Two new compact Ulanzi tripods have been launched to the market, the JJ05 and JJ06. On this assessment, my focus is on the JJ06 as, by definition, it’s extra appropriate for video work. I took this “handsome tripod” for a spin as I needed to seek out out if it lived as much as my expectations. In spite of everything, in as we speak’s crowded tripod market, evidently you actually have to face out to seize the eye of potential clients. Let’s take a more in-depth look.
In terms of digicam equipment, Ulanzi is not any stranger. In reality, the corporate’s merchandise appear to be extremely popular amongst picture and video creators. Tripods, luggage, motion cam equipment, lights, teleprompters, and far more. You identify it, and there’s a fantastic chance that Ulanzi or their sister firm Falcam is making it.
Ulanzi JJ06 GlideGo Video Tripod. Credit score: CineD
Ulanzi JJ06, on paper
Wanting on the firm’s product webpage reveals a really succesful product. Its measurement is inviting for touring (1.76kg and 51.5cm max peak when collapsed), and total specs are satisfying. With a most peak of 187cm, 18kg tripod load capability, and 5kg ball head load capability, this new product appeared to enhance my documentary work with mirrorless cameras quite nicely. Then, I took it out to the sphere, as there’s nothing higher than stress-testing a product and seeing “who works for whom”: the product for you, otherwise you for the product.
“Fast-flip design”. The four-section locks of the tripod legs are very simple to open and shut. Credit score: CineD
Ulanzi JJ06 tripod – the good
Fast-flip design
In these lengthy, intimate days that I spent with the tripod, I discovered to understand the general robustness (good mixture of full aluminium alloy and carbon fibre building) and, no much less importantly, how simple it’s to open or collapse the tripod legs. The improved quick-flip design makes the four-section tripod very responsive and simple to regulate to the peak of your liking.
Twin-Stage middle column – for higher creativity. Credit score: CineD
Twin-Stage horizontal middle column
An incredible concept that helps overhead and inverted taking pictures modes. It actually can assist prolong creativity when filming. Think about having the liberty to “break” the centre column into virtually any diploma that you simply want. Getting nearer to things or composing fascinating photographs might doubtlessly develop into very simple. Additionally, the 360° rotation of the column permits simple and quick re-framing with out the necessity to transfer your complete tripod.
So many taking pictures prospects! Credit score: CineD
The tripod deal with
Subsequent is the tripod deal with. The general design will not be satisfying for me as it’s too brief and too straight, however if you happen to take it off, you’ll uncover a built-in screwdriver with a set of seven interchangeable bits to select from. As a lot as I like this concept, I hope that airport safety received’t thoughts if you happen to’re carrying your tripod as hand baggage. (Its size is okay, however you by no means know with these guys behind the scanners.)
The tripod head deal with. Too brief and straight, however it has a seven-option screwdriver. Credit score: CineD
Minimal peak
One other level to spotlight is the minimal peak the JJ06 can obtain, making it virtually preferrred for composing low photographs. (Simply keep in mind to open the middle column and drag it up a bit in order that it doesn’t stand increased than the tripod legs themselves.)
How low are you able to go? Credit score: CineD
What may very well be tremendously improved
Tripods (along with tripod heads) are a vital piece of kit for anybody who does critical work. So far as I’m involved, a very good tripod ought to fulfil the next: be simple and secure to function, face up to the (allowable) load capability, and final however not least, have the ability to assist buttery easy pan and tilt. Of their advertising materials, the corporate refers to all of those factors, particularly mentioning the sleek movement alongside the considerably revolutionary Twin-Stage horizontal column. Sadly, within the subject, a few of these options didn’t perform the way in which I hoped for. Please enable me to elaborate.
The tripod ball head. Can’t be indifferent. Credit score: CineD
The Ball Head and Twin-Stage middle horizontal column
On this tripod, the included ball head can’t be indifferent. This makes it troublesome to connect equipment like a small slider, for instance. Usually, I might join my small journey slider on high of flat-headed tripod legs, after which connect a compact tripod head on high of the slider itself for optimum taking pictures flexibility. Right here, I needed to join the slider to the ball head, making it very arduous to degree or function usually. On the optimistic aspect, for these in a rush, the undetachable head ball ensures that you’ll by no means depart the tripod head behind. For others, this answer would possibly provide a greater storage possibility when touring. In accordance with the corporate, when designing future variations, they’ll try to strike a steadiness between having the pinnacle removable and permitting for compact storage.
The mini slider is sitting on the tripod head. The middle of gravity is increased, leading to much less stability. Credit score: CineDAn extraordinarily small bubble. Not simple to degree the tripod. Credit score: CineD
Talking of leveling, the leveling bubble is among the smallest I’ve ever seen, so be ready to seek out it arduous to steadiness. Much more essential is the pinnacle’s fluidity, and to be clear, I wasn’t anticipating a high-end oil-based head, however all in all, it leaves A LOT to be desired in relation to digicam motion.
Not perfection. The knob touches the higher leg base. Credit score: CIneD
This raised two points. To begin with, I used to be caught with this head with out the opportunity of changing it, and much more alarming is the truth that the entire thought of getting a Twin-Stage middle horizontal column is to offer complete freedom of motion, together with 360° rotation. On this regard, it was very troublesome to regulate the tripod head with the digicam on it and convey the digicam the place I needed it to be, and even do a easy pan.
Sony FX2 and BLAZAR Mantis lens on the Ulanzi JJ06 tripod. See the angled column. Credit score: CIneD
Add to this the problem of locking the lean in all positions, that means you might be tilting and wish to lock the motion at a sure level. The lock mechanism doesn’t align correctly, so it “jumps” just a few millimeters on the finish, doubtlessly ruining the motion in a shot.
The lean locking knob. No assure to lock whenever you need it to. Credit score: CineD
Now, perhaps (simply perhaps) I might have lived with this shortcoming, however what actually pissed off me is the dearth of fluidity that the Twin-Stage column gives. It’s arduous to clarify in phrases, however to summarize my frustration, think about that the 2 essential sections the place the tripod gives motion usually are not ok to execute secure photographs with motion. Interval.
If this dual-stage 360° rotation might present a fluid, strong motion, it might have been a fantastic, helpful characteristic. Credit score: CineD
Earlier than closing this part, yet one more minor annoyance: Because the ball head rotates 360 levels, the lean open/lock knob is, after all, a part of this rotation. Now, for panning, you possibly can both open/lock the pinnacle knob or use the middle column to execute this motion (which, by the way in which, gives smoother panning). In any of the operational circumstances, you’ll shortly end up having points working each the pan and tilt knobs along with your left hand (as your proper hand is holding the tripod head deal with). So many instances, I discovered the pan locking knob precisely on the other aspect from the place I wanted it to be, forcing myself to go away the deal with and lock the pinnacle with two fingers.
The short-release possibility. I want it might accommodate an extended Arca-Swiss plate. Credit score: CineD
The Uka Fast-Launch System
On the whole, I by no means feared that my digicam wouldn’t be safe on the tripod, and Ulanzi’s answer is easy. One push, and the digicam is launched. If I might, I might have inspired the corporate to permit a bigger Arca-Swiss plate to be hooked up, as a substitute of the restricted sq. digicam base.
Ulanzi JJ06 tripod at work. Credit score: CineD
Remaining ideas in regards to the Ulanzi JJ06 tripod
I’m not accustomed to Ulanzi’s product design workflow, however seeing how this product behaves within the subject, I might gently advocate that the corporate work carefully with customers. This might assist with executing among the modern, good concepts they’re presenting right here in a extra full means.
Going again to my “who works for whom” query, on this explicit case, I discovered it not really easy to carry the brand new tripod into sync with my filming wants. Due to this fact, I felt as if my workflow wanted to be adjusted to accommodate the constraints I encountered whereas working it.
Was I asking an excessive amount of from a $299 tripod? Possibly, but with so many tripod choices in the marketplace, I really feel that Ulanzi’s JJ06 GlideGo tripod ought to have been extra pleasant to work with.
Value and availability
Each the JJ05 ($269) and JJ06 ($299) at the moment are accessible for buy at B&H, Amazon, or straight on the corporate web site.
ULANZI’s product design concepts and philosophy
Earlier than concluding this assessment, I want to be truthful and permit the corporate to voice its opinion in regards to the design and philosophy behind this product. I additionally included their very own product abstract in your commentary and consideration:
Why a compact design?
- Portability: The tripod is engineered to maximise performance whereas sustaining a minimal folded measurement. The pinnacle and middle column locking knobs are recessed into grooves for compact storage.
Head Design Philosophy – Why a dual-panoramic head?
- Dynamic taking pictures: Important for monitoring shifting topics in video manufacturing or stay streaming. The 2D pan/tilt head permits exact management for easy pans and tilts.
- Static taking pictures: The ball head beneath the 2D head offers flexibility for fast angle changes, compensating for uneven terrain and making certain the 2D head stays degree.
Why the Uka quick-release system?
- Seamless ecosystem: Ulanzi’s Uka ecosystem contains equipment just like the Uka Arca adapter, Uka backpack clip, Uka shoulder strap, Uka vertical plate, and Uka stabilizer base. The Uka quick-release system allows easy switching between setups.
- Improved effectivity: The downward-mounting mechanism simplifies set up, whereas the anti-drop lock ensures security.
- Anti-Drop Design: To stop unintended urgent of the discharge button that might trigger the digicam to fall, a sliding lock mechanism is integrated on the finish of the discharge button, which requires a leftward slide to unlock.
Middle Column Design Philosophy – Why a dual-stage middle column?
- Top versatility (as much as 1.87m): Conventional tripods typically sacrifice peak for compactness. The twin-stage column achieves each, assembly various peak necessities (e.g., taking pictures above crowds).
- Horizontal mode: The middle column rotates 360°, enabling inventive actions (orbiting, push-pull, and so forth.) and top-down photographs.
- Inverted mode: The foldable design permits fast inversion for low-angle photographs with out disassembly, enhancing stability.
Ulanzi’s abstract of their very own product
The Ulanzi GlideGo JJ06 redefines the normal tripod with improvements like a dual-panoramic head, foldable middle column, and hybrid fluid/ball head system. By addressing the ache factors of bulkiness and restricted performance in conventional tripods, the JJ06 empowers creators with professional-grade stability, versatile movement management, and expanded inventive prospects, all in a light-weight, travel-friendly bundle. Whether or not for dynamic video or static pictures, the JJ06 enhances each taking pictures effectivity and last output high quality.
Do you could have any expertise working with a Ulanzi tripod? If that’s the case, what’s your impression? Please share your ideas within the remark part beneath.
