Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y Travel Tripod Review

Ulanzi Zero Y Tripod: Field Tested

As a solo content creator or photographer, there are some things you can forgo when making videos or snapping photos—and some things you can’t. You might opt for a smartphone over a dedicated camera or a shotgun mic over a lavalier mic setup. But a good tripod is indispensable. Without one, life on the trail becomes much more difficult. You’re left searching for precarious spots to prop up your camera (if that’s even possible), limited to awkward up-close selfies, or forced to hold your camera in hand. This often results in shaky and inconsistent shots, especially in low-light conditions. If you’re lucky, you might find someone to take a photo of you basking on the summit—but in my experience, Joe Bloggs’ shots aren’t always the best.

For multi-day hikes, my go-to tripod has been the AOKA CMP163CL Carbon Tripod, which I value for its exceptional compactness and remarkably low weight—just 500 grams, even with the attached ball head. However, sometimes you need something more—something taller (think 71 cm vs. 157 cm), sturdier, and more versatile. That’s where the Ulanzi Zero Y Lightweight Travel Tripod, co-designed by Ulanzi & COMAN, comes into play.

Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y travel tripod packs up compactly.

Similar to AOKA, Ulanzi—and COMAN, for that matter—is headquartered in Guangdong, China. Founded in 2015, Ulanzi is a relatively new Chinese manufacturer that offers high-quality camera equipment. A key advantage of this manufacturer is that you can obtain equipment with comparable specifications for significantly less—potentially saving tens of thousands of yen—compared to purchasing from established brands like Gitzo, Leofoto, and Manfrotto. It’s worth noting that Ulanzi also offers the nearly identical Zero F38, which features a Falcam quick-release plate instead of the Arca-Swiss mount.

How It Stacks Up: Comparisons with Competitors

First Impressions and Setup

Out of the box, the Ulanzi Zero Y feels premium, featuring well-machined carbon fibre legs with a subtle weave that hints at both durability and lightness. Weighing just 1.1 kg and as thin as a 500 ml PET bottle, it folds down to 42 cm—ideal for carrying on hikes. Initially, I was deciding between this tripod and the SmallRig AP-02, which has a similar weight and height, though the SmallRig’s folded length is over 10 cm longer. Purchased on sale from Amazon Japan for 28,000 yen ($190 USD), the Ulanzi Zero Y was an obvious choice over the full-aluminum SmallRig AP-02, costing only 10,000 yen more.

Setting it up is straightforward; the leg locks deploy smoothly. The Ulanzi Zero Y uses a lever-lock system for its legs, allowing for quick extension and retraction. While lever locks are sometimes considered less maintenance-friendly than twist locks, they offer the advantage of faster adjustments—a key benefit in changing conditions. The locking mechanisms engage with a satisfying click, providing a reassuring sense of sturdiness. The ball head pans very smoothly, with just the right amount of tension, so you don’t need to lock it for every shot. It also incorporates a 360-degree scale, making it easier to capture panoramic shots with precise positioning.

The rubberised feet on each leg are removable and can be replaced with the included metal spikes for improved stability on soft ground. Another useful feature is the ¼-inch screw hole in the centre column, allowing you to screw in other accessories or a smartphone. The integrated spirit level is useful for achieving level shots, but it’s unfortunately not visible once the camera is attached.

Finally, the Ulanzi Zero Y comes with a sturdy tripod case made from durable, premium-feel fabric. The deep-zippered design makes it easy to insert and remove the tripod, while the included shoulder strap adds convenience for carrying.

Performance in the Field

The legs extend in five sections, making the tripod highly compact when folded. However, this design comes with a trade-off: the more leg sections there are, the thinner the lower segments become, which can impact stability. The thinnest leg segment on the Zero Y measures just 12mm, so extra caution is needed when using the tripod at full extension, especially in windy conditions.

The leg angles can be adjusted to three positions—20, 50, and 75 degrees. This provides flexibility for different shooting situations, whether setting up on uneven terrain or positioning the camera at a low angle. The elevator column, when fully extended, brings the total height to 157 cm, allowing most users to shoot at eye level. It operates with a simple lever system, making height adjustments quick and easy. However, the elevator column itself is quite thin, raising concerns about stability when mounting heavier gear. To counteract potential instability, a hook is included at the bottom of the elevator column, allowing for additional weight to be added to improve balance.

One standout feature of the removable elevator column is that it can be inverted for low-angle macro photography, adding to the tripod’s versatility. The elevator column can be shortened by splitting it into two sections, allowing for lower positioning and ground-level shots. Hidden inside is a removable 3mm hex wrench with a hanging hook. This hex wrench can be used to tighten the camera fixing screw on the quick shoe or secure the tripod legs if they become loose, as they are the same size.

The Zero Y is Arca-Swiss compatible and comes with a standard, albeit fairly small, Arca-Swiss camera plate. It attaches via a screw knob, but since there’s no quick-release mechanism like the Zero F38, it takes about four turns to lock and another four to release. One minor issue is that the screw on the back of the plate protrudes slightly to prevent it from slipping off the ball head, which makes sliding it on and off less smooth.

The ball head uses a lever-lock system rather than the traditional screw-lock type, making it easy to adjust and secure. It also has a 20° adjustment without needing to raise the centre column. Lifting the lever around 5 centimetres allows for freer head repositioning. However, under heavy loads, the compact ball head tends to slip, requiring frequent lever adjustments. The ball head also features two notches, allowing for quick switching between portrait and landscape orientations which is handy.

Areas for Improvement

Some moving parts feel a bit stiff. In particular, the elevator column occasionally catches and doesn’t slide as smoothly as expected. This may vary between units, but with regular use, the resistance may ease over time. Additionally, the thin elevator column and narrowest leg segment can introduce some instability, especially under heavier loads or in challenging conditions. Another downside is that the ball head tends to sag under heavy loads, requiring frustrating lever adjustments.

It’s also worth noting that the ball head on the Zero Y isn’t removable. If you want to swap it out for a different one, you’ll need to purchase a separate ¼-inch center column from Ulanzi. This limitation might be a drawback for those who prefer a more modular setup, especially if you’re used to customising your gear for different shooting conditions. However, the included ball head performs well for general use.

Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y leg angle at 75°.

Final Thoughts

There’s plenty to like about the Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y. IIt’s a high-quality carbon tripod available for under 30,000 yen (on sale), offering significantly better value than the Peak Design Carbon Fiber, which costs more than three times as much. With a sleek design, premium feel, and the practicality of carbon fibre construction, it remains lightweight and travel-friendly.

While it may not be the most stable option for demanding photography, it’s an excellent choice for general photography and videography, delivering a great balance of aesthetics, functionality, and affordability. If you’re looking for a well-made carbon tripod that performs well without breaking the bank, the Zero Y is definitely worth considering.

What’s in the Box

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:

• Zero Y Travel Tripod
• Stainless steel foot screw x3
• Storage bag
• Shoulder strap
• Instruction guide

Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y what’s in the box.

BOTTOM LINE

For a lightweight and dependable tripod that balances portability with near-professional-grade performance, the Ulanzi & COMAN Zero Y sets a high bar.

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