Hey man I just wanted to say your videos are really really good. They're punchy, information dense, but entertaining at the same time. As someone who is just getting started making adventure films your content has been really helpful to optimize my gear, settings, etc to get the most out of what I've got. Thank you!

This summer I upped my travel tripod. I have the PD CF and like others have commented, it is somewhat flimsy. I now mainly use my PD when I just have my iPhone with me. Otherwise, I upgraded to the RRS Ascend tripod, which at 5x the cost of the Ulanzi is ridiculously expensive. And like everything else RRS makes, it is made in the US and it is extremely robust. The RRS will get a terrific workout later this month as I head to Nepal for a trekking tour! Cheers Doc

Very thoughtful comparison, particularly because you've used the PD one for so long. I wish Ulanzi would have implemented a lever arca plate retention design like the Colorado Tripod Company has, which I absolutely prefer now over screw in type. And, it would have fit/made sense given they are already using levers for other parts. Still might look at this for travel.

I have been using the ULANZI Mini Flexible Tripod for my back-country videos and love it. I dumped my Jobi after years of frustration with it's legs falling off. The PD Tripod has been on my radar for sometime now but the cost was ridicules. This looks like the ticket for me. Thanks for the review!

I have been subscribed for about 2 to 2.5 years and watched all your videos in that time and I don’t ever remember you being so pro on a comparison video. Usually you say the pros and cons and say what would work best for certain types of videography/photography and leave it up to the viewer. I have an old tripod from like the late 90s that is like metal and quite bulky and heavy…needless to say I rarely use because to travel with it is quite the pain. However, at approximately 25 years it still looks as good as new (I did use it a lot when I first got it). If I were to look into a new one, id probably go for the Ulanzi as well.

The really big one in the ballhead comparison which u didn't mention was that the Ulanzi tripod can tilt about 15 degrees without extending the center column at all... where as if you want a slight tilt on the PD tripod you HAVE to start extending the center column. That was a big selling pt for me as I prefer to use the center column as little as possible. Also I'm not sure whether the PD does but also the fact that the Ulanzi center column can be removed and flipped to hang the camera below the tripod is really cool and something I was looking for that my other tripods can not do.

It’s an Allan key plus the top is flat head so 3 tools, I personally love that peak has that plus the koi lens holder. I do video mostly though and always wanted a better smoother panning method that the Ulanzi has. The articulation wasn’t the issue for me, the fact that opening the wheel makes the peak move all directions but the ulanzi lets you pan only is a big win.

9:15 There's another big advantage with a screw-in head clip. For people who use telephoto lenses, it's pretty common to replace the lens foot with an arca-swiss compatible version, and some newer lenses have an arca-swiss foot built in, like the new Tamron 50-400mm f4.5-6.3. Then the problem comes: with the peak design tripod head, the lens foot would be way too long to fit in, whereas a screw-in head clip can well take a lens foot of virtually any length. For me, that was a deal breaker since I have 3 telephoto lenses.

Incredibly helpful. Thanks!

I bought this Ulanzi & COMAN as soon as it hit the market and I LOVE it. Years ago, I owned a cheap tripod with the flip latches, which made me hate them. But after owning a better tripod with spin locks and comparing it to the Ulanzi flip latches, the flip latches are so much faster and more secure. Brilliant head design, especially being able to tilt it without having to raise it. I'm so glad I spent the money on this one. I also added PGYTECH SnapLock Plate Adapter to all my tripods so I can switch quickly between my PGYTECH Mantispod Pro and the rest.

I've had the PD tripod for around 2.5 years now. The allen key on the leg has never fallen off for me. Totally agree about the head. It's clearly the weak point of the PD. I can kind of see why they did it. There are no knobs or levers that stick out from the head, making it slightly more packable, but with the disadvantages you mention. Also the PD head have trouble with quite a few third part plates because the thing that holds the plate in place is (too) low. To me packed size is super important and really the main, maybe only reason for getting the PD. Seems like the PD is a bit smaller packed than the Ulanzi tipod, at least in length and you don't mention (or maybe I missed it) packed diameter. Btw, when looking at length a Gitzo Traveler (5 section legs, series 1) is even shorter by quite a bit and easier to get into something where max length is a restriction. The Gitzo has a larger diameter though so occupies more volume unless you pack some small items in the gaps between the legs and center column. What surprised me most about your review is that you don't compare stability at all. To me (often using tele lenses) stability is important and it would have been super interesting with a test of stability. Particularly since the Ulanzi is significantly lighter which might (or might not) influence stability.

Thanks Dave, another great video. I'm actually using the Small Rig Tripod and it's similar to the Ulanzi. I do enjoy Peak Designs other products like the camera clip system. Great for my backpack or camera bag.

What type of carrying case does the Ulanzi come with compared to the peak? Other than the approx 1 inch height difference, how do they compare in packing space?

Hi man, you caught my attention with this video as I have been thinking about getting Peakdesign's tripod for a long time but think it was too expensive. So thanks for the tip.

You are not boring to watch & I loved the informational video. Thanks! New Subscriber 🎉

New F38 version of this has a quick release plate integrated into the tri pod head. And in traditional Ulanzi fasion if you own this older version you can buy the new F38 head for it and swap them.

At the risk of seeming to miss the point of this video (which is obviously that the Ulanzi tripod is SWEET) I must say, I love the old school label maker. It reminds me of the one my parents had when I was a kid 👍🏻

Needed this in upgrading my 6 year old Zomei tripod. Thanks for the insights! After a year from publishing, have you had a better tripod than Ulanzi?

Great review/comparison video! Cheaper than the Peak Design aluminum tripod, but lighter and better than the Peak Design carbon tripod... This makes my travel tripod decision a no brainer!

I don't prefer the lock on the Peak Design for securing your camera but it has a purpose especially for those who carry their camera on their tripod. You don't want your camera to fall off when during transport.

Thanks for the great review! Do you use this tripod for both film and photography? Looking for an all in one tripod solution to take personal family films and photos :). Is it necessary to have both a ball head and fluid head mount or is this set up enough? Thx!

Haha I was wondering what label make you use - glad I stuck around. You sold me on the Ulanzi. The speed and mobility of the ball head is a game changer for me personally. Awesome honest review 👊

Just learned about this tripod when it popped up on my IG feed. I don't need a new tripod right now, but the size and weight of this are super tempting! Thanks for the detailed review.

I agree the ulanzi is better- Plus you missed two extra features 1. With the center column all the way down the ball head will still move a small amount - making it more stable without raising the center column, 2. There is a 1/4 screw on the side of the head assemble that you can screw in a clamp to hold what ever you like - phone for camera control , a light or microphone etc … - THANKS FOR THE REVIEW - ALREDY REPLACED thePeak Design

I appreciate this video. Subbed before I was even done watching it. Have you tried the Ulanzi quick release plate with their tripod? I believe it’s Arca Swiss compatible. Also, interchangeable with the Pgytech quick release.

Imagine the audacity you have to charge 700 bucks for a tripod, AND THEN AN ADDITIONAL 35 bucks for ground spikes? Geezus. I bought an overpriced camera bag from them, but really…it was a waste of money. So many bags compete with it easily.

Awesome video, I ocasionally do vertical panorama with the peak design and the workaround i ended up doing is i loosened the D ring that attached the arca swiss plate to my camera, that way i secured the tripod and had a 1 dimensional pan. it worked ok but i guess you shouldn't need to "work around" a $350 product. loved the comparison though, made me think i'd switch if i could!

Thank you so much for this! The ballhead vertical position problem on the peak design isn't talked about enough and has literally made me miss so many shots while doing big panoramas. A nightmare. Will be buying the Ulanzi

I use my smart phone a lot, but those mounts are small and I can carry it another way. I am now sold on the Ulanzi tripod for all the reasons that you have cited here.

What a great video. I was about to buy the peak design tripod and you helped me change my mind. Thank you!

Are the center columns interchangeable? I already own the Peak Design CF tripod. It would be great if I could purchase just the Ulanzi center column with its ballhead and fit it into the Peak Design legs.

Weight is important particularly if you are back country hiking or canoeing/portaging. Have you used both tripods in sub-freezing conditions?

I love the peak design except for the ball head for panos. I lost my tool the very first time I took it out of the bag in the wild. Didn't even notice it was gone until I got home. I like how the ulanzi head is much better for shooting panos with and for portraits. Peak design lacks there as well.

I bought this six months back. The F38 plate that attaches to the camera does not stay put because its rubber padding easily peels causing scratches to the camera. I asked Ulanzi to send a previous generation center column but they couldn't instead sent a video head to use with a generic center column. I now use "3-Legged Thing AirHed Pro Ballhead" instead. IMO they're stable but I don't think it's handling any vibration. maybe because of the size (diameter) of the tube? does anyone experience this problem?

I have been looking for a review on that tripod. Thanks

Awesome thanks for the fantastic comparison

Got an affiliate link for this David? The first time I tried to use my phone mount on the PD, it snapped in half when putting my phone in it. PD is super cool, like the company, and I love their bags but man this Tripod has just been a pain in the ass.

Hi David, I found your video really informative and interesting. Wanted to know whether the Ulanzi Coman can hold a Nikon D810 with a battery grip and a 70-200 mm Nikkor lens or you would recommend a better option for a travel tripod?

Great review. One spec addition - the PD has a much greater payload according to their spec sheet. 9kg vs 5kg

Good review!! Are the weight tolerances the same?? What are they spec'd for??

I’ve wanted the Peak so I didn’t have to lug around my Gitzo! But yeah too much. This is going on my list. Thank you for the review!

your honesty is refreshing. Thank you.

Great and helpful review! Have you compared the Ulanzi Claw Clip Shoulder Strap Quick Release Mount with the Peak Design Capture? I would love to hear your thoughts on these 2 quick release clips :)

Hi. I really enjoyed your video and I´ll probably buy and Ulanzi one. I have one question. I use the Peak Design plates on my camera all the time, I notice that your camera have one too and you can fit it on the Ulanzi head. It's that correct? the Peak Design plate can be use on the Ulanzi tripod?

Thanks so much David! Thankful new subscriber here. 💛🙏🏽

Great video! Curious, the pan head… does it allow smooth movements for video like a fluid head? Any resistance to it?

Had Peak Design. The ball head drove me crazy. I tried to adjust it, big mistake, swallowed my pride and ordered another. Just cancelled that order, and ordered the Ulanzi. Love the pan+ball head, the lighter weight. Regret the packing length is longer and it’s not as cool, but agree with all your scoring decisions. Used your code-thanks. Hoping delivery does not take forever.🤞🏻

Thank you. Made my mind up !

Does the head remove to add a fluid head for video the way the peak system does, if so do you have a preference from experience..good review…edit it appears from another comment that the head cannot be removed?

Thanks for sharing❤

This is your first video I'm lucky to watch. Just ordered the ulanzi tripod for myself a few week ago but your video is the best comparison on The Peak Design and The Ulanzi so far! So 10 Points to you! Btw, has anyone told you that you look like Casey Affleck somehow? Not just the look but your voice and the way you talk somehow remind me of him and he's a great actor!

Hi. Is this the 'Ulanzi Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod' model? Just followed your link and it then says kit 1, kit 2, all the way up to kit 5, though not showing what the kits are, which is weird. Thanks.

Years ago I bought PDTT because of those fancy cool designs and terrific reviews. Yet at it’s arrival I immediately felt the weight, which is much heavier than my previous tripod. But that’s fine, it’s cool, I’ll give it a shot. Years later the pain just grows more and more. - The key was lost in my first year - it is so much pain to flip it to portrait mode - it’s flimsy AF and shake like a jelly in the wind - u do feel the weight every single day - it is not fast to setup / pack the legs compared to my previous rotation lock ones - the rotation ring on ball head cannot guarantee a precise adjustment, especially with a heavy lens. Once locked it drift down a little bit. And it can be a huge pain to frame when shooting at 400mm or more - had to pay extra for a spike feet. When I do astrophotography it can very oftentimes stay there for hours. And a slight movement can ruin my stacking. Yet even with careful attention I still accidentally scrubbed / kicked/ touched in the dark several times. Buying spike feet is a must, yet still changing footpad is a pain bc I lost that damn alien wrench on my first year in the field Just like you said, a cool awesome fancy design may not be as efficient. I do agree. Im only raising my pain tho, absolutely no tripod can beat it in the cool factor. But as a landscape / astro / wildlife photographer going out almost every single week, the weight and awkward to use flimsy ball head is a real pain in the ass - again especially with longer lenses like 400mm. With that price tho, it kept me as a customer bc I don’t want to admit my wrong decision and pay a bunch to buy another *THE PAIN COMES TO ME MAY NOT COME TO YOU. THIS IS SOLELY ** MY OWN ** EXPERIENCE BASED ON MY DAILY USAGE. IF U LIKE IT, GOOD, IM HAPPY FOR U. IM NOT HERE TO FIGHT, JUST SHARING MY OWN EXPERIENCE

Great review!! Thanks for getting into the nitty gritty!

Thank you for the video! Great review! I owned a PD Alu tripod for a while, I agree about the ball head, it is quite frustrating. I also have problem when I finished setting up the frame and tightened the ball head ring, the frame tents to shift a little. After I watched your review, I notice how small of Ulanzi legs. So I jump right away to Ulanzi website to find out the load capacity. For PD tripod, they claim 9.1KG load. And I never have even I used 100-400 attached on FF mirrorless. I wonder Ulanzi’s max. load capacity ballhead @ 5KG and center column @ 18KG. I am not sure which capacity load is the one that I should be considered. Do you think the Ulanzi can handle such a huge zoom lens?

I don't like that the plate that comes with the head has to be screwed onto the camera with a coin or hex key. Could that plate be replaced with one that has a D-ring to easily had screw it onto the camera body? Or is the plate unique to Ulanzi and cannot be substituted? If there is a plate that can be substituted with one that has a D-ring, could someone provide a link where I could purchase one? Thank you.

Very helpful. Thanks! What’s the little round tag hanging from your camera. Some kind of tracker?

I saw the Ulanzi and put it on my wish list. Definitely going to pick it up after this video.

I’ve been looking for a label-maker like the one you used. What make/model is it? Thank you.

Brother, this is a fantastic video. Thank you so much. Cheers from LA, Frank.

Love the Ulanzi, only flaw I discovered so far is the level bubble is not accurate. Definitely missed on some quality control there.

Hello There. What plate are using as I see you switch between the 2 ball heads with the same camera.... I would like to buy an Ulanzi but unfortunately the Peak Design plate that i use because of the shoulder strap holder which i have from PD.... That is the only thing stopping me to order the Ulanzi today.

Love your content and advise! I tried the Ulanzi link and it doesn’t pull up anything. Can you look and share which one it is from their site?

Can you do video with this? I dont really see an easy way to grip it for pans and tilts

Such a good video. My PD tripod drives me nuts for all the same reasons. Funny to hear someone else complain about it. I'll take a look at Ulanzi for sure.

Thank you, your video gives me great help.

Great review! you help me a lot!! tq

Please check the carbon fiber (CF) tubes on the Ulanzi tripod you have. The one I returned appears to have been made from a CF sheet rolled into a tube. There is a distinct line that runs from top to bottom that appears like a seam where the ends are fused together. Structurally, to me this won't be as strong as one continuous weave that I'm familiar with on tripods and monopods I have. I won't be confident to use it with thousands of dollars worth of camera and equipment.

is there a specific Ulanzi model for travel version? What is the difference between the Zero F38 and the Zero Y?

The Ulanzi & Coman is better mostly because the head. I prefer the mini leveling head of the Ulanzi to the very odd Peak Design one that you have to raise to tilt. I’ve had my Ulanzi about a month and used it often on a recent trip to Iceland. My only complaint on the Ulanzi is that I lost the hook to hang weight from but I never had a chance to use it. I’ve also had the the Peak Design since early 2020 and I hardly use it. So I agree with your comments.

I already got the Peak Design tripod back in 2019 and it’s such an amazing tripod to use and carry.

I have been waiting for this video! I think the ulanzi is better for sure! I just bought a Sirui ST-125. It is a bit sturdier and better for real estate photography it was also $100 cheaper than the Ulanzi so I ended up just getting the Sirui. That Ulanzi a very tempting tripod though but I am good for a while. Great video as always. I heard a lot of the same comments about the peak design in the Sirui 5C video 😂

The ballhead on the PD tripod drove me insane. I eventually swapped it out for an RRS BH-30 and I’ve been way happier. It’s a very expensive solution and I don’t recommend it… but I do love my setup 🤷‍♂️.

Which is more stable? Any comparison pictures of the mirror flap wobble?

Great comparison!

Will the Peak Design base plate fit on the Ulanzi? Guessing not but thought I would ask if you still have both.... I love the PD capture clip for hiking, so if I get the Ulanzi it would be an extra step to have to switch base plates when I need to use the tripod.

HI, I own a DJI Action 4 and am looking to buy a fupl size Sony mirrorless camera. My goal is to purchase one tripod for both that raise to 60 inches ( give or take); any such thing?😮 Thx!

What a great user experience review. Thanks. Is that a regional accent I hear? Where are you from?

Thanks, nice comparrison.

Great review! The legs click out far but with center column how can you get low to the ground for macro?

from the ulanzi link, it looks like there's a few options when buying--first seems to not have middle bar??

Is there a way to mount a fluidhead for videography on a longer lens?

Hey there David. I'm going the be filming so auto racing and i'm looking for a tripod that i can spin 180º. My current Manfrotto tripod is 3 feet at the base when fully open causing a trip hazard. Any suggestions for me. Thanks Curt (CWV)

OMG, I was debating which travel tripod to get, and your video just sealed the deal. Ulanzi - all the way. Thank you.

Has anyone used the PD universal adapter to swap out & use a different brand ballhead/tripod head on the the travel tripod? Just curious.

Is it possible to unscrew the Ulanzi ball head and use a different type of head?

great review!

One thing I wish someone would test is load capacity and stability, which is the primary function of a tripod. I have the PD CF tripod, but would like another and I use these things everyday here at home and when I go out, so it does need to support heavier equipment. You shouldn't tighten the lock lever so much on the PD head... There's no risk of the camera falling out... you just need to get it to the locked position to take out the little bit of slack and to prevent accidentally hitting the release lever. For the tool, I agree it falls out easily when traveling, but the fix (and PD should do this officially) is to attach a hair-tie (or a durable rubber band) around the tool's eyelet, insert the tool into the holder and loop the hair-tie around the other end of the tool. Problem 100% solved.

Confusing specs. I need to be able to hold my 400 2.8 with a pro body, so I reviewed the max load details. The center column holds 18kg, but the ballhead only supports 5kg. It does not appear to have a replaceable ball head, so what's the point of a center column that can hold more? Also, what do the legs hold and why do they not show that? I love the look of this thing, but seems fishy. . .

Wonderful review. What is the label maker you are using here :)

I returned my PD tripod over the same issues. I'm looking at the IFOOTAGE Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod $349. Your thoughts on this one?

Bought the Ulanzi using your code, BTW I got the mobile mount as a gift for free (I was purchasing this to use with my iPhone so that's great) also they gave me a $40 Ulanzi L2 Cute Lite Waterproof LED Light 2172 for free. We'll see how useful that is, but I'm stoked with my 2 free gifts, lighter tripod, more versatile and way cheaper than the Peak Design which I was about to purchase for almost $300 more...

Loved the video, David. Could you have a look at the new kid on the block - namely, Neewer? They seem to be coming out with some interesting stuff (the TP65 is the one Im really interested in), but I've seen no-one do any reviews yet. My travel tripod is a CF Manfrotto whilst my larger one is Gitzo. 😉

Excellence, David! But question: I heard that the Peak Design has zero center post jiggle; but Ulanzi has jiggle there. What’s you take in that?

It's amazing, you can save so much money if you only cut R&D for "inspiration" (not to mention fair payment for production employees...)

thank you!

Try locking it facing the opposite way. That said, you’re absolutely right about the lack of vertical adjustment on the Peak. That disappointed the shit out of me

The one thing missing is putting a heavy camera on each and shaking the camera to give a visual comparison of stability in practice rather than perceived stability from guessing based on the legs.

I almost bought the Peak Design tripod when it was announced. Glad I did not. I have a Vanguard Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod that has worked great but that Ulanzi look fresh man.....very tempting.

BTW the Ulanzi tripod comes with a free arca swiss mobile phone holder which came in the box when I ordered mine from Ulanzi