A solid tripod is essential for content creators, whether vlogging, live streaming, or capturing professional-looking photos and videos. The Ulanzi Extendable Vlog Tripod (MT-44) is designed to be a compact yet adaptable tool, offering both stability and flexibility in a lightweight form. It aims to replace the need for multiple accessories by functioning as both a tripod and an extendable selfie stick, catering to different shooting styles.
At a glance, its extendable height, adjustable angles, and foldable design make it an appealing choice for creators who need a travel-friendly setup. The hidden smartphone mount and 360° ball head rotation add to its versatility, allowing for quick adjustments and different filming perspectives. However, despite these features, real-world use reveals some trade-offs that may affect usability, particularly when used as a selfie stick or for frequent device swapping.
While the Ulanzi MT-44 is an excellent tool for many situations, it’s not perfect. Some design quirks and usability issues might be frustrating, depending on your shooting style. To see where it excels and where it falls short, let’s take a closer look at its design, adjustability, mounting system, and portability to determine if it’s the right fit for your setup.
A sturdy design with a few quirks
The Ulanzi MT-44 is made of ABS plastic, keeping it lightweight yet durable. At just 422g, it’s easy to carry but still solid enough to provide a stable base for most smartphones and compact cameras. The foldable base transforms into a handheld grip, making it more compact for travel. When entirely collapsed, it measures 32.5 cm, which means you can easily slip it into a backpack or even a large pocket.
One of the useful design elements is the hidden phone holder, which folds neatly into the tripod head. This is an excellent feature if you frequently switch between a smartphone and a camera, as you won’t need to carry separate mounting accessories. However, the 1/4-inch screw cover is a minor weak point—it can fall off easily when adjusting the mount or removing a phone. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to lose, which could become frustrating over time.
The tripod legs lock into place securely, offering good stability on flat surfaces. However, the entire structure is made of plastic, so it doesn’t have the same premium feel as metal tripods. While it holds up well for casual use, professionals using heavier equipment prefer something more robust.
Smooth adjustments but some trade-offs
One of the biggest advantages of the Ulanzi MT-44 is its six-section height adjustment, which allows for a wide range of shooting angles. It extends from 32.5 cm to 149 cm, making it versatile for different setups. Whether filming at a desk, setting up a full-body shot, or capturing an overhead view, the adjustable height ensures you have the right framing for your content.
The 360° ball head rotation and 90° tilt adjustment provide smooth movement and flexibility. The ability to switch between landscape and portrait modes quickly is a major plus, especially for those who create both YouTube videos and Instagram/TikTok content. The locking knobs feel secure and sturdy, preventing any unwanted movement once you’ve set your desired angle. That being said, while the height adjustment is convenient, it isn’t the smoothest experience. The extendable sections require some effort to pull out; if you’re in a hurry, it can feel stiff or clunky. The tripod becomes less stable when fully extended, especially outdoors, where wind or movement could cause slight wobbling.
Despite these minor trade-offs, the Ulanzi MT-44 provides solid adjustability for most everyday use cases. If you take the time to set it up properly, it holds its position well, making it a good choice for stable and flexible shooting setups.
Mounting your smartphone or camera
The Ulanzi MT-44 makes mounting and removing your device relatively easy, but there are a few things to be mindful of. The spring-loaded phone holder can accommodate phones between 6 cm and 8 cm wide, which includes most smartphones on the market today. If you have a larger phone like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, it will still fit, but the clamping process requires a bit of force.
The 1/4-inch screw mount allows you to attach lightweight cameras, mirrorless cameras, and GoPros. However, the weight limit is 1 kg, so heavier DSLRs might not be stable. The ball head offers smooth panning and tilting, making it easier to adjust angles while shooting.
One minor issue is that removing the phone from the mount too quickly can cause the 1/4-inch screw cover to fall off. It’s a small piece, but if you’re in a rush or constantly switching between devices, it can become annoying to deal with.
If you’re mainly using this tripod for a phone or a small camera, it’s secure and reliable. But if you need quick device swaps, the loose screw cover might be something to watch out for.
Portable but too heavy as a selfie stick
Portability is one of the Ulanzi MT-44’s strong points. When folded down to 32.5 cm, it’s compact enough to carry anywhere, whether packing it in a bag or holding it in your hand. It’s light enough for travel but still sturdy enough for most filming needs.
However, while it can function as a selfie stick, it’s not the most practical option. At 422g, it’s noticeably heavier than a traditional selfie stick, making it less comfortable for extended handheld use. If you hold it up for a long vlog session, your arm will start feeling the strain quickly.
The handle is also bulkier than a typical selfie stick, which makes it harder to grip for one-handed use. When fully extended, it becomes top-heavy, making it difficult to keep steady while walking or moving. So, while it works great as a tripod, it falls short of a proper selfie stick. You might want to consider a lighter alternative if you mainly vlog while walking.
A solid tripod with some limitations
The Ulanzi Extendable Vlog Tripod (MT-44) is a versatile, well-built tripod that delivers strong stability and adjustability. It’s perfect for vloggers, streamers, and content creators who need a lightweight, portable tripod with multiple height options.
That being said, it does have some minor issues. The 1/4-inch screw cover is easy to lose, the height adjustment isn’t the smoothest, and it’s too heavy to be a comfortable selfie stick. If you’re okay with these minor quirks, it’s still a great all-around tripod.
For those looking for a reliable travel-friendly tripod that can occasionally double as a selfie stick, the Ulanzi MT-44 is a solid choice. However, a dedicated selfie stick or gimbal might be a better option if you primarily need a lightweight handheld vlogging setup.
 is a versatile and portable tripod designed for content creators, offering adjustable height, a 360° ball head, and a hidden phone mount for flexible shooting angles.){kind=link}