Ulanzi MT-16 Tripod Review: Mini Tabletop Tripod Selfie Stick – Is it Worth It?
Introduction
The Ulanzi MT-16 is marketed as a versatile mini tabletop tripod and selfie stick, promising stability and convenience for various shooting scenarios. After extensive testing with my iPhone 12 and a Sony ZV1, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This updated MT-16 model boasts a key improvement over its predecessor, which I’ll explore in detail.
Key Features
The Ulanzi MT-16 boasts several features designed for portability and adaptability. Its compact design makes it ideal for travel, fitting easily into a bag. The retractable legs allow for adjustments to suit diverse shooting angles and heights. The inclusion of a cold shoe mount is a significant upgrade, enabling users to expand functionality with additional accessories like microphones and LED lights. The 360° pan/tilt mechanism is smooth and secure, providing precise control over shot composition. The phone mount is a useful inclusion for casual users, transforming it into a convenient selfie stick.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 500 g |
| Product Length | 5 cm |
| Product Height | 9 cm |
| Product Width/Depth | 44 cm |
| Model Number | ULANZI MT-16 |
| Model Name | 2052-AE |
Performance & Usage
In practice, the Ulanzi MT-16 proved to be a surprisingly sturdy little tripod. The extended legs, while feeling a bit flimsy initially, provided enough stability for most of my shots with the Sony ZV1. My iPhone 12 felt secure in the included phone clamp. The 360° pan and tilt were incredibly smooth and precise, allowing me to easily frame my shots. The cold shoe mount proved to be a valuable asset, allowing me to add a small LED light for improved low-light filming. However, I did notice some minor vibrations when using longer lenses or in slightly windy conditions. The compactness is its biggest win; I have it constantly on hand.
One area where the MT-16 excels is its adaptability. It transitioned seamlessly from a tabletop tripod to a selfie stick, meeting the needs of different shooting situations. I used it successfully for both vlogging and product photography, demonstrating its versatility. The added cold shoe proves to be an important selling point for this model and justifies its cost compared to the MT-08.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Compact and portable, versatile functionality (tripod, selfie stick), sturdy build (for its size), smooth pan/tilt, cold shoe mount for accessories.
- Cons: Can be slightly shaky with heavier cameras or in windy conditions, the included phone mount feels a little basic (though perfectly functional).
Final Verdict
The Ulanzi MT-16 is a great little tripod, especially considering its price. Its versatility, portability, and the added functionality of the cold shoe mount make it a worthwhile purchase for vloggers, casual photographers, and anyone needing a compact and reliable solution for various shooting scenarios. While it might not be suitable for professional filmmaking or situations demanding extreme stability, for everyday use, it delivers excellent performance. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
