Don't Buy This Travel Tripod! - Ulanzi Zerof38 review

[@danielpv1763]

Reviews of free-issued products and paid promotions need to end, they are misleadingthe photography community. Always thumb them down!

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I’ll always give honest reviews and not hold anything back, but when you pay for something out of your own pocket and have some actual time in the field with it, I feel like that adds some credence to it as opposed to only having a product for a few days.

[@rnrnrkrk994]

To be fair they do state when the items are given to them for free. At least for the reviewers in the U.S., suing is pretty popular here so when they say whatever they're saying is purely their opinion, its kinda safe to trust them. Also if they dont state any negativity, pros and cons of competitors against the item, or disclaimer, that would be a red flag for me. Also use your judgement by doing your own research and look at other reviewer's opinion (even the reviews on websites like Amazon) and even look at comments for additional thoughts. I hardly think reviewers have a lot of power to influence any educated folks out there. And those larger KZbin channels will take damage in their reputation if they recommend something bad. Regardless, Ulanzi did this man poorly and Im glad to have come across this.

[@kwrktnwld]

Thanks for this review! I was searching for travel tripod and saw many many good reviews about Ulanzi Zero F38 and how it is better than peak design. Almost gonna place my order until I saw your review! They don't seem to have a good quality as well as customer support. Glad I saw your review. Thanks.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Thanks for watching! I’ve heard good things of the Peak Tripod, I’ve had one in hand and it felt solid, but I didn’t get the chance to try it out. There are a lot of trusted and reputable brands out there though!

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Which tripod you get?

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

@@lewcehjitl3282 I ended up getting a Sirui travel tripod, a small rig video tripod, and I’m using an old Vanguard for more stable stuff

[@johnthuener1900]

I came across your video through a search on reliability of the Ulanzi Zero F38. I appreciate the review and the heads up. I have been trying to decide between this tripod and the Heipi. You just helped me make up my mind. Products do, on occasion have build quality issues, but poor customer service is something I make a point of avoiding. Thanks for the review.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

No problem! The Heipi has been the one I’ve been considering. Looks like a well thought out system and fairly comprehensive ecosystem. I’m currently using a Vanguard that’s good but very heavy

[@MrOzphoto]

I gotta tell you that I just received my Zero Y as I wanted Arca Swiss and the tripod has been solid with no issues. It is well built and rugged. I have checked everything you have described and found none of the issues. I perhaps have one that had good quality control. A bit pricey yes but the quality from what I can tell is top notch. It is a bit fiddly removing a section of the upright to get down low in the splayed out position. My one concern is one of customer service, the availability of parts if needed for North America and a response from them on an email I sent them with a question which was not responded to. I plan to send another email to see about parts to see whether they respond or not? If they don't then I will need to make a decision to keep or return. If they seem to value customer service and prove it then this tripod is a definite keeper!

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

The tripod itself has sturdy components, I think I truly just had a quality control/defective one. The customer service has been AWFUL. I emailed them a couple more times over the past few weeks to give them another opportunity to make it right. No response, no more responses on their Facebook. I won’t be buying another item from this company just for that reason. If I contact Canon, or FujiFilm, or any of the other companies I’ve bought from, I get great customer service and timely responses. Can’t even get a response from Ulanzi

[@haydur]

I have a slew of Ulanzi F38 quick release items (shoulder straps, backpack strap mounts, cages, ball head add-ons) and this same tripod as you. No quality issues at all with any of them. So there...

[@jcloiseau]

Discovering your channel. Thank you for reporting what happened. I have been considering that coman but it does indeed seem that qc is lacking at ulanzi

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Welcome, we’re glad to have you! I definitely would suggest looking elsewhere for travel tripods, not only the quality control, but even more disappointing is the customer service. I had to jump through hoops to even get a response, and even then it was just that Facebook comment referenced in the video.

[@Thehandler85]

I don’t know man.. I’ve had this tripod for 5 months and I’ve beat the crap out of it and it’s still solid and nothing has failed on it. Maybe you got one of the earlier tripods with quality issues

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

It’s possible, if the customer service was better, I’d have let a QC issue slide. I understand those things happen, I just feel there’s no excuse for absolute garbage customer service.

[@Thehandler85]

@@GrahamMediaLLCI agree. Crappy customer service makes the issues much worse.

[@rogalaphotography]

You are the ONLY one on KZbin that hates the quick release system! I bought into the Falcam system because they have an overwhelming positive review! The F38 system is FAR more secure than arca swiss!!! Arca Swiss can slip at any time! The f38 has a DUAL locking function which makes your camera absolutely secure!!!

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

It’s not necessarily the system itself, it’s the plates. They never seem to stay secure in my camera or lens foot, always coming loose on me. Of the 3 plates I’ve owned, they have all had the rubber grippers come off and had to be reglued. I’ve used the PGYTech system and had much better luck with it.

[@danielpv1763]

I HATE the stupid quick release system, it is clumsy and all but quick (mine does not slide in easily, probably defective as well) and you cannot use an L-bracket with your camera! You are forced to use those idiotic falcam minicraps that do not stay in place! So he is not the only one!

[@rogalaphotography]

@@danielpv1763 Just HAHAHAHAHA to your comment!

[@Lukas_Seidl_1]

Why did he even get the version with quick release if he dislikes them in general, the version with a normal arca plate was available at that point.

[@robshinn5260]

after seeing this vid I'll be going for the peak design now, good review!

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Thank you! I’ve read and have heard personally some really good things about the Peak, haven’t pulled the trigger on one myself (yet) but it’s on my list

[@arifwirawan5948]

I bought the Ulanzi S-63 rotatable mount plate, and it broke just when I tried to figure out how it work, a mere 5 minutes out of the box. I haven't even atteched it to the camera yet. From that on I vow to never buy Ulanzi products ever again.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I won’t either, which is unfortunate because they have some clever designs, but I just can’t. The Falcam camera cages look really nice and intelligently designed but I refuse.

[@ali-topuz]

Thanks man!! I also wanted to buy Ulanzi and Coman Zero f38 and gave up after this video. I will research other brands.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

K&F has a great looking new travel tripod that’s compatible with Peak Plates!

[@marcosv8426]

I was also just about to buy a Ulanzi Zero Y tripod when I found your video doing a search for additional reviews. Lack of communication from this company's customer service department is really awful. I'll avoid Ulanzi for now.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

They definitely have some decent and notable products, I just have a hard time standing by a company with that poor of communication. I just got one from Sirui (my second product from them, first being a monopod) and it’s another solid one. Heipi is also intriguing

[@marcosv8426]

@@GrahamMediaLLC Yes, poor communication is very troubling for a company like this. There's ways to make customer service work for small companies based overseas; not as quick resolving problems; but, one would expect at least an email response in a week. Good to know about Sirui and Heipi. I'll take a look at them along with a few other tripods, like Freewell's.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

@@marcosv8426 I don’t expect an immediate response, especially from a smaller business or one trying to keep things in house. I do expect A response though. If you can comment on your Facebook post selling the item you can respond to my email lol

[@notmyname8527]

Thanks for the honest review. We all know the positive reviews which have a link for buying it.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Honestly I do recommend all the products I like, and if something doesn’t tickle my fancy I’ll be upfront about it. Everyone is allowed to have their opinions and experiences.

[@Sky_Pixelz]

Couldn’t be happier with mine, gave away my old Peak Design happily😉

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Glad yours is working for you! I’m due for a new one, I’ve just been using my trusty old Vanguard one

[@cgonsalves4]

Hey Graham, I agree with you about the quick release system. However, in my experience their customer service has been great. I had an issue with the horizontal knob and they replace the ball head for me after I sent them a video. With the issue you are having, I would've expected them to replace it for you.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

That’s essentially what I expected. I emailed customer service twice with the video and no response. The only reply I ever got was the one on Facebook 😔

[@sorjames-itsachoice]

3 legged thing is great . I have albert ( carbon ) with air head pro & it’s great 👍🏾 looks good + nice bag

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about the 3 legged thing products. I’ve been leaning onto my video tripod and my Vanguard more lately because I haven’t had time to do much hiking.

[@christopheserphotography]

I have it and I love it.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I liked (most) of the tripod itself, other than the quick release. The quality control and customer service was awful

[@christophnews]

@@GrahamMediaLLC yes you are right, it is complicated if you want to move the camera a lot. but, Ulanzi offers three different ball heads. I think one video ball head, the F38 quick release and a smaller ball head. I choose the F38 quick release due to the size.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

The new Falcam quick release system looks pretty intriguing, they have it on the new backpack clips and it accepts PGYTECH plates and Peak Design plates as well as the falcam ones

[@GRIMSVOLT]

Regarding the tripod, I had a structural issue upon arrival and customer service sent me a full replacement. I am very surprised they did not do the same for you. I'm not a fan of the plastic parts of it, but other than that, I don't really have many gripes. Regarding their quick release system, I am a huge fan. The fact that there is only one actual retention point that locks in kinda makes me feel uneasy, but with the whole unit in its entirety I feel confident using them. Though I do double check them from time to time to make sure they are secure.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I ended up caving and Gorilla Glue Epoxying the F38, just to have it as a back up tripod. I don’t think their quick release system is any better or worse than ones like Peak or PGY. I think I just am not a fan of quick release systems in general to be honest.

[@kevin.creates4941]

Damn. I’ve put my through hell and back I haven’t had an issue with it at all. They also email me back in less than 24hours. I’ve ordered from them and someone stole my package and they sent me another one. Sorry you had bad experience with them and their product.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I am super bummed cause I was really having high hopes for this. The company has a lot of cool and innovative products but I’ve basically blacklisted them. I’ve since epoxied and use it as a back up now, but I’ve probably sent about 5 or 10 emails and have never gotten a response

[@2xmks]

Thanks for the review. I almost bought one, however, their response to you was ridiculous. I won't buy just because of that. To many options out there to deal with poor customer service.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

No problem! Thats my primary gripe. And I unknowingly just bought another Ulanzi product from Amazon, hoping to not have any issues with it. Seems okay so far

[@bencompson]

Thanks for this review. I'm searching for a seriously light and small travel tripod and just can't swing the price of the Peak Design. And for the price it also has its share of quirks and reported failures. The Ulanzi Zero Y, which is like yours but does not use a dedicated quick release is extremely compelling on paper. And it is clear that Ulanzi flooded KZbin and social media with people marketing their tripods in the guise of reviews. This had the opposite of the intended effect on me. If the product was this good and half the price of the PD they wouldn't have to pay these guys to do these fake reviews. I also totally lost respect for these reviewers and certainly wouldn't trust them with any other reviews. Still, the Zero Y remains possibly the perfect design (on paper), given the many compromises a really light small tripod has to make. So it is still on my list. The Peak Design is not. What will likely steer me away from the Ulanzi is your report on customer service. I've read plenty of written reviews saying their tripods have been great with no issues. Any manufacturer can let a bad unit out sometimes. Its how they respond to it that counts. Ulanzi's response to you is TOTALLY unacceptable for a $300+ tripod. They say their Zero Y comes with a lifetime warranty but those are useless if they won't honor it and they are in China so they have no enforceable obligation. So for now Ulanzi is at the bottom of the list. I have looked at Three Legged Thing. I have one of their L-brackets and its great. But looking at the specs on their travel tripods you are going to find that they are way heavier than the Ulanzi of CF Peak Design. Good luck.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

K&F has a few good ones, as does Sirui. The design of the Ulanzi is impeccable, I can’t say anything bad about that, but when quality control fails Customer Service should be there to pick up the slack. I did end up epoxying it and use it as a back up from time to time, but my usual go to is my Vanguard with a Gimbal head on it now. I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the 3 legged things, and I’m a fairly decent sized boy, so an extra pound or so is negligible to me. I feel like a lot of reviewers reviewed it initially and then didn’t spend extra time with it.

[@bencompson]

@@GrahamMediaLLC My issue, along with a lot of folks who buy these tiny lightweight tripods, is that I plan on using it for hiking fairly long distances. I'm a big guy too but after a few miles every ounce counts! Thanks again for the review.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

@@bencompson that’s absolutely fair. YOURE right, especially if you’re backpacking, I know that matters to a lot of people!

[@riggsmtb]

mine is perfect!

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I hope it continues to hold up for you! I liked a lot of the functions of the tripod (except the quick release system). I take more issue with the way the company handled the customer service despite receiving a defective product.

[@melvintanchannel]

thanks for showing this video,... glad i didn't pull the plug on this

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

K&F has a new travel tripod that’s compatible with Peak Design Quick Release plates 👀 very enticing as I haven’t replaced mine yet.

[@FindNShare]

Thanks mate not gonna buy it the video helped me decide

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

No problem, that’s what I’m here for!

[@jonchiem]

I returned PD in 2 days. Great design but not worth it

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I’ve seen the Peak’s in person and they have great design but I agree, very expensive for what they are

[@drexplordinaire]

i have no idea what ur talking about, can u show instead of just talking??

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I do show it around 3:54 But here is another example! kzbin.infoZRwojQJCYrs?si=DwPtv_Pr56cfHu_j

[@mariwinkler.r]

Hey sorry that you had that bad experience. The answer they gave you is a bit like a joke, that can't be serious! I would have been very offended. The costumer service is very unreliable then. Did they ever try to reach you again? They need to correct their mistakes!

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

That’s my thoughts on it. A lot of their products are interesting and seem to be half decent, my thoughts are that this one just slipped through QC. But they asked for my order number and then removed me from the Facebook page. That was the last contact I was able to get from them

[@whiteoconnell]

Graham, thanks for your review of the f38 ulanzi. I just today ordered the zero y which has the arca Swiss head. Being almost 70 I’m still climbing mountains to photograph and weight is becoming an issue so I have been searching for something lighter than my gitzo and Davis Sanford tripods. The zero y seems to fit the bill. Hopefully the one I receive will not have the issues you mentioned. If it does I will prepare to return it or seek relief from my credit card company if their customer service isn’t willing to be of help. Good luck with perhaps getting a 3 legged thing tripod. They make good products but for me I was looking for a weight and size tripod solution.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Hopefully it fairs better for you. The weight is one of the positive points of this tripod as it is very manageable for hikes. I do feel the Y will be better than the quick release system, you know what they say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and Arca Swiss is still the standard. Good luck, and great travels!

[@stewartmunrovideo]

Great video mate ! I won't be buying this tripod

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Thank you! Which one have you decided on instead?!

[@stewartmunrovideo]

@@GrahamMediaLLCI will get a Peck Design metal one because the carbon fiber one is not much lighter.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

@@stewartmunrovideo I like the carbon fiber but I definitely don’t think it’s necessary. Peak makes some awesome products

[@willstang86]

Thank you for this review! I was thinking about getting this Ulanzi F38, but after seeing your review, it is off my list for a travel tripod. I bought a 3 Legged Thing Bucky Legends tripod last year. That thing is awesome. Everything was well thought out, and the build quality is excellent. Sturdy as hell also. You won't be disappointed with a 3 Legged Thing tripod.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

No problem, glad I could be helpful! I just recently got a Sirui monopod and I’m loving it for sports and wildlife stuff. Good to know the 3LeggedThings are well worth though!

[@Mr.StealYoCat]

Oh wow I was about to drop $250 on one of there travel video tripods... I'm rethinking it now ...I didint like that email they sent u

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Not even an email! They ignored my emails and just responded to a comment on their Facebook post! I’d recommend doing a little research and looking elsewhere. Tripods are a dime a dozen and you can find better customer service and better quality elsewhere

[@YautjaThePredator]

I was planning to buy Ulanzi Zero F38 and as usual I do look for reviews regarding the product before purchase. For me the price is second, but the after sales service is always number 1 concern and after watching your review definitely I'm not going to buy any product from Ulanzi. BTW that e-mail that they sent you, is really getting on my nerve!!!!...Graham, thanks for the review!!!

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

No problem, and thanks for commenting. There were SO many good reviews touting this as the new travel tripod to get. Sad to say it didn’t live up to the hype. Super bummed about it but onto the next one. Good luck on your search to find a good one. I’ve heard mostly good things about the Peak one, held a few in my hands when in Yellowstone with some fellow wildlife photographers and the build quality seems to be magnificent on them!

[@YautjaThePredator]

@@GrahamMediaLLC Thinking of getting the Peak Design Travel Tripod....thanks.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

No problem! Let me know your thoughts on it, that might be my next purchase and review!

[@ivanstevens]

I was thinking about the same tripod, so may have to have a re-think.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

I would recommend looking elsewhere. K&f makes some great, budget friendly products, the peak is great, albeit more expensive.

[@oldbrokenwrench]

I not going to disagree with you, but that is the worst analogy I've ever heard. People are going to look up to you, and you need to do better. Ulanzi is a "good" quality cheap equipment that has no customer support. You knew that going in or at least you should have. You want customer support buy Manfrotto or Ifootage and you will pay for it, probably twice the price. I can see your frustration over the Tripod, and may well be deserved, but as far as the F38 quick disconnect system you had better remember the F22 and F38 quick disconnect system is what put Ulanzi on the map. The F38 is the benchmark for which all quick disconnects are compared. Without the the F38 system you wouldn't even know who Ulanzi even is and the F38 system is ARCA Swiss compatible so I fail to even see your point.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

While I understand your point, I pride myself in providing an unbiased review, and will continue to do so. Whether I’m given a free product, or purchase a product with my own money, it’s going to get an equivalent review. Customer service and quality control are two aspects of the consumer experience that should be made aware. And to be frank, I was unaware of the failed customer service of Ulanzi, I bought into the hype surrounding the product that it was the “Peak Design Travel Tripod Killer” when it’s not. As for the F38 design, it’s quite brilliant, the glue used on the base plates leaves some to be desired (and something I’ve only experienced with the Falcam system), when I have owned Vanguards, Manfrotto, and Sirui tripods, I just don’t have a preference to quick release systems in general. My hope is that Ulanzi sees this and does better, even if it does potentially burn a bridge with them. I would rather my viewers (especially those who do this as a hobby), not have the same experience I had with this product and their customer service, which is why I made it a talking point.

[@oldbrokenwrench]

@@GrahamMediaLLC I agree with you and enjoy your videos, just be careful with the analogies. That analogy was bad but I think it came from your frustration with the tripod, but I get it. To be honest I don't think I use the adapters and if I do they get mounted to something like a light and never gets removed. All the cameras are in cages that have the F38 mount built into the cage. Again love your channel, keep up the videos I will continue to watch.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

Thank you! And yeah their cage systems look super intuitive to be honest. I’m hoping to get back on track with long form videos soon, wedding season has been kicking my butt. My team has knocked out about 15 weddings in the past month

[@DavidLaird-i9s]

Wouldn’t buying super glue for $2 and doing what they said, which would take all of 5 minutes, be faster and easier than boxing it back up, going to the post office, shipping it out to them and then waiting for a replacement? Even way more time went into making this video than it would’ve taken.

[@GrahamMediaLLC]

You’re correct. But when you’re paying $400 for a premium product, it shouldn’t fail something as simple as quality assurance, and if it does, it shouldn’t be this difficult to get a reasonable response from customer service. Fully understand things slip by, things happen, I’m a business owner myself. What I can’t stand by is how it was handled. It’s not how I would handle a customer and not how I like to be handled. Maybe I’m playing Devil’s Advocate here, but other companies I’ve spent less money at on a comparable product have had much more appropriate customer service responses (Sirui, Peak Design, etc.) which is why I will recommend and stand by those companies.