Ulanzi Zero Y Travel Tripod Review

The Ulanzi COMAN Zero Y first caught my attention two years ago while searching for a lightweight yet dependable travel tripod. I wanted something compact enough for frequent travel, but stable enough to handle serious photography work.

This is a completely independent review, as I purchased this tripod myself without being contacted by the manufacturer. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Build Quality & Materials

The Ulanzi Zero Y is a carbon-fiber travel tripod designed for photographers who prioritize portability without completely sacrificing stability. On paper, it competes with premium travel tripods like those from Peak Design and Gitzo — but at a much lower price.

After extended real-world use in travel and outdoor environments, here’s how it performs.

Carbon Fiber Construction

The tripod weighs just 1.1 kg, which immediately makes it attractive for travel. The legs are carbon fiber, while key components use aluminum.

Despite its low weight, it does not feel cheap. Many lightweight tripods suffer from noticeable flex or weak joints — that is not the case here. The Zero Y feels reasonably solid for its class.

Its compact folding design clearly takes inspiration from high-end travel tripods, particularly the Peak Design Travel Tripod. The engineering approach is similar, though execution differs in durability.

Design & Usability

Integrated Ball Head

The tripod includes an integrated 360° panoramic ball head with a bubble level and locking lever. It ships with an ARCA-Swiss compatible plate.

You can position the ball head vertically for portrait shooting. However, it is not detachable in its stock configuration — which limits flexibility.

This design keeps weight down and simplifies setup, but it also reduces long-term upgrade options.

Stability in Real-World Use

General Stability

For a 1.1 kg travel tripod, stability is surprisingly good. In calm conditions, even with the center column extended, long exposures are possible without major issues.

Compared to other ultra-light tripods I’ve used, the Zero Y performs better than expected.

However, stability drops noticeably in wind — particularly when the center column is raised.

Flip-Lock Leg Mechanism

Unlike most carbon fiber tripods that use twist locks, the Zero Y uses flip-lock levers.

Deployment is fast and intuitive. The locking strength initially feels solid, and the legs open smoothly. The three angle positions (20°, 55°, 75°) provide flexibility, including low-angle shooting.

The downside: durability.

Over time, the flip locks and leg sections showed wear earlier than I would expect at this price point. With frequent use, the mechanism can loosen.

In my case, one leg tube eventually failed due to an internal locking ring coming loose and getting lost.

To Ulanzi’s credit, their customer service promptly sent a replacement leg at no cost. That experience was a strong positive.

Built-In Allen Key: Helpful but Imperfect

At the bottom of the center column, Ulanzi includes a small integrated Allen key for tightening screws.

In theory, it’s a practical feature — especially when shooting outdoors without tools.

In practice, it’s a compromise.

The small grip makes it difficult to apply sufficient torque. One of my leg screws loosened frequently during travel, and the built-in tool was not strong enough to fully secure it. After switching to a standard Allen key, the issue never returned.

Another problem: the Allen key itself can unscrew from the center column. I eventually lost mine and had to request a replacement. Ulanzi provided one, though shipping cost €17.

Sand & Outdoor Shooting

For shooting on sand or dirt, the included metal spike feet can replace the rubber feet. This improves grip significantly in loose terrain.

Replacing the Ball Head — Important Considerations

After about 18 months of use, I replaced the original ball head.

Why I Upgraded

When I moved from a Nikon Z7 II to a heavier Nikon Z8 paired with a Nikon 100–400 mm lens, the integrated head began slipping under load — particularly in vertical orientation.

The original head handles lightweight mirrorless setups well, but struggles near its upper limit.

Compatibility Limitations

The stock configuration uses a 3/8″ stud rather than the more common 1/4″ thread. The ball head cannot be removed without purchasing a separate compatible center column.

That additional center column includes a thread adapter, allowing you to mount third-party heads.

I replaced mine with an INNOREL N36 ball head, which completely solved the stability issue — even with heavier lenses.

Warranty & Serviceability

Ulanzi advertises replaceable components and warranty support. In the EU, this is typically a 2-year warranty (check regional terms).

Based on my experience, their customer support was responsive and helpful.

PROS

Very lightweight and compact for travel
Good stability for its size and weight
360° panoramic ball head
Fast setup and easy to pack
Flexible leg angles and low-angle capability
Strong customer service experience

CONS

Integrated ball head limits customization
Ball head struggles with heavier camera setups
Stability drops quickly with center column extended
Allen key unscrews easily and you can loose it
Both the tripod legs and the flip-lock levers tend to wear out and break rather easily

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

After nearly two years of use, I can say I am largely satisfied with this tripod.

It delivers excellent portability, reasonable stability, and practical usability for lightweight mirrorless systems. For travel, hiking, and frequent movement, it hits a strong size-to-performance balance.

However, it is not built to the same durability standard as premium travel tripods. The integrated ball head is the main limitation, especially for heavier lenses like a 100–400 mm.

If your priority is compactness and low weight, the Ulanzi COMAN Zero Y makes sense.

If you routinely use heavy gear or demand maximum rigidity in wind, you may want a heavier — and more expensive — alternative.

Ulanzi Zero Y Travel Tripod Review — Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tested