Are These Carbon Fiber Travel Tripods Worth the Money? Peak Design vs Ulanzi

[@icogicog8287]

Peak Design service and warranty is outstanding. Broke one of the release on top of one leg, as I fell with it. Got a whole new leg in a few days no questions asked. That on itself probably covers the difference in price!!

[@arbolifestyle]

There is a version of the ulanzi that is compatible with arca swiss (the first version they released), I bought that one and it's great, I recommend it!

[@benjhaisch]

yep!

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

Yeah, the video was a bit unclear that he's exclusively talking about the f38 quick release clip.

[@_mariochristopher]

Best most unbiased comparison I've seen... Watched about 6 similar reviews and felt like I was watching a paid advertisement instead. Thank you for helping me make the right choice!

[@NoahsBibimbap]

I think one thing to keep in mind is the level of customer support that comes with the higher price tag with peak design. After ordering the neewer variant to save money, I’m experiencing a lot of headache with their non existent customer service with a lost package for almost a month.. I’ve heard good things about peak design so will be placing an order with them soon.

[@CapturedByKen]

I get a lot of low angle video and shots of wildlife for work so that extra notch on the Ulanzi might've just swayed me (but I'm still watching the video ...digging it so far)

[@TealOxAdv]

Great review. I have the PD version and love it for travel. It is pricey, but is well made and backed by a great warranty/support system. I have multiple Ulanzi F38 items as well and use the Ulanzi F38 plate that is also made with one direction for use in a PD setup. I would definitely have considered the Ulanzi version if it had been out when I got the PD, but quality may still have skewed me to PD.

[@askssk715]

My Ulanzi Zero Y just arrived this week. I bought the F38 extara quick release head, but couldn't use my Ellie l-bracket or my peak design. Oh well. Love the quick release, but no big deal to turn a knob. I'm shooting for hobby. Love the tripod weight (as a petite female) and should be great to take to see fall in NC next month. Great review.

[@christianlainesse4281]

For travel I got the Leofoto mini ranger. I can fit it inside my PD everyday messenger next to my camera.

[@tgchism]

Nicely done video describing the difference between the two tripods. Thank you!

[@boutthere3374]

Complete amateur here but I needed the most tripod that could fit in the least space(kayak/packraft) and peak design nailed it with their carbon tripod. I've also put a mini fluid type head on the peak design by attaching a compatible plate(adapter) to the head and just locking it in place on the tripod ballhead. The Ulanzi seems to be a good piece of kit(don't own it) but the PD tripod is great for its intended purpose. I would buy the PD again if I lost mine.

[@ljgram]

Hi! What adapter and fluid head do you use with it?

[@boutthere3374]

@@ljgram Its not the most elegant solution but I had a couple arca-style baseplates that work in the PD tripod and I just attached it to my Meopta fluid tripod head but you can use any head. My favourite setup is using a screw reducer to attach a PD baseplate to my Smallrig ball head or the ballhead from my Joby Gorillapod and either or works really well without adding much weight or bulk. I'll use the ballheads when I want the panning ability.

[@small.towns.open.spaces]

There is another version of the Ulanzi. I have the arca swiss version and it will fit any Arca Swiss mount including Peak Design. I think they just gave you their quick release system to show it off.

[@benjhaisch]

yep! I put all of that info in the video and linked as well :)

[@thierry1491]

Ulanzi has a F38 version with Arca-Swiss quick release plates

[@Mikedegot]

I got the aluminum version of the PD tripod because I'm strong like bull. And because I can't bring myself to pay that much for that carbon version. Never skip leg day.

[@dychui]

Ulanzi is a nightmare of a company to work with and it does not care about its customers. I have major issues with my Ulanzi Zero Y tripod which I bought in November 2022. The ballhead is loose and drifts even when fully locked, using a light camera/lens combo. They will not respond to emails. I do not recommend any Ulanzi product after my own personal experience with the product and their absentee customer service.

[@novphotobeagle]

I also have had a bad experience with Ulanzi customer service. I bought the f38 tripod and the stem was unusably tight. I emailed Ulanzi and (apparently amazingly) got a reply. It was a one sentence reply that the stem was supposed to be tight. It took 5 days of one sentence emails to get a return label and they wouldn’t do an exchange since they said all the stems are tight. I have looked at videos of people moving the stem and none of them are as tight as mine. I bought into the f38 system and now am frustrated that I don’t have the tripod that goes with it. I don’t know if I should take a gamble and buy Ulanzi in hopes of a better copy again. Ugh.

[@dychui]

@@novphotobeagle So sorry to hear about your experience.. thank you for sharing. In the end after a very kind KZbinr intervened, Ulanzi ended up sending me another ballhead; that ballhead still drifted a bit but it's just something I got used to. I no longer use the Ulanzi Zero Y for any critical long exposure work. I don't think Ulanzi would have done anything without the intervention of the KZbinr. WIshing you the best in escalating this; I suggest posting your experience on as many social media sites as possible and mention that when you contact them.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

Noted, thank you

[@dychui]

@@Jimmy_Cavallo best of luck in your tripod choice. I still use mine when hiking but I’ve learned to work around its limitations. It is a very light and easy to use tripod it’s just lacking in stability for long exposure work; and I don’t think it’ll be easy to get support if anything goes wrong.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

@@dychui I reluctantly chose the aluminum version of the Peak Design after already owning 2 other travel tripods and I went from liking it to loving it for what it is. The streamlined design when it’s folded down is quite impressive along with how they show you to open up all of the lock levers together, extend the legs then in one quick spinning swoop lock them all at once is so quick. Does the Ulanzi open and close similarly.??

[@WINDSHEAR-STUDIO]

This has probably been mentioned in the comments (I’m not reading all of them) but Ulanzi has a F38 plate that works with the PD capture clip. I’m assuming it may also work with their tripod but I’m guessing. The new F38 Ulanzi plate however in not omnidirectional when it snaps into the Capture. Lip. But it does work and it integrates both systems. I have the Ulanzi Y Zero tripod along with the F38 Mount and the video one as well. Ulanzi makes a decent tripod but their heads are not of the same quality. I would avoid their heads entirely and get nearly anything else. Sirui has some decent ones at fair prices as example. Though I haven’t used the PD tripod, the positive reviews are ample. It looks more slick than the Ulanzi. But the price difference between these two is remarkable. The Ulanzi has proprietary centre columns that are triangular and that means you have to buy the flat disc centre column from them to add your choice of ball head, if you want to change it from F38 or the regular Arca Swiss. It’s light weight and good for travel, but if I could go back, I would have purchased something else. Ulanzi makes some great accessories and they make some stuff inferior to their competitors. It’s taxing, but worth it to have a close look at what you buy and what the options are for the dough you have to spend.

[@patrickmorgan5210]

Wonderful review. I have the Peak Design carbon version and lost the tool while having it attached to my hiking backpack during the first trip out ... Still a small, wonderful tripod. For long exposures (I typically do very long exposure from 10 mins to an hour), it's not too stable and I prefer the Really Right Stuff TFC-24 Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod. I get it that my usage of long exposures is likely an extreme case. Interesting about the Ulanzi and would have considered it if I didn't have the others already.

[@Ivorberry]

Excellent review. I had the PD carbon right from kickstart and was perfectly happy with it. However lost it recently at a shoot and now needing to replace it, so reviewing new options which have emerged over last few years. However you do not mention at all warranty or customer service. I contacted today a leading uk retailer who is selling ulanzi, and asked them what the warranty was. The said they provided 2 years, I asked what Ulanzi warranty was and what would happen in year 3. At which point they were extremely vague. Now I know for sure what Peak design provide because I have tried and tested them on a number of occasions. Sure I can buy a watch which looks like a 20k rolex, for 500 but I know if it goes wrong after 3 years I just throw it away .

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

Hi Benj, great review. I was surprised that you had issues locking the Leica M10 handgrip on the Peak Design ball head saddle. I found that dovetails from Leica (M11 and SL2 handgrips) and from Really Right Stuff (camera and lens baseplates) all work well with that system and that the small Peak Design baseplate fits well into Really Right Stuff ball heads (BH-55 and BH-25). Frankly, I can’t be bothered having tripods with yet another dovetail standard (e.g., Ulanzi & Coman F38 or the Mefoto A0320, both which claim to be Arca-Swiss compatible). I do wish that the Peak Designs Travel Tripod had a ball head that easily pans. However, I was able to add a Really Right Stuff panning head to the existing ball head to good effect.

[@travis5481]

I just looked at the Ulanzi page. I can't find any reference to warranty information. $350 is not cheap, and it's especially not cheap with crap support.

[@benjhaisch]

not sure, but great point

[@adriancastellano1259]

Ulanzi has only one year of warranty. For me, a lot of money for that time, even though Amazon has not extended warranty 🤔

[@cristibaluta]

This is a 1 on 0.9 copy of the PD, seems lighter though, i wish i had this instead the PD

[@IAmKenArts]

The Ulanzi F38 plate fits on the PD tripod head? I didn’t manage to lock it tightly. It’s always super loose.

[@kbstabs5982]

Strange you have problems with base plates not fitting the Ulanzi. I have a few different base plates that all fit perfectly. Maybe you are talking about the F38 version. Should just get the basic Y version. Just a great tripod and at half the price.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Great video. Not sure I like the lever for height adjustment on the Ulanzi! I love my Peak Design

[@gettons1980]

Problem is...in Europe you won't find the Zero-Y at half of the Peak Design price. If you are lucky you are going to pay it 20% less. Not to mention the F38 which is not even being sold in Europe, and Ulanzi won't export. Lots of improvements available for Ulanzi when it comes to marketing and distribution strategy.

[@AngelusHD]

I bought it with Black Friday for 319 euro (arca version) hack the F38 version was even couple of euro’s cheaper. Price was with free shipping to The Netherlands. They included 2 pocket lights something like a version of the Aperture lights and a mobile phone arca holder. It would be better if they sell it local here but for this price including shipment i got in within 3 weeks.

[@gettons1980]

@@AngelusHD just to make it clear, where did you buy it from, was it the US or Europe?

[@whoisJackVolpe]

@@gettons1980 are you certain you're not confusing the peak design aluminum and carbon? Because the carbon fiber version is 600+ euros, so yes, the ulanzi is half the price (currently selling at 297 euros at Amazon Italy). If you compare the ulanzi to the aluminum PD (don't buy that crap) then yeah, the alu PD is 20% higher than ulanzi.

[@gettons1980]

@@whoisJackVolpe nope, Ulanzi DE has added the F38 to their offering now, and yes that’s much cheaper than it was the Y zero a couple months or so ago. I could not find it on Amazon Italy either back then, and the only option was Ulanzi US which would obviously charge you import duty. All good now, I got myself a Ulanzi F38 and going to sell my gitzo (I had the PD carbon fibre and sold it last year)

[@whoisJackVolpe]

@@gettons1980 your comment was from 4 days ago. Anyways, glad you found it ;)

[@toshadavinci5379]

Have found the Ulanzi much better -it now has the universal arca QR system has panorama mode and is far mor rigid than the PD when extended -these points werent covered here unfortunately.

[@Sky_Pixelz]

@@toshadavinci5379 agreed👍

[@ajohnstonvt67]

F38 has been super disappointing. Plate gets stuck in ball head after losing finish. Needs large amount of force to get it in and out. Plate does not stay tight, frequent drift. Center column has significant wobble. Have lost so many opportunities photos using this tripod.

[@arianesilva9036]

Oh man, wish I had seen it a few weeks ago. I watched MANY reviews of the Ulanzi F38 and this was the only one to mention the advantage of the arca swiss compatibility. I ordered the F38, still waiting for the package, and now I wish I had just bought the Ulanzi Zero Y version instead.

[@whatthefitt]

I’m trying to decide between the f38 and the zero Y. Any advice which to pick? I’m using a Fuji XT5 and also have a Ulanzi MT-46 desktop tripod which uses the f38 plate as well.

[@arianesilva9036]

@@whatthefitt i think the way to go is Zero Y, no question. because there's an arca swiss plate adapter that will let you use the f38 system with the Zero Y, and when you want to use the standard arca swiss plates and cages available from many brands, you can remove that f38 plate, so you get the best of both. if you do like I did and get the F38 version, you're stuck with it. I'm actually returning mine for a Zero Y

[@whatthefitt]

@@arianesilva9036 Likewise. I’m going to return my Ulanzi MT46 for the MT47 which comes with the Arca Swiss plate instead. The f38 plate, no matter how I tighten, there’s still movement of the camera with just a little force or moving the tripod about. Wanted to like this quick release convenient system so much, but it’s unacceptable.

[@frankthissen3338]

On my Ulanzi Arca Swiss plate works.

[@lomarvgc1580]

I would get the peak design and get the ulanzi fluid head when i want to do other stuff

[@RobinSaini]

Hi , can u tell me where did u buy the black mat on table ,can u share link please

[@thatcreole9913]

Not that I’m against tripods…. In the studio they are an essential tool. I just never have found a combo of tripod + bag that doesn’t make me feel like I’m going on a day hike in the mountains. Both the Peak and Ulanzi seem fine size-wise. I’d love to see the combo though… how do you carry it comfortably on photo engagements?

[@benjhaisch]

they fit either on the side of a backpack or even within my carryon bag.

[@JoseAraya]

Hey Amazing audio, do you have any video showing how you record and edit your audio?

[@PointsPlayTravel]

Came for the tripod comparison, left knowing that all that ULANZI F38 gear I just ordered is “Married” to itself. Was not expecting that value you provided! Thank you!!

[@AntiMagicDragon]

Okey that suck. But all car rental are like that. As I am icelandic what car rental and when.

[@REMY.C.]

The Peak Design is overpriced² because you paid for it twice 😂

[@DOPTRICK]

Can you change head of this tripod?

[@mynewcolour]

Who makes that mini ballhead?

[@Ashurus]

For a total beginner who wants to get into filming KZbin videos should I just stick with the Arca Swiss? I'm hesitant to adopt the F38 system.

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah, I’m still on arca too. It’s just so universal

[@Ashurus]

@Benj Haisch I'm curious as to what Arca items would one want to consider popping into a tripod besides a camera? Assuming cameras would have a F38 plate. I'm very new so apologies for my ignorance.

[@AdamMason]

I was today years old when baseplates (which I have on my cameras) can fit into my tripod heads 🤯

[@wachend]

Are you related to Mark Wiemels? He is a camera equipment and photography youtuber too.

[@benjhaisch]

haha no, but I'm subbed to his channel! seems like a good guy!

[@ntag411]

I'd say the Peak Design is like much of the branded products, most of what your paying for is marketing and distribution costs. They come into country at 20% or less of retail. Interestingly, there was person who worked in marketing who did not want to pay the marketing cost of a tripod. The brand chosen has a longtime standing in the market but few retailers. The latter, availability, can effect the cost of the product. A brand, many times, has to entice the retailer in the form of $$ to carry the product.

[@williamchan4519]

Great review! I share your love/hate of tripods, ha. Quick question: Does that Ulanzi F38 plate obstruct the battery door on the X100V? My biggest gripe with the PD plates is that they're all juuust too wide

[@benjhaisch]

I don't know how/why I just remembered this, but I just double checked and it doesn't. I'm thinking the JJC Grip/Baseplate would probably be the best option there. [reminds me that I should probably buy one too} amzn.to/3BYz8JL

[@williamchan4519]

@@benjhaisch Thanks for checking! One of the few design flaws on the X100V

[@cristibaluta]

Do you have the tiny plate? It fits on my tiny olympus, while the regular size obstructs the battery

[@DFMurray]

My travel carbon tripod is 795g x 1,795mm max height x 8kg load (1.75lbs x 70" inches x 17.6lbs). It cost me $120 to piece together. Antcaus T-ET4 Carbon + Sunwayfoto ET-02 CF. If 48" inches is enough, than that weight drops down to under 1Lbs. $649.95 for the PD?....

[@cristibaluta]

Where do you find that?

[@dominiclester3232]

I have no links to Peak Design, but I can see why the other tripod is half the price!!

[@markvuong8507]

Peak design is buy for life period

[@dannythemedic]

ugghhh too expensive.....

[@bluemax1955]

I own the Ulanzi F38 tripod and hate it. The quick release has never worked correctly and won't release your camera without a lot of force and playing around with it. I've owned this tripod for about 3 months and no longer use it. Total waste of money for me.

[@benjhaisch]

crazy, that sucks to hear. I haven't had that issue after getting an arca head on mine at all.

[@jbakg14]

You don’t like tripods? That’s sort of like saying some thing like “I’m a painter but I don’t like brushes”

[@benjhaisch]

I was a full time photographer for over a decade without owning one. Plenty of genres that don’t need a tripod. So no, it’s more like being a painter that doesn’t like watercolor or something. Not everyone has to use them.

[@eprohoda]

Yeah, useful video, catch you later!friend~🤝

[@pblogic007]

Unless you're a backpacker doing multi day trips carbon fiber tripods are so ridiculous and unnecessary. It's just the height of wasteful foolishness. It would have been good to see how the 70$ ulanzi aluminum stood up to these two tripods. Being an avid backpacker myself, knowing when every ounce actually counts, it makes me laugh my ass off to see people pay 700 or even 400 to reduce the weight by a pound for anything that will be carried by a car, plane, or just on foot for a matter of hours. I get it for anyone that is traveling for days on foot or on bike... but that is not the majority of people that buy these. It's just so silly. If you must have a high end super compact tripod, the aluminum version of the peak design tripod is more than light enough for anyone that isn't traveling so light and remote that they're also filtering their own water. It's the height of hilarity to see hipsters spending 700$ to take a tripod to the beach. Compact is totally understandable, but there's no way 99% of you need to pay twice the price for the slight weight decrease of carbon fiber for riding in a cab. That said, I would never choose the ulanzi at 400$. At least the peak comes with a lifetime warranty.

[@bencompson]

Not a lot of your comment makes sense. The distance you're walking is only part of the equation. What other equipment is being carried? If you carry a lot of gear every ounce can count even on a 2-3 hour hike. What are the requirements for the tripod? There is a big difference between a 1 second shot vs a 3 minute shot with a dark ND filter when it comes to tripods. Also, aluminum vs CF is not simply a matter of weight savings. There are plenty of well done tests (with videos) demonstrating the resonance of aluminum vs CF and the result that has on image quality. There are even videos demonstrating this with the aluminum vs CF Peak Design tripod. The difference is not huge for fairly short exposures but it adds up the longer the exposure. And it isn't up to you or me to judge what level of stability someone else needs or wants. So maybe what you perceive as hilarious is more an issue with you not understanding what is actually involved with tripods, tripod weight and tripod stability.

[@hellopaji89]

Where’s the answer to the question in your video tittle? Are they worth it? Your click bait worked Congo

[@benjhaisch]

What question didn’t get answered? I even said that I liked the Peak design one so much that I’ve bought it twice?

[@Smedley1947]

Most other people think not. That's the answer to the question post on the title.

[@Strikeshotz]

Don't buy PD over prices

[@metaroca]

Dude for a person you don't like tripods and a not tripod guy , you made a video just to sell tripods to the people are watching you !

[@benjhaisch]

haha it's mostly because I always wished I had had a tripod, but always hated all of the options out there and the ones I'd used. Figured I'd share the info :)

[@kpx976]

Probably cos he got the ulanzi for free, like every other KZbin reviewer.

[@KylePieri]

I can get these for $170 :P

[@benjhaisch]

How?

[@KylePieri]

@Benj Haisch well I actually just checked and its $130. Direct from the manufacturer, not the company selling them. I found them and this is the price they offer it at

[@benjhaisch]

Toss a link, I haven’t seen that on their site

[@warrentripathi8537]

Did the link work?

[@Mgtowfreedom]

sorry but the Heipi is miles better

[@1969Irishdave]

😮🤦‍♂️. Oh I must have that part of the video. 🤦‍♂️