Peak Design service and warranty is outstanding. Broke one of the release on top of one leg, as I fell with it. Got a whole new leg in a few days no questions asked. That on itself probably covers the difference in price!!

Best most unbiased comparison I've seen... Watched about 6 similar reviews and felt like I was watching a paid advertisement instead. Thank you for helping me make the right choice!

I think one thing to keep in mind is the level of customer support that comes with the higher price tag with peak design. After ordering the neewer variant to save money, I’m experiencing a lot of headache with their non existent customer service with a lost package for almost a month.. I’ve heard good things about peak design so will be placing an order with them soon.

Great review. I have the PD version and love it for travel. It is pricey, but is well made and backed by a great warranty/support system. I have multiple Ulanzi F38 items as well and use the Ulanzi F38 plate that is also made with one direction for use in a PD setup. I would definitely have considered the Ulanzi version if it had been out when I got the PD, but quality may still have skewed me to PD.

There is a version of the ulanzi that is compatible with arca swiss (the first version they released), I bought that one and it's great, I recommend it!

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

yep!

@MikePageKaltenberg

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, the video was a bit unclear that he's exclusively talking about the f38 quick release clip.

Nicely done video describing the difference between the two tripods. Thank you!

I get a lot of low angle video and shots of wildlife for work so that extra notch on the Ulanzi might've just swayed me (but I'm still watching the video ...digging it so far)

Ulanzi is a nightmare of a company to work with and it does not care about its customers. I have major issues with my Ulanzi Zero Y tripod which I bought in November 2022. The ballhead is loose and drifts even when fully locked, using a light camera/lens combo. They will not respond to emails. I do not recommend any Ulanzi product after my own personal experience with the product and their absentee customer service.

@novphotobeagle

Ай бұрын

I also have had a bad experience with Ulanzi customer service. I bought the f38 tripod and the stem was unusably tight. I emailed Ulanzi and (apparently amazingly) got a reply. It was a one sentence reply that the stem was supposed to be tight. It took 5 days of one sentence emails to get a return label and they wouldn’t do an exchange since they said all the stems are tight. I have looked at videos of people moving the stem and none of them are as tight as mine. I bought into the f38 system and now am frustrated that I don’t have the tripod that goes with it. I don’t know if I should take a gamble and buy Ulanzi in hopes of a better copy again. Ugh.

@dychui

Ай бұрын

@@novphotobeagle So sorry to hear about your experience.. thank you for sharing. In the end after a very kind KZreadr intervened, Ulanzi ended up sending me another ballhead; that ballhead still drifted a bit but it's just something I got used to. I no longer use the Ulanzi Zero Y for any critical long exposure work. I don't think Ulanzi would have done anything without the intervention of the KZreadr. WIshing you the best in escalating this; I suggest posting your experience on as many social media sites as possible and mention that when you contact them.

Great video. Not sure I like the lever for height adjustment on the Ulanzi! I love my Peak Design

For travel I got the Leofoto mini ranger. I can fit it inside my PD everyday messenger next to my camera.

My Ulanzi Zero Y just arrived this week. I bought the F38 extara quick release head, but couldn't use my Ellie l-bracket or my peak design. Oh well. Love the quick release, but no big deal to turn a knob. I'm shooting for hobby. Love the tripod weight (as a petite female) and should be great to take to see fall in NC next month. Great review.

The Ulanzi F38 plate fits on the PD tripod head? I didn’t manage to lock it tightly. It’s always super loose.

Hi Benj, great review. I was surprised that you had issues locking the Leica M10 handgrip on the Peak Design ball head saddle. I found that dovetails from Leica (M11 and SL2 handgrips) and from Really Right Stuff (camera and lens baseplates) all work well with that system and that the small Peak Design baseplate fits well into Really Right Stuff ball heads (BH-55 and BH-25). Frankly, I can’t be bothered having tripods with yet another dovetail standard (e.g., Ulanzi & Coman F38 or the Mefoto A0320, both which claim to be Arca-Swiss compatible). I do wish that the Peak Designs Travel Tripod had a ball head that easily pans. However, I was able to add a Really Right Stuff panning head to the existing ball head to good effect.

Hey Amazing audio, do you have any video showing how you record and edit your audio?

Wonderful review. I have the Peak Design carbon version and lost the tool while having it attached to my hiking backpack during the first trip out ... Still a small, wonderful tripod. For long exposures (I typically do very long exposure from 10 mins to an hour), it's not too stable and I prefer the Really Right Stuff TFC-24 Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod. I get it that my usage of long exposures is likely an extreme case. Interesting about the Ulanzi and would have considered it if I didn't have the others already.

Excellent review. I had the PD carbon right from kickstart and was perfectly happy with it. However lost it recently at a shoot and now needing to replace it, so reviewing new options which have emerged over last few years. However you do not mention at all warranty or customer service. I contacted today a leading uk retailer who is selling ulanzi, and asked them what the warranty was. The said they provided 2 years, I asked what Ulanzi warranty was and what would happen in year 3. At which point they were extremely vague. Now I know for sure what Peak design provide because I have tried and tested them on a number of occasions. Sure I can buy a watch which looks like a 20k rolex, for 500 but I know if it goes wrong after 3 years I just throw it away .

Hi , can u tell me where did u buy the black mat on table ,can u share link please

There is another version of the Ulanzi. I have the arca swiss version and it will fit any Arca Swiss mount including Peak Design. I think they just gave you their quick release system to show it off.

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

yep! I put all of that info in the video and linked as well :)

Not that I’m against tripods…. In the studio they are an essential tool. I just never have found a combo of tripod + bag that doesn’t make me feel like I’m going on a day hike in the mountains. Both the Peak and Ulanzi seem fine size-wise. I’d love to see the combo though… how do you carry it comfortably on photo engagements?

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

they fit either on the side of a backpack or even within my carryon bag.

Can you change head of this tripod?

Who makes that mini ballhead?

Ulanzi has a F38 version with Arca-Swiss quick release plates

Complete amateur here but I needed the most tripod that could fit in the least space(kayak/packraft) and peak design nailed it with their carbon tripod. I've also put a mini fluid type head on the peak design by attaching a compatible plate(adapter) to the head and just locking it in place on the tripod ballhead. The Ulanzi seems to be a good piece of kit(don't own it) but the PD tripod is great for its intended purpose. I would buy the PD again if I lost mine.

@ljgram

Жыл бұрын

Hi! What adapter and fluid head do you use with it?

@boutthere3374

Жыл бұрын

@@ljgram Its not the most elegant solution but I had a couple arca-style baseplates that work in the PD tripod and I just attached it to my Meopta fluid tripod head but you can use any head. My favourite setup is using a screw reducer to attach a PD baseplate to my Smallrig ball head or the ballhead from my Joby Gorillapod and either or works really well without adding much weight or bulk. I'll use the ballheads when I want the panning ability.

Great review! I share your love/hate of tripods, ha. Quick question: Does that Ulanzi F38 plate obstruct the battery door on the X100V? My biggest gripe with the PD plates is that they're all juuust too wide

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

I don't know how/why I just remembered this, but I just double checked and it doesn't. I'm thinking the JJC Grip/Baseplate would probably be the best option there. [reminds me that I should probably buy one too} amzn.to/3BYz8JL

@williamchan4519

Жыл бұрын

@@benjhaisch Thanks for checking! One of the few design flaws on the X100V

@cristibaluta

Жыл бұрын

Do you have the tiny plate? It fits on my tiny olympus, while the regular size obstructs the battery

I would get the peak design and get the ulanzi fluid head when i want to do other stuff

Oh man, wish I had seen it a few weeks ago. I watched MANY reviews of the Ulanzi F38 and this was the only one to mention the advantage of the arca swiss compatibility. I ordered the F38, still waiting for the package, and now I wish I had just bought the Ulanzi Zero Y version instead.

@whatthefitt

Жыл бұрын

I’m trying to decide between the f38 and the zero Y. Any advice which to pick? I’m using a Fuji XT5 and also have a Ulanzi MT-46 desktop tripod which uses the f38 plate as well.

@arianesilva9036

Жыл бұрын

@@whatthefitt i think the way to go is Zero Y, no question. because there's an arca swiss plate adapter that will let you use the f38 system with the Zero Y, and when you want to use the standard arca swiss plates and cages available from many brands, you can remove that f38 plate, so you get the best of both. if you do like I did and get the F38 version, you're stuck with it. I'm actually returning mine for a Zero Y

@whatthefitt

Жыл бұрын

@@arianesilva9036 Likewise. I’m going to return my Ulanzi MT46 for the MT47 which comes with the Arca Swiss plate instead. The f38 plate, no matter how I tighten, there’s still movement of the camera with just a little force or moving the tripod about. Wanted to like this quick release convenient system so much, but it’s unacceptable.

On my Ulanzi Arca Swiss plate works.

I got the aluminum version of the PD tripod because I'm strong like bull. And because I can't bring myself to pay that much for that carbon version. Never skip leg day.

For a total beginner who wants to get into filming KZread videos should I just stick with the Arca Swiss? I'm hesitant to adopt the F38 system.

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I’m still on arca too. It’s just so universal

@Ashurus

Жыл бұрын

@Benj Haisch I'm curious as to what Arca items would one want to consider popping into a tripod besides a camera? Assuming cameras would have a F38 plate. I'm very new so apologies for my ignorance.

Came for the tripod comparison, left knowing that all that ULANZI F38 gear I just ordered is “Married” to itself. Was not expecting that value you provided! Thank you!!

This has probably been mentioned in the comments (I’m not reading all of them) but Ulanzi has a F38 plate that works with the PD capture clip. I’m assuming it may also work with their tripod but I’m guessing. The new F38 Ulanzi plate however in not omnidirectional when it snaps into the Capture. Lip. But it does work and it integrates both systems. I have the Ulanzi Y Zero tripod along with the F38 Mount and the video one as well. Ulanzi makes a decent tripod but their heads are not of the same quality. I would avoid their heads entirely and get nearly anything else. Sirui has some decent ones at fair prices as example. Though I haven’t used the PD tripod, the positive reviews are ample. It looks more slick than the Ulanzi. But the price difference between these two is remarkable. The Ulanzi has proprietary centre columns that are triangular and that means you have to buy the flat disc centre column from them to add your choice of ball head, if you want to change it from F38 or the regular Arca Swiss. It’s light weight and good for travel, but if I could go back, I would have purchased something else. Ulanzi makes some great accessories and they make some stuff inferior to their competitors. It’s taxing, but worth it to have a close look at what you buy and what the options are for the dough you have to spend.

Have found the Ulanzi much better -it now has the universal arca QR system has panorama mode and is far mor rigid than the PD when extended -these points werent covered here unfortunately.

This is a 1 on 0.9 copy of the PD, seems lighter though, i wish i had this instead the PD

Problem is...in Europe you won't find the Zero-Y at half of the Peak Design price. If you are lucky you are going to pay it 20% less. Not to mention the F38 which is not even being sold in Europe, and Ulanzi won't export. Lots of improvements available for Ulanzi when it comes to marketing and distribution strategy.

@AngelusHD

Жыл бұрын

I bought it with Black Friday for 319 euro (arca version) hack the F38 version was even couple of euro’s cheaper. Price was with free shipping to The Netherlands. They included 2 pocket lights something like a version of the Aperture lights and a mobile phone arca holder. It would be better if they sell it local here but for this price including shipment i got in within 3 weeks.

@gettons1980

Жыл бұрын

@@AngelusHD just to make it clear, where did you buy it from, was it the US or Europe?

@whoisJackVolpe

Жыл бұрын

@@gettons1980 are you certain you're not confusing the peak design aluminum and carbon? Because the carbon fiber version is 600+ euros, so yes, the ulanzi is half the price (currently selling at 297 euros at Amazon Italy). If you compare the ulanzi to the aluminum PD (don't buy that crap) then yeah, the alu PD is 20% higher than ulanzi.

@gettons1980

Жыл бұрын

@@whoisJackVolpe nope, Ulanzi DE has added the F38 to their offering now, and yes that’s much cheaper than it was the Y zero a couple months or so ago. I could not find it on Amazon Italy either back then, and the only option was Ulanzi US which would obviously charge you import duty. All good now, I got myself a Ulanzi F38 and going to sell my gitzo (I had the PD carbon fibre and sold it last year)

@whoisJackVolpe

Жыл бұрын

@@gettons1980 your comment was from 4 days ago. Anyways, glad you found it ;)

I just looked at the Ulanzi page. I can't find any reference to warranty information. $350 is not cheap, and it's especially not cheap with crap support.

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

not sure, but great point

@adriancastellano1259

Жыл бұрын

Ulanzi has only one year of warranty. For me, a lot of money for that time, even though Amazon has not extended warranty 🤔

Strange you have problems with base plates not fitting the Ulanzi. I have a few different base plates that all fit perfectly. Maybe you are talking about the F38 version. Should just get the basic Y version. Just a great tripod and at half the price.

F38 has been super disappointing. Plate gets stuck in ball head after losing finish. Needs large amount of force to get it in and out. Plate does not stay tight, frequent drift. Center column has significant wobble. Have lost so many opportunities photos using this tripod.

Are you related to Mark Wiemels? He is a camera equipment and photography youtuber too.

@benjhaisch

Ай бұрын

haha no, but I'm subbed to his channel! seems like a good guy!

I was today years old when baseplates (which I have on my cameras) can fit into my tripod heads 🤯

My travel carbon tripod is 795g x 1,795mm max height x 8kg load (1.75lbs x 70" inches x 17.6lbs). It cost me $120 to piece together. Antcaus T-ET4 Carbon + Sunwayfoto ET-02 CF. If 48" inches is enough, than that weight drops down to under 1Lbs. $649.95 for the PD?....

@cristibaluta

Жыл бұрын

Where do you find that?

Okey that suck. But all car rental are like that. As I am icelandic what car rental and when.

I'd say the Peak Design is like much of the branded products, most of what your paying for is marketing and distribution costs. They come into country at 20% or less of retail. Interestingly, there was person who worked in marketing who did not want to pay the marketing cost of a tripod. The brand chosen has a longtime standing in the market but few retailers. The latter, availability, can effect the cost of the product. A brand, many times, has to entice the retailer in the form of $$ to carry the product.

Yeah, useful video, catch you later!friend~🤝

I have no links to Peak Design, but I can see why the other tripod is half the price!!

The Peak Design is overpriced² because you paid for it twice 😂

Peak design is buy for life period

ugghhh too expensive.....

I own the Ulanzi F38 tripod and hate it. The quick release has never worked correctly and won't release your camera without a lot of force and playing around with it. I've owned this tripod for about 3 months and no longer use it. Total waste of money for me.

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

crazy, that sucks to hear. I haven't had that issue after getting an arca head on mine at all.

Don't buy PD over prices

Unless you're a backpacker doing multi day trips carbon fiber tripods are so ridiculous and unnecessary. It's just the height of wasteful foolishness. It would have been good to see how the 70$ ulanzi aluminum stood up to these two tripods. Being an avid backpacker myself, knowing when every ounce actually counts, it makes me laugh my ass off to see people pay 700 or even 400 to reduce the weight by a pound for anything that will be carried by a car, plane, or just on foot for a matter of hours. I get it for anyone that is traveling for days on foot or on bike... but that is not the majority of people that buy these. It's just so silly. If you must have a high end super compact tripod, the aluminum version of the peak design tripod is more than light enough for anyone that isn't traveling so light and remote that they're also filtering their own water. It's the height of hilarity to see hipsters spending 700$ to take a tripod to the beach. Compact is totally understandable, but there's no way 99% of you need to pay twice the price for the slight weight decrease of carbon fiber for riding in a cab. That said, I would never choose the ulanzi at 400$. At least the peak comes with a lifetime warranty.

I can get these for $170 :P

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

How?

@KylePieri

Жыл бұрын

@Benj Haisch well I actually just checked and its $130. Direct from the manufacturer, not the company selling them. I found them and this is the price they offer it at

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

Toss a link, I haven’t seen that on their site

@warrentripathi8537

Жыл бұрын

Did the link work?

sorry but the Heipi is miles better

@1969Irishdave

Ай бұрын

😮🤦‍♂️. Oh I must have that part of the video. 🤦‍♂️

Dude for a person you don't like tripods and a not tripod guy , you made a video just to sell tripods to the people are watching you !

@benjhaisch

Жыл бұрын

haha it's mostly because I always wished I had had a tripod, but always hated all of the options out there and the ones I'd used. Figured I'd share the info :)

@kpx976

Жыл бұрын

Probably cos he got the ulanzi for free, like every other KZread reviewer.