BEST TRAVEL TRIPOD of 2024 - STILL NOT Peak Design

Go to Squarespace.com/MANNING to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code "DAVIDMANNING"
🔥F38 Pro Tripod: geni.us/F38Pro
Use Code "DAVID10" to save 10%👍
🔥F38 Ulanzi Tripod: geni.us/DMUlanziTripodF38
F38 Pro on Amazon: amzn.to/3xLNy0O
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL WITH MERCH: shopdavidmanning.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MY CAMERA GEAR:
Video Camera - geni.us/DMA7Siii
Photo Camera - geni.us/DMSonyA7IV
Main lens: geni.us/DM16-35
Favorite Lens: geni.us/DM24-70
Long lens: geni.us/DM70-200
NEW Camera Bag: geni.us/DMurbanexplore
Backpack Clip: bit.ly/3jQvqri
BEST Travel Tripod: geni.us/DMUlanziTripod
💰 USE CODE "DAVID" TO SAVE 20%
F38 Quick Release System: geni.us/DMUlanziF38Quick
Vlog Tripod - geni.us/DMApexBase
Vlog Tripod Head - geni.us/DMJobyBallhead
Quick Release System: geni.us/DMF22
THE MUSIC I USE: bit.ly/epidemicsoundDM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACTION CAMERA GEAR:
Insta360 Ace Pro: geni.us/DMAcePro
Insta360 ONE X3 - geni.us/DMVX3
DJI Action 4: geni.us/DMdjiAction4
GoPro Hero 12: geni.us/DMGoPro12
THE BEST GOPRO ACCESSORY: geni.us/DMSnapMount
Quick Release Action Gear: geni.us/DMF22
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MY PRIME LENSES
35mm - geni.us/DM35mm
50mm - geni.us/DM50mm
85mm - geni.us/DM85mm
90mm - geni.us/DM90mm
The leather camera strap: cleversupply.co/?ref=MKNDV
----Use Code "MANNING" for 10% DISCOUNT
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
GET AHOLD OF ME
INSTA - / david_manning
TWITTER - / david_manning
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
📫 I LIKE MAIL:
David Manning Vlog
PO Box 2622
Valley Center, CA 92082
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Peak Design PROS
02:07 - Leg Locks
03:58 - Leg Design
06:00 - Stability
06:47 - Center Column QUICK RELEASE
09:20 - Leg Stages
11:50 - BALL HEADS Compared
16:06 - PAN HEAD
16:41 - Ball Head Dampener
17:25 - Other Mounting Points
18:15 - Spike Feet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Most links in the description are affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission when you purchase.
#traveltripod #falcam #peakdesign

[@DavidBjorgen]

I love the idea of twist locks for legs, but there have been too many times where I've missed tightening a lock in a hurry and had my tripod topple over, complete with camera attached. Flip locks are more frustrating but safer in my experience.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Without having the tripod in hand, imagine that the locking mechanism is only 1/3 of the way around. It's essentially the same throw as a lever, just in a much easier motion and a bit faster. I get what you mean though that you can't quickly look and know if you missed one

[@edwood1090]

Not really in the same class, the Peak Design CF Travel Tripod is significantly smaller in every dimension (including diameter) and much lighter in weight. Of course that comes with sacrifices to stability and rigidity. The TreeRoot is simply cylindrical legs with extra material filling in the gaps between them when closed, which just adds more material and more weight, but certainly helps it feel more streamlined. The real innovation is the "tri-wing" center column. Helps keep the diameter smaller despite the much thicker legs. Tool-less removal of lower section is just amazing. It's far superior to Peak Design, allowing recessing the ball head like Peak, but not sacrificing 90 degree angle (Portrait) movement. Ball head is superior as well, no doubt. No separate panning is huge bummer for Peak Design Tripod. But all in all Peak Design is being as small as possible plus lightweight. I would definitely prefer the TreeRoot for hiking and rougher weather conditions with heavier camera gear, but the Peak Design still wins for packability and travel when space and weight is at a premium for international air travel.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Got a video coming shortly about travel bags and in there I include that the F38 Treeroot tripod fits in even a small carry on bag. Peak Design simply went too small and too lightweight, sacrificing too much in stability, but also in usability with that terrible ball head. If you really are needing something that small, the the Ulanzi Zero tripod fits the needs with more stability and better ball head👍

[@sawyersumrall9529]

Love your vids! Really inspiring and informative. Keep it up!

[@DavidManningvlog]

Thanks Sawyer! I appreciate you watching!!!

[@BrandonTalbot]

God damnit David I don't need another tripod.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Yes Brandon... You do need another tripod 😵‍💫

[@briangschaefer7048]

Great review!

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Looks impressive! I’ll have to look at one! Thanks

[@RonaldBrown59]

This does look like the king of the travel tripods. Thanks for sharing.

[@jhoff80]

Definitely fair to prefer twist locks to flip locks, and to prefer the non-PD tripod. That being said, it seems a little disingenuous to separate the legs and then flip the locks open, when you can basically do all of them at once if you keep the legs together. That just exaggerates the difference when in practice they're both going to be about as fast.

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

My thoughts exactly

[@therook17]

100%

[@VRCommy]

I was thinking that too. Kind of misleading.

[@edwood1090]

Extremely misleading. He also makes an edit cut at 3:18 to make it look even shorter.

[@migsflicks]

Can't wait for mine to arrive, I intend to use this as a back-up/2nd/travel tripod, with my Pineta Peak Pro for the more heavier and try-hard camera rigs lol

[@markkempton4579]

This is a fantastic tripod. The price point is more than I need to spend, but it certainly seems to lap the PD in most features. I just bought a full-size CF tripod to hold my 400 2.8 and full gimbal, so I'm looking for a much smaller tripod to complement it when I'm just using a wide-angle lens and want something that fits in a bag. I'm still planning to get the original Ulanzi (I use all Arca, so not the F38 version). I love the head on this new Falcam, but I just can't justify $200 more for it. If this is what I did more often, it would be the tripod of choice for sure. Incredibly well thought out! Thanks for sharing it.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Totally get that Mark! I think having the two tripods at the two different levels is really solid. The Ulanzi tripod is very good, but the F38 Pro is definitely a big step up as far as features and stability. If lightweight and small is your priority though, the Ulanzi is a killer choice!

[@johnhancock6721]

Hey David! love your videos! I'm on the fence between the Ulanzi F38 and the Falcam Treeroot tripod. Does the F38 do ok with a larger camera setup (like with a heavy 70-200 lens)?

[@DavidManningvlog]

They’re both pretty solid tripods, but the Treeroot is for sure a step up. Mainly with larger setup, the benefit comes with the stronger ballhead and dampening system built in. Helps to get your camera to the exact spot and not droop at all after locking in the angle

[@DorianSimmer]

Love your video, I’m just not shure what to get. If you could choose between the f38 for 230€ or the treeroot for 400€ what would you recommend? I am a beginner photographer/videographer and in need if a good tripod. Also any recommendations for a good fluid head to pair to the tripod preferably nothing too expensive max. 130€. I will be shooting on aps-c sytems so the weight won’t be too high. Edit: I just noticed, the tri pods prices are pre tax. (FYI)

[@DMProductions]

Congrats on the 400k club David 🤜

[@DavidManningvlog]

Thanks brother! Cheers to the slow climb🙌

[@MrEddieNunez]

Let’s go Yankees!

[@robertzurfluh9324]

Mine is clearing customs in NYC now. Looking forward to getting it :) A few more days.

[@DavidManningvlog]

So stoked to hear your thoughts on this thing!

[@robertzurfluh9324]

@@DavidManningvlog It is a very good travel tripod. For the price, you can't beat it. It will come with my to Iceland to the trip I lead next year. Amazingly compact, stable, center column adjustments to shorten it is super easy, appreciate the built-in spike/claw feet.

[@dashyFLEX]

Curious if you can pop the pro mount off the ball and swap them out? I just purchased the F38 tripod for its small form factor and fitting into the waterbottle pocket of my bag, but also ordered the F38 Pro Ball Head hoping I could just swap them out at the ball.

[@user-ub7wn8kj6m]

I love the Peak Design Travel Tripod so much!

[@john_norris]

Nice review! I have the Ulanzi F38 travel tripod and love it for size and relative rigidity, but I use it with the non-F38 centre column (came with the tripod) and a separate arca swiss based ballhead for strength. Both the PD and Ulanzi F38 (non Pro) tripods have ballheads with limited weight load capacities, especially if you are using relatively heavy pro full frame systems. The F38 Pro looks like a huge advancement.

[@jpk.mp3]

can i get that falcam pro plate mount separately? that’s amazing

[@DavidManningvlog]

They do have that ballhead separately!

[@TheRiehlThing42]

Your Falcam quick release clip video got me to switch to their system over Smallrig. I had a Smallrig cage for my Sony a6700, Smallrig tripod, that had a leg I could remove and use as a Monopod, but it required a 3/8th" hole for the screw. I had a Cotton Carrier, but the small plate for that covered up the 3/8th hole. Then tried Peak Design, same thing and the quick release clip didn't work with the Arca Swiss plate on bottom of the Smallrig. That's when I saw your video on the Falcam, and then came across the Ulanzi tripod/monopod/walking stick TT35. I just ordered that. I switched to the Falcam cage, and the Falcam quick release v2 clip, and already love it! Combining it with Think Tank belt and harness system. Have you done a review on the Ulanzi TT35 tripod? I'm excited to receive it.

[@risingwolf96]

Does it work with RC2 plates? That's the system I now have.

[@RevanDarkStar]

Can you do a long term review of the F38 please? How does it behave through time ?

[@kbstabs5982]

The Ulanzi still wins out for me. Had mine for a year and a half and it is a delight - size, weight, and ease of use. Oh, and price

[@andreschairez8825]

Ohhhh ok so it looks great. Its far to much for me, but def want one also. I need one like this for my x3 from insta360

[@yupingli4394]

Have you checked out "HEIPI 3-in-1 Travel Tripod - W28"?

[@MarkChin-t9y]

David I noticed that Ulanzi sells the pro ball head separately. Do you know if it will work with F38 tripod?

[@DavidManningvlog]

Yeah, if you have the base adapter column for the Ulanzi legs, you can mount the F38 Pro ballhead on there. Just adds a bit of bulk to that smaller setup

[@lee_michae1]

Isn't F38 Pro a pre release name and it's actually called Tree Root? Smart move making it arca compatible and the extra weight & sturdiness make it a nice upgrade.

[@DavidManningvlog]

I think the legs are referred to as the TreeRoot design and the ballhead is referred to as the F38 Pro. Either way, this thing is dope! Hahhaa!

[@lee_michae1]

@@DavidManningvlog It's also known as "my latest purchase"!

[@myyxboyz]

Is the F38 Pro Ball Head compatible with the Zero F38 Tripod?

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Mark 2 should come out with O-rings between the leg sections to stop water and sand ingress then I buy :-) This is what my current Sirui carbon fiber tripod has and I've been very happy with it. As for the bag you don't use it only to carry your tripod but to protect it. So I'd like a bag thrown in as well.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Well boy are you in luck! Because there are o-rings between the legs to protect from sand and dirt ingress!!!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@DavidManningvlog Nice !!! Tnx - this moved up my 'to buy list'.

[@uswstaff2164]

Another peak design +. It can go on a plane. Let me know how you do with attached spike feet at the TSA check.

[@PhilipLemoine]

NICE!

[@stowgood]

What about the bag of the falcam tripod? Peak designs is great. I have the aluminium one and am wondering if I could sell it to swap without losing too much money.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Yep, comes with a bag, but I never use tripod bags🤷‍♂

[@teamsaunz]

My sister asked today about buying an action camera. She asked about Go Pro and I said Go Pro is king of action cameras but the other action cameras have passed Go Pro. What is your suggestion of what she should buy. I said since she’s new the Insta360 Go 3 would be the #1. #2 would be DJI Action 4. What would your order be with the following cameras? Action 4 Go 3 Ace or Ace Pro Osmo Pocket Hero 12

[@tom1986ca]

For me, the peak design size is perfect for my backpack. Unfortunately, the price is very not perfect, lol. I settled for the Ulanzi Zero Y and I love that tripod. The only catch is that for travel, I have to remove to head so I can zip my backpack's tripod pouch shut.

[@catchingthedrone]

Great vid. Problem is that this result shouldnt be all that surprising given that here in Oz, the falcam is $400 more, almost double the price of the Peak design. For that much it would want to be better by a considerable amount.

[@DavidManningvlog]

You might not have caught it, but the Peak Design carbon fiber tripod is $599 and the Falcam is $499. So the Falcam is $100 cheaper than the Peak Design👍

[@catchingthedrone]

@@DavidManningvlog Thanks, i saw it, but unfortunately thats not the case here.

[@katemaleny]

Yeah I’m in Aus too, and when tripods are pushing close to $1000 it’s bloody ridiculous

[@stowgood]

which one is tallest when setup?

[@DavidManningvlog]

The Falcam is an inch taller, but essentially the same

[@TheIronMason]

Can you do or have you done a review for tripods under $200?

[@DavidManningvlog]

I haven't found a tripod that I felt like I could recommend for under $200. If you pickup the Ulanzi Tripod with the F38 ballhead though and use code DAVID10, that will get you down to $269 and I can tell you that it's absolutely worth it!

[@reik_nufilmuot]

@@DavidManningvlog hmm, what do you think about this ulanzi tripod: Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo Carbon Fiber Travel Video Tripod?

[@captain-chunk]

My 3 legged thing that’s about 3 years old have that quick twist lock system

[@MrEddieNunez]

I like peak design but each time I’ve damaged my gear it has been because of peak design integration. Just recently my FX3 dropped from the peak design tripod costing me $680 to replace the screen. Previously it was the everyday bag, side zipper on one side opened and everything spilled 😢

[@StephenProffitt]

What happened to the Insta360 GO 3S follow up video?

[@DavidManningvlog]

Still working on it!

[@jamesquinn8958]

The twist grips were about to be a deal breaker for me until i seen that you don't have to twist and twist just to get one leg to slide out. Also, i found a pretty quick way to pack up a tripod. I usually close all the legs so they are all in the center, then i flip the tripod upside down and flip or twist each section and let each section of leg slide down into place and lock them in. Gravity can be a pretty useful tool sometimes lol hope that helps somebody. Btw the thumbnail for this video is misleading. I thought the tripod was gonna under be $100. Not just $100 cheaper than the more expensive one. Lol

[@michellegrand5337]

is there a bag or pouch to carry it, like the ulanzi F38 one? i have the ulanzi and it's super small to cary, you didn't say anything about that

[@DavidManningvlog]

Sorry, so many features to talk about! Yes, a very good bag comes with it as well👍

[@michellegrand5337]

@@DavidManningvlog ok cool! thanks

[@paulg3388]

David you could sell ice to Eskimos !! Please stop tempting me as you know I’m an F38 fanboy !! I never wanted a tripod as much as I want this one and I’ve no real idea why lol😂 love your enthusiasm :-)

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahahaa! Eskimos need iced coffee too Paul!🤣

[@paulg3388]

@@DavidManningvlog I can’t argue with that !! :-)

[@MartySteinberg]

I bought the PD cf tripod when it was on kickstarter, but I hated the head for all the reasons you list. I bought the universal head adapter just so I could mount my really right stuff ball head on it. This the best solution for my purpose, but this new falcam tripod you’re reviewing seems ideal today. I may have to consider it and sell my pd tripod.

[@DavidManningvlog]

It's crazy that five years later, Peak Design hasn't iterated on their tripod at all to fix that ball head. Feels like Falcam has taken all the lessons of the past few years and created a tripod that addresses all of them🙌

[@DavidBjorgen]

@@DavidManningvlog when Ulanzi released the F38 travel tripod, I inquired directly with Peak Design to see if they had any updates forthcoming. Their response was that there are no tripod updates on their current roadmap.

[@KrisLuckPhoto]

Falcam doesnt ship to Alaska.... Can you have a little chat with them

[@DavidManningvlog]

Try their Amazon link amzn.to/3XG1ow7

[@husseinfarah6885]

Mine is arriving tomorrow, was in early. Got a huge discount too. Treeroot is an odd name thought, lol.

[@husseinfarah6885]

Seems like they changed the name to f38 pro. It was treeroot on their adds and on their website

[@DavidManningvlog]

I think Treeroot is what they're calling the legs. Hard to tell, but either way I've never been more stoked on a tripod! Hahhaa!

[@ThouShaltNotBlink]

hope for your social media release also a worldwide giveaway

[@makaya]

man this look great but i just got the ulanzi zero f38

[@DavidManningvlog]

Well then you've got a very dope tripod sir! They're both so dang good, this one is just a step up from that one with features and stability. The Ulanzi F38 is still amazing though!

[@TravisVarga]

f38 one is more travel friendly and still great

[@FINNDESIGNSTUDIO]

As always, great content - the pronunciation of hexagonal was interesting but did not diminish my enjoyment of the video!

[@VRCommy]

This thing looks awesome for so many reasons, but it’s crazy to me that so many of the great tripods don’t have the ability for their legs to go PAST horizontal. I have a crappy old $95 tripod and yeah it’s rickety and not great, but the legs can go as far UPWARDS as they go downwards. And quite a few times I’ve been shooting backed against a wall or something and been able to have two legs down and fully extended, with one leg fully collapsed and all the way vertical so that the camera could be right against the wall. If this tripod could do that it’d be truly ultimate 👌🏼

[@MikeStevens]

aaaahhh great, looks like I'm buying another tripod 😂

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahaha! I always tell people not to buy things just to buy them, but buy them when you need them. That said, if you need a tripod, this is absolutely the way to go!

[@50mm_streets]

I’ve already lost the spike foot cover! I haven’t bought the tripod yet but for sure i’m loosing that within the first week 😂

[@madrapperdave]

no love for the HEIPI ?

[@ThouShaltNotBlink]

no update for your collab giveaway winner last july 13 2025 with insta360 yt channel no announce

[@teamsaunz]

You know I value your channel but today was like an aerobic workout from 1, 2, 3, 4. About 2:30ish.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahhaa! I hope you started doing jumping jacks!

[@AldrinSamson]

Bro. Peak design tripod has been out since 2020. And it shakes the tripod industry. And now for all new travel tripod are now copying what they did. Thats for sure an advantage for other manufacturers

[@DavidManningvlog]

Launched in 2019 and that’s sort of the issue. That’s five years ago and they never iterated or followed up with a V2 that improved on the first🤷‍♂️ I’m still bummed I dropped $650 of that thing!

[@AldrinSamson]

@@DavidManningvlog yeah 2019. Thats why a lot of manufacturers came in to this idea to upgrade it from the pk tripod. Thats why this tripod has a lot of positives than pk tripod

[@user-ub7wn8kj6m]

I love the Peak Design Travel Tripod!!!

[@cdill3000]

That thing is 500 bux.......Im Good thanx............lol

[@TravisVarga]

Woah they copied it..even more lol. i love saying 'ulanzi' and the og one has done better than I thought it would.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Copied it would be very generous to Peak Design. The upper leg design is for sure sleek like Peak Design, but tube legs, more stability, a much better center column, and a significantly better ball head. Hard to say it's a copy when it's that much better at everything🤣

[@emaniebo]

Why did I watch 20 minutes of nonsense stuff? You make shit out of nothing. That’s some talent.

[@dwmspace]

Nice designs but all these tripods are made for people 5'8" or less. No one make these for people 6ft+

[@dakotabrownphotography]

Who at peak design hurt you. I understand that Ulanzi and Falcam give you products for free so you want to keep that relationship going, but it’s getting pretty shameless with how badly you are trash talking peak. You know that the brands you are working with exist by ripping off existing brands products. Peak is a brand that pioneers products and they are the sort of brands you want to support, not the other guys

[@uswstaff2164]

Peak does not give him free stuff

[@uswstaff2164]

...but he sure is smooth

[@davidpitts6044]

Peak Design is a great company. I've bought many of their products including straps (2) camera bags (3) the tripod (1) and too many Anchor Links to count. They were all well made. That said, I don't use any of them now as I have found things that work better for me. One of them is the Ulanzi-Coman ZeroY tripod (not this one). I had a Gitzo Traveler, Peak Design, and the Ulanzi-Coman. I sold everything but the Ulanzi. It works better for me if I ever need a tripod that light and small. Mostly I use a full size tripod. There are many fine ones but I use the Leofoto LS-365C+LH-40. Mostly I switch the ballhead and use a FlexShooter for wildlife work. All of the travel tripods are too flimsy unless the rig is light and there is no wind. I'm not the market for this tripod, but all his criticisms seem valid to me.

[@BushidoDevilDog]

Peak Design hurt Peak Design by overcharging and under-delivering for their adequate-but-could-be-better products, that’s who. 🙄

[@dakotabrownphotography]

@@BushidoDevilDog you know how much easier it is to take someone else’s idea and improve on it. What brands like peak do is spend a lot of money on R&D and bring out a product that is unique and not just a copy of someone else’s. It needs to be on the market for a period of time to recover those costs. If you think supporting those brands that exist by ripping off designs of those pioneering brands is a good thing for the industry, then go you

[@randomname931]

Peak design is overrated and overpriced.

[@Terribad13]

I feel like its important to point out that you are being sponsored by Ulanzi and trying to drive traffic to your affiliate link.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Pretty much every link I post is an affiliate link that supports the channel. But there's no sponsorship by Ulanzi or Falcam. Just the dopest tripod around👍

[@Terribad13]

@@DavidManningvlog Maybe sponsored is not the right usage of the word here. But transparency regarding the affiliate link would be awesome. Even just pointing out that you'd earn a kickback but that you'd love the tripod regardless of that link would go a long way at conveying trust.

[@a97b18b]

@@Terribad13you should know this about almost all reviewers by now. I mean, it’s not like he mentions it in the description or something. It’s also your job to come up with your own conclusions based on all of your research

[@uswstaff2164]

@@a97b18b but he sure is a smooth talker with his free products!

[@pancakelens75]

I’d argue the Fotopro X-Aircross III is also an excellent travel tripod and will take up less space in your suitcase