Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo: a carbon tripod for a travel kit

The supplied head uses an Arca-type interface and offers separate locks for pan and tilt. For the whole setup, count on a head load capacity of 5 kg; the higher figure of 20 kg applies to the tripod alone. Include the lens, cage and accessories in the weight, and take the position of the centre of gravity into account. Here we refer to the Arca variant, not to the other quick-release versions of the TT09 offered by the manufacturer.

The carbon legs have five sections with flip locks. This allows the tripod to fold down to 45 cm, a concrete dimension to compare with a bag or a backpack attachment. When extending, it pays to work from the thicker sections and pull out the thinnest only as far as the height requires. The material alone is no substitute for proper placement of the legs and careful locking of all the clamps.

The range starts at approximately 14 cm and, with the centre column, reaches 142 cm. Without extending the column, the manufacturer states a maximum of 119 cm. That is more important information than the single figure in the title: for stable work you do not always need to use the highest setting. The removable column widens the options for low-angle shots, but after changing the configuration you need to check the position and locking of the camera again.

At around 1.5 kg, the TT09 is not a tiny pocket tripod, but it is still a portable support for longer trips and moves. Compare the folded 45 cm with how you actually carry your gear. A storage bag is included in the package, and the tripod also offers threads for accessories. Every additional accessory, however, adds weight and can affect stability or setup speed.