Ulanzi Zero F38 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Review | Best Bang for your Buck?

[@TechMau]

I think there is another version of the same tripod that has an arca swiss plate, it calls Ulanzi Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting. I think that they are working around a whole quick release system (like Peak Design), but I just wish the F38 system was Arca compatible.

[@TechMau]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah that would be awesome

[@YanFries]

I have the non-proprietary version. Works great with the arca Swiss plates👍🏽

[@jsobrino]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I believe they make a plate that’s compatible with both the peak design latch and the F38 latch, but that’s an extra cost

[@NeXMaX]

I find it interesting that Ulanzi has managed to integrate a panning base into the compact head, whilst the guys at Peak Design haven't. I really like my PDTT, regardless. It was expensive, but it was really nice to bring along.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true, and it's one point that I show visually but forgot to make verbally.

[@davidligon6088]

Thank you for the thorough review. The Ulanzi Zero Y has an ARCA Swiss comparable head, that supports the Peak Design Capture plates. Alternatively, you can add a Ulanzi ARCA Swiss center column to the Zero 38. I’d probably just use the center column with a screw mount and put a lightweight Leofoto leveling adapter and ball head on it. Not sure how stable it would be with the narrower triangulation of the legs, though.

[@tride.design]

I got Ulanzi Zero Y with arca Swiss mount few months ago for about 150$ in China, really satisfied with it. THe build quality is awesome, there's hardly any plastic on it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Their build quality is very nice.

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

I strongly considered this but would much rather buy American and went Peak Design despite the premium. Would hope PD strngly considers dropping their prices though.Thank you Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair.

[@Ashurus]

Peak Design is made in China

[@careylymanjones]

The Ulanzi Zero-Y tripod takes Arca-Swiss compatible plates, including the Peak Design Capture Clip plates. The Zero-Y also has one of the coolest pan functions, ever. The head can be leveled with the built-in level, and a pan axis at the top of the head can be unlocked, allowing level pans without having to level the legs on the tripod.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's cool.

[@allannodelman6471]

I switched from Peak to the Ulanzi F38 quick release system. I use it on tripods, backpack strap clip, Zhiyun quick release for my gimbal, and the quick release camera strap (for my Peak Design camera straps) as well as my slider. I bought the tripod as part of this complete system and it all integrates seamlessly and is a joy to use. I like that I can carry my camera on the camera strap and quickly switch to the tripod leaving the strap in place for a quick switch back if desired. The tripod is very light and has functioned well for me. I would buy this tripod after months of use even if I did not use the quick release system.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's great anecdotal feedback.

[@cryptodough5979]

The 18kg payload is for center weight to be handed using the center stick. The actual payload for the tripod is 5-6kg.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Are you sure about that?

[@ramivaden1661]

Good review Dustin. Heipi 3-IN-1 travel tripod looks like an interesting option too.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There are some good options out there. A number of people in the audience wanted me to look at this one.

[@nickcarneyphotography]

I was going to buy this, but I've seen the news about the upcoming Benro Theta tripod and that looks to be a potential game-changer, so I'm going to wait and see what that looks like and when it will be released.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting. I'll keep that in mind if I have a chance to look at it. A number of people in the audience wanted me to look at this one, so I took the opportunity when offered.

[@vincenzodellama7158]

Thanks for the heads up, hopefully I'll be able to buy one.

[@Jeo-What]

Thank you for the review of this tripod. Before Christmas I saw the review on the Kick Starter on the HEIPI 3-In-1 travel tripod and was amazed how good it was so I ordered one and hope to receive it soon in the future to replace my Peak Design tripod.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hope it works out well for you.

[@Nickporter17]

What do you think?

[@rumattso]

I have had the tripod for 3 months. I really like it, both function and how light it is. But I have doubts about the quality. After only 3 months, I can no longer lock the tripod head properly. It seems that there is wear on the lever that locks the head. And I haven't used it much and with light equipment. Sony A7 IV and PZ 16-35 f/4.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's not encouraging.

[@aloi]

Have read similar complaints in Taobao reviews, which made me decide against getting one.

[@rumattso]

@@aloi I bought a new Center Column for the tripod so I can use a different head. Then I can still use the tripod. But it's a bit of a shame considering the price.

[@Martinez_Photos]

I sold my Peak Design Aluminum Tripod to get the F38 Carbon Fiber Tripod, and I am not looking back. The peak design tripod ball head leaves a lot to be desired. You can't use the PD tripod unless you extend the center column, and it does not pan! Two things that I never got used to. The Ulanzi center column does not have to be raised in order to be able to use it. Also, the clips on the PD tripod's legs broke twice (both times PD took care of the issue by sending me a WHOLE leg). As for Dustin's complaint about the f38 head, it can be overcome by getting the Y version of the Ulanzi tripod for the same price. I just got f38 adapter plates for all of my gear...problem solved. I did get my F38 tripod for about $314 during a holiday sale.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You would definitely have to just go with F38 plates for everything. I'm surprised that you had issues with the PD tripod legs. I've had no such issue with mine.

[@arnisbrown5848]

Great review as always Dustin. Aside from the plate issue just wish it were a bit cheaper. My hunch is that the similarity to PD's design is what allows the price (considering Ulanzi also has the MT-60 carbon fiber tripod for only $110). Nonetheless the compactness, height, payload, and fluid head make it appealing. I already use and really enjoy Ulanzi's claw quick release system for all my cameras and have a number of their mini tripods and video lights which have proven reliable over time despite being considerably affordable.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a solid take

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

The center column may be rated at 19kg, but the ballhead is only rated at 6kg.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair. Still - 6kg is far more robust than any camera combination I've ever used, so I'm not sure that will ever be the limiting principle.

[@CaviDS]

you had me sold until I saw that I needed their own camera plate to fit the ball head...

[@PeteBreen]

Love the tripod, but have been really disappointed in the F38 quick release system integration with it. As you mention, it just simply doesn't fit.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My least favorite part of the design.

[@brucecolman3402]

Timely review, many thanks Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@navpreetsingh8156]

Thanks for the review, I've ordered mine just 2 days ago as I am invested in the Falcam f38 system and that head it comes with is perfect for users like me, they have just released that f38 head for the DJI RS gimbals including the RS Mini, thanks for mentioning the fluid head too which I was about to order thinking it was a member of the F38 quick release system but it has a normal tightening nob and I'm not a fan of those

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad I could help

[@christophercmosley]

Excellent Review as always! 👌🏽

[@Nickporter17]

They have a f38 fluid head

[@vincenzodellama7158]

I bought the Ulanzi version of the capture clip that comes with this base plate and it is just awful. It never properly screws into the camera to the point that it get loose just by turning your camera in the tripod. And now I traded it for the onemo beatle one which is much better in that regard. How long did you use the tripod to have a notion of these kind of issues and overall durability (edit. it seems to have durability issues looking at another comment)? I bought the Benro Rhino last year and it is super solid with a dual panorama head, managed to take 10s exposures with buses passing by, and screw locks lasts forever. Looking at other people's comments this doesn't seem like good value compared to their MT-60 which also have 8 layers and have screw locks, the upcoming Benro also mentioned seems like the better option considering Benro even makes automated tripod heads for hdr bracketed panoramas along with star tracking and my great experience with another model.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I typically have used the product for about a month. BTW, I wouldn't read too much into one person's anecdotal report. Another user reported breaking multiple legs on the $650 Peak Design travel tripod, but I've never heard of that happening to anyone else before. There are often mitigating circumstances in one anecdotal account.

[@Ghostmanriding]

Great review Dustin Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome!

[@duchu1987]

Ulanzi got F38 plate which is compatible with Peak Design. So one plane could be used with Ulanzi tripod and ie. Peak Design Capture Clip. Ulanzi F38 adapter is also great for Sony BT table tripod.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Right - the Ulanzi plate will work in the opposite direction, but not the Peak Design capture plate on the F38 products.

[@yaread]

Could you tell me how many millimeters the diameter of the center column is? This is very important to me.

[@DUCzillaMonster]

Why didn't you mention all the other benefits of the Ulanzi vs the peak design, like way more sturdy, panning head and Level the head without pull out the center column

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually think I did mention those things (other than being more sturdy, which isn't true).

[@DUCzillaMonster]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I did see more than one comparison and the difference was quit big!

[@Alastair6]

Dustin, do you have any plans to review the Heipi travel tripod?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid not.

[@Mariner1460]

Any more thoughts to share on relative stability? I tried a friend’s PD travel next to an ancient Gitzo series 1. PD had lots of nifty features, but I was most surprised by how much the legs wobbled side to side when fully extended.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, that's not my experience with the PD, which is slightly more stable than this one. But it sounds like you are comparing a high end full size tripod (even if older) to a compact travel tripod. Not quite the same thing.

[@ch-ux2co]

I don't think they were mentioned, but the bubble level on the Ulanzi and the degree markers seem to be real selling points. Responses?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely the ability to pan the head 360 is very useful. The only problem with the bubble level is that you really can't hardly see it when a camera is attached.

[@careylymanjones]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah, you have to level it, make sure it's locked, THEN put the camera on. 😀

[@vk4vsp]

If you attach an Arca Swiss clamp to the F38 plate, you've got the best of both worlds.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

What's your balance point for your camera, then, if you're setting it down. I prefer something as slim and low profile as possible so the camera sits properly and can fit into more storage/carrying solutions.

[@vk4vsp]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yeah, it doesn’t fit in the bag with the clamp attached. 😀

[@gabedamien]

Payload weight ratings on tripods are meaningless when comparing between different brands. There is zero standard for what the rating supposedly _means_, let alone how to measure it. So it is at best an index *within* a single brand for how that company ranks its own models. Of course you can do your own tests and try to measure stability.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm sure there is some truth to this. The reality is that all of them tout a heavier payload than what we put on them. The bigger question is how stable they are.

[@skymakai]

Ulanzi made an Arca compatible version, but they’re really pushing the F38 version. Can’t get the Arca version on Amazon.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've heard others say similar.

[@skymakai]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yeah, sorry... I took a look at the other comments and see most people mentioned this.

[@iransirijillo]

Ulanzi’s leg angle is narrower, a no go.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's definitely not a positive.

[@Applefanboy2012]

The reason for the plate thing is because it’s in combination with another company called falcam

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fine, but I still think they should have gone with arca compatability.

[@Applefanboy2012]

@@DustinAbbottTWI oh definitely. I was new to all the arca Swiss thing when I got the f38. Looks like I can’t use am L cage to switch from landscape to portrait on it :/ Looks like they came up with something similar though!

[@Donbros]

I dunno i dont have any peak design plates and i can use quick release ones for gorilla pod

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It does come with its own plate.

[@Battlem0nk]

can any of the legs be removed to convert into a monopod?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@navpreetsingh8156]

You mentioned the legs don't spread very far, it's because the legs are too skinny and they warp under heavy load, I've been using a song 70-200 and the legs are no longer straight, I'm guessing it's a issue with the slim round design and that's why peak design have a triangle like structure

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting feedback. I'm not sure that would apply here, as this is carbon fiber (I've never seen it warp) and the effective payload is actually higher than PD.

[@Jwitherow1964]

Nice Brother.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, my friend.

[@noenken]

I wouldn't buy a tripod at that price from a company I never heard of before. But even that aside the standard head not being fully arca compatible kills it. Great information as always! :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

What's interesting is that there are quite a few viewers who are familiar with the brand and encouraged me to look at their products.

[@nickcarneyphotography]

I think Ulanzi has been around for a little while, quite a few KZbinrs I see use them, in particular their quick release system. I also was suspect with all the KZbin reviews but it seems solid!

[@noenken]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I believe it. Quick google search says they have been in business since 2015, good sign. But they also seem to be based in Shenzhen which can become a problem.

[@MrDvaz]

nobody uses a center column extended that much with a heavy lens...so the maximum height is really not relevant! both overpriced for what they do!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Actually with the Peak Design you pretty much have to use it with it extended a little bit if you want to do any ball head adjustments.

[@veikop]

Is this made where all balloons are from?😂🎈

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That might be the delivery system ;)

[@wildwedding]

So much is ironically said

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, not quite sure what you mean.

[@djxcel23]

Soon as a heard the price I had to exit left

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Still expensive, yes, but much cheaper than Peak Design.

[@alihamiad7849]

I doubt that the tripod is stable outside

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Why not? You can easily hang more weight from the hook. I've never had a problem with wind on these lightweight tripods.

[@drexplordinaire]

peak design is garbage

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You are going to have to elaborate why, as that has certainly not been my personal experience.

[@gerum009]

Best band for your buck??? Nope. Best way to throw your money away. This is crappy! I have only used this tripod very lightly and about two months, the so called "quick release" got stuck and would not even move!!! Just a stupid waste of money

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've been using one for months without issue. You are the first to ever give me this kind of feedback on Ulanzi products, so I think your experience is the exception to the rule. I think if you'll follow up with Ulanzi you can get your tripod fixed or replaced.

[@muleyg]

Hi Dustin, would I be able to attach a 75mm bowl head to the Ulanzi F38 tripod?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't know the answer to that. You probably should reach out to Ulanzi and ask them.