Peter McKinnon's MantisPod vs Budget Ulanzi MT-34 Tripod

[@CharlieVN]

I have the mantispod pro, and after a while, I stopped using it. the hook is nice, but height of a cheapo tabletop like the MT16 was a lot more useful than the hook. vlogging mode was simply too cumbersome. I'de say the nicest thing is the ballhead portion, I took it out and use it on another tabletop...... however, even that part is starting to fail on me, so durability..... not so tried and true. a dropped camera is gonna cost a lot of money..... btw, question, does the MT34 hold the weight when standing on a table? the mt16 is rated for 2.5lbs and no way it can hold the A7iv 24GM combo, it collapses on itself, slowly but surely. Do love the simplicity, but it's limited to smaller cameras.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks for the info - yes - I found the MT-34 to hold that setup and more with no issues.

[@manabendragogoi]

I have an MT-44 and it is definitely better built. Would suggest you to check that out.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@manabendragogoi Gonna get one of those myself I think

[@RoderickWortham]

I could care less about that tripod but your thumbnail was so witty I had to click, just to like the vid. The power of the thumbnail, lol. Good job bro 👍🏾

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Haha. thanks.

[@poloreacts27]

Love your videos man they really help me with my gear. I ordered the mantis pod pro though but loved the comparison.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Well - your quality is fantastic - so I'm flattered that you've gained any help from me!!

[@krisco]

I picked up the mantis pod last year when it first came out thanks to Potato Jet as a gorillapod replacement and the "hook" has been a game changer for me! Not only for camera use, but I also put quick releases on lighting equipment and hang it using the mantis pod on random places on the go for help with lighting. I'd say I got my money's worth based on how I've been using it, however, $150 is still a rip off for what it is! The hook is the game changer, everything else is meh.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I have wanted it since Potato Jet’s video!! and using it as a light stand is genius. Great use. 👍👍

[@iconindexsymbol]

The slightly larger Ulanzi MT-43 is great, too!

[@ReliveTheMomentCinematicVlogs]

I liked this tripod, but I own the MT 16 instead. The reason being the MT-34 only supports max 15kg payload while the MT-16 supports 2.5kg. My setup is the EOS R6 and the RF 24-70.

[@GetInspiredMedia]

Ok, so I’m getting this thing. I had a similar selfi tripod but the phone holder broke. Until that time I loved it. Thanks for this Mark 👍

[@AllThingsFilm1]

You sold me on the Ulanzi. As far as PM goes, I find your videos way more entertaining. So, you keep doing you. And PM can keep pushing those expensive ND filters that I’ll never buy. (Pssst. Freewell NDs are way cheaper and just as good. No vignetting. Really.)

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

ha, thanks!! yes, I actually did a review of Freewell a while ago - love them

[@thedevlife]

Just bought one, Mark Bennett made me buy it!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

clearly, I’m an “influencer” 🤣

[@lucas_92]

Hey Mark! Any tips to avoid the tripod compacting when you have the camera set up on a table? My Sony a6600 + sigma lenses seem to be too much for these Ulanzi tripods.

[@andypate3820]

Thanks for the review! Nice to see a review for something cheap but useful.

I believe you forgot to mention that with the twist lock you can unlock the last section of the middle column at the bottom allowing the tripod to extend even more.

[@jakejohnson000]

Well this will be useful, and even I can afford it on the $10 allowance my fiancé allows me in the aftermath my other, completely reasonable (in only my opinion), filming purchases. I’ll see this bad boy three Fridays from now, plus shipping time. Great video. Congratulations on the 10k! I’ve been rooting for you. I want to finish my next video but life has gotten in the way of fun, and life is a powerful foe, indeed. But I’ll finish soon.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Stupid life - always in the way.

[@TexpatOTG]

I always buy the best camera support gear I can afford. This gear can last years if you select a good piece of gear. Good show ... Cheers

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

great point, JR. Normally I try to get really good stuff, but for my vlogging at the park - something simple does the trick. for my big tripod, and lights and stuff REALLY use - for sure. in fact, I’m thinking about getting this ulanzi carbon fibre one for that very reason. to have something that really lasts 👍

[@rajnegi1749]

Mark please advised which will be best vlogging tripod ULANZI MT-34 VS ULANZI MT-44 for sony zve10 with tamron 17-70 or kit lens ?

[@Armin2208]

omg thanks for the Video. I wanted to buy a MantisPod (is on my wishlist)... but this Ulanzi seems like a better deal. Because I love the selfie stick extending but still having these tripod features! Only the little mantis hook for walls is missing.

[@IAmBrentLopez]

Mark I hope you got the commission from the A7C and 35mm 1.8 from B&H. Ordered a few more things in the same order but not sure if you would get anything from that.

[@popeyerubi1981]

If you ordered through his link, he should get something from B&H.

[@IAmBrentLopez]

@@popeyerubi1981 I did use his links for the cam and lens but didnt on the ronin and tripos and variable nd. It was all in the same order do you know if they would credit him for those other items?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Hi Brent - thanks for the consideration - yes, much like Amazon - I would receive a commission from the whole order as long as you got to the site from one of my links👍👍

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I just checked my affiliate portal and I see an order for and A7C, the 35 and some other things like a ND filter, tripod and a gimbal on March 4th. Thanks for thinking of me - I appreciate it!!

[@IAmBrentLopez]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Awesome Mark!

[@hntrains2]

Good job! Can the hear be taken off/detached (say, to use on another tripod)?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

No - it's attached

[@hntrains2]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis, thank you for the (very prompt) answer!

[@TomL2025]

Hi Mark, I can’t decide between MT-16 and MT-34, please advise.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I like the Mt-34 because of the quick release system

[@iamAnwesh]

I was just about to buy a Mantis Pod but came across this video. Thanks for saving me $125 : )

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I mean the mantis pod seems great. I just don’t need it 🤣

[@iamAnwesh]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis 🤣🤣🤣

[@leoenin]

I have the Mantis tripod and it is barely meh. I'm not using it. The only good solution there is the hook, other parts of it are just poorly engineered, it's bent weirdly 90% of the time, to unbend it, you need to find the right button, press it, it's also heavy and if you forgot how to expand it longer and you need it longer - good luck with that.

[@brianmorrison9168]

I have a normal tripod, but when I'm out and about I end up bringing too much stuff, so I fancy getting a small tripod instead. This MT-34 seems perfect .. the only problem is that I already have a phone clamp (actually the metal Ulanzi one) which i think is better than the one on this tripod. Could my clamp just fit on top of the tripos as it is .. I suppose I could use the inbuilt clamp in emergencies (ie me forgetting the other clamp)

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

oh yeah - you don't have to use the phone clamp at all on the MT-34 - just screw on the one you have. The MT-34 phone clamp is just part of the stand.

[@brianmorrison9168]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis thanks for the very quick reply

[@OneShott1]

I wonder how this would work as a regular tripod on my zve10 with cords plugged in. Will it lean to the side and fall over.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I wouldn’t use it that way no - get a taller and more sturdy tripod for that.

[@OneShott1]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis it's just for a desk

[@ayhancapan]

Fantastic review of Ulanzi Tripod.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!! Best $22 I've spent (that was the original title - ha!!)

[@ayhancapan]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis No man, I bet for lot cheaper you had some better memories :)))

[@AudioHotline]

I bought the mantispod a while back… it is great, but really should be $80-$100.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - I would have grabbed one at that price.

[@v3zMedia]

The new one's are $70-$90 now. Good call

[@HeresMo]

I saw potato jet have the mantis pod last year and wanted it. Then Peter reminded me. However I think I’m going for this one.

[@HeresMo]

Edit: I bought the mt41 thinking it would be stronger. I found the selfie stick has started to retract due to the camera weight. I have the mic on the side of the tripod and only have the camera. When I use my smaller lenses it’s ok but when I put a zoom lens on it struggled. How do you find the selfie stick now after some use? I might try your one. Might as well for the price. But might also take the plunge with the mantis pod

[@kaistudio8229]

This is a very nice item to have, here in malaysia it is sold for 8 dollar new..

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

wow - awesome

[@abcd1358]

Can i use this ulanzi tripod with sony zv e 10 having sigma 16mm f 1.4 lens for vlogging? will that be able to hold the weight of this setup for vlogging?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes - will hold it no problem

[@g-dd-were5763]

I love your honesty! 🎉

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

Dang it, Mark! Why could you not have made this a couple months ago before I bought the MantisPod?? I had a gift card, so it's fine, but man.

[@aroncontinuousconversation]

Lol. As usual funny and informative. Thanks.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!!

[@maksamurai]

Great review, budget Peter McKinnon

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣🤣

[@AJCoReTV]

Just got the gorilla pod 3k pro the aluminum version … way too expensive, but as a vlogging grip.. feels great for the A7S3

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

That’s good to hear - my cheaper Joby just flops all over the place these days.

[@JunyNoLimit]

Ulanzi should sponsor you! I’ll buy this

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I know, right?? 🤣

[@jimthai8125]

yo bro can this hold a zve10 with a sigma lens 16mm?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

For sure - I do it all the time

[@jimthai8125]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thanks bro im gonna get it for my vacation trip to Thailand! Much thanks from the Netherlands!

[@winmarkesconde5651]

I’ve got the mt-44, it my edc tripod/monopod with zve10

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

nice!!

[@KPGuitarStudios]

Hey Mark, remember that conversation where we were calling you the budget Peter McKinnon? Yeah... that was great! :P

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

So one person did say it!! I knew I heard it somewhere 🤣🤣

[@KPGuitarStudios]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Oh and make sure you tell Peter that the Canon Money Truck just called and they had to reroute over to Kasey's place 😛

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@KPGuitarStudios 🤣

[@liamnicoll]

Looks like it'll be great for a lighter camera like my ZV-E10 which I haven't gave a cool nickname to yet.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

That was why I originally bought it - little Dougie loves him. I suggest the name Mark Bennett for your ZV-E10

[@liamnicoll]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Mark Bennett is a great name for my camera but I'd feel a little weird and powerful with little Mark Bennett in my hands.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@liamnicoll 🤣🤣

[@YaleWall]

Don’t feel bad, I think you ARE the budget Peter McKinnon! Lol

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣🤣🏴‍☠️

[@thedevlife]

He likes you more than Matti you say, lol BTW that's an excellent tripod. thanks for the vid

[@aguaconjabon]

Hola, me acabo de comprar una zve-10 + sigma 16mm, tus videos estas super buenos, te doy las gracias ya que me ha ayudado a orientarme en mis compras, creo que ire por el tripode mas economico en este momento, muy buen video :D

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

thanks!!

[@MIMCKMedia]

It's missing the best feature of the mantis pod. To hang it on edges.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

no doubt

[@MonicaHolly143]

If the father of toneh (Camers conspiracies) recommend it, then it is good mt 16 and 34 are brilliant

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The man knows his tripods - perfect for the pony of hope.

[@Rektwiem]

@Mark Bennett's Camera Crisis The Ulanzi MT-46 is the better one in my opinion and you should make a review of that soon (though it doesn't have the phone holder). You should review the Ulanzi Falcam F38 quick release system as well. You'll love it I promise.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I should reach out to them and see if I can get these things in. Thanks for the info 👍

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

Finally something I can afford!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

you graffiti one car - and you can buy two

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis exactly!!!

[@Aprons.Overalls]

Mark Bennett's Camera Crisis? I thought this was the Budget Peter McKinnon channel. When you talk to Petey Boy, tell him I've never watched any of his videos. I only know of him from binge watching the channel formally known as Mark Bennett's Camera Crisis. And good call not taking any Apple Juice to the park. The kids would have mobbed you.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Damn kids will cut you for some apple juice.

[@LifeTrod]

Heeyyyyy It's Budget Peter McKinnon!!!!!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣🤣

[@xzait123]

I just bought this tripod....2 hour ago.... from online, AND I also refund the ulanzi mini carbon tripod and ulanzi u-120 ball head....at the same time....

[@xzait123]

by the way, just love your videos~~~

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

nice!!

[@robmcd]

Aww man, Kasey gonna be upset... he really wanted to see the playground.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Those moms are toneh

[@jizzythefroggy1108]

*Why the hell would anyone in their right mind walk around vlogging with a big, heavy full frame camera! LMFAO!!*

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I certainly won’t be be carrying around a McKinnon R3 - maybe if I hit the gym for a few years. 🤣 An A7iv with a prime - not much bigger than my Zv-E10 with my sigma.

[@jonathanleong2537]

I can get this mt34 for usd9 in my country

[@KaioshinAemi]

I’m the 1st to watch this video

[@popeyerubi1981]

I’m the second. Lol!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

And the only comment so far. It means you’re awesome 😎

[@m-zurowski]

💪

[@henryascension8702]

bought it :)

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Nice!!

[@Naotakun]

$22, sheesh! I know what I'm getting for my little doggie.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Couldn’t be a better fit for Mr. Doug 👍

[@landonbailey]

I totally didn't need one, so I bought one. Your welcome. Or You're.. UR

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I’ll buy one of ur guitars for dat

[@ProMethod2]

Tried this tripod out and it sucks imo

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I’m still using mine 🤷‍♂️

[@RandomLifeProductions]

It's stupid 150 us dollars. Ulanzi good

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Definitely too expensive