Review: ULANZI EH12 Mini Fluid Head with F38 Quick Release $70

Amazon Affiliate Link: amzn.to/42PmkS9
Price as reviewed: $70
ULANZI F38 Video Fluid Head for Camera Tripod - EH12 Mini Pan Tilt Head Small Panoramic Ball Head with F38 Quick Release Plate Lightweight Filming Equipment for Compact Camera Load up to 6.6lb/3kg
This is a small compact fluid head with a 6.6lb max load that mounts on a 1/4-20 (with included bushing) or 3/8-16 tripod. It includes a ball leveler on the base with a small bubble level so you can level the head independently of the tripod. The Pan and Tilt motions have independent locks which can be used to add friction to their motion or lock them entirely.
I was very impressed with the build quality and material fit and finish of the fluid head, and especially appreciate the built in magnetically secured Allen/Hex wrench to torque down the 1/4-20 bolt in the quick release plate. The QR plate latches in place easily, and you can pull and rotate the release button to lock it to prevent inadvertent release.
The motion of the head was very smooth and I was able to follow targets easily with a 400mm lens. Any shakiness was due to the operator, not the fluid head.
This is the first fluid head that I've used that didn't come pre-packaged with a tripod, so I don't know how the price compares to other options, but the quality was very good.

[@brianknight7208]

Thanks for the review. Going to pick this one up as it's now on sale.

[@summetj]

I've been happy with it, using it for a 60mm refractor telescope body.

[@auomi8762]

Great video! Is this compatible with the new tree root travel photography tripod?

[@summetj]

Yes, if you purchased the tree root without the ball head (or removed the ball head) it can screw onto the top of it. Depending upon angle you may need to reverse the handle to get full clearance for astronomy type usage where you are pointing things very near the zenith.

[@auomi8762]

@@summetj thank you! May have to order this

[@MARSimagination]

Is this compatible with Ulanzi video go tt09 tripod?

[@summetj]

@@MARSimagination Almost all tripods have either a 1/4-20 or 3/8 mounting stud. This video fluid head is compatible with either (it includes a 3/8 to 1/4 bushing, or it screws directly onto a 3/8 stud). You will need to confirm with Ulanzi that it uses one of those two industry standard studs....but I've never found a tripod with a removable head that doesn't.

[@brad_neal]

Looks like a pretty nice rig for $70.

[@summetj]

Yah, I'm a fan