Black Friday Sales are everywhere, but one I highly recommend is Ulanzi. This link will take you through to some amazing deals: geni.us/BpnzFp Will you be getting one? Why or why not? I’d love to hear.
For everyone who thinks this thing is engineered anywhere close to Peak Design is out of their minds! The Peak Design tripod is on a completely different level. I have been using the Peak Design tripod since the day it was introduced in all conditions and locations. Have used it with 10lb lens and camera combo consistently. No slop, complete stability and reliability. I had some issues with the ballhead finally slipping after 2.5 years of heavy use (I don't baby this thing). After speaking to their support staff (real people!) the shipped me out a new head no problems. If you want a panoromic head - just buy a pano clamp for $30 dollars from B&H. The Peak design comes with a **lifetime** warranty. The Ulanzi has a 1 year warranty. That should tell you everything. Design, engineering, and support costs money. When you add in the construction quality, **lifetime** warranty, the awesome support Peak Design provides - the $300 price difference is a no brainer. Not saying this is a bad product, just please, don't do an over simplified comparison without taking in and understanding the full aspect of the Peak Design product in relation to this. The usage, longevity company support and reliability of Peak Design has to be taken into account. Feature list comparison doesn't tell the whole story. I have been using the PD tripod for years now and for what I have put it though, I doubt this Ulanzi tripod would last through it. I know I sound like a Peak Design fan boy - but they are far superior than this tripod. But I get it, $300 dollars is a lot to pay upfront, but quality costs money.
Some really great insights there. Thanks for sharing mate. A question for you, what makes you sure that PD have engineered it extremely well and that Ulanzi and Coman haven’t? I find myself wanting to be convinced but wanted to explore the facts behind this. Cheers.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography my thoughts: - the apex of the tripod is much more rigid. In both tensile and torsion strength. You can test this by seeing how much the center column twists and wobbles when you extend the column maximum length with the tripod as legs wide as it would go. Go ahead check it out. - The apex is the part that will absorb most of the flex and shocks of the tripod transmission. It is not only what the apex is made of, but also how it is shaped and constructed. PD's extrusion process is much more time consuming and the tolerances are much higher - The Apex is made of aluminum not plastic - The shape of the tripod legs are non uniform. It is much easier to make a round tripod leg then the complex shape of the peak design - The leg locks design is more sophisticated with higher tolerances. The entire assembly is user serviceable with the included hex tool. - The center column is aluminum, not plastic as you state in your review - Fit and finish is much better on the PD (subjective maybe but I will bet on that)- - Their staff in vietnam and china get living wages and share in the profits - PD is built to a function not to a price point - the entire tripod is serviceable in the field with the included hex tool - Finally you get a life time warranty and support from peak design - I can attest to the excellent support and warranty service See journal.peakdesign.com/sticker-shock Given these there are a few things that the design can be improved with, and it has to do primarily with ballhead - re design so that it is easier to place the ball head in any direction - have a tactile feel on the locking switch so you know which side you are pushing without have to look - include a panning ring - redesign the lip mechanism so that when you press the release lever, the camera does not pop out - and provide divits in the head so that screws on camera plate can bit into it to provide anti-slip protection on the tripod head Weather these items are worth the extra price to you is a personal judgement. But you cannot say that the Ulanzi + Coleman tripod has a better or even the same build as the Peak Design tripod. Lets try and keep the comparisons in perspective here. In the end, its always good to have competition, it keeps everyone on their toes. For me, I have yet to find anything that beats the Peak Design.
I like peak design as much as the next guy and I own most of their camera accessories but you need to accept the fact that the new ulanzi has quite a few major benefits. Lighter weight at half the price. Nobody wants the aluminum one. And I own the peak design in carbon fiber. That ball head design is terrible. Especially for me considering I shoot vertical 90%
@@SneakyCaleb As I stated, the ballhead design needs to be improved - to me that is the only downside. Agree its cheaper and lighter. My contention is with the statement that the Ulanzi is "just as well built for $300 dollars less". If it meets your needs thats great! for the reasons stated above, the Peak Design is built much better. As for the ball head, agree the Peak Design ball head is not the best desgin - could be improved. Here is to hoping that they are working on it!
@@vparikh08 you are making assumptions that may have some small truth to them. Overall you would need to own both and try both. I agree the leg design would be ever so slightly sturdier in practice as I’m an engineer. But I think it may be less noticeable than you’d expect. The ball head is a major issue with me on the peak design because I shoot vertical often and hate L brackets. Sure I could get a different head on the PD but I rather just sell it as this model does it perfect. It’s ok to say both have their pluses and minuses. Overall I along with most would argue the 300$ price point and the overall design is badass.
I think Peak design will not survive anymore. RUclipsrs are absolutely destroying it indirectly. Love the video and Yes You sold it! will order next week ❤️
I have the Peak Design (since it was launched) and received my Ulanzi+Coman a few days ago. I'll be selling the PD. I do like the feel of the PD in my hands when it is folded due to the different shapes of the legs. But it definitely does feel like that shape effects the stability of the lowest leg section more than the traditional round shape of the Ulanzi. And I much, much prefer the "ball head" system on the Ulanzi over the PD. Some might think the idea of just one knob to control every direction the bullhead turns (on the PD) but I really like separating the pano control from the rest so that once I get it level I can easily swing the camera on that plane.
I too have the PD (was a backer) and have used it for 3 years. Considering it was the first of the latest round of travel tripods that came out, I expected others would make improvements over it. I still love it, but I've backed and should be getting the HEIPI that is due Q1 2023. IMHO, I think it looks even better than this Ulanzi and if it pans out, I will be selling my PD. It has an integrated secondary tripod, easily swappable head, better head design with pano click stops, several 1/4-20 mounting holes strategically placed on the leg sections, etc.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography RUclips will not permit me to give a link... so head to kickstarter and search for the Heipi project. Unfortunately, the project just closed the other day.
I've watched more reviews of this tripod than I care to comment on. You were the only one that showed the shaft length adjustment. Great job with this!
I ordered and received the PD aluminum version before I saw this video last week. I could not justify the extremely high cost of the carbon fiber version. It arrived in a tattered cardboard box with barely any bubble wrap. The PD tripod is super heavy! There's no way I'm hiking with that thing on my back! I'm returning it today. The Ulanzi tripod arrived yesterday. It is so light and way less expensive! I shoot mostly on my iPhone and occasionally on my Sony a6500. I think it will perform well beyond my expectations. The free phone mount was a nice touch as well! Thanks so much for this review!
looks awesome. I’ve always liked the peak design tripod, but their price point was utterly ridiculous. The over priced photography gear equivalent of Apple’s, “Apple Tax”. Seriously thinking of getting this one.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Thanks! I’ll use your link when I grab it. Probs late next month. Gotta budget n crap. lol Still trying to upload my old gear to eBay. Stuff is just sitting around depreciating.
@@user-iq7en1lg3i you mean PD offer the warranty? They do but it has conditions 🤷🏼♂️ I’ve never experienced apple offering a post one year warranty :(
I ordered one exactly one day before you posted this video. It should arrive within days.Thanks for a great review. I'm looking forward to getting the Ulanzi even more now. And, I just subscribed and am looking forward to your other videos. Thanks!
7:20 You right about the backpack placing, thank you for telling this, but very important note is using spikes on nature - always, as being digged few sm eleminates the wind problem, while even backpack may not help on grass and fallen leaves if there is no spikes. The tripod looks fantastic! I'd call it "everyday" tripod.
Just received my zero Y yesterday. ....bad news....the center column is rocking side to side even when it is fully locked. You guys experienced the same problem?
No. Mine is really quite secure. I’ve a vid coming out on Monday where I demonstrate it. That’ll give you a marker for what’s normal. Have you contacted Ulanzi?
Mine center column moves side to side. It's obviously a tolerance problem between the center column and the plastic holder. The problem is more evident moving the center column left to right with the lock lever in front of you. How did they solved your problem?
Can't wait to hear about the ratcheting leg connectors failing. Listening to them as you opened and collapsed them was telling. So many other things on this tripod scream lower quality and lesser design than on the PD. Those are the things you pay for in a high end tripod. But the price is half, so as long as these lower quality parts don't fail (such as the significantly thinner legs) I guess it's good if you don't want to spend the premium on the PD product.
@@Noah_Zion I don't think Ulanzi sell it, I think it's only available through Coman and it's a short tripod, not a twist leg lock one. That's what I found from my research, anyway.
I was impressed up till you said bracket for centre column was plastic. I have the PD carbon and I agree its sinfully overpriced but it is a very useable, light and versatile tripod which handles cold weather(-20 and deeper) very well. Packability was the main reason I ended up with the PD and it has worked well. This one looks like a good competitor to PD but that plastic scares me especially at its price point which kinda surprised me. Cheers.
Thanks for the comment mate. I just looked at my carbon fibre PD and it has more plastic in it than this one, including a plastic centre column bracket 🤷🏼♂️ guess plastic will work too 👍
@@RalphMayhewPhotography I might be misinterpreting your video. When you point into the area where the plastic is are you pointing at all that black? which I take to mean is structural. If you took all the plastic from both tripod which one would work better? I'm looking forward to you comparing the two.
Does it have a bubble level (for the tripod, not the bullhead) for panorama? If it doesn't is there a way to screw one between the tripod and the bullhead?
The bubble level is on top of the ball head plate which is also the panorama function. There’s also a ¼ thread at the top of the tripod but I’m not sure it’s help in leveling the tripod.
I bought one of these . it took an age to come from China about 3 weeks I think. it has a cheaply made feel to it that the peak design one does not. I like the design but I think it will take some tweaking and setting up before all the locks and catches work nicely. I'm yet to use it in anger but you definatly get what you pay for. peak designs tripod is definitely more refined and feels more expensive. a decent head on the peak design tripod may be a better bet but I feel I should spend more time with the ulanzi first
Interesting. I’ve got and used both as well. Id lean toward the Ulanzi. IMO it doesn’t feel cheaper than the PD. The legs design is a different shape but bottle feel of the same quality. The PD head frustrates me no end though.
Sorry to hear that. Check this video as I think it’s the one where I put my gear on it Ulanzi Coman Zero Y Vs Peak Design Travel Tripod ruclips.net/video/K8GfNcCBVXM/видео.html
Do you need to add a "video Head" to it to be able to use it for normal video shooting requiring tilts and pans ? otis it more of a dedicated photo tripod ?
"So many features..." - list them please. The legs and ballhead are completely different from PD. It's a tripod - it has to have 3 legs and a ball-head/ head. What do you think it has copied from PD?
Hi Ralph: great video thanks! I'm definitely planning to buy this guy! I wonder how big is the ballhead... May you ke so kind to measure it with a caliper and report it here?
Hi, I was quite sure I've answered, but I cannot find my... The measure I need is the diameter of the aluminium sphere attached to the stem (the inner ball if you understand me)... Thank you for you valuable work here on youtube 🙂
I read a couple reviews on the DP Review forums from new owners who have said that the center column never really locks down. They seem to be referring to side to side movement rather than up-and-down. Have you noticed this?
I think on some models if you completely extend the centre column and use a very heavy camera or apply force then there is movement in the centre column of the Zero Y, just like on the PD travel tripod.
@@Pomp92 Thanks. This is the one thing that has kept me from ordering it. I'd be willing to give it a shot if I didn't have to ship it back to China. I wish Amazon would stock it.
Hey Ralph, thanks for the review. I see you're a Nikon shooter. What's the largest body/lens combo you'd comfortably use from your kit with this tripod? Thanks :)
@@David_Glazebrook Yep, with my 150-600 if I want to shoot portrait, I would twist the lens in it's holder (which would remain in a vertical position) I reckon if you tried to tilt the entire thing to a portrait position, you may struggle on occasion, but it certainly can handle my heavy rig even to 35 degrees.
Hi David. Yesterday I put the Z9 in a cage with the Tamron 150-600 and the ball head held it at every angle (including portrait/vertical) without any fear of the whole thing toppling over (the centre column was only patricianly extended). So it can take a large payload with confidence. That set up must be close to 4kg. I thought you’d like to know.
I'm Noel from the Philippines, interested and would like to buy this tripod in lieu of a peak design. How could i buy this thing? Please help me. Thank you.
It makes me nervous to buy one because of its return policy and warranty and even if you want to return it and did return it they might not give ur money back and because it’s not sold in the us
That’s fair enough. You could email them and ask for their return policy. In my experience they’ve been extremely accomodating and understanding on products I wanted to return and others that were faulty. 🤷🏼♂️
@@RalphMayhewPhotography There are no active sales links here and from experience, the cost of shipping would be horrific. Maybe in the future there may be a UK distributor.
Great tripod, sadly the counter weight tool will unscrew itself or back out and get lost, i lost mine and i doubt they sell it by itself, i have looked ALL over their site. Put some THREADLOCK on yours or you will eventually lose it when you least expect it. Mine is somewhere on the beach in the sand. I am hoping they will start to sell REPLACEMENT PARTS.
This looks really nice. Only two problems with every travel tripod I ever see (for my purposes) 1) they always use a center column for extra height, and these are inherently less stable / more shaky, and 2) they always seem to use 5 section (4 locks) per leg, to get the contracted length down. Probably fine for most folks, but I'm a bird and wildlife shooter. So the less locks I have to mess with, or should I say, the faster I can deploy my tripod, the better ! This said ^ my tripod is an Artcise CS 80 C. Super solid as a rock, and holds my R5 with grip, and big birding lens no problem. It feel like it would hold a 100 lb sack of concrete :) lol But it is heavier than Id prefer, especially with a gimbal head. The contracted size is no problem though.
I think the two problems you have with travel tripods are also the two defining factors of an effective travel tripod lol. That Art use is a beast. I use a LeoPhoto heavy duty for the work you’re talking about. What gimbal head do your shoot with? I’m considering getting one.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography 🙂 lol Probably. The gimbal head on using is a Koolehaoda. But it's pretty heavy too and not particularly precision. It also feels like it would hold a sack of concrete though 😀 lol
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Black Friday Sales are everywhere, but one I highly recommend is Ulanzi. This link will take you through to some amazing deals: geni.us/BpnzFp Will you be getting one? Why or why not? I’d love to hear.
B&H has this listed as available for preorder.
@@careylymanjones ah cool. That’s interesting and helpful 👍
For everyone who thinks this thing is engineered anywhere close to Peak Design is out of their minds! The Peak Design tripod is on a completely different level. I have been using the Peak Design tripod since the day it was introduced in all conditions and locations. Have used it with 10lb lens and camera combo consistently. No slop, complete stability and reliability. I had some issues with the ballhead finally slipping after 2.5 years of heavy use (I don't baby this thing). After speaking to their support staff (real people!) the shipped me out a new head no problems. If you want a panoromic head - just buy a pano clamp for $30 dollars from B&H.
The Peak design comes with a **lifetime** warranty. The Ulanzi has a 1 year warranty. That should tell you everything. Design, engineering, and support costs money. When you add in the construction quality, **lifetime** warranty, the awesome support Peak Design provides - the $300 price difference is a no brainer.
Not saying this is a bad product, just please, don't do an over simplified comparison without taking in and understanding the full aspect of the Peak Design product in relation to this. The usage, longevity company support and reliability of Peak Design has to be taken into account. Feature list comparison doesn't tell the whole story. I have been using the PD tripod for years now and for what I have put it though, I doubt this Ulanzi tripod would last through it.
I know I sound like a Peak Design fan boy - but they are far superior than this tripod. But I get it, $300 dollars is a lot to pay upfront, but quality costs money.
Some really great insights there. Thanks for sharing mate. A question for you, what makes you sure that PD have engineered it extremely well and that Ulanzi and Coman haven’t? I find myself wanting to be convinced but wanted to explore the facts behind this. Cheers.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography my thoughts:
- the apex of the tripod is much more rigid. In both tensile and torsion strength. You can test this by seeing how much the center column twists and wobbles when you extend the column maximum length with the tripod as legs wide as it would go. Go ahead check it out.
- The apex is the part that will absorb most of the flex and shocks of the tripod transmission. It is not only what the apex is made of, but also how it is shaped and constructed. PD's extrusion process is much more time consuming and the tolerances are much higher
- The Apex is made of aluminum not plastic
- The shape of the tripod legs are non uniform. It is much easier to make a round tripod leg then the complex shape of the peak design
- The leg locks design is more sophisticated with higher tolerances. The entire assembly is user serviceable with the included hex tool.
- The center column is aluminum, not plastic as you state in your review
- Fit and finish is much better on the PD (subjective maybe but I will bet on that)-
- Their staff in vietnam and china get living wages and share in the profits
- PD is built to a function not to a price point
- the entire tripod is serviceable in the field with the included hex tool
- Finally you get a life time warranty and support from peak design - I can attest to the excellent support and warranty service
See journal.peakdesign.com/sticker-shock
Given these there are a few things that the design can be improved with, and it has to do primarily with ballhead
- re design so that it is easier to place the ball head in any direction
- have a tactile feel on the locking switch so you know which side you are pushing without have to look
- include a panning ring
- redesign the lip mechanism so that when you press the release lever, the camera does not pop out
- and provide divits in the head so that screws on camera plate can bit into it to provide anti-slip protection on the tripod head
Weather these items are worth the extra price to you is a personal judgement. But you cannot say that the Ulanzi + Coleman tripod has a better or even the same build as the Peak Design tripod. Lets try and keep the comparisons in perspective here.
In the end, its always good to have competition, it keeps everyone on their toes. For me, I have yet to find anything that beats the Peak Design.
I like peak design as much as the next guy and I own most of their camera accessories but you need to accept the fact that the new ulanzi has quite a few major benefits. Lighter weight at half the price. Nobody wants the aluminum one. And I own the peak design in carbon fiber. That ball head design is terrible. Especially for me considering I shoot vertical 90%
@@SneakyCaleb As I stated, the ballhead design needs to be improved - to me that is the only downside. Agree its cheaper and lighter. My contention is with the statement that the Ulanzi is "just as well built for $300 dollars less". If it meets your needs thats great! for the reasons stated above, the Peak Design is built much better. As for the ball head, agree the Peak Design ball head is not the best desgin - could be improved. Here is to hoping that they are working on it!
@@vparikh08 you are making assumptions that may have some small truth to them. Overall you would need to own both and try both. I agree the leg design would be ever so slightly sturdier in practice as I’m an engineer. But I think it may be less noticeable than you’d expect. The ball head is a major issue with me on the peak design because I shoot vertical often and hate L brackets. Sure I could get a different head on the PD but I rather just sell it as this model does it perfect. It’s ok to say both have their pluses and minuses. Overall I along with most would argue the 300$ price point and the overall design is badass.
I think Peak design will not survive anymore. RUclipsrs are absolutely destroying it indirectly. Love the video and Yes You sold it! will order next week ❤️
Thanks heaps mate. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the market.
I won't sell my peak design tripod and stuff for this cheapass copycat 🙄
@@RalphMayhewPhotography IDFC do what you wanna do
I have the Peak Design (since it was launched) and received my Ulanzi+Coman a few days ago. I'll be selling the PD. I do like the feel of the PD in my hands when it is folded due to the different shapes of the legs. But it definitely does feel like that shape effects the stability of the lowest leg section more than the traditional round shape of the Ulanzi. And I much, much prefer the "ball head" system on the Ulanzi over the PD. Some might think the idea of just one knob to control every direction the bullhead turns (on the PD) but I really like separating the pano control from the rest so that once I get it level I can easily swing the camera on that plane.
I feel the same way Dan - only I prefer the feel in my hand of the Zero Y as it’s narrower. I have a comparison vid coming out soon.
I too have the PD (was a backer) and have used it for 3 years. Considering it was the first of the latest round of travel tripods that came out, I expected others would make improvements over it. I still love it, but I've backed and should be getting the HEIPI that is due Q1 2023. IMHO, I think it looks even better than this Ulanzi and if it pans out, I will be selling my PD. It has an integrated secondary tripod, easily swappable head, better head design with pano click stops, several 1/4-20 mounting holes strategically placed on the leg sections, etc.
@@csimet the HEIP sounds interesting,. I haven't heard of it. Have you got a link? I'd be interested to suss it out.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography RUclips will not permit me to give a link... so head to kickstarter and search for the Heipi project. Unfortunately, the project just closed the other day.
@@csimet Just had a look, that looks really cool!
I've watched more reviews of this tripod than I care to comment on. You were the only one that showed the shaft length adjustment. Great job with this!
Thanks Leon. I really appreciate that affirmation mate. Cheers.
I ordered and received the PD aluminum version before I saw this video last week. I could not justify the extremely high cost of the carbon fiber version. It arrived in a tattered cardboard box with barely any bubble wrap. The PD tripod is super heavy! There's no way I'm hiking with that thing on my back! I'm returning it today. The Ulanzi tripod arrived yesterday. It is so light and way less expensive! I shoot mostly on my iPhone and occasionally on my Sony a6500. I think it will perform well beyond my expectations. The free phone mount was a nice touch as well! Thanks so much for this review!
I think you’ll love the Zero Y 👍 it’s very light.
the tripod is quite legit let me tell yah, got mine and waited 2 weeks from china. I must say the quality is there but still i have to test.
I agree. I think you’ll find your testing only increases your impressiveness with this product 👍
9:02 Ah so that’s the thing crawling on me when I’m asleep
At 9:02??
I received mine today. Sturdy and well built. It took exactly nine days to get to Connecticut. Thanks for your excellent review.
That’s fantastic news. Quick shipping. Thanks mate.
😊
looks awesome. I’ve always liked the peak design tripod, but their price point was utterly ridiculous. The over priced photography gear equivalent of Apple’s, “Apple Tax”.
Seriously thinking of getting this one.
True that!!! I agree. Here the link if you need it, as the previous one didn't work (does now) geni.us/soIK
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Thanks! I’ll use your link when I grab it. Probs late next month. Gotta budget n crap. lol
Still trying to upload my old gear to eBay. Stuff is just sitting around depreciating.
Apple is only 10-20% overpriced max for most Mac stuff. The tripod world lol.
Peak Design also provide a lifetime warranty tho. If you consider that into account then it isn't that expensive
@@user-iq7en1lg3i you mean PD offer the warranty? They do but it has conditions 🤷🏼♂️ I’ve never experienced apple offering a post one year warranty :(
I ordered one exactly one day before you posted this video. It should arrive within days.Thanks for a great review. I'm looking forward to getting the Ulanzi even more now. And, I just subscribed and am looking forward to your other videos. Thanks!
Thank heaps mate. I think you'll really enjoy it :)
Bought it on sale on amazon canada ($320) and i love it!
So good!!!
Great review. I so need a travel tripod. I’ll have to look into this.
Thanks heaps mate. Here's the link as the above ones didn't work previously (they do now) geni.us/soIK
Great review! I ordered one a few weeks ago and can't wait to get it!
You’re gonna love it. I use mine all the time. I’m waiting for a client to arrive and it’s holding my camera in front of me as I type.
Great review Ralph. Very thorough and informative… as always!
Thanks Mike, you're a total legend mate!
This tripod is great, but I've ended up using the Zero X instead. Both are very powerful.
7:20 You right about the backpack placing, thank you for telling this, but very important note is using spikes on nature - always, as being digged few sm eleminates the wind problem, while even backpack may not help on grass and fallen leaves if there is no spikes. The tripod looks fantastic! I'd call it "everyday" tripod.
Good call my friend. That's a great name for it.
Best review I have seen for this tripod!
Thanks so much mate!!!
mine is coming this week, cannot wait.
Woohoo!!
That's cool! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this and introducing this company to us!
Pleasure Jon. It’s a really great product.
Just received my zero Y yesterday. ....bad news....the center column is rocking side to side even when it is fully locked. You guys experienced the same problem?
No. Mine is really quite secure. I’ve a vid coming out on Monday where I demonstrate it. That’ll give you a marker for what’s normal. Have you contacted Ulanzi?
@@RalphMayhewPhotography , yes already email them...but no reply from them yet
@@kel1ng good. It’s the weekend so they should get back to you tmw.
This is the video I was talking about:
Ulanzi Coman Zero Y Vs Peak Design Travel Tripod
ruclips.net/video/K8GfNcCBVXM/видео.html
Mine center column moves side to side. It's obviously a tolerance problem between the center column and the plastic holder. The problem is more evident moving the center column left to right with the lock lever in front of you. How did they solved your problem?
The line: You can get your travel tripod from the Ulanzi store here: has the wrong link at the end.
Dang it!!! aright. Try this: geni.us/soIK Thank you!!!!
Could you tell me how many millimeters the diameter of the center column is? This is very important to me.
It’s triangular so it doesn’t have a diameter sorry.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography you can't believe it, bro
Can't wait to hear about the ratcheting leg connectors failing. Listening to them as you opened and collapsed them was telling. So many other things on this tripod scream lower quality and lesser design than on the PD. Those are the things you pay for in a high end tripod. But the price is half, so as long as these lower quality parts don't fail (such as the significantly thinner legs) I guess it's good if you don't want to spend the premium on the PD product.
Having got both and used the pad for a while, I’m not entirely convinced by your position. But time will tell.
Ulanzi also has the twist lock version of this tripod
@@Noah_Zion are you sure about that?? Can you post a link as I’m not aware of it. Thanks 🙏
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Yes. It's called the Zero X (not Zero Y)
@@Noah_Zion I don't think Ulanzi sell it, I think it's only available through Coman and it's a short tripod, not a twist leg lock one. That's what I found from my research, anyway.
I was impressed up till you said bracket for centre column was plastic. I have the PD carbon and I agree its sinfully overpriced but it is a very useable, light and versatile tripod which handles cold weather(-20 and deeper) very well. Packability was the main reason I ended up with the PD and it has worked well. This one looks like a good competitor to PD but that plastic scares me especially at its price point which kinda surprised me. Cheers.
Thanks for the comment mate. I just looked at my carbon fibre PD and it has more plastic in it than this one, including a plastic centre column bracket 🤷🏼♂️ guess plastic will work too 👍
@@RalphMayhewPhotography True but not in the column support.
@@boutthere3374 they look similar to me, only the pd has a thinner band of plastic 🤷🏼♂️
@@RalphMayhewPhotography I might be misinterpreting your video. When you point into the area where the plastic is are you pointing at all that black? which I take to mean is structural. If you took all the plastic from both tripod which one would work better? I'm looking forward to you comparing the two.
@@boutthere3374 if you took all the plastic out neither would work as the centre columns for both would be rattling around.
Could it handle the weight of a Nikon z9 and 100-400? Thanks!
Hi Karen, I just put my Z9 with 150-600 on it and was happy with its performance.
Does it have a bubble level (for the tripod, not the bullhead) for panorama? If it doesn't is there a way to screw one between the tripod and the bullhead?
The bubble level is on top of the ball head plate which is also the panorama function. There’s also a ¼ thread at the top of the tripod but I’m not sure it’s help in leveling the tripod.
So how would this go with a gimbal and a pro size camera with a large (600mm) telephoto?
When I put my z6 + adapter + Tamron 150-600 it faired fine. Wouldn’t put a gimbal on top of it and add all of that though.
Great job on the review, Ralph! If it's not made in China, I just may be a customer!
Thanks very much Greg. I appreciate it mate.
Does the ball head replaceable? Or is there a universal head mount (like with the peak design)?
Funny you should ask. At the moment it’s fixed (like PD) but they’re working on other options 👍
Hey Ralph :) You did such a great job with this review how could I not subscribe and click on the bell? :)
Awww thank you so much!! Legendary.
I bought one of these . it took an age to come from China about 3 weeks I think. it has a cheaply made feel to it that the peak design one does not. I like the design but I think it will take some tweaking and setting up before all the locks and catches work nicely. I'm yet to use it in anger but you definatly get what you pay for. peak designs tripod is definitely more refined and feels more expensive. a decent head on the peak design tripod may be a better bet but I feel I should spend more time with the ulanzi first
Interesting. I’ve got and used both as well. Id lean toward the Ulanzi. IMO it doesn’t feel cheaper than the PD. The legs design is a different shape but bottle feel of the same quality. The PD head frustrates me no end though.
Well Peter it’s lighter which often feels cheaper initially…
Great video but both links are for straps only. Can you please share the link for the tripod itself? Thanks in advance
Oh no... here it is: geni.us/soIK
@@RalphMayhewPhotography thanks so much!
Hi Ralph, really good video! Can you let us know whether this tripod would be able to hold a Nikon d810 with a battery grip and a 24-70 Nikkor lens?
My best guess would be yes, as mine holds my Z9 (battery grip included) and cage, FTZii and 150-600mm lens.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography thanks a lot for your information. You are the only person who replied so far to this query - even Ulanzi didn’t !
Sorry to hear that. Check this video as I think it’s the one where I put my gear on it Ulanzi Coman Zero Y Vs Peak Design Travel Tripod
ruclips.net/video/K8GfNcCBVXM/видео.html
Do you need to add a "video Head" to it to be able to use it for normal video shooting requiring tilts and pans ? otis it more of a dedicated photo tripod ?
I wouldn’t recommend it for video but if the camera wasn’t too big I’d put the Ulanzi fluid head on it and it should do the job: geni.us/C685
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Thanks for the info
im gonna get one
They’re really great. I use mine all the time.
So much feature’s that the peak design….
It’s a challenger to PD for sure.
"So many features..." - list them please. The legs and ballhead are completely different from PD. It's a tripod - it has to have 3 legs and a ball-head/ head. What do you think it has copied from PD?
Thanks for the video! Does this tripod come with any warranty?
Everything bought from the Ulanzi sight is covered with a 1 year warranty.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Wonderful! Thanks for the reply! 😀
hi!.... it's compatible with standard plate of peak design?
Good question. Just checked and yes it is.
Can you do video with this? I dont really see an easy way to grip it for pans and tilts
You’d either just hold your camera to manoeuvre it for that or attach a fluid head to the base plate.
Hi Ralph: great video thanks! I'm definitely planning to buy this guy! I wonder how big is the ballhead... May you ke so kind to measure it with a caliper and report it here?
Which bit of the ball head would you like measured?
Hi, I was quite sure I've answered, but I cannot find my... The measure I need is the diameter of the aluminium sphere attached to the stem (the inner ball if you understand me)...
Thank you for you valuable work here on youtube 🙂
@@giannivalenza1751it’s 31.5mm
I read a couple reviews on the DP Review forums from new owners who have said that the center column never really locks down. They seem to be referring to side to side movement rather than up-and-down. Have you noticed this?
I think on some models if you completely extend the centre column and use a very heavy camera or apply force then there is movement in the centre column of the Zero Y, just like on the PD travel tripod.
This might help Ulanzi Coman Zero Y Vs Peak Design Travel Tripod
ruclips.net/video/K8GfNcCBVXM/видео.html
I confirm that. There is left/right play between the center column and the plastic part holding it, with the locking lever toward you
@@Pomp92 Thanks. This is the one thing that has kept me from ordering it. I'd be willing to give it a shot if I didn't have to ship it back to China. I wish Amazon would stock it.
Hey Ralph, thanks for the review. I see you're a Nikon shooter. What's the largest body/lens combo you'd comfortably use from your kit with this tripod? Thanks :)
I’ve used my Z9, with FTZii and my Tamron 150-600 beast and it’s coped. Wouldn’t be my first preference but works in a pinch.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Thanks Ralph. So I'd get away with a D850 and a 200-500mm. Anything less than that just gets better :)
@@David_Glazebrook Yep, with my 150-600 if I want to shoot portrait, I would twist the lens in it's holder (which would remain in a vertical position) I reckon if you tried to tilt the entire thing to a portrait position, you may struggle on occasion, but it certainly can handle my heavy rig even to 35 degrees.
Hi David. Yesterday I put the Z9 in a cage with the Tamron 150-600 and the ball head held it at every angle (including portrait/vertical) without any fear of the whole thing toppling over (the centre column was only patricianly extended). So it can take a large payload with confidence. That set up must be close to 4kg. I thought you’d like to know.
Can you change the head in that tripod?
Yes if you get the ¼ Zero Centre Column. Here’s a link geni.us/l8yU
I'm Noel from the Philippines, interested and would like to buy this tripod in lieu of a peak design. How could i buy this thing? Please help me. Thank you.
Hi Noel. You can get your travel tripod from: geni.us/soIK
Use Code MAYHEW10 for a 10% discount!
This might help as well Noel: Ulanzi Coman Zero Y Vs Peak Design Travel Tripod
ruclips.net/video/K8GfNcCBVXM/видео.html
Well done!
Thanks heaps Mark 🙏
Sold!
👍👍
It makes me nervous to buy one because of its return policy and warranty and even if you want to return it and did return it they might not give ur money back and because it’s not sold in the us
That’s fair enough. You could email them and ask for their return policy. In my experience they’ve been extremely accomodating and understanding on products I wanted to return and others that were faulty. 🤷🏼♂️
This is bad ass
It sure is.
Sweet Tripod, sadly not available in the UK
Really? That seems odd. Ulanzi haven’t said they won’t ship there. How did you find out it doesn’t ship to the UK?
@@RalphMayhewPhotography There are no active sales links here and from experience, the cost of shipping would be horrific. Maybe in the future there may be a UK distributor.
@@JJLewin1 They have a German one, which may be cheaper.
Great tripod, sadly the counter weight tool will unscrew itself or back out and get lost, i lost mine and i doubt they sell it by itself, i have looked ALL over their site. Put some THREADLOCK on yours or you will eventually lose it when you least expect it. Mine is somewhere on the beach in the sand. I am hoping they will start to sell REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Just email support@ulanzi.com and ask for one. You may be surprised ;)
This looks really nice. Only two problems with every travel tripod I ever see (for my purposes) 1) they always use a center column for extra height, and these are inherently less stable / more shaky, and 2) they always seem to use 5 section (4 locks) per leg, to get the contracted length down. Probably fine for most folks, but I'm a bird and wildlife shooter. So the less locks I have to mess with, or should I say, the faster I can deploy my tripod, the better !
This said ^ my tripod is an Artcise CS 80 C. Super solid as a rock, and holds my R5 with grip, and big birding lens no problem. It feel like it would hold a 100 lb sack of concrete :) lol But it is heavier than Id prefer, especially with a gimbal head. The contracted size is no problem though.
I think the two problems you have with travel tripods are also the two defining factors of an effective travel tripod lol. That Art use is a beast. I use a LeoPhoto heavy duty for the work you’re talking about. What gimbal head do your shoot with? I’m considering getting one.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography 🙂 lol Probably. The gimbal head on using is a Koolehaoda. But it's pretty heavy too and not particularly precision. It also feels like it would hold a sack of concrete though 😀 lol
@@Chris_Wolfgram haha your just missing a sack of concrete for your adventures lol
Good video! Now I know this tripod is not for me. Too complicated mechanic, does not look very sturdy.
Glad I could help mate 👍 thanks.
❤
Awwww thank you guys. Love your work!!