Battle Of The Heavy-duty Tripods: Ulanzi Videofast Vs Smallrig Freeblazer Review!

[@TlhOnYT]

Came for the tripod review stayed for the NVU marketing masterclass 10/10 🎉

[@visionz_n_media]

I have the Smallrig freeblazer and I actually like it. I do, on the other hand, like that the Ulanzi has a lower position than the Smallrig. Nice video as always.

[@JaySea]

Can you please compare this to the sachtler as this is product aimed to copy it? Would love to see the differences, feel of it when fully rigged camera goes on it. Ideally reviewed after several jobs. Would be super helpful review as I am considering it but worried its gona be a bad one like YC Onion Tripod that feels very unbalanced when raising with heavy rig. The latch is also very prone to unlatching itself and unsafe

[@parttimepaul]

Glad they sent it to you, I know I’m getting a real review 🙏🏼

[@ngonzale3]

When people hire you for the look you create but question you on the optics of how you create the look. You can't make that ish up. Great video.

[@o.f.ftrack3444]

I bought the Ulanzi after watching this video. I had the smallrig in my cart for about a month but something kept telling me to wait. The added features of the ulanzi was the difference maker. Unfortunately I didn't read the ulanzi page that said the tripods wouldn't ship until June 15th. I ordered it on May 31st 😐. Not a big deal but i like staring out my window in anticipation of the delivery.

[@asaadyt]

i really like the visiblity and the truth in this videos, keep going

[@nVuFilms]

🙏👍

[@Photomeike]

SOLD! Adding to my wish list!

[@IMDABROWN]

Such a homer! Until April 8th you get $100 off.

[@lawrencegress9831]

Vu great review! Love the perspective on the industry and marketing. Straight forward talk is refreshing.

[@idovidal]

Oooo you came with this cideo right on time. I was looking to replace my travel tripod to something more serious

[@nVuFilms]

👍🤙

[@nathanealhuley1644]

You were right on time with this one! I was about to spend a lot of cash on another tripod. I wasn’t impressed with the other heavy duty tripod by Ulanzi. This one looks like what I want. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@nVuFilms]

🤙

[@nVuFilms]

On April 9 - promocode LETMESHOWYOU 10% OFF

[@seanfeeney3790]

Ulanzi 20% off sale right now -- grab this tripod for $479 during the sale if you need video sticks. Came to YT looking for reviews before buying, was happy to see an NVU review.

[@billdollar3061]

Always look forward to your videos

[@nVuFilms]

🙏

[@ChrisParayno]

00:50 Facts! As long as you getting paid, it is professional

[@AramAzhari]

I just got a Smallrig DH12 fluid head and it has all the features this video showed for the Ulanzi fluid head (including the counterweight balance). On a different note I had purchased a Ulanzi pan and tilt head and it was oozing out adhesive and tightening it was changing the camera balance. I took it back to the store and it turns out all of the Ulanzi pan and tilt heads have these issues. In this case a Sirui pan and tilt head was genuinely better in every sense so I went with that and had to pay the price. To speak to the point of brandism, I think at the end of the day, get what's the best spec for your budget and try it first hand regardless of the brand to make a sound decision. When it comes to camera accessories, I mix and match brand all the time and I can comfortably call myself brand-agnostic.

[@aldolega]

Didn't seem like much of a review to me, more of just an overview of features. I feel a review should have some evaluation of the product's actual performance in use. For a tripod I want to know about pan/tilt smoothness, how much kickback it has at the end of moves (ideally none), how much weight the counterbalance seems able to handle, is the range of pan/tilt resistance wide enough to handle light vs heavy setups and slow vs fast moves, how well the plate engages/disengages, etc. And for it to be a "vs" video I would expect direct comparison of these things.

[@nVuFilms]

It is smooth. You can control the kickback. If properly balanced, zero kickback. 22lbs is what it can handle. I'm not Gerald Undone. At the end of the day you can not truly know until you try it yourself. Because what is smooth for one person (myself) may not be smooth for you. And if you aren't willing to try, then you will never truly know.

[@aldolega]

@@nVuFilms Show, don't tell. Put a long lens on there and give us some examples showing the kickback (or lack of). Put some various sizes of cams/rigs on it and show us how smooth it is under varying payloads, and how well the counterbalance handles them. Repeating the weight limit listed in the specs doesn't show us how it actually performs at that weight limit. Sure, nobody will 100% know how well something works for them until they use it themselves, but a review video should get you halfway there. It should at least help the viewer rule out if something should even be considered. Would you review a camera without showing any footage or photos from it?

[@JeffCorcelius]

I probably would had bought this tripod if it was out late last year. But I got the smallrig freeblazer. I agree with your thoughts on the freeblazer, it's larger and heavier than I expected. But it works fine for me.

[@nVuFilms]

It definitely works

[@justinwyatt1618]

Yes, the ulanzi looks like the better option but I looking at the small rig just because it’s like $200 less. I prefer the ulanzi head too and the handle is cool.

[@nVuFilms]

Yup

[@commonprecisionaz]

I do what you do but in a different industry. I appreciate your approach to reviews. I hear a lot of truth in your words.

[@nVuFilms]

Thanks ! 👍🙏

[@mikeha5680]

So I got the NEEWER LL55 78" Carbon Fiber One Step Video Tripod with Dynamic Fluid Head. I never used it yet is it about the same as this or should I return it and get the Ulanzi?

[@michaelfrymus]

I'm comparing a few fast-opening tripods (legs only) as I'm going to get a high-end Miller fluid head. My setup will be around 15lbs. Wondering how stable this is and if its worth buying as an investment, or to get something a tad better. The mid-spreader looks like trash though The other potentials; - SCG SteadiFast HD - Sirui SVS75 - Manfrotto 645 Fast

[@raymondcphoto9756]

thank you for the review. Hope they have this tripod in the Amazon soon. :)

[@VMXGroove]

I've been looking for a tripod for my teleprompter. Damn thing is heavy as hell. Maybe this could be a cost effective solution. It says 22 lbs weight capacity. Can the fluid head really handle that amount of weight?

[@nVuFilms]

Yea

[@NoName-rg3np]

If you want to be PROfessional then get this tripod!

[@ulanzi.william]

Great video! Thanks for review.

[@nVuFilms]

👍

[@o.f.ftrack3444]

Whats the verdict between this Ulanzi and the Smallrig ad-pro8? They seem like essentially the same thing.

[@nVuFilms]

One is lighter and goes lower. One is bigger heavier and higher

[@intersportasia9521]

Man I'm glad to see the dbag comment I did was taken into account. It is for the best bro, it was messing with the flow of your talk. You have enough good work on your channel, so you don't need to self-deprecate so much. We see your work, we know that you know your shit, and that's all we need to listen to what you have to say. Your delivery flowed much better in this video. Keep up the good work bro ✌

[@nVuFilms]

What dbag comment? Regardless, I try not to allow others to dictate what I say or do. I can't allow 1 negative feedback overshadow 1000 positive feedbacks. The % of viewers that know what I do is actually very low. The over whelming majority of people who watch my videos have never watched my other videos before. People one KZbin take themselves too seriously . Also people in the comments. I self depreciate because I think it's funny. I also think it is what makes me relatable versus this "know-it-all" presenter. Life ain't that serious... Neither is video gear.

[@intersportasia9521]

@@nVuFilms @nVuFilms I commented the dbag youtube trash joke every 2 mn in every video was getting old. It's messing with the delivery flow. I'm not against jokes, but comedy is about timing too. Sometimes it's well timed and it can be witty, sometimes it would just crash in a middle of something and drag on. I was just being encouraging and thought this video was better, but I guess you can make what you'd like of my comments.

[@LensofWyant]

This is great, hope smallrig can 1up Ulanzi soon

[@SuLu_XD]

I think of "professional" gear as just something you can depend on in a scenario where you are charging money/working as a professional. Amateur level gear maybe cheaper or less reliable which is totally fine for a hobbyist that doesn't have any justification for spending more on gear for that reliability and durability.

[@nVuFilms]

🤙

[@dymonmein]

Bro great review. I totes agree, I use and review their stuff too and it’s great value to cost.

[@rl-films]

I think "professional tripod" mostly means something that you're willing to walk away from for more than one second. I have a top tier "travel" one that I use for everything but I will literally not break skin contact with it in a public venue unless I have it bungee'd to a weight.

[@nVuFilms]

I walk away from travel tripods all the time

[@tsOnMedia]

@@nVuFilms I was the chief photographer at a local TV affiliate year ago. The very first rule I taught new photogs was to NEVER leave a camera on tripod unattended. It only takes 3 seconds to pop it off the tripod and set it safely on the ground. One shooter was setting up for a live shot and didn't follow that rule. She turned around, took a few steps away to grab something when a big gust of wind pushed that $70k Betacam down to the cement.

[@nVuFilms]

@@tsOnMediastrict rules are stupid and are meant to be broken. It's not what you do, it's how you do it. There is no black or white answer to everything... It depends on the situation you are in. Even God had strict rules (10 commandments) then Jesus arrived and those 10 rules were condensed to basically just 2 general rules...

[@paoloeustaquio2248]

I have the Smallrig AD-80 (Aluminum) Freeblazer since I met a few guys who were early purchasers of the Carbon Fibre version and had theirs cracked at the joints. I am so glad, I waited for a while (basically for sales :D) before buying, and used my old trusty Sirui VH-10X fluid head. These really made me use my stuff and enjoy them more. I wish I can sit in a bar, grab a pint, and talk with Vu about these things. Who knows, maybe his alter ego will show up too after a few pints. :D I guess it's just that some products will be good for a time and until something better comes along. 😂 And brand loyalty is pointless, we just have to take it individually as a product. Subjecting things to a critique is good, it'll push the next product to be better. Being a sore loser about it is unprofessional. :P

[@nVuFilms]

👍👍

[@OdiumTV]

I really get the warranty point, it's the number one draw of the PD travel tripod next to the insane build quality which ulanzi can't touch no matter what the db youtubers say, their downfall are the same points though: Even thou the warranty works really, *really* well the thing probably will never break, ever, and it just isn't worth the price hike for exactly that reason... Especially since so many brands are copying the format with the one and only improvement that it needs: A panorama head. On the subject of huge video tripods: can't beat the humungous $10 thrift store video tripod that looks well used as well for locked off corpo shoots. Won't use it for anything else anyway lmao

[@nVuFilms]

I owned the peak design carbon fiber tripod. Bought it through the Kickstarter program for $600. The peak design tripod build quality was not great, it was certainly worse and less stable when compared to all of the Ulanzi tripods I currently own.

[@OdiumTV]

@@nVuFilms​​⁠​​⁠​⁠I agree it doesn't compare feature and stability-wise well now, yet the materials are better (and a bit more complex manufacturing back when it came out) and considering its age it's a pretty decent product. having had them next to each other i really preferred the fit and finish of the pd, but it was a more recent production run so who knows. the pd also sacrifices stability with its leg design, which is a shame as other companies figured out how to make it work in the meantime. biggest downfall is that the price not falling, mind the pun, as it just isn't worth the price tag compared to the ulanzis for example (or other brands in the same space) that offer equal and better performance at 50% or less of the cost. I just wish the zero-y was juuust a few inches shorter so it can really compete with the pd, it checks all the boxes except for a truly travel friendly size. maybe ulanzi will make a 3/4 length one, until then I'm just gonna keep passing on them when packing my bag...

[@degeneraturat]

Shame that Ulanzi is not selling legs, but only in kit. I already have perfect head :( Good honest video.

[@dccoletrain]

I was amazed at all the hate people had for Fujifilm moving the manufacturing to China for the X100VI. Maybe they didn’t know the last 3 XT cameras were made there as well… it’s all about the company setting the standard of quality parts. I’m still waiting on my preorder damn it 😂 I own a few Ulanzi products and think they’re all quality for the price.

[@nVuFilms]

Right lol

[@mrwayne8018]

If it makes it through ten years using it on daily basis on every kind of scenario, then you can call it professional.

[@nVuFilms]

So i guess SD cards aren't professional

[@mrwayne8018]

@@nVuFilms CF Express are

[@nVuFilms]

@@mrwayne8018 well they won't last 10 years of everyday use either. I guess what I'm saying is ... Your definition of "professional" makes no sense.

[@mrwayne8018]

@@nVuFilms If I understand correctly, you are comparing the life expectancies of tripods and memory cards. So arguing with you is like talking to someone who compares apples and pears.

[@nVuFilms]

@@mrwayne8018 to be a professional means you are making money. For all I care, a damn tree branch is professional if you are using it to stabilize your camera while making money doing it. Ps. There are a lot of "Professional" gear that doesn't make it to the 10 year mark... That is why I mentioned SD cards where some are considered "professional grade"

[@WodiesDad]

dang the price went up $100 in two weeks lol

[@dccoletrain]

I make my $70 tripod professional because I use it. Even though it’s SmallRig 😂 I would like a quality video one at some point…

[@nVuFilms]

💯

[@george_velazquez_]

wee love sony!!!!

[@clausstahl5413]

tomorrow is my birthday and I wanted to reward myself. Problem with the ulanzi for me is the max height. I am 189cm(6.2 ft) an the max height is 164cm(5.4 ft). Although the fluid head might be better from ulanzi, the smallrig tripod is 197cm(6.4 ft). aaaaarrrrggggg🤔😀

[@nVuFilms]

Think about what you need more. Compactness or max height. How often are you going to need that height? There are always a way to increase height if needed. But you can't make it smaller .

[@clausstahl5413]

Can you tell me, if it's possible to put the ulanzi fluid head on the smallrig tripod (just the body)?

[@don-at-large]

This tripod will work great holding up my DJI Pocket 3, so my weak disabled ass can make pro looking douche-bagger video. The more gear helps me look like a Hobo Video Professional.. That being said, I do enjoy your work.

[@nVuFilms]

Lol thx

[@CucNguyen-lb1gk]

Myemteo ❤

[@Troy_Sent_A_Message]

WTF, who uses Manfrotto heads? Arca, or Stright to the trash bin! And NO I'm not stacking plates and quick released on top of the head, so GTF out of here with any of those suggestions.

[@nVuFilms]

Most people outside of KZbin influenced dbags uses manfrotto

[@Troy_Sent_A_Message]

@@nVuFilms Back in the 90's before anything better came along. There is no way you've tried both and prefer Manfrotto. If so your straight shilling for ulanzi, or have never tried a quality Arca, Zacuto, Kondor, RRS, Kessler and need to step your game up.

[@nVuFilms]

@@Troy_Sent_A_Message always dudes with jack shit on their KZbin channels with the fastest thumbs

[@Troy_Sent_A_Message]

​@@nVuFilms Ha, man I love your stuff but there is no way in hell you would ever convince me or anyone that has tried both, and uses Arca that manfrotto is better. And if that is your argument I'm following Dbags all day every day with fish sauce. Arca for the win!

[@JoATTech]

I wonder if you can set it up as designed ... all 3 legs at the same time ... Vu is setting it like normal VideoSlow tripod ... 1 leg a a time 🤣🤣🤣🤣 You should unlatch all 3 legs pull the head up and then latch them back ... 😅😅😅😅

[@nVuFilms]

🤷‍♂️

[@billryan2807]

What are you talking about? You spent 75% of the video talking about marketing and Sony displays - yet your video is supposedly about tripods. How can anyone trust you when you clearly have no idea what you’re talking about and can’t even have a coherent conversation about tripods. Stop running your mouth.

[@nVuFilms]

Thanks for the algorithm helping comment