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.
Can the spiked feet be removed? I would like to get this. But I doubt these can be put into the cabin bag for air travels. And if not I would rather get a bigger tripod and put it in the checked bag.
I have a minor gripe about the FALCOM. The legs feel very stiff when opening and closing. Following the instructions to lighten the movement force needed (page 29), I tried the H4 wrenches supplied, and the screws must have been installed by a gorilla because the wrench end just digs into my hand trying to turn it. So, I got a longer wrench for more leverage and wouldn't dig into my hand. However, I put as much pressure on it as I felt comfortable put without damaging anything and they wouldn't budge the slightest. Am I missing something?
🙈looking on websites and I can’t seem to find the tripod that looks exactly like what you are reviewing … help please .. I’d really like the travel f38 pro weighing 3.3 lbs …Amazon has one that comes with carrying case but in description weight seems to be off
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
I shoot wildlife with a long lens, and also video. How does this head compare to a fluid head for panning video? Is there another option? Is there a taller model? (I'm 6'1" and this seems a little short) Thanks, nice review
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)?
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
Great video and thanks for posting this! Hard to come across recs aside from Peak Design nowadays. I like you addressed every main point in your argument. You've got a new sub and even though I can't afford this tripod at the moment I'm keeping it in mind
can the ball head and release system from this, be put on the slightly older Ulanzi travel tripod? The TreeRoot is bigger than I want, I prefer the Ulanzi travel tripod - but with the better head.
@@DavidManningvlog Thanks, I found the link.:) I had a PD Carbon Fiber and it fell off a dock and we couldn't retrieve it. I've been looking to replace it. This looks good!
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!
I purchased the tree root, loved it for photography, but sent it back due to the fact that I may lead to videography. What is your best recommendation for Videograppher that want to use the tree?
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.
Yes, center column looks soft and unusable to me, as it seems from video. It needs sturdier profile and titanium alloy substance. Also solution that deviding clamp is positioned to center of column wants improve...
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.
@@ram030594 hey! So I tried and was unsuccessful. Removing the ball head from the F38 Pro is almost impossible without damaging the internal parts (which has small plastic pieces). I ended up just using the Pro Ballhead with the extra centre piece that came with my F38 tripod (the piece that allows you to use different heads.)
@@dashyFLEX Thanks for the answer. Unfortunately, in this case the height increases significantly. It's a pity that Ulanzi did not make a threaded mount for the ball to the triangular central column. I will have to put up with the inconvenient location of the pan screw
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.
Though it seems to be great, same problem with the most travel tripods. It is not tall enough. It is 155cm, what means, on the go, when I speak to the lense, the cam can`t be leveled. It`s facing upwards. That is something to avoid. I prefer the togopod PATRICK carbon. 39cm small, 180cm high, 1,5kg. It carries 50kg and 15kg on the head. Amazon sells it for 50 Euros. Can it get better ?
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)
Get the TreeRoot, I just ordered it, even though I have the Zero F38. TreeRoot will be more stable as its 4 legs sections instead of 5. It is slightly larger and heavier, that makes it more stable. Unless you are carrying it hiking and need to watch every gram of weight and compactness. I recommend buy once, cry once.
@@Ontological1000 thanks for the helpful response. I don’t need to watch out for every gram so that is not an issue I just want a compact and light tripod that works well. The buy once cry once is also a idea, because I wanted to by once and keep it for a looong time, not buy a new one every few years. So The treeroot it is. I hope it will work well with a fluidhead 🤞🏻
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
Very nice and informative video. One question.. It looks like the bullhead lock (or demper) is loosening when you move it around (at 17.05). What can you tell us about that?
Peak design got lazy. They’ve been rocking that same tripod for years with not many improvements and then the falcam comes along. The engineers found every flaw in the PD tripod and fixed each one…and it’s cheaper.
When i saw the commercial video from peak design i thought its the one i wanna use for 10 years, thank you David for clarifying many things which i could not see :)
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
Wow! Great review! I almost fell for the (_arn) expensive PD tripod! But, I am a bit confused. Advice, please? The other tripod you reviewed that I am very much interested in getting for our travels is the one with the Quicklock. Shown on screen at "1.14." on the right with the PD on the left. I understand it is the Falcam R141K-320P with the F38 pro ball head 320P as an option, right? Which other option(s) would you recommend for a quick and easy setup using both camera and mobile phone use? Thank you very much! Keep the great reviews coming!
The best 'pod for you of course depends on your needs (rarely for me--only for some macros and very long exposures), but in my case, the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon can't be beat. It's solid, reasonably light, fits inside my LowePro ProTactic 450AW II pack, and its 90° folding center column is a very useful and unique feature, allowing you to get lower than either of the ones you show and place the camera in virtually any orientation you can imagine (with minimal futzing). Also, its twist-lock system is just as fast to deploy/stow as the one you show. I have a lot of PD stuff, but I knew their 'pod wasn't for me. The F38 Pro seems like a nice enough, well-thought-out unit, but I won't be trading in my Manfrotto for one.
Nice one - I was about to buy a PD then I watched this, figured it was just a closet sponsored circle-jerk over the Tree Root but I found a load of other videos saying the same thing so I bought one. Arrived today as an early Xmas present to myself 😌
Holy crap. Someone sold me on switching my PD tripod. This tripod has us in mind to a T! Wonder if PD will release a travel tripod 2.0 that either changes the game or adds a bunch of great features like this one 🤔
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.
I've gone through many different types of tripods that are twist lock because I love the quickness of them...but I've replaced all of them with flip locks. After sand/mud/water/time, anything gets in the locks and you're in for a gritty time. Also, if you ever loosen the locks too much you can loosen the brake system of plastic pieces that sleeve around them, their main point of failure. My last shoot in Kumamoto, Japan I lost a leg to a loose plastic sleeve near a waterfall and swore them off for good.
I might sound sceptical, but I don’t agree with you. Both alternatives to PD are bigger, and it is noticeable. Showing the locking mechanism you went for the longest possible way of operating when showing PD, as the quickest way would locate this other guy far behind. Twist locks do not provide visual indication whether they are open or closed, so this is another disadvantage. Due to fewer sections, the Falcam is longer when folded, but this is the reason why it might feel sturdier. Unfortunately, your way of showing this is so flexible that you can “prove” whatever you want. When it comes to the center column, I agree, Falcon has a smarter design. It is sturdier and the quick release works faster, but the general principle is similar. Unfortunately once again, similar to the “sturdiness” test, here without your extra drama with an Allen key, the difference is not that significant, even if Falcon works quicker. When it comes to ball head, I partially agree. PD has less freedom of movement. But what you are showing with plate locking is another added drama. You can do virtually the same operations for attaching and detaching with PD. Another cool story is about dampening with Falcam, nice, but have you noticed this ring for locking the ball head on PD? It also allows dampening, but way smoother and easier, as it is done with the same control device as locking. You also “forgot” to mention that it is possible to equip PD with any other typical head on the market, for more specific usages. Speaking about mounting extra stuff, yeah, great, but we speak about travel tripods, right? It is not a benefit, but rather unnecessary weight. Strap mounts? Exactly the same option is available on PD. Man, this is a nicely done Falcam commercial, but it is not a comparison at all. You have a clear goal in your mind to advertise this. It is a good product, but it has not so many benefits, while being longer and heavier, which makes it a worse travel tripod. I can understand as being affiliated you must sell products, but it is not nice that you don’t explain this openly.
PD sacrifice functionality for size & aesthetic. For most people it is more than enough and probably the better choice. They aren't doing too much with a tripod when traveling. It is a lighter duty less serious travel tripod. Anyone else wanting more stability, stiffness, ease of use, and features then Ulanzi Falcam Treeroot improves on all those aspects. It is a heavier duty more serious travel tripod. The criticism he spoke about PD tripod, esp ballhead, is not uncommon and been said by many others. But yes take any of these review/comparison with a grain of salt including the comment section =]
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.
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!
You have a 400mm f2.8 and $200 extra is too much to pay for those features? Like good lenses, I see tripods as long term investments, that you get familiar with, which speeds up your work.
@@chrisbennett5796 because I don't need it. It does not fit my needs. It's a compromise solution. I already had a heavy duty tripod. I needed a more compact solution, which I got in the Zero-Y.
Ive largely been a Manfrotto user and bought the He3 grip for my Leica Q3 which is compatible with the PD items you are describing? The price spread you described is unreal...
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.
First of all, great review and introduction of that tripod, thanks!!! You showed the sturdiness of the legs but this made me wonder how sturdy the TreeRoot (center "pillar") itself is, especially when raised to maximum height. Is it getting wobbly or is it solid even with high loads? (could imagine the quick release comes at a cost) Anyone experience with this?
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 😢
@@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.
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.
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👍
@@drexplordinaire For TRAVEL. Size and Weight matter. If I were lugging very heavy camera equipment with huge zoom lenses, then thie Treeroot Tripod is definitely superior, because at that point, who cares about the extra size and weight.
It would be interesting to see more on small tripod heads, I currently am looking into heads for my Peak Designs travel tripod, I already have the Universal Adapter.
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.
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 👌🏼
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.
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 :-)
I think if they could make this with single twist for each leg I would pull the trigger. It seems like the last little improvement I want, so I will stick to my Coleman f38 for now. Hopefully next year they will implement this. I don’t want to replace a 500 dollar tripod. The new Siuri monopod implemented this design and it seems ideal.
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!
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
Nice comparison of these two tripods! Though I think PD can produce high-quality products, as a landscape photographer I fail to understand how this tripod is so popular because, unless I’m mistaken, there is no way to make a level horizontal pan!! Also, the small leg sections are pretty thin, which I would guess affects the overall stability when extended...So, after some research into a "travel" tripod to supplement my Leofoto LS-365C studio tripod, I found a 3LT Leo 2.0 system, that seems quite robust and stable. It also has an incredible max load capacity of 66 lbs! The AirHed ball head is very smooth and dampened as well. Highly recommended.
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.
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
I noticed that when unlocked there is a small space between the top of the ring and the point if stops when fully closed. I am thinking of painting a small red or neon strip there so I have a visual indicator of when it is open.
Interesting review. I really don't need another tripod owning 7-8 (lost count) currently, from a big video monster to a large Gitzo Systematic and Manfrotto through to many smaller, plus clamps, grips and table pods with half a dozen heads. But I'm tempted by this. The Tree Root looks pretty good. I have previously sold loads of pods - including the original Gitzo Mountaineer. I also passed on Really Right Stuff (sheer cost - even more than Gitzo in EU). I also got 'hands on with the 'Peak Design' at at trade show, but just 30 seconds 'play' convinced me it was a seriously compromised lightweight design and expensive for what it was. PD might work holding a small 2nd/3rd video cam, indoors with no wind, but borderline useless in any 'testing' environment (eg Patagonian wind - PD could likely blow away). I guess I'll only know by physically trying a Falcam TreeRoot, with a view to returning if not suitable. But, seeing your review, I guess I'm going to have to sell one or more of my pods that don't get out much nowadays.
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.
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🙌
@@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.
Thanks for the heads up. ordered mine for $399.20 today. There 9th anniversary countdown timer shows 11 days left and I assume the 20% off anniversary special is good for that long.
Ok David, my wife wants me stop watching your channel because of how much money I spend on the items you highlight! 😂 I just received the f38 Pro tripod, after getting the Ulanzi Coman last year along with a bunch of Falcam stuff, and sadly it came in with a frozen and bent dampening knob - Arrrrrrgh! Makes me wonder if this is not as robust a build as I would have expected based on the other stuff of theirs that I own. Please let us know if you run into any issues with yours down the road.
The TreeRoot looks nice, but it's not in the same weight class as the PD. I think Ulanzi Zero Y is the best in PD look-alikes with its more universal ARCA-style head.
I love the Peak Design Travel Tripod so much!
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.
My thoughts exactly
100%
I was thinking that too. Kind of misleading.
Extremely misleading. He also makes an edit cut at 3:18 to make it look even shorter.
Shared the same feeling. Felt like I was being sold a tripod.
Can the spiked feet be removed? I would like to get this. But I doubt these can be put into the cabin bag for air travels. And if not I would rather get a bigger tripod and put it in the checked bag.
Fair point, question are those spikes removable?
I have a minor gripe about the FALCOM. The legs feel very stiff when opening and closing. Following the instructions to lighten the movement force needed (page 29), I tried the H4 wrenches supplied, and the screws must have been installed by a gorilla because the wrench end just digs into my hand trying to turn it. So, I got a longer wrench for more leverage and wouldn't dig into my hand. However, I put as much pressure on it as I felt comfortable put without damaging anything and they wouldn't budge the slightest. Am I missing something?
Arca compatible plates actually vary in dovetail width. Does the the f38's lever have enough take up to deal with that?
This is hilarious like an 80s infomercial… like you can’t open all the flip latches on the legs of the peak design at once too. 😂
I should have made that portion black and white!
can i get that falcam pro plate mount separately? that’s amazing
They do have that ballhead separately!
God damnit David I don't need another tripod.
Yes Brandon... You do need another tripod 😵💫
🙈looking on websites and I can’t seem to find the tripod that looks exactly like what you are reviewing … help please .. I’d really like the travel f38 pro weighing 3.3 lbs …Amazon has one that comes with carrying case but in description weight seems to be off
There’s a link in the description that takes you straight to it👍
Can we buy the F38 pro head base and put that on the Coman?
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
Sorry, so many features to talk about! Yes, a very good bag comes with it as well👍
@@DavidManningvlog ok cool! thanks
Would you pretty please make a video on the comparison between the Heipi 3in 1 tripod and the Ulanzi zero😊😊😊
Love your vids! Really inspiring and informative. Keep it up!
Thanks Sawyer! I appreciate you watching!!!
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
David I noticed that Ulanzi sells the pro ball head separately. Do you know if it will work with F38 tripod?
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
I shoot wildlife with a long lens, and also video. How does this head compare to a fluid head for panning video? Is there another option? Is there a taller model? (I'm 6'1" and this seems a little short) Thanks, nice review
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)?
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
Great video and thanks for posting this! Hard to come across recs aside from Peak Design nowadays. I like you addressed every main point in your argument. You've got a new sub and even though I can't afford this tripod at the moment I'm keeping it in mind
Is the F38 Pro Ball Head compatible with the Zero F38 Tripod?
What happened to the Insta360 GO 3S follow up video?
Still working on it!
This is pretty good content. Cheers!
Grab & twist & drop? You mean, like Gitzo (if not others) have had for years?
can the ball head and release system from this, be put on the slightly older Ulanzi travel tripod? The TreeRoot is bigger than I want, I prefer the Ulanzi travel tripod - but with the better head.
Thank you for the video. I’ll have to find out where to buy one. Take care.
Hi, Thanks for the great review. I'm not seeing an F38 Pro, just an F38. Can you direct me? Thanks!
You'll find a link down in the description, but they're now calling it the Falcam TreeRoot tripod. Same tripod, just switched up the name a bit!
@@DavidManningvlog Thanks, I found the link.:) I had a PD Carbon Fiber and it fell off a dock and we couldn't retrieve it. I've been looking to replace it. This looks good!
Can you do or have you done a review for tripods under $200?
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!
@@DavidManningvlog hmm, what do you think about this ulanzi tripod: Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo Carbon Fiber Travel Video Tripod?
which one is tallest when setup?
The Falcam is an inch taller, but essentially the same
I purchased the tree root, loved it for photography, but sent it back due to the fact that I may lead to videography. What is your best recommendation for Videograppher that want to use the tree?
FYI, I think you Amazon link is faulty. I am having trouble finding the F38 Pro model on Amazon - is it the Falcam Tree Root model?
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.
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!
@@DavidManningvlog It's also known as "my latest purchase"!
Yes, center column looks soft and unusable to me, as it seems from video. It needs sturdier profile and titanium alloy substance. Also solution that deviding clamp is positioned to center of column wants improve...
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.
Hello. When I saw this review I thought - I thought about this too. Did you manage to do it?
@@ram030594 hey! So I tried and was unsuccessful. Removing the ball head from the F38 Pro is almost impossible without damaging the internal parts (which has small plastic pieces).
I ended up just using the Pro Ballhead with the extra centre piece that came with my F38 tripod (the piece that allows you to use different heads.)
@@dashyFLEX Thanks for the answer. Unfortunately, in this case the height increases significantly. It's a pity that Ulanzi did not make a threaded mount for the ball to the triangular central column. I will have to put up with the inconvenient location of the pan screw
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.
Yep, comes with a bag, but I never use tripod bags🤷♂
what is this slider at 15:57?
Not a slider, just a standard plate to mount multiple cameras next to each other when I'm testing
Though it seems to be great, same problem with the most travel tripods. It is not tall enough. It is 155cm, what means, on the go, when I speak to the lense, the cam can`t be leveled. It`s facing upwards. That is something to avoid. I prefer the togopod PATRICK carbon. 39cm small, 180cm high, 1,5kg. It carries 50kg and 15kg on the head. Amazon sells it for 50 Euros. Can it get better ?
How tall are you? This thing is plenty tall to do face on talking head without the cam tilted up if you're around the 6' mark
Can you do a long term review of the F38 please? How does it behave through time ?
You can drop all 3 peak design legs down and lock the 3 legs at each section at the same time so 4 total locks.
Hi looks great, how does this compare to the Bemro Tortoise? Is it sturdy enough for astro photography? Thanks
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)
Get the TreeRoot, I just ordered it, even though I have the Zero F38.
TreeRoot will be more stable as its 4 legs sections instead of 5.
It is slightly larger and heavier, that makes it more stable.
Unless you are carrying it hiking and need to watch every gram of weight and compactness.
I recommend buy once, cry once.
@@Ontological1000 thanks for the helpful response. I don’t need to watch out for every gram so that is not an issue I just want a compact and light tripod that works well. The buy once cry once is also a idea, because I wanted to by once and keep it for a looong time, not buy a new one every few years. So The treeroot it is. I hope it will work well with a fluidhead 🤞🏻
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
Have you checked out "HEIPI 3-in-1 Travel Tripod - W28"?
Great video! Would you say the fal cam travel tripod is better than the gitzo travel tripod?
Very nice and informative video. One question.. It looks like the bullhead lock (or demper) is loosening when you move it around (at 17.05). What can you tell us about that?
Peak design got lazy. They’ve been rocking that same tripod for years with not many improvements and then the falcam comes along. The engineers found every flaw in the PD tripod and fixed each one…and it’s cheaper.
Does it work with RC2 plates? That's the system I now have.
no, not manfrotto compatible
When i saw the commercial video from peak design i thought its the one i wanna use for 10 years, thank you David for clarifying many things which i could not see :)
Another peak design +. It can go on a plane. Let me know how you do with attached spike feet at the TSA check.
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
PD leg cross-section is trapezoidal, not hexagonal (hex = six-sided)
If you look at one in person, there's for sure six sides to those legs
Congrats on the 400k club David 🤜
Thanks brother! Cheers to the slow climb🙌
Let’s go Yankees!
Wow! Great review! I almost fell for the (_arn) expensive PD tripod!
But, I am a bit confused. Advice, please?
The other tripod you reviewed that I am very much interested in getting for our travels is the one with the Quicklock. Shown on screen at "1.14." on the right with the PD on the left.
I understand it is the Falcam R141K-320P with the F38 pro ball head 320P as an option, right?
Which other option(s) would you recommend for a quick and easy setup using both camera and mobile phone use?
Thank you very much! Keep the great reviews coming!
The best 'pod for you of course depends on your needs (rarely for me--only for some macros and very long exposures), but in my case, the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon can't be beat. It's solid, reasonably light, fits inside my LowePro ProTactic 450AW II pack, and its 90° folding center column is a very useful and unique feature, allowing you to get lower than either of the ones you show and place the camera in virtually any orientation you can imagine (with minimal futzing). Also, its twist-lock system is just as fast to deploy/stow as the one you show. I have a lot of PD stuff, but I knew their 'pod wasn't for me. The F38 Pro seems like a nice enough, well-thought-out unit, but I won't be trading in my Manfrotto for one.
how am I just now finding out about this? This is literally solving my problem of switching my mounting from f38 to arca swiss for my tripod
Nice one - I was about to buy a PD then I watched this, figured it was just a closet sponsored circle-jerk over the Tree Root but I found a load of other videos saying the same thing so I bought one. Arrived today as an early Xmas present to myself 😌
Is its name Falcam TreeRoot Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Travel Tripod rather than what you said?
Yes, unfortunately they changed the name of the tripod to TreeRoot. Sorry for the confusion!
Holy crap. Someone sold me on switching my PD tripod. This tripod has us in mind to a T! Wonder if PD will release a travel tripod 2.0 that either changes the game or adds a bunch of great features like this one 🤔
Super nice and entretaining video! I bought mine second hand for 300€ can't wait to arrive!
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.
I've gone through many different types of tripods that are twist lock because I love the quickness of them...but I've replaced all of them with flip locks. After sand/mud/water/time, anything gets in the locks and you're in for a gritty time. Also, if you ever loosen the locks too much you can loosen the brake system of plastic pieces that sleeve around them, their main point of failure. My last shoot in Kumamoto, Japan I lost a leg to a loose plastic sleeve near a waterfall and swore them off for good.
I might sound sceptical, but I don’t agree with you. Both alternatives to PD are bigger, and it is noticeable. Showing the locking mechanism you went for the longest possible way of operating when showing PD, as the quickest way would locate this other guy far behind. Twist locks do not provide visual indication whether they are open or closed, so this is another disadvantage. Due to fewer sections, the Falcam is longer when folded, but this is the reason why it might feel sturdier. Unfortunately, your way of showing this is so flexible that you can “prove” whatever you want. When it comes to the center column, I agree, Falcon has a smarter design. It is sturdier and the quick release works faster, but the general principle is similar. Unfortunately once again, similar to the “sturdiness” test, here without your extra drama with an Allen key, the difference is not that significant, even if Falcon works quicker. When it comes to ball head, I partially agree. PD has less freedom of movement. But what you are showing with plate locking is another added drama. You can do virtually the same operations for attaching and detaching with PD. Another cool story is about dampening with Falcam, nice, but have you noticed this ring for locking the ball head on PD? It also allows dampening, but way smoother and easier, as it is done with the same control device as locking. You also “forgot” to mention that it is possible to equip PD with any other typical head on the market, for more specific usages. Speaking about mounting extra stuff, yeah, great, but we speak about travel tripods, right? It is not a benefit, but rather unnecessary weight. Strap mounts? Exactly the same option is available on PD. Man, this is a nicely done Falcam commercial, but it is not a comparison at all. You have a clear goal in your mind to advertise this. It is a good product, but it has not so many benefits, while being longer and heavier, which makes it a worse travel tripod. I can understand as being affiliated you must sell products, but it is not nice that you don’t explain this openly.
PD sacrifice functionality for size & aesthetic. For most people it is more than enough and probably the better choice. They aren't doing too much with a tripod when traveling. It is a lighter duty less serious travel tripod.
Anyone else wanting more stability, stiffness, ease of use, and features then Ulanzi Falcam Treeroot improves on all those aspects. It is a heavier duty more serious travel tripod.
The criticism he spoke about PD tripod, esp ballhead, is not uncommon and been said by many others. But yes take any of these review/comparison with a grain of salt including the comment section =]
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.
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!
You have a 400mm f2.8 and $200 extra is too much to pay for those features? Like good lenses, I see tripods as long term investments, that you get familiar with, which speeds up your work.
@@chrisbennett5796 because I don't need it. It does not fit my needs. It's a compromise solution. I already had a heavy duty tripod. I needed a more compact solution, which I got in the Zero-Y.
Took my TreeRoot last month overseas and it’s an amazing tripod. I was able to get it at B&H for $399.
Ive largely been a Manfrotto user and bought the He3 grip for my Leica Q3 which is compatible with the PD items you are describing? The price spread you described is unreal...
i just visited falcam and ulanzi in shenzhen, they are in the same building and they are awesome!
Gahhh! I want to visit out there so badly!
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.
Well boy are you in luck! Because there are o-rings between the legs to protect from sand and dirt ingress!!!
@@DavidManningvlog Nice !!! Tnx - this moved up my 'to buy list'.
First of all, great review and introduction of that tripod, thanks!!!
You showed the sturdiness of the legs but this made me wonder how sturdy the TreeRoot (center "pillar") itself is, especially when raised to maximum height. Is it getting wobbly or is it solid even with high loads? (could imagine the quick release comes at a cost) Anyone experience with this?
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 😢
Mine is clearing customs in NYC now. Looking forward to getting it :) A few more days.
So stoked to hear your thoughts on this thing!
@@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.
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 😂
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.
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👍
what are you talking about? this is way better
@@drexplordinaire For TRAVEL. Size and Weight matter. If I were lugging very heavy camera equipment with huge zoom lenses, then thie Treeroot Tripod is definitely superior, because at that point, who cares about the extra size and weight.
@@edwood1090 i travel.
@@drexplordinaire I travel too.
It would be interesting to see more on small tripod heads, I currently am looking into heads for my Peak Designs travel tripod, I already have the Universal Adapter.
uggh the PD is so much better. Superior design in so many ways
You definitely haven't used both of them!
Great review
I ordered one immediately after watching your entertaining presentation.
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.
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 👌🏼
This does look like the king of the travel tripods. Thanks for sharing.
Falcam doesnt ship to Alaska.... Can you have a little chat with them
Try their Amazon link amzn.to/3XG1ow7
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.
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 :-)
Hahahaa! Eskimos need iced coffee too Paul!🤣
@@DavidManningvlog I can’t argue with that !! :-)
no update for your collab giveaway winner last july 13 2025 with insta360 yt channel no announce
I think if they could make this with single twist for each leg I would pull the trigger. It seems like the last little improvement I want, so I will stick to my Coleman f38 for now. Hopefully next year they will implement this. I don’t want to replace a 500 dollar tripod. The new Siuri monopod implemented this design and it seems ideal.
man this look great but i just got the ulanzi zero f38
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!
f38 one is more travel friendly and still great
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
Nice comparison of these two tripods! Though I think PD can produce high-quality products, as a landscape photographer I fail to understand how this tripod is so popular because, unless I’m mistaken, there is no way to make a level horizontal pan!! Also, the small leg sections are pretty thin, which I would guess affects the overall stability when extended...So, after some research into a "travel" tripod to supplement my Leofoto LS-365C studio tripod, I found a 3LT Leo 2.0 system, that seems quite robust and stable. It also has an incredible max load capacity of 66 lbs! The AirHed ball head is very smooth and dampened as well. Highly recommended.
18:07 had my heart racing cuz of that camera bump
i have almost no complaints about this tripod.
This is a hard one to find complaints about!
NICE!
Looks impressive! I’ll have to look at one! Thanks
Great review!
The Pro does indeed look like the cooler cousin but weight and length is very important to me so the smaller and lighter Ulanzi still wins in my book!
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.
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
I noticed that when unlocked there is a small space between the top of the ring and the point if stops when fully closed. I am thinking of painting a small red or neon strip there so I have a visual indicator of when it is open.
Interesting review. I really don't need another tripod owning 7-8 (lost count) currently, from a big video monster to a large Gitzo Systematic and Manfrotto through to many smaller, plus clamps, grips and table pods with half a dozen heads. But I'm tempted by this. The Tree Root looks pretty good.
I have previously sold loads of pods - including the original Gitzo Mountaineer. I also passed on Really Right Stuff (sheer cost - even more than Gitzo in EU). I also got 'hands on with the 'Peak Design' at at trade show, but just 30 seconds 'play' convinced me it was a seriously compromised lightweight design and expensive for what it was. PD might work holding a small 2nd/3rd video cam, indoors with no wind, but borderline useless in any 'testing' environment (eg Patagonian wind - PD could likely blow away).
I guess I'll only know by physically trying a Falcam TreeRoot, with a view to returning if not suitable. But, seeing your review, I guess I'm going to have to sell one or more of my pods that don't get out much nowadays.
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.
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🙌
@@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.
I mean... the F38 pro is so much bigger lol
Ulanzi is having a 9th anniversary sale so the F38 Pro is $399 today. Get one now - seems like a great product for a great deal!
Thanks for the heads up. ordered mine for $399.20 today. There 9th anniversary countdown timer shows 11 days left and I assume the 20% off anniversary special is good for that long.
no love for the HEIPI ?
You should’ve compared the Treeroot vs. the F38, not vs. the PD.
Well, I know my black Friday purchase lol
Ok David, my wife wants me stop watching your channel because of how much money I spend on the items you highlight! 😂 I just received the f38 Pro tripod, after getting the Ulanzi Coman last year along with a bunch of Falcam stuff, and sadly it came in with a frozen and bent dampening knob - Arrrrrrgh! Makes me wonder if this is not as robust a build as I would have expected based on the other stuff of theirs that I own. Please let us know if you run into any issues with yours down the road.
The TreeRoot looks nice, but it's not in the same weight class as the PD. I think Ulanzi Zero Y is the best in PD look-alikes with its more universal ARCA-style head.