Compact, lightweight, travel tripods are always a tricky concept to get right. On the one hand, it's easy to make a travel tripod that's too lightweight, to a point where it compromises on build quality and stability once you've mounted a camera. Otherwise, making it too heavy or robust doesn't make it that friendly to travel with, along with other compromises. But, maybe Ulanzi has found a perfect middle ground.

Ulanzi's TT09 VideoGo travel tripod is a compact, robust, well-built tripod designed for photographers and videographers who are always on the move. It aims to provide a stable shooting platform for compact and smaller cameras without the bulk or heft that's often associated with most pro-grade tripods. This is made possible thanks to its use of a 10-layer carbon fiber construction, which makes for good eye candy.

PLEASE NOTE: I WAS SENT THIS ITEM FOR REVIEW BUT NO OTHER PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW

But, besides looking cool, the use of carbon fiber entails superbly lightweight portability, as well as being stronger and stiffer than steel. Consequently, the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo tripod weighs just 1.46kg (~3.21lbs), which is lighter than some other travel tripods that I've used before. However, unlike most other light and diminutive travel tripods, the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo still retains the pro features that we all love.

This includes a huge range of quick release options, compatible with the most popular systems that a lot of photogs are familiar with (more on that later). Plus, the ball head enables easy transitions; handy for those who need to quickly switch between dynamic and static shooting. With a lot more goodies and perks, is the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo the best travel tripod on the market today, or are there better options out there?

What Makes The Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo Travel Tripod So Good?

While the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo travel tripod is classed as a travel tripod, this doesn't mean that you're only limited to using smaller cameras with it. In fact, the TT09 VideoGo offers a maximum load capacity of 20kg on the tripod. Meanwhile, the ball head could support up to 3kg of weight. This weight threshold should be more than enough for most cameras, including a wide array of popular medium-format cameras.

Also, about those quick release options on the TT09 VideoGo, which is compatible with Arca-Swiss, F38, as well as CLAW systems. Once again, this opens up the possibilities for mounting options and cameras that you would use with the TT09 VideoGo. In my case, most of the gear in my arsenal fits the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo with no issues. Moreover, the TT09 VideoGo's center column is removable and reversible.

The tripod feet could also be switched to adapt to different terrains, which is a crucial consideration, given how limiting some travel tripods can be when it comes to where and how you can utilize them. Speaking of the feet, the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo's tripod legs have three opening angles - 22°, 55°, and 85°. The minimum shooting height is 13cm, with a maximum height of 146cm. This should be compact enough for travel.

Another neat bonus is Ulanzi's inclusion of a built-in toolkit within the handle of the TT09 VideoGo. Thus, it can provide you the ability to make on-the-go adjustments, tweaks, and repairs to the tripod, without you having to fiddle around for a hex key wrench. The latter is a common omission on some travel tripods, and it makes simply adjusting your tripod an unnecessary chore, so it's nice to see that being included here.

What Is The Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo Best At?

With that in mind, the TT09 VideoGo gets a lot of things right when it comes to engineering and designing the ideal travel tripod, so here's a quick overview of everything Ulanzi has gotten right...

• Light & Strong Construction - As mentioned earlier, the use of carbon fiber for the TT09 VideoGo's general construction is much appreciated. Carbon fiber doesn't just ensure maximal durability when compared to many other alternatives, but it could also maintain a lighter relative weight for traveling. Aside from that, most other travel tripods often adopt aluminum alloy, which is often good enough. But, carbon fiber could more than handily cut down on those excess ounces and grams.

• Versatile Quick Release System - The Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo's quick release system is more consequential at first glance than it might seem. With compatibility for numerous popular quick release systems - including Arca-Swiss, F38, and CLAW systems - this gives it optimal versatility to switch from one camera to the next. In addition to catering to various camera types and formats, it can also fit your personal preference. For me, this is a highly valuable feature, given the diverse array of cameras and gear that I use daily.

• Integrated & Easy To Use Toolkit - It's not uncommon for tripods to require the use of tools for making any fine-tuning adjustments. Or, for re-calibrating your tripod after years of use, where it can get loose after a prolonged working life. Unfortunately, most travel tripods don't feature a clever way of including the tools that you'll need, which is why I often recommend carrying a small case of hex wrenches. But, that's not an issue with the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo, given that the handle contains an integrated toolkit. There's a healthy mixture of all the hex socket bits you'll need in there for easy maintenance without needing to carry along any additional tools.

• Compact Form-Factor - For a travel tripod, it's of course vital that it ought to be easy to travel around with. The fact that it's made of carbon fiber does help to shave off some excess weight from the construction. On top of that, the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo's compact storage length makes it suitable for backpack stowage and traveling unencumbered. Yet, Ulanzi still finds room to add a half-bowl ball head, making it a huge plus for videographers who need to maintain a level horizon.

• High Load Capacity - For a comparatively tiny travel tripod, the TT09 VideoGo has a pretty respectable load capacity when compared to its own weight. This offers really good stability for a larger range of cameras or setups. Therefore, it's not as limiting as some other travel tripods. To further compound that versatility, the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo's reversible center column, and variable leg length provide additional flexibility, which can be helpful for creative shooting positions and angles.

Does The Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo Travel Tripod Have Any Flaws?

Although it's a superb contended among the best of the best travel tripods that you can buy today, it does not overshadow the fact that Ulanzi's TT09 VideoGo does have its fair share of flaws, such as...

• Load Capacity Can Still Be Restrictive - Sure, the load capacity on the TT09 VideoGo overall is actually quite good. But, there are some travel tripods out there that could manage another 5kg of weight or so for their peak load capacity. This means that, unlike some of its rivals, the TT09 VideoGo can still be restrictive with heavier camera setups. So, do bear that in mind before picking one up. Furthermore, that's just the tripod's max load capacity. When it comes to the ball head, it's rated for 3kg, which further limits the types of cameras that you can mount on it.

• Slightly Premium Pricing - The pricing of the TT09 VideoGo is certainly pretty competitive. However, it's still high enough that budget-conscious buyers might need to consider looking elsewhere, or if you're willing to save a few more pennies to invest in one over the long run. Ulanzi's pricing on the TT09 VideoGo does vary depending on which quick release system you choose. The Arca-Swiss variant is the cheapest, at $259, and the Claw version is priced at $279, while the F38 model is the costliest, setting you back $299.

So, Is The Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo Travel Tripod Worth Getting?

When taking into account cost-to-performance, the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo travel tripod provides a massively compelling option for those needing a very travel-friendly tripod... But, wouldn't want to compromise when it comes to packing in professional capabilities, versatile feature-set, and intuitiveness. Granted, there are a plethora of options in the same price bracket, such as the Manfrotto Befree Live or the HEIPI W28.

The TT09 VideoGo does set itself apart with some unique design choices though, like the handy-dandy tools integrated into the handle. It's a small touch, but it makes a huge difference when you're out on the field. It continues to stand out for its robust carbon fiber construction, immensely versatile quick-release system (as well as its wide compatibility), and clever half-bowl ball head design. Altogether, it's a great option.

Ulanzi has struck a nice balance between portability, convenience, build quality, and functionality, and that gets even better when you consider the competitive price tag. Although, there are a few factors to consider, such as the load capacity. While it does have its limitations, it's pretty good when compared to a lot of rival travel tripods. The TT09 VideoGo is able to support a significant load, while retaining its compact size.

It helps that it's pretty lightweight, too. For what you get, the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo will undoubtedly appeal to videographers and photographers who require a reliable travel tripod for on-the-go shooting. Though it's not going to outright replace a hefty, chunky, feature-packed pro-grade tripod, for something as diminutive as the Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo, you can get pretty close, but without the weight or the cumbersomeness.

Specs And Details

About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.