Ulanzi MT-79 Tripod Review: Lightweight, Portable, and Versatile
Are you tired of shaky videos and blurry photos? A good tripod can fix that problem fast. The Ulanzi MT-79 tripod might be your answer.
This tripod stands tall at 207cm but folds down to just 36.5cm. You can toss it in a bag without any hassle.
It weighs only 550g, so your shoulders will thank you. Yet it still holds cameras, phones, and even small lights with ease.
The 360° ball head lets you frame perfect shots every time. A 1/4″ screw and phone clamp make it work with almost any device you own.
We tested this tripod in real settings. We checked its build, its flexibility, and its daily performance.
This review covers everything you need to know. You will learn if the Ulanzi MT-79 fits your creative needs.
In a Nutshell
Here is the quick rundown on the Ulanzi MT-79 Tripod. This summary covers what matters most for your buying decision.
• Build quality stands out. The aluminum alloy frame feels sturdy. Plastic parts keep the weight low without feeling cheap.
• Load capacity is limited. It handles up to 1kg. This works fine for phones and small cameras. Heavy DSLR setups may struggle.
• Versatility is a strong point. You can mount phones, cameras, lights, or use it as a selfie stick. One tripod covers many needs.
• Portability wins big here. The collapsed size fits easily into a backpack. Travel photographers will love this feature.
• Competition exists in this space. Models like the Ulanzi MT-44 or Benro Tortoise offer different strengths. Compare features before choosing.
This tripod suits casual creators and mobile shooters best. Professional users with heavy gear might need a sturdier option. Check the full review below for real test results and detailed comparisons.
Build Quality and Materials
The Ulanzi MT 79 uses aluminum alloy as its core material. This choice keeps the tripod strong while staying light. Aluminum resists rust and handles daily wear well.
The plastic components serve specific purposes. The feet have rubber pads made from plastic compounds. These pads grip most surfaces without slipping. The phone clamp uses reinforced plastic too. It holds devices securely without scratching them.
Weight distribution matters for stability. At 550 grams, this tripod feels balanced in your hands. The legs don’t feel flimsy or cheap. Each segment locks firmly into place. You won’t experience wobbling when you tighten the leg locks properly.
The 360° ball head connects to your camera or phone clamp. It rotates smoothly in all directions. The ball joint uses metal internals. This prevents grinding sounds or loose movement over time.
Collapsed size is 36.5 by 5.3 centimeters. The legs fold inward neatly. No parts stick out awkwardly. This compact design means it fits in backpacks, camera bags, or car trunks easily.
The 1/4″ screw thread is standard across the industry. Most cameras and accessories use this connection. The screw feels secure. It won’t strip after repeated use.
Overall construction quality feels solid. Seams are clean. Paint doesn’t chip easily. The tripod doesn’t creak when you adjust it. These details show Ulanzi paid attention to manufacturing.
One trade off exists. The 1kg load capacity limits what you can mount. Heavy DSLRs or professional video cameras won’t work here. Mirrorless cameras, smartphones, and lightweight lights are safe choices.
The materials chosen reflect the tripod’s purpose. It targets mobile shooters, content creators, and casual photographers. It’s not built for studio setups or cinema equipment. For its intended use, the aluminum and plastic combination works well.
Durability appears strong. Users report their units lasting through hundreds of shoots. Hinges don’t break. Locks don’t fail. The materials hold up to regular travel and outdoor conditions.
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Last update on 2026-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Height Range and Portability
The Ulanzi MT 79 extends from 39cm to a full 207cm, giving you serious height flexibility for different shooting angles. Whether you shoot from ground level or need extra elevation, this tripod adapts to your needs.
When collapsed, it shrinks to just 36.5cm long and 5.3cm wide. This compact form factor makes it easy to slip into a camera bag or backpack. You won’t feel weighed down during travel or outdoor shoots.
At 550g, this tripod ranks among the lighter options available. Carrying it for hours feels manageable, even during long photo walks or video sessions. Your arms stay fresh, and fatigue doesn’t become a problem.
The aluminum alloy construction keeps things light without sacrificing stability. Plastic components are strategically placed to reduce overall weight while maintaining strength. This material choice reflects the tripod’s mobile shooter focus.
Portability shines in real world situations. Vloggers moving between locations appreciate how quickly this tripod packs and unpacks. Content creators filming on the go find it doesn’t slow them down. The compact design fits under airplane seats or in car trunks easily.
The 1/4″ screw thread is standard, so attaching cameras, phones, or other gear takes seconds. No adapters or converters needed for most equipment. Setup happens fast, and you start shooting immediately.
Height range matters for framing. Low angles work for dramatic perspectives. High angles give you overhead shots or wide landscape views. The 207cm maximum reaches above eye level comfortably, perfect for group photos or wide shots.
This tripod works best for creators who move frequently. Photographers switching between locations find it practical. Vloggers setting up in different rooms benefit from its lightweight nature. Mobile phone shooters especially appreciate how little space it takes up.
The trade off exists in load capacity. Heavy professional cameras or large lighting rigs may strain the 1kg limit. For smartphones, mirrorless cameras, or compact lights, this tripod handles everything smoothly. Portability wins when you prioritize mobility over maximum load capacity.
Load Capacity and Stability
The Ulanzi MT 79 carries a maximum load capacity of 1kg. This spec matters because it determines what gear you can safely mount on top.
A 1kg limit works well for smartphones, small action cameras, and lightweight LED panels. Your phone clamp handles most modern devices without strain. If you shoot with mirrorless cameras or DSLRs, this tripod won’t support them.
Stability depends on several factors beyond raw capacity. The aluminum alloy legs provide a solid foundation. Weight distribution across the three leg sections keeps the tripod balanced even when fully extended. The wider leg stance at ground level prevents tipping during windy conditions.
Real world testing shows the MT 79 stays firm when holding a smartphone with a small microphone attached. The ball head locks securely in place. You won’t experience drift or creep once you position your phone.
However, pushing near the 1kg limit reduces stability margins. A fully loaded phone rig close to maximum capacity becomes riskier in outdoor settings. Wind gusts have more effect on heavier loads. Bumps or vibrations transfer more easily to your footage.
The tripod performs best when you stay well below its maximum. Loading 600 700g of gear gives you a comfortable safety buffer. This approach prevents wobbling and extends the tripod’s lifespan.
Leg angle adjustment affects how stable the tripod feels. Spreading the legs wider increases stability automatically. Narrower leg positions sacrifice balance but save space in tight areas.
The 550g weight of the tripod itself matters for overall stability. Heavier tripods generally resist tipping better. This lightweight model compensates through intelligent leg design and material choice.
Creators shooting solo benefit most from understanding these limits. You can’t leave a heavy camera rig unattended on this tripod. Always stay present during recording sessions. Never leave it mounted with gear in windy locations.
The MT 79 excels for content creators who work with phones and compact gear. It delivers reliable stability within its designed use case. Respect the 1kg boundary and you’ll get consistent, shake free results.
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The Neewer Aluminum Tripod offers solid stability for cameras and smartphones. This tripod features sturdy aluminum legs that lock securely in place. You get a quick-release plate that makes mounting your device simple and fast.
The height adjusts from low to extended positions. Rubber feet keep the tripod steady on different surfaces. It works well for video recording, photography, and live streaming.
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Manfrotto builds tripods with professional-grade materials. This compact model folds down small, making it easy to carry. The legs extend smoothly with reliable locking mechanisms.
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The Joby GorillaPod Stand takes a different approach. Instead of straight legs, it features flexible, bendable segments. This design lets you wrap it around poles, branches, or uneven surfaces.
The grip is firm enough to hold your camera steady. It works great for creative angles and unconventional setups. The compact form factor fits easily in bags and backpacks. This option suits photographers who need adaptability and portability in one package.
Versatility and Compatibility
The Ulanzi MT 79 shines when you need a tripod that works with multiple device types. This tripod accepts cameras, smartphones, compact LED lights, and even microphones through its universal 1/4″ screw thread. You swap between different gear without needing separate tripods for each setup.
Smartphone users get a dedicated clamp that holds devices securely at any angle. The clamp rotates 360 degrees, so you frame horizontal or vertical shots easily. Vloggers appreciate this flexibility when switching between landscape videos and portrait content during the same shoot.
The 360° ball head lets you position your gear at virtually any angle you need. You tilt, pan, and rotate without adjusting individual leg segments. This means faster setup times when you move between locations or change your shot composition quickly.
Camera compatibility works smoothly thanks to the standard 1/4″ screw. DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and compact cameras all attach directly. Heavier lenses or rigs may push against the 1kg load limit, but lightweight setups function perfectly.
Content creators often attach small accessories alongside their main device. You can mount a phone clamp and a small LED ring light simultaneously using extension arms. This stacking approach works well for YouTube creators and TikTok producers who need multiple light sources.
The tripod’s compact collapsed size makes it ideal for travel setups. Creators moving between studios, outdoor locations, and client sites benefit from how quickly this tripod packs away. The 36.5cm length fits inside most camera bags without taking up excessive space.
Different shooting scenarios demand different approaches. Tabletop content creation uses the tripod at lower heights. Full height extension works for standing interviews or wide room shots. The height range from 39cm to 207cm covers both scenarios without switching equipment.
Real world testing shows this tripod adapts well to mixed gear situations. Smartphone filming with a wireless microphone works reliably. Small camera rigs with compact lenses perform smoothly. You simply stay aware of your total load weight and position the tripod on level ground for best stability results.
Ball Head Performance and Adjustability
The ball head on the Ulanzi MT 79 delivers smooth rotation in all directions. You get a full 360 degree range, so positioning your phone, camera, or light happens quickly. The mechanism feels responsive without being loose or wobbly.
Adjustability works through a single tension knob. Tightening it locks your device in place. Loosening it lets you pan and tilt freely. This simple design means you spend less time fiddling and more time shooting.
The ball head excels at holding angles you actually want to keep. Once you position your gear, it stays put during recording or shooting. You won’t experience drift or slow creep downward. This matters when you’re filming a 10 minute vlog or taking product photos.
The tension adjustment feels intuitive. You don’t need instructions to figure out how tight to make it. Most users find their sweet spot within seconds. The knob has enough grip surface, so you can adjust it with one hand even when wearing gloves.
Switching between portrait and landscape orientations happens instantly. The ball head doesn’t fight you or require loosening multiple locks. Just rotate your device and tighten again. This flexibility helps when you’re capturing content from different angles in quick succession.
Real world testing shows the ball head performs best below the 1kg load limit. Staying around 600 to 700 grams keeps everything stable and responsive. Pushing closer to maximum capacity makes fine adjustments harder. The ball head still works, but you lose some precision.
The head connects directly to the legs through a standard mount. This connection feels solid without any wobble. The engineering here prevents the common problem of heads rotating independently from the legs.
One limitation worth noting: the ball head lacks independent pan and tilt locks. You adjust tension for everything at once. For most vloggers and mobile content creators, this works fine. Professional videographers wanting separate controls might prefer other options.
The Ulanzi MT 79 ball head balances simplicity with functionality. It does what you need without unnecessary complexity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight at 550g makes it easy to carry for travel and on-the-go shooting
- Works with smartphones, cameras, lights, and small accessories thanks to the universal 1/4″ screw and dedicated phone clamp
- 360° ball head lets you position gear at virtually any angle and locks it firmly in place
- Aluminum alloy construction feels sturdy and reliable during real world use
- Collapses to just 36.5cm, fitting easily into bags and backpacks
Cons
- 1kg load capacity limits you to lightweight gear only; heavier cameras and lenses won’t work safely
- Ball head lacks independent pan and tilt locks, so you adjust everything through one tension knob
- Stability drops noticeably when you push close to the maximum weight limit; best performance stays around 600 to 700 grams
Who Should Buy It
The Ulanzi MT 79 works best for specific types of creators and users. If you shoot with lightweight cameras, this tripod suits your needs perfectly. Mirrorless cameras under 600 grams pair well with this stand.
Smartphone content creators love this tripod. The dedicated phone clamp holds your device securely while you film videos or take photos. TikTok creators, YouTubers, and Instagram influencers find it practical for on-the-go shoots.
Travel photographers should consider this model. The 36.5cm collapsed size fits into most camera bags without hassle. You get a full featured tripod without carrying extra weight during long trips.
Vloggers benefit from the 360° ball head. You can switch between portrait and landscape orientations instantly. The tension knob keeps your phone locked at any angle you choose.
Small lighting setups work well here too. If you use ring lights or LED panels under 1kg, this tripod handles them easily. The universal 1/4″ screw accepts most light accessories.
Selfie stick users should know this tripod accepts extension poles. You can attach a selfie stick to the ball head for extended reach.
However, this tripod is NOT for heavy equipment. If your camera weighs more than 600 grams, look elsewhere. Professional DSLR setups with lenses exceed the 1kg load limit safely. Heavy telephoto lenses will cause stability problems.
Studio photographers need something sturdier. The MT 79 works for casual studio use only, not professional sessions with multiple lights and heavy cameras.
Macro photographers should reconsider. Precise positioning with heavy macro lenses becomes difficult at the 1kg limit.
Video professionals using cinema cameras won’t find this suitable. The ball head lacks independent pan and tilt locks, which limits advanced video techniques.
Budget conscious beginners fit perfectly into the target audience. You get quality construction without overspending. The aluminum alloy build feels reliable during regular use.
Casual hobbyists appreciate the versatility. One tripod works for phones, light cameras, and small accessories. You avoid buying multiple stands for different devices.
The Ulanzi MT 79 shines for portable, lightweight shooting scenarios. If your gear stays under 600 grams and you value portability, this tripod delivers real value.
Final Verdict
The Ulanzi MT 79 earns its spot as a solid everyday companion for content creators. It handles light gear with confidence and folds away without fuss.
This tripod shines when you need something simple and dependable. It does not try to be everything for everyone. Instead, it focuses on doing a few things really well.
Smartphone users and casual vloggers will find exactly what they need here. The build feels stable enough for daily shoots, walks, and quick setups. You will not worry about it tipping over during normal use.
That said, this tripod has clear boundaries. Heavy cameras, big lenses, and professional rigs are simply out of its league. Pushing past its limits risks damaging your gear or the tripod itself.
Think of the MT 79 as a reliable starting point. It suits people building their content creation habits without heavy investment in equipment. It also works well as a backup option for creators who already own bulkier gear.
The overall package feels balanced for its intended purpose. You get decent height range, easy folding, and a head that adjusts smoothly. These features matter more than raw strength for most casual users.
If you shoot with phones, small cameras, or basic lighting setups, this tripod fits naturally into your routine. It travels well and sets up fast, which matters when you are capturing moments on the go.
For anyone chasing professional video work or heavier photography gear, this is not your tool. Look toward sturdier options built for those demands instead.
In short, the Ulanzi MT 79 delivers steady performance within its intended scope. It rewards users who respect its limits and use it as designed.
This tripod earns a recommendation for light, mobile content creation. It does not pretend to be a heavyweight solution, and that honesty makes it a trustworthy pick for the right audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ulanzi MT 79 hold my camera?
Yes, but only lightweight cameras. The tripod supports up to 1kg of weight. This works for mirrorless cameras with small lenses or compact point and shoot models. Heavy DSLRs with standard lenses will exceed the weight limit and create safety risks. If your camera setup weighs more than 1kg, you need a sturdier tripod instead.
Is this tripod good for phone video recording?
Absolutely. The MT 79 excels for smartphone content. It has a dedicated phone clamp that grips devices securely. The 360° ball head lets you adjust angles freely. Vloggers and social media creators find this setup ideal for recording TikToks, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram content. The compact size makes it easy to carry between locations too.
How tall does the MT 79 extend?
The tripod reaches up to 207cm (about 81 inches). This gives you plenty of height for most shooting situations. You can position phones and small cameras at eye level for interviews. The collapsed height of 36.5cm fits easily into backpacks and bags. The height range makes it versatile for standing shots, overhead angles, and more.
Will this work with my lighting kit?
Small LED lights work well here. The 1/4″ screw accepts standard light mounts. However, heavy studio lights will exceed the 1kg capacity. Ring lights and compact panels mount securely. If you use lightweight lighting setups for content creation, this tripod handles them fine.
Can I attach a selfie stick to the MT 79?
Yes. The tripod accepts extension poles through its standard 1/4″ screw connection. This lets you mount selfie sticks and boom arms for different shooting angles. Just keep the total weight under 1kg for safe operation.
Tian is a passionate technology enthusiast and reviewer who explores the latest in AI tools, gadgets, and digital innovations to help readers make informed tech decisions.
