As someone constantly trying to capture decent photos or videos, or just wanting better lighting for calls, I know the frustration of shaky footage or awkwardly propped-up gear. Balancing a phone on a stack of books or relying on available surfaces is fine in a pinch, but it severely limits your creative possibilities and often results in suboptimal outcomes. Without a reliable support system like a portable adjustable stand, getting stable shots from various angles or positioning lights precisely is a constant battle, hindering productivity and the quality of your content.
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Choosing the Right Support: What to Look For
Before you invest in any tripod or light stand, it’s crucial to consider what you actually need it for. These tools are essential for anyone who needs stable support for cameras, lights, or smartphones, whether you’re a photographer, videographer, vlogger, or just someone who wants to improve their video calls or photos. The ideal customer is someone who needs portability, height versatility, and compatibility with lightweight devices. If you’re using heavy professional cinema cameras or large studio lights, most portable options won’t cut it, and you’d need a heavy-duty, purpose-built studio stand or tripod instead.
When looking for the right gear support, key factors to think about include:
* Maximum Height: How tall does it need to go for your specific shooting scenarios? Overhead shots, standing interviews, or getting above obstacles require significant height.
* Weight Capacity: How much weight can it safely support? Overloading a stand will lead to instability or even equipment damage. Know the weight of your camera, lens, light, or phone setup.
* Portability & Folded Size: If you plan to travel or shoot on location, how compact and lightweight is it when folded?
* Material & Build Quality: What is it made of? Aluminum or carbon fibre offer durability and balance, while cheap plastic might break easily.
* Head Type & Flexibility: Does it have a ball head or pan-tilt head? How much adjustability does it offer for tilting and panning your device?
* Compatibility: What kind of mount does it have (e.g., 1/4″ screw)? Does it come with adapters or require separate mounts for your specific device (like a phone or action camera)?
Considering these points will help you find a stand that truly meets your needs and avoids frustration down the line.
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Introducing the ULANZI MT-79 Extendable Tripod
Enter the ULANZI MT-79 Extendable Tripod Aluminum, 81″ Portable Adjustable Light Stand. This product positions itself as a highly versatile support solution, promising impressive height in a portable package suitable for cameras, video lights, and smartphones. When you purchase it, you get the stand itself, featuring an aluminum alloy structure, plastic components, a built-in 1/4″ screw mount, and a 360° rotatable ball head (with 180° vertical tilt capability). It’s designed for creators and users who need flexibility and portability without breaking the bank or their back. Compared to bulkier, more traditional tripods, the MT-79 is explicitly built for modern, often lighter, setups and mobility. It’s for the vlogger on the go, the product reviewer needing an overhead shot, the photographer using a mirrorless or point-and-shoot camera, or anyone using a portable video light. It’s likely *not* for someone exclusively using heavy DSLRs with long lenses, or needing rock-solid stability in windy conditions without added weight, as its 1kg weight limit is a hard cap.
Here’s a quick look at its ups and downs:
Pros:
* Excellent maximum height (81″/205cm) for its folded size.
* Very portable and lightweight (550g) when folded.
* Sturdy aluminum construction feels durable for its class.
* Versatile 1/4″ screw mount and 360° ball head for easy positioning.
* Can be used as a handheld stick as well as a tripod/stand.
Cons:
* 1kg weight limit is relatively low for heavier cameras.
* Legs can be stiff to open initially, potentially leading to excessive force.
* Does not include a smartphone adapter or action camera mount.
* May feel slightly wobbly when fully extended with heavier (near 1kg) loads, especially on uneven surfaces.
* The top post for mounting might be visible in 360 camera shots.
Deep Dive into Capabilities
Having used the ULANZI MT-79 for quite some time now, I can genuinely speak to its performance and practical benefits. It’s become a constant companion for various projects, from shooting product reviews at home to taking it along on trips for outdoor shots.
Reaching New Heights (81″/205cm Max Height)
The standout feature for me is undeniably the height this thing can reach. Extending up to a full 81 inches (that’s over 6.7 feet, or 205 centimeters), the MT-79 offers perspectives that most standard portable tripods simply cannot achieve. This has been invaluable for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for proper eye-level recording when standing, which is essential for interviews or vlogging where you want direct interaction with the viewer. Secondly, it enables overhead shots, perfect for tutorials, cooking videos, unboxing videos, or macro work where you need to shoot straight down onto a surface. Getting this kind of elevation with a lightweight, portable stand opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities that were previously difficult or impossible without larger, heavier gear. The eight sections extend telescopically, allowing fine-tuning of the height, although extending all sections can feel a bit less rigid than using fewer. The benefit here is maximum flexibility in choosing your exact framing height.
Engineered for the Road (Portability and Compactness)
Despite its impressive extended height, the ULANZI MT-79 folds down to a mere 38cm (about 15 inches) and weighs only 550 grams. This level of portability is a game-changer for creators who are often on the move. It easily slips into a backpack or camera bag without taking up excessive space or adding significant weight. I’ve taken this stand on hikes, city trips, and even just carrying it around for spontaneous shoots is no hassle. This compact size means you’re more likely to actually *have* a stable support or light stand with you when you need it, rather than leaving it at home because it’s too bulky. The convenience factor here directly translates to more opportunities to capture quality content, regardless of location.
Solid Footing (Sturdy Aluminum Construction)
The main shaft and legs are constructed from aluminum alloy, giving the adjustable light stand a reassuring feel of quality and durability. Unlike cheaper all-plastic stands, the aluminum provides necessary rigidity, especially when extended. The legs, when deployed, spread out to offer a decent base, although they can feel quite stiff to open, particularly when the unit is new. This stiffness, while sometimes concerning, also contributes to the legs staying securely in place once set. It’s a balancing act – you want them to be secure, but overly stiff can feel like you might break them (as some users have noted). However, once open and the legs are spread wide, the base is reasonably stable *for the load limit*. The aluminum material helps keep the overall weight manageable while providing the necessary structural integrity for supporting up to 1kg of equipment. The benefit is a product that feels like it can withstand regular use and offer reliable support within its stated capacity.
Angle Mastery (360° Ball Head)
At the top of the ULANZI MT-79 is a compact, but highly functional, ball head. This allows for incredible flexibility in positioning your mounted device. You can tilt the head vertically up to 180° and pan it horizontally a full 360°. This freedom of movement means you can quickly and easily fine-tune your angle without having to reposition the entire stand. Whether you need a slight adjustment to level your shot, an extreme angle for a creative perspective, or a smooth pan, the ball head makes it intuitive. It locks firmly with a single knob, holding your equipment securely once the angle is set (provided it’s within the 1kg weight limit). This feature is crucial for efficient shooting, saving time and frustration compared to basic stands with limited or no angle adjustment.
Connect Anything Lightweight (Versatile Compatibility)
The universal 1/4″ screw mount on the ball head makes the ULANZI MT-79 Extendable Tripod incredibly versatile. This is the standard mounting size for most cameras (mirrorless, point-and-shoot), camera video lights, and many other accessories like microphones. To attach a smartphone, you simply need a standard phone clamp that has a 1/4″ thread on the bottom (these are widely available and inexpensive, but note one is *not* included with the stand). Action cameras typically require their specific mount adapter which also has a 1/4″ thread. This broad compatibility means the stand isn’t just a tripod for one device; it’s a support system for a range of gear you might use, adding significant value. The benefit is that you only need one stand for multiple purposes, simplifying your gear setup.
More Than Just a Stand (Handheld Capability)
While primarily used as a tripod or light stand, the MT-79 can also be used handheld when fully collapsed or partially extended. Its relatively low weight of 550g makes this feasible for short periods. This dual functionality means it can act as a makeshift monopod or selfie stick. However, for extended handheld vlogging, its weight might become noticeable compared to lighter, grip-focused options, and it lacks a dedicated rubber grip like some other ULANZI models designed specifically for vlogging. Still, the option to quickly grab it and use it handheld adds another layer of versatility for quick shots or dynamic movements.
What Others Are Saying
Looking around online, many users share positive experiences with the ULANZI MT-79, often highlighting its impressive height and portability for the price. People appreciate its solid build quality and stability when used within its limits, finding it perfect for smartphones, small cameras, and video lights. Many find it very functional for travel and outdoor use. However, some reviewers noted the stiffness of the legs, warning others to be careful when opening them. The 1kg weight limit is a recurring point, with users confirming that heavier gear can cause it to slowly collapse. The lack of included phone or action camera mounts was also mentioned as something to be aware of, requiring separate purchases.
Final Thoughts on Elevating Your Setup
Dealing with wobbly shots or struggling to get your light or camera at the right height can seriously impact the quality of your content and your overall creative process. A good, versatile stand is crucial for achieving stable, well-composed photos and videos. The ULANZI MT-79 Extendable Tripod Aluminum, 81″ Portable Adjustable Light Stand offers a compelling solution for this, especially for users with lightweight camera gear, smartphones, or portable lights. Its key strengths lie in its remarkable maximum height, excellent portability, and versatile compatibility via the standard 1/4″ screw and flexible ball head. While it has limitations, specifically the 1kg weight capacity and some initial stiffness in the legs, for the user it’s designed for, it provides significant value. If you’re looking for a highly portable, tall stand that can support your lightweight creative gear and adapt to various shooting situations, Click here to check it out .
Last update on 2025-07-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API