Walimex Pro FT-665T Review: A Tall 3-Way Tripod for Larger Kits

The Walimex Pro FT-665T is a much more substantial aluminium tripod than the basic WT models. It combines thick three-section legs, a long centre column and a 3D pan head, reaching about 185 cm with the tripod alone and roughly 198 cm with the supplied head. It is aimed at photographers who need height and a sturdier platform for a camera kit, not at people looking for a light hand-luggage tripod.

The published system rating is 12 kg, while the pan head itself is commonly rated lower. That distinction matters: the legs may be strong, but the head and the balance of the camera-and-lens combination still decide whether the setup stays put. A heavy lens is best mounted by its tripod collar, not by the camera body.

Height is useful, but it is not free stability

The FT-665T’s unusual feature is its reach. It can put a camera well above eye level for a crowd, an overhead product view or a perspective that a normal travel tripod cannot reach. At that height, however, wind and the centre column have a much larger effect. A tall camera behaves like a lever: a small movement at the top becomes more visible in the frame.

For long exposures, use the legs for most of the height and raise the centre column only when the composition genuinely needs it. Allow the camera to settle after focusing, use the self-timer or remote release, and keep the tripod away from foot traffic or a moving floor. These habits matter more than the load figure printed in a specification list.

3D pan head and precise framing

The included FT-6653H 3D pan head moves on separate axes. This makes it useful for architecture, product work and landscapes where a level horizon or vertical line matters. It is less quick than a ball head and should not be confused with a fluid video head. The head lets you set a frame precisely; it is not designed for smooth cinematic panning.

Its quick-release plate uses the common 1/4-inch camera screw. Make sure the plate is fully inserted and the safety lock is engaged before releasing the camera. A lens collar is the safer mounting point for a long lens because it moves the centre of mass closer to the head and makes portrait orientation less likely to droop.

Legs, column and low angles

The three-section aluminium legs use clamp locks and have a larger upper diameter than a basic travel tripod. That is an advantage when a camera is mounted high, but it also helps explain the roughly 2.8 kg weight with the head attached. This is a carry-to-location tripod rather than one you forget is in a backpack.

The centre column can be removed and reversed for low-angle work. It is useful for the occasional close foreground, but an inverted camera takes longer to operate because its controls are under the tripod. For frequent ground-level photography, a dedicated mini support such as the Sirui AM-223 is more convenient.

Practical stability

Set up the thicker leg sections first, spread the legs fully and make sure every clamp is closed before mounting the camera. The hook beneath the column can add modest ballast, but a bag that swings in the wind will add vibration instead. Keep it touching the ground if you use it at all. For a clear explanation of the connection between support and sharpness, see GottaPics’ camera shutter-speed guide.

The FT-665T is more appropriate than the smaller Walimex WT-3570 for a larger camera kit or a tall working position. It still has limits: no tripod is at its best with a long lens, all leg sections and a raised column in strong wind.

Who should buy it?

This tripod suits photographers who want height, deliberate pan-head control and a stronger aluminium platform for landscape, architecture or studio-style work. It is heavy enough to be less appealing for long walks, and its pan head makes it a poor choice for users who prefer fast ball-head handling or smooth video movement. Walimex’s current product listing confirms the 3D-head, 198 cm configuration.

30-second decision

The Walimex Pro FT-665T is worth considering when you need a tall, sturdy aluminium tripod and controlled three-axis framing. It is far more suitable for a larger kit than a basic lightweight tripod, but it is not a small travel solution or a video-fluid-head replacement.

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