I purchased the Peak Design tripod shortly after it was released and the useability factor is not that good particularly the ball head. Like all Peak Design products are way overpriced as well as the accessories being priced way over the top price wise. Peak Design products are well made and the after sales service is good. I very seldom use the tripod as I find it cumbersome to set up and too heavy to pack around so I usually use one of my other tripods. One of my other complaints is the the case is too small for the tripod, its a real struggle to put on, it should have been at least another inch longer. If I was looking to buy a tripod now I would buy the Ulanzi not the peak Design as the price is more reasonable and it has better functionality.
I’m a huge PD fan. I do not drink their PD juice, which means I pass on some of their products. The PD is ridiculously priced. I waited until now and pick up Ulanzi tomorrow.
Love your videos! How does the F38 do with a larger camera setup (like with a 70-200 lens)? This one looks great but debating on the Falcam Treeroot as well.
Well done, Aldryn. I dig products from both Peak and Ulanzi, and wondered how these tripods compare. As much as I like my Peak tripod, I'm baffled by its lack of panning; Ulanzi nailed that. And as another reviewer said, the Peak bag isn't long enough for its tripod.
The tripod looks great however I would imagine the company is in China with no offices or repair facilities in the US or Canada? Please correct me if I am wrong. So am leery about buying something this expensive from a company in China and getting the support we all might need. A lot of times you never hear from companies in China and they wont back up their products?
The f38 mount and plate even really tightening them, still wiggles some what and easily shifts with a little force even with a light camera. It can’t achieve max tightness like usual arca swiss. So promising but so disappointing.
What did you end up getting? Ulanzi Zero Y does fit PD plate, but the big con is that it has no anti slip pins on the mount plate of the ball head. The pins are underneath the standard Ulanzi quick release plate
Aloha from Seattle…thanks always for the great reviews! I was intrigued by all the recent hype surrounding Ulanzi and sprung for the Zero…I was a little bummed they released the F38 just a couple weeks after I purchased the Zero, but isn’t that always the case with camera/tech gear? :-) As far as the build quality (imho) it’s a $150 tripod dressed up as a $600 tripod that sells for $350… It’s great for smaller gear but a little too ‘light weight’ for either my Z9 or GFX100s to use with confidence. I will definitely bring it along for backpacking scenarios (of course) or keep in the car for the ‘I need a tripod now!’ emergency but will stick with sturdier carbon/metal tripods for the day to day.
Great comparison video! I noticed you switched the camera to both tripods. Which plate were you using? The Ulanzi web site says the head is not Arca Swiss compatible, is it? I have several Arca Swiss plates and Really Right Stuff L-brackets that I would like to use with the supplied Ulanzi head.
Very nice. The price for the PD was always a drawback, I have an old CF tripod that i’ve had for many years now.. i’m curious if the falcon mounts are arca swiss compatible? I have the peak design camera holster and wonder if their AS mount would fit. That would be my only drawback
I would get the F38 in a second but their mounting plate is not compatible with L-brackets from what I understand. Ulanzi does have a couple of L-brackets on their site, but it's almost as if they don't understand what an L bracket is. They're not rotatable by 90 degrees from what I can see. A deal breaker for an otherwise superb product.
Correct, this is the main design flaw of this tripod. It uses a proprietary plate which is a copy of the Peak Design plate but many reviews say that Peak Design's plates don't fit very well. So in that regard you are stuck with a largely unknown company's plate. If that is what someone wants to do, not problem, they'll probably work fine......but I'd buy 3 or 4 of the plates because if you lose one and Ulanzi disappears, or more likely quits making the plates then you're stuck with a $300 stick.
There is a lot to like about the new Ulanzi tripod, it seems to compare favorably with the Peak Design mode. And with some nice upgrades. Great comparison, and thanks for sharing.
I have the PD tripod but I recently upgraded to the RRS travel tripod. The RRS is much more substantial than the PD and is carbon fiber as well. Unfortunately, the RRS tripod is a significant investment, though I think worth the extra investment. AND, the RRS tripod is wholly made in the USA! I will say that whenever I have had any issue with either a PD or RRS product, both companies stand by their gear, completely. Cheers, Doc
Just so folks know what you're referring to, the RRS tripod, which may be the best you can buy, is over $1500. It will last a lifetime and is likely incredibly sturdy but the price is beyond most casual tripod users.
@@Thekidisalright Sometimes they are, sometimes they're not. But more often they are better than the comparable Chinese product. (And yes, the percentage is getting smaller). RRS is top quality no matter where they're products are made. On the other hand, sometimes Chinese products are good. But more often they are not.
It’s funny to hear all the same arguments from all creators when comparing these two tripods, as if they where scripted by Ulanzi. Also, I don't like copy companies, it’s always easier to copy someone else's RnD the creating something new. I love my PD tripod, and I appreciate companies that creates something new.
Ulanzi is a nightmare of a company to work with and it does not care about its customers. I have major issues with my Ulanzi Zero Y tripod which I bought in November 2022. The ballhead is loose and drifts even when fully locked, using a light camera/lens combo. They will not respond to emails. I do not recommend any Ulanzi product after my own personal experience with the product and their absentee customer service.
It would be much safer to order from Amazon, at least in the US, than directly dealing with a Chinese company for which there is no guarantee that they'll even ship it to you or repercussions if they do not.
Yes is is a copy of the Peak which is considered the de facto standard among travel tripods this small and light. In all probability they infringed on Peaks patent but hey, its China, so they can do that. It appears that in some ways their design has improved on Peak's and the Ulanzi is about half the price. But it is still a $300+ tripod that you will likely never get good customer support on. So yes, the Peak is insanely overpriced but likely better built and without a doubt better customer support.
Great travel tripod. Most likely getting one but I already see an improvement that could be done on the Ulanzi. The screw on spike needs to go. As a travel tripod, it needs to be streamlined. Finding the screw in your backpack and then screwing each one on is too much. It needs to be on the tripod already and the rubber pad needs to sit higher than the spike and to switch them, all you need to do is push them forward to extend passed the spike with a locking mechanism so it doesn't pop back in....or even just screw them forward. At least the rubber pads and the spike will be on the tirpod already and won't lose them
Love your reviews, shot to the point. Ulanzi Equipment never failed my expectations. As a “non pro” looking for a reasonable tripod which can last…. 190.- USD at our home sells me Thanks and keep going with your reviews, I learn by watching… not by failed investments
I bought the f38 version (around 350usd ) along with some other items. When I was about to use it for the second time I noticed that one small knob controlling the panning of the head is gone. I contacted customer support with the intention of getting a replacement knob and they stated that in order to get a replacement knob I need to place another order (for anything else). Basically they are constraining me to place another order if I want to have a fully functional tripod. They stated that the item I need is to small to be sent because it can get list while shipping. Also the camera plate of the tripod gets loose from the camera very easily if you hang it to the shoulder strap.Dropped my camera but I was very very lucky as the terrain was deep sand
@@deutschhhhh6922 yes I did, because it is true and I wanted people like me to know what happened. You don t have to belive me, it s up to you in the end to make a decision
🙄not copy, improve. lol A copy is an exact copy with the same problems. If all you see is an exact copy even after watching this video then you probably make bad decisions since you don't see the improvements
@@HokkaidoSan Peak Designs can improve or innovate a product they crafted, what Ulanzi did is copy and then made some tweaks. So that simple minded people like yourself won’t feel bad buying it and you will make any excuse except for the true one that is you’re cheap and Ulanzi makes cheaper products. Ask yourself how were they able to sell it so much cheaper than Peak Designs? Answer is they didn’t have to pay upfront for engineering everything like Peak Designs did Ulanzi just took Peak Designs product and ran with it. That is Ulanzis business model. Just look at all the products they offer. You would have to be the worlds biggest clown to not see how they rip off other companies after you look at their product offerings.
I currently have the PD aluminum tripod but don’t want to drop so much cash for the carbon fiber. The weight for the aluminum while traveling is starting to bother me. I’m thinking about switching over but I can’t help but notice that the design is so similar. I’m not a PD fan boy but if a company is just stealing designs with our R&D cost then I can’t see why one is priced lower than the other.
I swear, I can't trust any of these affiliate videos with Ulanzi. I bought one and the legs were so wobbly and would often loosen and collapse on their own. I had my unit replaced and then ultimately returned. I went with the Peak Design instead and it's been the best tripod I've owned. No slop between the leg sections unlike the Ulanzi. Just invest the money and buy PD.
@@deutschhhhh6922 Just tired of people peddling "opinions" for cash that lead people into buying inferior products. Aren't you? Or do you shill as well?
I purchased the Peak Design tripod shortly after it was released and the useability factor is not that good particularly the ball head. Like all Peak Design products are way overpriced as well as the accessories being priced way over the top price wise. Peak Design products are well made and the after sales service is good. I very seldom use the tripod as I find it cumbersome to set up and too heavy to pack around so I usually use one of my other tripods. One of my other complaints is the the case is too small for the tripod, its a real struggle to put on, it should have been at least another inch longer. If I was looking to buy a tripod now I would buy the Ulanzi not the peak Design as the price is more reasonable and it has better functionality.
I’m a huge PD fan. I do not drink their PD juice, which means I pass on some of their products. The PD is ridiculously priced. I waited until now and pick up Ulanzi tomorrow.
Yeah they are out of control with a lot of their items. 600 for that tripod is wild.
If I didn't already have the PD tripod, I'd get this. Vertical in both directions and the ability to pan is awesome for video shooters.
I have both, the PD is premium compared with Ulanzi. The manufacture quality is far better in PD.
Got the Ulanzi and I’m very impressed! Thanks for the review.
I choosed the Ulanzi Zero Y, because the F38 has no option to take vertical panorama shots.
Love your videos! How does the F38 do with a larger camera setup (like with a 70-200 lens)? This one looks great but debating on the Falcam Treeroot as well.
Well done, Aldryn. I dig products from both Peak and Ulanzi, and wondered how these tripods compare. As much as I like my Peak tripod, I'm baffled by its lack of panning; Ulanzi nailed that. And as another reviewer said, the Peak bag isn't long enough for its tripod.
Will the peak design standard and dual plate fit the ball head of the F38 tripod ??
Carbon fiber would be nice but they are expensive
forgot the main reason for tripod: stability.
how to fix it - replace the carbon fiber with metal
The tripod looks great however I would imagine the company is in China with no offices or repair facilities in the US or Canada? Please correct me if I am wrong. So am leery about buying something this expensive from a company in China and getting the support we all might need. A lot of times you never hear from companies in China and they wont back up their products?
Which tripod are you referring to?
ALWAYS NEED A GREAT TRI=POD.............
Damn too much for tripods these days😢
The f38 mount and plate even really tightening them, still wiggles some what and easily shifts with a little force even with a light camera. It can’t achieve max tightness like usual arca swiss. So promising but so disappointing.
If i use full-size Arca-Swiss plate - Should I get Zero Y or F38 (Many said it is not fully compatible with Arca-Swiss and PD plates?
You need to get Zero Y, F38 is not compatible
What did you end up getting?
Ulanzi Zero Y does fit PD plate, but the big con is that it has no anti slip pins on the mount plate of the ball head. The pins are underneath the standard Ulanzi quick release plate
Can you use an L plate on the Ulanzi ?
Aloha from Seattle…thanks always for the great reviews! I was intrigued by all the recent hype surrounding Ulanzi and sprung for the Zero…I was a little bummed they released the F38 just a couple weeks after I purchased the Zero, but isn’t that always the case with camera/tech gear? :-) As far as the build quality (imho) it’s a $150 tripod dressed up as a $600 tripod that sells for $350… It’s great for smaller gear but a little too ‘light weight’ for either my Z9 or GFX100s to use with confidence. I will definitely bring it along for backpacking scenarios (of course) or keep in the car for the ‘I need a tripod now!’ emergency but will stick with sturdier carbon/metal tripods for the day to day.
Great comparison video! I noticed you switched the camera to both tripods. Which plate were you using? The Ulanzi web site says the head is not Arca Swiss compatible, is it? I have several Arca Swiss plates and Really Right Stuff L-brackets that I would like to use with the supplied Ulanzi head.
I don't know why I'm watching this, I already bought it. It's awesome and I'm bought into the entire Ulanzi eco system now
300 600 Forget it
Thanks for the great review! been eyeing for the peak design but after watching this video I have decided to get the ULANAZI!
One year warranty lifetime warranty, no brain, I prefer Peak design aluminum, a little heavy but the same price.
Could I attach a device with a 3/8" female screw mount to the Ulanzi F38 (tripod?
Very nice. The price for the PD was always a drawback, I have an old CF tripod that i’ve had for many years now.. i’m curious if the falcon mounts are arca swiss compatible? I have the peak design camera holster and wonder if their AS mount would fit. That would be my only drawback
To much money for them. I got one for $100.00
What tripod did you purchase?
I would get the F38 in a second but their mounting plate is not compatible with L-brackets from what I understand. Ulanzi does have a couple of L-brackets on their site, but it's almost as if they don't understand what an L bracket is. They're not rotatable by 90 degrees from what I can see. A deal breaker for an otherwise superb product.
Correct, this is the main design flaw of this tripod. It uses a proprietary plate which is a copy of the Peak Design plate but many reviews say that Peak Design's plates don't fit very well. So in that regard you are stuck with a largely unknown company's plate. If that is what someone wants to do, not problem, they'll probably work fine......but I'd buy 3 or 4 of the plates because if you lose one and Ulanzi disappears, or more likely quits making the plates then you're stuck with a $300 stick.
There is a lot to like about the new Ulanzi tripod, it seems to compare favorably with the Peak Design mode. And with some nice upgrades. Great comparison, and thanks for sharing.
Informative review. What is the difference between this ("Ulanzi F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod") and "Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod,?"
Ulanzi F38 is slightly smaller than standard Arca Swiss plate (Zero Y version).
I have the PD tripod but I recently upgraded to the RRS travel tripod. The RRS is much more substantial than the PD and is carbon fiber as well. Unfortunately, the RRS tripod is a significant investment, though I think worth the extra investment. AND, the RRS tripod is wholly made in the USA!
I will say that whenever I have had any issue with either a PD or RRS product, both companies stand by their gear, completely.
Cheers,
Doc
Just so folks know what you're referring to, the RRS tripod, which may be the best you can buy, is over $1500. It will last a lifetime and is likely incredibly sturdy but the price is beyond most casual tripod users.
It’s 2024 and Americans still think “Made in USA” means quality products better than those produced elsewhere lol
@@Thekidisalright Sometimes they are, sometimes they're not. But more often they are better than the comparable Chinese product. (And yes, the percentage is getting smaller). RRS is top quality no matter where they're products are made.
On the other hand, sometimes Chinese products are good. But more often they are not.
It’s funny to hear all the same arguments from all creators when comparing these two tripods, as if they where scripted by Ulanzi. Also, I don't like copy companies, it’s always easier to copy someone else's RnD the creating something new. I love my PD tripod, and I appreciate companies that creates something new.
Interesting. What part makes you say the ulanzi tripod is a copy of the peak design tripod?
Ulanzi is a nightmare of a company to work with and it does not care about its customers. I have major issues with my Ulanzi Zero Y tripod which I bought in November 2022. The ballhead is loose and drifts even when fully locked, using a light camera/lens combo. They will not respond to emails. I do not recommend any Ulanzi product after my own personal experience with the product and their absentee customer service.
The red light came out when I saw 15 days return and 1 year warranty. Thanks for your review. You open my eyes.
Lies
@@adriancastellano1259Hmmmm. maybe I won't buy😮
ulanzi has my vote
Great review! Thanks!
This video needs to be tagged as sponsored by Ulanzi. This is purely advertisement!
Have you tried the tripod?
Did you mention that you can only use the Ulanzi plate with their tripod. Ie can’t seem to use l brackets etc.
If you buy F38 version you can’t fit a standard Arca plate / L grip. You need to buy the Zero Y (Arca version).
Will this baseplate on the tripod clamb on my Arca Swiss rail on my cam body?!
No.
So did they just add the option to order this on Amazon? I see them on there just weary on ordering it from Amazon instead of the website
It would be much safer to order from Amazon, at least in the US, than directly dealing with a Chinese company for which there is no guarantee that they'll even ship it to you or repercussions if they do not.
Did they create a quick release plate ?
Is this a copy of the Peak? Don't see why Peak would have been the standard that you would compare this too?
Similar designs and function. Peak is a known brand amongst creators.
Yes is is a copy of the Peak which is considered the de facto standard among travel tripods this small and light. In all probability they infringed on Peaks patent but hey, its China, so they can do that. It appears that in some ways their design has improved on Peak's and the Ulanzi is about half the price. But it is still a $300+ tripod that you will likely never get good customer support on. So yes, the Peak is insanely overpriced but likely better built and without a doubt better customer support.
Nice 1 Aldryn
Amazing 🤩🤩
Great travel tripod. Most likely getting one but I already see an improvement that could be done on the Ulanzi. The screw on spike needs to go. As a travel tripod, it needs to be streamlined. Finding the screw in your backpack and then screwing each one on is too much. It needs to be on the tripod already and the rubber pad needs to sit higher than the spike and to switch them, all you need to do is push them forward to extend passed the spike with a locking mechanism so it doesn't pop back in....or even just screw them forward. At least the rubber pads and the spike will be on the tirpod already and won't lose them
Agree with the spikes. They need to be integrated like some others. But at least they are included so that’s a plus.
Love your reviews, shot to the point.
Ulanzi Equipment never failed my expectations.
As a “non pro” looking for a reasonable tripod which can last…. 190.- USD at our home sells me
Thanks and keep going with your reviews, I learn by watching… not by failed investments
I bought the f38 version (around 350usd ) along with some other items. When I was about to use it for the second time I noticed that one small knob controlling the panning of the head is gone. I contacted customer support with the intention of getting a replacement knob and they stated that in order to get a replacement knob I need to place another order (for anything else). Basically they are constraining me to place another order if I want to have a fully functional tripod. They stated that the item I need is to small to be sent because it can get list while shipping.
Also the camera plate of the tripod gets loose from the camera very easily if you hang it to the shoulder strap.Dropped my camera but I was very very lucky as the terrain was deep sand
You keep posting this story everywhere
@@deutschhhhh6922 yes I did, because it is true and I wanted people like me to know what happened. You don t have to belive me, it s up to you in the end to make a decision
Ulanzi is a copy cat company. They don’t create they copy
🙄not copy, improve. lol A copy is an exact copy with the same problems. If all you see is an exact copy even after watching this video then you probably make bad decisions since you don't see the improvements
@@HokkaidoSan Peak Designs can improve or innovate a product they crafted, what Ulanzi did is copy and then made some tweaks. So that simple minded people like yourself won’t feel bad buying it and you will make any excuse except for the true one that is you’re cheap and Ulanzi makes cheaper products.
Ask yourself how were they able to sell it so much cheaper than Peak Designs? Answer is they didn’t have to pay upfront for engineering everything like Peak Designs did Ulanzi just took Peak Designs product and ran with it. That is Ulanzis business model. Just look at all the products they offer. You would have to be the worlds biggest clown to not see how they rip off other companies after you look at their product offerings.
Nice tripod review man!
Thanks! 👍
I currently have the PD aluminum tripod but don’t want to drop so much cash for the carbon fiber. The weight for the aluminum while traveling is starting to bother me. I’m thinking about switching over but I can’t help but notice that the design is so similar. I’m not a PD fan boy but if a company is just stealing designs with our R&D cost then I can’t see why one is priced lower than the other.
Wait for today’s video to drop. Ulanzi’s new tripod
ULANZI, a copy cat of peakdesign from CHINA
It is my understanding that the Peak Design tripods are manufactured in China as well. That is likely how Ulanzi got their design so easily.
I swear, I can't trust any of these affiliate videos with Ulanzi. I bought one and the legs were so wobbly and would often loosen and collapse on their own. I had my unit replaced and then ultimately returned. I went with the Peak Design instead and it's been the best tripod I've owned. No slop between the leg sections unlike the Ulanzi. Just invest the money and buy PD.
How often do you stretch the truth on topics throughout your life?
@@deutschhhhh6922 Just tired of people peddling "opinions" for cash that lead people into buying inferior products. Aren't you? Or do you shill as well?
Well Ulanzj is an over hyped Amazon brand. They do send all the TH-camrs tripods to “try”
Love my Peak design carbon. Just bought a second one. Use them for everything
😂
Are they good for portrait photography?