threads on the central spider to attaching accessories via magic arms – complete with anti-twist sockets Hook: The small weight hook unscrews to reveal a hex key for splitting the centre column. Camera plate: The Arca-Swiss camera plate incorporates a cleverly designed smartphone holder Carabiner clip: This can be screwed into one of the 1/4in threads as an alternative to the centre-column weight hook Alternative configurations All three legs can be removed and replaced with a set of short, two-section carbon-fibre legs to make a table-top tripod. You can also screw the head onto one of the legs to form a monopod, although you’ll need to add the centre column to raise the camera to eye level. It’s even possible to create a pair of trekking poles by transferring the rubber feet onto the top of the two legs that have foam grips.

　　In another neat trick, you can fit one of the legs between the table-top tripod and the head, to create a stand about 1.5m tall. That could be particularly useful for video shooters. You could also use it to place a camera or light in a corner where a conventional tripod wouldn’t fit.

　　Everything feels well-made and fits together nicely. The red anodized controls add a touch of style and they’re all captive, meaning they won’t fall out and get lost. The tripod feels very sturdy when the centre column is lowered, but gets increasingly less stable the further it’s raised.

　　I’d generally avoid extending the column the last couple of inches, and hang something off the bottom whenever possible for increased stability. It’s also important to use the camera’s self-timer or a remote release.

　　With this in mind, I tested the camera with a couple of full-frame mirrorless cameras. I found that it was perfectly capable of holding my Sony A7R V and 100-400mm zoom, as long as I kept the centre column reasonably low. It was also sturdy enough to give good results shooting pixel-shift multi-shot mode with the Leica SL3-P, which demands zero movement.

　　Freewell The Real Multi Tripod 5 in 1: Our Verdict Freewell’s Multi-Tripod kit is a clever design with a wealth of useful features. It works well too, just as long as you don’t extend the centre column too far. Also keep in mind that you can only use it in one mode at any given time.

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　　Peak Design Pro Tripod review – bigger and better in every way Heipi W28S 3-in-1 Travel Tripod review – don’t buy a travel tripod until you’ve read this! Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS Twist Carbon Fibre Tripod review Do you want to win some great prizes for your photography? Enter your photos in our International Amateur Photographer of the Year competition. Free entry for photographers aged 13-21.

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