It appears the the ulanzi unit I may have received was a defect. So everything holds up that I say, and if this is the case for me it seems like a pretty good value tripod especially for the price compared to the peak design. However if you still like the peak design there is the aluminum version for about the cost of the ulanzi. Hope this helps!
I bought 2 Ulanzi tripods. Both had the same issue. Then Ulanzi sent me a replacement part. Still the same issue. So for me it is a design error. Ulanzi even wrote me that they are aware of this issue. Therefore they will bring a new tripod on the market in April/May. I bought the peak design in the meantime. It’s hands down the better tripod. The ulanzi really needs more work. It feels less stable, and the clamping of the Center column and Ball head has to be improved.
@@kaihessling5168 glad to hear it's not just me then. Well that's good to know, it's good that they're listening. I completely agree with you there, on paper the ulanzi seemed to be a better from a value proposition, but fell short in the field and actually using it. I guess it's good for competition though.
It's not the use of the leg locks that makes them get looser, it's not a wear related change (normally), it's the plastic slowly, irreversibly stretching over TIME UNDER TENSION. If you store the tripods with the latches open, the plastic will retain its size and therefore its tension much, much longer. This is true for almost all plastics and definitely all plastics that are used on consumer items like tripods.
I've seen so many videos about these comparisons and this is by far the best one ever!! and I haven't even finished it yet this should be put on product pages or on a buyer's youtube homepage because it's just so good and helpful amazing channel subbed and I liked the video
Well, I have seen other comparisons where the Peak Design travel tripod had a bad result vs Gitzo's Traveler S2 in stability and usability! This was a Swiss Pro photographer who then worked at Kropf Multimedia. This comparison was awsome in the Swiss mountains! Therefore I wouldn't even trust the PD travel tripod (neither aluminum nor carbon). Hudson Henry presented his ultralight tripod (Leofoto LS-255CEX) which seems also superior to the hyped Peak Design travel tripod. That's why I'm very sceptical about those "so called" travel tripods!
I own both of those travel tripods. After trying Ulanzi F38 for half year I decided to go back to peak design tripod . Regardless so many comparing videos on YT, I am feeling Ulanzi doesn't give confident on stability when I shooting on windy conditions. I found this is because the distance between each lags for Ulanzi F38 are 80 cm. The peak design tripod has it leg distance of 100 cm. it means peak design tripod can open much wider and give more stability when it is fully opened.
Good info. Slow and steady with the "TV Speech" though, only because you are actually good AND you have a good TV Face 🙂, but we want to understand the words. Only love. OH. You were right!! I just now bought the F38 version. Great advice!!
Superb review! Thorough, detailed. I love the fact that you demonstrated how they would perform in the field. I’m looking to upgrade my Manfrotto tripod and the wobbly extended center column is exactly the reason why. I guess I need to save a bit more and gey the PD. Thanks 👍
Very good comparison. Once a tripod was the first gear a photographer had to invest in, but today with all these stabilisations in both the camera and the lens, tripods are needed in only a few situations. I'm not a big fan of tripods, in general because I feel, they're limiting my creativity. I often see other photographers keeping the same height when shooting landscape, while I'm switching around. Anyway, keep on rolling!
Thanks Kade, i was about to buy a zero y and then you showed me the wobble on the centre piece. If i want to take a long exposure in portrait mode, i will have to extend the centre to orient the ball head. It will wobble in the wind, making bad photos. If i can't take good long exposure photos, there's little reason to buy the tripod.
I bought the F38 model and the center column is very stable with absolutely no shake. You do need to tighten the default column as it is connected into 2 separate parts. Maybe that's what caused the shake. For half the price and better feature than PD, this is a no brainer. PD is super overpriced.
Excellent review, Kade! From the reviews I've watched, you were the only one to bring this stability test. Way to go! Regarding the ball features, Ulanzi came up with a new one, with a quick release plate, the F38. I bought my Ulanzi a couple days ago. Let's see how it'll be with the clamp Center column, though.
Thanks, yeah I noticed that as well and was in a position to add value there as I saw no one else did it. So I thought it would be helpful and I'm glad that it is. As you may have seen others in the comments here it seems to be a normal problem but if you experience something different feel free to share to help out others!
Yes, excellent review; that answered a lot of my questions. Let us know about the F38 and if that fixes the stability issues; I'm looking at that, too. Thanks!
Amazing comparison, very thorough, Love it! I am in process of debating this and I think I am leaning toward quality, but still that price tag is tough to swallow.
Perhaps look up Hudson Henry's recommendation for a featherlight tripod: Leofoto LS-255CEX as an alternative to the Peak Design travel tripod carbon (yes the aluminum version might be cheaper but less stable)! The videos by Hudson Henry about his three tripods were very convincing IMHO.
IMHO, Hudson Henry is more convincing with his videos about his three tripods (especially his featherwight tripod: Leofoto LS-255CEX). Hudson uses it with an Acratech ballhead. I plan to use it with a Novoflex Panorama Plate. (I'm really not sure whether I should use it with any ballhead or videohead at all becaus pf the additional weight to it.) For travelling this could be fine.
Bought the PD some time ago, shame this wasnt about when i bought it originally, however PD size and weight and use since i got it helped me a lot. I carry it without feeling it on the bag, when i fly nobody says anything as its so small and light in its own tiny bag.
Regarding the loose center column on the Ulanzi discussed at 15:58 , I saw mentioned elsewhere that the center column is actually two pieces which can be separated to allow the tripod to get close to the ground. This is done by loosening a hex screw, with the included tool, located in a hole in the ball head which can be found by turning the head to the vertical shooting position. Apparently, this screw can loosen with use and will need to be tightened occasionally. I wonder if this is the issue you observed and whether tightening the screw will resolve. Can you check? BTW - great review - thanks!
Thanks, I no longer have it as I retuned the item. I think I know what you mean though as the peak design has something similar. In my case for the ulanzi, however, the whole column moved, and I tightened everything down so who knows.
There must be a fault with the Ulanzi tripod, it cannot be right that there should be so much play in the center column. Really good and thorough review of the two racks.
I'm thinking as well. It's the only one I had to review though, so this was my experience. All of that aside, the ulanzi seems pretty good except for the minor gripes I had in the video.
Weird, I don’t have that issue with the center column, it’s as stable as the PD. What i do hate about the PD and the Ulanzi is the ballhead, both are designed to be small/compact and thats the problem. It makes it hard to use and just not that great experience in the field. On both the tripods the ballhead needs to be replaced with an design we all know and only that makes it useable.
Ok that's good to know. Seems like a few people have gotten unlucky then like me. I get you there, I use it in the field more as a set it and forget it so no panning or anything I'd I've found it works great for that. Especially because of the size. But yeah it can be a pain. One thing about the peak design I didn't mention is they have a swappable head so you can put your own fluid head on. Which sounds good but it's an added cost on top of the tripod and specific mount.
It only wobbles when you move it back and forth with your hands. It doesn't wobble with the camera just sitting there, unless you move it with your hands. It's not like it's wobbling back and forth while you're trying to take a picture.
I remember one of my first junk tripods that I had to use the timer and the mirror lock up to have any chance of the camera staying steady for long exposures. Any wind and I would just give up.
Smallrig AP-02. Holds 17.6 lbs. weighs 2.54 lbs, 62.6 inches tall, $139.00 US. Who would ever try to put 36 lbs on a "travel" tripod. Who has camera and lens that weighs that much?
dang, I just bought the Ulanzi but that center column wobble might not be good for me. Ugh. I also have a long lens 60-600 that is 5.5 lbs and was hoping to use this with it.
I owned original Linhof and Gitzo, not made by Manfrotto. They are the only tripods offering high quality for serious photographers. Carbon fiber is gimmicky. Linhof is very light weight but sturdy.
Yeah, they sell a head attachment so you can put on your own tripod fluid heads. the center columns may not fit as they're made for the tripod so the likelihood of them working is slim and if you have both I'm not sure why you would want to do that anyway.
LOL you stated the reason you stuck with your Peak Design tripod b/c if was reliable. Well, how about the fact that you can't send it back at this point? I'm sure it's reliable, but you're not just going to throw is away b/c a cheaper option is available. IJS
Thanks for the input. Yes, that is true but I could sell it on ebay like I've done with previous gear in the past to recoup costs and even pay for the ulanzi if it was reliable..
How the heck does anyone understand what you are saying. I honestly thought I had high speed on and messed about trying to slow down the audio. Yabbadabbayaddadabba.
It appears the the ulanzi unit I may have received was a defect. So everything holds up that I say, and if this is the case for me it seems like a pretty good value tripod especially for the price compared to the peak design. However if you still like the peak design there is the aluminum version for about the cost of the ulanzi. Hope this helps!
I bought 2 Ulanzi tripods. Both had the same issue. Then Ulanzi sent me a replacement part. Still the same issue. So for me it is a design error.
Ulanzi even wrote me that they are aware of this issue. Therefore they will bring a new tripod on the market in April/May.
I bought the peak design in the meantime. It’s hands down the better tripod. The ulanzi really needs more work. It feels less stable, and the clamping of the Center column and Ball head has to be improved.
@@kaihessling5168 glad to hear it's not just me then. Well that's good to know, it's good that they're listening.
I completely agree with you there, on paper the ulanzi seemed to be a better from a value proposition, but fell short in the field and actually using it. I guess it's good for competition though.
@@kaihessling5168 They had to fixed the problem eventually. My tripod and its central column hold the camery very tightly.
I subscribed, you do too, Bro
It's not the use of the leg locks that makes them get looser, it's not a wear related change (normally), it's the plastic slowly, irreversibly stretching over TIME UNDER TENSION. If you store the tripods with the latches open, the plastic will retain its size and therefore its tension much, much longer. This is true for almost all plastics and definitely all plastics that are used on consumer items like tripods.
I've seen so many videos about these comparisons and this is by far the best one ever!!
and I haven't even finished it yet
this should be put on product pages or on a buyer's youtube homepage because it's just so good and helpful
amazing channel
subbed
and I liked the video
Well, I have seen other comparisons where the Peak Design travel tripod had a bad result vs Gitzo's Traveler S2 in stability and usability! This was a Swiss Pro photographer who then worked at Kropf Multimedia. This comparison was awsome in the Swiss mountains! Therefore I wouldn't even trust the PD travel tripod (neither aluminum nor carbon).
Hudson Henry presented his ultralight tripod (Leofoto LS-255CEX) which seems also superior to the hyped Peak Design travel tripod. That's why I'm very sceptical about those "so called" travel tripods!
I own both of those travel tripods. After trying Ulanzi F38 for half year I decided to go back to peak design tripod . Regardless so many comparing videos on YT, I am feeling Ulanzi doesn't give confident on stability when I shooting on windy conditions. I found this is because the distance between each lags for Ulanzi F38 are 80 cm. The peak design tripod has it leg distance of 100 cm. it means peak design tripod can open much wider and give more stability when it is fully opened.
Good info. Slow and steady with the "TV Speech" though, only because you are actually good AND you have a good TV Face 🙂, but we want to understand the words. Only love. OH. You were right!! I just now bought the F38 version. Great advice!!
Superb review! Thorough, detailed. I love the fact that you demonstrated how they would perform in the field. I’m looking to upgrade my Manfrotto tripod and the wobbly extended center column is exactly the reason why.
I guess I need to save a bit more and gey the PD.
Thanks 👍
Very good comparison. Once a tripod was the first gear a photographer had to invest in, but today with all these stabilisations in both the camera and the lens, tripods are needed in only a few situations. I'm not a big fan of tripods, in general because I feel, they're limiting my creativity. I often see other photographers keeping the same height when shooting landscape, while I'm switching around. Anyway, keep on rolling!
Thanks Kade, i was about to buy a zero y and then you showed me the wobble on the centre piece. If i want to take a long exposure in portrait mode, i will have to extend the centre to orient the ball head. It will wobble in the wind, making bad photos. If i can't take good long exposure photos, there's little reason to buy the tripod.
I bought the F38 model and the center column is very stable with absolutely no shake. You do need to tighten the default column as it is connected into 2 separate parts. Maybe that's what caused the shake. For half the price and better feature than PD, this is a no brainer. PD is super overpriced.
Excellent review, Kade! From the reviews I've watched, you were the only one to bring this stability test. Way to go!
Regarding the ball features, Ulanzi came up with a new one, with a quick release plate, the F38.
I bought my Ulanzi a couple days ago. Let's see how it'll be with the clamp Center column, though.
Thanks, yeah I noticed that as well and was in a position to add value there as I saw no one else did it. So I thought it would be helpful and I'm glad that it is. As you may have seen others in the comments here it seems to be a normal problem but if you experience something different feel free to share to help out others!
Yes, excellent review; that answered a lot of my questions. Let us know about the F38 and if that fixes the stability issues; I'm looking at that, too. Thanks!
How do you like it so far?
Amazing comparison, very thorough, Love it! I am in process of debating this and I think I am leaning toward quality, but still that price tag is tough to swallow.
Perhaps look up Hudson Henry's recommendation for a featherlight tripod: Leofoto LS-255CEX as an alternative to the Peak Design travel tripod carbon (yes the aluminum version might be cheaper but less stable)! The videos by Hudson Henry about his three tripods were very convincing IMHO.
Thanks for this detailed review. This confirms that they both have too many compromises for my taste so I'm not going to buy either.
IMHO, Hudson Henry is more convincing with his videos about his three tripods (especially his featherwight tripod: Leofoto LS-255CEX). Hudson uses it with an Acratech ballhead. I plan to use it with a Novoflex Panorama Plate. (I'm really not sure whether I should use it with any ballhead or videohead at all becaus pf the additional weight to it.) For travelling this could be fine.
I have the Ulanzi Coman tripod. You have to make sure you push the lever in tight and it won't shake.
Bought the PD some time ago, shame this wasnt about when i bought it originally, however PD size and weight and use since i got it helped me a lot. I carry it without feeling it on the bag, when i fly nobody says anything as its so small and light in its own tiny bag.
It would be awesome if the PD base would fit on it.
Really great video, Kade!
Regarding the loose center column on the Ulanzi discussed at 15:58 , I saw mentioned elsewhere that the center column is actually two pieces which can be separated to allow the tripod to get close to the ground. This is done by loosening a hex screw, with the included tool, located in a hole in the ball head which can be found by turning the head to the vertical shooting position.
Apparently, this screw can loosen with use and will need to be tightened occasionally. I wonder if this is the issue you observed and whether tightening the screw will resolve.
Can you check?
BTW - great review - thanks!
Thanks, I no longer have it as I retuned the item. I think I know what you mean though as the peak design has something similar. In my case for the ulanzi, however, the whole column moved, and I tightened everything down so who knows.
this is exactly the information i was looking for. thank you!
Man. Great review. You earned a new sub.
Good review and advice man!
There must be a fault with the Ulanzi tripod, it cannot be right that there should be so much play in the center column.
Really good and thorough review of the two racks.
I'm thinking as well. It's the only one I had to review though, so this was my experience. All of that aside, the ulanzi seems pretty good except for the minor gripes I had in the video.
Solid comparison my guy, thank you!
Weird, I don’t have that issue with the center column, it’s as stable as the PD. What i do hate about the PD and the Ulanzi is the ballhead, both are designed to be small/compact and thats the problem. It makes it hard to use and just not that great experience in the field. On both the tripods the ballhead needs to be replaced with an design we all know and only that makes it useable.
Ok that's good to know. Seems like a few people have gotten unlucky then like me.
I get you there, I use it in the field more as a set it and forget it so no panning or anything I'd I've found it works great for that. Especially because of the size. But yeah it can be a pain. One thing about the peak design I didn't mention is they have a swappable head so you can put your own fluid head on. Which sounds good but it's an added cost on top of the tripod and specific mount.
Now check out the new Heipi 3-in-one travel tripod. It rocks.
What’s the name of that wireless microphone you’re using? Sound quality is great
This video is awesome, thanks man!
It only wobbles when you move it back and forth with your hands. It doesn't wobble with the camera just sitting there, unless you move it with your hands. It's not like it's wobbling back and forth while you're trying to take a picture.
I remember one of my first junk tripods that I had to use the timer and the mirror lock up to have any chance of the camera staying steady for long exposures. Any wind and I would just give up.
i beg to differ, i do long exposure in high altitudes and the wind gusts up here are real so it matters a lot to me personally.
Smallrig AP-02. Holds 17.6 lbs. weighs 2.54 lbs, 62.6 inches tall, $139.00 US. Who would ever try to put 36 lbs on a "travel" tripod. Who has camera and lens that weighs that much?
Which model is the backpack..??
dang, I just bought the Ulanzi but that center column wobble might not be good for me. Ugh. I also have a long lens 60-600 that is 5.5 lbs and was hoping to use this with it.
I owned original Linhof and Gitzo, not made by Manfrotto. They are the only tripods offering high quality for serious photographers. Carbon fiber is gimmicky. Linhof is very light weight but sturdy.
Can a different head can be used on the PD? And can the center columns be swapped between the two of them ?
Yeah, they sell a head attachment so you can put on your own tripod fluid heads.
the center columns may not fit as they're made for the tripod so the likelihood of them working is slim and if you have both I'm not sure why you would want to do that anyway.
Hello, good job. Don't you thing this Ulanzi gear could be défective ?
Hey, thanks. I suppose it may have been. I'm pretty sure I checked every screw though, but i may have missed something there.
Bought a CF for $129.
LOL you stated the reason you stuck with your Peak Design tripod b/c if was reliable. Well, how about the fact that you can't send it back at this point? I'm sure it's reliable, but you're not just going to throw is away b/c a cheaper option is available. IJS
Thanks for the input. Yes, that is true but I could sell it on ebay like I've done with previous gear in the past to recoup costs and even pay for the ulanzi if it was reliable..
HEIPI Travel Tripod beats both of these with one leg tied behind it's back.
It looks interesting, but it wasn't out when this review was filmed.
Awesome video, great lighting, great presentation and demonstration. Thanks for uploading. Let's do a collaboration video!
My friends recommend not to touch ulanzi, few customers don’t like it
It's still too expensive for beginners. It's almost 35000 Indian rupees whereas you can get a decent tripod for 5000-10000 Indian rupees.
How the heck does anyone understand what you are saying. I honestly thought I had high speed on and messed about trying to slow down the audio. Yabbadabbayaddadabba.
Im trying to watch the video but you speak too quickly 😢 i can't really make out what you say
liar!