Can This Tripod Replace Your Regular One?
I’ve been using the FALCAM TreeRoot Quick Lock Travel Tripod for the past three months, and after a number of people asked about it during recent workshops, I wanted to share some thoughts on how it’s built, how it handles, and where I think it stands out.
This isn’t a lab test or a durability challenge. It’s a real-world reflection on the design, usability, and features that have made it one of the more interesting tripods I’ve carried in recent years.
Design and Portability
The first thing that stands out with the TreeRoot Tripod is its overall design — clearly built with travel in mind. The legs fold down neatly, the head tucks in securely, and it fits easily into or onto most camera bags without adding much bulk.
It uses a Reuleaux triangle tube design, which is one of its more unique structural choices. Instead of the standard circular leg sections, the Reuleaux shape gives added rigidity without increasing weight. Combined with HM high modulus carbon fibre, it manages to stay light while maintaining a solid, stable feel even when extended.
For photographers who spend long days moving between locations — or who prefer compact setups when flying — the portability of this tripod is a real strength. It’s small, strong, and doesn’t feel delicate, which can’t always be said for lightweight travel tripods.
Unique Locking Mechanism
One of the main reasons I wanted to talk about this tripod is its twist lock system. Unlike most twist locks, which can keep spinning even after they’ve released, FALCAM has designed what they call a 1/3 limited lock system.
This means that the twist only moves a small amount — just enough to release or tighten the leg section. It’s a small change in theory but makes a big difference in use. The reduced rotation means faster setup and less risk of over-twisting or loosening sections unintentionally.
It’s one of those details you don’t realise you’ve been missing until you try it. Over time, it becomes second nature, and going back to a standard twist lock feels unnecessarily slow.
Center Column and Head Design
The quick-release centre column uses a butterfly latch that makes height adjustments simple and secure. It feels well-engineered, and the latch itself locks down firmly without requiring excessive force. For quick repositioning in the field — especially when working with changing light or perspective — this makes a noticeable difference.
On top sits the F38 PRO inverted quick-release ball head, another part of the design that’s clearly been thought through. It locks tightly with minimal drift, and the inverted design keeps the center of gravity lower than many traditional ball heads. That extra bit of stability helps, particularly when working in wind or on uneven terrain.
Low-Angle and Versatility Features
At the base, the tripod has All-Terrain Trident footpegs, which provide solid support even when working close to the ground. This setup works well for low-angle compositions or macro-style shots, and the three-point footing gives better grip on rough or soft surfaces.
The tripod also offers three gear support angles, allowing a variety of leg spreads to match different shooting needs — from tight stability on rocks to wide, low setups on sand or grass.
These features don’t reinvent how a tripod functions, but they refine the experience. The engineering feels practical and deliberate, clearly designed for photographers who value efficiency and reliability rather than gimmicks.
What Works Well
After using it regularly, what stands out most is the combination of size, stability, and speed of use. The tripod is genuinely quick to set up and take down, which makes a difference when you’re moving between compositions in changing conditions.
The carbon construction gives it a reassuringly sturdy feel, and despite its compact form, it’s handled heavier camera bodies without issue. The limited twist locks are probably the single most useful feature — they save time, reduce fatigue, and feel mechanically solid.
Where It Could Improve
The height could be improved. To get the camera to eye level, the centre column needs to be fully extended, which adds a bit of instability during use. I expected that with a four-section design it would reach full height without needing the column raised, but it falls slightly short.
The ball head also has a small limitation — it only allows full movement when it’s lifted slightly out of its home position. It’s only about an inch of difference, but it can be frustrating at times when I forget to raise it that small amount.
These are small points rather than major drawbacks, and none of them detract from its overall performance.
The FALCAM TreeRoot Quick Lock Travel Tripod is one of the most thoughtfully designed tripods I’ve used in a long time. It’s not trying to do everything — it’s focused on being compact, stable, and fast to use, and it succeeds in all three areas.
If you travel frequently or just want a reliable tripod that won’t slow you down, this model is well worth considering. After three months of regular use, it’s earned a permanent spot in my gear setup, and that alone says a lot.