zero y travel tripod

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Ulanzi Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod 3028

• 1. It’s a versatile tripod designed for travel and outdoor enthusiasts. Durable, 100% serviceable, and backed by a lifetime guarantee.
• 2. Ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction (1.1kg) folds down to the size of a water bottle.
• 3. It brings you pro-level stability, load capacity, and deployed height.
• 4. Unique design allows quicker, easier setup/takedown.
• 5. CNC hemisphere panoramic tripod head design, compatible with Arca-Swiss plates.
• 6. Fast-locking, lever lock leg design.
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• Giveaway:  Ulanzi ST-27 Metal Phone Clip

The Ulanzi Zero Y Travel Tripod 3028 is a lightweight yet stable solution for camera support that easily reconfigures for diverse conditions. Boasting impressive specs, the tripod height adjusts from 6" (15.3cm) to 61.69" (156.7cm), folds down to only 16.65" (42.3cm), holds up to 39.6lb (18kg), and is constructed from carbon fiber. It features a 360° panning tripod head that enables smooth camera movements and easy ball-assisted leveling. Crowning the ball head is a quick release system compatible with most Arca-type plates . For fast deployment, the five-section aluminum leg cams can be released at the same time. Ground-level shots are quickly captured by simply reversing the center column. It also sports twin 1/4"-20 mounting threads for attaching a whole range of accessories, such as small lights , monitors , or smartphones, using the phone holder adapter hidden away within one of the legs. All parts are serviceable and replaceable. Guaranteed for life!

Specifications

• Brand:  Ulanzi & COMAN
• Model: Zero Y
• Material: C arbon fiber
• Net Weight: 2.4lbs/1.1Kg
• Max Load Capacity: 39.6lbs/18Kg
• Leg Angle: 20°/55°/75°
• Storage Length: 16.65" (42.3cm)
• Sections of Leg: 5
• Max Height: 61.69" (156.7cm)
• Min Height: 6" (15.3cm)
• Compatible: Arca-Swiss plates
• Warranty: Guaranteed for life!
• The tripod ball head is not detachable. If you want to replace the Tripod  ball  head, we recommend purchasing   Ulanzi F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod Accessories  - 1/4 Center Column.

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Ulanzi Travel Tripod Tested (Compared to Peak Design)

The Ulanzi Travel Tripod, designed in partnership with Coman, is a lightweight five-section carbon tripod with a built-in inverted ball head. The tripod clearly takes design cues from the Peak Design Travel Tripod and the RRS Ascend-14 tripod, but it hits a much lower price point than either of these options. When Ulanzi offered a tripod for testing, I was keen to see how it fared.

Disclaimer: The tripod was provided at no cost for this review. No money changed hands, and Ulanzi was not allowed to see the review before it was published. This review is my honest opinion, and I pull no punches. We’ll take a close look at the tripod’s features, and then I’ll put it head-to-head with the Peak Design Travel Tripod to see whether it holds its own.

Table of Contents

• Confusing Tripod Options – Zero Y vs. F38?

Ulanzi x Coman Zero Y Travel Tripod Specifications

Portrait orientation, center column, hidden hex wrench & hook, included spiked feet, included tripod bag, included center column, can you use a regular ball head on the ulanzi travel tripod.

• Ulanzi Tripod vs. Peak Design Travel Tripod

Where to Buy

The confusing ulanzi tripod options.

The Ulanzi Travel Tripod is available in two configurations. One is the Zero Y Travel Tripod and the F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod . The two look identical without close inspection of the images, but there is a critical difference. The Zero Y Travel Tripod features a standard Arca-Swiss compatible built-in ball head. The F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod features a built-in ball head that uses Ulanzi’s own non-standard F38 quick-release system. A system that uses smaller plates than the Arca-Swiss standard.

• Ulanzi Zero Y Travel Tripod -> Arca-Swiss Compatible.
• Ulanzi F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod -> NOT Arca-Swiss Compatible.

The vast majority of people will want the Arca-Swiss compatible variation of the tripod so that they can use industry-standard camera plates, lens plates, and L brackets on their cameras. Those that end up with the F38 version of the tripod, by choice or by accident, will be limited to using the very small Ulanzi F38 plate that comes with the tripod.

Ulanzi supplied me with the F38 version of the travel tripod for this review. Even after looking at their website, I wasn’t aware that there were two different versions of the tripod when they asked me if I’d like to review it; otherwise, I would have requested the Arca-Swiss compatible version.

Looking at the tripod photos, it simply never occurred to me that they would make their own slightly smaller-than-Arca plate standard. Why would anyone want that when there is also an Arca-compatible version available? The answer is that they wouldn’t. But unfortunately, they might not know that until it’s too late, and they try to buy an L bracket for their camera sometime down the road.

Ulanzi manufactures a range of photography and videography accessories that use quick-release systems built around three sizes: F22, F38, and F50. This includes things like microphone and monitor mounts, as well as cages, top handles, and ball-joint arms. The accessories look very useful, and I can see why Ulanzi created smaller-than-Arca quick-release plates for these small, lightweight items.

However, having tested the F38 plate on a Sony mirrorless camera with only a small 24-70mm lens, I cannot recommend it. The F38 plates are not large enough for even the smallest of mirrorless cameras in my collection. Let alone the larger Canon and Nikon ones I also own . I could not get enough friction from the plate’s small surface area to stop a camera from rotating when positioned at 90 degrees for portrait orientation shots.

This put my review of this tripod in a strange place. I can tell you immediately that I do not recommend the F38 Quick Release version of this tripod. Anyone buying this version is just shooting themselves in the foot by not having access to standard Arca-Swiss compatible accessories. As we will see further into the review, the small F38 head on the tripod is also not without issues, even if you put aside the fact that the plates are too small and frustratingly non-standard.

But here’s the thing. And this is a major SPOILER ALERT : This is a great tripod! And by that, I mean the tripod legs are great. So, despite not recommending the F38 version of the tripod, I do think the Arca-Swiss compatible version, called the Ulanzi Zero Y Travel Tripod, is an option worth considering. And for that reason, I urge you to continue reading this review.

After all, the legs of the two tripods are the same. That means the stability, weight, length, and height of the two tripod versions are also the same. And when I compared the stability of the legs to the similar Peak Design tripod, I was in for a surprise. More on that in a later section of the review.

• Folded Length: 423mm
• Maximum Height: 1567mm
• Minimum Height: 153mm
• Official Weight: 2.4lbs/1.1Kg
• Capacity: 39.6lbs/18Kg claimed
• Leg Sections: 5
• Head Capacity: F38 version = 3kg , Zero Y version = 5kg claimed
• Price: $396

Ulanzi Travel Tripod Features

As noted earlier, the version I was sent for review is the F38. I’ve already explained why I think the Arca-Swiss version would be a better buy for most people, but I’ll also outline my findings and feelings about the F38 head. I’m hoping to get my hands on the Arca-Swill compatible head at some point in the future, and I’ll update this review if/when I do.

The F38 head uses a compact inverted ball head design with a locking lever to loosen it. Sitting above the ball is a panning clamp that rotates 360 degrees and is locked by a much smaller locking knob. Unfortunately, the head is a victim of its own compact design. The locking knob for the panning base contacts the bottom of the camera when placed in the orientation shown in the photo below. The knob can be pulled out and repositioned, but the whole thing is just too fiddly. While you can position the camera at 90 degrees to this orientation in the clamp, surely the bubble level was designed to face the photographer?

Speaking of the bubble level, its side-mounted location means you can only level the camera on a single axis. The benefit of a panning clamp above the ball on an inverted ball head design is that it’s good for panoramic photography. However, the panning clamp must be perfectly level for accurate panoramic stitching, which cannot be achieved with a single-axis bubble. The head needed a bubble level on the top of the clamp. With that, you could create a perfectly level panning platform, leveling your horizon and fore-aft tilt.

To make things worse, inexplicably, the Arca-Swiss compatible version of the head does have a top-mounted bubble level just as such a head should do! Yet another reason why the F38 version of this tripod should be ignored.

Normally with a lightweight travel tripod, it’s much more stable to use an L plate on your camera to flip its orientation 90 degrees for portrait shots. However, as we already discussed, the F38 head uses Ulanzi’s non-standard F38 plates, and there are no L plates. This means the above configuration must be used for portrait orientation. Even with this relatively small Sony mirrorless +24-70mm f/2.8 setup, it creates huge torque on the quick-release plate. No matter how hard I tightened the base plate, I could not stop the camera from drooping. I really found myself getting frustrated with this F38 standard and the F38 head. It unnecessarily hampers what is otherwise an excellent set of tripod legs.

A lever on the side of the tripod, similar in design to one found on a Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 tripod, allows you to raise the center column. Note that you must raise the column at least a small amount to allow the ball head to move freely. The lever locks securely, but I will always caution readers about center column use, as with any other travel tripod review.

More than anything else, raising the center column will lower the tripod’s stability. For the sharpest images, particularly in windy conditions, you should always try not to raise the center column unnecessarily. In this case, it must be raised slightly to release the ball head, but only go beyond the minimal amount if it’s absolutely necessary.

Flipping the integrated ball head to one side reveals a hole in the ball. When the included 2.5mm hex is inserted into the hole, you can unscrew the lower section of the center column. You could do this to save some weight, or you could do it to allow the tripod to reach a lower minimum height. Generally, I try not to use skinny center columns on travel-sized tripods as they add huge instability. I usually run a shortened center column if the option is available.

The Ulanzi travel tripod’s five-section legs feature four metal leg locking levers. These leg locks are great. They are easy to operate, even with gloves on, and they lock the legs securely with minimal effort—top marks in this area. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Unscrewing the hook on the bottom of the tripod’s regular center column reveals a small hidden 2.5mm hex wrench. This wrench is used to remove the center column’s built-in inverted ball head and tighten the screw on the included quick-release camera plate.

This tool is poorly designed and has the feel of a feature that someone thought would look good on a spec sheet or in photos. A 2.5mm size is non-standard for tripod quick-release plates. 5/32″ is used for almost all camera and lens plates, so you may find that any existing camera tools you use will not work well with this tripod.

The straight design of the 2.5mm tool also gives you zero leverage when tightening the quick-release plate or loosening the built-in head, forcing you to try and tightly grip -with your fingertips- the sharp-edged hook. I could not get the F38 plate tight enough with this tool, and I had to find a proper right-angled hex wrench in my toolbox.

What’s silly is that the complexity of this hidden screw-in hex wrench costs far more money than including a simple right-angled hex wrench in the box with the tripod. The tool I ended up using from my toolbox probably had a value of just a few cents. The fiddly custom screw-in tool isn’t an efficient use of manufacturing cost.

And if we’re comparing this tripod to the Peak Design Travel Tripod, which Ulanzi clearly wants us to do, Peak Design includes a perfect, foldable right-angle hex wrench that is so good I keep it in my bag even on days when I’m not carrying the PD tripod.

The tripod comes with three tiny spiked feet that screw into the tripod legs using the included hex wrench for leverage. Spiked feet are always helpful in shooting on soft ground, such as wet grassy areas or mud. Some spiked feet can be beneficial in icy conditions, but such feet must have very sharp spikes. The spikes on the Ulanzi Travel Tripod are not sharp enough for use on ice. While they may have limited uses, it’s always nice to see spiked feet included with a tripod. Many other companies will charge you extra for these accessories.

The Ulanzi Travel Tripod comes in a simple padded bag with a skinny shoulder strap. The bag is nicely made but offers little in the way of impact protection. It’s a great little bag if you want to keep the dings and scratches off your shiny new tripod, but I would pack mine into something more substantial if I put this into a checked duffel bag for air travel. Either that or I’d make sure it was carefully wrapped in clothing. The bag has no internal or external pockets, so there is no convenient place to store the tripod’s accessories, such as spiked feet.

As I have already mentioned, buying the Ulanzi Travel Tripod has been made overly complicated by the multiple versions and then the multiple packages available for these multiple versions. If you buy the F38 version of the tripod, you will also receive an additional center column. If you buy the Zero Y version of the tripod, you must spec the center column as an additional option. At first glance, this looks like it would be a good way to mount a standard ball head onto the Ulanzi Travel Tripod legs. That is until you realize that the stud on the center column is a 1/4″ 20 stud instead of a 3/8″ 16 stud.

Every ball head and fluid head I have ever used has a 3/8″ 16 thread. I have absolutely no idea why Ulanzi would put a 1/4″ 20 stud on this column! None whatsoever. I thought perhaps they made heads with 1/4″ 20 threads, but even the U-190 Fluid Head, sold as a package with this very tripod , has a 3/8″ 16 thread on the bottom! To use this additional center column with any ball head or fluid head, even Ulanzi’s own heads require you to fit a 3/8″ to 1/4′ reducer bushing.

I don’t consider this an acceptable full-time solution. Bushings are easy to break and easy to get stuck. I will use one in a pinch to temporarily solve a problem, but I would never buy a product or recommend a product where you are essentially forced to use a reducer bushing. As such, I consider the included additional center column useless and of zero value when considering the tripod cost. When I asked Ulanzi about this and whether they would be making a column with a 3/8″ stud, they said, “we’re considering making one as lots of users are complaining about this.”

A secondary issue with the optional flat-topped center column is that it cannot be shortened to get a lower shooting angle. The center column with the attached ball head can be shortened to reach a minimum height of 15.3 cm, but if you want to use your own ball head, and thus this optional center column, your minimum height will be substantially greater at 29cm.

Accessory Thread

Small accessories with a 1/4″ 20 thread can be mounted to the side of the tripod. However, they should only be extremely lightweight items, given the relative instability of any travel tripod. I wouldn’t go much beyond something like a lightweight shotgun mic.

Technically, yes, you can use a regular ball head on the Ulanzi Travel Tripod. Both the F38 version of the tripod and the Zero Y version are available in a bundle with the optional center column that allows you to use your existing ball head. The column can also be purchased at a later date for $29.95 .

Having said that, as I detailed in the previous few paragraphs, you will need to use a 1/4″ to 3″8 bushing to mount your head on that column, and I do not recommend doing that. In other words, until Ulanzi delivers a center column with a native 3/8″ 16 stud, I do not recommend buying this tripod to use with your own ball head. That’s a shame because the tripod legs are fantastic. It’s a real disappointment that I can’t use other ball heads on it satisfactorily.

Ulanzi Travel Tripod Vs Peak Design Travel Tripod

The Ulanzi Travel Tripod takes more than a few design cues from the popular Peak Design tripod, so many people are interested in how the two compare. I have been using the Peak Design tripod for several years, so I’m able to make a direct comparison.

The Ulanzi tripod is noticeably more stable than the Peak Design tripod at all heights. There is less flex in the Ulanzi tripod’s cylindrical legs, and vibrations are dampened much more quickly. In terms of overall stability, it’s a win for the Ulanzi tripod. Interestingly, the Ulanzi tripod manages to do this while being slightly longer and lighter than the Peak Design Travel Tripod.

The base configuration of the Ulanzi tripod weighed 1127g on my scales, whereas the Peak Design Carbon tripod weighed 1307g. Perhaps even more interesting it the price difference: The Ulanzi is just $369 , whereas the Peak Design tripod is $649 . The Ulanzi tripod, made from carbon, actually undercuts the aluminum version of the PD travel tripod by $10.

In summary, the Ulanzi tripod is lighter and more stable than the Peak Design tripod while offering increased maximum height at a price that is 43% less. This is quite remarkable. The biggest issue with the Ulanzi tripod compared to the Peak Design tripod is that the Ulanzi optional center column inexplicably comes with a 1/4″ 20 stud instead of the 3/8″ stud you’ll need if you want to use your own ball head.

Peak Design, on the other hand, got this right. Their optional Universal Head Adapter has the correct 3/8″ 16 thread and pairs well with small and medium-sized ball heads. The center column can still be shortened when using their Universal Head Adapter, meaning those that use their own ball head can still reach the same minimum height as those that opt for Peak Design’s built-in head.

This is a difficult conclusion for me to write because I was both frustrated and delighted by what I found while testing the Ulanzi Travel Tripod. On the one hand, the carbon legs are remarkably stable for their size and weight, easily outperforming the Peak Design Travel Tripod, which costs considerably more money. I honestly wasn’t expecting that result.

However, this tripod is not without issues. The Ulanzi Travel Tripod is available in two versions: The first is the F38 Quick Release Travel Tripod which pairs the excellent carbon legs with a built-in ball head that uses Ulanzi’s proprietary F38 quick-release system. The F38 plates are smaller than Arca-Swiss size, making this head completely incompatible with a whole world of standardized Arca-Swiss accessories such as L plates, camera cages, and lens plates. I do not recommend this version of the tripod at all. Unfortunately, this is the version of the tripod I was sent for testing.

The second version of the tripod is called the Zero Y Travel Tripod. This pairs the same excellent carbon legs with an Arca-Swiss compatible head that should be a much better fit for most people. The problem I have right now is that I have not tested this head. Judging by the pictures, it solves the issues I had with the F38 head, but it has to come with the caveat that it is, at the moment, untested. I’d like to test it in the future .

The other thing you must be aware of when considering the Ulanzi Travel Tripod is its botched compatibility with regular ball heads. There’s no other way of saying it. The optional center column with the flat base, designed to be used with your own existing ball head, has a 1/4″ 20 stud on it instead of the 3/8″ 16 studs found on 99.9% of ball heads. Even Ulanzi’s own heads have a 3/8″ thread, so I have no clear idea how this passed from the drawing board to production. Secondly, the flat-topped option center column cannot be shortened, leaving its minimum height larger than desirable.

It’s clear that Ulanzi went after the Peak Design Travel Tripod and the RRS Ascend-14 when they created this product. Elements of both can be found in the tripod’s design. In part, they succeeded, having produced a remarkably stable set of carbon legs for a fantastic price. Unfortunately, they stopped short of creating a better solution for using 3rd-party ball heads. Something that was done perfectly well by Peak Design and RRS. I’m hopeful Ulanzi will release a new center column to correct this issue. They were so close to hitting a home run with this tripod!

As always, I appreciate it when you use our links for your purchases. The Ulanzi Travel Tripod is available directly from the Ulanzi web store, or on Amazon at the following links:

• Ulanzi Zero Y Travel Tripod * BEST OPTION * *Arca-Swiss Compatible* : Ulanzi Store / Amazon
• Ulanzi F38 Travel Tripod: Ulanzi Store / Amazon

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14 thoughts on “Ulanzi Travel Tripod Tested (Compared to Peak Design)”

Wow — caveat emptor, baby! Me thinks some engineer someplace gonna be in trouble tomorrow….

Really fantastic evaluation and write-up, Dan. I bet this was as uncomfortable to write as it must be for Ulanzi’s top brass to read, and I sympathize with everyone involved. But clearly somebody didn’t do sufficient research, and equally clearly, “Deciders” all up the line and pecking order were equally naive.

Maybe they intend their primary market to be Russia….

Best regards, and happy new year to you. It’s good to see your reviews coming through again.

Thanks, Michael. It’s a tricky one. As I said, they were so close to a home run with this; the legs are fantastic. If they make a new center column, and the Arca-Swiss version of the head turns out to be good, it’ll be an easier recommendation.

And yes, I’m dedicating more time to reviews and other content this year. I’m glad you have noticed already!

Thanks for the thorough honest review! I bought the F38 tripod for an upcoming trip, Amazon did t have the Zero Y tripod listed, and Ulzani shipping time was uncertain. I bought some of the combo F38/PD plates so I can use my PD Capture clip. I also got a Neewer Aluminium 50mm Quick Release Plate QR Clamp 3/8-inch with 1/4-inch Adapter and Built-in Bubble Level. I mounted this to the F38 plate, and clamped it into the Ulzani ball head. Now I have an Arca Swiss compatible head, and best part is it fits in the tripod bag. I’ll carry the additional F38 plates just in case. Also got a Leofoto MPL Handy Photographers Survival Multi-Tool Tripod Allen Wrench Kit, it’s a tool with Allen keys built in, screwdriver head, all in a carabiner style clip. Includes a 2.5mm Allen key, that Ulzani one does not tighten things well.

Thanks for sharing your setup.

Great write-up, Dan! It is nice to see more critical reviews of the Ulanzi compact series coming out – the first wave of reviews when I bought my Coman Y, in hindsight, carries a little bit too much hype. A review of the Coman Y (with some fun damping tests) from PlanIt Photo on Youtube is also similarly critical for very different reasons from yours. I will bring up some of them here, but you could consider checking out their video.

As the (former) owner of the Coman Y, I can say that it solves most of the issues with the F38 EXCEPT the potential drooping problem, as the panning base can never be fully locked. However, the larger arca-standard plate size and lower center of mass of the Coman Y head seem to alleviate this problem significantly.

How does the center column stack against PD? It feels more quobbly for me – but I did not have both tripods at the same period. PlanIt demonstrated and argued that the Ulanzi is less stable than PD when both columns are extended.

Do you find any smoothness issues with the locks? Both the column’s and the ball head’s flip locks go from very tight when engaged to very loose when unlocked for me. I found it difficult to adjust the ball tension. The legs’ locks are similarly tight, making it harder to pull the fast one-hand opening and locking trick PD has. Some people also complained about quality control with the leg locks being slightly misaligned or having differential tightness (which are adjustable). These are not major issues that detract from my enjoyment, but they make me more appreciative of PD & RRS’s precise machining.

And, as a final caveat, do you find that they have “innovated” themselves enough not to be called a PD copycat? That label has been thrown around since they were launched, and I already saw your thoughts on PMG vs Leofoto gimbals. The Ulanzi’s price undercuts PD’s a lot despite both being manufactured in China.

Hi Khoi. I found my leg logs to be acceptable. Stiffer than PD but still workable. As for head tightening issues, honestly, I hated the F38 head so much, and since it couldn’t support any camera I owned, I stopped the testing results short on that head. Ulanzi is sending me the Arca head, so I will do more detailed testing on that one, assuming it can hold at least a mirrorless body and a standard zoom lens. Have they innovated enough? That’s also a good question. There isn’t any real innovation here, but I have to give them credit for creating a sturdier set than the PD legs. When Lefoto copies RRS and PMG products, you get a copycat product with lower quality. When I have the other version of this tripod I will spend more time on it and update this review with further thoughts. Thanks for adding your own experience.

It should be able to hold that a mirrorless body and a standard zoom lens well. I used it often with my Z50 + 200-500 combo during the time it was in my hand.

That was a great article and very helpful. The Ulanzi website says the F38 is arca swiss compatible, but will I have an issue using an L-Bracket with it unless I get the zero Y version? I have the PD aluminum, so I would love a cheap carbon fiber alternative, but essentially always have my L-bracket on my camera. Again, thank you so much for your help.

The website actually states that it is NOT compatible. It is “compatible to the Arca-swiss tripod head” in the sense that you can replace their proprietary head with the center column adapter, which Dan has demonstrated to be very flawed.

Got it. Thank you so much. This gets a little confusing.

Khoi already beat me too it! Confusing is the word. As I said in the review, Ulanzi made all of this more confusing than it needed to be as soon as they made an F38 version of this tripod.

So Dan. Have you received the new arca swiss model? I was ready to pull the trigger on the pd, but recent prince increases has turned me away from it

Thank you Dan, this is the best review I have seen and I have watched and read a lot. I use L bracket with my mirrorless Nikon and large lenses so “Y” model would be the choice based on your article. I also use Acratech GPSS ball(0.9 Lb), the same you have in your picture, so my plan is to buy the center column so I can use it with my own ball head time to times. So would you know the weight of the tripod with the center column(without the ball-head ) ?

Hello, Dan! I’ve had time to compare “Y” and F38 models, and concluded that they have same legs and other parts, except ballhead. The F38 head are little lower, so the tripods have different length. F38 base plate is compatible with arca swiss, but not vice versa. I.e. you cannot install standart arca swiss plate onto F38 head, because it have unique locking mechanism. The area of the Y and f38 plates contacting with the camera almost the same, but f38 plate have almost flat and plasticky rubber inserts. This may be the reason of camera rotating, despite how tighten it. Best regards

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Ulanzi Zero Y tripod review: small, light, but fiddly

Ulanzi/Coman's Zero Y is a compact travel tripod that is ultra-compact (16.65 inches / 423 mm when folded), ultra-lightweight (2.4 pounds / 1.1 kg), yet provides the same functionality as a full-sized tripod and head. I purchased a Zero Y for use on vacations, short trips, or any situation where a large, tall tripod would be overkill. The Zero Y is light and super compact, but does have a few cons, as I will explore in this review.

• Super compact and lightweight
• Easily packable, fits in just about everything
• Quality materials and construction

Arca plate compatible

• Lower price than the competition
• Fiddly ball head controls
• Not comfortable for extended periods of time

Ball head cannot be removed

Basic overview of the Zero Y

The Zero Y falls in the category of compact travel tripods. It has been intentionally designed to provide photographers and videographers with a durable, fully functional tripod in the smallest possible package. Its most obvious competitor (and likely design influence) is the carbon fiber Peak Design Travel Tripod , which set a new design standard for compact tripods when it was introduced back in 2019.

When folded, the Zero Y measures 16.65 inches/42.3 cm. This makes the tripod small enough to fit inside a standard sized camera backpack (so it doesn't have to be carried in an exterior pocket). The tripod also takes up very little room in a larger suitcase if packing checked luggage while traveling.

Zero Y has three adjustable legs with five sections, each independently lockable using a sideways clasp, that raise the tripod to a maximum height of 52 inches/132.7 cm, or 62 inches/156.7 cm when its center column is fully raised. Each leg has a rubberized foot that may be removed and replaced with a metal spike (provided with the tripod) for improved stability on soft ground.

Each leg may be adjusted to 20°, 55°, or 75° using a spring loaded switch. This helps lower a camera and increase stability in setups closer to the ground. When set at a 75° angle, the center column must be raised at least halfway so it doesn't scrape the ground.

Speaking of the center column, it raises and lowers by locking and unlocking a silver, vertical clasp on the side of the base. The column may be flipped around and inserted through the bottom of the plate (for hanging a camera upside down), and provides a removable hanging hook (with a small hex wrench hidden inside) for adding weight and stability to the tripod.

On the side of the tripod collar is a 1/4-20 female thread. This is helpful for mounting magic arms, lights, microphones, monitors, or other accessories.

The Zero Y ball head is super compact, low-profile, and is Arca plate compatible. This is different from the Zero F38 model , which is similar in all other aspects to the Zero Y, but uses Falcam F38 quick release plates. (Incidentally, this is the main reason why I chose the Zero Y, for I prefer having one set of plates (Arca) that are functional with any ball head).

The Zero Y ball head provides 20° of rotation with the center column fully lowered, but then expands with full maneuverability (and double-sided vertical orientation) when the center column is raised a few inches.

The Zero Y ball head provides full 360° panoramic rotation, an integrated spirit level to assist with leveling, and a horizontal metal clasp (similar to the center column clasp) that locks and unlocks the head's position when rotated around the ball.

Ball head payload should be less than 6.6 pounds/3 kg for optimal user experience. The maximum possible payload (before the head might lose grip and fall) is 11 pounds/5 kg. The combined weight of most prosumer digital camera bodies and lenses should be well within these limits.

What I like most about the Zero Y

Incredibly lightweight.

There are very few carbon fiber travel tripods lighter than 2.4 pounds / 1.1 kg. Most, in fact, are 3 pounds and heavier. Zero Y feels incredibly light in the hand, and adds barely any weight to a camera bag. Anything I can do to remove weight when carrying heavy camera gear is all good with me.

Ball head is strong enough for most prosumer cameras

I tested various configurations of camera bodies, lenses, and accessories for, and found that the Zero Y ball head stays locked in place and does not drift with a payload less than or equal to ~5 pounds/2.26 kg. This is a little lower than Ulanzi's recommended payload of 6.6 pounds/ 3 kg, but still within reason for most prosumer camera bodies and lenses.

The Zero Y does a surprisingly good job holding up my chunky Fuji GFX 100s with a 32-64 lens , L-bracket and battery (weighing 4.5 pounds/2 kg total). However, it does start to drift downward when adding an HDMI monitor, battery, and other accessories.

Tripod is ultra compact and easy to pack

I love how small and compact the tripod is, for takes up less space and weight than a normal sized tripod. That makes it ideal for vacations, weekend trips, casual use, video, etc. For me it's also ideal as a secondary tripod when I'm shooting photography videos for my YouTube channel.

I'm not a fan of tripod heads or mounts using proprietary plates, for then I have to always use the plate that comes with a product, and cannot substitute it with anything else (which could be disastrous when traveling). That's why I'm so glad the Zero Y has an Arca compatible plate, unlike its sibling Zero F38 tripod.

I recommend using the Arca plate that comes with the Zero Y, for it is fitted for the plate, and has the requisite stabilizing pins that help prevent slippage.

What I don't like about the Zero Y

Ball head controls are small and awkward.

Because the ball head is intentionally designed to be ultra low-profile, the knobs and levers are positioned very close to the camera body, which at times makes them fiddly and cumbersome to use. That's especially true with the ball head tightening clasp, which is either locked or unlocked, with no in-between. I also find the tightening clasp to be awkwardly placed and not comfortable to use when standing behind the camera.

The controls aren't bad when using the tripod for limited time, but I wouldn't want to use the Zero Y for hours at a time.

The Zero Y ball head is permanently affixed to the top of the center column and cannot be removed. In order to use a different ball head with the Zero Y, you must purchase a separate F38 ball head or alternate 1/4-20 center column . Would be nice if I could just unscrew the ball head and mount something else without buying an additional accessory.

Must raise center column to shoot vertical

Due to its low profile design, the Zero Y ball head cannot position a camera vertically. To do so, the center column must be raised a few inches, which introduces less stability and is more time consuming to wrangle with. I'll definitely be using an Arca compatible L-bracket to make this easier.

Overall, the Zero Y from Ulanzi+Coman is solidly designed and engineered. I'm especially impressed by how light and compact the tripod is, and how easy it is to travel with. The Zero Y is not comfortable or rugged enough for landscape photography use, but for general photography and videography, it certainly does the job.

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ULANZI Zero Y Professional Camera Tripod, Lightweight Travel Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod with Quick Release 1/4" Screw & 360° Ballhead, for Most Cameras/DSLR/Projector, Weight 2lb, Maxload 39lb

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Sandblasting process full carbon fiber, lightweight
• Ultra-fast reconfigured into low mode
• Quick switch to inverted mode, perfect for macro or product photography
• Adjustable height from 15.3cm to 156cm
• Come with portable carrying bag
• Weight:1.1KG(2.2lbs) Storage length: 42.3cm(15.74inches)

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Product details

• Parcel Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 46 x 10.4 x 8.6 cm; 1.7 kg
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ Aug. 5 2022
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ ULANZI
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B8SNSDHM
• Manufacturer reference ‏ : ‎ 3028-AU2-FBA
• Country of origin ‏ : ‎ China
• #143 in Tripods

From the brand

Founded in 2016 by a team of the photographer lovers.

We specialize in the development of mobile phone photography and other photographic equipment accessories, mainly based on mobile video accessories such as mobile phone stabilizer, rigs, microphone, LED lights, fixed bracket, lens, tripod,action camera accessories,etc.

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Ulanzi Tripod

How we get our start.

Ulanzi, founded in 2016 by photographic enthusiasts, is devoted to providing a full range of vlog accessories to people around the world, specializes in photography lighting, camera tripod, microphone, zoom light, etc.

What makes our products unique?

For customers' better experience, professional equipment should be easier to use.

Why we love what we do?

We think the essence of photography is not only the display of the function, the core is to help everyone shoot the picture they are satisfied with.

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Product description.

Founded in 2016 by a team of the photographer lovers, our original vision is not only to collect high quality and stylish products from the world, but also to develop own products with fabulous and yet practical design.

ULANZI Zero Y Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod

Vlog now with ulanzi.

The tripod is made of carbon fiber. 5-section legs allows you to adjust the working height from 15.6"to 61.7" in seconds, legs adjust at angles of 25º, 50º and 80º easily. The specially designed ball-head can rotate 360° and get free angles, allowing you to get the perfect shot and amazing panorama every time. It's very convenient to carry it anywhere with the carry bag.

It will help streamline your photography work for more efficient shooting.

• Quick switch to inverted mode
• CNC hemisphere panoramic tripod head design
• Sandblasting process full carbon fiber
• Adjustable height from 42.3cm to 156cm

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Ulanzi Zero Y Carbon Fiber Lightweight Travel Tripod 3028

• 1. Co-Branding Reise- und Outdoor-Stativ, Ideal für Fotografen
• 2. Ultra-schnell umkonfiguriert in den niedrigen Modus
• 3. Schnelles Umschalten in den umgekehrten Modus
• 4. CNC-Halbkugel-Panoramastativkopf-Design
• 5. Sandstrahlverfahren für Kohlefaser
• 6. Arca-Basis für schnelle Demontage und Montage
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*Shipping from Germany, 3-4 working days delivery time.

Ulanzi Zero Y Carbon Fiber Lightweight Travel Tripod 3028,  is a compact carbon fiber tripod specifically designed for shooting.

Key features:

1. Co-branded travel and outdoor tripod, ideal for photographers who shoot outdoors 2. Ultra-quickly reconfigured to low mode, for photographing animals or other low-angle subjects 3. Quickly switch to reverse mode, perfect for macro or product photography 4. CNC hemispherical panoramic tripod head design 5. Sandblasting process for carbon fiber 6. Arca base for quick disassembly and assembly

*Can hold up to 18 kg

Adjustable height： from 15.3cm to 156cm Weight: 1KG(2.2lbs) Bearing length: 40cm(15.74 inches)

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Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y Tripod is my choice for light-painting on the go

Ulanzi & coman zero y lightweight travel tripod: the ideal companion for photographers and videographers on the go.

Traveling light and moving fast is the name of the game for photographers and videographers who are always on the move. However, capturing breathtaking moments requires stability, something that can be hard to come by when equipment is bulky and heavy. But with the Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod, travelers can now capture stunning pictures without weighing down their bags.

Being a game-changer in the industry, this tripod puts a premium on fast and versatile deployment, making it the perfect fit for anyone who loves traveling light. Read on to find out more about my opinions about Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y Tripod.

Small size and robust deisign

The Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod is the best of both worlds: lightweight and durable. The tripod's carbon fiber construction allows it to weigh only 1 kg (1.8) pounds, making it a perfect traveling companion. Its adjustable height from 15 cm to 156 cm (49 inches) ensures that you can capture images or videos from various angles with ease. Moreover, the tripod comes with a sandblasting process finish, making it resistant to scratches and wear and tear.

The tripod's versatility is unbeatable, thanks to the five-section leg design.

Arca-Swiss plate and Secure Leg Locks

Equipped with an Arca-Swiss quick release plate , this tripod is fully compatible with L-brackets (like the one I use for my camera), allowing you to seamlessly switch between shooting in vertical or horizontal mode. While some reviewers have noted that the plate is small, it is fully functional and perfectly suited for travel photography .

The Secure Leg Locks feature also ensures a tight grip that provides extra stability and prevents the tripod from wobbling.

Perfect for long exposure photography

Long exposure photography can be a tricky technique to master, but with the right equipment, it's a breeze. That's where the Ulanzi & Coman Zero Y comes in, with its five-section leg design and secure leg locks that provide the stability needed for those all-important long exposures.

Ideal for my light-painting tour

I recently brought this tripod with me to France for a light-painting tour full of outdoor sessions, and I was blown away by how easy it was to use since the first time. Not only is it incredibly stable, but it's also extremely easy to handle, which is essential when you're trying to capture the perfect shot in the dark, often in a non-comfortable position.

I was so happy for having it in my luggage and its small format fit without any problem.

Conclusions

The Ulanzi Zero Y & Coman Lightweight Travel Tripod is a must-have for anyone interested in photography or videography. Its features and benefits give it an edge over other tripods on the market.

Not only is it incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around, it also has versatile features that allow me to capture stunning photographs and videos on the go. What's more, it is affordable, making it a great investment for budding content creators who are looking to up their game.

While there are other options on the market, such as the Peak Design travel compact tripod and the Sirui AM-284 , the Ulanzi Zero Y stands out for me. It is 50% cheaper than the Peak Design tripod and, in my opinion, has a superior design. Meanwhile, the Sirui AM-284 is a great option for light-painting outdoor photography, but for my project Sublument, the Ulanzi Zero Y is the clear winner.

If you are interested in long exposure and outdoor light-painting, the Ulanzi Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod is absolutely a must-have.

Buy it on the official website

Other equipment I use for light-painting sessions

• Sony a7III full frame camera
• Canon EOS-M6 Mark 2
• Samyang 12mm f/2.8
• Sony 35mm f/2.8

Related posts

• 5 camera settings for light-painting photos
• How to hide yourself when light-painting
• The Basics of Long Exposure Photography

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Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod Released

During IBC 2022, we had a chat with professional landscape photographer Pedro Kin about the new Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod. This compact accessory only weighs 1.1kg/2.2lbs, takes up 42.3cm/15.74” in length, and comes with an integrated ball head.

A tripod is an essential piece of gear for every documentary or traveling filmmaker. However, when packing for a new adventure, this accessory often gets neglected due to its cumbersome nature.

However, at IBC 2022, the small footprint of the new Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod, designed jointly by Ulanzi and COMAN, caught our eye. At first glance, it seems to have all it takes to become a friendly travel companion. So let’s take a closer look at it.

Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y: features

The Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod is a compact camera support aimed at traveling photographers and filmmakers. The accessory is mainly made of carbon fiber with the addition of aluminum parts, for a total weight of 1.1kg/2.2lbs.

The tripod legs can spread out at 20, 55, and 75° angles, and feature a 4-section design. The height of the tripod is adjustable between 15.3cm in low-mode up to 156cm when the central column is fully lifted. If collapsed, the tripod is only 42.3cm/15.74” long.

The tripod comes with a CNC-machined ball head, which can withstand a maximum payload of 5kg, while the central column can bear a load of 18kg. The camera attaches to the head via an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate and the horizon can be judged by looking at the built-in reference bubble level.

The tripod also has some hidden gems that can sometimes turn into little life-savers when shooting outdoors. For example, the bottom section of the central column acts a storage space for a small screwdriver.

Price and availability

The Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod is now available to purchase from the company’s website and authorized dealers worldwide. Its retail price is about $369.95.

For more information, please visit Ulanzi’s website here .

Do you often carry a tripod with you when traveling? What do you think of the new Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Francesco Andreola

Francesco Andreola is a Milan-based filmmaker. He currently teaches the Video Technology class at the European Institute of Design (IED) in Milan. He works in the Camera Department as a camera operator and assistant.

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Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod Review

A Post By: Jeremy Flint

In this Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod review, I offer a hands-on look at one of the best new travel tripods on the market today.

If you’re a beginner in need of a first lightweight tripod or you’re a more serious travel photographer in need of a sturdy-but-lightweight option, it could be a great pick. Read on to find out how this innovative and well-made tripod measures up.

The Lightweight Travel Tripod: Overview

As a travel photographer who often does long and short trips at home and abroad, I am always looking for the perfect travel tripod companion. While I’ve used – and enjoyed – the Manfrotto GT2542LS with a Manfrotto 405 head for many years, it’s heavy and cumbersome to carry over long distances and for extended periods. Before testing the Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod , I was searching for a much lighter option for my travels. Could it be the solution?

The Lightweight Travel Tripod offers a slew of handy features, including five lockable leg sections, a 52.7 in (134 cm) maximum height (which jumps to 61.4 in/156 cm with the center column raised), and a 7 in (18 cm) minimum height to capture those low-to-the-ground shots. When folded, the tripod is only 16.7 in (42.5 cm), which makes it incredibly easy to transport on day or multi-day trips. 

The tripod has a center column load capacity of 39.7 lb (18 kg), and you can increase stability by hanging a backpack from the middle-column hook. The included ball head boasts a weight capacity of 11 lb (5 kg).

And while I go into greater detail below, it’s clear that the Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod performs amazingly well. It’s easy to use, strong and durable, and comes with a host of great specs and features, which makes it an excellent pick for beginners, hobbyists, and even more serious shooters.

The Lightweight Travel Tripod: Detailed breakdown

In this section, I delve into the specifics, including the tripod’s build, performance, and price.

Build and handling

The Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod exudes both quality and professional design. The carbon fiber frame is built to last and ensures you have a strong support system and a great go-to partner for your travel photography needs.

Hold the tripod in your hands, and you can immediately tell that it’s plenty robust; the material is abrasion- and scratch-resistant and includes aluminum parts for extra toughness.

Performance

The tripod works great in the field and is a joy to use. The leg intersections feature quick-release clips, which can all be opened simultaneously. They’re smooth to unlock, and when fully locked, they keep the tripod highly secure.

The Lightweight Travel Tripod has some additional useful features. For instance, the legs can be angled outward to 20°, 55°, or 75°; the legs can also all be locked up and released simultaneously for quick setup and teardown.

As I mentioned above, the tripod does have a central column, which extends to give you an extra 9.4 in (24 cm) of height. It’s also reversible, so you can shoot with your camera upside down (which comes in handy when capturing low-angle shots).

Now, because the tripod is so light, there is a compromise on weight capacity. When shooting in landscape orientation, just keep your setup under 39.7 lb (18 kg), and you’ll do just fine. Therefore, you can shoot with a DSLR or a mirrorless camera and a larger lens (e.g., a 24-70mm lens or even a 70-200mm lens ).

But when shooting in a vertical position, you’ll want to keep the weight down to 11 lb (5 kg); this corresponds to the ball head’s maximum payload. Also, when shooting vertically, the tripod works best when the center column is at its lowest. Note that the position of the mounting plate can be adjusted on the base of the camera or lens to give maximum stability.

I’m also a fan of the built-in ball head, which provides both stability and flexibility. When your camera is mounted on the head, you can rotate it in any direction and position it at any angle. And the built-in spirit level helps you ensure your camera is straight, which can be a huge advantage for landscape photography , architectural photography , and more.

When your camera is attached to the ball head, it sits on a fixed panoramic plate; this can be rotated 360 degrees for perfect panoramic photos . The head features degree markings (from 0 to 360) for precise shooting, and the rotating head and panoramic dial provide a horizontal calibration device for more stable and precise photos and video.

Accessories and extra features

In addition to the features mentioned above, the Lightweight Travel Tripod boasts an F38-type quick-release plate (and system) that interfaces with the ball head. Simply twist the silver dial to the unlock position, press a button, and it’ll instantly be released.

The Arca-Swiss quick-release plate holder enables quick removal of the plate and attachment of the camera. That way, you can set up in just a few seconds, which comes in handy when working in rapidly changing conditions.

The tripod comes with a smart, practical, and stylish bag, which makes it easy to store and a delight to carry around for the day or on overnight excursions.

You also get metal screw-in feet that are interchangeable with the existing rubber feet. They’re great for shooting on softer ground such as sand, mud, or grass (e.g., when you’re capturing seascapes at the beach or architecture from a lawn).

Also, the tripod can be used for different purposes; it comes with 1/4 screws that can be connected to microphones, and it can even act as a light stand if necessary.

The Lightweight Travel Tripod is currently available for $370 (and the ball head is included). This makes it an extremely cost-effective pick for photographers hoping to record their travels and adventures, especially compared to the alternatives I share below:

Travel Tripod alternatives

Not sure whether the Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod is right for you? Consider these other tripods:

Peak Design Travel Tripod (carbon fiber)

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is a solid alternative to the reviewed Ulanzi & COMAN product. It packs down to the diameter of a water bottle without compromising on height, stability, or features. It looks similar to the Ulanzi tripod, is fast to set up, and offers built-in mobile compatibility.

The biggest disadvantage is that, despite its comparable features and looks, it’ll set you back around $650 (versus just $370 for the Ulanzi & COMAN unit).

Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler Tripod

As the name suggests, the Gitzo Series 1 Traveler is designed for travel photographers. It’s compact, foldable, and light, plus a short column is included for ground-level shots. The tripod boasts four leg sections and a sturdy carbon-fiber build.

Unfortunately, the price is extremely high (you’ll pay over $500 to purchase the tripod without a head), so it’s really only a viable option for more serious shooters. Also, it doesn’t have a hook to hang weights for extra stabilization, while the Ulanzi & COMAN does.

Who Should Buy the Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod?

I would highly recommend the Lightweight Travel Tripod to photography enthusiasts and beginners looking for their first lightweight tripod. It’s very reasonably priced, is easy to use, and compacts down to a small size.

It’s also a great option for more serious travel photographers in need of a sturdy-but-lightweight option to take on daily photography outings and adventures.

You can learn more about the Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod here .

Read more from our Cameras & Equipment category

Jeremy Flint is an award-winning photographer and writer, specialising in travel, landscape and location photography and is known for documenting images of beautiful destinations, cultures and communities from around the world. Jeremy has won awards including the National Geographic Traveller Grand Prize and the Association of Photographers Discovery Award, besides being commended in Outdoor Photographer of the Year. He has also been a finalist in the Travel Photographer of the year and British Photography Awards several times. He has been commissioned by commercial and editorial clients worldwide including National Geographic Traveller, Country Life, Discover Britain, USA National Parks and Visit Britain and has travelled extensively to over 65 countries.

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Tripods for solo travel photos - Moscow Forum

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// at popular tourist locations such as red square, st.basil cathedral, et.

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Andrey Surnov

Digital Artist

Metro. Kitay-gorod station. Moscow public transportation

One of the artist’s early works, which in the light of the events of spring 2020 turned out to be prophetic. Moscow metro passengers know this crowd at Kitay-Gorod station during rush hours. The crowd moves as one organism, swaying from side to side to the beat of slow small steps, because it is impossible to go differently. And the ancient horror seems to be hovering over her, erasing your identity, your hopes, your plans. Being in such a crowd is like swimming underwater without a scuba gear. The only thing that does not panic is the hope that this will end.

The work was done in broad, crude strokes, emphasizing an anxious expectation, a state of uncertainty, insecurity and confusion of feelings.